Loading...
2018-09 Heights Highlights1 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTSCITY HALLSEPTEMBER 2018 2018 Candidates page 2 Voting Information 3 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update 4 Water Quality 6 Pet Waste 6 Stop Wish Recycling 7 Lateral Sewer Service 7 Scott Patrick Memorial 8 Crime Prevention Tips 8 Rapid Flashing Beacon 9 Vitals Aware Services 9 Recreational Fire Guidelines 9 Parks and Recreation 10-11 Precinct Map Back Cover MENDOTA HEIGHTSHEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS a small town feel in an urban setting CALENDAR Fire Prevention Open House 9/22 Movie in the Park 9/22 2040 Comprehensive Plan Open House/Public Hearing 9/25 Community Shredding Event 9/26 & 10/20 Tour de Trash 9/28 Halloween Bonfire 10/31 Family Fall Party 10/14 Pumpkin Recycling 11/3 Superhero Masquerade 11/11 EAB in the Twin Cities: A Perfect Storm Emerald Ash Borer has been called a natural disaster in slow motion. In reality, EAB spreads very quickly because it’s an invasive pest with few natural predators. The Twin Cities is Especially Vulnerable To EAB One in five trees in the Twin Cities Metro Area is an ash. They were widely used to re- place Elm trees lost to Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970’s. When that fatal disease hit, elms made up nearly 90% of the boulevard trees in the Metro Area. Ash also proved hearty. They’ve outlasted many other spe- cies planted at the same time, thriving de- spite harsh winters, road salt, and changing weather patterns. That generation of ash trees is now mature. Their loss will be especially noticeable since they are among the largest shade trees in many neighborhoods. It also will take time to determine the best species to replace ash. Certainly, the next generation of trees planted will face even harsher conditions including extreme weather events, crowded city environments, and building construc- tion. EAB Kills Trees from the Inside Out If left untreated, a tree infested with this green-colored beetle will die. Furthermore, ash trees become brittle once they die, pre- senting a safety risk. This leaves ash tree owners with two choices: protect against the pest, or remove the tree. The Benefit of Hindsight EAB was first discovered in the U.S. in 2002. Experts think it came from wooden packing material on cargo ships. At that time, there were no cost-effective options to protect ash trees. The pest spread like wild- fire, leaving neighborhoods once filled with tree-lined boulevards virtually clear-cut. Fortunately, the Twin Cities can use lessons learned in areas struck first by EAB. Ad- ditionally, better treatments have been de- veloped with enough time to prove positive results. Treating and maintaining an ash tree can now be more cost-effective than removing it. Experts also recom- mend replanting with a variety of species. Monoculture plantings are great for diseas- es and pests but can mean big losses when something threatens that type of tree. EAB in the Twin Cities, by the Numbers ƒMinnesota has an estimated 937 mil- lion ash trees. ƒIn the Twin Cities Metro Area, more than one in five trees is an ash. ƒAsh trees widely replaced elms, which made up nearly 90 percent of Metro Area boulevard trees before they were lost to Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970’s. ƒRemove and replace policies in St. Paul and Minneapolis will result in the loss of nearly 60,000 ash trees in those two cities alone. Your City Partnership Mendota Heights has chosen Rainbow Treecare as their contractor to treat pub- lic ash trees in order to protect them from EAB.  CONTINUED PAGE 4 2 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 2 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Jonathan Zagel Jonathan Zagel serves as the Vice President of Accounting and Finance at Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota, and has held similar leadership positions within manufacturing and tech sectors throughout his career. He earned his master’s degree from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He helps with local business educa- tion and consumer protection outreach, and was accepted into the Leadership Twin Cit- ies program this year. He has also played and coached ultimate frisbee for 20 years. Jonathan’s wife, Alicia, grew up in Mendota Heights, where many relatives continue to re- side. The Zagels have two young children who enjoy playing at local parks and exploring city trails. Both children currently attend child- care at Visitation, and the oldest child will starts kindergarten in the fall of 2019. Jonathan’s areas of focus for the city include fiscal responsibility, governance, and sustain- ability; government transparency; land man- agement and natural resource protection; col- laboration with adjacent cities; traffic, safety and noise issues; and maintaining the high level of safety and security provided by our police and firefighters. Additionally, he is fo- cused on proactive problem-solving and citi- zen participation in local government. Chadwick Vandarious Chadwick Vandarious was raised in the west- ern suburb of Mound, Minnesota. He attend- ed Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School then the University of Minnesota, earning a Bach- elor of Science Degree in Psychology. Chad and his wife, Amelia, chose to move to Men- dota Heights and make it their forever home because they wanted a beautiful, spacious community, with good schools to start a fam- ily. Soon after moving to Mendota Heights they became community activists. Beginning his Career at Cigna