The Wayzata City Council approved the site plan and design standards review for an addition at Blake School's Highcroft Campus.
The two-story project will add 8,000 square feet of space to the facility, according to an executive summary prepared by Wayzata's planning consultant Scott Richards.
Art programs, pre-kindergarten programs and an entryway will be included in the project.
Part of the addition will be an asymmetrical structure clad in copper.
Architect James Dayton said he aimed to show respect for the original building, yet create a cutting-edge design.
Reactions varied among council members. Council Member Sue Bangert didn't exactly praise the copper "art box."
But Council Member Ken Willcox called it "a nice twist."
"If you like the new Walker, you'd like this," he said. Later, he added, "I think it's an interesting project. I kind of like it."
The council approved the site plan and design standards review by a 4-0 vote. Mayor Andrew Humphrey recused himself from the discussion.
Council sides with bar owner over liquor violation accusation
It was up for the city council to decide if there was enough evidence to find Rick Dutton, owner of Dutton's Bar and Grill in Vicksburg Plaza, guilty of committing his second liquor violation within one year. The council found he did not.
Because the bar served an underage person in September of 2004, the bar was required to not serve alcohol for five days. On those days, employees could not consume alcohol either. One of the dates the bar could not serve alcohol, an officer made a compliance check and found the bar closed for cleaning.
Later that night, an officer was called to check on the welfare of a woman. The same officer saw a glass of beer next to a video game and a "cola-colored liquid" on the bar.
The officer said he believed the employees at the bar were drinking and intoxicated. The employees were not tested for alcohol use because there was a more pressing issue, according to Police Chief Michael Goldstein.
Dutton explained the bottle of beer was left from the night before and the cola was just a Coke and nothing else.
Without more evidence, council members said there was too much doubt to impose a fine.
- by Brett Stursa
Crime and Fire Prevention Fund raises $36,000 to buy Ballistic Tactical Shield
In 2003, the Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund (PC&FPF) set a lofty goal of raising $36,000 so the group could buy a ballistic tactical shield for the Plymouth Police Department. Two years later, the group realized its goal, and now Plymouth is the only city in Minnesota that provides its emergency responders with a shield that can stop multiple rounds of rifle fire.
If an officer or injured civilian is caught in crossfire, hostage situation or standoff, the ballistic shield blanket will allow officers to approach the scene, rescue the injured person, and seal a perimeter around a sniper or shooter.
"This in one of the most versatile pieces of equipment that we own," said Police Chief Mike Goldstein. "The shield adds a layer of safety in some of the most dangerous situations that law enforcement officers encounter."
He added, "The Crime and Fire Prevention Fund made a big investment in the Police Department when it purchased this shield. We hope that we won't need to use it, but if we are called to a hostage situation, a school crisis, or standoff, the ballistic shield could save lives. We sincerely extend our gratitude to the Plymouth Crime and Fire Prevention Fund."
Orono is seeking candidates for its Parks, Open Space, and Trails Commission. It is a volunteer advisory commission that makes recommendations to the Orono City Council regarding parks and recreational services, such as the preservation of open space, and the planning and development of parks and trails. The commission meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month.
If you are interested in volunteering as a member of the commission, call the city offices at 952-249-4600 to request an application form. Applications are due by May 27.
Shady Oak Beach will open Friday, June 10. Season passes are available for purchase at Recreation Services in Minnetonka City Hall, or they may be purchased over the phone by calling 952-939-8203.
Residential waste collection company BFI is joining Randy's Sanitation in offering same-day garbage and recycling collection in Minnetonka.
Between the two companies, about 85 percent of single-family homes will have same-day garbage and recycling collection.
Waste Management, which serves 15 percent of Minnetonka homes, stated it is not currently feasible for them to offer this service to their customers.
However, since they make stops in the city five days a week, their Monday and Tuesday customers do receive same-day garbage and recycling.