Loading...
2014-09 Heights HighlightsY 1 4 Al 7L W�L r, U� L F I / 1 MENDOTA HEIGHTS GOVERNMENT NEWS Residential Property Maintenance Regulations The City's Planning Department is responsible for code enforcement relating to zoning, including residential and commercial/industrial property maintenance. In effort to promote awareness and educate residents on the City's standards, following is a list of common violations (see referenced Code sections for specific language): • Parked Vehicles [Title 12-5-6(A)(2)]: Not more than four (4) currently licensed, Carbon-ITIonoxide Safety 5 operable vehicles, including trailers, may be parked or stored on property outside Parks • Recreation a structure on single-family residential lots. All vehicles must be parked on a paved surface. Goats Grazing and • Garbage/Recycling Container Screening [Title 12-5-8(B)(1)]: Containers The Green Guide Back covermust be stored inside a structure that is not visible from the street or adjoining neighbors. They can be stored outside if fully screened by landscaping or fencing. • Building Maintenance [Title 12-5-3(A)]: All dwellings, garages, and accessory The City of structures must have complete siding and no exterior surface can have significant Mendota Heights deterioration. a would like to express • Construction and Landscaping Material Storage [Title 12-5-6(A)(3)]: All our sincere thanks materials must be used on the property within thirty (30) days and kept in a to the Mendota neat, workman -like fashion. it Heights community for their support of • Junk Cars [Title 6-2-8]: Any motor vehicle which is not operable, or is Officer Scott Patrick dismantled or used for parts or salvaging for a period of thirty (30) days, must be and his family. parked within a structure on private property. • Weed/Grass Height [Title 4-3-21: Any growth of weeds, grass or other rank In the coming vegetation over twelve (12) inches is prohibited. weeks and months the City Council will be considering how to officially Once notified of the Code requirements, most residents in violation comply in a memorialize Scott's contributions timely manner. Contact City Hall at 651.452.1850 with any questions. to the city. In the meantime, a Scott Get Registered to Vote Patrick Memorial Fund has been VOTE set up through Affinity Plus Federal We encourage you to register to vote before Election Day so your name NW Credit Union. Donations can be made appears on the polling place roster. Pre -registration ends October 14, 2014. to the following: General Election November 4, 2014 By phone: 651.291.3700 or in person Locations: Precinct 1 Somerset Elementary, 1355 Dodd Road at any of the Affinity Plus Federal Precinct 2 Henry Sibley High School, 1897 Delaware Ave Credit Union Branches Precinct 3 Mendota Elementary, 1979 Summit Lane Mail: 175 West Lafayette Frontage Precinct 4 St. Thomas Academy, 949 Mendota Heights Rd Road, St. Paul, MN 55107 Precinct 5 Friendly Hills Middle School, 701 Mendota Heights Rd For absentee voting information go online at www. mnvotes. orQ or call City Hall. Sandra Krebsbach Sandra Krebsbach is the Mayor of Mendota Heights and is seeking a third two year term. She has been the mayor since 2010 and council member for five terms (1992-2010). She helped to produce a city that continually improves with new business growth, healthy and beautiful residential areas, while being financially responsible and recognized for stable and visionary leadership. Positive attention has been brought to Mendota Heights during her ten- ure as Mayor. With her supportive leadership, the City moved through its most painful and challenging time, the death of Officer Scott Patrick, bringing respect to all concerned. She helped the residents work through the storm emergency of June 19, 2012. As mayor, Sandra has led the city through a change in professional leadership and she guided the city through legal challenges. Her strong leadership has produced a vibrant city and preserved our essential character. Sandra encourages public engagement and a strong city council. As May- or, she brings in all Council members' points of view and those of the residents and stakeholders. She convenes workshops on complex issues and responds to constituent concerns. She continues to meet periodically with Commission leadership. The Mendota Heights staff is highly com- petent and has continued its long standing tradition of quality service. Sandra and her husband Norbert (Nob) Krebsbach raised their daughters in Mendota Heights where they were educated in both public and pri- vate schools. Sandra holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University. She is the Executive Director of the American Technical Education Association, a national professional association of faculty and administrators in technical col- leges. She serves on the Regional Council of Mayors and meets with Dakota County Mayors and Managers. She served on the Airport Zoning Board, changing zoning to create the north south runway which took significant noise away from Mendota Heights. She has served on the Boards of the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities and the Min- neapolis Rotary #9. She is one of the founders of the University of Min- nesota Dakota County Alumni Chapter. Sandra and her husband are members of the Mendakota Country Club and St. Peter's Church. `OTE � �1 VOTE Neil Garlock Neil Garlock is running for Mayor for the first time. He recently retired from the Mendota Heights Police Depart- ment after serving for 24 years (1990-2014). Neil has lived in Mendota Heights for 23 years. He and his wife Mona have three children and six beautiful grand- children. Neil graduated from Mason City High School in Iowa. After that, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1976. He served four years before receiving his honorable discharge. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant. Neil graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in 1980. He served in law enforcement for ten years in Iowa, lastly serving as Chief of Police for the City of Alta in 1990. Neil was hired as a police officer by the City of Mendota Heights in July 1990. He worked as a patrol officer and investigator prior to his promotion to the rank of sergeant, which he held for 14 years. He was also a field training of- ficer for many years. Neil served on several county law enforcement boards. He was a board member on the Dakota County MAAG Team (SWAT) and the Dakota County Drug Task Force, both for 13 years. He also was a charter member on the Dakota County Traffic Safety Committee for 10 years. Neil received a Medal of Honor and Medal of Merit during his career on the Mendota Heights Police Department. He also was awarded a core value award for being "Service Oriented" by the city. Neil feels his biggest personal accomplishment was being the race director for the last nine years for the Mendota Heights 5K Run/Walk. This event has raised thousands of dollars for the Special Olympics of Minnesota. Neil has demonstrated his leadership ability during his 38 years of public service and would like to continue his service as Mayor for the City of Mendota Heights. City Council Candidates Mark Misukanis Mark Misukanis has been a resident of Mendota Heights for 22 years. He and his wife Jan have raised four daughters in the city. He has a rich history of serving the community with recent service as Trustee, Treasurer and Finance Chair at Visitation School, current membership on the Archdiocese Finance Council, and a governor's appointee to the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority. His background includes a broad portfolio of membership on non- profit boards and volunteer experiences. Mark has a well-balanced employment career with positions held in the private sector with a major Minnesota manufacturing company, in the non-profit sector with Hamline University, and the public sec- tor with two state agencies and the Minnesota Senate. In the latter role, Mark served as budget director in the Senate and is considered an expert in state and local public finance. Mark is an assistant professor at Metropolitan State University teach- ing graduate students in public and non-profit administration in the areas of public finance and policy design, program evaluation and information management. He is also a principle in a consulting firm providing policy and economic analysis for private sector companies. His educational background includes a Bachelor's from the Univer- sity of St. Thomas, Master's work in Economics at the University of Wisconsin, and a Ph. D. from the University of Minnesota. Liz Petschel Liz and her husband, Ken, moved to Mendota Heights in 1987 and raised their three children here. She is a graduate of St. Catherine University with a nursing degree. Liz currently is working in the Ministry to the Sick and Dying at St. Joseph's Church in West St. Paul. Liz was first elected to the City Council in 2010. In 2013 and 2014, she has served as Acting Mayor. Liz has served over 10 years on the Airport Relations Commission, serving as Chair for three years. This past year, she was elected as Co -Chair of the Noise Oversight Com- mittee. Liz has worked very hard, including lobbying and testify- ing at the legislature, to safeguard the interests of the residents of Mendota Heights. City infrastructure has been an enormous priority for Liz. She has been a strong supporter of street rehabilitation and reconstruction programs, and relining projects. She has worked to streamline per- mitting processes (wetlands, signage) to make our City more "user friendly" for residents and businesses. Liz has also worked to pass a new lighting ordinance that reflects new and greener technology. Liz is a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy and also of the Minneapolis FBI Citizens Academy. She serves on the FBI Citizens Academy Board as the Chair of Member Engagement. Liz stated those were incredible learning experiences for her. A continued concern for Liz is our ponding system for storm water. Future mandates from the MPCA are going to be of paramount concern to the City. Joel Paper Both Joel and his wife, Rachael, were raised in Mendota Heights. He graduated from Henry Sibley High School and the University of St. Thomas. They have chosen to raise their two boys in Men- dota Heights, where they attend Mendota Elementary School. Joel and his family use many of the