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2016-11 Heights Highlights-Winter-4 • Eilbifts 001 top M E N D O TA HEIGHTS NOVEMBER 2016 Election Information Getting Ready for the Snowplows Sump Pump Inspections Begin this Winter Trash Can Curb Location Recycle Your Holidays Door Step Crime Adopt a Hydrant Toys for Tots Social Network Safety Parks and Recreation Dog Licenses 3 4 •• 4 5 6-7 Back • 1st Annual Community Service Award The Ciry of Mendota Heights is proud to announce the 1st Annual Garold M. "Jerry" Murphy Community Service Award. Jerry started his volunteer service to the community on an August evening in 1967 when he assisted at a neighbor's house fire. From that day on, Jerry made himself available to the police department on a moment's notice to assist with transports, perimeters, car unlocks and community presentations. He especially loved the opportunity to work with kids of all ages, whether it was reading to second graders or counseling teens on homecoming week. We continue to hear stories from near and far about Jerry's countless acts of kindness, his dedication to helping those in need and his inability to say "no." He had a gift for making those in his presence feel comfortable and included, even if he disagreed with you. Jerry was always kind and looked to bring out the best in everyone and every situation. Jerry was a recipient of the President's Lifetime Achievement Award for documenting over 5,000 hours of volunteer service; we estimate conservatively that he volunteered in excess of 40,000 hours just to police service related projects. He generously gave his time to community, church and family, and always did so with a smile, a kind word and a story. Please take the time to think about those people in your life who selflessly volunteer their time to make our community a better place to live. We are looking for nominations to recognize the wonderful ambassadors to the City of Mendota Heights and the lst Annual Community Service Award winner who will uphold Jerry's legacy. Please consider nominating someone who: • volunteers ■ exudes compassion Nomination forms can be be recognized at the April • - • • - L• • has a can -do spirit • has a positive attitude • is a good role model • is well respected found on the City's website or at City Hall. The recipient will 18, 2017 City Council meeting. ••••• • ••% 11th Annual Mendota LIGHTS at the Village Saturday December 3, 2016 4:00 - 7:00 pm Start the holiday with free hayrides, face painting, a petting zoo and strolling Dicken's Carolers. From 5:00 - 5:30 pm will be the Tree Lighting and a visit from Santa. There will also be singing by the Visitation Choir and a special guest appearance by Mayor Sandra Krebsbach. Don't miss the holiday specials at The Village shops all day! • • • • • N • • A► • • • • •. guilt SMALL 'N S TTING STA R 4 �s j; • • A Time for Thanksgiving As we gather with family and friends at this time of year, it is a time to give thanks for our many blessings which we find day in and day out in our nation, state, and community. As Mayor of Mendota Heights I am grateful for the opportunity to have served you, and for the residents and staff in Mendota Heights which makes it a great place. I have been in an elected office for the past 24 years total, 18 as city councilmember and 6 as mayor. Thank you for the opportunity to lead this city in its development of residential neighbor- hoods, the park system, our downtown at Dodd and Hwy 110, industrial park and the establishment of a AAA Bond rat- ing for each of my six years as mayor. A special thank you to staff members Mark McNeill, Lorri Smith, Kristen Schabacker and my fellow Council members who are the management team considered in the review of the city's financial and manage- rial quality. The quality staff in all depart- ments is also recognized in the review. I am proud of our staff and of the cred- ibility Mendota Heights provides for career growth. Thank you to the Mendota Heights Police Department and Chief Mike Aschenbrener for providing profes- sional quality service every day. Thank you to the Mendota Heights Fire Department, under the leadership of Chief John Mac- zko, who are "loved" by the residents for their tireless connection to the community and dedication to firefighting by staying trained and working as a team. Thank you to the Public Warks department, led by Terry Blum, for their precision snowplow- ing and for the care and skill they bring to maintaining the parks and the equipment. All Mendota Heights equipment shines. Also, thank you to Terry Sullivan for tak- ing care of our City facilities. We have the heart of the Engineering department with us in Ryan Ruzek and Bobby Crane. Thank you to Nancy Bauer for her quiet and competent work. To Pam Deeb for the professional and friendly welcome, Sharon Hinze for her work in utility billing, and our new staff member Jocelyn Steere, Accounting