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2012-10 Heights Highlightslimmun Ilmlnavan MENDOTA HEIGHTS GOVERNMENT NEWS,' +. \a u_e)•i_ irtli .:w_i..e_ FALL 2012 Meet the Candidates Snowplowing Neighborhood Watch Fire Department News Parks and Recreation New Water Meters page 2 page 3 page 4 page 5 page 6 page 8 Vote November 6 Polls are open Tuesday, November 6 from 7 a.m. — 8 p.m. for the General Election. You may only vote in person at your assigned polling location. If you are unable to vote on election day, absentee voting is 4Q� available. New City Precinct Boundaries and Voting Locations As a result of the redistricting, several precinct boundaries and voting locations have changed. Registered voters in the county should have received postcards containing their current voting location. The map below shows the current precinct j CTION, do GF ° 31 V TE 1 gs9i11,1,OUR OP/ boundaries and the voting location within each precinct. You can also use the Polling Place Finder on the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.state.mn.us. 0 Precincts Pct. 1: Somerset School 1355 Dodd Road 0 Absentee Voting Absentee voting is available for those who can't get to their polling location on Election Day. There are two ways to do this: ® Absentee Vote In Person Vote at the Mendota Heights City Hall or at Dakota County Offices during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended absentee voting hours will be available Saturday, Nov. 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Monday, Nov. 5, until 5 p.m. ® Absentee Vote By Mail An application for an absentee ballot can be obtained from City Hall or downloaded from the City's website. Your voted ballot must arrive by Election Day for the vote to count. 0 0 Pct. 2: Henry Sibley High School 1897 Delaware Avenue Pct. 3: Mendota Elementary School 1979 Summit Lane Pct. 4: Saint Thomas Academy 949 Mendota Heights Road Pct. 5: Friendly Hills Middle School (Gymnasium) 701 Mendota Heights Road Are You Registered to Vote? If you are not already registered to vote, you may preregister up until 5 p.m. on October 16, 2012. After that date, you must register at the polls. Voter registration forms are available on the City's website www.mendota- heights.com or at City Hall. You will need to register if you have never voted before, if you have changed your name or address since you last voted (including moving to another apartment in the same building), or if you have not voted in four years. For more information and forms, please visit the Minnesota Secretary of State's Homepage at www.sos.state.mn.us. Sandra Krebsbach Sandra Krebsbach is seeking re- election as Mayor. She served as Mayor for the past two years (2011 -2012) and as a Council Member for five terms (1992- 2010). She helped to produce continued improvements, new business growth, sustained healthy and beautiful residential areas. Mendota Heights has continued to be financially responsible and recognized for its stable and visionary leadership. Positive attention has been brought to the Mendota Heights business and industrial park during her tenure as Mayor. With her leadership and support, the city helped the residents work through the storm emergency which happened on June 19th. As Mayor, Sandra has led the city through a change in profes- sional leadership and she guided the city through legal chal- lenges. Her strong leadership has produced a vibrant city and preserved our essential character. Sandra encourages public engagement and a strong city coun- cil. As Mayor, she brings in all Council Members' points of view. At the beginning of her service as Mayor, she met with each city commission to learn about their perspectives and encourage the members in their roles. Sandra and her husband Norbert (Nob) Krebsbach raised their two daughters in Mendota Heights. Now grown with success- ful careers, daughters Mary and Katie were educated in Men- dota Heights public and private schools. Sandra holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University. Sandra's profession- al experience includes a 17 year career in higher education. She has held a director's position at the University of Minnesota and has served as Dean at Saint Paul College. Sandra currently holds the position of Executive Director of the American Tech- nical Education Association, a national professional association of faculty and administrators in technical colleges. Sandra currently serves on the High Performance Partner- ship (HiPP) of Dakota County which is comprised of elected and management leaders and serves on the Regional Council of Mayors. She has served on the Airport Zoning Board, changing zoning to create the north south runway which took significant noise away from Mendota Heights. She previously has served as an alternate member on the Noise Oversight Committee and has served six years on the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Board. Sandra also served on the Minneapolis Rotary #9 Board. She is one of the founders of the University of Minnesota Dakota County Alumni Chapter and serves on its Executive Committee. Sandra and her husband are members