Loading...
Issue 84 - Heights Highlights Winter 2010PAGE 1 JANUARY 2010 ISSUE 84 Mayor's Message In 1987, 1 applied for an opening on our Park & Recreation Commission. An enlightened City Council wisely chose some- one else. A year later I tried again, and with a nod to Robert Frost, that has made all the difference. Now af- ter five years on the Park Commis- sion, eight years as a City Council member, a two year self-imposed sabbatical and going on eight years as Mayor, it is time to seek another road less traveled. Therefore, I have decided not to seek re-election. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 21 years in local government but I am ready to step aside; this time for good. There is no single reason I came to this conclusion. I note that at the end of this year I will have spent sixteen years on the Council. That matches the number of years my father was our Mayor. For me, he will always be the standard by which all local elected officials should be judged. Secondly, while perhaps harder to clearly explain, is that in my gut I know it is time. As the New Year unfolds, there will be time to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. That list starts with my family who has been beyond patient with me as I have pursued this unlikely hobby. However, I have to say right here and now that by allowing me to serve on the City Council you have honored me more than you can ever possibly imagine. No matter what future roads I may take, it is something I will always treasure. Mendota Heights Seeks Applicants for Parks and Recreation Commission An opening will exist on the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission in 2010. The Mayor and City Council are accepting applications from members of the public who would like to be considered for this opening. Applicants must be of voting age and reside within Mendota Heights. The Commission is a voluntary citizen board with three-year overlapping terms. The vacancy that exists is for a term that will run through January 31, 2011. The Parks and Recreation Commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to park and recreation related issues and meets at City Hall the second Tuesday evening of each month at 6:30 p.m. Interested citizens are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest to City Administrator David McKnight, 1101 /ictoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. Application letters will be accepted through Thursday, January 7, 2010. CITY COUNCIL ESTABLISHES COMMITTEE TO TRACK PROGRESS OF THE DAKOTA COUNTY REGIONAL ROADWAY SYSTEM VISIONING STUDY The Mendota Heights City Council has established a committee to ensure that the interests of Mendota Heights are being adequately considered as the Dakota County Regional Visioning Study looks at options on how the transportation system in the region will need to be changed to handle the growth currently planned in Eagan, Inver Grove Heights and surrounding communities. Dakota County is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Council, the Federal Highway Administration, and the cities of Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, and Sunfish Lake to conduct this area transportation system study in northern Dakota County. Members of the city council expressed concern with some of the potential options that were being considered including the potential closing of the interchange at 1-494 and Dodd Road and a possible new interchange at 1-494 and Delaware Avenue. Mendota Heights city staff members have been participating in the Technical Committee portion of this study since its inception but became concerned when the potential closing of the Dodd Road interchange was introduced and the potential Delaware Avenue interchange was advocated for. A committee consisting of Mayor John Huber, City Administrator David McKnight, Acting Public Works Director/City Engineer Ryan Ruzek, and City Attorney Tami Diehm will be assisted by representatives from Foth Infrastructure and Environmental to track the progress of the study and its recommendations and protect the interests of the city and the established development along 494 and its access points in Mendota Heights. The City of Sunfish Lake has expressed an interest in working together with Mendota Heights on this project. Many Mendota Heights residents attended an open house on this study on November 10, 2009, that was held at the Inver Grove Heights Community Center. Information that was shared at this open house can be viewed on the Dakota County website at www.dakotacounty.org and searching for the Regional Roadway Visioning Study. The city council clearly understands the importance of this issue to the entire city. Regular updates on this issue will be included on future city council agendas and summary information will be placed on the city's website at www.mendota-heights. com. Anyone