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Newspaper Clipping - Newspaper Clipping Scan - Pat Geagan Eagan Police Chief and Eagan Mayor -&EPS&fr) 1krR\c& Pat Bob Geagan Johnson • Two departing mayors share their memories about leading two of the area's largest cities. Suburban mayors look back on terms By SARAH LEMAGIE slemagie@startribune.com T1e first week in January will mean a return to work for many, but for two south -met- ro mayors who leave office this week, the new year brings with it both new- found free time and a chance to re- flect on their terms. Bob Johnson of Lakeville and Eagan Mayor Pat Gea- gan talked with Star Tribune South on their successes and the things they wish they'd done differently. Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity. Pat Geagan Geagan served in the Eagan Police Department for 30 years —10 as chief — before becoming mayor in 2003. Q Why didn't you run this year? A Most of it had to do with health issues. I was diagnosed with Parkin- son's in 1997, and when I decided to run for office, they told me that I was probably all right for about four years, which was the term. As it turns out, they were right. Q What has been the most chal- lenging thing about being mayor? A You can't help everybody. I think a lot of us come to the job thinking we want to be problem solvers as mayor, but there's a lot of them that you just can't solve. Q Such as? A Airport noise. You have peo- ple that expect you to do something about the noise, and we belong to the different noise groups, but the bottom line is, you're still going to have [the planes[ going over your house. Plus, it's a huge employer here for us with Northwest Airlines and Mesaba. Q Tell me about your best day as mayor. A Calling my mother and telling her that I had been elected. Mayors continues: Johnson talks about transit, senior housing. S9 P. tile ralcon tUllge iviluure plujca.w Lin School student has Alstrom a book ont syndrome, a rare condition that de votee of leads to early vision loss, col- and music or blindness, hearing loss and vorite acad other health complications. In the distinc Amanda's case, her sight start- she tolerat ed to fail when she was about 7 the time. months old and she sees clear- Her be LETTERS or orgam check to Railroad's plan Canterb threatens Mayo 55379. Cr can be I believe that the Dakota 496-2125 ( Minnesota and Eastern Rail- partment road's plan to increase the fre- CAP Age quency and speed of its trains ible and poses a threat to the Rochester the famili area. The majority of the train crossings fall within the vicin- ity of the Mayo Clinic, mak- ing it highly probable for an emergency vehicle on its way to the hospital to get stopped Stop gl by a mile -long train. Three - to five-minute delays may not Global seem like a particularly long problem th time, but we must think about last centur the impact this could have on ly change 1 the lives of the many patients wide. Wit who are in a life -or -death situ- ing, polar ation and need to make it to the melanom clinic in the shortest amount of still aren't time. Even though the DM&E lem must has been granted permission to curbing expand and upgrade its track, I instantan urge all of you to take a stand impatient against the $2.3 billion feder- In ord al loan that is in the process of pecially being granted to the railroad up 5 perce company. This loan may be ulation granted by the end of the year, the worl so you must take action as soon take a ch as possible. You can do so by ner. We writing a letter to your govern- itive re' ment officials and voicing your making opinion against the DM&E fed- eral loan. Hous. REBECCA KOCH TELL Northfield We' like yo Avoid carbon us. We of-the- monoxoide tragedy some for that The Burnsvi which S on the s you're iI comma: Hope A recent news story about Andy Carlson, the North Branch teenager who acciden- tally died of carbon monoxide poisoning on Dec. 5, is a sad reminder for all homeowners and landlords to install carbon monoxide detectors and make sure their furnace is working properly. But for individuals and families who struggle to pay their heating bills, these things are likely far down the list of necessities like food, rent and gasoline. For those who qualify, the CAP Agency Energy Assis- tance Program has funds avail- able to help pay heating bills, as well as furnace repair or re- placement costs. Eligibility is based on income, family size and household energy costs. If you or someone you know is struggling to pay heating bills or to repair or replace an aging furnace, please call the CAP Agency at 952-496-2125 in Scott or Carver County or 651-322-3500 in Dakota Coun- ty to request an application for assistance. You can help people in your community stay warm this winter by donating to the CAP Agency Energy Assistance Pro- gram. Individuals, businesses • Hour • Perso • Meal *' WEDN"ESDAY, DECEMBER• 27, 2006 • STAR TRIBUNE • SOUTH' • S9 South -metro mayors look back on their terms. MAYORS FROM Si. plans for the golf course to al- ' approved; because that was i service; and the cost per rid ' low homes to be built, there.) . the first major retail develop- er simply does not make any ment that the city ever got. Be- sense at this point in Lakeville's Q What about your worst .,Q What are you going to fore that, you had to go up to growth and development: day? ' miss most about being mayor? Apple: Valley or Burnsville to ' A I, think the worst day A The interaction with the enjoy that. was probably, when. we were.community. Q Earlier 'this year, ,you served the Carriage Hills [Golf Qpushed' unsuccessfully to What about your.. worst . make mayoral terms four year interactions A you'd say.. g long time and that I'd an us complexity of the known [club owner] Ray: Rahn Johnson,' chief anesthetist at some :time in the mayorship, of running every two years. for years, , and :Herb Wens- Regions Hospital, is retiring as and. probably\the day' one of We're a small town, but it's still mann, the developer,' had' built 'mayor of Lakeville: after three the corporations,' said, `,`We're expensive to campaign. I sini my first house in Apple Valley terms and six years on the City just pulling out of this" ... that ' ply felt that 'we , had reached I know they didn't'feel very .Council. Was (jisappointing .._.t__l _ .... good about it, either Obvious-, ly, it has cost them an arm and a Q Tell me about your . best leg — as it has us — as far as lit- day as mayor. igation fees. (Rahn and Wens- A The.best day would prob- mane Realty sued Eagan af- `.ably have been when we got ter the City Council refused, the TimberCrest develop - to change its long-term zoning ment (where SuperTarget is)', • thought Club[ lawsuit. [The plaintiffs] were people that I'd known a were pretty good friends, And that just changed things. I had Q How about least?. A Some of the with the community' . Bob Johnson day? I don't know if ou' worst day per se, but I always wanted to develop senior ho - ing.I worked. on that for quite instead of 'two.' -Why did you • think that was a good idea? A Simply because of the comp exi mayoral position ' and the distraction 54,000. All of our council have Q What's' an issue' you'vefour year [terms]. Why.shoutfi., changed yourmind on? the mayor of Lakeville onlylie AThe need' at this time for two years? us to be:part ofthe [mass tran-\ sit] system. I haven't seen the overwhelming demand for that Sarah Lemagie `•_612=673-7557, S10•• SOUTH: • STAR TRIBUNE-. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2006 Unbeatable. Selections on All Sewing,. Embroidery. Machines S Sergers! APPLE VALLEY Centenarian"had •, .. hard work in his blood Even into his 90s, Edward Ingstad kept a more regular workout' routine than many people a quarter his age. He walked the -halls of Ap-. ple Valley Vi1= • la • senior: apart- ' inents for half an hour• every day. before - spend-. ing another half- hour on an exer- cise bike. That Edward. was typical of In- Ingstad gstad, who lived a • century and didn't 'spend much of it sitting down.:. . "This is a guy , who was working 'in lumber camps at •arr. 12 " trr.]TIlcnn VnIth TFIOC- De wa shi ve] w se to 7 a 1 fr y n d t d C (oa/, noejarom eer' cf% eilloay ,Mee , �G°� owr �iUtd z/°i- f... i 'oriii.i notAromided Jinn zadout rafin .4forrolit 9eace at a /5a l . Am' 'odiiaf�brorizided ;ieror de gL a fir hior, year de , elh. Irom a/orre 6- )G/%17, ;ve... In Loving Memory of Carl F. Goers Born - April 4,1925 Died - July 24, 2013 Age - 88 Years Funeral Service Saint Luke's Lutheran Church 1807 Field Avenue Saint Paul, Minnesota Tuesday, July 30, 2013 - 11:00 a.m. Officiating Clergy Reverend David Person Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery Fort Snelling Reservation, Minnesota -TVUA LU L 1 I - 2 o Z • Geagan is Eagan's new mayor Carlson, Maguire elected to by Erin Johnson Staff Writer As Eagan's current mayor, Pat Awada, ascends the ranks to the office of state auditor, she leaves the city in the hand& of. former Eagan Police Chief Pat Geagan. Geagan defeated Gary Huusko Tuesday to become the next mayor of Eagan. Geagan received 17,677 votes while Huusko received 7,606 votes. Geagan was Eagan's police chief for 10 years and served aw total of 30 years with the Eagan Police Department. While he was police chief, he was elected president of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. Geagan, a veteran, also served Pat Geagan as a medic in the U.S. Air Force. He now works as a private investigator with Heartland Business Intelligence. "It's just really neat," he said about his new role. "It's excit- ing. For someone like myself City Council that spent so many years with the city, to have the opportunity to serve as mayor, what better is there?" Geagan said he will be keep- ing his eye on state finances and the effect they might have on the city. "I think we have to be real cautious of what's going to hap- pen as far as the state budget shortfalls that they're talking about, the county shortfalls," he said. "I think we're in pretty good shape here, but at the same time we have to be very, very cautious about what we're spending. We just don't know what's out there right now." His other priority, he said, is to bring the new council together See Mayor, 13A McGinn defeats Wiener in Senate District 38 by Erin Johnson Staff Writer Sen. Deanna Wiener lost her bid for re-election to the state Senate Tuesday to Republican opponent Mike McGinn, ending the Democrat's 10-year hold on a seat in a predominantly con- servative district. This is the second time McGinn and Wiener have faced each other. In 2000, McGinn was defeated by 529 votes. This time, he won by a paper -thin margin of 24 votes, enough to trigger an automatic recount. McGinn said that watching the results come in was a lesson in patience. "When you have a whole bunch of friends, family and Mike McGinn supporters gathered together in a small room watching the results, by 10 p.m. it's like watching paint dry," he said. Wiener, the Senate majority whip, was first elected to the seat in 1992 and re-elected in See McGinn, 12A Mayor Awada will be Minnesota's auditor by T.W. Budig ECM Capitol Reporter Eagan Mayor Pat Anderson Awada eked out a narrow vic- tory Tuesday night, slipping by DFL state treasurer Carol Johnson to win the state audi- tor's race. Awada, who did not have a chance to celebrate victory Election Day because of the tightness of the race — only about a single point separates Awada and Johnson — later Pat Awada appeared at a Republican vic- tory celebration at the Capitol See Awada, 12A Awada reflects on time as mayor, her new state office by Erin Johnson Eagan in local government: I Staff Writer know local government finances. I know the players. Mayor Pat Awada said she This is a perfect fit for me." will really miss being part of Having Tim Pawlenty at the politics in Eagan, but she is - helm as governor will make the looking forward to her new transition easier, she said. Both role as state auditor. Awada and Pawlenty got their "I'm ready. I'm very ready," start in politics serving on the she said about serving the Eagan City Council together. state. "I've served 11 years in See Reflect, 14A VST aud o1 :MOLLVQMII03 gm �mm +v,0wKmcoco0kyH�C +�,CD c�t" bi. yo-a Cyr«F�D3 rt� 3 91 rftl, h R'-'� a', '5`c o I m`C wb w cm m CD¢u, _ Idm a,caK y cro ,_'o✓ m�0 Am n ccm 0a4 om OD pa no o ,� nw �0R: og 0.ow c�'i,p.OR.aIKm 1,4 .�- � roam m N E x, w aro oaw7 w�"Ma ao CD Cri) .0 C 0 c /' ' Foundation From Page 1A He cited Eagan's success in attracting Ecolab to move more than, 700 jobs to Eagan and Wells Fargo to locate 500 jobs in the city. In addition, he referenced the city's Technology Task Force's effort, which has so far resulted in a strengthened part- nership between the city and its businesses and a first of its kind map. Eagan became the first city in Minnesota to graphically map where its Internet access gaps are and where its strengths are. "We're now using that map to attract new companies to lo- cate in Eagan and we're pursu- ing a variety of strategies to in- crease competition and high speed Internet service to Eagan residents and businesses," Gea- gan said. Another big success is the co- operative effort to preserve the city's open and green space, Geagan said. Working with the citizen's group Friends of the Eagan Core Greenway and other groups, such as the non-profit Trust for Public Land, Dakota County and the state, Eagan has preserved land abutting Patrick Eagan Park. One of the biggest advances in that area happened only two days before Geagan's speech. On March 15, a sale that will forever preserve Caponi Art Park was finalized. - The city is not without its challenges though, Geagan said. Among them is the likely retirement of administrative leaders in the city, fighting Dutch Elm disease, and contin- uing to keep taxes low while giving Eagan residents high- quality services. In addition, the city faces challenges in transportation c td 0 0 5 i"h i"M1 eN 041 0' byl Cact - gCOY mg fa g Fmk ct, . crei`) () 0fu ci)• that can only be solved by work- ing as partners with other gov- ernmental bodies, he said. Gea- gan said transportation issues "won't be solved in one year" ei- ther. "The state of our city is strong," Geagan said. "But only in partnership will success be found." Among the City Council goals over the next year are con- tinuing to educate residents about an expected increase in airport noise when a new run- way opens next fall and redevel- oping the Cedar Grove and highways 149/55 areas. The city will also find itself hiring a new Parks and Recre ation director in 2005 to replace Ken Vraa, who: served in the po- sition for nearly 24 years before retiring last. year. The city's agenda, Geagan summarized, is "maintaining and improving Eagan as a great place to live, work, and enjoy" He called on residents and busi- ness leaders to continue to get involved in the city. "Civic involvement, you see, is the cement that builds dernocracy and holds democra- cy 1igether," he said. "Working together as one on blueprints for'ithie future; xt' oan make a huge difference for the Eagan of today, and tomorrow. We can build on our success." Ipckit, Gca.c ,n, 1 Fo LDEK LGarJS �� 4-2oo5 Submin . photo Eagan Mayor Pat Geagan delivers the annual State of the City address. `Building on success' State. of the City address highlights Eagan's successes, challenges by Erin Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS The state of the city is strong, said Eagan Mayor Pat Geagan, and getting stronger. "Our foundation is solid, Eagan's future is bright," he said. Geagan delivered the annu- al state of the city address on March 17, highlighting the city's recent successes and out- lining its future challenges. The theme of the address was "Building on Success." Eagan has been very success- ful at attracting and retaining businesses, he said. Last year, Ecolab expanded and moved more than 700 jobs to Eagan and expects to add about • 100 more jobs a year over the next five years. Wells Fargo moved 500 jobs to Eagan, and Thomson West See City, 6A City/from 1A constructed two new data cen- ters in the city. In addition, small businesses like Viva Italia Restaurant and Tandem Printing also opened in Eagan. Geagan said that technology and transportation are critical to Eagan's future success. The city is working to improve its tech- nology infrastructure, but it will face a $40 million gap in trans- portation funding over the next decade. "Figuring out how to solve those funding challenges is one of the top goals of the Eagan City Council," he said. The city did, however, secure $1 million in federal funding for an eventual ring road to relieve congestion at the intersection of Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle roads. Another key infrastructure improvement is a new water treatment facility that will open later this year and provide 10 million additional gallons of water capacity per day. The water treatment plant is the largest single construction project ever undertaken by the city, Geagan said. Preserving open space is a council priority, he said, and the city recently reached its long- term goal of protecting the Ca- poni Art Park. More than $2.2 million in public financing was used to secure the property. "But we believe there is more to do," he said. "And figuring out how to fund open space ac- quisition in the future will be a major challenge." Other future challenges in- clude the hiring of a Parks and Recreation director and evaluat- ing the future needs of the park system. The City Council will also look at how to position the city for the next 10 to 15 years in terms of service delivery and examine what it will mean to be a maturing city. And it will need to prepare for the eventual retirements of at least three ad- ministration members, who have more than 90 years of combined experience. "That's hard to replace," Geagan said. Eagan has always been a leader in fostering partnerships to reach city goals, he said, and he stressed that civic involve- ment is "the cement that builds democracy." "The challenges we face, we will face together," he said. "Working together as one on blueprints for the future, we can make a huge difference for the Eagan of today and tomorrow. We can build on our success" Erin Johnson is at eagan. thisweek@ ecm-inc.com. Geagan From Page lA During the Jan. 7 listening session, the council decided that before deciding whether to amend that condition perma- nently, it would like to have a public hear- ing and allow neighbors to comment. However, to help the golf course com- bat potential vandals in the meantime, the council decided to discuss temporar- ily allowing the lights to remain on longer. Council members discussed several new times for allowing the lights to re- main on, ranging from midnight to 2 a.m. However, Carlson said that the time did- n't really matter to vandals. "Lights can help, but if kids are going to do it, they are going to do it," Carlson said. "If they have serious vandalism, they need to keep the lights on to be ef- fective." A motion to extend the time to 1 a.m. failed with only Councilmember Meg Tilley supporting it. A later motion al- lowing the lights to stay on from dusk until dawn until a hearing at the coun- cil's Tuesday, Jan. 21, meeting was passed on a 3-2 vote with Maguire and Tilley voting against it. However, Carlson cautioned that she. would not be voting to continue allowing the lights to stay on all night permanent- ly and that another long-term solution will have to be discussed at that meeting. In other business: • The council approved a contract with a consultant to help shape a master plan for Holz Farm Park, a rustic farm and park owned by the city in the south- eastern corner of Eagan. The council had previously approved city staff to proceed -with developing the master plan during a September meet- ing. After interviewing several firms `You're not going to find a more dedicated group of people. They work very hard to make our job go - smoothly.' — Mayor Pat Geagan submitting proposals, an interview panel recommended Brauer and Associ- ates from Hopkins. "They really seemed to understand who the stakeholders are," said Dorothy Peterson, a parks commissioner and member of the Friends of the Farm, a group that oversees the park. "They also recognized that the Advisory Parks Com- mission and the community would play a part in shaping the plan." Putting together the plan was includ- ed as part of the city's 2002 parks capital improvement plan with an estimated cost of no more than $30,000. Brauer was the only firm interviewed that met that criteria, Peterson said. Peterson said Brauer has done previ- ous master plan work with Lebanon Hills Regional