Behavioral Health, where he helped implement changes for the Affordable Care Act, Chad left Cigna to work for 3M and now Sedgwick as a data analyst. His wife Amelia has a Master’s De- gree in Health Services, Research, Policy and Administration (focused on process improve- ment) from the University of Minnesota. She is currently employed by Ecolab, in St. Paul, working in business intelligence. Both thor- oughly enjoy animals, have two dogs and four chickens. Chad’s areas of focus for the City include preserving the character and community of Mendota Heights. Rachel Quick Rachel Quick is a lifelong Mendota Heights resident. She holds a B.A. from Augsburg University and an MLIS from Saint Catherine University. She is employed at Recurly as their Senior Director of Technical Support, and manages a team of 15 employees. Her profes- sional experience includes establishing busi- nesses, organizing teams of distributed em- ployees, and extensive knowledge in finance and compliance. Rachel’s community involvement includes working on the 2016 Mendota Heights do- mestic animal ordinance, wading through ponds to collect water samples or identify native/invasive species, stocking a Little Free Library, volunteering at elementary schools, and serving on the Dakota County Public Arts Committee and Dakota County Library Advisory Committee. Rachel’s areas of focus for the City include community involvement, preserving natural resources, and maintaining infrastructure. Mayoral Candidates Neil Garlock Neil Garlock has lived in Mendota Heights for 28 years. He and his wife, Mona, have three children and eight grandchildren. Neil is currently Mayor and serving his first term. Neil has over 40 years of leadership in public service. After graduating from Ma- son City, Iowa, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served four years, being promoted to the rank of sergeant. Neil graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and served for 10 years in Iowa, lastly serving as Chief of Police for the City of Alta. Neil was hired by the City of Mendota Heights in July, 1990. He worked as a pa- trol officer and investigator prior to his promotion to sergeant. Neil served on several county law enforcement boards including the MAAG Team (SWAT), the Drug Task Force, the Traffic Safety Committee, Safe Communities and the Dakota County Communications Center. He was awarded a Medal of Honor and Medal of Merit. Neil retired from the Mendota Heights Police Department after serving 24 years. Neil has also been race director for the Mendota Heights 5K for 13 years. This event has raised over $100,000 for Special Olympics of Minnesota. Council Candidates Jill Smith Jill Smith has been a resident of Mendota Heights for 30 years. She has been a former two-term Mendota Heights City Council member, Dakota County Planning Com- mission member, has served in numerous City and re- gional bodies, and is on the Board of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Minnesota. Jill’s education includes degrees in Master of Business, Uni- versity of Wisconsin (real estate analysis) and Master of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota (land use and transportation). Jill’s areas of focus for the City include traffic issues and modest density development, as well as conserving nat- ural resources, fiscal responsibility, and transparency in the conduct of City affairs. She values characteristics that make Mendota Heights a special place to live, work, and raise a family. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 3HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 3 Liz Petschel Liz Petschel has served the residents of Men- dota Heights for the past eight years on the City Council, and has 17 years of service miti- gating the effects of the airport on the noise- impacted parts of the city. While serving on City Council, her accom- plishments include achieving the City’s first AAA bond rating, implementing a new or- dinance covering tear downs and rebuilds that protects the spacious character of the city, implementing an ordinance restricting residency for sexual offenders, establishing a restriction on tobacco products specifically targeting young people, developing plans for an improved fire station to serve the City’s future needs, changing aircraft landing pro- cedures that have reduced carbon emissions over the city, enacting pollinator-friendly ini- tiatives, and introducing solar installations at the City’s public buildings. Liz’s areas of focus for the City include man- aging run off and protecting water quality of the 101 ponds, multiple lakes, and large creeks, as well as remaining infrastructure maintenance. She values parks, trails, and greenspace, with additional priorities on park improvements, trail maintenance, and management of invasive flora. She is looking forward to implementing the recommenda- tions in the North/South Traffic Study to address the traffic on Dodd and Delaware. John Mazzitello John Mazzitello has been a Mendota Heights resident since moving here in 2008 with his family. He has over 25 years of experience with infrastructure, land development, land use and comprehensive planning, traffic plan- ning, natural resource management, and city/ project budgets. He is a current City Planning Commissioner, former Public Works Direc- tor/City Engineer, and a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. John is a Professional Civil Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. John grew up in Saint Paul, graduated from Cretin-Derham Hall High School, earned his Civil