2015-09 Heights Highlightsa
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Organize Your Neighborhood Garbage Service
The City of Mendota Heights uses an "open hauling" system for the collection of
garbage and recycling materials. Open hauling allows residents to choose their garbage
hauling company that is licensed by the City. Currently, there are eleven haulers who
' service customers in the City. Considering that each of the companies may provide
separate garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickup services, it could mean more than 30
_ F trucks travelling through your neighborhood each week!
M E N D O T A] Rather than the City mandating a single residential hauler in order to lessen the
H E I G H T S multiple garbage hauler truck traffic, the City of Mendota Heights encourages residents
who live on the same street or in the same neighborhood to organize their collection
SEPTEMBER 2015
with a single hauler. This type of organized collection can have several benefits,
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Mayor's Message page 2
including:
Construction Update
2
Fewer large trucks 1
Yard and Tree Waste Disposal
3
Increased traffic safety
J
City Hall Information
3
Decreased noise levels
3
Sump Pump Installation
3
Reduced wear and tear on city streets
■ Decreased potential air pollution ----
Off Leash Dog Park
3
■ Improve neighborhood aesthetics
Police Department News
4
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The possibility of a reduced monthly
Stay Safe in the Dark
4
rate by setting up services as a group,
Fire Department News
5
and the possibility of additional
Fire Department Wins Award
5
services being offered by the hauler
Initiate the setup of an organized collection
Parks and Recreation 6-7
for your street or neighborhood. The
Programs
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organizer" can be a person, a couple i
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Victoria Road Seeding
of people, or a committee. Survey your neighbors to see if they want to organize
Back cover
collection services. Contact the haulers to see if they are interested in servicing your
street or neighborhood. The City can provide you with a list of the licensed haulers.
The efforts made to organize your garbage collection service will benefit all of
you.
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Pickleball at Marie Park
The city has added four pickleball courts at Marie Park. The Marie Park hockey
rink was paved last fall to help to create a better ice surface and to allow for easier
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maintenance. The City has taken advantage of this improvement by marking
four pickleball courts, and will soon add a full basketball court.
What IS pickleball? Pickleball is a fun sport that combines many elements of
tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton -sized court and
1
a slightly modified tennis net, with a paddle and a plastic ball similar to a wiffle
ball.
Equipment for playing pickleball (nets, paddles and balls) may be checked out at
City Hall. Please call 651.255.1354 for more information.
Mayor's Message
Mendota Heights has had a terrific
summer. The Mendota Heights
Fire Department was designated as
Minnesota's "Fire Department of
Friendly Hills. This is a good time to note that our rates are
below average for water, storm water and sanitary sewer in the
metropolitan area.
the Year" at the Minnesota State Fire Mendota Heights is pleased to have 60 new twinhomes being
Department Association's annual
conference. Congratulations to all of
the members.
The parks were active with children playing youth sports, parents
and family cheering them on. The tradition of parent -coaches
continues which builds community among families and gives our
youth the security of knowing that more adults care about them. It
is now on to football, tennis, swimming, volleyball, cross country,
and soccer at the schools and club sports.
The John Hoene Ice Arena in West St. Paul is under renovation,
with financial assistance from the taxpayers of Mendota Heights.
The arena floor was removed and 16 feet of frozen dirt beneath it
had to be thawed and excavated. It is scheduled to open October
1st. A hockey parent suggested a volunteer painting crew could
improve the look of the arena now that there is a new sheet of ice.
Mendota Heights is growing as a golf -friendly city with traditional
golf and now footgolf. There were a record number of rounds
played at the Par 3 Golf Course. On July 31, the Par 3 hosted the
2015 Minnesota PGA Junior Golf Association Beginner's Tour
Tournament with sixty junior golfers participating. In addition,
in July, the Mendakota Country Club hosted the Minnesota State
Open Championship, for both amateurs and professionals. In my
view, the course is maintained to a quality that is comparable to
the finest golf courses anywhere. For that, congratulations go to
Bob McKinney, Grounds Superintendent at Mendakota. Mendota
Heights is also proud to be the home of the renowned Somerset
Course.
The City's preliminary budget for FY 2016 has been set. The
process started with city staff developing their budget which was
presented and reviewed at two City Council workshop meetings in
August and September. Mendota Heights works to provide quality
service at the lowest possible property tax rates.
