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Issue 01 - Heights Highlights Spring 1984ISSUE 1 APRIL, 1984 PAGE 1 Janet Blesener. Approved by the City Council to complete the remainder of Jim Losleben's term BLESENER CHOSEN net Blesener, selected unanimously by the _,idota Heights City Council to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Jim Losleben, had little time to reflect on her new duties. The appointment of a new Council member was business item 9b on the Agenda for the Council meeting of April 3rd. Following the selection of Blesener from a group of 10 applicants, Council called a brief recess. After the break, City Clerk Kathy Swanson administered the oath of office, and Jan took her seat to participate in con- sideration of item 9c. Blesener is a senior associate with the West St. Paul architectural firm of Trossen-Wright, and has been employed there for 17 years. She has lived in Mendota Heights for seven years. For the past three, she has served as a member of the Planning Commission, two of which were as vice -chairperson. Jan, her husband Jack, and their two children live at 1818 Twin Circle Drive. This summer they plan to build a new home in the same neighborhood. Blesener contends that there are no special issues which led her to apply for the Council appointment, other than a desire to help main- tain the high quality of life in Mendota Heights, and be a part of improving it where she can. "But this is not a short term committment with me; I fully intend to run for re-election in the Fall." NEW RESIDENT? ,Are you a new resident curious about com- munity services? We encourage you to contact your City staff for answers to questions on park facilities, public safety programs, utility infor- mation, and other services. NEW FIRE CHIEFS FOR MH Bill Lerbs, a seventeen year veteran of the Mendota Heights Vounteer Fire Department, was recommended to assume the position of Fire Chief replacing current chief LeRoy Noack who is re- signing as chief effective September 30, 1984. A twenty-one year resident, Bill, Geraldine and their children reside at 774 Mohican Lane in Friendly Hills. A selection committee, comprised of Mayor Bob Lockwood, City Administrator Kevin Frazell, Councilmembers Liz Witt and John Hart- mann, Police Chief Dennis Delmont, Eagan Fire Chief Bob Childers, and Firefighters Bill Chisler and Gordon Skjerven selected to represent the fire department, conducted interviews of seven appli- cants and have submitted their recommendation to the Mendota Heights City Council. The Assistant Fire Chief position is also open and John Maczko was recommended. John, a life long resident of Mendota Heights also lives in the Friendly Hills area at 751 Cheyenne Lane with his wife Lynne. He will assume the assistant chiefs duties October i st. Currently the assistant chiefs position is vacant and will be filled by Bill Lerbs, who will serve as LeRoy's assistant until . his resignation. HENNING JOINS PLANNING COMMISSION The Mendota Heights City Council appointed Stuart Henning to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission left when Janet Blesener was ap- pointed to the Council vacancy. His term will run until January 1987. ORVIL J. JOHNSON APPRECIATION NIGHT The city of Mendota Heights is hosting an evening of dinner and fun on Friday, May 4th, to give recognition and appreciation to retiring City Administrator Orvil Johnson for his 12 years of service to the City. Reservations for the event, to be held at Mendakota Country Club, are limited to the first 250, and will be accepted through April 23rd. Social hour begins at 6:30, dinner at 7:30 with a "Roast" to follow at 8:30. Price is $15 per person, which includes dinner and a gift for Orvill. Make reservation by sending a check made payable to "Orvil Johnson Appreciation Night," along with the names of attendees to: Orvil Johnson Appreciatioin Night, City of Mendota Heights, 750 South Plaza Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120. Anyone who would like to offer a comment about Orvil during the "roast" is asked to call Kevin Frazell or Kathy Swanson at 452-1850. Bill Lerbs stands on future site of new fire station. When Bill becomes chief in October the station should be substantially completed. Existing fire hall is visible in background across Dodd Road. PAGE 2 MENDOTA HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL, 1984 L9101 0 16011 01110 9 to] 0 Last year 62 new single family building per- mits were issued with a total of $6,860,608 in valuation and $47,618 collected for building permit/ inspection fees. The average valuation per new home is $110,655 with the average permit fee of $768. There were 45 Commercial/Industrial per- mits in 1983, with a valuation of $5,075,228 and fees collected totaled $25,283. The average valuation was $112,783, with an average permit fee of $562. New permits issued for decks, 3 season porches, reroofs, garages, pools, fences and remodeling permits