Engineering degree from Marquette University, and his MBA from Argosy Uni- versity. He is currently a civil engineering consultant, but prior to that served as the Mendota Heights Public Works Director/City Engineer for eight years. He has also worked as a land development consultant. John’s areas of focus for the City include development and its impact within Men- dota Heights and surrounding communities, maintaining assets and infrastructure man- agement, as well as safeguarding natural re- sources. Ultan Duggan Ultan was elected to the City Council in 2003. Ultan and his wife Terry are 42-year residents of Mendota Heights. They have three children and six grandchildren. In their spare time, Ul- tan and Terry love to dance. Ultan owned Dr. Scholl’s Shoes in St. Paul for 25 years. Other corporate experience includes opening restaurants for McDonalds (San Francisco) and Pillsbury (Blaine/Burnsville). Previously, Ultan taught in Nigeria, followed by five years teaching in Arizona. He has served on the NDC Cable Commis- sion, the DCC-911, and the MAC Noise Oversight Committee, and chaired the Plan- ning Commission for four years. Ultan start- ed the 5-K Walk/Run, the 50th Anniversary Committee, the School District 197’s Sesqui- centennial Committee, and St. Peters 175th Anniversary Committee (all under budget). Ultan’s passion for Mendota Heights has con- tributed to positive developments of the Sum- mit and the Mendota Plaza Village redevelop- ments. Ultan has volunteered his services to many local organizations, especially: St. Paul Public Art, the Humphrey Institute’s Public Achievement program, and St. Thomas Acad- emy. His vision for Mendota Heights includes ensuring a welcoming and safe community, being business friendly and having more community events. Preserving the character of Mendota Heights is vital to Ultan. Are You Registered to Vote? If you are not already registered to vote, you may preregister up un- til 5:00 pm on October 16, 2018. After that date, you must register at the polls. Voter registration can be completed at www.MNVotes. org. You can also print out a paper form or obtain a paper form from City Hall. You will need to register if you have never voted before, if you have changed your name or address since you last voted (including moving to another apartment in the same building), or if you have not voted in the past four years. Minnesota does allow voters to register on Election Day at the polls with the required identification. If you are unsure if you are registered to vote, you can go to MNVotes.org. Absentee Voting Absentee voting is available for those who wish to vote before Election Day. There are two ways to do this: Absentee Vote In Person: Vote at the Mendota Heights City Hall or at any Dakota County Office during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Extended absentee voting hours will be available Saturday, November 3, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and also on Monday, No- vember 5, until 5:00 pm. Absentee Vote By Mail: An application for an absentee ballot can be obtained at MNVotes.org. Remember, if voting by mail, your voted bal- lot must arrive by Election Day for the vote to count, so allow enough time for postal delivery. More Voting Information Go to MNvotes.org for answers to your voting questions…  Am I registered to vote?  Apply for an absentee ballot  How to register to vote  Where do I go to vote?  What are the election dates  Get a copy of your ballot Council Candidates 4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE The Comprehensive Plan is an official and formal document adopted by the City every 10 years, and contains the City’s goals and policies as they relate to land use, housing, parks and open space, transportation, utilities, and other issues. The Compre- hensive Plan provides a general future plan or guide for the community from 2020 to 2040. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update is now wrapping-up, and the City is hosting an Open House and Informational Meeting for residents to learn more. Following this open house, the Planning Commission will hold an official PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan that same night, Tuesday, September 25, 2018, beginning at 7:00 pm. 4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTSNEW DEVELOPMENTSMCDONALD’S RESTAURANT The McDonald’s restaurant, located at 2020 Dodd Road, completed its full remodeling project, both exterior and interior, and is open for business. THE RESERVE AT MENDOTA VILLAGE The Reserve at Mendota Village, the new 139 unit market-rate apartment facility located in the Mendota Plaza at Highway 110 and Dodd Road, is now fully open and is accepting applications for leasing space. Leasing information can be made by contacting At Home Apartments at (651) 600-6236 or through their website at www.thereserveatmendotavillage.com. GEMINI MEDICAL Gemini Medical, the new 17,000 sf. med- ical office building, located at 2060 Dodd Road, near the Mendota Village shop- ping center, is completed and open for business. Gemini Medical is a partner of Arthrex orthopedic medical devices. The new building includes administra- tion offices and sales, client hospitality and education, and areas dedicated to in- ventory, shipping and receiving. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 As a private property owner in Mendota Heights, you are eligible for a discount on private ash tree protection. We recommend pro- tecting large, well-placed ash trees to maintain the benefits of a mature tree on your property. Schedule your free consultation to- day! At no cost to you, one of our ISA certified arborists will meet with you to assess your ash tree. You’ll also receive recommendations specific to your property’s long term tree care goals. You love your tree. Protect it now, before removal is the only option. For more information, please contact Rainbow Treecare at 952.767.6920, www.rainbowtreecare.com/emerald- ash-borer/city-partnerships/mendota- heights. Rainbow Treecare offers a money back guaran- tee for your last treatment cost if your tree dies from EAB while under continuous protection. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 5HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 5 WOODSPRING SUITES HOTELS The new Woodspring Suites Hotel project at 1380 Northland Drive is underway and scheduled for completion later this year or early 2019. The new hotel will offer 122 rooms with over 48,000 sq. ft. of space. CENTRE POINTE VIII Mr. Hugh Cullen, along with Sherburne- Slater Construction, received approval of a new 30,000 sf. professional office build- ing within the Mendota Corporate Cen- ter business park, located at 1179 Centre Pointe Circle. MENDOTA APARTMENTS Michael Development has now begun con- struction on the first phase of a new 70- unit, market rate apartment building on the former Mendota Motel site, located at 2180 Highway 13. The second phase will consist of a 68-unit, planned senior (ages 55+) apartment building on the former Larson Garden Center to the north, located at 2160 Hwy. 13. Both apartment buildings are scheduled for opening and leasing in late 2019. More information (and possibly other scheduled meetings) will be made available on the City’s website at www.mendota-heights.com, City’s Face- book page, Twitter and other public postings and announcements. If you have any questions on the proposed comprehensive plan update or these future meetings, please call Community Development Director Tim Benetti at 651.255.1142 or email timb@mendota-heights.com. City Launches New Website The City recently introduced a newly designed website featuring content changes, im- proved navigation and a responsive design. Users can now enjoy access to City information from any phone, tablet or desktop device and view website materials with a complete and responsive interface. Keep your eye out for further website enhancements in the future. Sign up to drop off food waste Dakota County provides a residential or- ganics drop-off site at Thompson Park in West St. Paul. Organics like food waste and napkins collected from residents will be taken to a local commercial compost facility where it will turn into compost, a nutrient-rich soil additive. Residents must sign up to drop off by emailing organics@co.dakota.mn.us or call- ing 952.891.7557. Participants will receive a how-to guide for organics recycling, free compostable bags and the access code for the dumpsters. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Con- trol Agency and Dakota County. 2040 Comprehensive Plan Open House & Informational Meeting Tuesday, September 25 4:30 to 7:00 pm City Hall Council Chambers 1101 Victoria Curve 6 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS6 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTSGREEN NEIGHBORHOODSPet Waste: Fertilizer or Not? You may have heard some people tout that your pet’s waste is a great fertilizer. Some have suggested throwing it in your garden, composting it, or leaving it along the trails, or in the woods, as perfect places for pet waste because it is fertilizer and wild ani- mals have waste too. So what are the facts? In 1991, The EPA identified dog waste as an environmental pollutant placing it in the same category as toxic chemicals. Why? One gram of dog waste contains not only viruses and parasites, but also contains 23 million fecal coliform bacteria (E Coli) which are known to cause serious health problems in humans. When solid waste is not scooped, the E. coli lives for years in the soil. Even if the waste eventually washes away, bacteria remain on the ground. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pet waste can contribute to diseases pass- ing from animals to humans. If pet waste is allowed to remain, anyone who comes in contact with the soil even years later– through gardening, playing sports, walking barefoot or any other means–runs the risk of coming into contact with the parasites, bacteria and viruses. When un-scooped waste is washed away, it ends up in storm drains, enters waterways directly, or enters groundwater when it rains. What about Cats? Flushing cat waste down the toilet, composting it, or burying the fe- ces is very problematic and contributes to infecting our waterways with a common parasite found in cats. This parasite is kill- ing many of the ocean’s highly endangered sea otters, dolphins and other animals since treatment systems cannot kill the parasite. So what do we do with our pet waste? In order to contain and prevent the spread of bacteria, viruses, and parasites, immediate- ly scoop your pet’s waste and dispose of it in the trash. Landfills have liners that contain and help prevent the spread of the bacteria, viruses, and parasites until a method can be found to deal with the consequences of pet waste. And pet urine? While urea is rich in nitrogen, which explains why you might see some areas of your lawn greener, it is also rich in salt. High nitrogen combined with the salt kills plants, trees, and grasses. Watering the area after your pet will help reduce the damage to the soil. Pet waste is not a fertilizer. Protect your health, and the