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Issue 24 - Heights Highlights Fall 1992PAGE 1 October, 1992 ISSUE 24 VOTE NOVEMBER 3RD The General and City election will be held on Tuesday, Novem- ber 3rd. The ballot will include the federal offices of Presi- dent/Vice-President and U.S. Representative, the state offices of Senator and Representative, Dakota County Commissioner and Soil and Water District Supervisors, numerous judicial offices and the City offices of Mayor and two Councilmembers. The city polling places will be open for voting from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. In response to state legislative redistricting, many of the city polling places used in 1990 have changed. The current five city polling places are Somerset Elementary School (Precinct 1), Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church (Precinct 2), Mendota Elementary School (Precinct 3), St. Paul's United Methodist Church (Precinct 4) and the Visitation School Fine Arts Center (Precinct 5). All registered voters in the city should have received mailed notice of their polling places from the Dakota County Auditor's Office. If you are not currently registered or do not know which precinct you reside in, please call City Hall at 452- 1 At the Polls When you arrive at the polls, a judge will ask your name and address. The judge will look for your name on the polling place registration list, which is provided by the state. If your name is on the list, and your address has not changed, you will be asked to read an oath and sign the list. You will then be given a receipt, and will be directed to give it to the judge who dispenses ballots. If your name is not on the list, because you are at the wrong polling place or are not registered, the judge will direct you to the correct polling place or will ask you to complete a registration form. You cannot be given a ballot if your name does not appear on the list unless you have registered on election day. One judge will be available in each precinct to offer a demonstration on how to properly mark a vote for an office. The judge will also inform you how to properly make a write-in vote. Although you have probably received a similar demonstration in past elections, please listen carefully to the judge's instructions. Many ballots were rejected by the optical scan vote reader in the Primary Election because they were not properly marked. After you have voted your ballot, take a moment to look it over. If you find that you have made a mistake in any way, you may return it to the ballot judge, who will give you another. After you have completed voting, insert your ballot into the slot at the front of the optical scan machine. Your votes will be immediately recorded within the internal memory of the machine. If your ballot has been improperly marked, it will be r 'ted by the machine and a message will be printed on a tape 1, ted towards the rear of the machine. You should read the message to see why your ballot was rejected. (A judge will be stationed near the unit to answer any question you may have about the message.) If your ballot has been rejected, you should return to the ballot judge and. ask for a new one. Election Day Registration Residents who are not currently registered to vote in Mendota Heights can register at City Hall through October 13th during regular office hours. After that date, you cannot register to vote in the November election except at your polling place on election day. If you choose to register on election day, you must provide a proper proof of residency. This proof can be a valid Minnesota Driver's License, Learner's Permit, or Minnesota Identification Card, and specific types of student identification, or a receipt for any of these types of identification which shows your current address within the precinct. If you do not have one of these types of identification, a person you know who is a registered voter in your precinct may vouch for your residency. Precinct election judges may not, under penalty prescribed by state law, accept any other proof of residency. The responsibility to provide the required proof is yours. If you are a new resident, why not take the time now to change your driver's license or Minnesota I.D. card. Bringing the proper identification to the polling place will save you and the election judges time and frustration on election day. Unless you provide the required proof of residency, the judges will not allow you to vote. Absentee Voting If you know that you will be unable to vote in person on election day because of illness, disability, religious discipline, or because you will be out of town, you may apply for an absentee ballot. You can request an application form by phone, mail, or in person at City Hall during office hours. After you have submitted the application, your ballot will be mailed or given to you in person. More Questions, Please Call The foregoing information is provided to make the election process easier for you. You are invited and encouraged to contact