Lakeville City Council Discusses Mosquito Control and Approves Liquor License for Local Restaurant
- Meeting Overview:
The Lakeville City Council meeting covered a range of issues, with a detailed presentation on mosquito control efforts and the approval of a liquor license for Tequeria Los Compadres featuring prominently. The council also addressed police department updates and community engagement initiatives, among other topics.
The meeting began with an extensive discussion on mosquito control, led by a presentation from Alex Carlson of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. Carlson provided insights into the district’s operations, emphasizing the constant readiness required to manage mosquito populations effectively. Despite February’s cold weather, Carlson explained that preparation for the mosquito season is ongoing. The district, established in 1958, covers the seven-county metro area, and its operations are funded by property taxes, with Twin Cities residents contributing an average of $10.80 annually.
Carlson highlighted the mosquito life cycle, emphasizing the rapid development from egg to adult in about a week, necessitating swift action after significant rainfalls. He urged residents to eliminate standing water on their properties, such as in buckets and tires, to reduce mosquito breeding sites. The district employs an integrated pest management approach, focusing on environmentally safe methods and targeting specific mosquito species. Techniques include using helicopters and drones for larval control in large wetlands, which allows efficient treatment of vast areas. Last year, the district treated around 144,000 acres, primarily through larval control.
Carlson also addressed the diseases mosquitoes transmit, such as West Nile Virus, the most prevalent concern in Minnesota. He noted that some mosquito species thrive in dry conditions, posing health risks even with fewer nuisance mosquitoes present. Despite above-average rainfall last season, mosquito numbers were lower than expected due to a preceding drought. Carlson concluded with data on mosquito activity in Lakeville, reporting increased inspections due to rainfall and a rise in treated areas compared to the previous year.
Following the mosquito control discussion, the council addressed a public hearing concerning an on-sale and Sunday liquor license for Tequeria Los Compadres. Although the applicant was not present, a staff report confirmed the completion of background checks, allowing the application process to progress. The public hearing opened and closed without commentary, and the council subsequently granted the liquor license.
The council then moved on to community safety and police department updates. The police chief provided a quarterly update, expressing gratitude for the community’s support of Lieutenant Jason Jensen, who was hospitalized after an injury. The update included staffing changes, with three new officers hired and one sergeant completing a leadership program at Northwestern University. A grant for a cadet program was discussed, with a cadet in training and two more expected, supported by grant funding for salaries and tuition. Another smaller grant aimed to enhance community support through a liaison officer working with crisis response teams.
Community engagement initiatives were highlighted, including National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, which saw significant quantities of unused narcotics collected. Events like “Coffee with a Cop” and the “Cops and Coats” initiative were mentioned as successful outreach efforts, fostering positive community interactions and providing assistance to those in need.
The council also discussed training and development within the police department. Defensive tactics instructors participated in a vehicle extraction course to enhance safety during traffic stops. Plans for a new training center in the community were noted, which would eliminate the need to travel for department-wide training. Statistical reports showed a decrease in case files and traffic stops, with a slight increase in property damage accidents. The introduction of roundabouts was cited as a possible factor in reducing injury crashes.
The council then addressed a public hearing for the vacation of drainage and utility easements related to the Antlers Ridge Second Edition project. A representative from Tamar Land Development presented the need for a preliminary plat approval for the project’s second phase, involving six additional twin homes. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval, and the public hearing closed without opposition. The council unanimously supported the motion, advancing the project.
Luke Hellier
City Council Officials:
John Bermel, Joshua Lee, Michelle Volk, Dan Wolter
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Committee:
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Meeting Date:
02/03/2025
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Recording Published:
02/04/2025
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Duration:
45 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Minnesota
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County:
Dakota County
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Towns:
Lakeville
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