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2018-09-28 Friday News Upcoming Public Meeting Dates: Oct 2 City Council Workshop Tobacco 21 | 2:00 pm City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm Oct 4 Planning Commission Public Hearing on Henry Sibley High School Variances | 7:00 pm Oct 8 Public Works Closed Oct 9 Parks-Rec Commission | 6:30 pm Oct 15 Joint City Council and Planning Commission Workshop 2040 Comp Plan | 6:00 pm Oct 16 City Council Workshop Michael Development | 6:00 pm City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm Oct 17 Airport Relations Comm | 7:00 pm Fire Prevention Open House is an Educational Success The City would like to thank the community for supporting another successful Fire Prevention Open House, which took place on September 22. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about fire prevention and safety through live demonstrations, bingo, and Snuffers Grand Prize game, as well as enjoyed participating in a junior firefighters challenge, truck tours, hands-free CPR, educational displays, bouncing house, and more. About 500 hot dogs were served at the event. A special thank you to the Mendota Heights Fire Department and additional public safety entities for hosting and supporting this event. Additional fire prevention education will take place this October as firefighters visit local daycares, kindergarten, and second-grade classrooms during Fire Prevention Week. Public Meeting Announcements There will be a City Council Workshop regarding Tobacco 21 on Tuesday, October 2 at 2:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. There will be a Planning Commission Public Hearing to discuss variances for the Henry Sibley High School Athletic Field on Thursday, October 4 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. Information is available on the City website: https://www.mendota- heights.com/index.asp?SEC=7C35E4A1-2207-41B6-8565- 84AB5DC7C90A&DE=627B6F3F-CA12-4E7A-89E1-C3C046B66C36 There will be a joint City Council and Planning Commission Workshop regarding the 2040 Comprehensive Plan on Monday, October 15 at 6:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. 2040 Comprehensive Plan information is available on the City website: https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?SEC=320D5DB8-C925-4819-9DF2- BE3231E48499 There will be a City Council Workshop to discuss an anticipated request for Tax Increment Financing assistance for Senior Housing at the Michael Development (Larson Greenhouse Property) on Tuesday, October 16 at 6:00 pm, in the City Hall Council Chambers. This has been rescheduled from October 2. Dodd Road Closures MN DOT is planning the following closures on Dodd Road: Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30 If you’re traveling on Dodd Rd./Hwy 149 this weekend, you will likely encounter a detour at the intersection of Hwy 62/Old Hwy 110 and Dodd Rd. The southern half of the intersection will close to all traffic starting at 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 through 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 for storm sewer installation. Please follow the posted detour: Mendota Heights Rd., Lexington Ave., Hwy 110 (Detour Map). Please note that closure information is subject to change based on weather conditions. For additional updates visit: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/ projects/hwy149highbridge/index.html. 2 September 28 , 2018 FRIDAY NEWS from the City of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com 651.452.1850 Hours: 8:00 am—4:30 pm 4 OCT OCT 16 OCT 15 OCT Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD Attendees enjoyed learning an important safety tip of keeping bedroom doors closed at night, through a live burning demonstration. Get Yourself Registered to Vote If you are not already registered to vote, you may preregister up until 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. 2018 Candidate Forums Available for Replay on Town Square Television’s Community Channel and Online The following candidate forums, hosted by NDC4 Cable Commission and Town Square Television, with the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce, are available for replay as follows: Online on-demand: Mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum: http://townsquaretv.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=11384. MN House Districts 52A and 52B Forum: http://townsquaretv.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=11405 Comcast Xfinity Channel 18/CenturyLink Prism 8418 SD/8918 HD: All forums will be available throughout election season on demand at www.townsquare.tv. More info: 651.451.7834 | www.townsquare.tv Remembering Officer Scott Patrick Insight 7’s replay of the Officer Scott Patrick Memorial ends tomorrow. Don’t miss your opportunity to view online at: http://townsquaretv.