City Clerk Kathleen Swanson, at 452-1850, if you have any elec- tion related questions left unanswered. Don't Forget Your City Given all of the media attention to the race for the Presidency, it's easy to forget about local races. On election day, remember to turn your ballot over and vote for your local representatives. City government is important, as it is the level of government closest to the citizen. This year, you will be entitled to elect a Mayor for a two-year term. You will also be entitled to vote for two candidates for four-year terms as Councilmembers. So that you might get to know your local candidates a little better, brief biographical profiles of the City Election candidates are included within this issue of Heights Highlites. PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAYORAL CANDIDATES Richard Herzog Richard Herzog moved his family to Mendota Heights from St. Louis, Mo. twelve years ago for the purpose of teach- ing Economics and Finance at a private Twin Cities college. Currently he is self- employed in a family business of postal, business and communication centers in the Twin Cities. The office of Mayor is the first elective office he has filed for since moving to the Twin Cities. Before moving he was active in state and local government in Missouri, serving an appointed position as Director of the St. Louis Housing Authority, the St. Louis Housing Finance Corporation and the State of Missouri Energy Conserva- tion Task Force. In these roles, he has had experience as liaison with federal ad- ministrative agencies and subcommittees, especially the joint appropriations sub- committee, of Congress. Herzog was educated in St. Louis, where he attended Washington University and St. Louis University earning under- graduate and graduate degrees in economics and finance. He is a member of the National Wildlife Federation. He is also active in his church, serving on the planning and reorganization committee. The Herzog family consists of wife Bar- bara, daughter Erica, a senior at Sibley High School, son Karl, an eighth grader at Grass Jr. High School, and "Whitey" their dog. They reside at 703 Maple Park Court. Charles E. Mertensotto Charles E. Mertensotto is seeking his fourth term as Mayor. He and his wife, Arlean, have lived in the Rogers Lake area since 1959. They have three children. Mertensotto is a civil trial lawyer in St. Paul with the law firm of Rowland & Mer- tensotto, P.A. Prior to entering the prac- tice of law in May of 1964, he worked as a materials and process engineer for Northwest Airlines, and was a senior development engineer in electro- mechanical connections with Univac in St. Paul. He attended St. Thomas College and is a 1953 graduate of the University of Min- nesota. Mertensotto received his LLB from William Mitchell College of Law in 1963, and his Juris Doctorate in 1969. He is a member of the State of Minnesota and Ramsey County Bar Associations, and in addition to practicing before the courts in the State of Minnesota, he is admitted and qualified to practice before the United States District Courts for the State of Minnesota. Mertensotto has been involved as a council member in the City of Mendota Heights since January 1, 1963, and he ful- filled an unexpired term as a Dakota County Commissioner in 1969 and 1970. He was a member of the Dakota County Library Board for eleven years, serving as president for seven consecutive years. He returned to the City Council in 1976, and was elected to his first term as Mayor in the fall of 1986. Elizabeth Ann Witt Elizabeth Ann Witt served as a Council member from January, 1979 to October, 1989. She is currently employed as an ad- ministrative assistant with the City of Eagan. While a member of the City Council, Witt served on the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors for five years and chaired several League committees. She is currently a member of the League's Futures Committee, charged with provid- ing direction for the organization over the next five years. Witt represented Mendota Heights on the NDC4 Cable Commission and now serves as vice -chair of the Community TV Board. She was recently elected Chair of the Government Training Service, which is the training arm for cities, counties, townships, some regional and state agen- cies and the University of Minnesota. Witt has a B.A. in Psychology, a B.A. in Public Administration, and an M.M.A. in Management and Administration. She is a member of the Minnesota Association of Managers & Administrators, Min- nesota Clerks and Finance Officers As- sociation, National Institute of Govern- ment Purchasing, Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Legislative Committee and the League's Election & Ethics Committee. She is the immediate past president of Minnesota Women in City Government. Witt has been a resident of Mendota Heights since 1964. Her daughter Gretchen and son Gregg are married, and another son, Jamie, is in his senior year at the University of Wisconsin. Witt is preparing to move into a townhome in the Kensington Addition at year's end. October. 