of the Mendakota Country Club and St. Peter's Church. Ultan Duggan Ultan was elected to the City Council in 2003 and has served for ten years (2003 - 2012). He has also served on several committees, including the MAC Noise Oversight Committee, the Northern Dakota County Cable Commission, the Dakota Communications Center (911) Commission, and the Mendota Heights Planning Commission, serving as chair for four years. He has co- chaired many of our local celebrations, including Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks, our 50th Anniversary, and School District 197's 150th anniversary. All celebrations came in under budget. His passion contributes to positive development in Mendota Heights, including the Summit and Mendota Plaza redevelopment, while keeping unwanted change at bay, including the proposed interchange at Delaware and 494 and the proposed closure of Mendota Elementary. As a small business owner, Ultan operated a specialty shoe store on University Avenue for 25 years. Other corporate experience includes opening restaurants for McDonald's and Pillsbury in San Francisco, Blaine, and Burnsville. His first career was teaching, including four years in Nigerian high schools and as an adjunct teacher in ESL there for Michigan State University, followed by five years teaching in Arizona. Ultan and his wife Terry are 36 year residents of Mendota Heights. An active country and ballroom dancer, Ultan's favorite partner is his wife, Terry. They have three children and six grandchildren. Originally hailing from Ireland, Ultan has the "gift for gab," which he put to good use becoming an auctioneer after his retirement; he has volunteered his services to many local charities, helping raise significant funds for the Child Neurology Foundation, Forest Lake Youth Services Bureau, and St. Paul Public Art. Additional philanthropy includes hosting fundraisers for the Humphrey Institute's Public Achievement and joining call drives for St. Thomas Academy. Connecting his given and chosen homes, Ultan organized a fund drive in 1996 commemorating the Irish Famine, raising $9,000 to fight hunger in Minnesota. Ultan has served on various boards, representing many of his interests, both personal and professional: Metro Cities, Faille MN, St Thomas Academy, The Irish Fair, the National Pedorthic Board, and Stardust Dancers. His vision for Mendota Heights: open, friendly, safe; quieter skies, cleaner air and water, and business friendly. He would also like to see more community events and first rate essential services at the lowest cost. 2 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES Steve Norton Steve Norton is running for City Council for the first time. He has served on the Planning Commission for seven years (2005 - 2012), which he currently serves as chair. He also serves as the President of the Mendota Heights Community Criminal Apprehension Fund. Steve Norton has lived in Mendota Heights for nine years. He and his fiancee Angela plan to start a family after they are married. In the meantime, Steve and Angela dote on their two dogs, Kaiser and Sose. Steve graduated from St. Thomas Academy, St. John's University (Collegeville), and William Mitchell College of Law. Steve is a small business owner, as well as a licensed real estate broker and attorney. Mike Povolny Mike Povolny has served on the City Council for two years (2011- 2012). Mike has also served on the Airport Relations Commission for three years and the Planning Commission for four years, serving six months as chair. Mike has lived in Mendota Heights for 28 years. He and his wife Kim have two children, a daughter Michelle and a son Michael. Mike graduated from Cretin High School, class 1975. He attended and graduated from Saint Paul Technical College in Welding and Metal Fabrication. Mike also attended Hutchinson Vocational for Non - Destructive Testing. Mike is partner in a company he started in the mid 1970's called Povolny Specialties (a Specialty Electrical, Mechanical Manufacturer) which is located in Inver Grove Heights. Mike's other activities include serving as co -chair on the advisory committee for the Welding and Fabricating course at Saint Paul College. He presently sits on the Dakota County Communication Board (911 operators) as an alternate, and the Robert Street Steering Committee. Mike has also served on the Advisory Committee at Dakota County Technical College and on the Traffic Safety Committee in Mendota Heights for three years. The Snowplows Are Coming! It is difficult to think about winter after the hot summer we just had, the curb to make storage room for the next big snowfall. If there are objects or landscaping (other than grass) in this right -of -way area, it could be damaged. The City does repair damage to the grass in the right -of -way each spring, but is not obligated to repair anything damaged beyond the grass, such as ornaments or additional landscaping. We ask that residents remove ornaments from the right -of -way prior to the first snowfall. If a homeowner chooses to leave a lawn ornament in place within the right -of- way, or if a homeowner wishes to protect their