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2015-02 Heights HighlightsS MENDOTArrql1t17-17_1` HEIGHTS FEBRUARY 2015 Mayor's Message page 2 Enjoy the Par 3 2 New Employee Profile 3 Spring Clean -Up Day 3 Core Value Awards 3 Tell Us What You Think 3 Citizen Police Academy 4 Crime Maps On-line 4 Safety Camp 4 Construction Update 5 Parks and Recreation 6 - 7 Permits Back cover Outdr Warning Siren Policy Changes Big changes are coming to an OUTDOOR WARNING SIREN near you! In 2015 you will notice an estimated 70% reduction in the number of times you hear a siren sound •r severe weather in Mendota Heights. When you hear an OUTDOOR WARNING SIREN tornado or severe weather) TAKE ACTION. You need to find out what is going on quickly! The impact of inaction could be huge. Watch for more details in the April Heights Highlights. 1 G WARNING New Use for Historic Fischerville Buildings PCM Companies, a holding company that holds five operating businesses in the Midwest, recently purchased the Fischerville buildings for their new offices. The company has five employees and relocated from Eagan, where it had been for over 20 years. The property was originally used as a gas station and was most recently used as a boutique and coffee shop. According to Brian Smith, the company's president and Mendota Heights resident, he drove by the building often and appreciated its historic value to the community and thought it was worth saving. When it became available, he decided to undertake an extensive rehabilitation project. Improvements to the property include: • Structural repairs • Refinished original hardwood floors • Installed new windows and roofs, insulation, and mechanical and electrical systems • Refaced garage exterior with brick to match the office building • Refurbished historic gas station signage and exterior lighting • Reused exterior windows inside • Landscaping and site improvements We appreciate the efforts to improve the property while preserving its historic character. PCM welcomes any curious residents to stop by and take a look inside. SOUTH E OIL C A SMALL TOWN FEEL IN AN URBAN SETTING Mayor's Message February is a time of new beginnings in Mendota Heights, winter sports and annual events. The beginning of the year includes the Council Goal Setting meeting. Included on the agenda are items that require more thought and discussion, some carry forward each year and some are situational. Goal setting sessions are an important means for the Council to provide both more comprehensive leadership and to be able to act quickly if need be. It is also a time for the selection of new Commissioners. Mendota Heights typically supports the reappointment of commissioners who request to be reappointed. They can serve up to three terms. Commissioners that are not able to attend two-thirds of the meetings are asked to reconsider reappointment. Commissions meet monthly, between 11 and 12 times a year. The most significant new beginning is our new City Administrator, Mark McNeill. Mark comes from Shakopee where he served for eighteen years. We value his experience and look forward to many years of service in Mendota Heights. He starts on February 23. The Engineering Department will be holding community meetings to explain upcoming street projects, answer questions, and learn of concerns of the effected neighborhoods. We appreciate your participation so projects are successful and misunderstandings are minimized. Winter sports are underway and outdoor ice hockey has seen renewed interest. This is probably one of the healthiest developments in a generation. There is a belief that Minnesota's participation in democracy, education and sports came from the mutual support and bonding that came from building and maintaining outdoor rinks by parents and players, working together in the elements. Outdoor or indoor skating and hockey are Minnesota traditions. We look forward to the remodel of the John Hoene Ice Arena and many years of use. The Par 3 has been groomed for Nordic skiing. With the warming house open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, this is a great way to enjoy our open space and use our historic knotty pine club house. Thank you to St. Thomas Academy for grooming the trails for us. Thanks also goes to Sloan Wallgren for this expanded use of the site. February is a time of traditional activities. Henry Sibley High School is celebrating 50 years of GOFA, Give Once For All, which last year raised $30,000. It is a celebration and a community builder that contributes to selected charities. This year funds will benefit ALS, TDI and Harvest Pack. On February 