1992 Sample Ballot CITY OFFICES MAYOR CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS (VOTE FOR ONE) RICHARD HERZOG CHARLES E. MERTENSOTTO 40 ELIZABETH ANN WITT 40 COUNCILMEMBER CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS (VOTE FOR UP TO TWO) T. ULTAN DUGGAN 411111 Ed CLAYTON ENGEL 411111 we JOHN HUBER 41111 Ed SANDRA KREBSBACH «■ y THOMAS M. WEINZETTEL, SR. 40 y 40 y Pictured above is a sample of the City portion of the ballot you will receive on election day. Because this is a sample, the names of the candidates are listed in a- phabetical order. The candidates' naML will be rotated by precinct on the ballots which will be given to voters on Novem- ber 3rd. Tree Alert The city's tree population is an impor- tant asset to the community, however their existence is threatened by tree dis- eases and construction damage. Over the past several months, a number of resi- dents have contacted the City with con- cerns about the health of their trees and possible tree disease. Residents are asked to inspect all trees on their property for signs of stress and disease. If you suspect a tree on yor property may need attention, you are et. couraged to contact a reputable tree ser- vice company to address the concern. Call City Hall, at 452-1850, for additional in- formation on this subject. PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES YARD WASTE OPTIONS Jith the fall leaf season upon us, many residents will be out raking their yards and wondering what to do with so many leaves. This yard waste, along with grass clippings, garden waste, weeds, sod strippings and prunings is a significant portion of the residen- tial solid waste and it is important that it be disposed of properly. Yard waste is easily separated, makes a valuable resource and is costly to landfill or incinerate. Since Aug. 1, 1989, yard waste in Dakota County must be separated from your regular garbage. It can no longer be disposed of in a landfill or at a resource recovery facility. Christmas trees must also be separated from your regular garbage, or mixed municipal waste and cannot be disposed of in landfill or at a resource recovery facility. Options for handling yard waste: * Leave grass clippings on the lawn. This is the most cost effective and environmentally sound way to handle grass clippings. They decompose, returning nutrients to the soil, and they never enter the waste stream. In the fall, use the leaves as mulch by mowing them and leaving them on the lawn in the same manner as grass clippings. * Start a backyard composting pile, or use grass clip- pings and leaves as mulch around trees and shrubs. * Bag yard waste and take it to a compost site. * Contact your garbage hauler about separate collec- tion of yard waste. * Bring your Christmas tree to a compost site. * Ask your hauler about separate collection of Christmas trees. ,tes accepting Public Delively * Dakota County Yardwaste Compost Site 3830 Pilot Knob Road, Eagan Operator - R.D. Pecar and Company - 460-8332 (for information on fees) Materials accepted include leaves, grass, garden waste, weeds, sod strippings and prunings up to 6" in diameter. Hours of operation are 3 p.m to 6 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. * Dakota County Compost site in Lakeville * Pine Bend Compost Site in Inver Grove Heights Kraemer Composting in Burnsville Wiese Composting in Greenvale Township * Hastings Sanitation Transfer site in Hastings Call the Dakota County InfoLine at 438-INFO(4636) for further information. WINTER'S GREETINGS! Even though summer never came, winter is looming. If last year is a predic- tor, this will likely be the last Heights Highlites you receive before the snow falls. To make winter more pleasant for all of us, we'd like to remind you of the city's winter parking requirements. --pur Public Works Department is com- ,ed to keeping city streets in safe winter driving condition. To accomplish this goal, your cooperation is needed. Cars may not be parked on -street for more than 30 minutes during the time intervening between a snowfall of two in- ches or more and the removal of that snow. Also, neither you, nor a contractor you have retained, can legally plow snow from your driveway onto a public street. Please be considerate and abide by the parking rules. Time spent tagging or plowing around illegally parked vehicles could be better spent plowing other city streets. October, 1992 CHM M MM CHAII "UR BATTERY The change from daylight savings time to standard time will occur at midnight on October 24th. Few people will forget to set their clocks back to standard time - at least they won't forget for long. To reinforce the need for fire safety, members of the Volunteer Fire Depart- ment will conduct a local drill on October 24th in conjunction with a national home fire safety drill called "Operation Check and Change." At 6:30 p.m., emergency sirens will sound in Mendota Heights and throughout the nation. Volunteer firefighters will then conduct a