Issue 69 - Heights Highlights Summer 2005PAGE 1 AUGUST 2005 ISSUE 69
Mayor's Message
Recently the Mendota Heights City Council approved a new Property Maintenance Ordinance.
This is a result of many months of work by City Staff, Planning Commission, and City Council
along with input from our residents. The end result is an ordinance that attempts to strengthen
our ability to correct the most egregious of property maintenance concerns while at the same r. _
time recognizing we have neither the interest nor the resources to adopt a "Big Brother" style
enforcement approach.
Some residents have questioned why we are taking action in this area. As noted in this column
previously, we are fortunate that the overwhelming majority of our residents take great care in
maintaining their property. However, if you happen to be one of the few people who do live near
a difficult property, it has been very frustrating that the City has been unable to adequately
address the issue. We work very hard as a Council to protect the investment you have made in your homes. The
ordinance is an additional tool that can be used in situations where unusually poor exterior maintenance is threaten-
ing to adversely impact the values of the surrounding area.
The new ordinance does not include a proactive inspection effort by staff. Many residents are surprised to learn
that even under the pre-existing rules our enforcement is "complaint based". Staff responds to complaints received
but does not go out and drive up and down every street looking for enforcement issues. This approach will remain
unchanged. This brings me to an area where we need some help from you. We want to hear from you on situations
where most people agree a condition needs to be addressed. At the same time, staff simply cannot respond to
every situation where there may be some paint chipping on a window or a trash barrel that was left outside while the
owners went up to the lake. Exercising your usual good judgment in this regard is most appreciated.
To view the new ordinance go to www.mendota-heights.com and click on "What's New".
- Sincerely,
Mayor John Huber
OPUS Receives Preliminary Approval
for Ecolab Redevelopment
The City Council on June 29, approved an application from
OPUS for a Preliminary Development Plan for a multi -family
redevelopment of the EcoLab property at the corner of
Wachtler Avenue and Sibley Memorial Highway. (Ecolab
has moved their operations to Eagan.) The proposed devel-
opment features a four-story condominium building with 48
units and 62 townhomes for a total of 110 housing units.
Before construction can begin, OPUS still needs approval
of their Final Development Plan. Approval of the Final
Development Plan is dependent in part on the execution of
a development agreement between OPUS and the City and
approval of the required Comprehensive Plan Amendment
by the Metropolitan Council. The Metropolitan Council's
Community Development Committee will review the pro-
posed amendment on September 6th and the full Council
will review it on September 14th. Assuming that all out-
standing issues are resolved, the development could receive
final approval as early as September and site preparation
could begin by October of this year.
Village Retail Coming Soon
The first retail building at The Village at Mendota
Heights at Dodd Road and Highway 110 is well under-
way. Developer Ross Fefercorn received approval from
the City Council on August 16 for signage for the first
four retail establishments: Caribou Coffee, Wine Market
by Kowalski, Cold Stone Creamery, and Fantastic
Sam's. In addition, we are anticipating Sweatshop (a
Pilates studio), as well as Vera's Salon. The green
space in front of the retail building known as Market
Square should be fully landscaped, complete with a
fountain and sidewalks, by mid-September. On the res-
idential side, the housing component of the Village will
be featured in this year's Parade of Homes starting on
September 10. You can also participate in a bike ride
through northern Dakota County on September 17,
including a stop at the Village, sponsored by the Sierra
Club. The bike ride is known as the "Tour de Sprawl".
The Village was chosen as a stop on the tour for being
a positive example of good land use. You can learn
more about the Tour de Sprawl by visiting http://north-
star. sierraclub.org/index.html.
PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES AUGUST 2005
LET'S CELEBRATE TOGETHER
Mendota Heights will be 50 in 2006!
Mendota Heights Commemorative
Historical Planning Team led by Ultan
Duggan and Richard Spicer is planning a
fun -filled active day Saturday, June 3rd,
2006 at Mendakota Park and Mendota Plaza.