Park as well as some sim- ilar work in Bloomington, Anoka and Burnsville. Parks and Recreation Director Ken Vraa said the city would be providing much of the baseline information neces- Sary to run the process, such as topo- graphical maps and other geographical information already collected about the site. "This is really more of a process than a drawing," Vraa said. "This is a process of walking the community, Friends of the Farm and the city through the process and -looking at what the options are for the area." Joshua Nichols/Sun Newspapers City Administrator Tom Hedges (right) administers the oath of mayor to Pat Geagan. Joshua Nichols/Sun Newspapers City Administrator Tom Hedges (right) administers the oath of office to new council member Mike Maguire Joshua Nichols/Sun Newspapers Eagan Mayor Pat Geagan says a few words after being sworn in as the city's new elected leader. Pat Geagan era begins in Eagan Council kicks off new year with changes, driving range issues BY JOSHUA NICHOLS Sun Newspapers A new chapter in Eagan city government opened Jan. 7 amid flashbulbs, smiles, handshakes and raised right hands. Before getting down to the business of deciding variances and discussing other plans, the council welcomed its new mem- bers at its first meeting of 2003. Speaking about city staff, newly elected Mayor Pat Geagan said after being sworn in by City Administrator Tom Hedges: "You're not going to find a more dedicated group of people. They work very hard to make our job go smoothly." Councilmember Peggy Carl- son, who was re-elected to the council in November, called being a member of the council a "fami- ly affair." Newly elected Councilmember Mike Maguire, who won election to the council along with Carlson, echoed her comments after he took the oath of office. "I'm never going to be able to thank Janelle or Ian enough for their support," Maguire said, re- ferring to his wife and their new- born son. "They helped me get through some of the more anxi- ety -ridden times. You become kind of a fragile person when you run for public office." To greet the new mayor and - council member was a light agen- da featuring only a handful of items. One of the items discussed the longest was an issue that was originally not on the agenda and arose out of the council's listen- ing session before the meeting. t The owners of Parkview Golf Course came before the council to ask it to consider extending the limitation on lighting its new dri- ving range because of vandalism it has been experiencing since it opened late last year. When the development plan for the driving range came before the council last summer, council members allowed the lights to stay on until 10:30 p.m. GEAGAN: To Page 13A 6A January 11, 2003 THISWEEK Council/from 1A parts that our city council mem- bers take part in," said City Administrator Tom Hedges. After taking the oath, the three elected officials were given a chance to say a few words to the audience before resuming the meeting. Geagan, the former police chief of Eagan, thanked his fam- ily, as well as the police officers that were there to show support. He also acknowledged the cur- rent and past council members. "I don't think you're ever going to find a more dedicated group of people," he said. "They really care about the community and I am looking very much for- EG ward to working with them. The staff here is special, and Tom Hedges, under his leadership, we're very, very fortunate to have him with us. I look forward to working with everybody here in the future." Carlson, now the most sea- soned member of the council, introduced and thanked her fam- ily, husband, Jay, daughter Shelby, 15, and son Eric, 13, for their support. "A council member — it's a family affair," she said. "They put up with your leaving at all hours and the phone calls and everything else." Maguire thanked the citizens of Eagan for allowing him into their homes while he was cam - Another bright idea? Let us "spark" your imagination! HURRY!! Offer expires January 31. 5885 149th Street West, Suite 101 Apple Valley, MN 55 124 Tel: 952-431-0747 • Residential • Commercial • New Construction, Remodels and Additions • Additional Outlets, Lights or Switches • Phone and TV Jacks • And Much Morel! 1/I1•A0349•H paigning and for "being courte- ous enough to wait to throw the literature away until I was out of sight." He also thanked his col- leagues on the council for help- ing him through the transition, as well as his wife and son. "Peggy is absolutely right — there is not just one person who runs for any office, and I'll never thank Janelle and Ian enough for all they did to help me to run and coach me through some of the anxiety -ridden times during the campaign," he said. The meeting was relatively brief and the agenda decidedly modest, allowing the newcom- ers to adjust to their positions and learn the ropes. "Mayor Geagan and I had nothing to do with setting up the agenda, but Tom Hedges had told me that it would be a fairly light one," said Maguire. As for his feelings on finally taking office, Maguire said it feels good to finally drop the "elect" part of his new title. "It felt good to get down to business," he said. "I was sur- prised at how anxious I was going into the meeting. The light agenda gave me a chance to get my feet wet in what almost felt like a dry run." What surprised him the most, he said, is how much faster the pace is from behind the council Photo by Rick Orndo,f Council Member Peggy Carlson, far left, and Council Member Mike Maguire, far right, are joined by their families as they are sworn into office by City Administrator Tom Hedges. dais. It's a very different experi- ence than when he attended meetings as an audience mem- ber, he said. "Some things on the agenda move pretty quickly," he said. "There was a time there when I really wanted more time to think about an item. But we'll start seeing items that we've devel- oped a relationship with in time. When you don't have that histo- ry, you're a little tentative with it. "We'll get more and more comfortable until we're in there mixing it up just as well as council members Carlson, Tilley and Fields." Geagan could not be reached for comment before this issue went to press. But as the meet- ing drew to a close Tuesday, he addressed a troop of fourth - grade Eagan Boy Scouts that attended the meeting. "Come back in a couple of weeks," he said. "It will go a whole lot smoother." Erin Johnson is at eagan. thisweek@ ecm-inc. com. Akt...akk.) Q 1- 1\- Eagangets firstglimpse of g new niaY or, council in action Geagan, Maguire and re-elected Carlson take oath of office by Erin Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS The first Eagan City Council meeting with new Mayor Pat Geagan and Council Member Mike Maguire was not without its bumps, but a smiling Geagan assured the audience, "We'll figure this out, folks." Geagan, who was elected to a four-year term as mayor, and Maguire, elected to a four-year term as a city council member, joined re-elected Council Member Peggy Carlson for the official swearing in at Tuesday's council meeting. Each took the oath of office, in which they promised to uphold the U.S. and state constitutions and faithfully New Eagan Mayor Pat Geagan after taking the oath of office. and impartially discharge the duties of their office for the city of Eagan.. says a few words to the audience "The oath of office is proba- bly one of the most important See Council, 6A ECVB hopes to make Eagan a tourist destination `Candy -wrapped' van is crux of new campaign by Erin Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS The Eagan Convention and Visitors Bureau (ECVB) launched an ambitious cam- paign last week that it hopes will draw tourists to Eagan. The campaign incorporates M&M's turned sideways to look like "E&E's" and a candy -wrapped van to send its message. The ECVB has decorated a van in what .looks like large M&M's candies, but in fact they are turned sideways to read "E&E's." Each candy shape uses a different "E" See ECVB, 10A R.,c n., P(&o - 1 z-RJ.3 0 2 Web site posts inaccurate res Glitch misrepresents municipal voting BY AMY SHERMAN Pioneer Press At one point on primary night, Eagan mayoral candidate Pat Geagan gave new meaning to the term landslide when a state Web site posting partial results showed he had 600- �. some votes while his opponents easier for voters to access info mation about a variety of race from one source. A coding problem occurre as counties tried to electronical ly send data about municipal races. In other words, countie had accurate information, bu the numbers were messed up had zero. once transmitted.:When realized th Geagan did come in first with goof, the r results estatewe were pulled, a sizable margin, but not that said Kent Kaiser, spokesman for sizable. He got about 59 percent the secretary of state. of the vote compared to 18 per- The problem will be fixed for cent for Gary Huusko. the general election, Kaiser A computer glitch caused the said. About 12 counties are Secretary of State Web site to interested in sending municipal post inaccurate numbers . for results in November. municipal races from Dakota "That's why we do a pilot, to and Anoka counties. see what kinks there are and fix In the past, only county and it," Kaiser said. legislative race results have been sent to the state on elec- tion night. In this election a few counties, including Dakota and .'Anoka, participated in a pilot _'program to send municipal results to the state — making it oar - The state Web site, ww*sos.state.mn.us, didn't appear to create much of a prob- lem for candidates because many got their results directly from cities or the county, said election officials in Dakota and tZ — ?.00 Anoka counties. Geagan„ said .he obtained 'his results .froirititV Hall and was r- unaware of the Web site woes, s though he didn't mind hearing Wednesday that he had • an d alleged 600-0lead at one point: - Huusko, who is now Gea- gan's general election opponent, s heard rumors of similar .riuiii= t bers Tuesday night but .digs counted ! them ; because :he was; getting ..information' from the i 'City and'local cable "Soineone called.:my wife and said, `Pat Geagan had 800' votes and nobody' else hadc. any,' " Huusko said: Dakota and Anoka counties: plan to= post general election results on their. own Web sites;,. co.dakota.mri.us`''and co.anoka. mn.us, on 'Nov '5 as :Well as the state Web site. Amy Sherman covers Ddkota County public safetyan''d govern- ment. She can be,reached at asherman@pioneerpress.com or. (651) 228-2174. Nancy Ngo contributed to this:article. iv ii vl,G--rre ,t I) -N. - zocD www.mnSun.com Eagan From Page 1A "The city isn't as reliant on state aid as some cities and we've already tight- ened our belt so that it won't affect us that much. But the state's finances will certainly have an impact on the commu- nity" Another: issue that will be important for Geagan .is addressing how the: city can -preserve green space: He said came olear.to'him that voters were inter- estedin the' issue while he was knocking: t . on doors during his campaign. 'Weare going to: have; to look at how we want to go about.it:and who .paysfor . Geagan= said : "I. knowit's important; to thee:people of Eagan because I heard it. so often while -I .was out campaigning." = Part of his role as mayor will be.bring- ing the,members of 'the council together and easing ;the transition, he said., ., "We will need to build a relationship.. on the counciland; that's going to, take some time;;' he said. "That's part of wha I .think -my role would be to bring th members•of the old council and the new council together." • Geagan said Eagan residents can ex pect him to be a very openand accessible "T consider myself pretty open and I . like to:listento both sides of an issue be- fore making my mind up,". he. said. "I spent so much of my life being a police t, e. officer and that's something you have to do as a police officer because both sides usually have something valid to say." Council member races In the Eagan City Council election voters retained incumbent Peggy Carl- son and elected newcomer Mike Maguire. Carlson received 14,272 votes and Maguire received 12,069 votes. Runners up Gregory Wilkinsand Duey Bendt re- ceived 9,216 and 6,809 votes respectively. "My reaction is 14,272 thank-yous,". Carlson said. "Other than:that,iriy,Ireac.- tion was that I was pleasantly surprised and happy and yippee." Maguire said ,he kept his. eye on the ,+ results:as they slowly came in the night : of the election and was overwhelmed by .- the support he received. . "I was.obviously pleased with the re sults; "- Maguire said: "I am humbled by the support the voters gave me. It's an overwhelming experience:" : ,°,a Incumbent Paul Bakken,.:the:other,, council member whose seat was up for: election .did not seek. re-election: Carl ,. son and Maguire will join Cyndee Fields and Meg Tilley on the council. Carlson saidthe number of votes she • received was especially surprising for - her becauseshe said incumbents don't have a good track record of getting re- elected in Eagan. Carlson was first elect- ed to the council in 1998 after serving on :7 the. Eagan Advisory Planning Commis- sion, "Incumbents in Eagan don't specifi. Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Current/Thursday,.Nov. 14, 2002 cally have an easy time getting re-elect- ed," she said. "So we got to work hard and did our best and I think the results show that." Maguire said that as a council mem- ber Eagan residents can expect him to place priority on themessages he pre- sented during his campaign. "I want to thoughtfully and objective- ly look at the challenges that come before: us," he said. "For me it has always been personally about involving citizens and neighborhoods in the debate and making sure they are included 0, the informa- 1 4 13A tion process." Carlson said she expects the new council to face :several challenges over the next year, including dealing with po- tential cutbacks in state aid and preserv- ing open space in the city "How much the state is going to start looking to take. away from ;the cities is going to be a ver.•y big issue," she said. "Other than that:with the county's open space referendum passing and the.green- way concept -I would also like to see the council,start looking at addressingthose issues soon." ciu.Jrc.eu\na.Ara 1\— n t` -o(D2, Eagan voters pick Geagan as next mayor Carlson, Maguire elected Carlson, Maguire elected to City Council . "It's ��u„n.. "It's really been a part of me and I didn't realize that BY Josxua NICHOLSuntil I drove up to City Hall the Sun Newspapers morning after the It didn't hit Patrick Geagan election.Geagan, who how much he missed being a part retired as Eagan's of city government until he was police chief in elected Eagan mayor this past 1999 and now week "I was telling my wife the other day that I hadn't realized how much I missed it," said Gea- gan, who served as Eagan's police chief for a decade and in the Po- lice Department for 30 years. Geagan works as a private investigator with Heartland Powers Business Intelligence, defeated Eagan Ad- visory Planning Commission Chairperson Gary Huusko in the Nov 5 election. Geagan took nearly 70 percent of the vote in win- ning the election with 17,677 votes. Huusko received 7,606 votes. In Jan- uary, he will re- place outgoing Mayor Pat Awada, who was elected as state auditor. Carlson "It's pretty ex- citing," Geagan said. "It's really a privilege and an honor and I know people are pretty loose with those words, but it really means a lot to me. I've been involved in the city for so long and it really is im- portant to me to see Eagan do well." Although some cities are con- cerned with what the state will do regarding its bud- get shortfall, in- cluding possibly reducing state aid to cities, Geagan Maguire said Eagan has less to worry about. "We don't have to worry about that for this year and we are in pretty good shape for 2003," he said. EAGAN: To Page 13A FOUR SECTIONS News • Sports General Section Burnet Realty Section Real Estate Section Classified Section 68 pages 1 Eagan THISWEEK Your Community Newspaper Volume 21, No. 3 http://www.thisweek-online.com March 14, 1999 Visit us online at: http://www. thisweek-online.com Eagan police chief will announce his retirement March 16 By SARA THOMALLA-BLOOD During his 30-year career with the Eagan Police Depart- ment, Patrick Geagan has wit- nessed radical changes that have taken place both within the department and the city limits. Geagan saw the city grow from a small rural locale to a bustling metropolitan commu- nity of 60,000-plus. He saw the Police Department grow from eight sworn officers to 65 sworn officers and 28 civilians. As chief, he played an instru- mental role in Minnesota's first sex offender community notifi- cation meeting, and in the construction of a new police building. Now Geagan is about to em- bark on the next chapter of his life. At the March 16 City Council meeting, Geagan will formally announce his retire- ment in August, the month of his 55th birthday. "I've always wanted to go out while I was still feeling good about it, while I still like the job. I still do, but it just feels like the right time," said Geagan. Geagan sat down earlier this month for a two-day interview to reflect on his law enforce- ment career with the city of Eagan. He admits the switch to retired life will be difficult. City officials admit the task of finding a new chief will be just as tough. "The council is tempted not to accept (Geagan's resigna- tion)," joked Mayor Pat Awada. "He's been the chief for forever and he'll be really difficult to replace. It will be a great loss." Life before law enforcement Geagan was born in the western Minnesota town of Graceville in 1944 to an Irish farming family. In the 1950s, Geagan's family left the farm and moved to Mound. His fa- ther died of leukemia when Geagan was 13. "It was sudden. Fortunately we weren't on the farm," he said. Geagan attended Catholic school and graduated from Mound High School. A week out of school, he joined the Air Force where he would serve as a medic in England. He would leave the Air Force in 1965, about the time people in the service were first being called over to Vietnam. Geagan returned to Minne- sota and searched for a job. He chose a job as a circulation manager for what is now known as the Minneapolis Star Tribune over a meter -reading position. "Both called me for the job. I had no idea I would chose that life, which has been a series of accidents — choices — that would turn out very good for me," he said. Life -changing advertisement In 1968, Geagan saw an ad- vertisement for a part-time of- ficer in Eagan Township. Gea- gan applied for the position. "They decide to hire another person. A year later, (Police Chief Martin DesLauriers) called me back, and I told him I wasn't interested.... 