with questions should feel free to contact David McKnight or Ryan Ruzek at 651-452-1850. Visit our website at www.mendota-heights.com PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2010 David McKnight New City Administrator On Wednesday, September 9, 2009, the City Council officially appointed David McKnight as our new city administrator. After narrowing the candidates to five finalists, the Mayor and Council selected David as the top candidate for the position. David has worked for over fifteen years in local government including the last eight years as the administrator for Dodge County. David holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and a Master's Degree in Urban Studies. Congratulations and welcome David! We are pleased to have you as our new City Administrator here in Mendota Heights. The Village Gets a STARR The Village at Mendota Heights received a 2009 STARR Award from the Minnesota Shopping Center Association. The STARR Awards are presented annually to recognize excellence in the retail and shopping center industry. The award was based on a number of factors including how retail has made a significant contribution to the overall project. Congratulations to the Village for this prestigious honor and for your contributions to Mendota Heights. New Fire Truck Arrives at Mendota MOVIN09FMD Emergency Mass Telephone Registration If you have not yet registered please go tohttp://www.mn-dcc.org and click on the logo. Registering will take less than five minutes. In September 2009 the Mendota Heights Police along with the Dakota Communications Center implemented the CodeRed© high speed notification system designed to quickly notify the public of emergencies that may affect their health, safety or welfare. The system sends recorded messages to targeted areas within the county at the rate of up to 60,000 calls per hour. Examples of notification events are hazardous material spills, pandemic outbreaks or missing persons. All areas of Dakota County are covered by the system. The system uses the 9-1-1 data base and other sources for its notification lists, but no one should assume that their information is included. You may remove information that ygu enter at any time. Call the Air Noise Line Are you bothered by air noise? When air noise becomes unbearable and disrupts a your family's lifestyle, the Metropolitan Airports �- Commission wants to ..Q know. Call the MAC air noise complaint line at (612) 726-9411 or go to www. macnoise.com. If possible, be prepared to provide the MAC with information on time, location, direction and aircraft type. On Sunday, December 6, 2009, the fire department held a "housing The housing ceremony was covered by Town Square Television and c was manufactured by Custom Fire Apparatus of Osceola, Wisconsin for a price of $430,000. The City Council authorized the purchase of the truck in December of 2008. The truck was designed by a fire department committee co-chaired by Jamie •' T. J Lerbs and Scott Goldenstein and included Roy - Kingsley, Dale Stein, Justin Fitzgerald and Pat Noack. The truck has a 425 hp engine, 1500 GPM Waterous Pump (made in South Saint Paul), 750 gallon water tank with a 25 gallon foam tank, a 15,000 watt hydraulic generator, 9000 watt 20 foot light tower and a changeable message sign board that will be used to protect firefighters and motorists on the highway. Feel free to stop and see the truck if you are in the area and the firefighters are around. They would love the opportunity to thank you for purchasing this piece of equipment to help them do their job safely and efficiently in protecting you. Heights Fire Department ceremony" welcoming a new fire engine to the station. an be seen on cable channel 18 "Insight 7." The truck oer_a 11 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2010 Erosion Control Did you run out of time to complete an outdoor project this summer? Be sure to temporarily or permanently cover all exposed soil to control erosion and potential slope failure. Temporary methods are to hydromulch or to install an erosion control blanket. Stockpiles left through the winter season must be covered. One solution is to place tarps over the piles and secure the edges. Spring runoff can be a serious issue if exposed soils are carried into the storm sewer system which drains to our lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Soils contain phosphorous and other pollutants that can cause physical and biological harm to our natural habitats, resulting in excessive weed growth, algal blooms, increased cleanup costs, and negatively - impacted recreational activities. Much erosion can be prevented with a little extra caution and use of control measures. Sanitary Sewer Information The faucet is turned on; the toilet is flushed. Where does the wastewater go? The wastewater leaves the house and flows by gravity through a pipe