wonderful resources in Mendota Heights regularly like the parks and the bike paths. Joel has a wide variety of experience in city government. He has owned his own lawn and landscape service that was based in Mendota Heights, and he has landscaped many of the houses here. He was a partner at Paper Brothers Construction, which is based in Mendota Heights and does many construction projects here. His current job, being a stay at home dad to his two sons, is in Mendota Heights. Since 2012, Joel has served as Vice Chair of the Parks and Recre- ation Commission. He does a wide variety of community vol- unteering, which includes helping in the classroom at Mendota Elementary School, and coaching t -ball, baseball and soccer for the past four years for the Mendota Heights Athletic Association. He is actively involved in the Sibley Area Hockey Association. Joel stated he would like an opportunity to continue to improve this great community that he has called home for his entire life. Ultan Duggan Ultan was elected to the City Council in 2003, is in his 12th year; serving on Northern Dakota County Cable Commission, Dakota Communications Center, and MAC Noise Oversight Committee (alternate). Ultan chaired the Mendota Heights Planning Com- mission four years, co-chaired Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks Committee, the 50th Anniversary Committee, started the 5-K Walk /Run; all under budget. Ultan's passion contributes to positive development in Mendota Heights, including the Summit and Mendota Plaza redevelop- ments. Ultan owned Dr. Scholl's Shoes for 25 years. He opened restau- rants for McDonalds and Pillsbury in California and Burnsville. He taught for nine years in Nigeria and Arizona. Ultan and his wife Terry are 38 year residents of Mendota Heights. They have three children and six grandchildren. Ultan and Terry love to dance. Ultan has volunteered his services to many local charities, rais- ing significant funds for Child Neurology Foundation, Forest Lake Youth Service Bureau, St. Paul Public Art, the Humphrey Institute's Public Achievement program and St. Thomas Academy, raising thousands of dollars for them and hunger relief. Ultan's vision for Mendota Heights: friendly, safe, cleaner water, quieter skies, business friendly, and more community events. Pre- serving the character of Mendota Heights in light of current tear down trends will be a significant challenge, according to Ultan. M M tmearaie N S r S �. s i► � s p i P i The Fire Prevention Open House is Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Meet the Mendota Heights Firefighters and tour the department. There will be fire truck rides, free hot dogs and pop. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am to honor deceased Mendota Heights Firefighters. New this year is a kitchen fire demonstration at 2:00 pm. We will also have a home fire sprinkler demonstration at 2:30 pm. Both demonstrations are graphic and intense. SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES Change Your Clock, Change Your Battery The 2014 fire prevention theme is "Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives — Test Yours Every Month!" Smoke alarms can save lives, but they need to work. Test yours every month using the test button. Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or if they don't respond properly when tested. Change Your Clock Change Your Batteries The Fire Department reminds you to replace the batteries in all smoke detectors when you change your clocks for the end of daylight savings time on Sunday, November 2, 2014. Also, review your family's fire escape plan. These simple precautions can help save lives. 66th Annual Firefighters Dance The firefighters will be out in your neighborhood selling dance tickets and handing out the annual report as part of their annual fundraiser. The annual dance will be held on Friday, November 14, from 8:00 pm to midnight. Music will be provided by High and Mighty. The dance will be at the Mall of America Hilton, 3800 American Blvd E., Bloomington. Tickets are $12.00 in advance (or two for $20.00) or $15.00 at the door. Come out for an evening of fun, music and dancing. This is a department fund-raiser. Please support your volunteer fire department. Volunteer Firefighters Wanted The Mendota Heights Fire Department is accepting applications for volunteer firefighters. Orientation sessions will be held on Tuesday, September 9 at 9:00 am or 6:00 pm at the Mendota Heights Fire Station, 2121 Dodd Road. No previous training is required. Persons applying must be 18 years of age, live or work within a six minute legal drive time to the fire station, be in good physical health, and not be afraid of spaces or heights. Applications will be accepted until September 12, 2014 at 4:00 pm. For an application visit our website at www.mendota-heights.com or call 651.452.1850. Volunteering for the fire department can be a rewarding and life changing experience. Plan on attending one of the orientation sessions to learn what it takes to become a Mendota Heights Firefighter. iAdopt-A-Hydrant The Mendota Heights Fire Department is asking for your help in our Adopt -A -Hydrant program. Please consider adopting a fire hydrant close to your home or business. Adopting a fire hydrant means keeping the hydrant free of snow during the winter and free of weeds and shrubs in the summer. In case of a fire, this easy accessibility to a fire hydrant will help prevent the loss of property and/or life. Proper Sump Pump Discharge Did you know that it is illegal for your basement sump pump to discharge into your sanitary sewer (floor and/or sink drain, wash tub, etc.)