1 told him to go with another person," said Geagan. DesLauriers would call Gea- gan again to offer him the posi- tion, and this time he took it. "I worked on a part-time ba- sis, and the rest is history. I wound up in this place of work, and it sure has been good to me," he said. The early, years Geagan laughed as he re- called the testing process he underwent to become an offi- cer, which pales in comparison to the battery of tests and re- quirements men and women must undergo today. "I found the test I took, which was a series of essay questions, something to the effect of, `If your neighbor had a dog complaint, how would you handle it?' It was eight to 10 questions, and that was it. (See Geagan, p.10A) AFTER SERVING the Eagan Police Department for 30 years, Chief Pat Geagan is planning to retire in August. Geagan will announce his retirement during the March 16 City Council meeting. Photo by Sara Thomalla-Blood Geagan (Continued from front page) No physical. The most they required was a high school. di- ploma. I don't even remember a background check. They called the newspaper. It's so different. It's amazing how dif- ferent it is," he said. Geagan would work on a part-time basis and would con- tinue his job at the newspaper until he was promoted to a full- time officer in 1970. "There were eight of us, and I was badge number 8," he said. "I knew everybody, and I knew their families, and their children's names. Ifthere was anything I miss, it's that," he said. "He's still good at knowing who's married to who, and the names of kids," said Sgt. Steve Anselment, now in his 12th year of service at the depart- ment. Geagan recalled the events that took place on his first day alone on the job. He had to re- spond to an accident on old Cedar Avenue and Cliff Road. While working on the acci- dent, he was called to a do- mestic dispute. "I told the people I have to go to an emergency. I still had their licenses in my pocket. Jeez, it was so embarrassing," said Geagan. Officers- also served as volun- teer firefighters and as medics at the scenes of accidents. The back seat of the squad car doubled as an ambulance when serious cases were transported to hospitals. Each officer was given a squad. car to take home and a radio. Whenever there were more serious calls, off -duty of- ficers drove out to assist. "Sometimes, for seven nights in a row, I'd never get a call. It was boring. I drove and drove and drove. If cows got out, I would have something to do. Many times I knew where they belonged," said Geagan. The majority of calls came on Friday nights: Domestics and drunk drivers were the most common types of calls. "If we had a drunk driver, we'd take them home. We weren't doing them any good," said Geagan. In 1972, Eagan became a vil- lage. Geagan was promoted to sergeant in 1973, and Eagan became a city in 1974. Geagan said Eagan remained relatively unchanged during this period because there was a morato- rium on gas hook-ups. In 1975, Geagan would marry his wife, Sue. Between the two of them, they have a blended family of five children. They also have four grandchildren. Geagan's stepson Michael has a career in law enforce- ment in Richfield. Was Gea- gan an influence? "Totally," said Sue. "It was something Pat enjoyed, and it probably carried over to Mi- chael." During this time, the City Council experimented with ways to economize on gaso- „ABB ■-- , line. One idea was to equip the Police Department with diesel. cars. "They liked to experiment. It was a cost -saving (tool) be- cause we'd get better gas mileage. It was just awful. I'm not exaggerating. -When we had medical emergencies, we would go the speed limit, pure and simple, because they didn't go any faster. If you stepped on the gas, it didn't go any faster. Cars just flew right by you," Geagan said. He would go on to become police captain. DesLauriers would go on to retire, and Jay Berthe would be the Eagan po- lice chief from 1984 to 1989. During this period, Eagan would see its greatest growth. Hail to the chief In 1989, Geagan was ap- pointed police chief. "I was nervous because I wanted to be police chief. I enjoyed the growth (of the de- partment), and the responsibil- ity of public safety," said Gea- gan. "(City Administrator) Tom Hedges was really suppor- tive. If it wasn't for Tom, I wouldn't be sitting here today." "He is a good administrator and his personal goal was to be chief," said Hedges. "I had ex- perienced and watched him handle a number of issues, and I felt he had good methods. He fit all the credentials and abili- ties to be police chief." During his time as chief, Geagan would see the depart- ment move into a new building a process he believes all police chiefs should experi- ence. He"{saw the department reorganize and bring forth new programs, such as the Crime Free Multi -Housing program and the chaplains program. His department would also provide additional. security for the vis- its of two vice presidents. Over the years, he handled a wide array of incidents, from headline grabbers to the un- usual. "There is more going on than people realize," he said. As the city's population be- gan to diversify, Geagan said he worked to have the depart- ment's staff reflect these changes by recruiting women and minorities. "I was the first woman here," said Detective Lori Tripp, who has been on the force more than 19 years. "He's been pro- gressive about everything, in- cluding employment issues and community issues. I think the world of him." One of the incidents that grabbed the state's attention was when Eagan held the' first sex offender community notifi- cation hearing. The city would be home to the first level three offender released in the state after the passage of the com- munity notification act, a law permitting law enforcement to share information with the pub- lic about the offender. "I remember I was with a group of colleagues, and we were laughing over who would be the first (department to hold a notification meeting). I was probably laughing the hardest, and God got me," said Geagan. The department held the meeting March 6, 1997, before a 1,200-member audience at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. "Pat was responsible for co- ordinating that event, which had the potential of being an absolute donnybrook. But they did -a professional job. It was a real tribute to the city of Ea- gan. It made me feel very proud," said former Mayor Tom Egan. "Pat and I talked at length about it," said Hedges. " W e were not only under the neigh- borhood's microscope, but the metro, state microscope and possibly national, had we not done a good job. He did a tre- mendous amount of prepara- tion. Pat was the person in the trenches and had the tremen- dous sensitivity to do ;it right. He almost created a model of how type three individuals are introduced into a community." Geagan credits the meeting's success to help from members in his department, as well as other departments. He also said the appearance by Patty Wet- terling played an integral part. She is the founder of the Jacob Wetterling Foundation, one of the organizations that lobbied heavily for the notification law. "Sex offenders and diesel. cars — the highlights of my career," Geagan said with a laugh. "Of course there are other things that happened in those 30 years." The toughest part of his ca- reer, said Geagan, was giving death notices, in particular when officer Louis Jeska died in a three -vehicle crash while on duty in 1993. But Geagan said there is nothing in his career he would do over. "I would not change any- thing. I have been so blessed. I wouldn't have imagined be- coming police chief, let alone be here. Besides, it's not healthy to think about what you'd do differently," he said. He is most proud of how he is leaving the department. "I'm leaving it a little better than when I got here. It wasn't too many years ago when we went to Bloomington and St. Paul for advice. Now this de- partment is approached fre- 'quently by other departments," said Geagan. Finding a new police chief The City Council will offi- cially accept Geagan's resig- nation during the March 16 meeting, and Hedges predicts it will approve a hiring search firm sometime in April to help find a new chief. It is likely She city will hire someone who is not currently employed by the Eagan Police Department. Rick Swanson, the senior captain on the force, stated he is not interested in taking over as chief. Hedges would not say whether the position will be filled internally. "Obviously, I can't say. I know Rick (Swanson) has made statements that he's not interested in applying. It will be a thorough process. We will search for the very best be- cause we have some large shoes to fill now than Pat is leaving. We want to involve the police, and we want to in- volve other stakeholders in that process," said Hedges. The idea of bringing an out- sider in as chief is a cause for concern for many officers. "A new chief — that's good and bad. There is always a comfort zone in knowing what you're going to get. A new chief brings a fear of the un- known. But the changes... can be beneficial," said Swanson. "We've only had three police chiefs," said Tripp. "We're not used to transitions in leader- ship. But we'll handle it just fine. Any chief who walks in here will be lucky because of the good condition the depart- ment will be left in when Pat leaves." Officers interviewed for this piece all noted they have learned much from Geagan. They commented on how he has taught them to see the big- ger picture regarding issues, and how his strong social skills are worth imitating. "He's always had an open- door policy and has remained accessible to people. In my experience, he's always been fair and would listen and help rationalize things. If you screwed up, he'd tell you... but he wouldn't let it hang over your head for the rest of your life or career," said Detective Roger New, who is also a school resource officer. "I am truly, truly going to miss him." In addition to his work in the department, Geagan has served on the Board of Directors and is past president of the Dakota County Police Chiefs Associa- tion and the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association. He is also a charter member of the Eagan Rotary Club and a member of the Lions Club. He also was the grand mar- shal during this weekend's "Eagan Go Bragh" parade. During his retirement, Gea- gan plans to stay in Eagan, to travel, and to do some studying on his genealogy. - post Geata,n. i Foy -DER ENZS w 0 5 ' EAGAN MAYOR RETIRES, 3B. 'do y o �'�o.... o co o �o ce o �'0go 5'.c~c 3 ab. .= tS a, ti . m coy, o QQ�e rn m ce `c a o'qno 'y 5. 5 '� • o m o n M g, ••no Zfe G �E'. -o.• E"s ��"• O QQ9GwCD v CD 0 ��b o+�� 1 ° g5 F.D g)a-cr, uAD CI) o Q4 • Q' r.�o a°'Qoc�' '��• ci CD CD O s�* in 7 G3 O• th m a crag 0 0 o �� o m °o° cue p`e P o � g o ,a wri�ToE• ••-• A.O 59 • co CD CD co oa)rnoo CD e5•2P • =o 5.CD rs,e cD cD.. --CONTINUED •FR O M P A G E to z br z H c. Eagan mayor retires . (continued) "As many of ,you know, the - last four years have not been :easy for my family," he said, fighting tears. 'Tve struggled kwith Parkinson's and the deep ;;brain • stimulation surgery that _goes along', with' it. Everyone with Parkinson's knows that you !get a bit emotional, and you have -,to bear with me, here. Thank you ivery much for recognition." �• City . Administrator Tom ,Hedges, who has known Geagan ,since , the two first worked itogether in the 1970s, noted no ;eyes were dry when the mayor deft the podium. • Geagan, has undergone a ;handful of:surgeries smce.June to treat symptoms that medics-:'` ton no longer controlled as 'his disease advanced. "He's been an 'inspiration to' 4everyone. This is something ithat the public .needed to know. I> -so-proud that he stood there and - shared it," Hedges said: dIth� kitallowedhimalit- tle bit of closure as to why he is stepping down." Standing with a cane and a shaved head, Geagan said the surgeries have been more suc- cessful than they look. "I need a bit more tweaking on the right side`and I'm having that done shortly," he said. Geagan went out of his way to avoid letting his illness inter- fere with his term in office. "He tried very hard to sched- ule his surgeries so it wouldn't interrupt council duties," Hedges said. "He might be so tired and so weak, but he won't say that. He will still come in and sign docu- ments and meet with con- stituents." Geagan said his most gratify- `: ing work .in office was on an :',issue he never expected to tack- : le' when he ran for mayor: pre- serving green space in the city.. Specifically, he worked to add a 10-acre parcel to Patrick Eagan Park in 2004 and to preserve Caponi Art Park in 2005. "You have a lot to be proud of," Friends of the Eagan Core Greenway co-chair Jack Conrad told him. "Without his dedication, diplomacy and leadership, it is unlikely• that projects ... that our group helped preserve would have succeeded," Conrad wrote to residents. Geagan's e ff orts were clearly appreciated last week as well- wishers came to the city's open house. Hedges recalled when he and , Geagan — at 5:30 am. and 'atthe mayor's request — went to check out flooding in a resi- dent's basement. Geagan often inspected situations himself and went to people's homes to hear concerns, likely a carryover from his decades of police work. "He's been here to serve the public," Hedges said. "Whether it's at the grocery store, church or at a restaurant, he wants to hear concerns and talk to peo- ple." Most at the open house cred- ited Geagan with repairing what was once a fractured and divisive city council. laCZ OZfft 0 1,-1. r egt Al; c=kg 7 m con at. el:ts Pi can itz omit p: el I—ft 8"--*,p, "Our city four years ago was far more dysfunctional than it is now," resident Clyde Thurston said. "He brought order and calm to the council and brought them together to Work as a unit. What a wonderful legacy." Geagan said he felt better about leaving his post because of the council's ability to work together. He' supported Council Member Mike Maguire's'bid.for mayor and said he has confi- dence in his abilities. In return; .Maguire called Geagan a. "good friend and a good mentor." Geagan said that leaving his city position will leave a void in his life. He hopes to focus on his health, his family and squeeze in some travel. And he'admitted he's happy to pass a few city headaches to Maguire. • But will he watch any of the hourslong. council meetings he used to preside over? "No," he said with a laugh. "I don't think I will." Meggen Lindsay can be reached at mlindsay@pioneerpress.com or 651-228-5260. , Experience Cascade Bay's 1st Summer a Splash Cover Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives Page 2 Water Utilities are Top Quality Page 3 City in Good Financial Health Pages 10 to 11 Forever Green Order Form! Page 15 Opening Day at Cascade Bay offered many Eagan residents a chance to kick up their heels -- and more! Here, young George Awada made a big splash on his first run down the "Typhoon" slide. State law doesn't allow us to print photos of public officials in our City newsletters, but check out cable channel 16 for replays of the grand opening celebration where the Mayor and Council members took the inaugural plunges. More photos and story on page 8. This official city publication is distributed four times a year as a public service by the Eagan City Council. This publication is prepared by Joanna Foote, Communications Coordinator, under the direction of Tom Hedges, City Administrator. We invite comments or suggestions either in person or by calling (651) 681-4600 or TDD# (651) 454-8535 for the hearing impaired City of Eagan Municipal Center 3830 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122 Mayor: Pat Awada Councilmembers: Paul Bakken Bea Blomquist Peggy Carlson Sandra Masin The Lone Oak Tree... symbol of strength & ornwth •in our community. Fall 1999 Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives Because there's no sympathy card sympathetic enough bicycle helmets and locking take now to reduce the risk very day, at least one Minnesotan is treated in the hospital or emergency room because he/she was injured with a firearm. Don't let this happen to your family. Whether you have an infant, teenager or grandchild, keeping a gun at home poses a very real danger to your family. As a parent, you are already familiar with safety measures such as seat belts, up medicines. Below are easy steps you can of gun injury —steps that can save lives. You are responsible for your gun storage. The safest thing is to not have a gun in your home, especially a handgun. However statistics show that 48% of Minnesotans keep a firearm in their home. If you already own a gun or plan to keep one in your home, please read this with care. It may be vital to your family's health and safety. A couple minutes of prevention can save a lifetime of regrets. Many parents feel their children know they should not play with a gun. However, before the age of eight, few children can tell a toy gun from a real one. Don't take the chance. Take 5 minutes now and do the ••-+ Keep your gun unloaded when not in use. ••-+ Lock ammunition in a separate location. ---+ Use trigger lock or cable lock (available from stores for about $$ 10). ---+ OR place the gun in a safe or lock box. following: sporting goods Even if you don't own a gun... ---+ Talk with your children about the risk of gun injury outside the home in places where they may visit and play. •- 4 Speak with the parents of your children's friends to find out if they keep a gun at home. If they do, urge them to empty it out and lock it up. Show this article to them. For information on safe gun storage, contact your local police department. HELP STOP GUN INJURIES & DEATH! Fall 1999 We All Benefit From Citizen Involvement by Detective Sergeant Linda Myhre, n early June, Detective Stefanie Bolks and I had the insightful opportunity to work on the Carlton County Task Force, working the case of the girl abducted from the convenience store in Moose Lake on May 26. As most of you are aware, a suspect has been arrested in connection with that case. Some of the information obtained about that person was received from the public through tip calls. To date, the Task Force has received over 2,000 such tip calls from the public. It is essential for the police to receive tip calls in a case of such an extreme magnitude, but we also appreciate and look into tips called in for other cases, as well. With a police force of just over 60 personnel (from the chief on down) and with a population in excess of 60,000, we can't be everywhere. We need people to report to us what they see, what they hear, and what they suspect. If you have information about a crime that has been committed, you may call the Eagan Police Department at (651) 681-4700. You will probably be put into contact with a police officer or a detective who will ask you for your name, address, phone number and what information you have. Many people hesitate giving out personal information because they fear retaliation or they don't want to go to court. Police like to have your full name and call back number in case they need to get more information from you. We have had instances where people call in and refuse to give their name, but they give some information on a crime. If we don't have sufficient information to develop probable cause, we might not be able to proceed. If only the caller would have left a name, we could have perhaps called them back and gotten more information enough to go forward with an investigation. If you ask to remain anonymous, we try to honor that request, but sometimes a judge may require you to appear in court and testify that the information you have is believed by you to be accurate. The other option that you have if you have information for the police is to call the Eagan Police TIPLINE. The phone number for the TIPLINE is (651) 686-1111. This line is a voice mail system and it is only checked once per day. This means that if you have an emergency, you should NOT call the TIPLINE. If you call the TIPLINE, you will not talk to a dispatcher or officer, it is just a recorded message line. You may, again, remain anonymous, but we prefer that you leave a name and call back number. Leave any information that you have regarding any crimes that have occurred or that you suspect are occurring and we will check into them. Remember, the police need your help. Don't hesitate to call us with any information that you may have. Don't worry that you think it might be insignificant. Remember, tip calls help to identify suspects in many high profile cases. Please help us to keep the City of Eagan a great place to live and work by sharing any information you have about lawbreakers. Increase in Safety Restraint Enforcement --For All It's Worth M any of you who went through our 25`h Anniversary Open House in May saw our safety display for the Safe and Sober Campaign. In addition, we held a clinic to inspect child safety seats. In conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, The Eagan Police Department is working to educate the public on the necessity of buckling up. Even though Eagan residents typically have a higher rate of compliance than the state average (71 percent vs. 65 percent), we are still below the national average of 79 percent for states with primary seat belt laws. Studies have shown that fines and tickets, though not the preferred method of gaining compliance, are very effective. If you think that getting a ticket is expensive ($55.00 in Dakota County), consider this. In 1998 it cost Minnesota taxpayers $375,571,400 for injuries incurred that could have been prevented by wearing seat belts. Perhaps Lee Iococco said it best, "Not wearing seat belts raises taxes, increases insurance rates and harms our loved ones. If that's not an intrusion of my freedom, I don't know what is." So use your seat belt --there's just too much to lose! Chief Retires After 30 Years of Service F ollowing a rather bad day at his job at the Minneapolis Star & Tribune in 1968, Pat Geagan decided to apply for a position he'd seen advertised with the Eagan Township Police Department. Then Police Chief Martin DesLauriers hired someone else for that particular opening, but about six months later, when faced with another officer position to fill, he remembered Geagan and called to offer him the spot. This time Geagan turned DesLauriers down. Finally in November of 1969, DesLauriers called Geagan again offering a position and Geagan accepted. Now, nearly 30 years