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Issue 58 - Heights Highlights Summer 2002PAGE 1 JULY, 2002 ISSUE 58 What's New in Mendota Heights? The Town Center Project. In May, the City Council approved a bid from Precision Landscape and Tree for tree removal on the Town Center property. The tree removal was completed in June, making way for the grading process to begin. The grading bid for the site will be awarded at the first City Council meeting in July. Barring poor weather conditions, grading should be complete by the middle of August. Development agreements with from RMF Entities and the Dakota County CDA are currently being negotiated. Please see the City website for future updates to the project. (www.mendota-heights.com) City Council Reviews Plans for Acacia Site. In June, a representative from Tollefson Development presented a concept plan to the City Council for development of the Acacia site (17 acres east of the Cemetery). Tollefson is working with Hoffman Homes to build owner occupied town homes on the site. No vote was taken as this was merely a concept plan review. We anticipate that Tollefson will submit a formal application to the Planning Commission for review in July or August. Council Approves Parking Restrictions on Northland Drive and Mendota Heights Road. In June, the Council approved an ordinance prohibiting parking on Northland Drive and Mendota Heights Road surrounding the SuperAmerica gas sta- tion. Nearby property owners petitioned for the restriction as they were bothered by a proliferation of large trucks parking there for extended periods of time. The trucks were causing a safety problem by limiting sight distances for cars trying to exit their parking lots. Ridder Estate Development. The City Council, at their regular meeting on May 7, 2002, approved the subdivision of the Ridder estate at 1744 Dodd Road into nine- teen lots. The approval was based on numerous conditions, including execution of a Developers Agreement between the City and the Developer. This development agreement has yet to be executed. The development will be known as Hidden Creek Estates. For more information, visit www.hiddencreekestates.com. Freeway Road Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Project Approved. This March the City Council ordered the preparation of a feasibility report to analyze the possibility of reconstructing the streets in the Freeway Road neighborhood. This neighborhood is adjacent to the Town Center Redevelopment Project. The impacts anticipated with construction of the connections between the utility and street improvements planned for Town Center, and those that exist in the Freeway Road neighborhood, would make it desirable to complete the Freeway Road neighborhood street improvements at the same time. The Council conducted a public hearing with the homeowners in May, approved the project, and ordered preparation of the plans and specs for the work. There is approximately one mile of existing streets in the Freeway Road neighborhood that will be reconstructed to include storm sewer and concrete curb and gutter. The streets proposed for total reconstruction in the Freeway Road area neighborhood include North and South Freeway Roads, South Lane and Knob Road. Residential property owners whose parcels have driveway access abutting an upgraded street will be assessed up to 50% of the street project cost on a per lot basis. The property owner's 50% share is approximately $3,700. The plans and specs are being developed for Council approval in July. 1-35E Bridge Update. MnDOT reports that work on their 1-35E Lexington Bridge replacement project is proceeding well and the new north bound bridge is on sched- ule to be completed and open for traffic in early October 2003. They are currently constructing piers and decking. The south bound bridge is scheduled to be opened in August of 2004 when the entire project is expected to be completed. Check out the City's the at www.mendota-heights.com W1 Elk National Night Out The City of Mendota Heights Police Department will be host- ing the annual National Night Out Event again this year on Tuesday, August 6th. The event will be held at the Mendakota Park pavilion between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. National Night Out is an event where citizens can meet with Police Officers from the community to discuss public safety and crime prevention issues. Citizens will also get an opportunity to meet some local fire fighters and will learn about fire prevention. The Police Department and the Fire Department will have their vehi- cles and equipment available for the community to look at. The Mendota Heights Police Department will be fingerprinting children as a part of Operation Kid Print. Refreshments and face painting will be available. Please come out and meet some of your local public safety per- sonnel and neighbors for an evening of information and fun. In conjunction with the National Night Out activities, the Parks and Recreation Department will