? Due to the unprecedented rains this past spring, the City of Mendota Heights sewer flow increased by over 13%! This may cause sewer bills to rise dramatically in the coming year. Re-routing your sump pump to discharge water outside your home, instead of into a drain line, can help reduce sanitary sewer flows and keep your sewer bills low. For more information, please call the Public Works/Engineering Department at 651.452.1850. The City is fortunate to have an abundance of water resources, including 102 stormwater ponds, three lakes, two rivers, and several streams. Among the many purposes of the Wetlands Systems Chapter of the Code is to provide for protection, preservation, maintenance, and use of these valuable natural and recreational resources. The following activities require a Wetlands Permit if conducted within 100 feet of a wetland or water resource -related area (including lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams): • Deposit or removal of any debris, fill or any other material over one hundred (100) cubic yards. • Any excavation over one hundred (100) cubic yards. • Digging, dredging, filling, or in any other way altering or removing any material from water bodies, watercourses, wetlands, floodplain, or natural drainage system. • Construction, alteration, or removal of any structure. • Removal of vegetation. • Altering of any embankment or ponding area or the changing of the flow of water or ponding capacity. • Permanently storing materials. • Disposing of waste materials, including, but not limited to, sewage, garbage, rubbish, and other discarded materials. • Installation and maintenance of essential services. Please contact City Hall prior to considering any work within 100 feet of a wetland or water resource -related area at 651.452.1850. r; BE CONSTRUCTION PREPARED I UPDATE CHANGE Is Victoria Road/Rolling Green C O M I N G Neighborhood — • Reconstruction project (Victoria from Marie Avenue to Highway 13) includes new road base and pavement, curb and gutter, and water main replacement ' • Rehabilitation project (Rolling Green Neighborhood) includes pavement replacement and spot curb repairs • Road closed to through traffic during construction I • Substantial completion anticipated by the end of September Wentworth & Pilot Knob Trails — i • Rehabilitation (pavement replacement) of trails along Wentworth Avenue between Dodd Road and Wachtler Avenue, and along Pilot Knob Road between I-494 and Highway 13 • Substantial completion anticipated by the end of September Highway 13 Trail — • Construction of new trail segment between Riverside Lane and Lilydale Road expected later this summer • City contractor is coordinating schedules with Saint Paul Regional Water due to a required utility relocation • Project completion is expected later this summer/fall. J N DE MONO - IDE MON IDE --w--X--JL Carbon Monoxide Safety sE MONO IDE Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. • CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards. For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound. • Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement and CO mounting height. Test CO alarms once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If it still sounds after replacing the batteries, call the fire department. • If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive. • If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow. • During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up. • A generator should be used in a well -ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings. • Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO - only use them outside. Home Heating Equipment: Have fuel -burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in. When using a fireplace, open the flue for adequate ventilation. Never use your oven to heat your home. Field Trips October 16th Horseback Riding at Bunker Stables Ride guided trails on your own horse and enjoy a hay ride. Bring a bag lunch and beverage (no concessions available). We will wrap up with games, a campfire, and s'mores. Please note: In case of rain, trip will be moved indoors at Bunker Hills Riding Arena. Riders must wear a helmet (included). Parents must sign a Bunker Hills release form available online or at City Hall. Fee: $40 Ages: 8 & up BUS: Departs 9:45 am and returns at 3:15 pm from the Mendota Heights City Hall October 17th Rock Climbing, Archery & Bowling We will head to Basecamp in Minneapolis, where we will participate in rock climbing, archery and team building activities. After lunch, we will head to DrkuUs for bowling. Please pack a bag lunch. Fee: $30 Ages: 8 & up BUS: Departs 8:45 am and returns at 4:00 pm from the Mendota Heights City Hall Halloween Bonfire at Mendota Plaza As a reminder, the Halloween