14th, the Fire Relief Association held their annual dinner. They celebrated the retirements of fire fighters Jamie Lerbs and Michael Coonan. We thank them for their service. Mendota Heights welcomed two new police officers in the past four months, Nick Gorgos and Robin Nelson. Three officers were promoted to sergeant, Tanner Spicer, Peyton Fleming and in June, Bobby Lambert. Congratulations to them. The Police Department, as does all of Mendota Heights, continues to mourn the loss of Officer Scott Patrick. We admire the strength and grace of Michelle Patrick and daughters Erin and Amy throughout all of these trying events over the past months. The Scott Patrick Memorial Committee led by Officers Larrive, Lambert and Shepherd will be considering an appropriate memorial. Officers will also be going to Washington DC to attend National Law Enforcement Week. This is a week-long tribute to fallen officers and their families. Residents and businesses wanting to make a contribution for the Scott Patrick Memorial can contact the Mendota Heights Police Department by calling 651.452.1850. And last, I want to thank Tamara Schutta for serving as Interim Administrator for January and February. She is highly respected by the staff and those who work with the city from other jurisdictions. Tamara moved into the position keeping the services, searches and management of the city moving forward through the goal setting, and commission interviews. We are all grateful to her. Enjoy the winter, use the trails, stop in the Par 3 club house to check out snow bicycles, rent snowshoes, have a cup of hot chocolate on a winter weekend afternoon, and be sure to support the schools by attending their concerts, plays, athletic events and fundraisers. Enjoy the Par 3 There is still plenty of time to get outdoors and enjoy some winter recreation activities. Did you know that there is a cross country ski trail at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course? Weather permitting, the clubhouse will be open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Available for rent at the golf course are snowshoes and fat tire bikes for $5.00. The clubhouse also offers people a chance to warm up and purchase a hot beverage or snack. 2 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Spring Clean -Up Day The annual Spring Clean -Up Day is set for Saturday, May 2, 2015 at Mendakota Park starting at 8:00 am and ending at 12:00 pm. This is your chance to clear out your home and property. We will have volunteers to help unload your vehicle. Through the clean-up, Mendota Heights residents recycle tons of materials; nearly everything brought to the clean-up is recycled or processed. The event is open to Mendota Heights residents with current ID, driving personal vehicles and small trailers. We will accept the following items: • Car tires, furniture ($5 each) • Mattresses/box springs ($10 each) • Home remodeling debris/misc. junk (Volume -based fee) • Electronics with cords (Volume -based fee) • Scrap metals — remove all non-metal (Free) • Bicycles (Free) We do not accept: Yard waste, business waste or contractor debris, household hazardous waste, or items which can be recycled at the curb. For more information contact Nolan Wall at 651.255.1142 or nolanw@mendota-heights.com. The spring clean-up is made possible by a grant from Dakota County Environmental Management and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance. Employee Core Values Awards In 2013, Mendota Heights employees were asked to identify four core values that they share. The shared values include respectful, ethical, service oriented and professional. Each day, they live these values as they carry out the functions of the city to make Mendota Heights a quality place to live and work. Each year all employees are asked to nominate their peers who have gone the extra mile the past year. The 2015 recipients for the core values awards were as follows (from left to right): Professional — Kim Henning, Police Support Specialist Service Oriented — Bobby Crane, Senior Engineering Technician Ethical — Lorri Smith, City Clerk Respectful — Pam Deeb, City Receptionist Archery in Mendota Heights? The Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Commission would like to hear your thoughts on building an archery range in our city using grant money from the Minnesota DNR. The Parks and Rec Commission invites residents to their April 14, 2015 meeting at 6:30 pm at the Mendota Heights City Hall. If you are unable to attend but would like to forward your comments to the commission, please call 651.255.1354 or email at sloanw(ZLmendota-heights. com. New Recreation Programs for adults 50+ The City of Mendota Heights, along with ISD 197 and Dakota County, are working together on offering programs for older adults 50+. We are holding an informal community meeting to hear ideas of programs that residents want offered in Mendota Heights. Please join us at Mendota Elementary School on Tuesday, March 31, 2015 from 10:00 to 11:30 am to discuss activities that you would like to see offered. Please call 651.452.1850 to register. You may also take our online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/mendotaheights50. 