that connects to the sanitary sewer main. The wastewater flows by gravity until it reaches a lift station where pumps lift the wastewater to a level where it can once again flow by gravity. This process continues until the wastewater reaches the wastewater treatment plant. Most of Mendota Heights wastewater flows to the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Plant in St. Paul. What part of the sanitary sewer system is the homeowner responsible for? The homeowner is responsible for any blockage in the service line between the home and the City sanitary sewer main. This includes debris, collapses and tree roots. The homeowner is responsible for any repairs on the service line from the home to and including the connection at the city main. The City is responsible for defects within the main line typically in the center of the road. What can cause blockages in sanitary sewer lines? Roots, grease, and improper disposal of items are the main causes of sewer line blockages. Tree roots can enter the sanitary sewer system at joints and cracks in the sewer lines. Grease can solidify in the sewer lines and restrict other waste from flowing through. The lines can be blocked by disposable diapers, disposable towelettes, feminine hygiene products, or any items flushed down the drain or the toilet. Toys, clothing, lumber, rocks, asphalt, rope, and wire have been found in the collection system. 2010 Road Projects Update The city is planning a pavement rehabilitation project and road reconstruction project in the north end of town during the summer of 2010. Proposed rehabilitation (mill and overlay) will include Butler Avenue, Fremont Avenue, Garden Lane, Hiawatha Avenue, Junction Lane, and Kirchner Avenue. In addition, Diego Lane, Esther Lane, John Street, Simard Street, Spring Street, Valley Lane, View Lane, and the rural section of Miriam Street will be reconstructed. Reconstruction will consist of removing the existing street and base (class 5 gravel) and replacing it with a new gravel base, installing curb and gutter, and street driving surface. Improvements to the storm sewer, water main and sanitary sewer will also be done in conjunction with the project. Rehabilitation projects consist of replacing the driving surface of the street with a bituminous overlay. The public hearing for the project was held in November. Roundabout The Mendota Heights Road roundabout is planned to be constructed during the summer of 2010. In addition to the roundabout, a temporary Lake Drive closure is being proposed. A public hearing for the closure will be held on January 19, 2010. House Numbers Required! Both the building code and the City Code Chapter 9-4-1, state proper identification of all houses within the city is required. Homeowners must maintain their address at or near the front entrance of the house in such a manner that the number may be easily and clearly seen and read from the street. The house number is to be a minimum height of 4" and be covered with a reflective coating. Why is this important? Proper address identification will assist police, fire and/or ambulance service in locating your home in the event of an emergency. Sanitary Sewer Rates At the October 6, 2009, City Council meeting, council adopted a resolution to increase sanitary sewer utility rates. The rate has not changed since 1994, and expenses have far exceeded revenues for the past several years. The rate has increased $15.00 to the base residential sanitary sewer rate. The second tier usage rate has been increased to $1.95 per 750 gallons. The commercial rates have increased by an equal percentage to that of the residential rate. Storm sewer charges will remain as they are. Even with the increase, Mendota Heights retains the lowest sanitary sewer billing rates in northern Dakota County. E 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2010 Don't Be a Holiday Victim! Is there a quicker way to ruin the holiday season than to be the victim of a crime? Some quick tips: 1) Auto glass will only stop a thief for a few seconds; leave nothing of value in your car. At the mall, take extra precautions going to and from your car, depositing gifts and purchases (while you shop in the mall — thieves shop in the lot). 2) If a deal on the Internet seems too good to be true, it is! Even if it seems like an easy coupon or gift card, thieves work at making easy money — don't let them have yours. Be Internet savvy and cautious — shop only on secure, reputable sites. Never give out your private information or respond to unsolicited emails. 3) Take your holiday cards and mail to the Post Office. The red flag on your mail box says "free mail — take me!" 4) Make sure that the charity you give to is the real deal. The Charity Review Council www.smartgivers. org is a great way to verify that you are giving to an organization in need, not to a criminal. 