Clerk. And special thanks to City Attorney Torn Lehmann for his legal advice to the City. We welcome Kelly McCarthy as the first Police Captain to work for Mendota Heights in more than ten years. Captain McCarthy was Deputy Director for the Public Safety Department of the City of Lino Lakes. She is no stranger to northern Dakota County—she grew up in West St. Paul and graduated from Henry Sibley High School. A large contingent of her co-workers from Lino Lakes was present for her swearing in ceremony at the No- vember lst City Council meeting. Another generation has discovered Mendo- ta Heights as the best place to live. Every neighborhood has young families that have moved here within the last year for the affordable single family housing, graceful lots, safe streets, parks and good schools. The ice rinks will be flooded and rhe warming houses opened for another season of outdoor skating. On the first Saturday in December, The Village will have its Hol- iday event with horse drawn wagon, Santa, and the Tree Lighting. The Par 3 will again be open for your winter activities. The Club house can be rented for gatherings; there are snowshoes and fat tire bikes for rent. Thank you to Sloan Wallgren for all he does for the life of the city. Happy holidays Mendota Heights, and thank you! Mayor Sandra Krebsbach Election Results Once again the City of Mendota Heights had an excellent voter turnout for the General Election held on November 8th. There were a total of 8013 voters who cast their ballots. Of these, 548 people registered when they voted. For detailed results, visit rhe City's website - www. mendota-heights. cam. A big thank you goes to our excellent election judges and precinct captains at the polls, and also many of our city staff who all put in long hours to help the voting process run smoothly. The election brought three changes to the Mendota Heights City Council. Neil Garlock was elected to his first term as Mayor, replacing Mayor Sandra Krebsbach who has served rhe City as mayor for six years. Joel Paper and Jay Miller were elected to their: first terms as City Councilmembers.' will replace Councilmember Mike ovolny, who . served three terms, and Council member Steve Norton, who has served two Ciry Council terms. The newly elected Mayor Councilmembers will b :.sworn January 3, 2017. atio and in on 1 ire��� ~_..�r,�.. -�:"-.���/'a rF►- ; Ami. Alo 1 Getting Ready for the Snowplows It is difficult to think about winter after the beautiful summer and fall that we just experienced, but it is time to start preparing for the winter season and the coming snowplows. That means it is time to prepare your property to protect your yard, and assist the snowplow crews. There are a number of simple things you can do to help the City with the snow removal process. that they place a 4 -foot high reflective flag (such as a fire hydrant marker) at the object so the snowplow drivers know it is there. Reflective flags can be obtained at most home improvement or hardware stores. If City equipment is damaged by an object placed in the right-of-way (landscape boulder, etc.), the property owner may be held liable for the cost of repairing or replacing the equipment. 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 provide for winter snow storage. After a big snowfall, the City pushes snow piles back from the curb to make storage room for the next big snowfall. While the City does repair damage to sod in the right-of-way, it is not obligated to repair anything else which might be damaged, such as ornaments or additional landscaping. We ask that residents remove ornaments from the right-of-way, or Although City plow operarers try their best to avoid them, mailboxes may be damaged by snowplow activity. Per Ciry policy, the Ciry will repair or replace a mailbox if a City snowplow strikes the mailbox. The City is not obligated to repair or replace mailboxes which are damaged by the weight of the snow, or damage resulting from mailboxes being improperly installed. (See the City's web page: www.rnendota-heights.com for mailbox installation instructions. If the plow hits a properly installed mailbox, the City will repair or replace it up to a $50 value for the post and $50 for the mailbox itself Recycle Your Holidays The Mendota Heights City Hall will again be a "Recycle Your Holidays" collection site. You can bring unwanted strings of holiday lights along with any electrical cords or phone cords to the designated drop-off box For free recycling through February 5, 2017. Last year, we collected approximately 475 pounds of materials. Contact City Hall at 651.452.1850 with any questions. For a full list of locations collecting unwanted light strings, go to www. RecycleMinnesota.org and search Recycle Your Holidays. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Dakota County Board of Commissioners SUMP PUMP INSPECTIONS TO BEGIN THIS WINTER 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 significant rainfall in 2014, the Ciry of Mendota Heights sewer flow increased by over 1396, which caused sewer rates to go up in 2015. Re-routing your sump pump to discharge water to outside your home, instead of into a drain line, will help reduce sanitary sewer flows, and lower sanitary sewer bills. Sump pump discharge into the sanitary sewer has been illegal since 1968, and is a violation of state and local building codes. Beginning this winter, the City will be inspecting residential properties and asking property owners to disconnect their sump pumps from the sanitary sewer. This is a mandatory action for property owners. Failure to grant an inspection or failure to disconnect a non-compliant sump pump could result in a substantial surcharge being added to your sanitary sewer bill. For more, please call the Public Works/ Engineering Department at 651.452.1850. Keep Your Garbage Cans Behind the Curb Line Garbage and recycling carts should be placed on your property's driveway apron belts curb line. While this does not guarantee the carts will not be knocked over, it will help m sure snowplows do not directly strike the cart during snow removal. a If there are any questions regarding sn removal, residents can contact City H 651.452.1850. p7 HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 3 - r, -•Y Pik 4 r � F .• •. r74$ •Ak▪ i, fr' dr r wit A ClerA L Jr 24[ • DON'T BE A VICTIM OF "DOOR -STEP CRIME!" Believe it or not, being "rude" and not answering the door or phone for someone you don't know ensures personal safety and helps prevent crime. If you or other family members will be home alone, establish rules and guidelines for all of you to follow, including the following: ■ There is no law that says you HAVE to answer a ringing phone or answer the door for every visitor. If you do answer the phone, never tell the caller that you are home alone or that you will be away from the home. Practice statements like, "He/She can't come to the phone. May I take a message?" • Lock it up — keep the home secure by locking doors, vehicles left outside and garage doors. • Educate family members on how to talk to strangers effectively and the power of the word, "No." • Call 911 for help if something doesn't seem right or if someone's behavior seems suspicious or feels threatening. Safety and security in the home is so multi -faceted and fluid, it's difficult for us or any public safety agency, to cover in short order. That's why it's critical that you take control of your own education Make personal safety instruction and reinforcement with all family members a priority in your home. Check out some of our Favorite personal safety resources to develop your own action plan: Be a part of the 2016 Toffs for '*its Toy Drive! Bring your new unwrapped gifts to the Mendota Heights Police Department November 1st through December 18th! 4 : CITY QF MENDOTA .14 National Crime Prevention Council The Jacob Wetterling Foundation Kid Smartz Make a difference. Adopt a Hydrant today! During a fire, every second counts and firefighters need quick access when they arrive on the scene. 'There are 972 fire hydrants in the Fire Department's coverage area. When it is snowing, buried hydrants cause dangerous delays for our firefighters. Having a fire hydrant clear of snow and weeds will save the firefighters time and make the hydrants easier to locate. Sign up to Adopt -A -Hydrant by calling City Hall at 651.452.1850. This program allows residents to claim responsibility for shoveling out a fire hydrant after a heavy snowfall and making sure the hydrant is clear of grass and brush during the summer and fall seasons. The Fire Department thanks you for this valuable and potentially lifesaving service this provides to your neighbors and the community. 1111.11_111F112_,14116,4 , SOCIAL NETWORK SAFETY Social media has become an integral part of many of our lives. It is not just kids using social media but adults too! Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, Linkedtn and other social networks are all a great way to stay connected with others, but you should be concerned about how much personal information you post For the rest of the world to see. SocialNetwork Safety Tips: Privacy and security settings exist for a reason: Learn about and use the privacy and security settings on social networks. They are there to help you control who sees what you post and manage your online experience in a positive way. Unique account, unique password: Having separate passwords for every account helps to thwart cybercriminals. At a minimum, separate your work and personal accounts and make sure that your critical accounts have the strongest passwords. Once posted, always posted: Protect your reputation on social networks. What you post online stays online. Think twice before posting pictures you wouldn't want your parents or future employers