landscaping, please place a 4 -foot high reflective flag (similar to those that mark fire hydrants) at the object so our plow drivers know the object is there after the snow falls. Reflective flags can be obtained at most home improvement or hardware stores. but it is time to start preparing for the winter season and snowplows. That means it is time to prepare your property to protect your yards and to help out the plow crews. There are a number of very simple things you can do to help the City with the snow removal process. Did you know the first 12 -13 feet of yard behind your curb is City owned right -of- way? This right -of -way exists to house underground utilities as well as for winter snow storage. After a big snowfall, the City pushes the snow berm back from If snow removal equipment is damaged by an object placed in the right -of -way (i.e. landscape boulder, etc.), the property owner may be held accountable for the cost of repairing the equipment. Although we try our best to avoid them, mailboxes may be damaged by snowplow activity. Per City Code, the City will repair or replace a mailbox if a City snowplow strikes the mailbox. The City is not obligated to repair or replace mailboxes damaged by the weight of the snow, or mailboxes that were installed improperly. Please see our website (www.mendota- heights.com) for mailbox installation instructions, and check your mailbox and post to make sure it is installed correctly and is strong enough to last the winter. If the plow hits a properly installed mailbox, the City will repair or replace it up to a $50 value for the post and a $50 value for the mailbox itself. For any questions regarding snow removal, residents can contact the Public Works Department at City Hall by calling 651.452.1850. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 3 i L J Neighborhood Watch Works! The Mendota Heights Police Department has fielded many phone calls from concerned citizens regarding crime in our city. Crime is up everywhere, especially crimes of convenience, e.g. thefts from autos and burglaries. Since November 2011, the Police Department has taken over two dozen residential burglary reports. Most of these crimes have occurred due to ease of access: unlocked vehicles, tempting articles in plain sight, open garage and /or access doors; others have been forced entries. While these crimes are disturbing and affect our sense of peace within our community, we have noticed one positive outcome: neighbors are watching out for each other by reporting suspicious activity. Criminals do not like neighborhoods where people are in their front yards, looking out front windows and doors and generally observant. Officers react best to current activity in progress; after the fact reporting can also be helpful, especially if there are significant details provided for follow - up (suspect and /or vehicle description, etc). Here's an example of helpful, prompt reporting of suspicious activity in progress: May 2012, a Mendota Heights resident observed a suspicious vehicle and two occupants casing a house. The informant called 911 immediately, providing suspect and vehicle descriptions and discreetly followed the suspects as they left the residence, noting their direction of travel. Officers quickly arrived, stopped the vehicle and subsequently arrested three suspects along with recovered stolen property from the vehicle and implicating evidence. Thanks to this watchful resident, the arrest led to the clearance of over 10 burglary cases in Mendota Heights and throughout the metro area. A reward was given by the Mendota Heights Community Criminal Apprehension fund to the helpful resident! While Night to Unite block parties are always a fun way to connect with your neighbors and public safety teams, you can also organize a Neighborhood Watch program. Our Crime Prevention Officer will assist you with establishing the program and get your neighborhood on the track to crime prevention. Talk to your neighbors, build some enthusiasm and schedule a meeting soon. WARNING ALL SOSPICIOIS PERSONS AND ACTIVITIES If you have any questions or wish to follow -up ARE IMMEDIATELY REPORTER TO OUR POLICE DEPARTMENT on any of the information within this article, call MHPD during normal office hours at 651.452.1366. The Record's department staff will assist you or connect you with an officer or resource for further help. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH WE LOOK OUT FAR EACH OTHER) Your city works hard at providing current, useful crime prevention tools and has enhance) their website. Please take the opportunity to visit www.mendota-heights.com and under "City Services" select "Police" to view some of the following resources and information: Just the Facts (JTF): Mendota Heights' weekly police blotter highlighting activity in our city. Northern Dakota County Crime Blog: Northern Dakota County Police Departments post pictures and video of local crime suspects. MHPD offers a reward for information leading to prosecution of crimes in our jurisdiction. Citizen Academy: This is an annual nine -week adventure designed for residents. Participants will learn about police operations and responsibilities. Crime Mapping: A quick and easy way to view criminal activity in our city, this interactive site allows you to view crime stats in your neighborhood. MHCCAF: Mendota Heights Community Criminal Apprehension Fund is a nonprofit organization run by a private group of citizens, whose mission is to provide incentives to citizens who report information that leads to the arrest of those who commit crimes in our city. To make a tax deductible donation, send a check made out to "MHCCAF" to the Mendota Heights Police Department do MHCCAF; 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. 