totaled 119. These permits totaled $807,512 in valuation and $10,373 in permit fees collected. The average permit fee collected was $89, with a valuation of $6,786. Costs of permits is determined by the valua- tion placed on the proposed improvement and is determined by the Code Enforcement Officer, except for fence permits which are ten dollars. Construction of single family homes during the past five years in Mendota Heights has averaged fifty units per year. This controled growth is in line with Metropolitan Council projections and the City's Comprehensive Plan and should remain at this level during the next few years. A new addition to our housing "mix" will be the completion of Lexington Heights Apartment Complex on Lexington Avenue south of Highway 110. Each of the three buildings, to be com- pleted this year, will contain 25 one and two bedroom apartments. Because of federal loan guarantees 20 percent of the units must be rented to people with incomes of less than $25,000. Paul Berg, City Code Enforcement Officer points to attic roof vents. Recent changes to building code recommends vents at each rafter space for ade- quate ventilation. MI ''IF1111 MO: . Has the spring "fixitbuildit" bug bitten you? Before you scratch that "itch" check with Paul Berg, City Code Enforcement Officer to see if your project requires a permit. City code states: "It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or de- molish any building or structure regulated by the code, or cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate permit for each building or structure from the building official." To protect the city, Mendota Heights requires contractors be licensed. City Code states: "Before any person shall engage in the business of doing or performing any of the various types of work hereinafter listed within the City of Mendota Heights, he shall first obtain a license." 1. Concrete work, concrete block wall, con- crete block laying or brick work. 2. General construction including erection, wrecking, alteration, or repair of buildings, completion of all work (included in the general contract.) 3. Plaster, outside stucco work. 4. Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, or re- frigeration equipment. S. Gas piping including heating, appliances, devices or machines. 6. Roofing. 7. Sign and Billboard erection. 8. Excavating for basements, foundations, grading of lots, etc., excavation for con- nection to public sewer and water system or a private on-site sewage treatment system. 9. Fence installation. 10. Landscaping of grounds or similar activity which may affect or manipulate drainage or boulevard obstructions. 11. Installation of above or below grade swim- ming pools. 12. Siding contraction including the installation or removal of wood or aluminum siding. 13. Tree cutting or removal of dead or diseased trees, including stump removal. 14. Construction of bituminous asphalt, con- crete surfaces. To obtain a yearly license ($25.00 fee) a contract must have a valid certificate of liability insurance and provide a license or work bond of $2,000 which protects the city "from any loss or damage by reason of improper or inadequate work performed by the holder of the license." Residents may contact city offices (452-1850) to verify if a contractor is licensed, but city staff cannot recommend specific con- tractors • • 1 Highway construction in Mendota Heights will remain at a high level in 1984. The Minne- sota Department of Transportation will be completing the Mendota Heights portion of 1- 35E by the fall of 1984, and will be closing the 1-494 exit ramp at Trunk Highway 55, opening it through to the 1-35E interchange. This means that east bound traffic on 1-494 will be able to come across the river from Bloomington and stay on the Interstate all the way to Trunk Highway 110. Mn/DOT will also be letting the contract for constructing a bridge on Dodd Road that will cross over 1-494. This means that Dodd Road will be closed to traffic South of Mendota Heights Road staring this spring and remain closed until late in the fall. Dodd Road traffic will be detoured across Mendota Heights Road during that time. Mn/DOT is now in the process of replacing the bridge on Thunk Highway 13 over Lilydale road, that project will be completed this fall. They left the existing bridge inplace while con- structing the new bridge so no disruption in traffic is expected with this project. Mn/DOT will be adding a master controller to the signals on T.H. 110 this summer. This controller will coordinate all the signal cycles on T.H. 110 so that if a motorist hits a green light going in either direction, and maintains a con- stant speed, will have a good likelihood of hitting the rest green. There are also going to be two new signals installed on T.H. 110 this year; one at 1-35E for T.H. 110 traffic headed south on 1-35E and the other at Southview Boulevard (Old Mendota Road). The coordinated system will be a much needed modification