end its "Performance in the Parks" series with Imagination Station performing at Mendakota Park Pavilion at 8 p.m. PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JULY, 2002 endota Heights Students Learn Environmental Lessons In May, Mayor Mertensotto received a letter from Friendly Hills Middle School fifth grade student Ryan Schaefer addressing his concerns about the environment. The letter was the result of a class assignment from Ryan's teacher, Mr. Paul Bragelman. The assignment addressed current environmental issues and what students could personally do to make the world a better place. The assignment began when the 5th & 6th graders decided to do something proactive to clean up the environment. The students called themselves the "Planet Defenders" and those who completed their assignment and put in 700 minutes within a 5 -week period were rewarded. The assignment began with a kickoff is project of collecting trash around Friendly Hills Middle School. (To everyone's surprise, the 2nd & 4th ,n 1 hour classes each filled 8 - 9 bags 1with trash of all forms!) The kids dis- covered that the garbage around the school and in their own community is most likely indicative of a problem throughout the nation. The students had the option to write to someone in power, such as the Mayor, who could encourage citizens to help protect our environment as well. In Ryan's letter to Mayor Mertensotto, he stated that his class picked up eight bags of garbage around the school: "We found all of this in the span of forty-five minutes - right in the vicinity of our Noise and Property Maintenance Ordinances Under Consideration City staff is currently in the process of recodifying the city's ordinances. This means that all of the ordinances and ordi- nance amendments that have been adopted since the last codification process was done twenty years ago will be incorporated into a complete, logically organized book. As part of the process, existing ordinances are being reviewed for consistency with state law, consistency with each other, adequacy and current relevance. City Council is currently considering two recommenda- tions from staff regarding inadequate provisions in the nui- sance ordinance relating to noise and property mainte- nance. Although the city staff receives numerous calls throughout the year about noise, the code gives little or no authority to issue citations. The code is relatively silent with regard to limiting significant noise producing activities. A proposal before Council would prohibit construction or demolition on weekends and holidays and between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays. The use of noisy yard maintenance equipment like lawn mowers would not be allowed before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. The ordinance amendment also addresses noise emanating from musical instruments, stereos, etc. if the noise is audible at the prop- erty line after 10 p.m. school! Then I started thinking about all of the garbage that could be in other places around our parks, schools, cities, ponds, streams, rivers, and lakes ... I know that you cannot solve a problem as big as this, but anything would be a step forward in the right direction." The Mayor wrote back to Ryan and thanked him for expressing his concerns. He explained some of the things that the City does to help protect the environment (recy- cling program, spring clean-up, street sweeping, ball field clean-up, etc) and added that in addition to these things "it is up to the City's residents to put forth their best effort to protect the surroundings in which we live." Mr. Bragelman's class provided us with some great sug- gestions on how to clean up Mendota Heights. Some ways all of us can help are to: -start a recycling program at home -use products made from recycled materials -make environmentally friendly foods, i.e. use vegetables and natural products •put garbage in appropriate receptacles -help keep our parks clean so that future generations can enjoy them also Mr. Bragelman is extremely proud of Ryan, and all of the students, in his class for the projects they completed. Regretfully, Mr. Bragelman will not be teaching at Friendly Hills next year, however, he cares a great deal about the community and encourages everyone to help take care of their neighborhood and the environment. The overwhelming majority of properties in Mendota Heights show the pride their owners take in their homes and their community. Although most communities have regulations that incorporate property maintenance provi- sions into their codes, Mendota Heights does not. A new provision in the code would require property owners to keep their properties free of health hazards and main- tain them in a clean, safe and sanitary condition, which includes the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks and the cutting of noxious weeds. It would require that chimneys, roofs, exterior surfaces, windows, exterior stair- ways, decks, porches, handrails and guardrails be