5) If you are heading out of town for the holidays, feel free to give the Mendota Heights police department a call at 651-452-1366. The police department will be able to provide some basic safety information and is available to conduct random checks on your home while you are away. Remember, be aware, not afraid, and have a great holiday season. Walking in the Dark: A Safety Message! The City of Mendota Heights prides itself on maintaining a "rural" feel in the neighborhoods, using fewer street lights than normally found in a first ring suburb. While it does inspire a "small-town" feeling, it also lends to some safety issues. A resident recently commented on how scary it was for drivers in the darkness (early or late) or in inclement weather to spot and avoid walkers, joggers and bikers wearing dark clothing. While we love having our citizens outdoors exercising and enjoying our community, remembering a few simple safety rules will help us all be safe: • Wear light colored clothing, or use reflectors and lighting (front and back) to ensure you are highly visible! • Walk against traffic. • Bike with traffic (follow the rules of the road). • Utilize trails and bike paths whenever you can to avoid general traffic flow. Practicing caution will help keep us all safer and enjoy the outdoors even more. Enjoy the community and be safe! Want more info? Check out: http://www.walkinginfo.org/pedsafe/ moreinfo sidewalks.cfm Visit our website at www.mendota-heights.com Parking & Snow Removal Ordinance Reminders To prevent receipt of a citation or having your vehicle towed, please follow these guidelines: • Parking During Snowfall: Residents cannot park their vehicles on a city street when snow accumulation reaches two inches or more until all streets are plowed curb to curb. • Night Time Parking Prohibited between November 1st - March 31 st: No vehicles shall be parked on any public street between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. from November 1 st to March 31 st. • Residents are responsible for clearing their own driveways and around mailboxes, newspaper tubes and fire hydrants adjacent to their property. • Areas for trash cans should be established at least eight feet from the curb line. • State law advises that pushing/blowing snow from driveways and sidewalks onto public roads may be punishable as a misdemeanor. • Mailboxes should be secure enough to withstand the snow coming off of the plow and wing. • Don't forget to remind visitors: family members, friends of your kids, etc. For more information on these and other city ordinances, please visit the City website at www.mendota-heights.com or contact Public Works at 651-454-4059. Avoid Damage During Snow Plowing City plow drivers appreciate your help in preventing damage from snow plowing. Plow drivers cannot see the curb edges when snow covers the ground. Marking the curb with posts and reflective markers has been a great solution. Thanks to the many residents who have put them out! Markers can be purchased at hardware stores or home improvement centers. If you are concerned that the plow may damage your property and want to mark it, please place markers as close as possible to the curb line to help guide the plow driver. Placing them along curves will reduce the chances of property damage. Basketball hoops and poles within the public right-of-way should be removed to prevent damage to them and City equipment. Please remove and store your hoop outside the public right-of- way during winter. Mailboxes that hang over the curb or are installed too low are in danger of being hit and damaged by a snowplow. City and Postal standards require the bottom of the mailbox be a minimum height of 48 inches from the streetio with the face and support post slightly behind the curb. Media (paper) boxes are typically placed beneath the mailbox, and should be offset behind the face of the mailbox six inches or more. Ground posts should be inspected for rotting wood as even small amounts of plowed snow can break off a rotted post. For further information, call the Public Works Department at (651) 454-4059. PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2010 Fire Department Personnel Retire Jim Kilburg, Assistant Chief On December 31, 2009, Assistant Chief Jim Kilburg will retire from the fire department after 27.5 years of service. Jim served 8.5 years as a firefighter and 6.5 years as a Captain. In May of 1997, Jim was appointed Assistant Fire Chief and has served in that capacity for the last 12.5 years. Jim also served on the Fire Department Relief Association _ as a trustee and president and was selected Firefighter of the Year in 1992. Jim was active in just about every committee for the department. He never let any grass grow under his feet as he led by example and did everything, and more, than was expected. Jim lead with passion and it was easy to see that he truly