A parade of "1950's" cars, a pride of CEO's
and City dignitaries, a 5 -10K walklrun,"lite
sports" events for all involving teams from
every corner of Mendota Heights. Light
hearted competition, bands, music and
dance for your pleasure and entertainment.
NOT INTO SPORTS...
Then Sharpen Your Quills!
We proudly announce our 1st ever Mendota Heights
Writing and Art Contests. The subject: Mendota Heights.
Write a haiku, epic, sonnet, other poem or essay about
Mendota Heights. (Limericks also accepted!)
With crayon, pencil, water color, oils or cameras.
create a still life or landscape or other image of Mendota
Heights.
Entries accepted until April 30th, 2006. Winners will be
announced at the Celebration event on June 3rd.
Judged by faculty representatives of Mendota Heights
schools in art, english, and composition.
"Building Neighborhoods ... Building our City"
- The theme for our golden anniversary as an incorporated City.
iTI-11kiIll 11147
For our historical commemorative issue of the Heights
Highlites: old photos, letters, post cards, citations,
mementoes, etc. Check your attic; we will include a
selection in our golden anniversary salute to Mendota
Heights,
VOLUNTEERS
Want to volunteer your ideas, suggestions, games,
events, or yourself? The more volunteers we have, the
more fun and successful our anniversary will be. Stay
tuned for more information on times and events you
would be comfortable helping with.
Committee Members
Dick Spicer, Ultan Duggan, Mary Jeanne Schneeman,
Dave Libra, Raymond Morris, Teresa Gangelhoff, Judy
Wonick, Guy Kullander, Larry Craighead and Terry
Blum
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. Save the date: Saturday, June 3rd, 2006.
2. Join in the fun. Be part of a Mendota
Heights neighborhood team to compete in "lite
sports" events.
3. Wear your best 50's clothes on Saturday,
June 3rd, 2006.
4. Spiff up your 50's car for the parade.
Commemorative wrist bands available at City
Hall. Suggested donation: $1.00
Mendota Heights by the Numbers
1.What is the most years that someone has lived continuously in MH?
2.What is the age of the oldest resident
3.How many miles of trails do we have?
4.What is the capacity of the water tower?
5.What is the age of the oldest residential structure/home?
(answers in the next issue)
Need more info? Please call Judy at City Hall at 651-452-1850.
PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES AUGUST 2005
AIRPORT RELATIONS
COMMISSION UPDATE
In 1993 the Mendota Heights City Council estab-
lished an Airports Relations Commission (ARC) to help
the City better impact decisions made by the
Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) and the State of
Minnesota with respect to airport noise. Given the
multifaceted and ever changing nature of the air noise
situation the creation of this advisory body to assist the
City Council was important then and continues to be
important. The Commission consists of seven resi-
dents appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the
City Council. They meet once a month beginning at 7
PM on the second Wednesday of the month here at
City Hall. The Commission encourages residents to
attend their meetings or otherwise communicate their
concerns to them relative to aircraft noise. Some of
the major issues that the ARC is currently dealing with
are: Monitoring completion of Runway 17-35, Defining
the air corridor over Mendota Heights and working to
keep planes within it, Defining capacity at MSP,
Following the airport's 2020 expansion plan, and
Trying to influence the airport managers to maximize
use of noise mitigating techniques such as "crossing in
the corridor".
Working closely with the ARC are the City's Noise
Oversight Committee (NOC) members. The NOC is a
twelve member advisory board to the Minneapolis -St.
Paul International Airport (MSP) that provides a forum
for discussion and evaluation of noise inputs. There
are six City representatives and six airport user repre-
sentatives (Airlines). The NOC meets every other
month. Mendota Heights has Council Member Ultan
Duggan as its representative, with Council Member
Sandra Krebsbach as the first alternate and ARC
Commissioner Elizabeth Petschel as the second alter-
nate representatives. These NOC members work very
closely with the ARC and also attend their meetings.
