Over 2600 people signed a petition and more than 300 people turned out for last night’s Farmington City Council meeting regarding the firing of Police Chief Brian Lindquist. KSTP reports that nearly every person who took to the podium did so in support of Lindquist, with many people telling City
Council members it was their jobs on the line and not Lindquist’s. One resident told the Council, “if they taught you to run rough shod over the City and go against what those people want with the lack of your experience and commitment to this City, I would against you to go back to the Vikings and withdraw from the City Council“. Still, in a 3 to 2 vote, the Council voted to accept a separation agreement with the Chief. Two of the three members declined to offer specifics for their decisions citing legal concerns. But, the third Councilor, Katie Bernhjelm, did, saying, “The decision to move in a new direction is about shortcomings in Chief Lindquist’s performance. Chief Lindquist has demonstrated a lack of communication and unwillingness to work with others whether it’s other department heads or this council”. Another citizen spoke out, “I don’t know what all is behind all of this. What I do know is I’m just disgusted to see a person like that be in a situation like this without one helluva good reason”. [applause] And yet another, “Why the circus tonight of pretending we all have a say”. After the vote, Chief Lindquist, in a choked voice, had to calm the situation, “I ask you… if you’re here to support me… then don’t let your emotions take over”. His last day on the job is Aug. 24. He’s been with the Farmington PD for 20 years, the last 12 as Chief. Mayor Todd Larson and Councilor Terry Donnelly voted against the separation.
Rosemount with 17 previous DWI’s charged again
A 59 year old Rosemount man with 17 previous DWI convictions, is charged again. Dakota County Attorney James Backstrom said yesterday that Marshall Anthony Knoll, has been charged with Criminal Vehicular Operation Resulting in Great Bodily Harm, Substantial Bodily Harm, First Degree Driving While Impaired, and Driving After Cancelled Inimical to Public Safety in connection with causing a serious injury crash involving four vehicles in Vermillion Township in October of 2017. On October 20th, law enforcement responded to a crash near Highway 52 and 210th Street East. Witnesses said a northbound truck was traveling erratically and at a high rate of speed. When traffic stopped on 52, Knoll did not and rear-ended a vehicle driving at approximately 50 miles per hour. A blood analysis showed methamphetamine in his system. Bail was set at ($150,000 with conditions). His next court appearance is October 25th at 9:00 a.m. in Hastings. Knoll complaint
Fire facility update
They had a slight setback but the fire facility is moving along. Architect Dave Medin had reported to the NAFRS Joint Powers Board that they found soil contamination. 
Chief Gerry Franek commented that the area had been a city dump. There were trace levels of arsenic and lead that were above residential limits but below commercial limits. City Engineer Dave Bennett met with the MPCA. The soil can be used as fill. Franek said they’re doing inside work is being done right now. Demolition and construction of the basement. He added that after DJJD celebration they’ll move the utility pole and “changing the driveway around to the back” and work on the front apron. The plan is to have the $4.2 million project completed by March of 2019.