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php? view_id=9&clip_id=11320, or replay on Comcast Xfinity Channel 14/CenturyLink Prism 8414/8419HD at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 29. Voting Information & Forms 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 Thurs 10/4 at 6:00 p.m. Fri 10/5 at 12:00 p.m. Stay in Touch with the Mendota Heights Police Department Follow the Mendota Heights Po- lice Department on its new Twit- ter account at: Twitter.com/@mheightsPD MOM’s Club Donates Tree Thank you to the MOM’s Club for their generous donation of a new tree to beautify Victoria Highlands Park! It is a wonderful addition to the park. The City of Mendota Heights is Accepting Seasonal Employment Applications Skating Instructor, Warming House/Rink Attendants, and Rink Flooder For information and application instructions, please visit: https://www.mendota-heights.com/employment Volunteer Opportunity to Monitor Water Quality for Rogers Lake The City is seeking a citizen volunteer to participate in the Citizen- Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) to monitor the water quality of Rogers Lake. Citizens collect water quality data from approximately mid-April through mid-October at two-week intervals. The samples are then analyzed, using the results as a tool for assessing the quality and health of the lake. For more information visit the City website: https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp? SEC=FD781BDC-4648-482E-90AD-896DFC2C58E5&DE=0F440931- 8BCE-40A9-AC4E-A73D4658C395.. Interested citizens should contact Natural Resource Technician Krista Spreiter at 651.255.1123 or email kristas@mendota-heights.com. 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 Comprehensive Plan provides a general future plan or guide for the community from 2020 to 2040. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan update is now underway. The upcoming meetings are scheduled as follows: October 15 | 6:00 p.m. City Council and Planning Commission Workshop October 23 | 7:00 p.m. Public Hearing (Natural Resources, Resiliency and Other Components) 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. * NEW * Drafts of the Natural Resources and Resilience Chapters are posted to the City website at: https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp? SEC=320D5DB8-C925-4819-9DF2-BE3231E48499. To submit comments or questions on Chapters 7 & 8 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, please contact Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician at (651) 255-1123, or by email: kristas@mendota-heights.com. Parks & Recreation Fall Registration is Open Youth Field Trips Horseback Riding | October 18 Bunker Park Stables | Ages 8 and up Flyover America & Gameworks October 19 | Mall of America | Ages 6-12 Superhero Masquerade November 11 | 3:00-5:00 pm Thompson County Park—Dakota Lodge Ages 12 and under Dress as your favorite superhero, and enjoy crafts, games, activities, dancing, and refreshments. Register early-space is limited. Gymnastics December 1-February 2 | Sat. mornings Henry Sibley High School Gymnastics Gym Classes for Ages 3-12 Info/fees/registration at: http://mendotaheights.revtrak.net Info/fees/registration at: https://tridistrict.ce.eleyo.com/ Family Fall Party October 14 | 1:00-3:00 pm Henry Sibley High School Join us for an afternoon of magic, music and fun! There will be a DJ spinning family- friendly tunes, musical performances, and a few other surprises. Recycling News Community Paper Shred Event (Free) Shred and recycle sensitive documents safely and securely. No limit! Saturday | October 20 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Mendakota Park 2171 Dodd Road | Mendota Heights Please bring materials in paper grocery bags rather than boxes. Please remove 3-ring binders, spiral binders and binder clips. Master Recycler/ Composter Program Attend class one time per week to hear presentations from local/regional experts on waste reduction, recycling, composting, and solid waste. Site field trips. October 4 - November 8 Classes Thursdays | 6:30-9:00 p.m. Inver Grove Heights Middle School Cost: $30, scholarships available Register at www.dakotacounty.us search master recycler or call 952.891.7000 Be on the Lookout for Oak Wilt Oak wilt is a deadly disease that affects all species of oaks (Quercus) found in Minnesota. Oak wilt infection spreads in two ways: sap beetles that carry the disease from fungal spore mats of infected trees to healthy trees, and below ground through root grafts (roots that have grown together). Some of the symptoms of oak wilt include:  Rapid-leaf loss in mid-summer  Leaf wilt starting at the edge