The Community representatives of the NOC held a
series of four Town Forums this February and March to
update residents on airport issues: noise, pollution
and NWA's 2020 plan. The meetings were well attend-
ed by residents and dignitaries; State Representatives
and Senators including Larson, Hanson and Renum,
Mayors and Council members, Met Council
Representatives and MAC Representatives. At the
end of each meeting the audience was asked to voice
their concerns using specially printed "action" post-
cards that were provided to be sent to their elected offi-
cials.
To view the ARC Commission in action please tune
`o channel 18 this September 14th at 7pm when their
first televised meeting will occur. The ARC
Commission has also prepared an "Introduction
Packet" that is available at City Hall for residents who
want to learn more about ARC and airport noise.
Fire Prevention Week
Once again, Firefighters from Mendota Heights will be con-
ducting fire safety activities during National Fire Prevention
Week, October 9-15, 2005. This year's theme: "Use Candles
with Care". Candles are responsible for a growing percent-
age of home fires. Over the last decade, candle fires have
tripled. In 2001 alone, an estimated 18,000 home fires started
by candles were reported to fire departments, an all time high.
These fires resulted in 190 deaths, 1,450 injuries and an esti-
mated property loss of $265 million.
During the week, firefighters will be at local class rooms at
Mendota Elementary, Somerset Elementary, Visitation School
and Children Country Day School to discuss fire prevention
programs.
Topping off the week-long activities is the always popular Fire
Department Open House on Saturday, October 15th, at the
Fire Station from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Those attending will be
able to tour the station, see the fire trucks up close, meet the
firefighters, meet our new mascot, take a fire truck ride, have
a hot dog and glass of pop, and learn safety tips. Everyone is
encouraged to attend. For more information call 452-1850.
Fire Prevention Open House - MH Fire Station
Saturday, October 15th 2005 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
57th Annual Firefighter's Dance
The Mendota Heights Fire Department will be having their
annual Firefighter's Dance on Friday, October 28th at 8:30
P.M. at the Prom Expo in Oakdale. Just after Labor Day, fire-
fighters will be out going door to door selling tickets and hand-
ing out the annual report. Look for your firefighters! Tickets
are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.
This is a Fire Department fund-raiser. The funds raised
through ticket sales and donations support fire prevention
activities, uniforms, and other department needs that are not
part of the City budget. There are organizations that solicit
funds by telephone, but these groups do not assist, nor are
they associated with our Fire Department.
Firefighters go to every home, but often it is not possible to
get back if no one is home. Anyone who has questions, needs
tickets, or would like to make a donation to the Fire
Department should call 452-1850.
Change Your Clock and Batteries
Mendota Heights Firefighters strongly encourage everyone
to participate in the annual "Change Your Clock, Change
Your Batteries" campaign on October 30, 2005. When you
change your clock back one hour, take a few minutes to
replace the batteries in your smoke detector. If your detector
is dirty, vacuum it out. Remember to test your alarms once a
month and replace them every ten years.
Why is this so important? Because smoke detectors save
lives!! Many fatalities could have been prevented had there
been a working smoke detector in the home. Roughly 70%
of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no work-
ing smoke detectors.
PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES AUGUST 2005
Resident Connection to Storm Pond Water Quality
Every resident's yard is very important for protecting storm water quality,
locally and downstream. Impervious surfaces, including streets, driveways,
rooftops, and sidewalks are washed off during rainfall events, snowmelt and
lawn watering. Foreign materials (soil particles, fertilizer, cigarette butts, motor
oils, etc.) laying on these impervious surfaces are carried away by runoff water
that flows into the street catch basin and drains directly into a local pond, wet-
land, or lake. There are approximately 100 lakes, ponds, and wetlands that are
part of the City's storm water system. These bodies of water are designed to
store and/or infiltrate storm water runoff, controlling the downstream flow and
water quality, and also provide essential wildlife habitat.
