Experiencing an upturn in construction, Apple Valley is planning to hire an additional building inspector to keep up with the demand for building permits.

It's a turnaround for the city, which cut its inspection staff from three to two in 2011 because building activity had fallen off.

In the past two years, however, construction has picked up again, reaching a value of $49 million in 2013.

Last year, the city gave permits for the construction of 68 new single-family homes. Several new housing subdivisions are scheduled for development over the next three years, Todd Blomstrom, public works director, said in a briefing for the City Council.

"Additional commercial and multifamily [housing] development is also anticipated to occur over the next two years," Blomstrom said. "Staff has growing concerns that the anticipated building permit workload will exceed the capacity of existing building inspection resources."

City Planner Tom Lovelace said the city is seeing increases in development in both housing and industrial sectors.

Dave Bellows

Last year, the city approved the creation of 150 new residential lots, indicating that developers see new opportunity in the housing market, Lovelace said.

Two apartment buildings with a combined 322 units are awaiting groundbreaking and a 214-unit care facility for seniors is in the approval pipeline, Lovelace said. In the past six months, 127,000 square feet of industrial property has been approved by the city as well.

Dakota County

Chief deputy will run for sheriff in November

Dakota County Chief Deputy Tim Leslie said Tuesday that he will run for county sheriff in the November elections.

Current Sheriff Dave Bellows said last week that he will not seek another term.

Leslie called Bellows "my mentor" and said the sheriff's job needs "a proven leader, someone with extensive experience, a personal connection with Dakota County and someone who will relentlessly safeguard taxpayer dollars."

Leslie was appointed chief deputy, the sheriff's office's second-in-command, by Bellows in 2010. Previously Leslie was assistant commissioner of the state Department of Public Safety and had worked for the St. Paul Police Department for more than 20 years.

Leslie said he and his wife have lived in Dakota County for almost 30 years.

Eagan

Home show March 14-15

The Eagan Civic Arena will host its 15th Home & Leisure Show March 14 and 15 and is now accepting vendor registrations for the event.

More than 80 vendors are expected to display their products and services and answer questions. Admission is free to the show, which over the years has drawn up to 2,000 visitors.

The cost for exhibitors is $250 for a single booth and $500 for a double booth. Vendors also pay $75 for shared electricity and $150 for an independent circuit.

For more information, contact Kristin at 651-675-5528 or ktrembley@cityofeagan.com.

Apple Valley

Cemetery report details space still available

An annual report from the Apple Valley Cemetery shows that it had 45 burials in 2013, including 19 traditional burials and 26 cremation interments.

The cemetery has 1,434 burial sites, including 869 for full-body burials and 565 for cremated burials. About 508 of the full-body and 449 of the cremation lots are available for sale.

In 2013, 59 resting spots were sold — 41 to Apple Valley residents and 18 to nonresidents.

Burnsville

City Hall study planned to assess space needs

The Burnsville City Council last week authorized the hiring of consultants to assess space needs in City Hall, the Police Department, the maintenance facility and fire stations 1 and 2.

Wold Architects and Engineers was awarded a contract for $18,500 to assess the condition of the buildings as well as their deficiencies, energy efficiency, space utilization and technology.

DAKOTA COUNTY

Free electronics disposal

The Dakota County Recycling Zone accepts household electronics at no cost to residents, the county reminded residents last week. Everything from stereo equipment to desktop printers can be dropped at the facility at 3365 Dodd Road, Eagan.

The center is open during the following hours:

• 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays

• Noon to 8 p.m. Thursdays

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays

• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays

For more information about accepted items, see www.dakotacounty.us and search Recycling Zone.

Staff reports