of the canopy and moving inward  Not all, but about half of infected red oaks produce fungal mats and pressure pads just under the bark of the tree, in many cases causing the bark to crack. Help prevent the spread of Oak Wilt! DO NOT prune, cut, or remove live oaks during the High-Risk Zone (April 1 – July 15). For more information on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oak wilt please visit the City website https://www.mendota- heights.com/index.asp?SEC=AF838D91-4D4C-41F6-BBA6-267B2F8EEECB and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources If you think you may have oak wilt in your area, please contact Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician, at: 651-255-1123 or by Email kristas@mendota- heights.com. Halloween Bonfire October 31 | 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Vacant lot behind Mendota Plaza Join us for this annual event! 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. Therefore residents will not be allowed to bring brush to the site. For brush and fall yard waste clean-up please see the options listed below. Thank you to Paster Properties for the use of the bonfire site again this year! Fall Clean Up—Yard Waste Options It is illegal in Minnesota to dispose of yard and tree waste (grass, leaves, small brush, plant materials) with your household garbage. This means it must be bagged in a compostable paper bag or reusable container and kept separate from your trash bin. Fall yard waste options include: South St. Paul Compost Site 681 Vendorosa Ave. | South St. Paul Hours: Fri | Sat | Mon 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sun | 1:00-5:00 p.m. Materials accepted: leaves, grass, sod, and garden waste ** No wood chips, mulch or sand ** ; free compost available Cost: 50 cents/bag or by the trailer load Site may close early due to certain weather conditions http://www.southstpaul.org/208/Yard-Waste-Compost-Site Photos: MN Department of Natural Resources Fix-It Clinics (Free) Keep items useful through repair. Get help fixing everything from clocks to costumes at these upcoming clinics: Saturday | October 20 12:00-3:00 p.m. Central Square Community Center 100 7th Ave. N. | South St. Paul Saturday | November 17 12:00-3:00 p.m. | Wentworth Library 199 Wentworth Ave. E. | West St. Paul S&S Tree Horticultural Specialists 405 Hardman Ave. S. | South St. Paul Hours: Saturdays | 7:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Materials accepted: brush and tree waste ** No stumps ** | FREE disposal 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 CHIEF Kelly McCarthy CAPTAIN Wayne Wegener SERGEANTS Eric Petersen Tanner Spicer Peyton Fleming POLICE OFFICERS John Larrive Todd Rosse Chad Willson Jeff VonFeldt Philip McCarty Weston Raberge Peter Renteria Cara Hogan Tony Patton Ryan Yauch Tommy Albindia Eric Hagelee INVESTIGATIONS Nick Gorgos SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Steve Hilyar COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER Coming soon! SUPPORT STAFF Kim Richter Trista Miller Shayna Hoechst Becky Pentel RESERVES Jim Knox Jeff Parker CHAPLAINS Butch Millett John Snider Alberto Vargas Lynn Liberman Sue Plucker Joel Detlefsen Lenny Andrie the mn crosswalk law: key elements  Drivers must stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights.  Pedestrians must obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections that have them.  Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed once the pedestrian has completely crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.  Pedestrians must not enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching and it is impossible for the driver to stop. There is no defined distance that a pedestrian must abide before entering the crosswalk; use common sense.  When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the roadway, drivers of other vehicles approaching from the rear must not pass the stopped vehicle.  Failure to obey the law is a misdemeanor. A second violation within one year is a gross misdemeanor. MNSS 1999, Chapter 169.21 – Pedestrian Law Mendota Heights has approximately 15 pedestrian crosswalks with a sign to alert drivers. Of those 15, 10 also have stripes on the roadway. There is only one crosswalk that has a sign, the stripped roadway and activate lights. This crosswalk is located at Dodd Road and S. Plaza Drive near the MHFD. Upon completion of the roadwork on Dodd Road, south of Hwy 62 (old Hwy 110) there will be a center median with a pedestrian crosswalk at Dodd Road and Decorah. tips for drivers:  Be aware that MN law requires you to stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk or an intersection with no marked crosswalk, where there are no traffic control signals present.  