As fall yard work begins, be aware of how you can prevent materials from
leaving your yard and help improve storm water quality. Suggestions are as
follows:
Use fertilizer without phosphorous. Phosphorous is the main cause of exces-
sive algae blooms in lakes and ponds. Since January 1, 2004, State Statute
has prohibited the application of fertilizer containing phosphorous to lawns in
the Twin Cities Metro area unless establishing a new lawn or a soil test indi-
cates the need for phosphorous. Also, cleaning up all fertilizer applied or
spilled on an impervious surface (e.g., street sidewalk, driveway) is required
by law.
Reduce the total amounts of fertilizer being applied to your yard. Fertilizer,
especially nitrogen, increases turf growth, requiring more frequent watering
and mowing, and creates extra grass clippings. Your lawn will probably grow
just fine with reduced amounts of fertilizer. Experiment with less fertilizer and
see.
While mowing your yard, use a mulching mower whenever possible to leave
grass clippings on the yard. Grass clippings contain high amounts of nitrogen
and phosphorous. Removing them after each mowing will deplete the avail-
able nutrients, thus requiring additional fertilizer to maintain your turf grass.
Keep leaves and grass clippings off the street and curb. Leaves and grass
clippings can be composted for use in gardens or around trees. Keep compost
sites away from adjacent ponds and wetlands to prevent nutrient runoff into
these systems.
Protect bare soil areas with mulch, straw, or erosion control blankets, espe-
cially steep sloped areas. Phosphorous is strongly attached to soil particles.
Protecting these areas until covered with vegetation keeps sediment and
phosphorous out of the water system.
If your property is adjacent to water, consider an un -mowed buffer area at
least 15 feet upland from the normal water level. A vegetative buffer will reduce
runoff velocity, filter runoff water, and stabilize shorelines.
Wetland Permits are required for work done within 100 feet of a wetland or
water body. Check with City staff prior to starting your project.
Park Bench Donation Program v
The City of Mendota Heights is accepting donations to `
install park benches in city parks or along city trails. The I
minimum donation required for bench installation is
$750. The required donation may be higher depending
on the bench design. The benches can be personalized
with a plaque commemorating a loved one or friend. The
design, location, and plaque message must be reviewed
by the Parks Commission and approved by the City Council prior to installa-
tion. For more information, please contact Guy Kullander at City Hall at
(651)452-1850.
A Successful Clean -Up
We had a larger -than -average
turnout Saturday at Spring Clean Up
despite (or perhaps because of) the
bad weather.
Thank you to the following people
for volunteering their time: Janet
Bolger, Nancy Bauer, Jim Danielson,
Tom Knuth, Guy Kullander, Jessica
Kullander, Ryan Ruzek, Kristen
Schabacker, Judy Wonick, Donn
Anderson, Jeff Zachman, Becky
Pentel, John Huber, Mary Jeanne
Schneeman, & Ultan Duggan.
This event would not have been
possible without the help of these
wonderful volunteers!
2005 Street Improvement
Projects
In August, the City Council awarded
a contract for the 2005 street recon-
struction and rehabilitation projects to
Arnt Construction in the amount of
$650,023.70. Reconstruction of Sunset
Lane, Ivy Falls Avenue and Dodge
Lane is scheduled to begin in
September. Proposed improvements
include the addition of storm sewer,
concrete curb and gutter, and new
bituminous surfacing. The rehabilitation
of Ivy Hill Drive, Maple Park Drive and
Ridgewood Drive is currently underway
and consists of curb repair followed by
a bituminous overlay. Construction is
scheduled to be completed in
November.
r .. visit our website at ,
www mendota-heights.com
L. _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ ..
Rink Attendant/Warming
House Positions
These are part-time, paid seasonal
positions and are ideal for students,
adults or seniors. Must be responsible
& reliable. Stop by City Hall for an
application or call Teresa at 452-1850
for more info.
A background check is required
with any position that involves
working with children.