cared about the people he served as well as the people he served with. Being an electrician, he took his fair share of "ribbing" as every fire always started out as being caused by an "electrical malfunction" when Jim was around. Jim will truly be missed and we wish him and his wife Sam the best in the future. Fire Department Winter Safety Tips Portable Heaters Please be careful and smart when it comes to using portable heating equipment. Make sure the appliance is in good working condition. If it is fueled by propane, gasoline, or kerosene, make sure you use it in a well ventilated area. Portable heaters can get very hot. Keep them away from combustibles (paper, furniture, clothing, children and pets) and make sure they have plenty of space around them for ventilation. Do not bring gasoline -powered equipment into a home and store it in the basement. Don't overload circuits, and if you have to use extension cords make sure they are rated to handle the current load. Preventing Carbon Monoxide Build Up In Your Home To prevent the silent killer from entering your home this winter, have appliances serviced 1 regularly by a qualified technician. Make sure chimneys and furnace O vents are clear. Check dryer vents and fresh air intakes for blockages monthly (look for snow, leaves, bird nests, etc.). If using your fireplace, open a window slightly when burning. Tom Shields, Firefighter On September 1, 2009 firefighter Tom Shields retired from the fire department after 20 years of service. Tom was very active in the fire department and had a great commitment to his training requirements. He was active at all department functions and was an asset at fire calls both in the actions and attitude that he brought to his commitments as well as the humor and camaraderie he extended to all. Tom served as a trustee on the Relief Association as well as various committees within the department, including the department's review board, and was selected Firefighter of the Year in 2001. Tom will be truly missed within the department, but we wish him the best as he will now have more time to be with his wife Sarah and his children Maris and Danielle and his son who will be born sometime in January. Adopt -A -Hydrant Program Several years ago, the Mendota Heights Volunteer Fire Department began the "Adopt -a -Hydrant Program" in which residents volunteer to clear snow away from hydrants to keep access to the hydrants clear The program was initiated out of concern that hydrants might be � buried under a blanket of snow and have restricted access in �•� time of need. `0 ., iy�' The inability of firefighters to ..— find a hydrant could seriously impact their ability to fight a fire in your neighborhood. Will you please help the Fire Department s' and do your part to make your _- neighborhood safer? Sign up to "Adopt -a -Hydrant" by calling City Hall at 452-1850. 11 Drop Box Reminder 11 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 11 and drop it off! 11 PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2010 Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Winter Youth Trips & Activities Join us on fun, well -chaperoned school's out youth trips and activities during winter break. Bring your friends, siblings and classmates. Bus trips depart/return at Mendota Heights City Hall. Pre -register at City Hall or on-line at www.mendota-heights.com. Registration will close three business days prior to trip date. Space is limited, so please register early. Monday, December 28 Bowling, Lunch and Movie First we start the day with two games of bowling (includes shoes and bumper lanes if needed) at Drakula's located in Inver Grove Heights, with a pizza/pop lunch included. Next we are off to Showplace 16 IGH for a G or PG rated movie. You will have two to three movies to choose from. Bring n extra money for snacks if you would like. Cost: $ 6.00 Ages: 6 and up Bus departs/returns: 9:00 a.m. - 3:40 p.m. (approx. with movie end time.) You will be given the exact return time when you drop off your child on the day of the trip. Warming House/Rink Hours The City of Mendota Heights has three outdoor hockey and four pleasure rinks that are open weather permitting, mid - December through early March. A rink attendant will be on duty only at Marie, Wentworth and Friendly Hills Rinks during the regular warming house hours listed below. Ivy Hills Park is an outdoor pleasure rink only with no lights or warming house or attendants on duty. 