Follow all posted speed limits. Be especially aware where children are present such as near schools, parks and residential areas.  The elderly pedestrian may take more time to cross. tips for pedestrians:  Make sure that motorists can see you. Wear florescent colored clothing during daylight hours and, if walking when it’s dark, make sure you have a flashlight and wear retroreflective material.  Know what traffic control signals mean. Do not enter a crosswalk while the “Don’t Walk” sign is flashing. Be alert to turning vehicles even if the “Walk” signal is on.  Walk against the flow of traffic. 2 MHPD Officers will also be participating! 3 BURGLARY - 7XX HWY 62 09/21/18 0313 HOURS Dispatched to an alarm at the 700 block of Hwy 62. Upon arrival officer was advised there was forced entry. Officers searched building. Investigator contacted. Report written. THEFT FROM AUTO – 23XX LEXINGTON AVE S 09/21/18, 1246 HOURS Officer took a report of motor vehicle tampering and theft from the 2300 block of Lexington Ave. Party had their vehicle entered and items were taken. No suspects known. Officer gave suggestions of how to keep their vehicle and belongings safe. Case status: Inactive. ABANDONED VEHICLE – SYLVANDALE RD/WOODRIDGE DR 09/21/18, 1545 HOURS Officer responded to a parking recheck of an abandoned vehicle. The vehicle was still parked in the same location. Owner cited, vehicle towed. PROPERTY DAMAGE - BEEBE AVE 09/17/18, 1713 HOURS Responded to Beebe Ave on report of Damage to Property. Homeowner noticed a flat tire on Monday 9/17 and kept filling it with air until changing the tire on Wednesday 9/19. A screw was found sticking out of the sidewall. Possibly related to similar incidents in the area that were discussed on social media. No suspects or witnesses. STOP ARM VIOLATION – 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 09/21/18, 0820 HOURS Officer was assigned a School Bus Stop Arm Violation complaint that occurred on 9/21/2018 at approximately 0820 hours. The school bus driver reported that a driver intentionally drove through the school bus stop arm while it was deployed and red lights flashing. The complainant also stated there were children actively getting onto the bus at the time of the infraction. The driver was unable to get the correct license plate of the suspect vehicle but described the vehicle as a light blue Dodge Caliber. TRAFFIC – DAR/NO INSURANCE 09/22/18, 1256 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop for expired registration near southbound 35E and Lone Oak Road. Upon investigation it was found that the owner, who was also the driver, did not have any insurance on the vehicle. The owner was cited and the vehicle was towed. PROPERTY DAMAGE – 13XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL 9/23/18, 1816 HOURS Officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of Sibley Memorial Highway on a report of damage to property. Officer arrived and spoke to the victim who stated his car was keyed and believes it occurred while he was parked between 1630-1810 hours. Victim had no suspect information. Officer took a report for insurance purposes. ILLEGAL DUMPING - 7XX WENTWORTH AVE 09/23/2033 HOURS While on routine patrol of a city park in the 700 block of Wentworth Avenue, observed two chairs that had been illegally dumped in the park. No suspect information. Mendota Heights Public Works notified and requested for pickup. 4 CURFEW VIOLATION – 7XX MENDOTA HTS RD 09/24/18, 0030 HOURS Officer observed a vehicle parked at closed school on the 700 block of Mendota Heights Road. Upon investigation, the officer discovered an Uber driver had just dropped off three juveniles. The juveniles stated they came to the school to meet up with another friend and go to their house. Officer contacted each juvenile’s parents who came and picked their children up. Officer cited each juvenile for curfew violation. MISSING PERSON – 5XX HUBER DR 09/24/18, 0229 HOURS Mother called to report daughter missing. Daughter was here visiting from out -of-town and was not responding to calls or texts. Person entered into NCIC. Female party ultimately located thru friends. Case closed. FOUND PROPERTY – 1XXX PARK CIRCLE 09/24/18, 0850 HOURS Party responded to lobby to report and turn in found property near Wentworth Park. A possible owner was ultimately identified, confirmed and later reunited with property. Case closed. TRAILER THEFT – HWY 62/DODD RD 09/24/18, 1045 HOURS Officers took a phone report of a trailer that had been stolen from the intersection of Hwy 62 and Dodd Rd. The reporting party had already recovered the trailer but entrance was gained to the cargo area earlier that morning. Report made. FOUND PROPERTY – DODD RD/WENTWORTH AVE 09/24/18, 1247 HOURS Responded to MHPD concerning found property. A wallet was located near Dodd and Wentworth; identifications were located inside. Owner was located and all property was returned. 