AUGUST 2005
PAGE 7 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES AUGUST 2005
Parks & Rec Registration Info
Deadlines. Most activities have limited enroll-
ment, registration deadlines, and fill quickly. Please
register as soon as possible. Registrations will NOT
be taken over the phone.
Non-resident Fee. Non-residents are welcomed to
participate in our programs; however, residents will
receive priority registration. There is a $5.00 non-res-
ident fee per participant per activity if you live outside
Mendota Heights. Exception: youth trip participants
will not be charged a non-resident fee. Please include
the non-resident fee with regular registration costs
when enrolling.
Refund Policy. A $2 service fee will be charged for
individual cancellations made prior to the start of a
program or its registration deadline date, if enrollment
allows, with the exception of being on a participant
waiting list. No refunds will be given after registra-
tion deadlines or the start of an activity. Registration
fees for programs canceled by the City will be fully
refunded.
Confirmation. There will be no further confirma-
tion after registration. It is your responsibility to be
present on the date and time your program begins. You
will receive notification if a program is filled, can-
celed, or changed.
Participants With Disabilities. Participants with
disabilities who are in need of any special assistance
or auxiliary aids should notify the Parks and Rec
Department at the time of registration to ensure that
any need can be met to fully participate and enjoy a
program or service.
.......................................................................
South Region Stars
The Area 12 Special Olympics "STARS" are "in training" and
participating in a wide variety of sports and activities which include
soccer, floor hockey, swimming and basketball. New athletes can
be registered at any time during the year. Call Teresa with the
Mendota Heights Park & Rec office at 651-452-1850 for more info.
.......................................................................
Important Phone Numbers & Rec Info
You may register for programs or take out park permits at
the receptionist desk in City Hall during normal business
hours (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. _
- 4:30 p.m.). Park & Recreation
Programmer, Teresa Gangelhoff, 651-452- I
1850. Hours are 9:30 am -3:30 pm
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.
* MH Softball League Director: Teresa
651-452-1850
*Skating Lesson Line: 651-255-1173
*Ice Rink Hotline: 651-255-1174
* Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA) - All
youth sports (excluding tennis & golf): 651-454-0433
or online at: www.eteamz.com/mhaaonline
* Sibley Sting Youth Soccer: 651-457-1426
* Thompson Park Activity Center: 651-453-0025
* DARTS: 651-455-1560
* Fort Snelling State Park -612-725-2389
* Special Olympics: 612-333-0999
* DNR information Center: 651-296-6157
* Mendota Heights Garden Club: 651-454-3337
* Dakota County Parks: 651-438-4671
* St. Thomas Ice Arena: 651-209-6020
* Mendota Heights Mom's Club: 651-452-0483 (Sue)
MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS & REC REGISTRATION FORM
You may register in person or by mail for all activites EXCEPT Floats & Flicks at: Mendota Heights City Hall, Parks and Rec, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN
55118.(Make checks payable to City of Mendota Heights) 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, it's agents or employees.
I have read and understand this agreement by signing below. We reserve the right to cancel any program due to insufficient enrollment with a complete refund. No
refunds after start of activity. A $2.00 service fee will be charged for cancellations made prior to the start of a program or it's registration deadline.
City of Mendota Heights
Parks & Recreation
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota
Heights, MN
55118 0AAAAA
651-452-1850
DATE RECD
CHECK #
AMOUNT
BY
Activity Name Activity Date Fee
1. _/_/_ $
2. _/_/_ $
3. _/_/_ $
Please fill in this section for Youth Programs Only: Male Female _
School Grade _ Child's Age _ Birth date _/_/_
Participants Name Home Phone (Youth Only) Parents cell or work phone
Address City Zip
Participant signature (or Parent signature if participant is under 18) Date
PAGE 8 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES AUGUST 2005
Rental Property in Your Neighborhood?
