BURNSVILLE VILLAGE GOVERNMENT GETS BUSIER, MORE COMPLEX


Dakota County Tribune December 23, 1965

In June of 1964, after a series of hearings, an incorporation order was issued for the township if Burnsville to become a village. The action was contested by Eagan by a constraining order and injunction. Judge Robert Breunig removed the constraining order until after the vote was held.

The results of the vote held on June 16 were as follows: Eagan voted 125 for and 519 against incorporation for a total of 644 votes; Burnsville voted 764 for and 106 against incorporation for a total of 890 votes. Of 1,534 votes cast, 909 were for and 625 against incorporation of Burnsville.

Judge Briening ruled for incorporation and withdrew that portion of Eagan in the petition and left the small portion of Lebanon not contested as part of the village of Burnsville.

The first village election was held on July 14,1964. Roger Richardson was elected mayor from three candidates. Trustees elected were Ray Connelly, Warren Kelley and William Dolan from a field of 15 contestants. Michael O'Connor ran unopposed for village clerk, and Thomas Schandle was elected treasurer over one opponent.

LeRoy Holman and Richard Standly were elected as constables. From a field of seven, Waster Scott and Richard Burton were elected as justices of the peace.

As part of the organization procedures for the establishment of a village government, the newly formed council called for the State Public Examiner's Department to audit the books and set up a bookkeeping system. At the time of incorporation, there were five full time employees. Now the village employees 28 full time and three part-time personnel.

On November 3, 1964, the regular elections were held. A heavy turnout at the polls was predictable since this was a presidential election year. On that cold, rainy day, over 3,400 voters cast their ballots in the one polling place, the village hall.

On the ballot was the wet-dry issue. The vote was 2,104 wet and 1,334 dry. In a trailer set up outside the village hall by the League of Women Voters, a balloting was conducted for municipal versus private liquor. Although only half of the total voters voted in the "straw" vote, the votes cast decisively showed a preference for municipal liquor. The vote was 1,070 for municipal and 528 for private licensing. (At hearings prior to this vote, the council had indicated its preference for private licensing. The issue had been studied and a report given by a committee appointed by the council.)

A salary raise for the council was defeated by a vote of 1173 to 1370 with 949 voters abstaining. In the election for trustees, Charles Wahlburg defeated William Dolan by a slim majority. In another close race, Michael O'Connor retained his position as clerk over Fred Leider.

An interesting note here...O'Connor ran for the office of village clerk three times in one year. The first was in the spring, the second at the time of incorporation and the third in November. He was successful in each election.

Since becoming a village, Burnsville has added 26 ordinances to its books for a total of 58 ordinances. These control everything from the latest--sidewalk snow removal--to liquor licensing--to weed control.

The population increase in Burnsville has been remarkable. The 1960 census showed a population of 2,716 in the township. As a result of a special census conducted in April of 1965, the new population figure is 10,721. It is now estimated to be about 12,000.

Thee predicted saturation point for the 29 square mile village is about 80,000 people. At this point in its growth, Burnsville is estimated to be only one-fourth developed.

Since its inception as a village 13 months ago, some major projects have been undertaken, departments have grown and groundwork lain for future development. The 1.6 million dollar water and sewer projects let in the fall of this year is a highlight. This will open up new land for future commercial industrial growth.

A storm sewer drainage study is underway by Douglas Barr, a leading hydrologist. This report is due in the spring. Considerable work has been done with the State Aid system for major thoroughfares in the village. One of these is the proposed Crosstown to link the east and west portions of the village.

Proposed for the village is the building plant by Control Data, the 160 acre project known as the "Ridges", the joint regional sewer concept between Burnsville, Eagan and Bloomington, and the investigation of the feasibility of a volunteer Fire Department for a portion of the village. A report is being prepared on this last item on the costs and advantages involved.

Coming before the council soon is the major park expansion bond issue and the creation of an Industrial Development Commission.

In June 1965, Governor Rolvaag appointed John Daly as judge of the first municipal court in Burnsville. In that same month, Patrick McInnis was hired as the village administration.


THE PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission was officially established by an ordinance on December 19, 1963. The seven members of this commission meet twice monthly at the village hall. They elect their own chairman, vice-chairman and secretary.

Before this body came requests on anything relating to land uses an zoning. The Planning Commission created a Capital Improvements Committee to study the long range needs of the community. This committee has submitted its report to the commission, but will continue its being to aid the planning commission.

The Comprehensive Plan was instituted under the direction of the village council by Midwest Planning Research and Research, Inc. of Minneapolis. This firm worked with the Planning Commission in the development of this extensive report.

The Planning Commission reviews requests made to them and makes recommendations to the council. They also refer their recommendations on all requests for building permits, with the exception of single family dwelling, to the council. They have no power to make a decision, but are an advisory body.


THE PARK COMMISSION

The nine member Park Commission was established by an ordinance on August 17, 1964. The members serve three year rotating terms and elect their own chairman.

Presently serving are John J Freeman, chairman, Jerrold Niemann, Mrs Nancy Sullivan, Donald Casey, Renaldo Lares, Albert Lisler, Mrs Betty Barile, Ralph K Clover and Lyle Day.

This body meets monthly on the second Wednesday. They advise the village council as to the acquisition, maintenance and development of parks and playgrounds and make any other recommendation on the park and recreation program.

The commission received petitions from residents who want additional or improved facilities and they approve and recommend on proposed park areas. They worked closely with the Midwest on the development of the park portion of the Comprehensive Plan.

At this time, the Park Commission is actually implementing plans approved by the council by buying materials and equipment and hiring personnel. Funds used for this are funds in the park budget.


THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

In August of 1964, the police department began functioning with Police Chief Edward Farrell and two constables. In September, one regular patrolman, Robert French, was hired. To get the department to the present strength...the chief, two sergeants, nine patrolmen and a secretary...about 300 applicants for policeman were screened through competitive tests.

In the growing community, the presence of the police department has been a deterrent to the crime rise. The crime rates rise five to six times as much as the population increase unless adequately deterred.

According to national statistics the minimum ratio of police to population is one policeman per 1,000 population. The Burnsville department now has four vehicles and one resuscitator with one more expected after the first the year.

the department stresses schooling for men as an integral part of the development of the complete, well-educated effective policeman.

Barb Puch