and numerous promotions later, Pat Geagan is facing retirment from his position as Chief of the Eagan Police Department. Geagan began as a part time Patrol Officer, one of eight officers then serving Eagan. Officers worked between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. and took the squads home when they were done for the evening where they were called to respond from, as necessary. In 1969 and the early 70's Eagan was a small, primarily agricultural community. Geagan jokes that, "Not much happened back then. Sometimes our biggest excitement was when a cow broke loose from its pasture. We knew the community so well that we often knew where the animals belonged and were able to return them." Many of the roads were gravel then and the primary residential developments were in the Cedar Grove neighborhoods in southwest Eagan and Mckee and Highview neighborhoods in the northern part of the city. "It was sort of a tangle -town and a bit tough to get around in, so when you did get a call you had to be prepared to handle it on your own --at least for a while until your back-up could find you," said Geagan. "People traveled pretty fast on the gravel roads then. Roads were dark and curvey so the accidents we had were often severe." As the community grew, so did the police force, and, with it, Geagan's career. In 1970 Geagan began full time and by 1973 he was promoted to Sergeant. At that time he helped to develop a number of programs still in effect today including Operation Identification. Geagan's Chief at the time, Martin Deslauriers, recalls that, "Pat was always willing to take the lead, whether it was with a new program, SWAT teams or in investigative team training, often in addition to his work, Pat went to school to continue learning more --I think he always had a desire to improve his skills and prepare for bigger things." In 1983, the year DesLauriers retired, Geagan was again promoted to Captain. By 1989, following the retirement of Chief Jay Berthe, Geagan became Eagan's third Police Chief. Geagan has become a highly respected member of the broader police community and has served as President of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the Dakota County Chiefs Association. He has also been involved in numerous community and non-profit associations. Eagan and Chief Geagan achieved notoriety on a number of occasions over the years, with high profile cases solved by the Drug Task Force and in a case which ended in landmark legislation being written involving an infant who had been shaken. Eagan also ,set the standard of how public notification can happen successfully when it hosted the first ever sex offender notification meeting in the state. Geagan has also worked hard at building a department that reflects the diversity of the community. "We're not quite there yet, but we were among the first communities to hire a number of female officers and have hired many very qualified individuals of color. I feel it's important that the department reflect the make-up of the community it serves, whenever possible." It is difficult to get Geagan to speak about the things he is most proud of in his career, but he says if he has to take credit, "It's for hiring good people and empowering them to do thier jobs --and they have done them well. It's a department I am proud to be a part of." City Administrator Hedges notes that, "Pat Geagan has provided great leadership while directing our Police Department through many years of rapid growth. He has shown the highest level of integrity and dedication and has been a tremendous asset to our management team. His contributions will be missed." Search for New Chief Underway I n May, the City of Eagan hired two consulting firms to assist in the recruitment and selection process for a new Police Chief. The search focused primarily in the Midwest area. Approx- imately 40 applications were received. An interview .panel consisting of City staff, representatives of the Police Chaplains' Group and the Crime Prevention Commission will interview approximately 10 candidates. A number of these candidates will also undergo a skills/aptitude test, followed by a final interview selection process conducted by the City Council. It is anticipated that the last round of interviews will take place near Labor Day so that a new Chief can be in place in October. Fall 1999 The Great Escape re you ready for Fire Prevention Week? This year's theme, the same as last year, is "Fire Drills: The Great Escape!" It is an opportunity for the Fire Department to involve the entire community in fire safety, particularly home escape planning. There are a number of ways for you and your family to become involved in planning and learning how to make your home safer including attending one of several Eagan Fire Station Open Houses or participating in the North American fire drill and home fire escape contest. Residents will submit their home escape plans to the Fire Department. One entry will be selected and sent in to the NFDA headquarters, and they will select an overall winner from all entries received. The winner will receive a trip for four to Walt Disney World and their fire department will receive $1,000 worth of NFDA educational materials. On October 7 at 6:00 p.m., fire departments from around the country and Canada will simultaneously lead families in practicing their home escape plans. Other events in Eagan include Open Houses at fire stations #1, #3, #4 and #5 on Tuesday through Thursday, October 5, 6 and 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. In addition, firefighters will make school visits every day of the week and numerous fire prevention visits throughout the City. A poster contest will also be open to students in grades Kindergarten through 5 with prizes awarded at the end for the winners and a chance to have their poster sent on to the county level and maybe on to the state competition! For more information about Fire Prevention Week activities, planning your home fire escape routes or other fire prevention tips or issues, call the Fire Prevention Officer at 681-4625, ext. 814, and leave a detailed message. Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities participating in City activities will be provided upon advance notice of at least 96 hours. If less notice is received, the City will attempt to provide such aid. air ort A number of Eagan residents have contacted City Hall about the increase in aircraft noise this summer. If you've been to the airport lately, you know there is a lot of construction out there. One of the major projects is continued reconstruction of the south parallel runway (12R/30L). That runway has been shortened to roughly 6,000 feet, which doesn't provide enough length for large aircraft taking off — especially in hot and humid weather. Consequently, many more departures are using Runway 4/22 over the area near the Mall of America in Bloomington. These takeoffs often track south across the river into west and southwest Eagan — prompting the noise complaint calls to City Hall. So when is it going to end? The construction on the south parallel is scheduled to be complete by Labor Day. Until then, expect more flights in west, southwest and central Eagan than usual. ❑ A bill passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ventura this year creates a special task force to study possible funding sources for airport noise mitigation. The task force, under the direction of the Department of Trade and Economic Development, will review federal, state, Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), and local sources of money to provide mitigation funding to impacted communities. The City of Eagan will be represented on the task force, as will the communities of Bloomington, Minneapolis, and Richfield. Our community is going to experience new noise impacts in the year 2003 when the new north -south runway becomes operational. The impacted area will be very similar to the 1999 construction impacts discussed above. The task force is required to conclude their analysis by the end of this year and report its findings to the 2000 legislature. ❑ Remember that the Eagan Airport Relations Commission meets on the second Tuesday evening of every month at Eagan City Hall. Their meetings are also telecast live on local cable access channel 16. As always, residents with airport concerns are encouraged to call Assistant City Administrator Jamie Verbrugge at 651-681-4603. Residents wishing to register a noise complaint can call the MAC Noise Complaint Hotline at 612-726-9411. Eagan's State of the Art Pavement Management System Age of Streets by Year ince 1989, all City of Eagan street segments have been part i00% of a Computerized Pavement 80% Management System which helps staff keep track of statistics like roadway age, 60% condition and maintenance measures 40% performed on each City street. ❑ 11-20 20% ■ 0-10 Maintenance technicians "survey" each o9a9 road at least once every three years. Pavement conditions and distresses are catalogued and each street segment receives a PCI (pavement condition index) rating between zero and 100, which helps track structural performance and condition. The system is based on the newest technology and incorporates predicted life cycle performance information provided by the federal government, local and regional agencies and various universities into real life, practical maintenance strategies. Maintenance managers use the system as one of several tools to help consolidate resources, extend life cycles, and stabilize workloads, predicting maintenance options for the most economical long-term benefit. nIllflll11 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1996 Yea r ...and Program Maintenance Strategies for Life Cycle Extension 20 40 Yrt M 11'wl . per. •.weeny .. .+u+r Age in Years ■ 20+ S T he City's Pavement Management Program establishes uniform procedures for field application of the various life extending maintenance strategies. General patching and crackseal operations are performed prior to each sealcoat which is typically applied to new City streets after 4-6 years. A second sealcoat is considered after years 12-14 and extensive repair occurs prior to the first overlay at approximately year 20. Utility castings and concrete curbs are repaired, settlements are corrected, and the old street surface is "milled" to make the new surface match the existing curb and gutter prior to the new blacktop overlay. The original street under the overlay has served approximately 67% of its life cycle and is now protected with new additional structural strength. Engineering studies have shown that, by applying the appropriate maintenance strategies at the right time using this 20 year renewal cycle, properly constructed City streets should be able to provide residents with approximately 60 years of good service before full reconstruction is needed. The Pavement Management Program is a great tool to maximize maintenance tax dollars, yielding higher levels of service delivery on City roadways for our residents and traveling public. 66 Fall 1999 Incorporating Technology T he goal of the City's Pavement Management Program is to continuously maintain the City's transportation infrastructure system in a safe and fiscally responsible manner. The City of Eagan Public Works Department Street Maintenance Division has been a leader in the Midwest implementing the best recommended and documented engineering and maintenance strategies using new methods and materials. New technologies are constantly being researched, experimented with and implemented by a professional and dedicated staff. For example, our computerized pavement management system allows for cataloguing of information about roadway conditions, lifespan, etc., which can then be incorporated into the ARC VIEW computerized mapping system. Once this infomation is available in an electronic format, the staff can customize valuable information to create planning documents for budgeting, maintenance workload planning, snow plowing and street sweeping route maps and much more. We firmly believe that the overall program goals, objectives and related strategies of our Pavement Management Program will provide the best roadway service delivery available to our citizens and to the traveling public. Fall 1999 It's time for a paint job The City of Eagan is asking residents and businesses in the area south of Difey Road to restrict their water usage during the peak usage hours of 4 to 8 p.m. daily. These restrictions are in addition to the City's permanent odd/even watering restriction system and are in effect from August 1 through October 15 while the Safari Reservoir is taken out of service for structural maintenance and repainting. Commercial irrigation systems including the City park operations are also being asked to reduce water usage by at least 20% and landscaping of new construction is strongly discouraged until after October 1. These measures are authorized by City Code 3.20, Subd. 5 and are required in order to safeguard the City's water supply for fire safety and customer demand. Notices with more specific detail have been sent to all area property owners. For further information please contact the City's Utility Division at 651-681-4300. Eagan's Drinking Water Quality Rated Excellent Later this month the City of Eagan Utility Division will be mailing its Water Quality Report to all Eagan residents and businesses who utilize the Eagan water utility service. This report is required by Minnesota state law. The report outlines the measures taken to ensure that the highest possible quality of drinking water is maintained. These measures include the regular monitoring and mitigation of bacteria levels, testing and removal of several nuisance minerals which are naturally found in drinking water, addition of fluoride and chlorine as necessary or mandated and the measures which ensure that the City's supply is readily available for its customers. The report also provides information about the City's 19 wells in the three underground aquifers which supply the three billion gallons of water used by Eagan water utility customers each year. Also included is information about the division staff and the high level of training received on an annual and ongoing basis. The Eagan utility staff takes pride in meeting and exceeding federal and state standards for safe water. The division works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health, which monitors and regulates drinking water systems. The division strives to provide a high level of customer service for the community by ensuring that each utility employee is highly skilled and knowledgeable about the operations of the City utility system. If you do not receive this report, or have questions about the Eagan Utility Division, please call the City Maintenance Facility at 651-681-4300. "The Best!" Cascade Bay Opens to High Praise & High Numbers 0 n June 18, 1999 the City of Eagan opened its Cascade Bay Aquatic Facility to a crowd of approximately 400 people with a dedication celebration. By the end of the first month, more than 55,000 people had visited the facility and expressed many enthusiastic and positive remarks. Not only community attention, but media attention was also focused on the facility as it opened, including a group from WCCO television's "Dimension" segment. WCCO brought five youngsters to Cascade Bay, as well as to Apple Valley's and Hasting's new aquatic facilities, to rate them on a scale of "Never Again," "It's O.K.," "Pretty Cool" and "The Best." After testing the water slides, the zero depth entry, fountains, play structures, lazy river and sand play areas, the kids unanimously agreed that Eagan's Cascade Bay was "The Best." From the comments we've heard, the attendance numbers and the 8,000 season passes sold, we think the WCCO-kids are not the only ones who think Cascade Bay is "The Best!" Fall 1999 Gascao/e :Bay `.wed ca/ed,9;rne 18, 1999 _Way /f s`ao li/y 6rtny e_rci/emen/, Joy andfaayli/er /o al%mfio ender i/s mailers. MAYOR PATRICIA E. AWADA COUNCILMEMBER PAUL BAKKEN COUNCILMEMBER PEA BLOMQUIST COUNCILMEMBER PEGGY CARLSON COUNCILMEMBER SANDY MASIN SPECIAL RECOGNrnoN TO FORMER MAYOR THOMAS EGAN AND COUNCILMEMBER TED WACHTER FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT THOMAS L. HEDGES, CITY ADMINISTRATOR KENNETH L. VRAA, DIRECTOR PARK AND RECREATION Fall 1999 raseinating & Eun racts About CASCADE BAY: • The Leisure Pool is approximately 19,000 square feet and holds 323,650 gallons of water. • The Lazy River is 700 feet long, has a "zero depth entry" and a tube slide entry. It contains 260,000 gallons of water. (The Fire Department filled it in one hour and 27 minutes.) • The large slide tower is 40 feet tall and has 62 steps to the top. • Hurricane (green slide) and Typhoon (white slide) are the tallest and longest slides in a municipal facility in Minnesota. Hurricane is 203 feet long, Typhoon is 289.7 feet in length, and each ride lasts from 9 to 11 seconds! The water in the Leisure Pool is filtered through a high rate sand filter at the rate of 2,677 gallons per minute. The water is filtered (turned over) once every two hours. • The Leisure Pool is heated by two 1.8 million BTU boilers capable of maintaining water temperatures at a comfortable 82 to 86 degrees. The Lazy River has two 1.4 million BTU boilers capable of raising the temperature one degree every hour. • There are six turbine pumps that circulate water to the slides and propel the Lazy River. • If you add up the length of all the pipe for the pools and the conduit for the electrical and the utilities, it would be over ten miles! There are 5,500 feet of rope barriers. • The Lazy River walls are 8" of reinforced concrete covered by z inch of Diamond Brite. • The Leisure Pool has 200 feet of zero depth entry. The deepest water is beneath the Twin Falls at six feet. The Crew at Cascade Bay suggests that you know how to swim before trying these slides. • Combined with the plantings of the Civic Arena addition, there are nearly 10,000 trees, shrubs and perennials on the site. • An estimated 5,000 cubic yards of concrete were used to build the pool vessels,the deck, and foundation piers for the slide towers. • All of the staff at Cascade Bay have received training in CPR. Harvesting Our Roots MultiCultural Festival Sunday, September 12 1 to p.m. at the Eagan Civic Arena Artisans, Musicians, Ethnic Food, Games & Multi -Cultural Displays Call 651-681-4660 for information. $5 per family $2 per individual Hands-on workshop available for an additional charge. The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to programs, services, activities, facilities and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation or status with regard to public assistance. Live In Eagan? That's Money In Your Pocket Have you ever wondered how your property taxes (City portion) compare to those in other Twin Cities suburbs? We sampled 10 Dakota County cities and eight other Metro area suburbs similar in size and demographics to Eagan. We found that Eagan's tax rate is 26% below the 18-city average! The average homeowner in Eagan pays barely more than a dollar a day for City services —that includes Police and Fire protection, snowplowing, parks maintenance and much more! The average value of a house in Eagan in 1998 was $135,967 . 1999 City taxes on that average house are $384. 