At the time of this writing, the Council was debating the merits
of retaining the ownership of the City's water distribution system,
or selling it to the St. Paul Regional Water Service. Regardless
of which direction is chosen, there will likely not be a significant
impact on your water bill, and residents will experience no change
in service. Major policy considerations factored in the value of the
existing system, including the distribution pipes, pumps, and the
City's iconic water tower. That value is then offset by the future
costs to repair and maintain the system in neighborhoods such as
built in the development known as LeMay Shores. This is
a significant addition to the city. The homes will have the
quality and beauty for which Mendota Heights is known. The
first model home opens this fall.
There is a planning effort continuing for the Industrial
Park. Funding is jointly provided by the Dakota County
Community Development Agency and the City of Mendota
Heights, which are each contributing $10,000. The Mendota
Heights Industrial Park is an under-utilized regional asset with
a prime location. The plan will be looking at the Industrial
Park's potential future.
In closing, it is important to remember Officer Scott Patrick's
tragic death on July 30, 2014. On the day of the one year
anniversary, a series of commemoration events were held.
Those started at noon with the unveiling of one of the
four signs dedicating Dodd Road as "Officer Scott Patrick
Memorial Highway." Scott's brother Mike Brue, Mendota
Heights Police Officer John Larrive, Bloomington Police
Chaplain Jill Olmstead, and State Representative Joe Atkins
spoke at the ceremony. It was Representative Atkins who led
the effort at the Minnesota Legislature to dedicate the section
of Dodd Road, from Smith Avenue to Interstate 494, to
Officer Patrick. Later that evening, a respectful and fitting vigil
was held at The Village of Mendota Heights.
Thank you to all who organized and contributed to that day.
Our sympathy goes to Michelle, Erin and Amy Patrick, and
the community, as we continue to mourn his loss.
As we move into fall, enjoy your family and friends.
Construction Update of Victoria
Road
The reconstruction of Victoria Road is substantially
complete from Lexington Avenue to Walsh Lane (not
including the Walsh/Victoria intersection). Access to
Mendota Elementary is open. The reconstruction from
Walsh Lane to Marie Avenue is underway. Substantial
completion of the entire project is expected by the end
of September. The assessment hearing is scheduled
for October 6th. Please contact the Engineering
Department at 651.452.1850 with any questions.
Dispose of Yard and Tree Waste the Right Way
Did you know it's illegal to put yard and tree waste in your household trash? That's because it doesn't belong in the landfill. But
don't be stumped — there are many convenient ways to properly manage brush, garden debris, grass clippings, leaves, sod, logs,
trees, plants, compost, mulch and more. Here are a few:
1. Backyard composting. This is an easy way to turn much of the waste from your yard and kitchen into a rich
material that improves your soil.
2. Curbside pick-up. Contact your waste hauler to find out if they offer yard waste curbside pick-up.
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3. Drop -Off locations. Bring your yard and tree waste to the nearest compost #
site.
Home improvement stores sell paper and compostable bags to help contain yard waste. -
State law requires residents to use these instead of plastic bags to bag their yard waste for
drop-off at a compost site or for curbside service. B RGW N
For more information on yard waste disposal options, visit wwwdakotacounty.us and IS THE NEW
search yard waste or call 952.891.7020. LL\WTE
Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Dakota County Board of Commissioners.
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City Hall
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Schedule of Meetings:
The Mendota Heights City Council meets the first and third
Tuesdays of each month, starting at 7:00 pm.
The Parks and Recreation Commission meets the second
Tuesday of the month, starting at 6:30 pm.
The Airport Relations Commission meets the second
Wednesday of the month, starting at 7:00 pm.
The Planning Commission meets the fourth Tuesday of each
month, starting at 7:00 pm.
These meetings are held in the City Council Chambers, 1101
Victoria Curve.
You can view the City Council, Planning Commission, and
Parks and Rec Commission meetings online at www. mendota-
heights.com, click on `Agendas/Minutes', then click on `View
them online'. You can view the meetings live or view the video
of past meetings, along with the agenda packet materials from
that meeting.
Proper Sump Pump Installation
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 abnormally intense rains last year,
the City of Mendota Heights sewer flow increased by over 13%
in 2014! This caused sewer rates to go up for 2015. Re-routing
your sump pump to discharge water outside your home, instead
of into a drain line, can help reduce sanitary sewer flows and help
keep your sewer bills low. Sump pump discharge into the sanitary
sewer is also considered a violation of state and local building code.