4TH DEG DWI – MENDOTA HTS RD/NORTHLAND DR 09/25/18, 0152 HOURS Officer was flagged down while driving and told about an erratic driver near the intersection of Mendota Heights Road and Northland Drive. The vehicle was followed and stopped after negative driving conduct was observed. The driver admitted to drinking and was put through field sobriety testing. The driver was arrested for DWI. FOUND PROPERTY – BRIDGEVIEW CT/MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 09/25/18, 0832 HOURS Responded to MHPD concerning found property. A cell phone was located by a resident near Bridgeview Ct and Mendota Heights Rd. The phone had been dropped off to staff. The phone has a security lock and cannot be accessed. I contacted T-Mobile but they would not provide any further assistance. AUTO THEFT - 23XX LEXINGTON AVE S 09/25/18, 1202 HOURS Officers responded to the 2300 block of Lexington Ave on reports of a theft of a vehicle from a garage. Upon arrival the reporting party stated that his vehicle was stolen from the garage sometime between yesterday and today. The keys and garage door opener were stolen a few days prior. Report was written and vehicle was entered as stolen. 5 DANCO VIOLATION – 1XXX DAKOTA DR 09/25/18, 1253 HOURS Reporting party in the lobby provided information on a violation of a domestic abuse no contact order from the 1000 block of Dakota Drive. Officers published a KOPS alert to surrounding agencies. Report made. 5TH DEG DRUGS – 2XXX DELAWARE AVE 09/25/18, 2346 HOURS Officer performed a traffic stop on a speeding motorist. The driver and passenger admitted to smoking marijuana and showed officers the drugs they were currently smoking. A vehicle search was conducted and a larger amount of individual bags of marijuana were found and seized. The driver admitted to selling marijuana. Forwarded to the Dakota County Attorney’s Office/Drug Task Force. THEFT – 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE S 09/26/1203 HOURS Officer took a theft report that occurred at the 2100 block of Lexington Ave. Party said that flower vases have been taken from his family’s monument. No suspects known. Party also said that there may be more vases missing from other sites. Case status inactive. THEFT FROM AUTO – 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 09/26/18, 1620 HOURS Officer responded to the 1300 block of Highway 13 on a call of a theft from motor vehicle. Report taken, no suspects at this time. BURGLARY – 2XXX COPPERFIELD DR 09/26/18, 2042 HOURS Officer responded to the 2200 block of Copperfield Drive on a report of some items stolen from an attached garage, including two sets of golf clubs. No suspects at this time. ACCIDENT – 7XX SOUTH PLAZA DR 09/27/18, 1406 HOURS Officer responded to a two vehicle accident. No injuries reported, minor damage to one vehicle. Parties exchanged information. Report only. 6 09/21 – 09/27 2018 YTD Calls for Service 248 9,193 Citations 40 1,455 Warnings 62 1,662 Police Reports 25 831 Response Time Average 5.50 6.61 Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: https://www.raidsonline.com 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are going out of town or on vacation, you can notify MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away. The House Check Request online form is available on our website; you can complete a form found in our lobby, or simply give us a call and we’ll help you out. MHPD offers Car Seat Safety Checks. SERVICE TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE Please visit the MN DPS for more information on child passenger safety and for a list of locations to get a car seat safety check. MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication. Questions/Comments? Email us at: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com HAVE A SAFE WEEK! National Railroad Safety Week Sept 23rd—Sept 29th Approximately every three hours in the U.S., a person or vehicle is hit by a train. Know your signals and signs: passive: Signs that alert motorists that they are approaching a highway-rail grade crossing. active: Electronic devices that warn the motorist of the approach, or presence, of rail traffic at grade crossings. CLICK HERE to see types of railway signs. *95% of all rail-related deaths involve drivers going through a crossing or a person on the tracks *Pedestrians who choose to walk or play around railroad tracks are trespassing on private property and could be fined, seriously injured or killed. ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Interested in scheduling a FREE highway-rail safety presentation? Contact your local Operation Lifesaver Volunteer today!