1 00% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 1 0% 0% Fall 1999 City Portion of Property Taxes Eagan 1&City Average Apple Valley Burnsville )-stings Inver Grove Heights Lakeville Mendota bights Rosemount South St. Paul West St. Paul Bloomington Brooklyn Park Coon Rapids Eden Prairie Maple trove Moody's Bond Ratings (all rated US cities) Aaa 2°' Aa3 8% Aa to Aal 4% A3 13% A2 15% A to Al 25% Baa3 and below 27% Minnetonka Plymouth Woodbury 1999 Truth in Taxation Estimates S135,000 Homestead $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 Enjoying Strong Bond Ratings A standard measure of a public entitys financial health is its general obligation bond rating. The City of Eagan enjoys a bond rating from Moodys of Aa2, the third highest level in their rating scale. Only 10% of U.S. cities have a higher rating than Eagan. What does a high bond rating mean to you? When the City borrows money through issuance of bonds, the interest rate on the bonds is dictated in part by the bond rating. The higher the rating, the lower the interest rate, and the less the City and its taxpayers have to pay in interest costs. Fall 1999 Eagan In Good Financial. Health In June, the Citys outside auditors presented the 1998 annual financial report to the City Council. The accounting firm Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd. performed the "annual checkup" and pronounced the City in good health financially. Bolstered by significant building permit and other fees related to the strong commercial/industrial growth Eagan experienced in 1998, the Citys General Fund revenues exceeded expectations by $1.7 million. At the same time, expenditures were held to $ .8 million under budget. $1,220,667 $1,463,773 $1,994,757 $2,925,625 $11,252,504 Revenues $18,857,326 Program Income I ntergovermental Property Taxes 1998 $512,255 $2,491,774 $3,503,470 $6,964,054 Expenditures $16,330,447 JJUV1 oUIUII Parks & Recreation Public Works General Gov't Public Safety Can You Hear the Prairie from Here? undreds of thousands of square miles of prairie once covered the midwest. Now after close to a century of plowing, overgrazing, and urban development, there is little prairie left. The prairies that do remain are small fragments of a once vast prairie landscape. The City of Eagan is fortunate to have one of these prairie fragments at Thomas Lake Park. Through the efforts of the City, this prairie land is being restored to its original state. To accomplish this restoration, an intensive management plan must be carried out which simulates environmental conditions similar to what occurred during pre -settlement (those being large grass fires and massive grazing). For the past twenty years some form of prairie management has occurred at Thomas Lake, but it has not been intense enough to completely keep out invasive exotic plants. To keep these unwanted plants out of the prairie, a system of prescribed burning is used which favors the cooler season prairie vegetation. However, burning isn't always enough; selective removal of exotic plants must also be accomplished. In 1995 an intensive four-year management plan was devised. With assistance from Prairie Restoration Inc., this plan has now been If you would like to receive this newsletter in an alternate format such as large print, braille, audio tape, etc., please call the City of Eagan at 651-681-4600 (TDD 651-454-8535). accomplished. What you now see in the prairie at Thomas Lake Park is much more similar to what our forefathers experienced as they traveled over the vast miles and miles of prairies. But, the story doesn't end here. The prairie will continue to be managed by removing non -prairie plants and introducing more plant species. To date about 75 different prairie forbes (flowers) and grasses have been identified here at Thomas Lake. Our goal is to provide for conditions that will allow these plants to continue to flourish, and to also add to this long list of prairie plants. We also want the public to be able to enjoy this native prairie, not just to see it from a distance, but to see, feel, smell, and listen to the prairie up close. With that goal in mind, a new "foot path" trail system has been designed and will soon be incorporated into this twenty - acre prairie. Once established this trail system will wind its way through some of the most unique areas of this remnant prairie with many stations set up providing trail users to witness prairie highlights first hand. Stops will be located near some of the five prairie ponds, in the small oak woodlands, on top of the highest hill in the prairie, and in strategically located places to provide for awesome prairie views. An educational self -guided trail brochure will be available at trailheads, providing information on prairie history, management activities, and plant identification. Written visual aids will also be located at each field station. Enjoy your prairie and listen to its wonders! Each year, the Forestry Division and the Fire Department work together to burn -off a portion of the prairie to promote new growth and to "weed out" invasive varieties of plants. Name FAV4h...FD)eVe) €,ctiJ Address Zip Phone (day) (evening) Trees are $30 each. These are 8'-10' in height and are potted in five gallon containers. Retail price averages $85. Mark the most convenient location for tree pickup: A Bur Oak B C D E Maple Crab Apple Linden Ash Circle your first and second choices of tree species: First Choice Second Choice First Tree AB/C/D/E/F AB/C/D/E/F Second Tree AB/C/D/E/F AB/C/D/E/F Extra Tree AB/C/D/E/F A/B/C/D/E/F Eagan Civic Arena , September 25, 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Trapp Farm Park, September 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Will you need assistance because you are physically unable to plant your tree? Yes_ No_ Would you be willing to provide assistance for someone who is physically unable to plant their tree? Yes No_ Please complete and return this form NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 3,1999 to: Eagan Forever Green, P.O. Box 21199, Eagan, MN 55122 or bring it to the Eagan Municipal Center. City of Eagan 3830 Pilot Knob Road Eagan, MN 55122 ECRWSS Postal Patron Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4902 St. Paul, MN Printed on 30%Post Consumer RECYCLED PAPER Using Soy Based Ink for Easier Recyclability of CW0o'f`*,1 `Eyou S��e oura ors oQ�`e aeC� a\\G of `'� eoof (neve) 4)€€h! A collaborative effort of the Eagan Foundation, City of Eagan, Eagan Healthy Community Initiative and the Eagan Chamber Eagan... Forever Green! is having its final tree distribution this fall, with 1,700 large trees to be made available to residents and local businesses. Begun in the wake ofthe 1998 severe wind storms that hit our community, Eagan... Forever Green! will result in the planting of 10,000 trees overall, 5,000 large ones and 5,000 seedlings. This application is for use with the upcoming distribution oflarge trees in September. Trees are $30 each and are available to Eagan residents and businesses ( if applying for a tree to plant at an apart►iientortownhome,please obtain owner/manager or association approval before applying). Trees are being sold at this reduced rate through the generous donations of individuals, community organizations and businesses, combined with funding from the City ofEagan. Please complete and return this form by September 3, 1999 to: Eagan Forever Green, P.O. Box 21199, Eagan, MN 55121 or bring it to the Eagan Municipal Center. Application submission does not ensure a tree will be awarded to you. Notices will be mailed the week of September 13 with information regarding time and location of tree pickup. Payment is due at the time of pickup. DO NOT SEND PAYMENT WITH THIS FORM! You must be an Eagan resident or business to apply. For further information call 651-681-4600. A Bur Oak: 60-80' height, 60-80' width at maturity. Coarse branches, extremely adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions. A large tree that is very pollution tolerant. Adapts to a broad range of soil conditions. B Maple: 40-70' height, 30-50' width at maturity. autumn blaze variety has a broad, oval crown and is orange - red in the fall. A red and silver maple hybrid that has a rapid growth rate and is drought resistant. C Crabapple: 15-20' height, 15-20' width at maturity. Red splendor variety has rose -red buds that open to single pink flowers fol- lowed by persistent red fruit. Thunderchild variety has striking purple foliage. Both are upright, spreading trees D Linden: 40-75' height, 30-40' width at maturity. Redmond variety has a dense pyramidal growth habit and creamy -yellow colored flowers. American variety has fragrant flowers and prefers a rich, well - drained soil. E Ash: 50-60' height, 20-35' width at maturity. Patmore variety has attractive, glossy dark green foliage and a symmetrical growth pattern. Fallgold variety has bright golden -yellow foliage in the fall. Both adapt to a broad range of soil conditions. Please fill out and return the form included on the reverse of this page and return it by September 3, 1999 if you wish to apply. v LL The creen .See It Save RL Use ft Ci uide is Coming! packaging that eventually needs disposal, the guide gives advice on buying with less or reusible/recyclable packaging. Ideas include buying from the produce or bulk sections at the grocery store to choose only the amount of product you will use or purchasing durable goods that need replacement less often. Watch for the Green Guide this October and save it for use, and useful tips, all year long! •••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.•••••••.•••••••••••••••••••••• The Green Guide, a booklet produced every two years by the environmental staff at Dakota County, will be available in mid -October. The guide is filled with useful information about how to recycle, reuse and dispose of products you no longer use. In addition to disposal tips, this year's guide focuses on "buying just right." Rather than buying products with excess "Community Clean-up Days" heLd weekly in Lagan Each year the Recycling Division gets hundreds of calls from residents wondering how to dispose of items they no longer need. We also answer numerous inquiries about "Community Clean-up Days" and why Eagan doesn't hold one, although many neighboring communities do. Our answer: "Its simple --Eagan doesn't need one!" Now it's not that Eaganites are such a tidy bunch that they just don't require cleaning -up after. Nor are they such pack -rats that they never dispose of anything. It's merly that Eagan is fortunate enough to have all of the "Clean-up Day" elements in, or very near, our community on a weekly, if not daily basis. Let me start by explaining that a "Clean-up Day" is an event, generally sponsored and staffed by a City, at which residents, for a fee, can drop-off a variety of materials for disposal. Items accepted generally include household hazardous wastes like motor oil and filters, batteries, tires, fluorescent light tubes, paint, solvents, sealers, weed killers and other flamable, poisonous or corrosive materials. Other items such as appliances, electronics, yard waste, mattresses, scrap metal and construction debris are also often accepted. The system we have in Eagan is better than a structured "Clean-up Day" of this nature because disposal options for these materials are available on a regular basis, year- round, right here in our community (or very nearby) so you don't have to wait for the specific day. These sites are also generally privately owned (or operated under a County contract) so City tax dollars and staff are not utilized toward these efforts which helps keep our taxes low. The Eco-Site, located on Highway 149, just north of Yankee Doodle Road (in eastern Eagan), accepts all of the household hazardous materials listed previously. The • • site also accepts household scrap metal and recyclables. The Eco-Site also offers aluminum can redemption and a re -use site at which they set out (free of charge) usable items accepted through its collection program such as fertilizer, weed killer, usable paint, cleaners and other miscellaneous items. The site is open every Saturday, plus several other weekdays for your convenience. Call them at 651-905-4520. Just down the road on Yankee Doodle and Elrene Roads is the SMC Compost Site which accepts grass, leaves tree trimmings and other yardwaste. The site is open daily from April to November. Call them at 651-683- 9020. Appliances can be accommodated by either J.R. Appliances on Highway 149 (651-454-9215) or Bloomington/Lakeville Appliance (612-469-2435). Both companies accept drop-off, as well as weekly scheduled routes in Eagan. Electronics, including televisions and computers, can be taken to Materials Processing Corporation, located on the West Service Road near 494 and 35E. This company specializes in electronics recycling and will accept drop- offs with notice and can be reached at 651-681-8099. Construction materials can often be accommodated by your garbage hauler, or can be brought to the SKB Demolition (651-224-6329) or Pine Bend Landfills (651- 457-2778) in Inver Grove Heights near Highway 52 and 117`h Avenue or to the Burnsville Landfill (612-894- 4807) near 35W and Cliff Roads. So now the only question left is when to schedule that garage, basement or yard clean-up you've been putting off. The great news is you don't have to take it all in one trip and you can schedule it almost any week of the year! Happy Clean-up Day! LeaVe Leaves (E crass) Out! •State law prohibits disposing of yard waste in a landfill or mixing it with garbage. Yard waste includes grass, weeds, leaves, sod, brush, and green garden waste. So w should you do with these materials? Options for Managing Yard \Vaste •The best and easiest option is to leave grass clipping and leaves on the lawn by using a mulchiA •wer. • Another option is to practice backyard composti or a packet of information including City ordinances, please call the Recycling Division :651-681-4600. • Place it in a compostable bag or reusable bin to be piked up by your waste hauler. • Bring your yard waste to an area compost site. Compost .5i tes 4 vaiL abL e in the Eagan Area Sayan: Burnsville: .St.0 Compost -5ervices an Yankee Poole toad at ELrene toad K2 mite west ofLIwy. 1Q9 65/-683-9020 • Accepts, for a fee, yard waste (unbagged only), brush, trees, and stumps. • Landscape mulch and compost are available for sale. VVraemer's's Comp I MiLe \V/est of 612-890-324 Cliff toad wf. •Accepts, fo a fee, yard waste unbagged or in compostab bags up to 8" in diameter, No stum • Woodchif s and compost are available for sale. cet Out c'etNight Organized at National Out National Night Out is an excellent time to talk to your neighbors about area issues. Although garbage collection may not seem to be a great conversational topic, discussing it with your neighbors can make your neighborhood quieter and safer and maybe even save you some money! As you organize your garbage collection by consolidating your hauler choices. you will see less truck traffic, be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of your neighborhood and reduce wear and tear on your streets. Benefits of Neighborhood Organization: 1) Increased levels of safety due to less traffic and congestion 2) Decreased noise levels 3) Less wear and tear on City streets 4) Less potential for air and noise pollution 5) Possible lower prices You can start by simply asking your neighbors if they are interested in having organized collection. Then call us at the City Recycling Division to receive a "how-to packet." It will give you sample letters to send out to those neighbors not in attendance at National Night Out or other neighborhood get- togethers throughout the summer, a sample question list to use when contacting different hauling companies to find the collection system and price range that will best suit your neighborhood's needs. Even if you reduce the number of haulers operating in your neighborhood by one, the benefits will be noticeable! To receive a packet of information to assist you in the process of organizing your neighborhood, call the City of Eagan Recycling Division at 651-681-4611 sated uaa.� 4j ue6F] FOUR SECTIONS News • Sports General Section Burnet Realty Section Real Estate Section Classified Section 72 pages Eagan THISWEEK Your Community Newspaper Volume 21, No. 27 http://www.thisweek-online.com A clean finish EAGAN POLICE Chief Patrick Geagan shows off his clean desk Aug. 26 dur- ing his next to last day of work. After 30 years of service with the Eagan Po- lice Department, Geagan is retiring. Photo by Rick Orndorf Local girl lops off locks for charity By SARA THOMALLA-BLOOD A local girl used her head — and then her hair — to help a good cause. Christine Loher of Eagan re- cently cut more than 10 inches of her brown hair and donated it to Locks of Love, a Palm Springs -based charity that pro- vides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under 18 who experience medical hair loss. Loher, 10, said she learned about the charity from reading an article in "American Girl" magazine. A couple of weeks after reading the article, Loher said she approached her par- ents about donating her waist - length hair, which she had been growing since she was in kindergarten. Loher said her grandmother Doris, who lives in Florida, inspired her to make the re- quest. "My grandma, she got cancer and all her hair fell out so she had to wear a wig. I knew how she felt, and then I started to think about those kids," she said, adding that her grand- mother now has a clean bill of health. Loher's father, Ken, said he felt a mix of emotions when Christine made the request. "We were a little surprised and kind of proud of her to think about that," said Ken. Loher's mother, Lisa, re- quested information from the company. Soon the Loher fam- ily learned all sorts of tidbits of information, from how to mail in hair to how it is used. Ac- cording to the Locks of Love Web site, 75 percent of the charity's donors are children. Lisa and Christine arrived (See Hair, p.7A) August 28, 1999 Visit us online at: http://www. thisweek-online.com Police will query doctor in Eagan road -rage assault By SARA THOMALLA-BLOOD A corporal from the Minne- sota State Patrol believes his office may have a suspect in an Aug. 11 road -rage incident in Eagan. Based on information from the incident's victim, wit- nesses at the scene and more than 200 phoned in tips gar- nered since the State Patrol went public on this case, Cpl. Paul Gorski said his office plans to question a Twin Cities area doctor when he returns from an overseas trip. According to Gorski, Virginia Hendrickson of Burnsville made a right-hand turn toward the southbound ramp of Cedar Avenue from Cliff Road. A white BMW Z-3 ' Roadster stopped and blocked the road- way approximately 100 feet down the ramp, he said. Gorski said a man exited the convertible sports car and walked up to Hendrickson's vehicle. "She assumed he was going to tell her not to go down the roadway or something, so she rolled down her window," said Gorski. Hendrickson, who recently turned 70, could not be reached for comment. According to witness reports, the man stuck his head through the opening between the win- dow and the door frame of Hendrickson's vehicle, "yelled profanities at her and basically told her to get off of the road," said Gorski. Gorski said the man struck District 196 superintendent reveals bond, levy By SARA THOMALLA-BLOOD Superintendent John Haro introduced a bond and levy referendum to District 196 staff, School Board members and the public during an Aug. 23 workshop and board meet- ing. The proposed bond referen- dum has an estimated cost of $89.925 million. The proposed levy referendum would gener- ate nearly $13.1 million per year for 10 years. Residents will have an oppor- tunity to express their opinions on these proposals when the School Board holds a public New school, athletic facilities included in pitch hearing Sept. 7 at Dakota Ridge School in Apple Valley. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. The School Board will then vote on the proposals following a second reading of the issues Sept. 13 during a regular board meeting. The meeting will be- gin at 7:30 p.m. and will also be held at Dakota Ridge School. If both pieces are passed by the School Board, the bond and levy referendum are ex- pected to appear on the Nov. 2 ballot, where voters will have the final say on the fate of the referendums. Haro said the levy and bond, which address widespread im- provements — from removing portable classrooms and build- ing a new elementary school to adding or updating media cen- ters, beefing up security and adding new sport facilities — result from three issues that surfaced recently: • State legislation and fund- ing to reduce class sizes in the early grades; • An increasingly competi- tive market for hiring and re- taining quality teachers and other employees, and • Student violence and the need to provide a safe learning environment for children. Haro further broke down those needs into five catego- ries — safety and security, class size, school equity, community involvement, and retention of employees and programs known for excel- lence. "Part of the reasoning (behind this) is we've learned that, in this school district, parents expect a lot, and we the woman's face twice. He then either pulled Hendrick- son's glasses off her face and threw them onto the street or they fell off her face during the attack, Gorski said. The man walked to his vehi- cle and drove off. Hendrickson then left her vehicle to retrieve her damaged glasses. A wit- ness offered to call the police and described Hendrickson as shook up. Hendrickson was able to pro- vide a description of the man who struck her, along with a partial license plate number. Witnesses filled in other de- tails, but Hendrickson could not provide the State Patrol with a motive for the man's actions, Gorski said. The man is described as white, in his late 30s, 5 feet 10 inches, with "professional looking" brownish blond hair, and an average build. Gorski said information from Hendrickson and witness, plus the fact that the sports car is uncommon in Minnesota helped in narrow the field of suspects. Gorski said the State Patrol plans to interview its suspect when he returns from an over- seas trip early next month. If a suspect is caught, he could face fifth -degree assault charges, a misdemeanor, "but that's up to the attorney," Gor- ski said. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom indicated that his office most likely will (See Assault, p.8A) proposal expect a lot of ourselves," said Haro. "Many, many people move to this district to receive a quality education. In order to keep reaching our potential, our focus must be on needs this next school year." Safety and security Haro proposed three im- provements amounting to ap- proximately $1.5 million to help tighten security at District 196 schools: • Add a full-time staff mem- ber at the entrance to every (See Referendums, p.18A) inso vori...6 0 . ovipo apsona d lch's /.1% GE. ®� Dow Cil3 yetM sou"' cu � '99 RAM 4X4 V8, Auto., Air, Fog Lamps, Power (Windows, Locks), Keyless, Rear Slider, 40/20/40 SLT Bench. or M.S.R.P '25,875 Disc. & Rebate - 3,876 $z '279 Mo.•P279 $259 ..• $1 ZS9 lst'NO SECURITY DEPOStart SIT * Due at start plus lic. fees + DOC + tax on cash CAP reduction, payment + tax. On approved credit. Due at Start '99 CARAVAN GRAND SE LAST CHANCE 40 - In Stock Auto., Rear Heat & Air, Quad Seats, Cast Alum. Whls.. Power (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), Overhead Console - Trip Computer, Keyless, CD Player, Factory Sunscreen & More. SAVE $ $ $ MORE 48 MO. LEASE SPECIAL M.S.R.P s27,215 $335 PER - 4, 720 Disc. & Rebate /$335 1st Pymt. at Start $22,49.5 $289 PER/1289 Due at Start MO.•Inc. 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J Just Off I.35W South on Cliff Road North of Hwy. 13 in Burnsville 612-894-9000 Email us: salesC@�dodgeofburnsville.com We'd like to thank our customers for making us what we are today: A FIVE-STAR DEALERSHIP 26A !Atitibst28,'1999 TMISWEE% c: Chief Retires After 30 Years of Service F ollowing a rather bad day at his job at the Minneapolis Star & Tribune in 1968, Pat Geagan decided to apply for a position he'd seen advertised with the Eagan Township Police Department. Then Police Chief Martin DesLauriers hired someone else for that particular opening, but about six months later, when faced with another officer position to fill, he remembered Geagan and called to offer him the spot. This time Geagan turned DesLauriers down. Finally in November of 1969, DesLauriers called Geagan again offering a position and Geagan accepted. Now, nearly 30 years and numerous promotions later, Pat Geagan is facing retirment from his position as Chief of the Eagan Police Department. Geagan began as a part time Patrol Officer, one of eight officers then serving Eagan. Officers worked between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. and took the squads home when they were done for the evening where they were called to respond from, as necessary. In 1969 and the early 70's Eagan was a small, primarily agricultural community. Geagan jokes that, "Not much happened back then. Sometimes our biggest excitement was when a cow broke loose from its pasture. We knew the community so well that we often knew where the animals belonged and were able to return them." Many of the roads were gravel then and the primary residential developments were in the Cedar Grove neighborhoods in southwest Eagan and Mckee and Highview neighborhoods in the northern part of the city. "It was sort of a tangle -town and a bit tough to get around in, so when you did get a call you had to be prepared to handle it on your own --at least for a while until your back-up could find you," said Geagan. "People traveled pretty fast on the gravel roads then. Roads were dark and curvey so the accidents we had were often severe." As the community grew, so did the police force, and, with it, Geagan's career. In 1970 Geagan began full time and by 1973 he was promoted to Sergeant. At that time he helped to develop a number of programs still in effect today including Operation Identification. Geagan's Chief at the time, Martin Deslauriers, recalls that, "Pat was always willing to take the lead, whether it was with a new program, SWAT teams or in investigative team training, often in addition to his work, Pat went to school to continue learning more --I think he always had a desire to improve his skills and prepare for bigger things." In 1983, the year DesLauriers retired, Geagan was again promoted to Captain. By 1989, following the retirement of Chief Jay Berthe, Geagan became Eagan's third Police Chief. Fall 1999 Geagan has become a highly respected member of the broader police community and has served as President of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the Dakota County Chief s Association. He has also been involved in numerous community and non-profit associations. Eagan and Chief Geagan achieved notoriety on a number of occasions over the years, with high profile cases solved by the Drug Task Force and in a case which ended in landmark legislation being written involving an infant who had been shaken. Eagan also set the standard of how public notification can happen successfully when it hosted the first ever sex offender notification meeting in the state. Geagan has also worked hard at building a department that reflects the diversity of the community. "We're not quite there yet, but we were among the first communities to hire a number of female officers and have hired many very qualified individuals of color. I feel it's important that the department reflect the make-up of the community it serves, whenever possible." It is difficult to get Geagan to speak about the things he is most proud of in his career, but he says if he has to take credit, "It's for hiring good people and empowering them to do thier jobs --and they have done them well. It's a department I am proud to be a part of." City Administrator Hedges notes that, "Pat Geagan has provided great leadership while directing our Police Department through many years of rapid growth. He has shown the highest level of integrity and dedication and has been a tremendous asset to our management team. His contributions will be missed." Search for New Chief Underway I n May, the City of Eagan hired two consulting firms to assist in the recruitment and selection process for a new Police Chief. The search focused primarily in the Midwest area. Approx- imately 40 applications were received. An interview panel consisting of City staff, representatives of the Police Chaplains' Group and the Crime Prevention Commission will interview approximately 10 candidates. A number of these candidates will also undergo a skills/aptitude test, followed by a final interview selection process conducted by the City Council. It is anticipated that the last round of interviews will take place near Labor Day so that a new Chief can be in place in October. Chief Retires After 30 Years of Service F ollowing a rather bad day at his job at the Minneapolis Star & Tribune in 1968, Pat Geagan decided to apply for a position he'd seen advertised with the Eagan Township Police Department. Then Police Chief Martin DesLauriers hired someone else for that particular opening, but about six months later, when faced with another officer position to fill, he remembered Geagan and called to offer him the spot. This time Geagan turned DesLauriers down. Finally in November of 1969, DesLauriers called Geagan again offering a position and Geagan accepted. Now, nearly 30 years and numerous promotions later, Pat Geagan is facing retirment from his position as Chief of the Eagan Police Department. Geagan began as a part time Patrol Officer, one of eight officers then serving Eagan. Officers worked between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. and took the squads home when they were done for the evening where they were called to respond from, as necessary. In 1969 and the early 70's Eagan was a small, primarily agricultural community. Geagan jokes that, "Not much happened back then. Sometimes our biggest excitement was when a cow broke loose from its pasture. We knew the community so well that we often knew where the animals belonged and were able to return them." Many of the roads were gravel then and the primary residential developments were in the Cedar Grove neighborhoods in southwest Eagan and Mckee and Highview neighborhoods in the northern part of the city. "It was sort of a tangle -town and a bit tough to get around in, so when you did get a call you had to be prepared to handle it on your own --at least for a while until your back-up could find you," said Geagan. "People traveled pretty fast on the gravel roads then. Roads were dark and curvey so the accidents we had were often severe." As the community grew, so did the police force, and, with it, Geagan's career. In 1970 Geagan began full time and by 1973 he was promoted to Sergeant. At that time he helped to develop a number of programs still in effect today including Operation Identification. Geagan's Chief at the time, Martin Deslauriers, recalls that, "Pat was always willing to take the lead, whether it was with a new program, SWAT teams or in investigative team training, often in addition to his work, Pat went to school to continue learning more --I think he always had a desire to improve his skills and prepare for bigger things." In 1983, the year DesLauriers retired, Geagan was again promoted to Captain. By 1989, following the retirement of Chief Jay Berthe, Geagan became Eagan's third Police Chief. Fall 1999 Geagan has become a highly respected member of the broader police community and has served as President of the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association and the Dakota County Chiefs Association. He has also been involved in numerous community and non-profit associations. Eagan and Chief Geagan achieved notoriety on a number of occasions over the years, with high profile cases solved by the Drug Task Force and in a case which ended in landmark legislation being written involving an infant who had been shaken. Eagan also set the standard of how public notification can happen successfully when it hosted the first ever sex offender notification meeting in the state. Geagan has also worked hard at building a department that reflects the diversity of the community. "We're not quite there yet, but we were among the first communities to hire a number of female officers and have hired many very qualified individuals of color. I feel it's important that the department reflect the make-up of the community it serves, whenever possible." It is difficult to get Geagan to speak about the things he is most proud of in his career, but he says if he has to take credit, "Its for hiring good people and empowering them to do thier jobs --and they have done them well. It's a department I am proud to be a part of." City Administrator Hedges notes that, "Pat Geagan has provided great leadership while directing our Police Department through many years of rapid growth. He has shown the highest level of integrity and dedication and has been a tremendous asset to our management team. His contributions will be missed." Search for New Chief Underway I n May, the City of Eagan hired two consulting firms to assist in the recruitment and selection process for a new Police Chief. The search focused primarily in the Midwest area. Approx- imately 40 applications were received. An interview panel consisting of City staff, representatives of the Police Chaplains' Group and the Crime Prevention Commission will interview approximately 10 candidates. A number of these candidates will also undergo a skills/aptitude test, followed by a final interview selection process conducted by the City Council. It is anticipated that the last round of interviews will take place near Labor Day so that a new Chief can be in place in October. I Fall 1999 We All Benefit From Citizen Involvement by Detective Sergeant Linda Myhre, n early June, Detective Stefanie Bolks and I had the insightful opportunity to work on the Carlton County Task Force, working the case of the girl abducted from the convenience store in Moose Lake on May 26. As most of you are aware, a suspect has been arrested in connection with that case. Some of the information obtained about that person was received from the public through tip calls. To date, the Task Force has received over 2,000 such tip calls from the public. It is essential for the police to receive tip calls in a case of such an extreme magnitude, but we also appreciate and look into tips called in for other cases, as well. With a police force of just over 60 personnel (from the chief on down) and with a population in excess of 60,000, we can't be everywhere. We need people to report to us what they see, what they hear, and what they suspect. If you have information about a crime that has been committed, you may call the Eagan Police Department at (651) 681-4700. You will probably be put into contact with a police officer or a detective who will ask you for your name, address, phone number and what information you have. Many people hesitate giving out personal information because they fear retaliation or they don't want to go to court. Police like to have your full name and call back number in case they need to get more information from you. We have had instances where people call in and refuse to give their name, but they give some information on a crime. If we don't have sufficient information to develop probable cause, we might not be able to proceed. If only the caller would have left a name, we could have perhaps called them back and gotten more information enough to go forward with an investigation. If you ask to remain anonymous, we try to honor that request, but sometimes a judge may require you to appear in court and testify that the information you have is believed by you to be accurate. The other option that you have if you have information for the police is to call the Eagan Police TIPLINE. The phone number for the TIPLINE is (651) 686-1111. This line is a voice mail system and it is only checked once per day. This means that if you have an emergency, you should NOT call the TIPLINE. If you call the TIPLINE, you will not talk to a dispatcher or officer, it is just a recorded message line. You may, again, remain anonymous, but we prefer that you leave a name and call back number. Leave any information that you have regarding any crimes that have occurred or that you suspect are occurring and we will check into them. Remember, the police need your help. Don't hesitate to call us with any information that you may have. Don't worry that you think it might be insignificant. Remember, tip calls help to identify suspects in many high profile cases. Please help us to keep the City of Eagan a great place to live and work by sharing any information you have about lawbreakers. I Increase in Safety Restraint Enforcement --For All It's Worth M any of you who went through our 25' Anniversary Open House in May saw our safety display for the Safe and Sober Campaign. In addition, we held a clinic to inspect child safety seats. In conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, The Eagan Police Department is working to educate the public on the necessity of buckling up. Even though Eagan residents typically have a higher rate of compliance than the state average (71 percent vs. 65 percent), we are still below the national average of 79 percent for states with primary seat belt laws. Studies have shown that fines and tickets, though not the preferred method of gaining compliance, are very effective. If you think that getting a ticket is expensive ($55.00 in Dakota County), consider this. In 1998 it cost Minnesota taxpayers $375,571,400 for injuries incurred that could have been prevented by wearing seat belts. Perhaps Lee Iococco said it best, "Not wearing seat belts raises taxes, increases insurance rates and harms our loved ones. If that's not an intrusion of my freedom, I don't know what is." So use your seat belt --there's just too much to lose! 4A Ante Vallev/Qnsemount Faaan Sun•Current/Wednesdav Au❑ 25 1999 OPINION Eagan will miss Geagan after 30 years as a police officer Geagan through the years 1944 Born in Graceville, Minn. 1950s Moved to Mound' 1957 Father died, leaving Geagan the oldest of five children, including 2-year- old twin sisters 1962 Graduated from Mound High School 1962-1965 Airforce Medic 1965-1969 Minneapolis Star -Tribune Cir- culation Manager Nov. 1, 1969 -March 31, 1970 Eagan pa- trol officer part time, Security guard, Dis- trict bus driver in Rosemount, Volunteer Eagan firefighter April 1,1970 - Aug. 31, 1973 Eagan Pa- trol Officer full-time Early to mid 1970s Started the SWAT tactical team with Mike Garity Sept. 1, 1973 - Aug. 31, 1983 Sergeant Team leader "Geagan's Goons" January 1975 married Sue Flaherty 1975 Graduated from Inver Hills Commu- nity College Sept. 1, 1983 - Jan. 19, 1989 Eagan Po- lice Captain 1984-1999 Minnesota State Chiefs Asso- ciation 1984-1987 Taught police administration in Inver Hills Community College and Metro State University 1985 Started Citizens Crime Prevention 1987 Graduated from Metro State Univer- sity, Cnminal'Justice 1987 FBI Academy in Ouantico, Virginia 1987 Charter Member Eagan Rotary Club 1989-1999 Dakota County Chiefs Associ- ation Jan. 20, 1989 - Aug. 27, 1999 Chief 1989-90 Started South Metro Task Force with other area chiefs Early 1990s-1997 Board of Directors, Linden Center Early 1990s Started the Chaplains Core, Community Orientated Policing 1997 President, Minnesota Chiefs of Po- lice Association March 6, 1997 First state sexual offender notification meeting Aug. 27, 1999 Retirement "It's been a tough week for many of us at the police depart- ment," Linda Bendt said. As Po- lice Chief Patrick J. Geagan's secretary for the past 16 years, she has worked closely with him through thick and thin. Geagan officially retires from 30 years on the Eagan Police force this week, after starting his job as a part-time patrol offi- cer in the late '60s and worked his way through the ranks to the pinnacle of his profession. For many in the community, saying good-bye will be hard. Geagan has taken a keen inter- est in the lives of not only his fel- low officers and their families, but also the families he has served in the community as well. When he started off in the early days before Eagan was even a township, he knew where to take the local livestock back to their pens simply by recognizing them. As Eagan became a village, and then a city, Geagan's role and re- sponsibilities grew along with it. But, in talking with his friends, co- workers, companions and family members, it is apparent that Gea- gan never lost that desire to know with whom he worked, and those for whom he worked. Sensing the need for the police force to reflect the diversity in the community, he has tried hard to re- tain minorities on the force. With nine women and three officers of color, Geagan still realizes there is more to be done. Although mainly white and affluent, Geagan has recognized that Eagan is a also subject to the scourges of drugs and gangs. He has been instru- mental in starting the South Metro Task Fore, a collaboration of law enforcement offices through the southern suburbs to conduct surveillance and sting operations. He started the Citizen's Crime Prevention group to try to raise funds for reward money in large cases. Taking policing back to the grass roots level, Geagan strengthened and encouraged a Community Oriented Policing policy. His desire for communica- tion with the community has earned him a reputation for hav- ing an open door policy for both his staff and the residents of Eagan. His sense of humor and his willingness to both take a joke and to make one showed through in three hours of good- natured roasting and toasting held in his honor on Aug 19. With family and friends by his side, he took all of it in stride, and dished out a little, too. In three days of interviews, no one had anything but a kind word, respect for him and sad- ness about his departure to tell. In discovering how much of the town will miss you, Pat, I feel short-changed that I have only now gotten to start to know you. He heads to Maine after re- tirement to visit his daughter. With his four grandchildren to keep him young, he said he will be able to enjoy his grandchil- dren in a way time did not allow for him to enjoy his own chil- dren. Family, always the glue that binds, will keep him occupied in other ways as he traces his fam- ily history while researching his genealogy. While he will be missed, the rapier wit of those in his office and the constant com- rade of his peers will be missed by him as well. If you find yourself missing him too badly, get a bag of golf clubs and look on the links; you'll be likely to find him there as he tries to improve his golf game before the snows. And if you really need him, I have the feeling he will still be around. nters of Northwestern College of Chiropractic have ith truly affordable health care the natural phasize conservative care of problems related to the ies, along with a focus on wellness and illness preven- rcise elements of healthful living. Our faculty doctors core chiropractic physicians and provide a natural ged care plans and insurance are accepted. 