health of the environment by disposing of your pet waste properly. Our Yards Impact Water Quality When you take a shower, do the dishes, or flush the toilet, the water you use inside your home goes to a water treatment plant (unless you are on a septic system). Water out- side the home is an entirely differ- ent matter. Water that goes down the stormdrain on your street does not go to a water treatment plant. It flows to our local water bodies. Water that goes down the storm- drain on your street is polluted in some way. Outside your home, wa- ter from rain, or excess water from a sprinkler system, rolls down your driveway or sidewalk, or off your lawn, continues down the road, and picks up pollutants on your street along its way–fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides, grass clippings, fall leaves, winter salt, and more. Some of this pollution is invisible–like residue from our automobiles–or dissolved, like salt. All of this wa- ter goes down our stormdrains and makes its way to our local waters. You can help be a solution to water pollu- tion in many ways. Here are three easy, yet important things you can do that will help make a positive impact on our local waters: 1. Don’t create stormwater. Point your downspouts into your yard or garden, not down your driveway or onto your sidewalk. This will keep water in your yard where it can be naturally absorbed rather than flowing down your drive- way, and picking up street contami- nants and debris that end up in our local waters. 2. Don’t fertilize the street. Sweep up excess fertilizer if it ends up in the street. 3. Point your mower so that grass clip- pings end up in your yard, not the street. Grass clippings in our streets go down the stormdrain and create ex- cess nutrients in our local waters. This overabundance of nutrients causes excess algae to grow. Excess algae can affect water quality and clarity, which, in turn, can cause harm to aquatic life. So, if grass clippings do end up in the street, sweep them up or blow them back onto your lawn. Our yards impact water quality. Help be a solu- tion to water pollution by implementing three easy practices at home. Image courtesy of Think Blue Maine HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 7 Save money and stress by inspecting your sewer service lateral. This is the pipe that con- nects your home to the city sewer main under the street. It is likely as old as your home and – like all parts of a home – it needs regular maintenance. With time, a sewer service lateral deteriorates and can develop cracks that allow water into the line. Many plumbers can inspect your sewer service lateral using a camera and give you the in- formation you need to make repairs. If detected early, many small repairs can be done from within the pipe, without having to dig in the yard or street. With about one million homes in the Twin Cities region, sewer service laterals make up about half of the length of the sewer system. Inspecting and repairing defective service laterals can reduce the likelihood of a sewage backup into your building, reduce costs and hassles of sewage backups or sewer service lateral collapses, reduce utility fees for your community, and increase the value of your home. Is Your Sewer Service Lateral in Good Repair? What is Wish Cycling? Have you ever tossed an item into a recycling bin that you were not sure was recy- clable, but hoped it would find its way to becoming a new product? Many items are recyclable, but some are prob- lematic at recycling sorting facilities. They can damage equipment or contaminate other ma- terials, lowering the value of recyclables. Recycle with Certainty Quit wish cycling by refreshing your knowledge of what’s accepted in your recycling program at home. All haulers in Dakota County take: • Paper and cardboard • Cartons and metal cans • Glass bottles and jars • Plastic bottles and jugs Dakota County has a list of licensed haulers and what they accept at www.dakotacounty.us, search “Choose a hauler.” See a full list of drop-off sites at www.dakotacounty.us, search “Green Guide.” Recycle these – but not in your cart Also remember that many items can be recycled, just not in your recycling cart at home. ƒPlastic shopping bags are one of the hardest materials for recy- cling facilities to handle as they tangle in machinery. Bring clean and dry plastic bags to grocery and retail stores, like Cub Foods and Target. You can reuse plastic bags as garbage bags or to pick up pet waste. To limit the amount of plastic bags you end up with, use reusable shopping bags and avoid products with exces- sive plastic wrapping. ƒBatteries, including small button batteries (like those found in greeting cards and watches) and rechargeable batteries contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment if not prop- erly disposed of. Their small size makes them hard for machin- ery to sort at recycling facilities. Bring all batteries to The Recy- cling Zone. ƒOver-the-counter and prescription medications should be brought to the Mendota Heights Police Department lobby’s drop box. ƒNeedles and syringes should be placed in a hard container with a twist-on lid labeled “Sharps: Do Not Recycle” and brought to The Recycling Zone in Eagan. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County. Stop Wish Cycling JOINT SHREDDING EVENT With the cities of West St. Paul, South St. Paul and Sunfish Lake Saturday, October 20 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Mendakota Park 2171 Dodd Road PLEASE REMOVE: 3-ring binders, spiral binders and binder clips. Pioneer Secure Shred staff will collect and secure your documents into a locking security container. The documents will be deposited directly into the shredding chamber without being touched by human hands. The shredded material is then sent to a recycler. Shredded paper is also accepted. Please bring documents in paper bags rather than boxes or plastic bags. FREE, no limit. Catapult Your Pumpkin - Recycling Event Saturday, November 3 - 1:00 to 3:00 pm SSP High School Football Practice Field, Kaposia Blvd. The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force and Farmers Insur- ance (Burns, Wards and Burns) has teamed up to turn your pump- kins into beneficial compost. For a monetary or non-perish- able food item donation, they will catapult your pumpkins into the field - aiming for targets to win gift certificates and other prizes. A limited number of pumpkins will be available to purchase, with donations and proceeds benefitting Neighbors, Inc. This event is free to attend. For more contact Deb Griffith, Deb.griffith@southstpaul.org, 651.554.3230. GREEN NEIGHBORHOODS 8 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS8 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTSCOMMUNITY SAFETYCrime Prevention Tips Preventing crime is a shared responsibil- ity. We rely on citizens to tell us about sus- picious and criminal activities as well as to reduce the opportunity for criminal acts. Check out some of the most important and easiest steps you can take to prevent crime. Increase Awareness Perhaps the most important aspect of crime prevention is increasing awareness of your surroundings. You are the expert when it comes to knowing what is normal in your neighborhood. Get to know your neigh- bors, participate in your neighborhood association and get involved in a neighbor- hood watch program. When away from your home and neigh- borhood, continue to maintain awareness. Minimize distractions, trust your instincts and never assume someplace is “safe.” Report Suspicious Activity If something does not look or feel right, call 911. 911 offers service for both non- emergency and emergency calls and will dispatch an officer to your location in an efficient and timely manner. Officers would rather check on a suspicious situation and determine it is unfounded, then find out days later that someone saw something that could have prevented a crime. Unfor- tunately officers cannot be everywhere at once and we rely on citizens to let us know what is going on in their neighborhood. Reduce Opportunity Most property crimes are crimes of oppor- tunity. Criminals typically do not want to engage in criminal activity if it requires a lot of effort or it has a high likelihood of being seen or caught. The easiest ways to reduce the opportunity for crime at your residence include: ƒLocking your doors and windows ƒKeeping your garage door closed ƒLeaving exterior lights on or installing motion lights These apply no matter where you live. Again, never assume your home or neigh- borhood is “safe” since criminals will pur- posely seek out homes or neighborhoods that present easy targets. If You Like It, Lock It One of the most common property crimes in our area is theft from unlocked vehicles. Criminals will check car doors whether parked in the street, driveways or open garages. Officers routinely take reports of thefts involving items as small as pocket change all the way up to golf clubs and ex- pensive electronics. If you like it, lock it! Or better yet—move them inside your house. Fallen But Not Forgotten The life of a public servant is built on the principle of service. They know when the uniform is on they are responding first to any call for service, and quite likely placing themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Officer Scott Patrick was our public servant— our own police officer who served his community well. His memorial now stands in a wonderful location, a central Mendota Heights location, in an area we can all gather and take a moment to reflect on his sacrifice that day. This memorial calls us all to honor this kind and gentle man, husband and father, friend and brother, whose life ended abruptly in our city. The finality of that one act will remain with us for a long time, in deeply personal and varied ways. Our department is grateful we had the chance to honor and remember him, during this great ceremony, with his family, fellow local agency partners in police, fire and EMS, and our entire community. Scott’s memorial will, and should, forever hold us accountable to and conscious of the fra- gility of that thin blue line; of how important it is to walk on the side of the light and mor- ally right. It is a reminder of how quickly lines can be crossed and blurred, and lives can be changed forever. We will never forget June 30, 2014 and we will always honor #2231. Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.Fire Prevention Open House September 2210:00 am- 1:oo pm Due to major construction on Dodd Road this year, the Fire Prevention Open House will take place September 22. There will be a memorial service at 10:00 am, followed by live demonstrations at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm. There will be bingo, Snuffers Grand Prize game, a junior firefighters challenge for kids, truck tours, educational displays, and more. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 9COMMUNITY SAFETYA Great App for our Community to be Made Aware of! The Vitals App allows for users to maintain a personalized profile that can be voluntarily shared with law enforcement and other first responders. Each Vitals individual is assigned a Vitals beacon that transmits a private and secure signal to authorized first responders that are within 80 feet, allowing them temporary access to critical information. First responders are notified in real-time and are automatically given the information to best interact with individuals. ƒIncreases Safety ƒImproves Communication ƒPromotes Independence Who Is It For? ƒAnyone who has a visible or invisible condition or dis- ability ƒIt’s for every age: kids, teens, adults and seniors. What are the Costs? ƒFREE to individuals and caregivers! Sign up for FREE Text “VITALS” to 797979, or visit www.thevitalsapp.com Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon Mendota Heights faces challenges in providing effective services to help pedestrians cross streets safely. Some locations do not meet the required traffic and pedestrian volumes for the installation of a standard traffic signal. The RRFB is a lower-cost alternative to traditional traffic signals and has been found to increase the frequency in which drivers yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. RRFBs can enhance safety by increasing driver aware- ness of people who want to cross the street at a cross- walk. When installed at un-signalized crosswalks, the RRFBs have been shown to be more effective than stan- dard signing and pavement markings alone. RRFBs have been installed in other municipalities in Minnesota and throughout the country to improve ser- vices to pedestrians. The City of Mendota Heights has recently installed one of these models at Dodd Road and South Plaza Drive. How the RRFB works: ƒThe pedestrian activates the RRFB by pressing the button. ƒThe RRFB begins to flash to alert drivers that a pe- destrian wants to cross the street in the crosswalk. ƒFlashing lights facing the pedestrian confirm the activation of the RRFB. ƒThe RRFB flashes for a set time that allows a pedes- trian adequate time to cross. ƒAfter the allocated time has passed for the pedes- trians to complete their crossing, the RRFB turns off. Other tips for pedestrians: ƒPush the button to activate the RRFB. ƒCheck for traffic before stepping into the street. Walk defensively and make eye contact with driv- ers to ensure that they see you. Cross only within the crosswalk. ƒMinnesota state law requires drivers to stop for pe- destrians within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is in, or near, the same half of the street as the driver. The Minnesota state law also requires pedestrians to enter the street with caution. Recreational Fire Guidelines Bonfires can be enjoyable in the fall, but to ensure they are safe there are important guidelines that you will want to follow: ƒIn-ground fire pits or fire rings must be at least 25 feet from any structure, which includes fences and sheds ƒPortable units, such as fire kettles and chimineas, must be at least 15 feet from any structure ƒFires shall be extinguished within three hours after start and no later than 11:00 pm ƒA means of extinguishment must be in the immediate area ƒFires must be constantly attended by a person of at least 16 years of age ƒBurning materials must be clean, dry wood (no trash or yard waste) Please visit the City’s website to familiarize yourself with the entire recreational fire regulations before lighting your backyard fire. 10 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS10 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTSPARKS & RECREATION$2.00 OFF ONE ROUND OF GOLF Use this coupon for $2 off your next round of golf at the Mendota Heights Par 3. Valid through October 15, 2018. Coupon may only be used once. Gymnastics Join us on Saturday mornings to learn the balance beam, uneven bars, floor ex- ercise, and tumbling. The 8 week session is designed for boys and girls ages 3 and older. Classes are held at Henry Sibley High School Gymnastics Gym; please use the Delaware entrance. Children should dress comfortably. Class size is limited. Saturday December 1-February 2 (No class on December 29 and January 5) Tumbling Tykes 3-4 year olds 8:15-8:45am $90 Tumbling Tots 4-5 year olds 8:50-9:20am $90 Tumbling Tots 4-5 year olds 9:25-9:55am $90 Kinder Tumbling 5-6 year olds 10:00-10:30am $90 Beginner 6-12 year olds 10:45-11:45am $120 Advanced Beginner 6-12 year olds 11:50-12:50pm $120 Register at mendotaheights.revtrak.net by: Sunday, November 25. Family Fall Party Join the City of Mendota Heights and TriDistrict Community Education for an afternoon of magic, music and fun! We will have a DJ spinning family-friendly party tunes, special musical performances, and a few other surprises. Sliding scale fee is per group. Only one person needs to register per group. Thank you to Twin Cities Magic and Costume for their generous support of this event. Sunday, October 14, 1:00-3:00 pm Henry Sibley High School Register online: tridistrict.ce.eleyo.com Sliding scale $10-$30 per family Safety Camp Safety Camp was held the week of July 9. Approximately 80 kids participated from the cities of Mendota Heights and South Saint Paul. Celebrate Fall at Mendota Heights Par 3 There’s still time for great golfing into the fall! The Mendota Heights Par 3 will remain open until the snow flies. Redeem this coupon for added savings! Movie in the Park - Free Event The City of Mendota Heights and TriDistrict Community Education proudly present Moana in the Park at Mendakota. Bring a lawn chair and blanket, and get ready to enjoy this family-friendly movie underneath the stars. Children under 10 years must be accompanied by an adult. This event is weather