Beginning in 2016, the City will be requiring property owners to
disconnect their sump pumps from the sanitary sewer. For more
information, please call the Public Works/Engineering Department
at 651.452.1850.
Off -Leash Dog Area
Being Planned �►
The Mendota Heights City '
Council voted recently to
approve a temporary off -leash
dog area. Your pets will love
to run and play at a new fully
fenced, grassy area to be located
on city owned land which is south of
Acacia Boulevard and east of Pilot Knob
Road. Although the final layout is still being planned, it is proposed
that it will be approximately three acres in size, be fully fenced, and
include benches, and dog waste receptacles. The area should be
ready for visitors this fall. Be sure to check our website for more up
to date information, or call City Hall at 651.452.1850.
0' The Mendota Heights Police
Department tries to make
information available in a variety
of formats and methods to reach
as much of our community
as possible. Most information
regarding our department, services,
and activities can be found on the
Police page of the City website.
Check it out to find resources such as:
Our weekly newsletter, "just the
Facts," found in the lower right hand
portion of the website. The newsletter,
written by officers and staff, addresses
important topics and gives a weekly
overview of incidents in our City.
Crime Mapping is our free tool
through RAIDS Online that
provides general, public incident data
information. It's a great resource that
provides visibility and insight into
criminal activity occurring not only in
your neighborhood but also most of
the Twin Cities metro area.
Emergency Community Notifications
provided by our 911 Center - Dakota
Communications Center (DCC),
notifies residents of immediate,
relevant emergency situations. Sign
up your land -line, email, and mobile
devices for prompt communication at
www. mn-dec. org.
Even with so much technology at our
- fingertips, Neighborhood Meetings
remain our favorite way to share information. The internet,
social media and the news are great sources of information, but
without personal contact and connections with our community,
it can be pretty meaningless. Case in point — on August 5th,
we had our best Night to Unite event ever with residents from
21 neighborhoods connecting with each other! Set up a Crime
Prevention meeting today with Officer Denise Urmann by
calling us at 651.452.1366.
Be informed, be safe and cal1911 to report any suspicious
activity or simply for police response 24/7.
Tips for Staying
Safe in the Dark
In today's busy world, walking,
running and biking still remain
the most inexpensive means of
transportation as well as a highly
effective means of staying fit.
However, pedestrians and cyclists
have a responsibility to remain
visible while on the roadways, especially at dusk or after dark.
Sidewalks are not always available and lighting is often scarce
in many neighborhoods. Sunlight and oncoming headlights
also can pose a problem for drivers and increase safety concerns.
Being safe at night means being smart and being visible with
appropriate clothing and equipment.
In Minnesota, the law states that bicycles ridden at night must
have a red light on the rear, and a white headlight with a steady
beam. These lights let motorists know in which direction you
are heading. The bike's headlight should be strong enough to
illuminate the road for several feet. For example, when you're
cycling at 15 mph, the headlight should allow you to see at least
35 to 50 feet in front of you. Lights with flashing mechanisms
will help make you more visible to drivers, while the solid
headlight allows them to gauge your distance and speed.
Lights and reflectors are also very important for walkers and
runners, especially if there is no path or sidewalk available
to you. Dress in light colored or bright colors for maximum
visibility. Clothing with built-in reflective details can be found.
Another idea is to buy reflective tape, cut it into strips and attach
it to your clothes. Carry a flashlight or a blinking light so you
can be seen by passing motorists or download a flashlight app for
your smart phone.
Mendota Heights is a beautiful city. Enjoy our many miles of
trails and pathways, just remember to stay safe in the dark by
using the appropriate lights and wearing reflective clothing.
Change Your Clock
— Change Your
Batteries
OW The Mendota Heights Fire Department
reminds you to test and replace the
batteries in all smoke detectors when you
change your clocks for the end of daylight savings time on
Sunday, November 1, 2015. Also, review your family's fire escape
plan. These simple precautions can help save lives.
M
MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Fire Department of the Year
In June, the Mendota Heights Fire Department was named the 2015
Minnesota Fire Department of the Year at the 140th Minnesota
State Fire Department Association's annual conference in St.
Cloud. The Fire Department also received a similar award in 1995.
Congratulations to the firefighters for attaining this great honor.