door-to- door campaign to distribute information on home fire safety. The Fire Department urges you to take simple fire safety precautions. Develop at least two different fire escape routes and practice them. A fire detector should be installed on every level of a home. Make sure that your children understand that a smoke detector signals a home fire and that they recognize its alarm. Without a working smoke detector as an early warn- ing device, fire can spread unnoticed through the household, blocking escape routes and filling rooms with deadly smoke. Make sure you're protected. Start a lifesaving habit on October 25th. When you change your clock from daylight -savings time, change the bat- teries in your smoke detector. You should also vacuum your detectors monthly to remove dust and cobwebs which can im- pair the sensitivity of the unit. Be sure to also check the batteries in your flashlights. Working flashlights should be kept near beds, in the kitchen, basement and family room to be used to signal for help in the event of a fire. When you check your smoke detectors, also test your fire extinguisher, which should be installed in or near your kitchen, and should be tested annually. These simple procedures are inexpen- sive and take little time, but they could ultimately save your life or the life of a family member. PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES October. 1992 Fun For All! Barring another monstrous Halloween storm, the annual Halloween Bonfire will be held on October 31st, from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. It will again be located in an undeveloped portion of the Mendota Plaza Shopping Center property, behind and east of the building. All the little ghosts, ghoolies and batpeople who at- tend are guaranteed to have a great time. The bonfire is conducted to provide a safe and enjoyable family alternative to trick or treating. It is also a nice way to warm up those little toes and bones (and moms and dads) grown cold and weary from "booing" the early evening away. Costumes are not necessary. Hot dogs, soda and other goodies are free, and a goblin good time is guaranteed! Printed on Recycled Paper #W CITY DIRECTORY Council Members: Charles Mertensotto, Mayor 454-3394 Janet Blesener 454-1811 Carl Cummins, III 454-6262 Christine Koch 451-9508 Jill Smith 688-7444 Staff Members: Tom Lawell, Administrator 452-1850 Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk 452-1850 James Danielson, 452-1086 Public Works Director Dennis Delmont, Police Chief 452-1366 John Maczko, Fire Chief 454-3266 Code Enforcement Officers: Paul Berg & Dick Gill 452-1850 AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION Halloween may not seem complete to a child unless trick -or -treating is included in the day's events. Although the activity may be great fun to a child, it should also be a source of concern for a parent. The following tips are offered to help make Halloween safer for your youngsters. * Accompany your children, or make sure they walk in pairs or a group. Make sure they have a pre -determined location and time to meet you or their group if they become separated. * Be sure they carry identification which includes name, address and phone num- ber. * Tell the children to trick -or -treat only in their own neighborhood or in neigh- borhoods they are familiar with. * Tell them to trick -or -treat only at homes that are lit up and to stay on the front steps or porch. Instruct your children that they should never go into a stranger's home. * Consider make-up as a safe alternative to a mask. * If you consent to a mask, be sure it allows your child to see clearly and breathe easily. * To avoid the potential for tripping, be sure costumes are not too long or loose. * Be sure your child's costume is fireproof. * Bright, reflective clothing should be worn along with a costume. Children should carry flashlights so that drivers can see them when it gets dark. * Remind children that if they must cross a street, they should only cross at an in- tersection, making sure to watch for traffic before crossing. * Before your children eat any of their treats, check their candy for tampering. Make sure that all candy is in its original wrapping. NEW RECREATION PROGRAMMER On October 6th, Michelle Morgan was appointed to the new part-time Recreation Programmer position which was created by the City Council in July to address a growing demand for recreation programs in the community. One of Michelle's first priorities will be to begin planning for the 1993 softball season. Michelle comes to Mendota Heights with a variety of recreational programming and administration experience. She has approximately two years of municipal recreation management expreience, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. In addition to planning and implementing softball programs, Michelle will be respon- sible for designing demand based recreation programs. It is expected that all recreation programs offered will be supported solely by registration fees. She will