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WU ay to Lived o' %QM al THE HEALTH CARE CENTERS OF NORTHWESTERN COLLEGE OF CHIROPRACTIC 612-930-2468 http://www.thisweek-online.com Volume 21, No. 27 A clean finish EAGAN POLICE Chief Patrick Geagan shows off his clean desk Aug. 26 dur- ing his next to last day of work. After 30 years of service with the Eagan Po- lice Department, Geagan is retiring. Photo by Rick Orndorf V, 1 \ %-.1 W •, All, I NA.. Ld l Slider, Power (Windows, Locks), 360 Eng., 40/20/40 SLT Bench, Dual Bags/Shutoff. ot M.S.R.P $28,165 Disc. & Rebate - 4.166 23,999 BUY Due at Start Due at Start Inc. 1st Pymt. • 48 MO. LEASE SPECIAL 5499 p299 '419:z /sIl,g Due at Start Due at Start NO SECURITY DEPOSIT . Due at start plus lic. fees + DOC + tax on cash CAP reduction, payment + tax. On approved credit. '99 DURANCO 4X4's BEST LEASE OPTIONS 60 MO. 48 MO. 36 MO. $3,000 Cash Pymt. Due at $ZSZ MO PER1st $95Mo.• $2,000 Cash + 1st Pymt. Due at Start $306 Mo.' $1,000 Cash + 1st Pymt. Due at Start $303 PER $355 PLR 1.. M ..... + IIIII .Il . AM Eagan edition NEWS 2. NOTES VI jan. 16, 2003 Program underway The Dakota County Library Wescott is sponsoring its third an- nual adult reading pro- gram, a free activity of- fering prizes and incen- tives just for reading. There are no meetings, no committees and no required reading. The Hot Reads for Cold Nights" program runs through Feb. 28. Information: 651- 688-1500. Open houses offered CURRENT SPORTS AV depleted with injuries PAGE 16A Joshua Nichols/Sun Newspapers Eagan Mayor Pat Geagan says a few words after being sworn in as the city's new elected leader. Pat Geagan era begins in Eagan Council kicks off new year with changes, driving range issues BY JOSHUA NICHOLS Sun Newspapers A new chapter in Eagan city government opened Jan. 7 amid flashbulbs, smiles, handshakes and raised right hands. Before getting down to the business of deciding variances and discussing other plans, the council welcomed its new mem- bers at its first meeting of 2003. Speaking about city staff, newly elected Mayor Pat Geagan said after being sworn in by City Administrator Tom Hedges: "You're not going to find a more dedicated group of people. They work very hard to make our job go smoothly" Councilmember Peggy Carl- son, who was re-elected to the council in November, called being a member of the council a "fami- ly affair " Newly elected Councilmember Mike Maguire, who won election to the council along with Carlson, echoed her comments after he took the oath of office. "I'm never going to be able to thank Janelle or Ian enough for their support," Maguire said, re- ferring to his wife and their new- born son. "They helped me get through some of the more anxi- ety -ridden times. You become kind of a fragile person when you run for public office." To greet the new mayor and council member was a light agen- da featuring only a handful of items. One of the items discussed the longest was an issue that was originally not on the agenda and arose out of the council's listen- ing session before the meeting. The owners of Parkview Golf Course came before the council to ask it to consider extending the limitation on lighting its new dri- ving range because of vandalism it has been experiencing since it opened late last year. When the development plan for the driving range came before the council last summer, council members allowed the lights to stay on until 10-30 p.m. GEAGAN: To Page 13A www.mnSun.com Geagan From Page 1A During the Jan. 7 listening session, the council decided that before deciding whether to amend that condition perma- nently, it would like to have a public hear- ing and allow neighbors to comment. However, to help the golf course com- bat potential vandals in the meantime, the council decided to discuss temporar- ily allowing the lights to remain on longer. Council members discussed several new times for allowing the lights to re- main on, ranging from midnight to 2 a.m. However, Carlson said that the time did- n't really matter to vandals. "Lights can help, but if kids are going to do it, they are going to do it," Carlson said. "If they have serious vandalism, they need to keep the lights on to be ef- fective." A motion to extend the time to 1 a.m. failed with only Councilmember Meg Tilley supporting it. A later motion al- lowing the lights to stay on from dusk until dawn until a hearing at the coun- cil's Tuesday, Jan. 21, meeting was passed on a 3-2 vote with Maguire and Tilley voting against it. However, Carlson cautioned that fie would not be voting to continue allowmg the lights to stay on all night permanent- ly and that another long-term solution will have to be discussed at that meeting. In other business: • The council approved a contract with a consultant to help shape.a master plan for Holz Fartia Park, a rustic farm and park owned by thspeity in the south- eastern corner of Eagan". The council had previously approved city staff to proceed with developing the master plan during a September meet- ing. After interviewing several firms `You're not going to find a more dedicated group of people. They work very hard to make our job go smoothly.' — Mayor Pat Geagan submitting proposals, an interview panel recommended Brauer and Associ- ates from Hopkins. "They really seemed to understand who the stakeholders are," said Dorothy Peterson, a parks commissioner and member of the Friends of the Farm, a group that oversees the park. "They also recognized that the Advisory Parks Com- mission and the community would play a part in shaping the plan." Putting together the plan was includ- ed as part of the city's 2002 parks capital improvement plan with an estimated cost of no more than $30,000. Brauer was the only firm interviewed that met that criteria, Petersbn said. Peterson said Brauer has done previ- ous master plan work with Lebanon Hills Regional Park as well as some sim- ilar work in Bloomington, Anoka and Burnsville. Parks and Recreation Director Ken Vraa said the city would be providing much of the baseline information neces- sary to run the process, such as topo- graphical maps and other geographical information already collected about the site. `'This is really more of a process than a drawing," Vraa said. `This is a process of walking the community, Friends of the Farm and the city through the process and looking at what the options are for the area." Apple Valley/Rosemount, Eagan Sun•Current/Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003 13A Joshua Nichols/Sun Newspapers City Administrator Tom Hedges (right) administers the oath of mayor to Pat Geagan. Joshua Nichols/Sun Newspapers City Administrator Tom Hedges (right) administers the oath of office to new council member Mike Maguire " `He's a warm human being who makes you feel very comfortable. u always get the impression that he's there for you.... We're going to miss him a lot.' THE REV. BOB SCHWARTZ, ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF RETIRING POLICE CHIEF PAT GEAGAN BILL ALKOFER/PIONEER PRESS Pat Geagan and his wife, Sue, attended a banquet honoring the chief on his retirement. Geagan became chief in 1989. He worked to get 24- ;anized the much -publicized first community sex -offender notification meeting. Parting is Sweet Sorrow ice chief, known npassion, retires FF WRITER in nabbed plenty of bad guys, offender notification meeting in sed an uproar when he tried to t his staff may best remember k about monkeys. y monkey to answer the tele- chief blurted out at a staff ecalled he was responding to an I answering the telephone. gan almost immediately. Toy on his chair. His birthday cards featured monkeys. Bananas frequently appeared on his desk. At Geagan's retirement party last week, the community had its last chance to play monkey jokes on its beloved chief. He received plenty of monkey stuffed animals, but the most laughs came from a video of the "chief" — City Administrator Tom Hedges — in a full -body monkey costume acting out Geagan's typical day. For more than two hours, police officers and community members shared stories about Geagan. Some were teary -eyed as they talked about how much he cared for employees and the way he knew the names of all of his officers' spouses. Others told funny anecdotes, such as the time police were surprised to find part of Geagan's uni- form in a drug dealer's closet. The criminal had lifted it from the dry cleaners. "I enjoy this job today as much as I did when I put on my badge 30 years ago," Geagan told the crowd. But today, it will be time for the 55-year- old to take off his badge. Geagan plans to stay in Eagan and will spend his time traveling and play- ing golf. City leaders say his replacement, who will be chosen within the next few weeks, will have tough shoes to fill. Geagan will be remembered for the sensitivity he showed toward people going through tough times, such as sitting with the wife of an officer who was dying in the hospital. Professionally, he made his mark by recruiting minorities, starting the police chaplain program and guiding the department during a time of rapid growth. And although his last name is pronounced "gaygen," he will be known as the chief with a name similar to the city he serves. GEAGAN CONTINUED ON 2B "He's a warm human being who makes you feel very comfortable. You always get the impression that he's there for you.... We're going to miss him THE REV. BOB SCHWARTZ, ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF RETIRIP Eagan Pollee Chief Pat Geagan and his wife, Sue, attended a banquet honoring the chief on his retirement. Geagan became chief in 19 hour patrol and organized the much -publicized first community sex -offender notification meeting. Parting is Sweet Sono Eagan police chief, known for his compassion, retires AMY SHERMAN STAFF WRITER Chief Pat Geagan nabbed plenty of bad guys, held the first sex offender notification meeting in Minnesota and caused an uproar when he tried to limit picketing, but his staff may best remember him for a wisecrack about monkeys. "I can train any monkey to answer the tele- phone," the police chief blurted out at a staff meeting. Geagan recalled he was responding to an officer who avoided answering the telephone. The teasing began almost immediately. Toy monkeys appeared on his chair. His birthday cards featured monkeys. Bananas frequently appeared on his desk. At Geagan's retirement party last week, the community had its last chance to play monkey jokes on its beloved chief. He received plenty of monkey stuffed animals, but the most laughs came from a video of the "chief" — City Administrator Tom Hedges — in a full -body monkey costume acting out Geagan's typical day. For more than two hours, police officers and community members shared stories about Geagan. Some were teary -eyed as they talked about how much he cared for employees and the way he knew the names of all of his officers' spouses. Others told funny anecdotes, such as the time police were surprised to find part of Geagan's uni- form in a drug dealer's closet. The criminal had lifted it from the dry cleaners. "I enjoy this job today as much as I did when I put on my badge 30 yea crowd. But today, it will old to take off his badge. Eagan and will spend his ing golf. City leaders s( will be chosen within tl have tough shoes to fill. Geagan will be remen he showed toward peof times, such as sitting wi who was dying in the hi made his mark by recrt the police chaplain pri department during a tin although his last name is will be known as the chi( the city he serves. Eagan gets first glimpse of new mayor, council in action Geagan, Maguire and re-elected Carlson take oath of office by Erin Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS The first Eagan City Council meeting with new Mayor Pat Geagan and Council Member Mike Maguire was not without its bumps, but a smiling Geagan assured the audience, "We'll figure this out, folks" Geagan, who was elected to a four-year term as mayor, and Maguire, elected to a four-year term as a city council member, joined re-elected Council Member Peggy Carlson for the official swearing in at Tuesday's council meeting. Each took the oath of office, in which they promised to uphold the U.S. and state constitutions and faithfully • r a,. .. .mod New Eagan Mayor Pat Geagan says a few words to the audience after taking the oath of office. and impartially discharge the "The oath of office is proba- duties of their office for the city bly one of the most important of Eagan. See Council, 6A 6A January 11, 2003 THISWEEK Council/from 1A parts that our city council mem- bers take part in," said City Administrator Toni Hedges. After taking the oath, the three elected officials were given a chance to say a few words to the audience before resuming the meeting. Geagan, the former police. chief of Eagan, thanked his fam- ily, as well as the police officers that were there to show support. He also acknowledged the cur- rent and past council members. "I don't think you're ever going to find a more dedicated group of people," he said. "They really care about the community and I am looking very much for- EG ward to working with them. The staff here is special, and Tom Hedges, under his leadership, we're very, very fortunate to have him with us. I look forward to working with everybody here in the future." Carlson, now the most sea- soned member of the council, introduced and thanked her fam- ily, husband, Jay, daughter Shelby, 15, and son Eric, 13, for their support. "A council member — it's a family affair," she said. "They put up with your leaving at all hours and the phone calls and everything else." Maguire thanked the citizens of Eagan for allowing him into their homes while he was cam - Another bright idea? Let us "spark" your imagination! HURRY!! Offer expires January 31. ELECTRIC 5885 I49th Street West, Suite 101 Apple Valley, MN 55124 Tel: 952-431-0747 • Residential • Commercial • New Construction, Remodels and Additions • Additional Outlets, Lights or Switches • Phone and TV Jacks • And Much Morel! ,,,,. ••. I paigning and for "being courte- ous enough to wait to throw the literature away until I was out of sight." He also thanked his col- leagues on the council for help- ing him through the transition, as well as his wife and son. "Peggy is absolutely right — there is not just one person who runs for any office, and I'll never thank Janelle and Ian enough for all they did to help me to run and coach me through some of the anxiety -ridden times during the campaign," he said. The meeting was relatively brief and the agenda decidedly modest, allowing the newcom- ers to adjust to their positions and learn the ropes. "Mayor Geagan and I had nothing to do with setting up the agenda, but Tom Hedges had told me that it would be a fairly light one," said Maguire. As for his feelings on finally taking office, Maguire said it feels good to finally drop the "elect" part of his new title. "It felt good to get down to business," he said. "I was sur- prised at how anxious I was going into the meeting. The light agenda gave me a chance to get my feet wet in what almost felt like a dry run." What surprised him the most, he said, is how much faster the pace is from behind the council Photo by Rick Orndorf Council Member Peggy Carlson, far left, and Council Member Mike Maguire, far right, are joined by their families as they are sworn into office by City Administrator Tom Hedges. dais. It's a very different experi- ence than when he attended meetings as an audience mem- ber, he said. "Some things on the agenda move pretty quickly," he said. "There was a time there when I really wanted more time to think about an item. But we'll start seeing items that we've devel- oped a relationship with in time. When you don't have that histo- ry, you're a little tentative with it. "We'll get more and more comfortable until we're in there mixing it up just as well as council members Carlson, Tilley and Fields." Geagan could not be reached for comment before this issue went to press. But as the meet- ing drew to a close Tuesday, he addressed a troop of fourth - grade Eagan Boy Scouts that attended the meeting. "Come back in a couple of weeks," he said. "It will go a whole lot smoother." Erin Johnson is at eagan.thisweek@ecm-inc.com. -1101111111.11. Eagan State of the City Address Thursday, March zo, 2003 at the Eagan City Hall Council Chambers 8:oo a.m. registration & refreshments at 7:3o a.m. Mayor Pat Geagan presents 2002 accomplishments & 2.003 City Counci[ goals Watch it live on City Cable 16 or in replay on March it, at 5:00 p.m. & 9:3o p.m. Call 651-675-Soon 4400. for information city of ecigan o3"`s E#330350 Pat Geagan Pat Geagan, 57, said his years as Eagan Police chief gives him the required ex- perience to do a good job as Eagan mayor. Geagan spent 30 years with the Eagan Police Depart- ment, 10 of those as chief. "I have man- agement experi- ence of working with a large organization and I think that makes me different from the other candidates," Geagan said. "I have dealt with crisis situations and I am familiar with city government because I worked in it for some time." Geagan, who has lived in Dakota County for 35 years, 20 of those years in Eagan, said if voters elect him they will get a mayor who will work hard and have an open-door policy. "I will always work hard and be faith- ful to the citizens of Eagan," Geagan said. "I like an open environment and I don't think secrets are a good thing. I like to in- volve as many people as possible in deci- sion making." Geagan ITETiion while being unbiased is one of v he reasons she should be re-elected. "I am very willing to work with other 1 people and I am able to work with any- e pody and everybody," she said. "I believe s n researching all the issues before mak- t ng a decision." I s Margo Danner Margo Danner pas lived in the iedar Grove ieighborhood of Eagan for nearly 10 years. She said ier involvement n community is- ;ues, such as the Eagan Communi- 1 ;y Center, the Eagan Lionesses ind being a mem- Der of the Eagan Danner Parks Commis- sion, makes her a good candidate for the ouncil. "I've been so involved in the city with many issues," Danner said. "I don't see Eagan as a city with a lot of big problems. 