with all these signals, which should make for a smoother and safer flow of traffic on T.H. 110. ffa FORUM This is YOUR space. A "public meeting place" for discussion or expression of residents' ideas, questions, complaints, praise, whatever. Use it! When appropriate, a staff member will respond to specific questions or problems. Mail or drop off correspondence to the City Offices, c/o Mendota Heights Highlights. c/o City Officers 750 South Plaze Drive Mendota Heights, MN 55120 APRIL, 1984 MENDOTA HEIGHTS HIGHLITES PAGE 3 CLEAN-UP DEADLINE According to Ordinance No. 1003, residents ^re required to clean their property of any ris, trash, etc. by May 10th of each year. Upon failure of any owner, occupant or agent to comply with Ordinance requirements, the City Health Officer shall order the property cleaned and shall report the cost of such cleanup work to the City Clerk, in an amount not to exceed $100.00. If such cost is not paid promptly the cost shall be certified to the tax rolls and collected as taxes. i POLICE HOUSE NUMBER ORDINANCE "For the proper identification of all houses and structures within the City, the official house or building number shall be placed and main- tained on each house or structure by its owner at or near the front entrance of such house or structure in such a manner that the number may be easily and clearly seen and read from the public street. If it is not practical, to place said number at or near the building entrance, it shall be placed and maintained by the owner in such other suitable location that it can be clearly seen from the public street. "The house number shall consist of a series of ires with a minimum height of four inches, surface of which shall be covered with a reflective coating." Compliance with this City Ordinance will enable help responding to an emergency to more quickly locate your residence. City police officers noticing a violation have been sending notices reminding residents of the need for proper house numbers. Don't ignore their request too long or it may result in a citation being issued. City Administrator Kevin Frazell With his 100th day as City Administrator close at hand, it's time to take congizance of Kevin Frazell's affect upon the day to day operations of the City. At first the staff was curious, hesitant. Who would the Council select out of the hundred plus applicants that applied for the "Big Guy's" spot. Occasionally some of us on the staff use alpha- betic crytograms when referring to "higher ups". Orvil was BG, the Big Guy. When we heard the Council was going to hire a new adminis- trator who would assist Orvil for several months prior to his retirement we realized the need for two cryptograms. Orvil was naturally the OBG, Old Big Guy and the new appointee, who would not have as much authority as OBG would be referred to as the LBG, Little Big Guy. The Council selected Kevin, who started October 31st, and became our LBG. Orvil retired in February thus becoming the FBG, Former Big H® IS WA TCHINI police officer who will point out specific crime prevention techniques and tips that will better safeguard your home and family. You will receive a regular newsletter put out by the Police Department that will describe recent crimes, trouble areas, and will also offer more specific crime prevention tips and, best of all, you will experience a new feeling of unity within your neighborhood. The kind of unity that makes for a more secure, cohesive and con- scientious neighborhood. You will have given the signal that you will not stand still for crime. Interested? We certainly hope you are. We need all the help we can get to keep Mendota Heights safe and secure for ourselves and our families. Please call us to get started in a new and exciting program that will pay off with years of individual, neighborhood, and com- munity benefits. MENDOTA HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT - 452-1366 Guy, but we still refer to Kevin as the LBG. Maybe it's because he's only 5'6" tall. Irregard- less, our impressions of his abilities grow with each new resolution of some problem or event. A lot has happened in the City since his arrival. The race track issue erupted and then subsided. Bids for the fire station were accepted and approved with ground breaking soon. His recommendations to and approval by the Coun- cil regarding salary adjustments for non-union staff, establishing uniform job descriptions and establishment of a "step and grade" system that addressed longevity and merit were well appreciated by the staff. There has been a flurry of memos, new procedures and guidelines, flowcharts, a com- puter terminal in the office and talk of another. New things, new ways. One feels a sense of "kinetic energy" in the air. People seem to .,move'' and "do" with more intensity of purpose. So many intangibles. Maybe its spring. Maybe it was time. Maybe its Kevin. Time will tell. With each success his stature seems to grow, but he'll