main- tained, structurally sound and in good repair. It would also allow authorized agents of the city to declare a building or structure to be dangerous to public health and safety if cer- tain significant defects or unsafe conditions exist. If a haz- ardous situation were determined to exist, the city is given specific authority under state statute and the proposed nui- sance ordinance revisions to take measures to abate haz- ardous situations if the property owner refuses to do so after notice from the City. The Council would like to hear from you about the pro- posed new regulations. For a copy of the proposed ordi- nance provisions, call or stop by City Hall. Contact Kathleen Swanson at 452-1850 or send your written com- ments to City Hall or email info@mendota-heights.com. PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES Enjoy Our City Parks and Trails We invite all residents to enjoy the parks and trails in Mendota Heights. Explore the amenities your city has to offer while enjoying the great outdoors! City parks are open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. In order to allow everyone the most enjoyable experience without conflicting with the rights of fellow park users and neighboring residents, we ask every- one's cooperation in abiding by the posted park rules. Park shelters and facilities are available for reservation on a first come, first-served basis. For information, call Teresa at 452-1850. When walking, rollerblading or bicycling along the city's trails, please remember that the trails were designed for mixed use. When you ride your bike or rollerblade, please be cautious and considerate, keeping your speed at a level that is safe for both you and pedestri- ans. If you are about to pass a pedestrian on a trail, please announce to that person that you will be passing them on their right or on their left in a loud, clear voice with enough advance time for them to respond. Keep in mind that some people walking on the trails may be either hearing impaired or unable to resond quickly because of limit- ed mobility. Walkers, please be alert for bicyles or rollerbladers that may be rounding a bend or coming over a hill. City ordinances require all dogs in the city to be leashed. Pet own- ers are permitted to have their leashed pets in city parks and on city trails but are required to clean up any droppings left by their animals. Finally, to assist the city in the maintenance and appearance of our parks and trails, we ask for everyone's cooperation in using the trash and recycling receptacles provided. Fertilizing Information Lawn owners can help local water quality this fall by using low phos- phorus fertilizer, keeping leaves and grass clippings off driveways and streets, and keeping your nearby storm drains cleaned out. If you employ a lawn care service, ask that they only use zero or low phosphorus fertilizers. Fertilizing lawns in the fall helps make healthier turf going into win- ter and improves green -up in the spring. Depending on the type of grass, most established lawns benefit from fertilization in September to mid-October. Since most established lawns in Dakota County have more than enough phosphorus, choose fertilizer with the middle number (meaning phosphorus) of three or less. Many nurseries and lawn care companies sell zero phosphorus fertilizer. Newly estab- lished lawns may still need additional phosphorus in fertilizer. Before fertilizing, residents are encouraged to test their soils to see what nutrients their soils need. For more information on soil tests and fer- tilizing, contact the University of Minnesota Extension Service, Dakota County at (651) 480-7734. Basic soil tests cost $7. The University of MN INFO -U provides recorded messages on lawn care topics too. Call (612) 624-2200 for a catalog list of topics. Phosphorus is the nutrient that can degrade water quality in local ponds and lakes. It can cause significant algae blooms and promotes excess weed growth. One common source of phosphorus in ponds and lakes is runoff entering city storm sewer systems. It is important to keep fertilizer, leaves, and grass clippings off driveways and streets so that they will not be carried through storm drains. Water entering storm drains is not treated and drains directly to local water bodies. Help protect water quality in local ponds and lakes, by removing any grass, twigs, and trash, from the storm drains on your street. JULY, 2002 Recreational Fires In 1998, the City Council passed an ordinance change regarding recreational fire permits. You may have a recreational fire without obtaining a per- mit from the city. You must, however, comply with the following regulations: *Fires must be extinguished within 3 hours after they are started, but not later than 11 PM. *Use clean and dry wood only (no refuse, grass, leaves, logs over 3 in diameter, paper, garbage or other combustibles.) *The size of the fire cannot be more than 3 feet in diameter, and flames must not reach a height in excess of 3 feet. *No fire