Fire Prevention Open House
This year is the 30th anniversary of the annual Fire Prevention Open
House. The Mendota Heights Fire Prevention Open House will be
held on Saturday, October 10, 2015, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Meet the firefighters and tour the fire 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. There will
be fire demonstrations: two kitchen fires and a home fire sprinkler
demonstration. The fire demonstrations will be graphic and intense.
The 2015 fire prevention theme is "Hear the Beep Where you Sleep:
Every Bedroom Needs a Working Smoke Alarm!" Smoke alarms
save lives. Smoke alarms are required in hallways outside sleeping
rooms, in sleeping rooms, on each level of the building, and in
basements. Test your smoke alarms every month. Replace all smoke
alarms every 10 years or if they don't respond properly when tested.
Adopt -A -Hydrant
Don't let the snow cover your
fire hydrant. Minutes can save
lives and if firefighters have
to waste time looking for and
digging out fire hydrants, this
could make a bad situation
worse. Remember to keep snow,
landscaping, mailboxes, signs,
weeds and other objects away
from fire hydrants.
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Fire Prevention Week
The firefighters will be visiting the local
• schools during Fire Prevention Week,
October 4 — 10, to discuss fire prevention
topics. The firefighters will give the
children a fire safety quiz and talk about
creating a home fire escape plan.
67th Annual Firefighters Dance
The Mendota Heights firefighters will be out in your
neighborhood selling dance tickets and handing out the
annual report as part of their annual fundraiser. The Fire
Department's 67th annual dance will be held on Friday,
November 13, 2015, from 8:00 pm to midnight. Music
will be by High and Mighty. The dance will be held at
the Mall of America Hilton, 3800 American Blvd East,
Bloomington. Tickets are $12 in advance (or $2 for $20)
or $15 at the door. Tickets may also be purchased at the
Mendota Heights City Hall. Come out for an evening of
fun, music and dancing.
New Fire Code Adopted —
Grills on Decks or Patios
Many questions arise regarding the use of barbecues on
decks, balconies and patios of multifamily homes. Mendota
Heights Code of ordinances was recently updated to state
the following:
In any structure containing three or more dwelling units, no
person shall maintain any fire or open flame on any balcony
above ground level, or within fifteen feet of any unit on any
ground floor patio.
No person shall store or use any fuel, barbecue, torch or
similar heating or lighting chemical or devices in the locations
designated above.
1
Parks and Recreation Find Fun This Fall!
for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall.
Gymnastics Classes
For boys & girls, ages 3 and older. Classes include: balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise
tumbling and more. Classes held at Sibley High School (small gym). Girls should wear leota
boys may wear shorts and t -shirt.
Winter Session (Saturday mornings for 10 weeks) —
December: 5, 12, 19, 2015; January 9, 16, 23, 30; February 6, 13, 20, 2016
Tumbling Tykes
Ages 3 & 4
8:30— 9:00 am
Tumbling Tots
Ages 4 & 5
9:05— 9:35 am
<inder Tumbling
Ages 5 & 6
9:40-10:20 am
3eginner
Ages 6 & up
10:25— 11:25 am
Mendota Heights
Par 3
Come check out our great
clubhouse which includes a big
screen TV, 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 will remain open until the snow flies.
Our fall rates begin Monday September 28,
2015.
Fall Rates: Weekdays - $8
Weekends - $10
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Mendota Heights Athletic Association
Registrations are now being taken for Volleyball, in-house
basketball and traveling basketball. Visit our website for
more information at www.mendotaheightsathletics.com
Sibley Area Hockey
Registrations are still being accepted for boys & girls
hockey with the Sibley Area Hockey Association. Please visit
our website at www.sibleyareahocke.00rg for more information.
Fall Field Trip
October 15th
Horseback Riding at Bunker Stables
$ 90
$ 90
$ 90
$125
Ride guided trails on your own horse and enjoy a hayride.
Please bring a bag lunch and beverage (concessions are not
available). We will wrap up with games, a campfire and
s'mores.
Please note that in case of rain, the trip will be moved
indoors at Bunker Hills Riding Arena. Riders must wear a
helmet (included) and be 48 inches tall.
Fee: $40
Ages: 8 & Up
Bus: Departs Mendota Heights City Hall at
8:30 am and returns at 3:15 pm.
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Parks and Recreation Find Fun This Fall!
for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall.