4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Rental Housing in our Community All rental property in a single - family residential zone is required to be licensed yearly. Licensing for rental properties ensures that single family rental homes do not become a nuisance to their neighborhood. It also serves to protect property values. The license carries a $ 75 fee. Benefits include keeping property owners aware of calls for service to their properties. If a property owner is slow to address code violations, a rental license can be withheld until problems are addressed. We thank property owners for adherence to this process and tenants for their considerate care of these properties. .r l Fire Prevention Week and Open House The annual Fire Prevention Open House is Saturday, October 13, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come and meet the Mendota Heights firefighters and tour the fire department. There will be fire truck rides, free hot dogs and pop. A memorial service is at 10 a.m. to honor deceased Mendota Heights Firefighters. The colors will be presented and the Minnesota State Fire Service Memorial Pipe Band will be playing the bagpipes. This year there also will be a home fire sprinkler demonstration at 2:30 p.m. The 2012 fire prevention theme is "Have Two Ways Out." Each family member should be involved in planning your home fire escape plan. This way everyone will know exactly what to do to escape a fire. A fire escape plan will prepare your family to think fast and escape quickly if your smoke alarm sounds. Draw a floor plan of your home, including all windows and doors. Locate two escape routes from each room. Once out of the house, choose a meeting place a safe distance away from the front of your home. Review and practice your home escape plan at least twice a year. Firefighters will also be visiting 4th graders at local schools during Fire Prevention Week to discuss fire prevention topics. The firefighters give a family fire safety quiz and talk about creating a home fire escape plan. Fire Department Has a New Dramatic Fire Education Tool Thanks to a generous donation from Joe Schaefer of the Moose Country in Lilydale, the department has a live residential sprinkler demonstration kit to be used annually at the fire prevention open house and a trailer to take it to other events and cities. The last two years the department has borrowed this prop, but the response to it has been so good that the department decided it needed its own. The demonstration kit is made up of two identical 8' x 8' rooms - one sprinkled and one not sprinkled. Both are lit on fire and one can see how quickly a fire starts and spreads and just how quickly the "instant firefighter" (the home sprinkler) takes care of the problem. For about the same price as it costs to install an underground lawn sprinkler system to keep our grass green, you can now install something to keep your home and family safe. Come see the demonstration at the department's annual open house on October 13, 2012. Change Your Clock Change Your Batteries The Mendota Heights Fire Department reminds you to replace the batteries in all smoke detectors when setting your clocks for daylight savings time on Sunday, November 4, 2012. Also, test your smoke detectors and review your family's fire escape plan. These simple precautions can help save lives. New Firefighters With the retirement of Training Officer Roy Kingsley and Firefighter Mary Bang, two new firefighters were appointed. On August 21, 2012, the City Council appointed Daniel Bogg and Daniel Ober to a one year probationary period with the Mendota Heights Fire Department. Welcome aboard! 64th Annual Firefighters Dance The Mendota Heights Fire Department 64th annual dance will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012, from 8 p.m. to midnight. This year the music will be provided by "High and Mighty". The dance will be at Royal Cliff of Eagan, 2280 Cliff Road, Eagan. Firefighters are going door to door selling the tickets and dropping off an annual report on department activities. Tickets are $12 each ($20 per pair) in advance or $15 at the door. Come out for an evening of fun, music and dancing. Adopt -A- Hydrant Please consider adopting a hydrant by your home. The Mendota Heights Fire Department encourages residents to keep fire hydrants clear of snow in the winter and weeds in the summer. If a hydrant is free of snow and weeds it will make the hydrant more visible and save precious time in case of a fire. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 5 Parks and Recreation FALL AND WINTER ACTIVITIES School Break & Holiday Youth Trips Join us on fun, chaperoned, schools -out youth trips. Invite your siblings, friends and classmates. Trips depart from Mendota Heights City Hall. Space is limited so register early! Thursday, October 18, 2012 Horseback Riding and Hayride Bunker Hills — Ride guided trails on your own horse and enjoy a hay ride. Bring a bag lunch and beverage (no concessions available). We 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 helmets (included). Parents must sign a Bunker Hills release form available online or at City Hall. Cost: $36 Ages: 8 and up (must be at least 52 inches to ride) Bus: Departs 9:50 a.m. and returns 3:15 p.m. Thursday, December 27, 2012 Bowling, Lunch and a Movie We start the day with two games of bowling with pizza and pop lunch included. Then off to a G or PG rated movie. You will have several movies to choose from. Bring extra money for snacks if you would like. Cost: $26 AGES: 6 and up Bus departs 9 a.m. and returns 3:45 p.m. Please note: This return time is approximate with movie end time. Exact return time will be announced on December 27th at check in. i Mendota Heights Safety Camp 2012 Fifty Mendota Heights 3rd and 4th graders joined Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation along with volunteers from MH Police and Fire for three days of camp on August 7 — 9 at Kaposia Park in South Saint Paul. This camp was sponsored by the cities of Mendota Heights, West St. Paul and South Saint Paul and the South Saint Paul VFW Post 295. Camp opened with Chopper 5 (KSTP) helicopter landing in the park with McGruff the Crime Dog. Sparky and the Crash Dummies rode up to the event on a fire truck to greet all the campers. The three days were filled with information that will last these kids a lifetime. Topics included stranger and internet safety, water, wheel, ticks, animal, fire and weather safety, along with a K9 demo, drug and gang awareness and much more. Special thanks to MH Police and Fire for helping make this event possible. Fall Golf at Mendota Heights Par 3 It was a great year for golf in 2012; the staff at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course would like to thank everyone who visited us this year. We served more than 9,000 players including leagues, camps and special events. This fall we will look back on the year that was and fine -tune programs for 2013. Email your ideas to l ovetheparks@mendota- heights.com. Make sure to visit our website for more details. — • strict cotno) nvE HF, 0,,. Northern Dakota County e TriDistrict Community .. Education g0 Do you want a safe and engaging environment for your child? Do you want to learn a new skill or brush up on an old one? If so — Tri Community Education! The combined Community Education program for the school districts of West St. Paul - Mendota Heights - Eagan, South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights offers a wide range of educational and social opportunities for all ages and abilities. To view our catalog, visit www.tridistrictce.org. For information or to register, please visit www.celearn4ever.org or call 651.403.8313. Find us on Facebook and Twitter: wwwfacebook.com /tricommuniyed I jvww.twitter.cwn /t1:c(; m unin'ed BWp Learn to Skate Outdoor Skating Lessons Learn to skate outdoors this winter! Classes held January 5 to February 2, 2013 Classes limited to 5 -7 participants Lessons held at Friendly Hills Rink — 2360 Pueblo Lane Fee: $35 Please call the skating lesson hotline before each lesson at 651.255.1173 for rink conditions, weather cancellations, and reschedule information. Smalls and Tails: Ages: 3 -5 years Time: 9:30 to 10 a.m. Parents participate with first time skater. Learn tips to teach your child. Beginners: Ages: 5 and up Time: 10:05 to 10:35 a.m. For skaters with no previous experience. Learn basic skills. Advanced Beginners: Ages: 6 and up Time: 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. For youth who can skate forward or completed the Beginners class. Intermediate & Fun - Freestyle: Ages 6 and up Time: 11:20 to 11:50 a.m. For skaters who have completed Advanced Beginners. This class adds fun freestyle moves for those kids ready for a challenge. *If your class is full please call 651.452.1850 to be placed on a waiting list. We may add more classes as needed. MH Warming House & Rink Hours Our three outdoor hockey and four pleasure rinks are open weather permitting Dec. 15, 2012 until early March 2013. A rink attendant will be on duty during the regular warming house hours listed below. Outdoor rinks and warming houses will be closed and outdoor programs will be cancelled when the air temperature is below zero. For updates, call the ice rink/ warming house hotline at 651.255.1174. Locations: Friendly Hills Park, 2360 Pueblo Lane, Marie Park, 1780 Lilac Lane, Ivy Hills Park, 635 Butler Avenue (no warming house) Wentworth Park, 739 Wentworth Avenue Warming House Hours: Weekdays 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays Noon to 6 p.m. School Vacation Days Noon to 8:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Noon to 4 p.m. Christmas Day Closed New Year's Eve Noon to 4 p.m. New Year's Day Noon to 8:30 p.m. Youth Gymnastics For boys & girls ages 3 & older. Classes include: balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise, tumbling and more. Classes are held at Sibley High School Gymnastics Gym (use Delaware entrance). Girls must wear leotards, boys may wear shorts and t- shirts. Class size is limited. Saturday Mornings: 10 weeks. December 1, 8, 15, and January 5, 12, 19, 26, and February 2, 9, 16 Class Ages Time Fee Session 1: Session 2: Tumbling Tykes Tumbling Tots Ages 3 & 4 Ages 4 & 5 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. 