still be only 5'6" tall. TALL, as in not short. Primary and General Elections will be con- ducted this fall, on September 11th and No- vember 6th respectively. The precinct polling places will remain the same as in past years: Somerset School, the City Council Chambers, the Mendota School, and Henry Sibley Senior High School. State statutes provide that residents may register to vote at their polling places on election day. The amount of time necessary for completion of the registration card at the polls may make election day registration inconve- nient. If you are not currently registered to vote, you are encouraged to either contact the City staff for a registration form or complete a form at the City offices. On almost any given day, each typical Men- dota Heights Police Officer is responsible for the safety and protection of over 4,300 people. Add to that the vast numer of commuters that move into and through the City on a daily basis, and you have what amounts to an overwhelm- ing task. Even on those rare occasions when we have extra people on duty, we still have a ratio of about 1 on -duty police officer for 3,000 or so people. With those many people, and the problems they generate, precious little time is left to guard your homes and property. As a result, we are looking to you to share that responsibility. As of March, 1984 two (2) neighborhoods in Mendota Heights have taken the "bull by the ,-rns" and, in conjunction with the Police artment, they have formed neighborhood watches. Neighborhood Crime Watch is a simple, inexpensive, and effective way to make your neighborhood safer. It is a joint venture between you and the Police Department and it requires some commitment on both parts. AT YOUR REQUEST, the Police Department will send a representative to a meeting in your neighborhood. He will fill you in on the "crime picture" in the area, distribute helpful litera- ture, give some good tips on preventing crimes and offer you the opportunity to get involved in "Crime Watch". To join, all you have to do is complete a form that outlines the three requirements: 1. That 75% of the neighbors support "Neigh- borhood Crime Watch". 2. That 50% of the neighbors subscribe to Operation Identification. 3. That each member agrees to pay up to $4.00 for neighborhood signs. The signs mentioned are striking indications that your neighborhood is doing something about crime. You can now see them on Downing St., Brompton, PI., London Rd., Winston Ct. and Crown Point. Clear messages to whoever enters your neighborhood. Once enrolled, member neighborhoods may request to have their homes inspected by a PAGE 6 MENDOTA HEIGHTS HIGHLITES 1491.3 k 01:1 :11.3 d M"M In 9192 Development of the Mendota Heights Busi- ness Park has seen a surge of development the past few years since the 1-494 River Bridge was completed. Designated as Industrial Zoning in 1960, the developable 320 acres in the area bounded by 1-494 on the south, TH 13 on the west, TH 55 on the east and Acacia Blvd. and Cemetery on the north, has experienced gradual development of office, commercial and office/warehouse space. Prior to the opening of the 1-494 bridge, 30% of the area had been developed. Since the bridge opened, the Airport Business Plaza, Pilot Knob Service Center, and the Mendota Heights Business Center have developed an additional 20 acres, adding 236,000 square feet of office, commerical, and office/warehouse space. Mendota Heights has always been thought of as a high quality residential community. What may surprise some is that it is also becoming an important Twin Cities business center as well. Recent planning estimates put the number of jobs in the community at 6,000-7,000. with continuing growth in the business sector, the day is rapidly approaching when more people will work in Mendota Heights by day, then live here by night. This section of your newsletter will be a regular feature, keeping the community ap- praised of what's happening in the local business community. This month's issue fea- tures a profile of United Properties, the largest landholder and major developer of the Mendota Heights Business Park. United Properties currently owns 160 acres of land, 30 acres of which have been developed and are to completely develop the remainder in the next seven to ten years. Mr. Marc Cella, of United Properties, stated "Our intent is to continue developing high-tech office and com- mercial spaces and plan to attract a major hotel onto the site". United Properties acquired the land in the early 1960's because it was the logical extension of the 1-494 strip once the bridge was completed. According to Cella, "over the years we were often approached with proposals to build warehouse space, but we resisted because our intention was to develop a high class office park". Many of those ware- house developments located in Eagan. United Properties envisions future buildings along the 1-494 strip to be several stories high "stepping" down to one