1 HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 3 DLINothing to do on Thursday nights in the fall? Want to get an insider's view of your police department? g� ---� It's no secret that Citizens Police Academy is the #1 event of the year in Mendota Heights & West St. Paul. We are looking for "30 Most Wanted" citizens to attend the 8th annual Citizens Police Academy September 17 -November 19, 2015. Classes run from 6:00 pm -9:30 pm on Thursday nights. Citizens Police Academy is a ten week course designed to give citizens a working knowledge of the operations and responsibilities of the Mendota Heights and West St. Paul Police Departments. Students will be given hands on instruction in aspects of criminal investigation, traffic stops/patrol, use of force techniques, field sobriety testing, and domestic violence. The Academy is open to all residents or business owners in Mendota Heights, Mendota, Lilydale, West St. Paul and Sunfish Lake. The 2015 Citizens Police Academy will help you get to know the men and women behind the badge. For more information stop by either the Mendota Heights or West St. Paul Police Departments, or go to www.mendota-heights.com. If you have questions, please call Becky at 651.255.1191 or send an e-mail to beckyp@mendota-heights.com. Arm yourself with an application and sign up now. Citizens Police Academy ONLINE 55555115. TWO ,mm die5;140035/15•0151 Num.; 2515900205 ,ff Timm New inapress:13.,,M, 0.51 511155 Crime Maps Now Available Online Mendota Heights Police Department, along with other Dakota County agencies, began using the RAIDS Online Crime Mapping tool in the spring of 2014. Check it out: http://raidsonline.com Mendota Heights public call data is uploaded from our records management system (RMS). This is raw data only, presented in compliance with Minnesota data practices laws. It is a great tool for real estate agents, property managers, and interested citizens on general activity in our city, county and state. To receive additional incident information, you will need to complete a data request form. Visit the city website or call 651.452.1366 for information on obtaining a police report. For an opportunity to learn more about criminal activity in your neighborhood and safety tips, call the Mendota Heights Police Department to schedule a neighborhood meeting with our crime prevention officer. 2015 Safety Camp July 14-16 This experience will last a lifetime. Camp leaders include volunteers from local police and fire departments. Safety Camp participants will learn about stranger safety, first-aid and more. On Thursday we will take a field trip to Bunker Beach Water Park to practice some of the water safety skills we learned. Time: Tuesday & Wednesday 8:00 am - 3:30 pm Thursday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Ages: Youth entering 3rd & 4th grades fall 2015 Fee: $30 includes lunch, snack and field trip on Thursday Location: Kaposia Park, South St. Paul 4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Road Construction Update 1 2015 is scheduled to be another busy year for road construction in Mendota Heights. Residents should be aware of these projects and plan their travel around the City accordingly. Also, please give construction workers a break by slowing down while driving through construction zones. This helps contractors complete the projects on time, and will minimize risk to both drivers and construction workers. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Projects scheduled for construction during the 1 1 summer of 2015 are: 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 City Projects: Contact the City Engineering Department at 651.452.1850. Victoria Road Reconstruction Phase II — Project will reconstruct Victoria Road from Marie Avenue to Lexington Avenue. Construction work will include new road bed, pavement, trail, curb, gutter, and storm sewer installation. Construction is scheduled to begin in June and last through October of 2015. Highway 13 Trail Connection — Project will install a new pedestrian trail from Riverside Lane east to Lilydale Road to connect the local trail network to the Big Rivers Regional Trail in Lilydale. Construction is scheduled for the summer of 2015. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Mind Your Flushings The Public Works Department is experiencing problems throughout the city's sanitary sewer system with bathroom wipes. Even though their package may say they are "flushable," they really are not. Wipes are labeled as "flushable" because they degrade at the treatment plant, but they are clogging up service lines and our sewer main lines. Standard toilet paper and ordinary waste is acceptable, but please mind the use of those "flushable" wipes. Also, if residents have their service line (the sewer drain from the house out to the street) cleaned, please contact the Public Works Department so we can flush the city's main sewer line afterwards. Debris from the service line could clog the main line downstream. By letting us know about the service line cleaning, we can ensure continued sewer service for you and your neighborhood. Thank you! Sanitary Sewer Rate Increase You will notice a slight increase in your sanitary sewer bill on your second quarter statement arriving in April 2015. The City Council increased the base residential sanitary sewer rate by $3.05 (5%) per quarter at their December 2, 2014 meeting. The new rate was driven largely by increased charges billed by Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) due to an over 12% increase in flow rate contributed from the City to the MCES system, and due to rising costs of maintenance to the city's sewer system. No changes were made to the storm sewer utility fee listed on your quarterly utility bill. The quarterly fee will remain at $7.25 for 2015. Please contact the Engineering Department at 651.452.1850 for additional information. State Projects: Contact MnDOT Metro District Information, J.P. Gillach (651.234.7503, james. gillach@state.mn.us). The MN Department of Transportation has three projects in Mendota Heights planned for 2015. • Highway 110 (Highway 13 to I -35E) will receive a pavement overlay • Highway 149 (Dodd Road) from The Village south to Lake Drive will receive a sealcoat treatment • Highway 13 (2nd Street to I -35E) will be reconstructed Maintenance activities should be expected along state owned rights-of-way (Dodd Road, Highway 13, Highway 55, I -35E, I-494, and Highway 110) throughout the summer. Staff will publish scheduled activities in the Friday News/The Pipeline. mm mm= 1 1 1 1 1 1 Drop Box Reminder There are two drop boxes outside City Hall for your convenience. One is for utility bills and the other is for US Mail. Just drive up and drop it off? 1 1 1 UTILITY BILL U.S. MAIL HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 5 Parks and Recreation Think Spring! for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall. 2015 Spring Field Trips We start at Mattie's Lanes in South St. Paul with two games of bowling. Next we will head to Central Square for lunch and then into the pool to stretch out on a pool float while watching a movie! Trip includes bowling, lunch, swimming and supervision. Drop-off: 10:00 am Mattie's Lanes (365 Concord Exchange N, South St. Paul) Pickup: 3:15 pm, Central Square Community Center (100 7th Ave N, South St. Paul) Cost: $20.00 per child (includes lunch) We start at Air Maxx in Eden Prairie to experience the incredible trampolines. After, we head to the Cinema Grill Cafe in New Hope to enjoy a pizza lunch. After lunch, we will relax while watching newly released family friendly movies. Please remember that all participants must bring a signed waiver for Air Maxx. Drop off: 8:30 am, Mendota Heights City Hall Pickup: 4:00 pm, Mendota Heights City Hall Cost: $30 per child (includes lunch) Enter a fantastical winter wonderland beyond all imagination as Disney On Ice presents Frozen at the Target Center. Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation will be taking a field trip to the Target Center to watch Disney on Ice Frozen. The trip is for youth ages 2 - 6 and a parent/grandparent must accompany the youth. We will take a bus from Mendota Heights City Hall departing at 9:00 am and returning at 1:45pm. The cost of the trip is $20 per person which includes your ticket and bus transportation. MOP 2015 Summer Field Trips Grab a friend and join us on one of our fun youth field trips. Depart & return from City Hall on all trips. Trips include chaperones, activity fee and bus. June 11: WhirlyBall, Elm Creek Park and Mini Golf June 18: Minnesota Twins Game July 9: Wild Mountain Water Park