Dakota County
Tribune
Farmington | Rosemount and the surrounding areas
www.dakotacountytribune.com
NEWS Exceptional Businesswomen Cinda Lohmann, the longtime employee of Flint Hills Resources in Rosemount, was honored last week at special event. Page 2A
OPINION Protecting state waters State, county and municipal government in cooperation with local citizens can help protect Minnesota’s rivers and lakes. Page 4A
March 10, 2016 • Volume 131 • Number 2
Parks question put on ballot Rosemount seeks voter approval for up to $15 million in bonds by Tad Johnson SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Melanie Nelson said she’d like to start a family some day and settle in Rosemount, but she doesn’t know if she will because, in her estimation, the recreational amenities are better in neighboring communities. The Rosemount High School graduate who is now a student at Bethel University urged during the March 2 City Coun-
cil meeting that residents grant the city of Rosemount authority to issue up to $15 million in general obligation bonds so it can complete several Parks and Recreation Department projects. “These facilities will benefit all of Rosemount,� she said of the plan, which would fund construction of a new ice rink, add baseball and soccer-sized fields in two different locations and improve Central Park.
Many other people in Rosemount feel the same as Nelson. During the past year, city leaders met with parents of players affiliated with the Rosemount Area Athletic Association, Rosemount Area Hockey Association, Rev Soccer and others to talk about recreational facilities. The message was that these organizations don’t have enough sites to accommodate the interest in their programs. Some
sports are turning away participants, and the opportunity to schedule practices and games is a struggle, according to sports association organizers. As a result of the feedback at these meetings, the City Council set as one of its goals putting a bond referendum on the ballot in 2016. The City Council approved on March 2 setting the election date as May 17. Polling place informa-
Tigers make history
Burnsville businesswoman earns the backing of seven-term representative
Debut album for local artist
by Tad Johnson SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
Farmington’s Darby Grengs, No. 25, and Andy Meyer, No. 7, fight for possession during the Class AA state boys hockey tournament last week at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The team finished sixth. To read more about the team’s historic run, turn to Page 8A.
Dial up some cool jazz Rosemount, Apple Valley connections abound in 651 Jazz
by Tad Johnson SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
SPORTS Swimmers vie at state Farmington’s Austin Kueck places seventh in the 500-yard freestyle at the state swimming and diving meet in Minneapolis. Page 8A
PUBLIC NOTICE The Dakota County Tribune is an official newspaper of the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District.
Those who like a little knowledge along with their entertainment should mark March 19 on their calendars. That’s when the sounds of 651 Jazz will come alive inside the Steeple Center performance hall in Rosemount. The band, which is comprised of members with Rosemount and Apple Valley connections, will play some familiar and not-so recognizable jazz tunes, which will be served with slices of musical insight that aim to deepen the musical experience. Greg Twaites, a Rosemount resi- Members of 651 Jazz are keyboardist Jim Bolland, vocalist Madison dent who has played in many Twin Holtze, saxophonist Connor Carroll, drummer Dave Miller, bassist Greg Twaites and guitarist Warren Backer. (Photo submitted) See JAZZ, 7A
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As the crowded field seeking the GOP endorsement in the 2nd District was reduced by two last week, one candidate earned a p e r s o n a l Darlene e n d o r s e - Miller ment from the exiting representative. U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-Burnsville, announced on Tuesday that he is endorsing Permac Industries CEO Darlene Miller in the five-candidate field. “Darlene Miller has the conservative values and real world experience we need in Congress, and she is the candidate that can win in November,� Kline said in a statement. Miller, who announced she would seek the 2nd District seat in early January, has touted her business and political experience in her campaign. “I am honored to be See MILLER, 7A
Farmington is home for Mayor Todd Larson Mayor highlights last 12 months in State of the City by Andy Rogers SUN THISWEEK DAKOTA COUNTY TRIBUNE
INDEX
See BOND, 6A
Kline endorses Miller in 2nd District
THISWEEKEND
Lakeville native Jake Gustafson, aka Jake Gusto, is set to release his full-length debut album “Borderline’ later this month. Page 13A
tion will be released at a later date. If approved, the estimated tax impact to the median value home of $238,250 would be $99 per year for the 20-year life of the bonds. City Administrator Dwight Johnson said the city plans to include park bond specifics in a special newsletter, on its website and during a possible public meeting on the topic.
Mayor Todd Larson touted Farmington’s safety and hometown atmosphere during his annual State of the City presentation Monday over lunch at the Ground Round. He said when people come home from work and cross into Farmington’s boundaries, they tend to deflate. Larson noted the city’s designation as one of Minnesota’s 10 safest cities by Safewise, which used the most recent FBI crime data, and gave credit to the Farmington Police Department. Farmington’s hometown atmosphere is replacing that smalltown feel, and that’s all right, he
said. “I love the small-town feel, but that doesn’t promote growth or advancement,� Larson said. Larson said the city is currently working on its 2040 comprehensive plan, which is a road map for how to plan the city. One common question he’s asked by residents is when more commercial development will come to town, specifically Chipotle. “People love Chipotle,� Larson said. “The city doesn’t invest taxpayer dollars to building a Chipotle, but if we put in a plan, a business plan, we’ll be ready when they do.� The city is also working on trying to get more businesses into Vermillion River Crossings,
a commercial development area west of Denmark Avenue and south of County Road 50. In the past year, the city has been proactive on changing ordinances for emerging businesses such as tap rooms. City officials are working on other plans as well. A downtown redevelopment task force is putting together a plan, which should be ready by April. “Farmington is eventually going to redevelop and we want a plan in place,� Larson said. “If someone wants to buy a building, we have a plan. We don’t want to Farmington Mayor Todd Larson do it willy-nilly.� The city has also formed a touted the city’s livability during his annual State of the City address. (Photo by Andy Rogers) See FARMINGTON, 5A
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