9:05 a.m. to 9:35 a.m. $90 $90 Session 3: Kinder Tumbling Ages 5 & 6 9:40 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. $90 Session 4: Beginners Ages 6 & older 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. $125 Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Adult Softball League Champions Women's League & Playoff Champions: Bogey's Men's Thursday League & Playoff Champions: Lucky's Men's Tuesday League Champions: Minnesota Vengeance For all Parks and Recreation activities, register online at www.mendota- heights.com or in person at Mendota Heights City Hall. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS 1 Issue: 92 ouncil Members: Sandra Krebsbach, Mayor Ultan Duggan Liz Petschel Mike Povolny Jack Vitelli 651.454.5696 651.452.5179 651.454.3256 651.454.0926 651.455.5625 Staff Members: City Hall 651.452.1850 Justin Miller, City Administrator Jake Sedlacek, Assistant to Administrator Paul Berg, Code Enforcement Officer Teresa Gangelhoff, Recreation Programmer John Maczko, Fire Chief John Mazzitello, Public Works Director Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director Tamara Schutta, Human Resources Lorri Smith, City Clerk Police Department Emergency 911 Police Admi nistration 651.452.1366 Mike Aschenbrener, Chief of Police Public Works Facility 651.454.4059 Tom Olund, Public Works Superintendent © Copyright 2012 City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota 118 ww. mendota -hei hts. com Find us on Facebook u p- ..te information about Mendota Heights by "liking" us on Facebook. Join us at City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN * * * * * * * *ECRWSS ** POSTAL CUSTOMER Water Meter Replacement Project Some residents of Mendota Heights may have received a letter informing them of the SPRWWS water meter replacement project and how they can set up an appointment to have their water meter replaced. Saint Paul Regional Water Services is implementing a new, radio -read, water metering system throughout its service area. The new radio -read, water metering system will bring efficiency to meter reading and billing operation and eliminate estimated bills due to inaccessibility. Driving by homes and businesses to get meter readings will be more convenient for our customers, and less labor intensive for the utility, providing cost savings. How Does it Work? The water meter, with its integrated radio, transmits a relatively weak radio frequency signal, producing radio frequency waves many times lower than many other everyday items found in homes, such as cell phones, baby monitors, and wireless routers. When it is time to get your water meter reading, we drive by the property with a special receiver. Data consisting of your unique meter number and the digits of your meter reading are transmitted to our receiver. We use those meter readings in our billing software to generate your water bill. No personal information is transmitted. Visit our website at www.saintptndwater.com /meters/ for more information. 4 Properly Dispose of Yard Waste Please do your part to keep autumn in Mendota Heights safe and beautiful by properly disposing of your yard waste. There are places that will take your yard waste if your curbside trash hauler does not (most offer this service for an additional fee). Dakota County lists several places that accept household yard waste on the County's web page at www.co.dakota. mn. us /EnvironmentRoads /EnvirProtect /Composting /CompostSites.htm. On -site composting of yard waste only is allowed in Mendota Heights provided the compost is contained within a compost bin. Raking leaves and other yard waste into the street for the street sweepers, or dumping yard waste on undeveloped city property is a violation of City Code and may result in fines or misdemeanor charges. Placing yard waste in the street can clog storm sewer drains and cause flooding. Organic material can adversely impact stormwater treatment ponds by increasing weed and algae growth. Learn about Parks and Recreation activities, city news, and much more — all delivered to your smartphone or computer. Halloween Bonfire at Mendota Plaza The annual Halloween Bonfire will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2012. This community event is a safe and fun alternative to trick -or- treating. Firefighters will provide free hot dogs and soda and Paster Enterprises will be handing out trick -or -treat goodie bags which include coupons to Mendota Plaza merchants.