and two story buildings along Mendota Heights Road, adding one and one-half million square feet of space to their existing five buildings. The impressive first phase development, located on Pilot Knob Road, between Mendota Heights Road and Northland Drive, is attracting major tenants. Firstel Information, a part of the Bell system that provides business phone systems and Abbot(t?) Laboratories, a home care health service, have already moved in. Phases Two and Three are under construc- tion and Cray Research plans to use the entire 19,000 square foot Phase Three building as its computer training facility. Marc Cella of United Properties stands in front of the Phase I development of the Mendota Heights Business Center located east of Pilot Knob Rd. and south of Mendota Heights Road. continued ... United Properties is a part of the Northland Land Company originally founded by the Hamm family, which has been active for over seventy years in the development, ownership, and management of commercial real estate in the Twin Cities. Other recent additions to the Business Park are the Mn/DOT Maintenance Facility on the Metropolitan Airports Commission site, adja- cent to Acacia Cemetery, and the Target Store Distribution Facility, located in R. L. Johnson's 400,000 square foot warehouse, on Pilot Knob Road, which was without a major tenant for several years. CITY SERVICES PHONES • City Hall 452-1850 • Engineering Department 452-1086 • Police and Fire EMERGENCY DIAL 911 • Police Department (Non -Emergency) 452-1366 ® Police - Evenings/Weekends 450-1111 ® Public Works Garage 454-4059 From: City Of Mendota Heights 750 Plaza Drive South Mendota Heights, Mn. 55120 APRIL, 1984 Ten residents responded with applications after local newspapers published an article ' tifying Mendota Heights residents of vacancy on the City Council created by Council- man Losleben's resignation. Deadline for application submission was March 30th with review and appointment to occur at the April 3rd regular Council meeting. Janet Blesener was selected and took her seat with the other Council -members. She will complete the remainder of Mr. Losleben's term which expires December 31, 1984. Other interested applicants were: 1. Carl W. Cummins, 111, 2312 Nashua Lane Attorney and presently the Director of Govern- mental Relations for Minnegasco. 2. Russell Wahl, 631 Callahan Place South St. Paul Building Inspector. Former Mendota Heights Councilman from 1972- 1978. Resident of Mendota Heights for 27 years. 3. Dorothy McMonigal, 703 -2nd Avenue Member of the Park and Recreation Commis- sion for 5 years. Active at the Dodge Nature Center as a teacher -naturalist for 8 years. 4. John M. Roszak, 988 Stratford Rd. Three year resident of Mendota Heights. He is an attorney with a St. Paul law firm. Has served on several Boards and Commissions in Eagan while previously residing there. 5. Richard Spicer, 1004 Overlook 9-1/2 year resident of Mendota Heights. Attorney in is own law firm in Minneap Has been a lawyer since 1971. 6. Robert Leffert, 669 Maple Park Drive 14 year resident of Mendota Heights. General Manager of Butwin Sportswear Comp- any in St. Paul. Active in many municipal and community organizations. 7. Stuart L. Henning, 532 Huber Drive Three year city resident. Served on the Volunteer Fire Department. Is a pilot -super- visor for Northwest Airlines, 8. Jeanette Rivers, 546 John Street Resident of the City for 30 years. Has 20 years bank accounting experience. 9. Robert Altman, M.D., 1000 Winston Circle 14 year resident, physician specializing in Internal Medicine and Pulmonary disease. Mayor Lockwood expressed pleasant surprise at the "tre- mendous surge of interest" and invited those not selected to consider the vacancy on the Planning Commission created by Blesener's appointment to the Council. Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6166 St. Paul, Mn. '10 APRIL, 1984 MENDOTA HEIGHTS HIGHLITES PAGE 5 .• • Residents are reminded that current dog licenses will expire on May 31. New licenses will available at City Hall on May 14. Residents nave until June 30 to purchase a new license without a 50C a month late registration fee. License fees will remain the same price: $3.00 - males and spayed females $6.00 - unspayed females Written application for these licenses shall be made to the City Clerk and shall state the name and address of the owner and the name, breed, color, age and sex of the dog. In addition, any owner who makes application for a dog license for any dog six (6) months of age or older shall furnish a certificate proving the date the dog received its last rabies inoculation. (previous dog tags are not accepted as proof) No license shall be issued for any dog which has not received a rabies inoculation within one, two, or three year effective period of the vaccine last used. If there is a problem with nuisance dogs or dogs roaming the City, please call the Police Department at 452-1366 (Between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) or after hours, 450-1111. • • ■. On March 6, 1984, James P. Losleben sub- 'tted a letter to the City Council in resignation om his position as Councilmember. His letter cited increased business demands on his time, in particular greatly increased travel obligations which would conflict with the Council meeting schedule, as the basis for his resignation. The resignation was effective on April 1 st. Council- man Losleben's distinguished record of public service began with his appointment to the Park and Recreation Commission in November, 1969. In November, 1972, he was elected to the first of his four terms on the City Council. During this three years on the Park and Recreation Commission, Jim played a major role in the passage of a Park Bond Issue and acquisi- tion and development of the major portion of the fine park system now enjoyed by the community. In his eleven years as a Council- memeber, his enthusiasm and interest in park and trail system development continued and he expended considerable effort on such issues as freeway construction, the transition of the Mendota Water Company system to public ownership, air traffic noise and public works garage and fire station construction. Significant industrial development, establishment of a tax icrement district, water tower construction, Marie Avenue upgrading, development of the Rogers Lake Park and a myriad of public improvement projects and substantial residen- +ial growth has been accomplished during his lure. James Losleben has gained the respect of the City Council members, staff and residents of the community for his outstanding service to the community. His resignation was received with considerable regret. r (l A. 1 NEW FIRE STATION GROUNDBREAKING SOON Land purchase for the new fire station will be completed in Mid -April and groundbreaking is scheduled for May 1, 1984. The station will be located on two parcels of land adjoining the Mendakota Country Club at the intersection of Dodd Road and Creek Avenue, across the road and northerly of the current station. The new station will have an apparatus room with eight bays and a square footage of 7,200. The administrative section of the structure will be 4,600 square feet and contain a large meeting/training room, kitchen, activity room, dormitory, and office for the chief, assistant chief, training officers, and a communications center. Direct access will be to Dodd Road for the building for emergency responders and overflow parking in the rear. Construction should be completed by January 1, 1985. WARNING SIRENS Mendota Heights is completely covered by an emergency warning siren system. The sirens, located at Wentworth Park, High- way 55 near Lakeview Avenue, and at the present fire hall are radio controlled locally so that they are only activated for severe condi- tions in our vicinity. Mendota Heights has joined in an agreement with Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farming- ton, Hastings, Lakeville, Rosemount, and West St. Paul in a common procedure of using a steady loing blast lasting three minutes to warn of an approaching severe thunderstorm (more than 58 mph winds), very severe thunderstorm (more than 75 mph winds), or a tornado. A second three minute blast means a worsening of the situation. When you hear an emergency warning seek shelter and turn on a radio or TV for emer- gency information regarding the type of storm and appropriate safety actions. DO NOT TELE- PHONE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. The warning sirens will also be used for Fire warning (oscillating, up and down sound), mili- tary attack (three minute wailing sound), and for hazardous materials accident (three minute blast). If sirens are sounding for this emergency radio or TV announcements will inform you of what actions you should take. Sirens are NEVER used to announce an "ALL CLEAR". This announcement is made over radio or TV. In accordance with statewide policy, Mendota Heights sirens are tested at 1:00 P.M. on the first Wednesday of each month. City Hall, with City Offices, Council Chambers, and Police Department lo- cated at 750 South Plaza Drive in Bank Building off Dodd Road. CABLE TV PUBLIC HEARING MAY 2 Proposals to construct a cable system in northern Dakota County were received from two cable companies on December 21, 1983 by the Northern Dakota County Cable Commis- sions (NDC4). NDC4 is composed of the cities of Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake and West St. Paul. Each city is represented on the Commission by an elected official and a citizen member. Proposals were submitted by Continental Cablevision, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, the successful bidder in St. Paul and Rite Cable Company, Ltd., Miami, Florida, cable system contractor in Miami and system operator in Burke County, North Carolina. The proposals received are presently being evaluated by the Commission and its technical