shall be within 20 feet of any building or structure *A means of extinguishment must be in the immediate area of the fire. *No fire shall be started or maintained in dry conditions or winds over 15 MPH. *Prior notice must be given to the public safe- ty dispatcher, at 450-1111, one hour before the fire is ignited. *Recreational fires must be constantly attend- ed by a competent person until the fire has been completely extinguished. The Fire Chief or his representative is author- ized to prohibit, suspend, or further restrict all fires should atmospheric, drought, wind, state or local circumstance or conditions warrant or dic- tate such action. Violation of any of these regu- lations may result in the issuance of a citation. If you have questions regarding these regulations, call Fire Marshal Paul Kaiser at 452-1850. Dog Gone? Is your dog allowed outside of your yard with- out supervision? City staff routinely receive com- plaints about wandering dogs. Your pet is very special to you, but unsupervised dogs can be very intimidating to others. City ordinances are specific about the respon- sibilities of dog owners. Your dog must be con- trolled by a leash not exceeding six feet in length unless it is within a vehicle being driven or parked on the public streets or if it is within the property limits of your premises. Dogs must also be licensed annually. The license year runs from June through May, and the $6.00 annual fee is reduced to $3.00 for spayed/neutered dogs. Please protect your dog by licensing it and recognize your neighbors' rights by keeping your dog on a leash or confined to your property. PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JULY, 2002 Storage in Yards Mendota Heights is a community to be proud of and that pride showsY `"^^ in every neighborhood. Once again, it is time to take a closer look at what's being stored in our yards. City Ordinances set guidelines for what is permissible. Compliance with the guidelines ensures attractive neighborhood envi- ronments. Non-compliance often attracts the attention of the City's code enforcement staff. Unlicensed cars and car parts, including tires, are not allowed in your yard unless they are screened from public view. Recreational vehicles (i.e.campers boats, snowmobiles and trailers) may only be placed in the rear yard or on one side of your lot. They may not be stored in any portion of the yard adjacent to a street. A recurring source of complaints is woodpiles. You may legally store one cord of wood (4' by 4' by 8') in your yard. Obviously, an accumulation of garbage is not permissible, but some- times other objectionable items are overlooked, such as left over con- struction materials, brush, appliances, etc. Please take a look at your yard through your neighbors' eyes and remove any unsightly debris. Fences are often taken for granted. When they are not maintained, the whole neighborhood can look neglect- ed. A new coat of paint and some minor repairs could make a big differ- ence in your property's appearance. Trees, shrubs and bushes are also taken for granted. If allowed to grow out of control, they can become a real hazard. Sometimes they grow to a point where they block the view of intersections, endangering both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Owners of corner lots should regular- ly check and trim any overgrowth that obstructs the view of signs or street intersections. These guidelines were adopted years ago to ensure the enhanced appearance and safety of our com- munity. Adherence to the guidelines will be appreciated by the City, and, more importantly, by your neighbors. Election Judges Needed City staff is looking for residents to serve as election judges for the state and city elections that will be held this fall. Election judges are responsible for administering election processes in the polling places on election day. Would you like to join the team? For more information, call Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk or Nancy Bauer, Deputy City Clerk at 452-1850. Park Bench Donation Program The City of Mendota Heights is now accepting donations to install park benches in City parks or along City trails. The benches can be personal- ized with a plaque commemorating a loved one. The minimum donation required for bench installation is $750. The required donation may be higher depending on the bench design. The design, location, and plaque message must be reviewed by the Parks Commission and approved by the City Council prior to installation. For more information, contact Guy Kullander at 452-1850. Building Permits Required Are you planning any remodeling or additions to you home, or thinking about fencing your yard or installing a swimming pool? If so, please contact City Hall before you begin. Building permits are required for most types of construction. Permit applications for new struc- tures or additions that may require variances because they are too close to a lot line, or those that may require wetlands or conditional use