also represent the City as a liaison with the Mend -Eagan Athletic Association, ISD -197's Community Education department and other cities on possible joint programs and recreation ventures. From: City Of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Bulk Rate Mendota Heights, Mn. 55118 U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6166 St. Paul, Mn. 55118 CARRIER ROU'T'— PRESORT POSTAL PATRON MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 PAGE, 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES October, 1992 COUNCILMEMBER CANDIDATES T. Ultan Duggan T. Ultan Duggan was born in Ireland. After graduating from Maynooth Col- lege, he served in the Irish Peace Corps in Nigeria from 1963 to 1967. From 1967 to 1972 he taught junior high school in Arizona, where he met his wife, Terry, also a teacher. They settled in Mendota Heights in 1976. Duggan is a member of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission, and is currently serving his seventh year on the Commission. He has also been active in church and school as a fund raiser, presi- dent of the Fathers' Club and Lector. Duggan owns his own specialty shoe fit- ting store, enjoys "2-steppin," walking, tennis and racquetball and the comings and goings of his three teenagers. Clayton Engel While pursuing a civil engineering de- gree at the University of Minnesota, Clayton Engel has worked as a part-time ;moil engineering technician for the city. ring this same period, he has served in uie United States Naval Reserve Con- struction Battalions as a Petty Officer Third Class. Engel has also volunteered time to tutor junior high and high school math and science students in the Minneapolis and Osseo school districts. He has been a Mendota Heights resident since 1990. .1_DMAl lef.11 a .I DY.11 IN Y. kyj D] DC11 The City will observe November 13- 20th as Minnesota Chemical Health Week. This week-long event promotes living chemically healthy and focuses at- `-ltion on the theme "Alcohol and Other ag Abuse (AODA) Costs: Prevention Saves." It is a time for communities to work together to heighten awareness and to utilize prevention as a means of com- batting AODA. John Huber John Huber has been Chairperson of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission for the past three years and has been a member of the commission for five years. He was a member of the 1989 Citizens Park Review Committee and was Chairper- son of the trails subcommittee. Huber was born and raised in Mendota Heights and has spent the majority of his life in the city, including the last nine years at the current address. He is manager of corporate accounting for Soo Line Corporation and is the chairperson of the Board of Directors for Soo Line Credit Union. He has a Masters in Business Administration and a B.A. in accounting, both from the University of St. Thomas. Previous civic involvement includes being a Big Brother for the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater St. Paul and volunteering at church functions. He and his wife Jean have three daughters, Rebecca, Molly and Allison. Sandra Krebsbach Sandra Krebsbach is the vice chair of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission and is serving a third term on the Commission. She has been a resident of Mendota Heights for fifteen years and served on the Citizen's Park Committee. Krebsbach holds a master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor's degree from Creighton University. She is employed by the Minnesota State University System. She is an advisor to Leadership Minneapolis, a program of the Greater Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the Board of Family Service of Greater St. Paul and the Executive Committee of the Women's Association of the Minnesota Orchestra. Krebsbach has been a member of the St. Paul Junior League and Dialogue, a consortium of Dakota County human service board members. Krebsbach and her husband Norbert have two daughters, Mary and Katie. Thomas Weinzettel, Sr. Thomas Weinzettel,Sr. is a lifelong resident of Mendota Heights who has served the community as a Mendota Heights Volunteer Firefighter since 1971. He has been a Ramsey County Deputy Sheriff since 1976 as well as the former operator of Mendota Heights Landscape & Tree Service. Weinzettel is an active member of Teamsters Local 320 and a Mend -Eagan baseball coach. His family has resided in the Mendota Heights area since 1893, serving the community since 1941 in elected local government positions and as active members of the Volunteer Fire Department since its formation in 1947. He and his wife Linda have lived at their current address for 17 years and have three children, Angie,Tom, Jr. and Katie. The Heights Highlites is a government newsletter distributed to residents to in- form them on events and activities that affect Mendota Heights. All articles, as well as layout and production are done by City staff members. If you know any residents who are not receiving the Heights Highlites but would like to, please invite them