consultant for conformance to the system specifications developed by the Commission. The preliminary consultants report received February 29, 1984 directed numerous ques- tions to each cable company for clarification of their proposal. Responses were received from the cable companies on March 21, 1984. The final consultants report will be discussed at the full Commission meeting April 25, 1984, 7:30 P.M. in the Mendota Heights City Council Chambers. A public hearing on the cable system pro- posals will be held May 2, 1984, 7:30 P.M. in the West St. Paul City Council Chambers. At the hearing each cable company will have a 20 minute presentation describing their proposed system. The technical consultant will provide an evaluation summary. Members of the Commis- sion and the public will have the opportunity to direct cable system questions to the cable companies and the technical consultant. The chairman of NDC4 is Dave Zemke of Men- dota Heights. Mr. Zemke can be contacted through the Mendota Heights City Offices, 452- 1086 or 452-1850, on cable system items. CHOPPERS OVERFLY NORTH END Residents of the north end will observe a change in helicopter flight paths during the summer. The Army Reserve Training Center at St. Paul Airport will undergo a major remodeling starting May 1 st, which will require the trans- ferring of the helicopter fleet to International Airport for maintenance and hangering, but training operations will still occur at St. Paul Airport. About three flights daily will follow the river corridor overflying the north end and along Highway 13 when transferring from Interna- tional in the morning and returning in the early evening. Operational flights will be between 6:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M. to comply with the curfew at International Airport. MED-EAGAN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION Girls Softball - Gerald Brown 454-7419 Boys Softball - George Hetherington 452-1808 Soccer - Dennis McCardie 452-4963 PAGE 4 MENDOTA HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL, 1984 The Dakota County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a "State of the City" day for Mendota Heights businesses and residents. The event, to be held at Mendakota Country Club, at noon, Thursday, April 26th, will feature Mayor Bob Lockwood and City Administrator Kevin Frazell, giving an update on Mendota Heights, past, present, and future. The presentation, one of a series of three on the local governments (West St. Paul, Eagan, and Mendota Heights) served by the Dakota County Chamber, is being sponsored as part of the Chamber legislative program. The main purpose is to give the business community an opportunity to learn more about present happenings and future plans for their community, as well as ask questions or offer comments. City residents are also welcomed, and encouraged to come. Councilmembers Jan Blesener, John Hart- mann, and Elizabeth Witt, as well as Police Chief Dennis Delmont, City Clerk Kathy Swanson, and Public Works Director Jim Danielson will also be present to meet with business owners and residents to answer questions and hear con- cerns. Reservations for the luncheon, which begins at 11:45, are $10.00. Call the Chamber office at 457-4921. I The Mendota Heights Comprehensive Land Use Plan, adopted by the City Council in 1980, identified two major park needs, a bike trail system, and large community parks and play - fields. The Parks and Recreation Commission, along with the Council, has been actively looking at ways to make that a reality. At a joint workshop session in February, the two groups adopted a "Backbone" Bike Trail Plan. As envisioned, development of that system would link existing trails at Pilot Knob Road to the Ramsey County Regional Park in three segments: 1. Marie Avenue east from Victoria, then north through Valley Park; 2. Mendota Heights Road from Pilot Knob Road east to Lexington Avenue; 3. Lexington Avenue north from Mendota Heights Road to Marie Avenue. Once on the existing Pilot Knob section, a biker (or jogger!) can go south through Eagan, or west across the 1-494 bridge into the Min- neapolis system. Since this bike trail system The Mendota Heights City Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m., in the Community Room of the Dakota County State Bank Building, 750 South Plaza Drive. Citizens are welcomed and encouraged to attend. The City staff prepares the meeting agenda and informational materials on the Thursday preceeding the meeting. If you would like to place an item on a Council agenda for discus- sion, please contact City Administrator Kevin Frazell, or City Clerk Kathy Swanson, as much in advance as possible. Phone - 452-1850: Your other opportunity to raise an issue or question with the Council is directly at the meeting. "Public Comments" are scheduled early on the agenda; this is the time when citizens can speak to any item not scheduled on the agenda for later consideration