to see. Recent research found that 70% of job recruiters rejected candidates based on information they found online. Keep personal info personal: Be cautious about how much personal information you provide on social networking sites. The more information you post, the easier it may be for a hacker or someone else to use that information to steal your identity, access your data, or commit other crimes such as stalking. Be honest if you're uncomfortable: If a friend posts something about you that makes you uncomfortable or you think is inappropriate, let them know. Likewise, stay open-minded if a friend approaches you because something you've posted makes him or her uncomfortable. * People have different tolerances for how much the world knows about them respect those differences. Know what action to take: If someone is harassing or threatening you, remove them from your friends list, block them, and report them to the site administrator. Keep security software current: Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats. When in doubt, throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts and online advertising are often how cybercriminals try to steal your personal information. Even if you know the source, if something looks suspicious, delete it. Avoid posting or tagging images of you or your family that clearly show your face: Select pictures taken at a distance, at an angle, or otherwise concealed. NEVER post smartphone photos and don't use your face as a profile picture, instead, use cartoons or avatars. For more information about social network safety, please visit: https:llstaysafeonline.org Wednesday November 30, 2016 KEEPING YOUTH SAFE IN A DIGITAL AGE presentations by Jacob Wetterling Resource Center, Hazelden Betty Ford and Dakota County ,. LOCATION : Dakota Lodge at Thompson Park 1400 Stassen Lane West St. Paul 6:00 pm •To For further information contact: ann.lindberg@isd197.org HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 5 - ll - - .1, ' i:4 % -4 y a •k-+�lj . -i •...,), imErot Parks and Recreation WINTER 2016! for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall. • • d 4 The Crayola Experience at the MOA and Bowling at Drkula's Wednesday, December 28 We will head to the Mall of America to check out their latest attraction The Crayola Experience. Learn all about crayons and everyone will also get to create their very own crayon color and name. After lunch we will head to Drkula's in South St. Paul to have a blast bowling. Fee: $25 per child Depart at 9:30 am and return at 3:30 pm r Snow Tubing at Wild Mountain in Taylors Falls Thursday, December 29 We will head to Wild Mountain to experience the Wiid Chutes Tubing Hill. We will spend the day sliding down the chutes and enjoying lunch and a beverage near the warm bonfire. Please bring a bag lunch. Please wear warm clothes, boots and don't forget your hat and gloves. Fee: $25.00 per child Depart at 9:30 am and return at 3:30 pm LEARN TO SKATE OUTDOOR ICE SKATING LESSONS This is a great opportunity to improve your skating skills. Classes are limited to 6 to 8 participants, so register early as classes fill quickly. (If your class is full, please call City Hall and ask to be put on our waiting list. We will add more classes if needed.) Please register online at www.mendota-heights.com. Classes will be held Saturdays, January 7 to February 4 at Friendly Hills Park Skating Rink. The fee is $35 per participant. Smalls and Tails Session 1 • \ITT 3-5 years 0 9:30 — 10:00 am 0 Parents I participate with 1 first time skater. Learn tips to 1 teach your child. 1. Beginners Session 1 5 + years 0 10:05 - 10:35 am 0 For skaters with no previous experience. Learn the basic skills. Intermediate and Funstyle-Freestyle 11* 6 + years 0 10:40-11:10 am 0 For skaters who have completed Beginners. This class will bring you to our highest level offered with some extra fun freestyle moves for those kids ready for more of a challenge. Smalls and Talls Session 2 • 3-5 years 0 11:15-1111:45 am 0 Parents participate with their first time skater. Learn tips to teach your child. 11:50 amp- 12:20 pm 0 For skaters with no I previous experience. I Learn basic skills. 