dependent and is subject to change without notice. Saturday, September 22 7:00 pm start Mendakota Park Join us for the annual Mendota HeightsHalloween Bonfire October 31 7:00-9:00 pm in the vacant lot behind Mendota Plaza Residents are encouraged to park on surrounding streets, and not in the Mendota Plaza parking lot. Because of recent nearby development, this year the city will be supplying oak pallets for the bonfire, so residents will not be allowed to bring brush to the site. The City thanks Paster Properties for the use of the bonfire site again this year! HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 11 Fall Field Trips Horseback Riding at Bunker Park Ride guided trails on your own horse and enjoy a hayride. Please bring a bag lunch and beverage (no concessions available). We will wrap up with games, a campfire and s’mores. Riders must be 8 years old, 52 inches tall, and wear a provided helmet. The children need to wear long pants and tennis shoes. Please note that in case of rain, the trip will be moved indoors at Bunker Park Stables’ Riding Arena. Thursday, October 18 Ages: 8 & Up Cost: $45 per person The bus will depart Mendota Heights City Hall at 8:45 am and return at 3:00 pm. Please arrive at City Hall by 8:30 am. All children must have a signed waiver. An email will be sent to parents a week prior which will include the waiver and other important information. FlyOver America & GameWorks At FlyOver America (MOA) you’ll feel like you’re truly flying with wind, mist and other amazing effects in a 10 minute adventure across America. In the after- noon, we will play on over 120 games and bowl at GameWorks! Lunch is included. Friday October 19 6 – 12 year olds Cost: $30 per person The bus will depart Mendota Heights City Hall at 9:45 am and return at 4:00 pm. Please arrive at City Hall by 9:30 am. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 11PARKS & RECREATIONFall 2018 Registration Open Now! Register online at mendotaheights.revtrak.net or in person at City Hall. Brooklyn Bridge – Historical Presentation The Brooklyn Bridge, linking Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1883, contin- ues to offer safe, scenic passage to millions and is an iconic feature of the New York skyline. Its creator was a German immigrant, whose son took over the construction after the creator’s death. The building of the bridge was a perilous project with numerous deaths. Connecting the two popula- tion centers of Brooklyn and Manhattan changed the course of New York City forever, and it was dubbed the “8th Wonder of the World” at one time. Presenter: Dan Hartman Wednesday, October 17 1:00 pm Cost: $10 Register by October 10 at tridistrict.ce.eleyo.com USTA Champs Mendota Heights’ 18U USTA tennis team won the local area’s tournament and quali- fied for the sectional’s tournament at the University of Minnesota. The team placed in the top 16 teams in their age division against teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota. Congrats to these kids on a great accomplishment! DayTrippers Dinner Theatre – Drinking Habits Caught in the Act New sequel to the current smash-hit comedy, Drinking Habits. People who missed Drinking Habits will be quick- ly brought up to speed as the story unfolds in Drinking Habits 2 (Caught In The Act). Buffet lunch included at 12:15 pm. Tuesday, October 16 Cost: $63 includes transportation/lunch/show Depart TPAC at 11:30 am/Return 3:45 pm Register by October 5 at tridistrict.ce.eleyo.com Superhero Masquerade Action, adventure and fun awaits your little superhero at our Super- hero Masquerade. Come dressed as your favorite superhero and enjoy crafts, games, activities, a dance par- ty, and refreshments. Register early, space is limited. An adult must be present during the event. Sunday, November 11 12 years and younger 3:00 – 5:00 pm Thompson County Park – Dakota Lodge Cost: $20 per child Purchase tickets at Thompson Park Activity Center 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul | Phone: 651.403.8300     City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE: 113 City Directory Council Members: Neil Garlock, Mayor 651.775.3850 Ultan Duggan 651.452.5179 Joel Paper 612.237.1133 Liz Petschel 651.454.3256 Jay Miller 651.994.0482 Staff Members: City Hall 651.452.1850 Mark McNeill, City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Ass’t. City Administrator Mike Andrejka, Building Official Tim Benetti, Community Development Dir. Dave Dreelan, Fire Chief Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director Lorri Smith, City Clerk Police Department Emergency 911 Police Administration 651.452.1366 Kelly McCarthy, Chief of Police Public Works Facility 651.454.4059 Terry Blum, Public Works Superintendent © Copyright 2018 City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:00 am – 4:30 pm www.mendota-heights.com Follow Us Learn more about the City of Mendota Heights and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com/@mendota_heights Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsPD Facebook.com/MHParksandRec 2018 General Election is November 6 Exercise your right to vote! Polls in Mendota Heights are open 7:00 am – 8:00 pm Tuesday, November 6 for the General Election. You may vote in person at your assigned polling location, or may choose to vote absentee ahead of time. City Precinct Boundaries and Voting Locations The map below shows the precinct boundaries and the voting location for each pre- cinct. You can also use the Polling Place Finder on the Secretary of State’s website at www.mnvotes.org to find your voting location.