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 or for skating lesson information call 651-255-1173. Locations: Friendly Hills Park — 2360 Pueblo Lane — East of Pueblo & South of Decorah Marie Park — 1780 Lilac Lane — North of Marie Ave. '/4 mile west of Victoria Wentworth Park — 739 Wentworth Ave. — No. of Wentworth '/2 Mile W. of Dodd Ivy Hills Park — 635 Butler — Butler Ave. and Maple Park Drive, pleasure rink only no warming house. Warmina House Hours: (No warming house at Ivy Hills Park) Weekdays: 4:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Sundays: Noon - 6:00 p.m. School Vacation Days: Noon - 8:30 p.m. Christmas/New Year's Eve: Noon - 4:00 p.m. New Years Day: Noon - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 29 Nickelodeon Universe at MOA and Lunch We are off for a fun filled day at the new amusement park at the Mall of America. We will have five hours of unlimited rides and your choice of hamburger, hot dog or chicken strips for lunch with french fries and a drink. Participants may bring .�,. extra spending money for snacks and game tokens. Cost: $30.00 (Includes lunch) Ages: 8 and up Bus departs/returns: 8:50 a.m. - 3:20 p.m. Learn To Skate Outdoor Ice Skating Lessons This is a great opportunity to improve your skating skills. Lessons are taught by Rebecca, who is beginning her 10th season of skating instruction with the City of Mendota Heights. Classes are limited to 5 -7 participants, so register early as classes fill quickly. If your class is full, please call City Hall at 651-452-1850 to be added to a waiting list. We will add more classes if needed. Please indicate the level and class name, if using the registration form or you may register online at www.mendota- heights.com. Lessons are held at Friendly Hills Rink (2360 Pueblo Lane). Fee: $34.00 for five weeks Saturday's Jan. 2, 2010 to Jan. 30, 2010 Feb. 6 will be used for makeup lessons if needed.) Smalls and Tails: Ages 3-5 years old Session I - Time: 9:00 a.m. — 9:30 a.m. Session II - Time 9:30 a.m. -10:00 a.m. (SORRY FULL) Parents participate w/1 st time skater. Learn tips to teach your child. Beginners -Ages 6 and older Session I - Time: 10:05 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. (SORRY FULL) Session II - Time 10:40 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. For skaters with no previous experience, Learn basic skills. Advanced Beginners and Intermediate (NEW combined class) Ages 6 & up Session I Time: 11:15 a.m. —11:45 a.m. Adv. Beg. -Skaters -must be able to skate forward or Intermediate - must be able to turn/crossover. PAGE 7 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2010 Thompson Park Activity Center (TPAC) for 55 + Adults If you are looking for activities and fun, check out THOMPSON PARK ACTIVITY CENTER located at 1200 Stassen Lane (off Butler and Highway 52) in West St. Paul. This is our area (Northern Dakota County TriDistrict Community Education) 55+ center. Mendota Heights residents are welcome to join classes or take part in any of the activities, including the upcoming: IN TPAC Chili Jam- Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Cost: $4.00 includes: Bowl of Chili, corn bread, beverage and dessert. Chili will be served at noon. Jam Session 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please call TPAC at 651-403-8300 to register for lunch or for more program information. OR If you would like to enter the Chili Cook Off (hamburger and beans will be provided for entrants and can be picked up prior to event at TPAC) please call TPAC to enter. If you would like to get on the TPAC mailing list for the "Thompson Times" which lists all upcoming activities and classes, or need more information on what is offered, please call the Thompson Park Activity Center at 651-403-8300 or stop in for a visit. Summer Recreation and Golf Program Registration Online registrations for all recreation programs will start at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010. Registration is provided by RevTrak; residents can access online registration through our web page at www.mendota-heights.com. Walk-up registrations will be accepted at City Hall during regular office hours 8:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. starting on Tuesday, March 23. ALL WALK-UP REGISTRATIONS MUST INCLUDE A COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORM AND FULL PAYMENT. Registration Information Please register for the winter trips and activities online at www.mendota-heights.com, or in person or by mail at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. Most classes have limited enrollment, and fill quickly. Please register as soon as possible. No registrations will be taken over the phone. You will not get any further confirmation after registration. It is your responsibility to be present when your program begins. If classes are full call 651-452-1850 to be put on a waiting list. Non Mendota Heights residents or non District 197 students must include a $5.00 non-resident fee. A $10.00 service fee will be charged for cancellations. Refunds will only be given if cancelled five business days prior to activity. Programs cancelled by the City of Mendota Heights will be fully refunded. Mendota Heights Registration Form - Online Registration at www.mendota-heights.com