1 1 i rg± � +1• ••.t MIP J AZ -4 tti . Parks and Recreation WINTER 2016! for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall. MENDOTA HEIGHTS Warming House and Rink Information The City of Mendota. Heights has three outdoor hockey and pleasure rinks that are open weather permitting from December 18 until early March. A rink attendant will be on duty during the regular warming house hours listed below. The outdoor rinks and warming houses will be CLOSED and outdoor programs will be canceled when the air temperature is below zero. Please keep children home on these days. For information concerning ice rinks, call the ice rink/warming house hotline at 651.255.1174. LOCATIONS Friendly Hills Park 2360 Pueblo Lane Marie Park 1780 Lilac Lane (Open 12:00 pm Monday -Friday, no attendant until 4:00 pm school days) Wentworth Park 739 Wentworth Avenue WARMING HOUSE HOURS Weekdays 4:00 pm — 9:00 pm Saturdays 10:00 am — 9:00 pm Sundays Noon — 6:00 pm School Vacation Days Noon — 9:00 pm Christmas Eve/New Year's Eve Noon — 4:00 pm Christmas Day Closed New Year's Day Noon — 9:00 pm Winter Activities at the Mendota Heights Par 3 The clubhouse at the Mendota Heights Par 3 will be open on Saturdays and Sundays this winter from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm beginning January 7th. We offer snowshoe and fat tire bike rental. The city has also created a cross country ski trail with a one or two mile loop to choose from (trail availability dependent on weather conditions). Come out and get some exercise in a beautiful setting. Active Adults Field Trip Gangster Tour: Experience St. Paul in the Roaring 20's & 30's We begin our trip by touring the Wabasha Street Caves, where our local gangsters loved to hide out. A costumed gangster tour guide will begin our tour through the streets of St. Paul during its roaring hoodlum heydays on an exploration of crooks, crime and corruption. See sites where the infamous lived, socialized, committed crimes and where many were brought to justice. Drive past the Landmark Center where some of the FBI's most notorious criminals were tried, including Ma Baker and her fives sons. We stop for lunch at the Tavern on Grand; please choose your meal when registering. We will end our trip with a drive-by through St. Paul's Famous Winter Carnival. Saturday, Feb 4th (Register by Jan 5th) To register, call 651.403,8300 Depart Thompson Park Activity Center at 9:00 am & return at 3:15 prn $77 includes transportation/tour/lunch Mendota Heights Book Club d loin others in our area to discuss some great .....,,) It----- books. We will choose a different book each McNooru rte�aKts month, then meet to discuss the wonderful t Boox Cr a t story we have read. The book club will meet at Mendota Elementary -Media Center from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. To obtain a copy of the book, contact the Wentworth Library at 651.554.6800. December 21 - Peace like a River, by Leif Enger January 18 — Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion February 22 — Ordinary Grace, by William Kent Krueger HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 7 r W" • rr h :R • • HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS NOVEMBER 2016 Issue: 107 City Directory Council Members: Sandra Krebsbach, Mayor 651.454.5696 Ultan Duggan Steve Norton Liz Petschel Mike Povolny 651.452.5179 651.269.2004 651.454.3256 651.454.0926 Staff Members: Ciry Hall 651.452.1850 Mark McNeill, Ciry Administrator Mike Andrejka, Building Official John Maczko, Fire Chief Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director Lorri Smith, City Clerk Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director Police Department Emergency 911 Police Administration 651.452.1366 Mike Aschenbrener, Chief of Police Public Works Facility 651.454.4059 Terry Blum, Public Works Superintendent © Copyright 2016 Ciry of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:00 am — 4:30 pm www.mendota-heights.com Follow Us Learn more about the Ciry of Mendota Heights and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. JI. Facebook.com/MendataHeightsMN Twitter. comlomendota heights City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www. mendota-heights. corn *****ECRWSS***** POSTAL CUSTOMER PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAI D Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN It's Time to Renew Your Dog's License Under the Ciry of Mendota Heights City Ordinance regarding the keeping and licensing of dogs, owners need to be aware of the following requirements: • Dogs over 16 weeks of age must be licensed and have current vaccinations (city license & vaccination tags must be securely fastened to the dog's collar). ■ Dogs are prohibited from running at large (pets should be leashed and under the direct control of a responsible person). ■ Dog owners need to be responsible for cleaning up after their pets. • Continuing or excessive barking, howling or whining is a violation of the City's public nuisance ordinance. ■ The maximum number of cats and dogs per home is limited to three upon any premises. Keeping your dog currently licensed ensures they are current with their vaccinations and can assist the police department in locating owners. To license your dog, bring a current rabies vaccination certification to City Hall. Other information needed includes the owner's name, address and phone, and the dog's name, breed, gender and coloring. The cost for a license is $10 for a spayed or neutered dog and $15 for an unaltered dog. For more information, visit the City's website at www.mendata-heights,conrz, or call City Hall at 651.452.1850.