1 Dne of the ones I would like to address is what I see as a lack of communication, both internally and with citizens." Danner said she is willing to work to make sure the concerns of residents are Pa/ GEAGA N FOR EAGAN MAYOR "Eagan is a great place to live and raise children. I want to keep it that way." Pat Geagan www.geaganformayor.com PEOPLE KNOW PAT GEAGAN: ■ "He is a man of principle and integrity, a true leader and a first-rate administrator. He will make a wonderful mayor for the city of Eagan." DUN GUDMUNDSON, Dakota County Sheriff ■ "Pat reminds me of the Lone Oak Tree, a symbol of strength and maturity. I highly endorse him." TED WACHTER, Past Councilmember • "Pat Geagan's strong leadership with the very first community notification meeting in Minnesota was a model for other communities. As police chief, he set the tone for respectful, educational meetings that create a safer world for all of us." PATTY WETTERLING, Jacob Wetterling Foundation • -1 have always had the highest esteem for Pat Geagan, both as a person and as a public official. Pat's dedication to the city of Eagan, including most recently as police chief, demonstrates his strong character and integrity." Tom EGAN, Past Eagan Mayor • "Pat Geagan knows how to build successful relationships and partnerships...' Tom WILsoN, Eagan High School • "Pat's character, leadership, and experience make him my clear choice for mayor." CLYDE THURSTON, Eagan resident CONTACT PAT www. geaganformayor. com 651-452-7215 Prepared and paid for by Geagan for Mayor, Paul Jaeb, Treasurer, 3440 Federal Drive, Suite 130, Eagan, MN 55122 Vot 1 Taesday Pat Geagan Eagan Mayor "There is a Cot of Eagan in me and big part of me in Eagan. " PAT GEAGAN, FORMER EAGAN CHIEF of POLICE www.geaganformavor.com CaII - 651-452-7215 PAT GEAGAN EAGAN "I have always had the highest esteem for Pat Geagan, both as a person and as a public official. Pat's dedication to the city of Eagan, including most recently as police chief, demonstrates his strong character and integrity." Tom EGAN, Past Eagan Mayor ❑ Understands that residents and businesses need taxes to stay low ❑ Understands that residents want safe and secure neighborhoods ❑ Understands that Eagan families put a high priority on good communication and responsive service from City staff and police PAT GEAGAN HAS EXPERIENCE "Pat reminds me of the Lone Oak Tree, a symbol of strength and maturity. I highly endorse him." TED WACHTER, Past Councilmember • Experience managing large budgets, and a 100 employee, 24/7 department ❑ Experience in emergency planning and responding to Eagan and Dakota County crises ❑ Experience with city codes, interacting with city residents and making city history PAT GEAGAN HAS SENSIBLE VALUES AND IS NOT AFRAID TO ACT "Pat Geagan knows how to build successful relationships and partnerships..." Tone WILSON, Eagan High School ❑ Values sound communica- tion and building bridges between the city and its neighborhoods and organizations ❑ Values common sense solutions that benefit all citizens, rather than robbing City funds for single causes ❑ Values integrity, mutual respect and a problem solving approach on the council Prepared and paid for by Geagan for Mayor, Paul Jaeb, Treasurer, 3440 Federal Drive, Suite 130, Eagan, MN 55122 a Going roundabout/2A Eagan and Dakota County plan to use an increasingly popular intersection alternative called a roundabout at Diffley and Rahn. Man charged/2A A Shakopee man has been charged in connec- tion with two armed robberies and a burglary in three area communities, including Eagan. ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-THIRD YEAR DAKOTA COUNTY rib un e III,IuhuIl''illlululflhuls,slllultt'II.Iu'uIuIiIIIltIIlt''ll *****AUTO**SCH 5-D1GIT 55120 Eagan City of 3830 PILOT KNOB RD EAGAN MN 55122-1897 Thursday Morning, January 4, 2007 BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA Council Member Peggy Carlson presents Mayor Pat Geagan with a plaque of appreciation for his leadership as mayor for the past four years. Mayor's fond farewell Pat Geagan says goodbye as he passes the torch to new mayor by Erin Johnson DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE Pat Geagan said an emo- tional farewell to the city and his council colleagues during his final meeting as mayor of Eagan on Dec. 19. Geagan did not seek re- election to the post he has held since 2002. He will be succeed- ed by Council Member Mike Maguire in January. "I just want to say thank you for everything and for the overwhelming support we had during the last four years," he said. "This is certainly a job that no one person does, it's a council effort, and I just have to say how much I appreciate everybody's assistance." See Geagan, 6A Photo In ROE Orndor] Geagan said an emotional farewell to the city he has led since 2002 at his last city council meeting on Dec. 19. Sitting behind him is his successor, Mayor -elect Mike Maguire. 147240 50 CENTS NUMBER FORTY-FIVE 2A January 4, 2007 DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE DAKOTA COUNTY ri6.une ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-THIRD YEAR BURNSVILLE, MINNESOTA 147240 Artist at her apogee Local photographer receives Kodak award Photo by Jessica Harpe Jen Hillenga has been named Kodak's 2006 Photographer to Watch, one of two such honorees nationwide. Hillenga plies her trade at Momento Images in Savage. INSIDE FRONT Arts groups eye future center warily by John Gessner DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE Leaders of local arts groups didn't get too excited when the City Council and a private de- veloper agreed to build a per- forming -arts center in Burns- ville. Performing and visual arts groups have wanted a cen- ter for years, and were on the ground floor of planning that began in 2000. But the groups wonder if a new center — even a publicly owned one — will have a place for them. Some arts leaders are al- ready exploring plans. to buy the Minnesota River School of Fine Art and maintain it as a nonprofit music and visual arts school. And performance groups that have scrambled for the- ater space worry that the new center may be too expensive to rent anyway. The city's contract with M.A. Mortenson Co. requires the developer to build a center for a private third party or, failing that, to act as construc- tion manager for a city -built center. It also requires the company to build a Sheraton See Arts Center, 28A inci al d Gideon Pond Man charged in by Erin Johnson DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE A Shakopee man has been charged in connection with two armed robberies and a burglary in three area commu- nities, including Eagan, and is suspected of several burglaries and another armed robbery around the metro area. Dannie Rambahal, 21, has been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and second-degree assault, both felonies, in connection with armed robberies in Eagan and West St. Paul. The Eagan incident oc- curred at the Oasis Market on Coachman Road around 1:40 a m nn Tlar• 11 A rrnrrlinn 4n armed robbery like a semi -automatic hand- gun. Rambahal, who was one of the rear passengers, admitted that he had robbed the conve- nience store moments before, but claimed the other occu- pants in the vehicle had no knowledge of the crime, police said. Rambahal was later identi- fied by the store clerk. Rambahal is also accused of the armed robbery of a Game Stop store in West St. Paul on Dec. 15, during which two suspects carrying guns fled with more than $11,000 in cash and electronic games. In addition, he is charged suitl, tl, i rrl_rlanraa h„ rnl ar., onri )UNTY TRIBUNE Geagan/from 1A Geagan praised the council for coming together over the last four years and. doing "some good things." He became especially P emo- tional when thanking his wife and family for supporting him during the . past four years, which "have been tough ones," he said. "As many .of you know ... I've struggled with Parkin- son's disease, and the deep brain stimulation surgery that has gone along with that;" he said. "I'd like to report that although it doesn't look like it tonight, the surgery was suc- cessful." Geagan has undergone five surgeries since June to help control. disabling motor symptoms of the disease such as tremors. As he stood at the podium in the council cham- bers, his right arm was visibly shaking. "It needs. to be tweaked a bit on the right side," he said. The scars on his shaved head were also visible, but he jokingly blamed his lack of hair on the stress of the job. "My wife wanted me to make sure to share with you that• the fact that I have no hair is not due to my family, but. it has more to do with my colleagues here," he said. Geagan has served the city • in some capacity for 34 of the last 37 years.. He first joined the Eagan Police Department as a part-time officer in 1969 and was appointed police chief in 1989. He retired from the de- partment in 1999 and ran for mayor three years later. He will be missed by the community, said City Admin- istrator Tom Hedges, a close friend who has known Geagan since 1976. - "Pat Geagan is all about relationships.. He's not afraid to go out and talk to people," Hedges said. "That's one, the -reasons he's 'excelled leadership." "Geagan said he believes made good on his promise make the council more incl sive, and said he is proud his interaction .with the bu ness community over the,pa four years.,.. • He is also proud of his e forts to protect. green • spac ',During his tenure, the ci helped- preserve the Capo • Art. Park fore future gener tions and added.a9-acre parc to Patrick Eagan Park. He wa also.part of the city's decisio to fight proposed housing o Carriage Hills Golf Course.. Maguire said Geagan _ha been a valued friend and men tor over the past four years and he will enjoy looking a the picture .of Geagan tha now hangs alongside' photos of Eagan's past- mayors in the council chambers. "I've learned, a number of of things from you, but three of at them are to be patient„listen, and try , always to smile," he he said. "My smile won't be any - to where near as electric as yours u- is, but I will, try to carry those of . lessons as I look back at that si- picture in the coming years." st When asked what his plans are now, Geagan said he will f- continue to work as a private • investigator for Heartland. Business Intelligence, and he looks forward to spending more time with his family. "Right now I'm on my way to pick- up my wife, and we're going 'to take the grandkids to the movie's,°' he said: The amount of -time re- quired to be Eagan's mayor re- ally surprised him, he'said, but he will -miss it. e. ty ni a - el s, n n s t "It's going to be an empty t spot to fill, that's for sure,". he. said. Erin Johnson is ut Eagan. thi.siveek@ecm-inc. coin. DAKOTA COUNT Whittling away at the demand Agency's 16th workforce housing development won't be ready for residents until 2008 by Tad Johnson THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS In Dakota County, families looking to move into one of the Community Development Agency's (CDA) 14 workforce housing developments have to wait at least six and up to 18 months before they rise to the top of a list that stretches 1,000 applicants long. "The honest situation is that there aren't enough re- sources out there," said Mark Ulfers, CDA director. "We are lucky in any given year to complete one or two proj- ects." One of those projects — the Rosemount Family Townhomes — likely will have construction start on it in Au- gust and it won't be ready for occupancy until spring 2008. It's hardly the timeline the s!atlR>`iS,;: ih ' li i• �,.�', ■ Graphic submitted The Rosemount Family Townhomes located northwest of the Highway 3 and Connemara Trail intersection likely will have construction start on it in August and it won't be ready for occupancy until spring 2008. "That is surprising to peo- ple that the wait is that long," Ulfers said. "We tell people right up front. We don't want to create a false expectation." CDA's workforce hous- ing projects charge less than market rate rent to qualified Ulfers. Through their homebuyer education classes and home ownership counselors, CDA assures that people who move into a home can afford the costs going forward. "This gives people an op- ment. Neighbors raised con- cerns about increased traffic volumes and the CDA pur- chased additional land and set aside about $330,000 in total costs for the additional work. The only other change from prior approvals to the eight, two-story buildings was using different materials on the most visible side facing Highway 3. Ulfers said typically the CDA uses five to seven differ- ent sources of funding for each project. This project will be 99 percent owned by a private partner who provides about 60 percent of the financing. U.S. Bancorp has been a private partner in 13 of the CDA's 15 workforce housing projects. Although there is a private owner, CDA remains the general partner and is re- GEAGAN SAGA N M AYOR Dear Neighbor, After years of growth, our city is almost fully developed. Eagan is moving into a challenging phase. It is a maintenance phase, maintaining our low taxes, maintaining our quality parks and way of life, and maintaining our safe and secure neighborhoods. My years of service in the Eagan police force and as Chief of Police, together with my leadership in a host of charitable and civic organizations, have given me the management experience and leadership skills that Eagan will need in the coming years. I am asking for your vote on September 10 and November 5. Your vote is a vote for a healthy, wholesome and successful city. Pat Geagan A VISIONARY LEADER WHO KNOWS EAGAN www.gtaganformayor.com Pat Geagan's Priorities Communication After such rapid growth, the City of Eagan will need to adjust to being a mature city. We will need to put a high priority on communication. This means that citizens should be encouraged to talk about what they want their community to be, and elected officials and city staff will need to listen. Communication is the key. Communication is an active dialogue. In the coming years, together we will need to find ways to utilize resources to retain our low tax status and to continue to provide the highest quality of services. We certainly can better utilize the Internet, cable television and old fashioned, face-to-face community meetings to improve our understanding of each other- elected officials, citizens and city staff. Together we will need to figure out how to do the same good job with fewer resources. Wise Financial Planning I am proud that this is a city that has always been frugal and maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. We have carefully considered how to use the taxpayers money in the flush times of the housing boom and those same skills will need to be applied as the economy slows and as there are fewer new developments to add to city revenues. We might have to reduce some services or eliminate others that people do not think are of high priority. These are tough decisions to snake and I am prepared to face them. It is in the best interest of all of us that we do not use taxpayers money to do that which is best left for businesses and non-profit organizations. I believe that the people of Eagan are fiscally conservative. They save for what they want, and they cut back when the budget gets tight. The city should do the same. Safe and Secure City As a former policeman and chief, I know there is nothing more valuable to a family than feeling safe in your home and your neighborhood. From nationwide acts of terrorism to children disappearing from their own bedrooms at night, we are ever mindful of the importance of a safe community. These new circumstances recognize the need for new attention to safety by all citizens. As Eagan's mayor, I would make sure that safety and security of our neighborhoods and parks will remain a top priority. High standards require sensible, efficient and thorough procedures, and close cooperation with county, state and federal authorities. Often the common sense solution can be found when right-minded people take on the complex problems together. /11 "Eagan is a great pace to five and raise chi&dren. 1 want to keep it that way." Pat Geagan An Interview with Pat Geagan Why are you running for Mayor? My experience in managing budgets and people enable me to be a leader on city issues and ensure that our government reflects the intent of all citizens. I feel like I am a part of Eagan and Eagan is a part of me. I care about the community and I know it will face many chal- lenges iii the near future. I want to guide Eagan through these challenging times. What are the three most important issues facing Eagan in the next four years? Taxation and financial management, transportation gridlock and the new runway bringing airplanes over Cedar Grove in 2005 are issues that will need to be addressed. Focusing on these complex issues early will be important. In each of these areas a well planned, strategic approach will help us use tax money wisely, benefit from citizen, business and government agency cooperation, and keep Eagan citizens well informed at each step along the way. Those are the challenges facing Eagan. What is your leadership style and how will you use that as mayor? I listen. I like to hear what others think, and consider that when making a decision. Soon after the elections the new city council and mayor will need to take time to get to know each other to begin to act as a team. The council needs to develop a mutual respect for each others' point of view. This gives a good foundation to rely on when making important decisions for a city of this size. We will have to agree to disagree, to respect opposing votes and be good students of the question, "What is in the best interest of our city?" We cannot be good representatives when narrowly focused on per- sonal agendas. Get to Know Pat ■ Pat, the oldest of five siblings, was born in Graceville, Minnesota and raised in Mound. "We were so poor we didn't have two nickels to rub together," remembers Pat. Family was all important to the Geagans. At age 15 Pat assumed serious family responsibilities due to the untimely death of his father. IN "The paper route was my first job," said Pat. "I started the route when I was 10 and had the route for three years. It helped me buy school clothes and other basic things that were needed." ■ Pat's career in law enforcement began in Eagan, Minnesota in 1969. At that time, Eagan had 13 police officers and a population of 8,000. Pat worked in the evening patrolling near the Cedar River Bridge for teen parties. ■ When Pat was sworn in as Chief of Police and Eagan had grown to a population of 45,000. When Pat retired ten years later, Eagan's population was 65,000, with a 100- person police department and more than 60 sworn officers. • Pat attended the two management training programs at the FBI Academy in Washington, D.C. After one program the certificate was presented by the director of the FBI, Louis Freeh. • After 5 years on the board of the Minnesota Association of Police Chiefs, Pat served as president. • Pictured in his first uniform as a proud boy scout at age 12, Pat remains involved in scouting today as Chair of the Black Dog District of the Boy Scouts of America. His wife, Sue, wasn't the first to note that he always looked good in uniform! • Continuing his attraction to wearing a uniform, Pat started a three -and -a -half year military career by starting his training as a medic at an army base in Greenville, Mississippi. ■ Pat and Sue Geagan have been married for 27 years and have five children and six grand children. Together they enjoy golf, Twins baseball and camping with their grandchildren. • For the past 2 years Pat has applied his investigative skills as a senior investigator. He works for Heartland Business Intelligence, a Minneapolis based investigation business. ■ Pat recently had the honor of throwing out the first ball at an August Eagan Family night at the Twins attended by 500 Eagan baseball fans. When to Vote? You can IegaHv vote for Pat twice September 10- Primary Election 7:oo a.m. to 8:00 mm. The primary election allows voters to reduce the number of candidates vying for each open seat. There is no party affiliation in the mayor or city council races. Currently four Eagan citizens are interested in being our city's mayor. Vote Geagan. November 5- General Election 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The November general election is when we make our selection for mayor, city council and a number of state and national offices. With a record number of positions on the ballot in November, don't overlook our local elections. The mayor and city council members make decisions about your street, your neighborhood and your community. Vote Geagan. Where to note? Geagan Geagan Information from the City of Eagan's Internet page, www.cityofeagan.com. For more details in the location of your polling location based on your address go to the Secretary of States office's on the Internet at www.sos.state.mn.us. Precinct ---location-- Address Precinct ---Location— Address 1. Pilot Knob Elementary — 1436 Lone Oak Road 2. Oak Hills Church * — 1570 Yankee Doodle Road 3. Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church — 2950 Highway 55 4. Cedar Elementary School — 2140 Diffley Road 5. Mount Calvary Lutheran Church — 3930 Rahn Road 6. Deerwood Elementary * — 1480 Deerwood Drive 7. Eagan Fire Administration Building — 3795 Pilot Knob Road 8. Eagan Municipal Center — Council Chambers — 3830 Pilot Knob Road 9. Woodland School — 945 Wescott Road 10. St. John Neumann Church 4030 Pilot Knob Road 11. Northview Elementary School — 965 Diffley Road 12. Living Word Lutheran Church* — 4300 Nicols Road Nbndota Height 13. Rahn Elementary School — 4424 Sandstone Drive 14. Christ Lutheran Church — 1930 Diffley Road 15. Thomas Lake Elementary- 4350 Thomas Lake Road 16. Easter Lutheran Church — 4200 Pilot Knob Road 17. St. Thomas Becket Church 4455 South Robert Trail 18. Fire Station No. 5 — 4701 Galaxie Avenue 19. Chapel Hill Church — 4888 Pilot Knob Road 20. Red Pine Elementary — 530 Red Pine Lane 21. Pinewood Elementary — 4300 Dodd Road * Indicates a polling location change Taik to Pat-- 651-452-1215 or send an e-mail pat@9eaganformayor.com Prepared and paid for by Geagan for Mayor, Paul Jaeb, treasurer, 3440 Federal Drive, Suite 130, Eagan, MN 55122