permits must be reviewed by the City Planner. If the Planner determines that require- ments of the Zoning Ordinance cannot be met, a planning application must be submitted for review by the Planning Commission and City Council. In order to avoid delays, submit your building plans to the code enforcement depart- ment well in advance of the date you plan to begin construction. Risk Watch School Program Once again this fall, kids grades K through 4 will be taught the curriculum called "Risk Watch". This program was created by the National Protection Agency in partnership with Lowe's Home Safety Council and sponsored by the Mendota Heights, West St. Paul and Eagan Fire Departments and the Dakota County Educators. Risk Watch is a comprehensive injury prevention program for students designed to promote good safety choices for kids and their families. Among the subjects covered: motor vehicle safety, fire and burn preven- tion, choking prevention, firearms injury prevention, bicycle and pedestri- an safety, poison safety, falls preven- tion and water safety. Risk Watch is designed to be integrated in regular classroom lessons or used as a stand- alone teaching unit. It encourages the participation of teachers, nurses, police and anyone committed to teach- ing children simple precautions that could save their lives. Thank you to the Mendota VFW Post 6690 for its support and assistance in purchasing supplies for the schools and also to ISD 197 and teachers who help make this program a success. If you have questions, contact Fire Captain Roy Kingsley at 255-1374. Bothered by Air Noise? When air noise becomes unbearable and disrupts your family's lifestyle, the Metropolitan Airports Commission wants to know. Call the MAC air noise complaint line at (612)726- 9411. If possible, be prepared to pro- vide the MAC with information on time, location, direction and aircraft type. PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JULY, 2002 MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS �RECRFATION FAMILY PUFORMANCES IN THE PARKS The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department sponsors free per- formances in the parks! Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the entire performance. In the case of 'inclement weather, all shows will move to the Henry Sibley High School. Mark your calendars! Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 p.m. - Rogers Lake Pavilion "The Paul Heffron Music" - This trio performs a variety of old time hits and some modern music with a "Big Band" sound. This performance is bound to bring back many musical memories. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy an evening of beautiful music at the lake. Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 p.m. - Friendly Hills Park Shelter "Imagination Station" - Story, songs and dancing will entertain families with young children. If you have been unable to make it to the afternoon Imagination Station shows, don't miss this opportunity. Tuesday, August 6, 8:00 p.m. - Mendakota Park Pavilion "Imagination Station" - Join us for an added performance in conjunction with the National Night Out activities (see the article on page 1 for more details). Imagination Station The Imagination Station traveling variety show will be making appearances at both Wentworth & Friendly Hills parks this summer. The free performances last approximately 30 minutes. Feel free to bring lawn chairs &/or blankets to sit on. Performances will not be held if it is raining. Mondays: 6/24/02 - 8/5/02 1:30-2:00 Wentworth Park (Wentworth Avenue) 3:00-3:30 Friendly Hills Park (Pueblo Lane & Apache) Mens and Womens Fall ' SOUTH REGION League Softball Teams The Mendota Heights Parks and Rec Department has the following openings for Adult Softball teams: * Tuesday Night Fall League Women's D * Tuesday Night Fall League Men's D * Tuesday Night Co-Rec D The season will begin on August 20th and will conclude on September 17th (5 weeks of double-headers). Contact Teresa Gangelhoff, Recreation Programmer, at 452-1850 if you are inter ested in any of these leagues. 55+ Card Club "STARS" The Area 12 Special Olympics "Stars" are in training and participating in a wide vari- ety of Spring -Summer -Fall - Winter Sports & activities (bowling, floor hockey, tennis, basketball, swimming, table tennis, softball, track & field). New athletes can register at any time. Interested athletes, volunteer coaches or assistants should call Teresa at 452-1850 or Marcie Padgett at (952)953- 2312 for more information. A room is available at the Mendota Heights City Hall for individuals 55 years of age or older that are interested in starting a card club. Group members will be responsible to organize a play schedule and choice of game(s). Any individual interested in organizing a card club should contact Teresa at the Parks & Rec Department at (651)452-1850 for assistance and additional information. ••Check• our website at •www.mendota-heights.com': for Parks & Recreation •. information, activities, and