Briefs: Dog park opens in Eagan's Thresher Fields

Fido has a new place to frolic. Eagan opened its off-leash dog park at Thresher Fields Park, 3200 Borchert Lane, this month.

The off-leash area includes rugged trails, a lakeshore with gated access to the water and an area set aside for small dogs. It will be open year round, with water and restrooms available during the warmer months.

Dogs must have annual permits and a color-coded collar to enter the park. Permits purchased this year cost $20 for the first dog and $15 for additional dogs for Eagan residents. For nonresidents, it's $40 and $35. The permits are valid through Dec. 31, 2013, because of the mid-year opening.

To apply for a permit, go to the Eagan Parks and Recreation Department at City Hall, 3830 Pilot Knob Road, or the Eagan Community Center, 1501 Central Pkwy. Eagan residents should bring their dog's license number and everyone should bring a copy of current rabies vaccination records.

Acting police chief gets permanent gig Acting Chief Jon Rechtzigel has been chosen as Apple Valley's next permanent police chief. The City Council is expected to formally approve Rechtzigel's appointment on Thursday.

Rechtzigel has more than 25 years of law enforcement experience with the city, beginning in 1987 as a patrol officer. He also has been a detective, investigative sergeant and captain. He was appointed as acting chief in December, after his predecessor, Scott Johnson, retired.

"Chief Rechtzigel is a proven leader and is well prepared to lead our police department," City Administrator Tom Lawell said in a news release. "His familiarity with the community and the organization will serve him well in the years to come."

City picks engineer After a regional search, Lakeville picked an inside candidate to be its next city engineer. Zach Johnson, who had been the assistant city engineer, has begun his new job.

"His background and experience in the engineering field as well as his knowledge of the City of Lakeville make him a great fit for the position," said Christopher Petree, public works director.

Johnson has worked for the city since 2001, when he was hired as civil engineer. He has also served as the development design engineer.

He replaces Keith Nelson, who retired last September after 28 years with the city.

Smart Choices program praised The Smart Choices program developed by Dakota County Public Health and nine local school districts to promote healthier eating and physical activity has earned praise from the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

Dakota County launched Smart Choices in 2009, with emphasis on helping students make better choices during and after school. For example, 70 schools in six school districts have increased the number of vegetables served and 63 schools offer more fruits.

Bonnie Brueshoff, Dakota County public health director, said the award shows "that we are making great strides in improving the health of Dakota County students."

More information about Smart Choices, which is funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, is online at www.dakotacounty.us. Search for "Smart Choices."

Senior apartments approved along bluff The construction of 47 luxury apartments for seniors overlooking the Mississippi River has been approved by the city of Lilydale.

The building, at 945 to 949 Sibley Memorial Hwy., will be built 40 to 70 feet back from the edge of the bluff, Stantec, the development company, told the Lilydale City Council.

The city sponsored a June 25 community forum on bluff management where representatives from the Department of Transportation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Barr Engineering spoke. Barr reported that there are no significant overhangs on the bluff and no location in Lilydale where the bluff is in imminent danger of failing.

The officials recommended that residents work together to manage vegetation, keep trees in place and control storm-water runoff to keep the bluffs strong.

MnDOT owns the edge of the bluff, the bluff slope and the land under the Big River Regional Trail at the foot of the bluff. The agency is often asked for permission to remove trees or cut off their tops to improve the view from condos along the bluff, but neither is allowed, said Tina Markeson of MnDOT.