Ivy Hills Tennis Courts
Earlier this summer, the City of Mendota Heights made a major
improvement to the tennis courts at Ivy Hills Park. The cracks on the
court were filled and sealed, the tennis posts and nets were replaced, a
new sports tiles system was installed, and an ADA gate was added to
allow people using wheelchairs to have access to the courts.
The courts were lined for regulation tennis as well as Jr. tennis. This
is a great facility to introduce this lifelong sport to kids. This project
was partially funded with grant money from the United States Tennis
Association Northern Section, which provides funds to groups to
rehabilitate tennis courts.
Efforts Underway for more 50+ Programming
The City of Mendota Heights is working with Mendota Heights for a Lifetime to bring more
50+ programming to the community. If you would like to share your thoughts or ideas for
programming, please contact Lisa Grathen at 651.403.8302, or email &vathenotridistrictce.org.
.Activities at Par 3
1695 Dodd Road 1 651.454.9822
Fall Senior Golf SpecialS-Enjoy a nice round of fall golf
at the Mendota Heights Par 3. The course is easy enough
for beginner golfers, but also challenges advanced golfers.
The course is very walkable, so you can get your exercise
in for the day. Make a tee -time, or just show up and play.
Monday -Friday Fee: $8.00
Social Scrabble - Come join us and play a game of
scrabble and discuss current events. We provide the
supplies for play. There will also be daily copies of the
newspaper, coffee, Wi-Fi and a comfortable setting.
Sign-up at the clubhouse.
Wednesdays: 10:00 am -Noon
Sept 9 through Oct 28
Fee: $0.50 donation for supplies
Cribbage & Coffee- Individuals interested in playing
cribbage and chatting about current events are welcome
to join us. We will have all the supplies for playing
cribbage along with the daily newspaper, coffee, Wi-Fi
and a comfortable setting. Sign-up at the clubhouse.
Mondays: 10:00 am -Noon
Sept 14 through Oct 26
Fee: $0.50 donation for supplies
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Mendota Heights
Book Club
Join others in the
area to discuss some great
books. We will choose a
different book each month, then
meet to discuss the wonderful
story we have read. The Book
Club will meet at Mendota
Elementary School from 10:00
am - 11:00 am in the Media
Center. To obtain a copy of
the current book, please call
the Wentworth Library at 651.
554.6800.
Wednesday, October 21:
"To Kill a Mocking Bird"
by Harper Lee
Wednesday, November 18: "Cold
Sassy Tree,"
by Olive Ann Burns
Follow Us
Learn more about the City of
Mendota Heights and keep updated
with happenings by following the city
online.
,10 Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN
tTwitter. com/na mendota heights
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
www.mendota-heig,hts.com
********ECRWSS**
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Victoria Road - Are Those Weeds?
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #32324
Twin Cities, MN
Passersby have wondered what is growing on the Victoria Road boulevard, between Douglas
& Marie Avenue. As part of the Victoria Road North reconstruction project, City Engineers
collaborated with U of M Master Gardeners and Mendota Heights residents to replace
the rocks with a seed mix of native grasses and wildflowers especially suited for roadsides.
These native plants will take three summers to look their best. The first two summers
are important for establishing the long root system of the native plants. Since much of
what is happening now is underground... it may look like weeds to some. Be assured that
if you look up close you will find many new seedlings of Koeleria cristata (June Grass),
Rudbeckia Hirta (native Black Eye Susan), Asclepias Tuberosa (Butterfly Milkweed), and
more! In order to meet the project criteria, this seed mix was chosen for its sustainability,
erosion control, water quality, pollinator habitat, and beauty. Once established, the area
will require less mowing and herbicides. If you would like to learn more about this project
or to volunteer, email dakotamastergardeners4eLnail.
com, with "Victoria Rd" in subject heading OR go
to the home page of www.dakotamastergardeners.org
to find updates under "Victoria Rd Project." Master
Gardeners, many of whom are Mendota Heights
residents, plan to have future educational events to
help you identify native plants and weeds, volunteer,
and more. The City will also be installing information
boxes at the site with educational material. Also,
between Douglas and Celia Road is a trial of a "No
Mow" Fescue grass mix. This had a difficult start due
to challenging soil conditions, but will be reseeded
this fall with the hope of great results next season.
Part of the Master Gardeners' mission is to provide
residents accurate research -based horticultural
information. Visit www.dakotamastergardeners.org to
find information on classes, plant disease questions,
and correct horticultural practices.