July 23: Como Park July 30: Edina Water Park New! Skyhawks Sports Camps Skyhawks provides a wide variety of fun, safe and skill based programs that emphasize critical lessons in sports and life, such as teamwork, respect and sportsmanship. Camps are 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Monday -Thursday. The cost of each camp is $99 per participant. June 15-18 MINI HAWK: Ages 4-7 June 22-25 BASKETBALL: Ages 6-12 July 27-30 FLAG FOOTBALL: Ages 6-12 July 27-30 SOCCER: Ages 6-12 Kensington Park St. Thomas Academy Gym Kensington Park Kensington Park Summer Playground Program *NEW: Camps run Monday — Friday Join us at Mendakota Park for a week of summer fun! Morning session: Ages: 4 - 7 Fee: $49 Time: 9:30 to 11:30 am Afternoon session: Ages: 7 - 10 Fee: $69 Time: 12:30 to 3:30 pm Week One: Gameshow Week June 15-19 Have you ever wanted to be part of your favorite game show? We will create our very own Survivor, Fear Factor, American Idol, Amazing Race and much more. Week Two: Olympics Week June 22-26 Come participate in our very own Olympics! Be part of our opening ceremonies and have a chance to win a medal. Week Three: Water Works 1 July 6-10 This week is packed full of water, so bring your swimsuit each day. We will have buckets of fun, crafts and games. Week Four: Super Hero Week July 13-17 This week will include games, crafts, creating our own superhero names, practicing skills and creating a comic book. (No pm session this week due to Safety Camp) Week Five: Sports, Sports & more Sports July 20-24 Unleash your inner athlete. We will play traditional games such as soccer, basketball and volleyball but also some less traditional games. Week Six: Disney Week July 27-31 This week is full of activities and crafts all related to your favorite Disney shows and characters. We will create our own Flubber, play games, and create our own characters. Week Seven: Water Works 2 August 3-7 Get ready for another fun filled week packed with water. We will be having more buckets of fun, crafts and games. 6 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Parks and Recreation Plan Ahead! for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall. Mendota Heights Youth Tennis Our tennis programs are for learning and enjoying the game. Programs run from June 15 -July 30 at Visitation School Tennis Courts and Ivy Hills Park. (No tennis the week of June 29 - July 2) Mik Littles Tennis: ages 4-7 Fee: $39 for 6 sessions An introuction using mini nets an junior tennis bal s. Parents/c aperones are encouraged to stay. Littles Tennis classes are held once a week for 6 weeks. Tennis Lessons: ages 7-12 Fee: $85 for all 18 sessions Classes held three times per week. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced play. Sign up all of your children for one session. r� In House I and 'I for 18 sessions Instructors will divide participants into singles or doubles play each day and will be on hand to keep the matches moving. Instructors will provide coaching on serving, strokes, footwork and scoring. Matches are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 12:00 to 12:55 pm. Recreation Travel League: ages 10 and up Fee: $90 This program is for players who are looking to play matches. Instructors will provide coaching and supervision of matches. The team will practice the first two weeks and play matches in July. Matches are held on Mondays & Wednesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. There will be 4 home matches and 4 away matches. (Transportation is not provided) USTA Junior TEAM Tennis: ages 12 -18 Fee: $125 This program is for youth who are looking to play at the highest level. Players should be on or intend to be on their school's tennis team. There will be a 14 & Under team and an 18 & Under team. Matches will begin in June with the 14U team playing on Tuesdays and the 18U team playing on Thursdays. There will be 2 or 3 home matches and 2 or 3 away matches. Instructors will provide coaching and supervision of matches. Skate Board Camp Have you ever dreamed of doing a kickflip, dropping in on a ramp, or just cruising down the street? If so, this is the camp for you. Staff from 3rd Lair has been teaching the Twin Cities how to skateboard since 1997, and now it's your turn to learn from the best. Whether it's your first day on a board or you're an experienced rider looking to take it to the next level, we have you covered. Highly trained instructors teach proven techniques in a fun and supportive setting. All necessary equipment will be provided. Location: Rogers Lake Skate Park, 1000 Wagon Wheel Trail Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday Time: 10:00 to 12:00 noon Cost: $99 per camp Dates: Camp #1 June 16-18 Camp #2 July 7-9 Camp #3 August 4-6 Par 3 Youth Golf Junior Golf League: ages 6-15 • Fee: $99 for 11 weeks Grow your game and play in a league this summer. Tee times are available Mon, Tues, Wed, or Friday mornings, from 8:30 - 10:30 am (Monday evening league tee times are also available from 6:00 to 6:30 pm). Missed dates can be made up at any time. Youth golf camps: ages 7-12 • Fee: $89 Youth golf camps run Monday through Thursday (Friday may be used as a rain makeup day) and features exercises and games to help improve golf skills, in a fun environment. Camps run every week starting June 8 through September 3. Morning camps run 9:00 to 11:30 am and the afternoon camps run 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm. The camp includes a free round of golf and a tee shirt. c Tiger Tots Golf Lessons: ages 5-7 • Fee: $39 Four lessons, one per week. Includes the basics of golf while focusing on having a great time. The class fee includes a free round of golf and a tee shirt. Maximum 6 participants per class. Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby June 25, 2015 Bring your fishing pole and come on down to Roger's Lake fishing pier to catch "the big one!" Prizes and goodie bags will be provided to all participants. Parents and grandparents are welcome to watch. We will be providing hotdogs, beverages and a cold treat. One lucky boy or girl will win a Minnesota Lifetime Fishing License. Ages: 14 & under (parent/guardian must accompany participants) Fee: $10 Time: 5:30 pm - check-in 6:00 pm - fishing begins 7:00 pm - awards and prizes HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 7 HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS February 2015 Issue: 100 City Directory Council Members: Sandra Krebsbach, Mayor 651.454.5696 Ultan Duggan Steve Norton Liz Petschel Mike Povolny Staff Members: City Hall Mark McNeill, City Administrator Tamara Schutta, Assistant to the Administrator Mike Andrejka, Building Official John Maczko, Fire Chief John Mazzitello, Public Works Director Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director Lorri Smith, City Clerk Nolan Wall, Planner Police Department Emergency Police Administration 651.452.5179 651.269.2004 651.454.3256 651.454.0926 651.452.1850 911 651.452.1366 Mike Aschenbrener, Chief of Police Public Works Facility 651.454.4059 Terry Blum, Public Works Superintendent © Copyright 2015 City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com Follow Us Learn more about the City of Mendota Heights and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com/@mendota heights City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com ********ECRWSS** POSTAL CUSTOMER PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN BUILD* PUMP Permits for Home Building and NO. Remodeling Projects ass,, �J When // you hire a contractor for your next building project, or even if you are going to do it yourself, make sure that all the required building permits are obtained. According to Minnesota State Building Code, an owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, alter or repair a building must first obtain the required building permit from the City. Property owners have a responsibility, along with their contractors, to make sure that all required inspections are completed. It is the responsibility of the permit applicant (owner and contractor) to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. The City Building Official also has a responsibility to make all required inspections. A final inspection is required for all work for which a permit is issued and it is the duty of the person doing the work to notify the Building Official that the work is ready for inspection. A building project, regardless of scope, cannot be considered a completed project, until a final inspection is performed and approved by a city building inspector. Without a final inspection, project warranty dates may not be properly established and contractors could face sanctions from the State of Minnesota Contractor Licensing Division and incur fines or even a revocation of their license. It is also possible that the homeowner's insurance may not cover claims on built or renovated spaces if a final inspection is not accomplished. Completing inspections is a critical component to a successful project. A final inspection approval should be your last step in the completion of all your building and remodeling projects. Please contact Michael Andrejka, Mendota Heights Building Official, at 651.452.1850 for more information. 1