that evening. However, it is Council policy that issues raised at the meeting will not usually be answered that evening. Rather, the matter will be re- ferred to the staff for preparation of a back- ground report, with any possible Council action would serve as a regional "hub" connecting other recreation facilities, the City is hopeful that State and County financial assistance can be obtained. A grant application has been filed with the Minnesota Department of Transporta- tion for the Marie Avenue/Valley Park portion. The Council also intends to complete an existing bike trail along the west side of 1-35E, which connects Rogers Lake Park with Timmy Street in the Curley's housing addition. The second, and more difficult, park needs identified in the Comprehensive Plan is com- munity parks and playfields. While the 1971 parks bond issue provided the City with an excellent system of neighborhood parks for passive and "pick. -up recreation, the current need is for large community -wide facilities to provide a place for organized activities, such as nighttime softball leagues. The Park Com- mission and Council are considering possible sites and financing options. More detailed information will be available in the July issue of this newsletter. to be considered at the next scheduled meeting. The Council and staff hope you will take the opportunity to get better acquainted with your local government by visiting a meeting soon. Eight local teenagers, recruited by Dewey Selander, Mendota Heights Recreation Director, put in almost 1,000 hours this winter super- vising the eight skating rinks in neighborhood parks. Maintenance of the four hockey and four general skating rinks was done by Terry Blum and John Neska of the Park Division of the Public Works Department. During winter months cleaning and resurfacing of the rinks take a back seat to plowing and sanding City streets. Once the streets were plowed Terri and John often began their work at 4:00 A.M. Temperatures are usually best in early morning for "making ice" plus rarely did they interfere with skaters at that time. J� SUMMICD Ln RECRE-ATION T -BALL REGISTRATION for Boys and Girls, Kindergarten (finishing this year) through 8 years of age will be held April 26th and 27th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at City Hall, 750 South Plaza Drive (Bank Building behind Mendota Plaza). Registrations will also be accepted at City offices during regular office hours 8:00- 4:30, Monday through Friday until May 11, 1984. Registration costs $10.00 but after May 11 th there will be a $5.00 late fee. There is no deadline on when we stop taking applications, if there is room available and we have enough materials and supplies we'll get the kids in. Each registered boy and girl will receive a T-shirt and cap. T -Ball program is open for non-residents. Bring a friend. BOYS T -BALL will be played every Monday and Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 until 2:45. There will be one game and one practice per week held at the Sibley High School. *Players must report to Sibley High School ball field at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6th for an organizational meeting. Shirts, caps, schedules, and rules will be distributed and boys will meet their coaches. Season begins on June 11th and concludes on July 25th. GIRLS T -BALL will be played Tuesday and Thursday. Same format as boys. Organization' meeting is June 7th at 1:30 p.m. Season begi June 12th and ends on July 26th. *If children can't be at first organizational meeting, they should come to the next sched- uled Monday -Wednesday or Tuesday -Thursday session. No problems with vacation, come when they can. ARTS AND CRAFTS programs for boys and girls Kindergarten and up will be held at Friendly Hills through July 23rd. Marie Park will have Park beginning June 11th, 11:00-12:00 each Monday Arts and Crafts on Wednesday mornings, beginning June 13, from 11:00-12:00, through July 25th. Some of the materials the kids will use are leather, paints, yarn, craft sticks, paper, and etc. The fee for the six week program is $3.00 per child. Registration times and place same as T -Ball but without any penalty for late comers. WOMENS TENNIS LEAGUE will again be held Thursday mornings beginning in early June until August. Doubles play only with two ability groups. advanced beginners and Intermediates. Register at City Offices, cost $3.00. Players will be mailed a schedule of matches prior to the first Thursday they meet. Courts at Marie and Valley Parks are reserved for this program. This is the only reservation of city tennis courts allowed; normally the courts operate on a first come basis. *NOTE: The Friendly Hills 30 -plus softball tear is looking for a few good men. If you meet ai of the following qualifications, contact Andy at 454-2175. 1. Able to hit a softball over 400 ft. 2. Able to run 100 yards in 9.4 sec. 3. Willing to provide two cases of beer one night during the season.