By signing below you agree that the City of Mendota Heights shall not be liable for any claims, demands, injuries, damages, actions or causes of action whatsoever to you or your property due to the passive or active negligence of the City of Mendota Heights, its agents or employees. PHOTO/MEDIA LIABILITY RELEASE - by signing below you grant the City of Mendota Heights unconditional right to use name, voice and photo likeness of child in connection with City's use in video, articles or press releases. **If you do not want your child's likeness used, please inform recreation department at 651-452-1850 and note it on registration below. Please note any special needs or medical conditions we should know about for participant here: City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651-452-1850 www.mendota-heights.com FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: DATE REC'D CHECK # RECEIPT # AMOUNT$ BY ACTIVITY NAME (PLEASE FILL OUT FORM COMPLETELY) 1. 2. 3. Participant's Name (PLEASE PRINT) Address School Phone ACTIVITY DATE QQ FEE Cell Phone Work Phone Grade Age Birthdate_//_Gender_ Participant Signature (or parent signature if under 18) Print Name Email Address Date PAGE 8 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2010 The First "R": Reduce Remember the good old saying "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?" Many of us recycle all we can in an effort to positively impact the environment, so let's take a couple steps backwards and focus on the first "R": Reduce. Waste reduction is the best method of waste management because it actually prevents the generation of waste, saving natural and financial resources. And unlike recycling and waste -to -energy processing, it requires no energy or processing. It only requires that we all think about reducing waste in everyday living. Here are six easy things you can do to reduce the amount of waste in your household: 1. Get your name off of junk mail lists. Each year, the average household in the U.S. receives more than 40 pounds of unwanted, unsolicited mail. Many find junk mail to be a real pain, but it's sometimes hard to know who to contact to remove your name from a list. The Web site, www.reduce.org, has compiled resources for getting your name off lists of major marketers, credit companies, and how to register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service. 2. Pack a no -waste lunch. Another easy "be green, save green" tip. Use a reusable lunch bag and reusable containers instead of plastic bags or disposable containers, and of course, a cloth napkin. 3. Use a reusable mug. Instead of using a styrofoam or paper cup from the coffee shop, bring in your own mug. Also, bring a water bottle to refill; you'll save money and reduce waste. 4. Look for less packaging and avoid disposables. This one's big- nearly 30 percent of our trash is packaging. Much of this is cardboard, which can be recycled, but why use the resources on recycling when we didn't need that packaging in the first place? When you're at the store, buy in bulk and bring reusable bags to carry your purchases in. Choose less -packaged products over individually wrapped items. 5. Buy fewer hazardous household products. Choose products that list all of their ingredients, are made from plant -based materials, have low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and are chlorine -free. 6. Educate yourself, friends, and family about waste reduction. The first "R" can make a huge difference on our environment. Explore www.rethinkrecycling.com and www.reduce.org for more tips on all three "Rs" and share what you learn! = Reduce Reuse Recycle From: City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. PAUL, MN PERMIT # 1710 I�I�Inl�hn�lln�lllnlutll�l SCH 5 -DIGIT 55104 RESIDENT 724 MAIN ST SAINT PAUL MN 55118 City Directory Council Members: John Huber, Mayor 450-0729 Ultan Duggan 452-5179 Sandra Krebsbach 454-5696 Mary Jeanne Schneeman 457-4337 Jack Vitelli 455-5625 Staff Members: David McKnight, City Admin. 452-1850 Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk 452-1850 Mike Aschenbrener, Police Chief 452-1366 John Maczko, Fire Cheif 255-1371 Jake Sedlacek, Asst. to Admin. 452-1850 Tom Olund, Public Wks. Supvr. 454-4059 Kristen Schabacker, Finance Dir. 452-1850 Teresa Gangelhoff, Rec. Progrmr. 452-1850 Paul Berg & Dick Gill, Code Enforcement Officers 452-1850 Important Recreation Phone Numbers Rec. Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff (651)452-1850 Skating Lesson Hot Line (651)255-1173 Ice Rink Hot Line (651)255-1174 DARTS (651)455-1560 Thompson Park Activity Center (651)403-8300 Dakota County Parks (651)438-4671 DNR Information Center (651)296-6157 St. Thomas Ice Arena (651)209-6020 Mendota Hts. Athletic Assn. (651)263-3760 or sign up on line at www.mendotaheightsathletics.com Moms Club: www.mendotaheightsmomsclub.me