Finely tuned fleets: Dakota County's vehicles are listed among tops in U.S.

Dakota County's vehicles and the employees who manage them -- everything from lawn mowers to snowplows -- have been recognized as one of the top 100 fleets nationwide by Government Fleet Magazine.

The annual listing recognizes model fleet operations and promotes high levels of performance within the industry.

Dakota County was the only Minnesota operation to make the list, although the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources got an honorable mention.

Senior housing tours set for Sept. 14Affordable apartment buildings for senior citizens will be open for public tours Sept. 14 as part of the Dakota County Community Development Agency's annual Senior Showcase.

The six buildings open for tours from 1-4 p.m. are Cobblestone Square, 15848 Emperor Av. in Apple Valley; Oakwoods of Eagan, 2065 Park Center Drive in Eagan; Rivertown Court, 1791 South Frontage Road in Hastings; Cahill Commons, 5840 Cahill Av. in Inver Grove Heights; Parkview Plaza, 730 South Plaza Drive in Mendota Heights; and River Heights Terrace, 1720 Thompson Av. in South St. Paul.

Each building also will have information available about senior-focused community resources.

People who need rides can take a free shuttle bus from the Dakota CDA's office at 1228 Town Centre Drive in Eagan. The buses will depart at 1 p.m., with one going to Parkview Plaza, River Heights Terrace and Cahill Commons, and the other visiting Cobblestone Square and Oakwoods of Eagan. The buses will return by 4 p.m.

National day of golf event is FridayTee It Up For The Troops will hold its 7th annual national day of golf event on Friday at Mendakota Country Club.

The organization, founded in Burnsville in 2005, has helped raise more than $3 million for the military.

The all-day event will include golf, food and a silent auction. There also will be a wreath ceremony and a moment of silence in honor of the 9/11 victims.

The national day of golf is held on the Friday closest to Sept. 11 each year.

Council to consider decrease in levyLakeville's City Council will consider a preliminary tax levy on Tuesday that is a decrease from this year's levy.

New bike parking offered at 5 sitesThe city has installed 94 new bike-parking spaces at five locations around the city.

The new racks are at the Robert Trail Library, American Legion Post 65, the St. Joseph church and school, Community of Hope Church, and First Baptist Church and School.

The city paid for the racks with a $10,500 State Health Improvement Program grant.

"Our past efforts focused on adding bicycle parking at schools and city parks," said Mayor Bill Droste. "This is the first time grant funds were exclusively available to businesses and non-profits. We're excited about this opportunity to offer more bicycle parking throughout the city."

Cleanup day Sept. 17The city's second-annual cleanup day, when residents can drop off unwanted appliances, batteries, bicycles, mattresses, furniture and tires for a fee, is set for Sept. 17.

For a complete list of accepted items, fees and other information, see www.startribune.com/a635.