Questions have been posed by residents to the Police
Department about dealing with rental property in their neighbor-
hoods. Landlords and tenants have a special relationship governed
by numerous State and Federal laws covering everything from
lease agreements to police calls for service. The City of Mendota
Heights has several ordinances covering certain activity in rental
property but, generally a renter or leasee has the same rights and
privileges as any home owner. Coming with those rights and privi-
leges are the same responsibilities to follow the laws and ordi-
nances covering all property owners in the City of Mendota Heights.
Landlords are allowed by Minnesota State Statute (MSS) to
screen potential tenants. The landlord is allowed to look at certain
information when making a leasing decision; they may do a credit
check and reference check. The landlord is not allowed to disqual-
ify a potential tenant because of race, religion, orientation or sex. A
landlord may disqualify a potential tenant because of inability to
pay, past history of damaging leased property or criminal activity in
a previous rental unit.
The procedure for removing a problem tenant is clearly laid out in
MSS and requires a landlord to take several affirmative actions.
The City is not allowed to assist in a removal that has not followed
the proper course of action.
In general terms, renters are required to follow all of the state laws
and city ordinances that cover any homeowner. Complaints cover-
ing zoning issues can be directed to the City Code Enforcement
Officers at 651-452-1850. Criminal complaints should be directed to
the Mendota Heights Police Department by calling 911 for in -
progress crimes or emergencies and non -emergency calls 24 hours
a day 7 days a week at 651-450-1111.
The City of Mendota Heights Code is available on-line at the web
address: http://mendota-heights.com/pages/govt/police.htm. A
great resource for landlords and tenants is the Minnesota State
Attorney Generals website: http://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/
housing/It/LT_5.htm#12. This web resource links you to all applica-
ble MSS governing landlords and tenants.
New Police Officers
Mendota Heights Police Department welcomes its two newest
officers Steven Meyer and Denise Urmann. Welcome to the team!
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:
Jim Danielson, City Administrator
452-1850
Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk
452-1850
Mike Aschenbrener, Police Chief
452-1366
John Maczko, Fire Chief
255-1371
Sue McDermott, City Engineer
452-1850
Patrick Hollister, Admin. Asst.
452-1850
Tom Olund, Public Works Supvr.
454-4059
Kristen Schabacker, Finance Dir.
452-1850
Emmy Foster, HR/Communic.
452-1850
Teresa Gangelhoff, Rec. Prgmr.
452-1850
Paul Berg & Dick Gill,
Code Enforcement Officers
452-1850
From:
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Halloween Bonfire Time
Join us for a ghostly good
time at the annual City %A"4�
-
sponsored Halloween
Bonfire on Monday, October 'W IIIIIIIIIIII—Mw
31 from 7 - 9 p.m. located on
an undeveloped portion of the Mendota Plaza
Shopping Center property, behind the Do It
Best Hardware Store.
The Volunteer Fire Department has offered to
carry on the tradition and will again coordinate
and run this year's event. The bonfire is con-
ducted to provide a safe and enjoyable family
alternative to trick or treating. Costumes are
not necessary. Hot dogs, soda, other goodies
are free. Join us for the fun at the bonfire!
Residents of Mendota Heights are allowed to
deposit brush no larger than 4" in diameter as
fuel for the fire. In the past, the City has had
problems with illegal dumping at the site which
costs the City a great deal of money to clean
up. In order to prevent the illegal dumping, the
City will be limiting the hours of operation from
8 AM - 7 PM from October 14th - 27th. Once
the area is filled, it will be fenced in and no fur-
ther dumping will be allowed. Please remem-
ber that unauthorized dumping is a misde-
meanor with a fine of up to $1,000. t
Adopt -A -Hydrant
Emergency response times can be consider-
ably slowed down when the Fire Department
must dig out a fire hydrant buried in the snow.
Residents are asked to "adopt -a -hydrant" by
keeping local hydrants free of snow in winter
and weeds in summer. Will you help the Fire
Department and "adopt -a -hydrant" by calling
Nancy at 651-452-1850? Thank you for keep-
ing your neighborhood safe!
Prsrt std
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 6166
St. Paul, MN 55118
CARRIER ROUTE
PRESORT