South metro briefs: Burnsville seeks comment on renovation plans

Public comment sought on renovation plans

Burnsville officials are planning renovations at city buildings, and members of the public are being asked to offer feedback.

Based on the results of a study by Wold Architects and Engineers, commissioned in 2014, the city is considering a phased construction plan to renovate City Hall and the police department.

The first phase, which will include redesigns of the City Hall community and meeting room space and multiple areas at the police department, will also involve developing a long-term master plan for Burnsville Fire Station No. 1.

The City Council will review the schematic design for Phase 1 at its Monday meeting and then open up the plans for comment later in the week.

The open house will take place at Burnsville City Hall, 100 Civic Center Pkwy., on Thursday from 4-6 p.m.

Emma Nelson

The performing arts center's proposed 2017 budget, which a city committee on Aug. 3 recommended to the City Council for approval, anticipates a $94,784 loss. That's more than $12,000 less than the year-end forecast for this year's loss.

The center has operated at a loss since it opened in 2009. That first year ended with an operating deficit of more than $500,000 dollars.

Deficits have been filled with funds from the city, Ames Construction (the center's namesake) and an "angel fund" that pays for certain shows.

Emma Nelson

The Japanese beetle isn't a new pest in the metro area, but Rosemount officials say residents have been calling with beetle questions more frequently and that this year's infestation is especially bad.

Japanese beetles also lay eggs in the grass and their larvae damage lawns by eating through the roots. Treating turf and killing the eggs is the best way to fight the Japanese beetle.

Some people buy traps to catch beetles, but traps often end up attracting beetles and not killing them, according to city officials. The good news is that trees and plants infested this late in the season will likely be fine by next year.

Erin Adler

When Lakeville voters passed a levy referendum last fall, district officials promised to restore two elements eliminated during nearly a decade of cuts: elementary-level art classes and the option for fifth-grade band. Now, the district is moving to implement the classes in preparation for the new school year.

To teach the classes, the district is adding five elementary art specialists and 2.2 band teaching positions. District officials have been working with a teacher from the Perpich Center for Arts Education to develop lessons for the art classes.

Erin Adler

The County Road 101 bridge over the Minnesota River in Shakopee will be closed for two weeks starting Aug. 15 for maintenance, the Scott County Highway Department said.

The work will include joint repair and sealing of cracks in the bridge deck, and replacement of concrete at the bridge's north end. A detour will be posted to the Hwy. 41 bridge in Chaska.

A new bridge over the Minnesota River flood plain opened last November, but the span over the river itself, just south of the new crossing, dates to 1992.

Casey Common

The weekend-long event starts on Friday, Aug. 19, with a 7 p.m. grand entry and runs through Aug 21. In the Dakota language, wacipi means "They dance."

The event is an opportunity to learn more about American Indian culture and meet members of tribes from across Minnesota. The tribe also invited drum groups from across the United States and Canada.

Before the powwow, invited dancers in full regalia will also perform at the Mall of America on Aug. 18.

The public can buy $10 buttons at the Wacipi Grounds gate, or in advance at Mystic Lake store at Mall of America, Shakopee Dakota Convenience stores, Mazopiya food market, Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino.

Natalie Daher

The council voted to approve its first reading of the ordinance amendment after a resident requested a change to the ordinance allowing them to move into the city with their pet pig. The ordinance change would require that the miniature pigs not exceed 20 inches in height and 150 pounds in weight. The miniature pigs will have to be microchipped as well as spayed and neutered.

Similar to the city's regulations on dogs, owners cannot have more than one miniature pig per 2,500 square feet. All miniature pigs must be fenced in and will require a license. The second reading of the ordinance will take place on Aug. 15.