Bonfire is scheduled for Friday, October 31, 2014. This is a community event and is a safe and fun alternative to trick -or -treating. Wear your costume or just come for the fun! Firefighters will be providing free hotdogs. Watch the City's website for information regarding brush drop off times for the bonfire or call City Hall at 651.452.1850. Fire Prevention Week Firefighters will be visiting the local schools during Fire Prevention Week, October 5 — 11, 2014, to discuss fire prevention topics. The firefighters will give the students a family fire safety quiz and talk about creating a home fire PsrnnP n1in Gymnastics Classes 4'JWqWT l For boys & girls, ages three and older. Classes inclu e: balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise, tumbling & more. Classes are held at Sibley High School (small gym.) Girls should wear leotards; boys may wear shorts & t -shirts. LSaturday mornings: 10 weeks. December 6, 13, 20, January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, February 7 & 14 Tumbling Tykes 3 & 4 8:30 to 9:00 am $ 90 Tumbling Tots 4 & 5 9:05 to 9:35 am $ 90 Kinder Tumbling 5 & 6 9:40 to 10:20 am $ 90 Beginner 6 & Up 10:25 to 11:25 am $ 125 Advanced Beginner 6 & Up 11:30 to 12:30 am $ 125 Breast Cancer Awareness Bike Ride October is breast cancer awareness month. The City of Mendota Heights has partnered with One Ten Cycle and Trek for the first annual Breast Cancer Awareness Bike Ride. Featuring 5, 10 and 25 -mile family -friendly group rides, the event donates all proceeds directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. With one in every eight women in the US getting breast cancer in her lifetime, most people have a close friend or family member affected by the disease. The goal of the Trek Breast Cancer Awareness Ride is not only to raise funds for breast cancer research, but unite local communities in the effort to raise awareness of the importance of breast health in a fun, supportive environment. Where: Ride begins at One Ten Cycle 1040 West Dakota Drive Mendota Heights When: October 11, 2014 Check in - 7:30 am Ride starts - 8:30 am Fee: $30 per rider or $100 per family Register at www.trek.com Mendota Heights Par 3 Come check out the newly remodeled clubhouse which features a new television, free Wi-Fi, and a great atmosphere to relax before or after your round of golf. There is still plenty of great golfing weather remaining. The Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course will remain open until the snow flies. Our fall rates begin on September 22, 2014. Weekdays: $8 Weekends: $10 The Mendota Heights Par 3 1 Thompson Oaks Open will be held Saturday September 27, 2014. The event features 9 holes at both courses and includes breakfast, lunch and awards for only $30 per person. Please call 651.454.9822 to register for the event. FootGolf Now Open at the Par 3 FootGolf is a new sport that combines the skills of soccer and golf. Players kick soccer balls into 21 inch cups located 40-180 yards from the teeing ground. This fast growing sport is a great way for families and groups of all ages to socialize and get exercise. Come out and get your kicks! Call the clubhouse for information at 651.454.9822. Rates: $8.00 -Adults $7.00 -Youth $2.00 -Ball Rental Fee Follow Us Learn more about the City of Mendota Heights and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. © Facebook.comlMendotaHeightsMN t Twitter. comma mendota heights ® Email Notification www.mendota-beigbts.com click on the "email notifications" button. City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com ********ECRWSS** POSTAL CUSTOMER Goat Browsing Introduced at Pilot Knob As part of the Management Intensive Grazing Plan for Pilot Knob Open Space, goats were introduced to the site this summer. Goat browsing is a management tool for control of broadleaved plants including buckthorn and invasive species including overabundant native Canada goldenrod. Three Dodge Nature Center goats and a second herd of nine goats from the Pechacek's farm from Denmark Township are enthusiastically eating the goldenrod as hoped! Get rid of unwanted items the right way by using the ��'408r9, Green Guide 2�a will From appliances to electronics and fluorescent bulbs to musical greeting cards, some of what we throw away should be reused, recycled, composted or handled in a special way. Visit www. dakotacounou us and search Green Guide or call Dakota County at 952.891.7000 for answers to your recycling questions. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN Plan For Your Later Years You are never too young or old to start planning for your future. Mendota Heights for a Lifetime is promoting the Own Your Future (OYF) Minnesota initiative to encourage individuals to create a plan for their long-term care. Own Your Future: Long-term Care Planning Guides are available at city hall. The guide includes information to help you prepare for a secure and healthy future. For more information go to www. mn.govlownyour&ture or call the Senior LinkAge Line at 1.800.333.2433. Mendota Heights for a Lifetime is a group dedicated to creating an age -friendly city. For information or questions please contact lucenacadakota.mn.us or call 651.554.6104.