Dakota County briefs: Residents can weigh in on transportation plans

The county's 2030 transportation plan will be on display this week, and residents are invited to share their thoughts.

Information about the transportation plan update, a part of the county's 2030 comprehensive plan, will be available at an open house on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Av., Apple Valley.

County staff will be available to explain the plan, but there will be no formal presentation.

More information about the plan is available online at www.dakotacounty.us. Inquiries also can be made to Scott Peters in the Dakota County Transportation Department at 952-891-7027.

Hazardous waste drop-off is SaturdayResidents can dispose of hazardous waste this week at the Burnsville maintenance facility.

The hazardous waste drop-off, coordinated with Dakota County's Recycling Zone, will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the city maintenance building at 13713 Frontier Court.

Residents are encouraged to drop off a variety of items, including mercury thermometers, fluorescent lightbulbs, electronics, paint, fertilizer and household chemicals.

Check out housing in 'Senior Showcase'People who are curious about senior housing options can tour Dakota County Community Development Agency facilities on Tuesday.

Senior housing developments in six cities will be open for the "Senior Showcase" between 1 and 4 p.m. Those buildings include Park Ridge Place in Burnsville, Lakeside Pointe in Eagan, Crossroads Commons in Lakeville, Cameo Place in Rosemount, Dakota Heights in South St. Paul and Haskell Court in West St. Paul. Each building will host guided tours and have information on other senior resources available.

People in need of a ride can reserve a spot on one of two buses that will be leaving the CDA's office at 1228 Town Centre Drive in Eagan at 1 p.m. to follow routes that include stops at three of the buildings. For more information about the buses, call 651-675-4437. Space is limited.

For more information about each senior housing development and Dakota County CDA senior housing programs, go to www.dakotacda.org or call 651-675-4400.

Prescription drug disposal on SaturdayIf you have expired or unused prescription drugs around the house, the Dakota County Sheriff's Office will help you get rid of them Saturday.

That day, people can bring prescription medications, such as painkillers, to three location for free, safe disposal: Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Pkwy.; Dakota County Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road in West St. Paul; and the Dakota County Government Center, 1580 Hwy. 55 in Hastings.

County Sheriff Dave Bellows said prescription medications rank second behind marijuana among commonly abused drugs.

Ten Acres work gets final approvalDevelopers of Ten Acres Center in West St. Paul finally received approvals they need from the city to begin redevelopment of the aging strip mall.

At last week's meeting, the City Council unanimously approved rezoning the Ten Acres site near S. Robert Street and Mendota Road.

Owner Jerry's Enterprises Inc. wants to upgrade the center. Plans include a new gas station/car wash and several spots for restaurants.

Construction should start in the spring, said Jim Hartshorn, director of community development for the city.

Sunfish Lake officials still won't be paidAt a recent City Council meeting, Sunfish Lake officials voted to remain volunteers, with neither the council nor its mayor being paid.

The city attorney was asked to draft an ordinance amendment about city officials' compensation after a council member found evidence from the League of Minnesota Cities that even cities with small populations like Sunfish Lake typically give their elected officials some kind of paycheck.

Traditionally, the mayor and City Council of the small residential community haven't received any salary. Mayor Molly Park said at the council meeting that based on data she had, Sunfish Lake was the only city in the state with a population under 1,000 that did not pay its council or planning commission.

"My view is we're just special," said Council Member Richard Williams.