to con- tact City Hall, 452-1850 during office hours so that they can be placed on the newsletter mailing list. HYDRANT ADOPTION Need something to keep you active during cabin fever season? The volunteer fire department has the solution for you - they would like to give you the oppor- tunity to become the proud guardian of your very own fire hydrant. To qualify for adoption, all you need do is promise to keep the area around a hydrant free of snow and ice and accessible in time of need. If you're interested, call Diane at 452- 1850 for further information. PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS CELEBRATED On August 8, 1992 the "First Annual Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks!" was held at Mendakota Park. The celebration was conducted to dedicate the new Men- dakota Park and to commemorate the successful 1989 Parks Referendum which resulted in a vastly improved park system in Mendota Heights. The estimated 1,000 people who turned out for the festivities were treated to a highly enjoyable after- noon. Attractions at the celebration included a softball tournament, a home run hitting contest, balloon giveaways, clowns, dunk tank, free throw shooting contest, fire truck rides and a balloon walk. Stage events during the day included perfor- mances by Turner's Gymnastics, D.D.'s 1166 — _, .; Dance Studio, Ronald McDonald and the Minnesota State Band. Many youngsters showed off their unique and creative cos- tumes during a Kiddie Parade sponsored by the local Jaycees. The success of this event, and in estab- lishing a tradition of an annual summer event, would not have been possible without the work of many volunteers and local sponsors. Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! was produced by a citizen's planning committee and an all volunteer work force. The City Council ap- propriated seed money for the celebration and an honorarium paid to the Minnesota State Band, however donations from the local community paid for the expenses. October. 1992 The planning committee relied heap. upon the help of the Fire Relief Associa- tion and the Jaycees for their assistance throughout the event. Their contribu- tions were certainly appreciated. Many local area businesses provided donations and volunteer help as well. A special thank -you goes out to these organizations and individuals for providing the com- munity with a summer celebration worthy of the wonderful park system in Mendota Heights. The park system is a valuable resource in the community and it is nice to see the community come together to help celebrate this local treasure. A plan- ning committee will be formed over the winter for next year's celebration with the assistance of the new Recreation Programmer. Those interested in serving on the planning committee should con- tact Kevin at 452-1850. HELP WANTED Rink Attendants Needed The city is currently accepting applica- tions for hockey rink attendants. Inter- ested individuals are invited to stop at City Hall weekdays, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. until November 13th, and complete an application form. The salary for the rink attendant posi- tions will depend on experience. If you have any questions, please call Diane, at 452-1086. SNOW PLOWING POLICY ESTABLISHED The 1991 Halloween Snow Storm raised Council concern over city snowplowing methods. As a result of several Council meeting discussions it was decided that a formal, written snow plowing policy should be developed. Many policies were gathered from other cities and a draft policy was composed for City Council review. A formal policy was ultimately adopted. The primary focus and goal of the policy is to restore mobility to the city as quickly as possible under all snowfall events. Under the policy, the Public Works Superintendent or his designated representative will determine when to begin snow or ice control operations based on specific criteria, including: * Snow removal of two inches or more will begin as soon as possible after the snowfall. When snow accumulations reach two inches or more and the snow has not stopped, removal operations will begin by 2:00 AM. to get the city's main roads cleared and sanded for safe travel before rush hour traffic begins. * Removal of extraordinary snowfalls will be conducted so as to restore City mobility as soon as possible. * The existence of icy conditions or drifting which affect travel. * Time of snowfall in relationship to heavy use of streets. The policy also determines some homeowner responsibilities. Property owners must clear their own driveways, areas around mailboxes, newspaper tubes and trash cans (minimum 8' back from curb). They, or their contracted service, must not deposit snow in the streets. Cars must be removed from the streets until they are plowed. Also, landscape materials should not be placed in the boulevard area. Residents who choose to do boulevar landscaping must realize that repair of any damage occuring to iL as the result of snowplowing is the responsibility of the homeowner.