photos! SAFETY CAMP Don't miss this camp! Kids entering the 3rd and 4th grades in the fall of 2002 can sign up now for Safety Camp 2002. Instructors of the camp are volunteers from local police & fire departments, utility companies, para- medics as well as other professionals whose jobs deal with personal and public safety. Each camper will receive a camp t -shirt. Topics will include stranger safety, weather safety, drug awareness, ani- mal safety, home safety and first aid. At the conclusion of the camp on Thursday, campers can return that evening with their families for a family picnic with hot-dogs, ice cream and beverages. The camp is sponsored by the VFW Gallagher Hanson Post 295 of So. St. Paul. AGES: Children entering the 3rd & 4th grades in the fall of 2002. DATES: August 13th, 14th, 15th LOCATION: Kaposia Park (Located at Wilde and Butler Avenues in South St. Paul). TIME: 8:00 am - 3:45 pm (Parents need to pick up and drop off their children at Kaposia Park.) FEE: $15.00 (all lunches and snacks are provided!) Enrollment is limited! You must pre - register at City Hall for this camp. Please arrive at Kaposia Park in So. St. Paul 15 minutes early on the first day of camp only (7:45 AM) to check- in. Remember to dress for the weath- er (enclosed pavilion available in case of rain) and remember to wear sun- screen and bug spray! PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JULY, 2002 ........... IFFWIIIIII , •q� III . All trips depart & return at the front entrance of Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. You may regis- ter by mail using the form on page 7 of this newsletter or register in person at City Hall. Payment must be sub- mitted with the registration form. Deadline for registration is one week prior to trip. Register early since each trip has a limited number of spots available. All trips include chaperones, transportation & activity fee. Thursday, July 11 - Three Billy Goats Gruff Performance at the Stages Theater Co. & Shady Oak Beach Live performance of Three Billy Goats Gruff at the Stages Theater Company in Hopkins and then off to the beach for the afternoon. Bring money for snacks or bag lunch. Bus departs at 8:55 AM & returns at 3:25 PM. Ages 6-12. Cost is $12.50/person. Thursday, July 18 - Wave Pool (Coon Rapids) & Box Lunch Bring your swimsuit, towel, change of clothes & if you want to rent an inner tube, bring an extra $2.00 (for a two-hour session). We will be at the wave pool from 10 AM to 2 PM. Fee includes lunch, small pop, hot dog, chips & cookie; however, you can bring extra money for additional snacks. Bus departs at 9:10 AM & returns at 3:05 PM. Ages 10 & over. Cost is $14.00/person. Thursday, August 1 - Old Log Theater (Prince Horace, the Horrible) & Cliff French Park (Plymouth) Enjoy the story of Prince Horace, the Horrible. Following the play, we will swim at the beach & creative playground. Bring your swimsuit, towel & bag lunch or money for snacks. Bus departs at 9:10 AM & returns at 3:10 PM. Ages 6-12. Cost is $12.00/person. Thursday, August 8 - Richardson Nature Center & Swimming Explore ponds, view wildlife & diverse habitats. Please bring a bag lunch, tennis shoes, swimsuit, towel & extra money for concessions. Bus departs at 8:25 AM & returns at 3:45 PM. Ages 6-12 Cost is $10.00/person. Thursday, August 15 - No trip this week due to Safety Camp. Thursday, August 22 - Valleyfair (in Shakopee) Bring a bag lunch or money to purchase lunch/snacks there. Bus departs at 9:10 AM & returns at 6:25 PM. Ages 10 & older. Cost is $24.00/person. New Fall Trips! Space for these trips is limited and will fill up fast. Mark your calendars now and plan ahead for fall. Join us for the following "MEA School's Out" field trips: Thursday, Oct 17, 2002 - Shrine Circus at the Target Center, followed by a visit to the Planetarium. Please watch for brochures coming home from school or call the Parks and Rec office at 452-1850 for further information on time and cost. Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 - Horseback riding at Diamond T Ranch, followed by skating at Skateville in Burnsville Bring a bag lunch. Bus departs at 8:45AM & returns at 2:40 PM. Ages 7-12. Cost is $28.00/person. Fishing Derby Highlites The 2nd Annual Fishing Derby was held on Wednesday, June 19th on Roger's Lake. Once again, the kids (& adults) had a wonderful evening of fishing, entertainment and fun. Special thanks go out to Clifford Timm, I Ira Kipp, Jim Fisher, Northland Tackle, WalMart (Eagan), Ace Hardware (IGH), and Kathleen Swanson for their contributions and help in making the event a success. Congratulations to the winners of the derby: Trevor Stockton - Biggest Fish (19 inches, 1.5 Ib Northern) Nick Hadler - Most Fish Caught (8) ' * Allison Matykiewicz - Casting Contest Winner (Ages 11 & up) * Sydney Shapiro - Casting Contest Winner (Ages 10 & under) I !Be sure to look on our website (www.mendota-heights.com) for pictures of the Fishing Derby! L.e..._._._._..._...r._._._..._._._..._._._._._.J � \ Date: � \