Metropolitan Mosquito Control District Presentation and Operations Update
No formal vote required; informational presentation and Q&A.
Dissent: None; presentation was received without objection.
Alex Carlson presented the MMCD's comprehensive mosquito and vector control operations. Key points included: (1) The district serves seven metro counties with funding from property taxes (~$10.80 per median home annually); (2) Of 52 mosquito species in Minnesota, approximately 20 are human pests; (3) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach uses larval control (144,000+ acres treated in 2023, significantly more in 2024) via helicopter, ground application, and newly deployed drones; (4) Surveillance includes wetland dipping, CO2 traps, and human collections; (5) Three full-time entomologists and seasonal staff operate a St. Paul laboratory for species identification and disease vector testing; (6) Disease vectors include West Nile Virus, Jamestown Canyon, La Crosse, Cytis Triple E, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and dog heartworm; (7) 2024 saw above-average rainfall but below-average mosquito populations due to three prior drought years; (8) 2025 forecast predicts significant Cattail mosquito surge in early July based on overwintering larvae models; (9) Public education emphasizes removal of standing water (buckets, tires, gutters, tree holes); (10) Free tire recycling program available; (11) Drones being deployed across all six MMCD field facilities in 2025, with Rosemount facility (serving Lakeville) receiving its first drone in 2025.
Lakeville Police Department Fourth Quarter 2024 Report
No formal vote required; informational report received without objection.
Dissent: None; report was received with appreciation.
Police Chief Brad Paulson presented the department's Q4 2024 activities and year-over-year statistics. Key highlights: (1) Three new police officer hires: Adam Peterson (10 years Carver County Sheriff's Office experience), Josh Wickner (12 years Mystic Lake Casino security/training), Brandon McCarthy (4 years Fairbow PD); (2) Sergeant Thor Hagen graduated from Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (10-week program, Monday-Friday) and was promoted to Lieutenant effective April 2025; (3) Cadet Nick Novo completing state-funded training; two additional cadets starting February 2025 with $100,000 total grant funding from Minnesota Department of Public Safety; (4) $2,500 grant from Minnesota Chiefs of Police Foundation for Support Services liaison supplies and crisis intervention materials; (5) Prescription drug take-back program collected 187 boxes (2,300+ pounds) in 2024; (6) Case files down ~400 from 2023 despite community growth; (7) Crisis response unit transferred 101 calls in 2024 with 81% handled without police involvement; (8) Mental health-related calls (welfare checks, crisis calls) remained steady year-over-year; (9) Traffic stops down slightly; property damage accidents up slightly; personal injury crashes down 20%; (10) Community engagement: Coffee with Cops at senior facilities, Cops and Coats (360 coats collected), Shop with a Hero (partnership with Lakeville Public Safety Foundation and Target), Santa and Blue event at Heritage Center; (11) Training: Defensive tactics instructors completed vehicle extraction course; full department training at Hero Center (Cottage Grove); PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) training for new staff; (12) K9 Tank retired in 2021, passed away end of 2024 after 13 years of service; (13) Youth Citizens Academy held in late October with ~15 high school students; planned for fall 2025 repeat.
Resolution Amending Fire Relief Association Bylaws (Item 6H)
Approved as part of Consent Agenda (Item 6); all council members voted in favor (5-0).
Dissent: None; approved without discussion.
Moved by Unknown [Timestamp: ~1:27:00] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp: ~1:27:00]
Mr. Miller highlighted Item 6H on the consent agenda, noting that the Fire Relief Association bylaws amendment would shorten the vesting schedule for the pension fund serving paid and volunteer firefighters and modify compensation for board members. The item had been discussed at a prior work session on an unspecified date.
Public Hearing and License Approval: On-Sale and Sunday Liquor License for Taqueria Los Compadres (Item 7A)
5-0 Approved (Roll call: Burmel-Yes, Keier-Yes, Volk-Yes, Walter-Yes, Lee-Yes)
Dissent: None; approved unanimously.
Moved by John [Timestamp: ~1:32:00] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp: ~1:32:00]
Public hearing held for liquor license application from Taqueria Los Compadres at 11276 210 Street West, Unit 102. Background check was completed and cleared. No public comment was received. Council approved the license by motion and roll call vote.
Public Hearing and Approval: Antlers Ridge Second Edition Preliminary Plat, Conditional Use Permit, and Easement Vacation (Item 7B)
5-0 Approved (Roll call: Burmel-Yes, Walter-Yes, Lee-Yes, Bulk-Yes, Helier-Yes)
Dissent: None; approved unanimously. Mayor offered congratulations, noting the project had been 'long overdue' and 'stalled.'
Moved by Dan [Timestamp: ~1:52:00] · Seconded by Unknown [Timestamp: ~1:52:00]
Dale Willenbring of Tamar Land Development presented the second phase of the Antlers Ridge residential development. The project proposes six additional twin homes, amending the original 2023 preliminary plat (approved for 54 total units) to 60 units. The development is located north of Kenfield Trail and east of Kendrick Avenue, zoned R-ST2 for single and two-family residential. Key points: (1) First phase (34 town homes/twin homes) final plat approved July 24, 2024; (2) Second phase adds six twin homes with revised street layout and adjusted lot sizes; (3) A ghost plat was provided showing potential future connection to Kendrick Avenue via adjacent Merck property; (4) A half-circle turnaround (called to sack) will be constructed to provide adequate emergency vehicle access; (5) Future Kendrick Avenue extension contingent on adjacent property development; (6) Minor drainage and utility easement vacation required, to be replaced upon final plat approval; (7) Shoreland ordinance compliance required; property abuts water within an outlot already deeded to the city; (8) Total impervious surface maintained under 25% threshold; (9) Landscaping plan includes street trees; (10) Planning Commission held public hearing January 23rd and unanimously recommended approval. Council member Joshua Lee asked about the timing of the Kendrick Avenue extension, confirming it would not occur until the adjacent property sells.