2018-10-19 Friday NewsPublic Meeting Announcements
The City Council Workshop to discuss an anticipated request for Tax Increment
Financing assistance for Senior Housing at the Michael Development (Larson
Greenhouse Property) is rescheduled for Wednesday, November 7 at 6:00 p.m.
Community Event
October 31 | 7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Vacant lot behind Mendota Plaza
Gather your family, friends, and neighbors for this
annual event hosted by Mendota Heights firefighters!
Hot dogs and pop will be provided. 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 options on page 4. Thank you to Paster Properties for the use of the bonfire site again
this year!
Recycling 101 Presentation
November 15 | 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Dakota Lodge at Thompson County Park
1200 Stassen Lane, West Saint Paul
In celebration of America Recycles Day, Recycling
Coordinator Cassandra Schueller invites attendees of all
ages to learn about the:
Basics of recycling
What items can and cannot be recycled
What happens after your recycling leaves your curb
Answers to your recycling questions
This is a FREE event—no registration required.
2020 Census—Job Opportunities
The United States Census Bureau is now hiring
Recruiting Assistants for the 2020 Census.
Informational fliers can be found on the City’s
website at: https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?
SEC=7C35E4A1-2207-41B6-8565-
84AB5DC7C90A&DE=BC90A169-A507-4A3F-A8E3-
4377C0F4BE3E
7 NOV
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates:
Oct 23
Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00 pm
Nov 3
City Hall Open for Absentee Voting
10:00 am-3:00 pm
Nov 5
City Hall Open for Absentee Voting
8:30 am-5:00 pm
Nov 6
General Election—Polling locations
open | 7:00 am-8:00 pm
Nov 7
City Council Workshop—Michael
Development | 6:00 pm
City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm
October 19, 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
Stay Connected:
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsMN
Facebook.com/
MHParksandRec
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsPD
Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights
Twitter.com/
@mheightsPD
Absentee Voting
All voters may vote by absentee ballot if they choose to do so.
Absentee voting began September 21st and can be done in
person at the Mendota Heights City Hall or by mail. You can
also apply for your absentee ballot online, at www.mnvotes.org,
and the ballot will then be mailed to you.
Direct Balloting Begins
Direct balloting allows residents to feed their ballots through the ballot
counter just like on Election Day. The process begins on Tuesday,
Oct. 30 and is more streamlined than requiring the use of absentee
ballot envelopes.
To vote early via direct balloting, voters must complete an absentee ballot
application and vote in person during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday) at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
Extended hours for direct balloting will be offered on Saturday, November 3 from
10:00 am to 3:00 pm and until 5:00 pm Monday, November 5th.
Friday News is Available
to Subscribe to Online
If you know of someone interested in
Friday News, they may subscribe
online at www.mendota-heights.com.
Go to Our City/City Publications/
Subscribe to Friday News, or use the
following link: https://www.mendota-heights.com/
index.asp?SEC=E609C941-AC5B-4515
-AEBF-0702A6E5D5C4
For subscription removals or other
questions, please email Communications
Coordinator Sharon Deziel at
sharond@mendota-heights.com.
30 OCT
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
Check Your Precinct
Before Going to the Polls
Polls are open 7 am - 8 pm on Tuesday, November 6
Before you go to your polling place on Election Day, take a moment
to make sure you know your correct polling location. This map
shows all the precinct boundaries and polling locations in Mendota
Heights. You can also type in your address on the Minnesota
Secretary of State’s Polling Place Finder at
https://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/ to get your detailed polling place
information (including map & directions) and a sample ballot for
your precinct.
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=11376
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:
Please check their website for replay times.
All forums will be available throughout election season on demand at
www.townsquare.tv. Please call 651.451.7834 for more information.
The City of Mendota Heights is Accepting
Seasonal Employment Applications
Skating Instructor,
Warming House/Rink
Attendants, and Rink Flooder
For information and application in-
structions, please visit:
https://www.mendota-
heights.com/employment
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 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.
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
Superhero Masquerade | Nov. 11 | 3-5 pm
Dress as your favorite superhero, and enjoy crafts,
games, activities, dancing, and refreshments. Register
early-space is limited.
Thompson County Park—Dakota Lodge
Cost: $20 per child | Ages 12 and under
Winter Break—Youth Field Trips
Drkula's Bowling & Movie | Dec. 27 | 9:30-4 pm
Interactive bowling followed by the movie “Mary
Poppins Returns” at the AMC Theater.
Cost: $25 per child | Ages: 6-13
Big Thrill Factory & Swimming
Dec. 28 | 9:30-3:15 pm
Spend the morning at the ultimate entertainment venue
Big Thrill Factory in Oakdale followed by swimming at
Central Square Community Center.
Cost: $30 per child | Ages: 6-13
Flag Football Camp | Dec. 26 & 27
Learn the rules of flag football while working on team
play and sportsmanship through skill development and
games.
Cost: $45 per player | Ages 6-12
West Saint Paul Dome | 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Learn to Skate Youth Program | Jan. 5 - Feb. 2
A 5-week program offering Parent & Tot, Beginner 1,
Beginner 2, and Intermediate/Freestyle sessions.
Cost: $35 | Ages: 3 and up
Sat. mornings | Friendly Hills Outdoor Rink
* * WINTER REGISTRATION IS OPEN * *
Registration & additional info:
www.mendotaheights.revtrak.net
or register in person at City Hall
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
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
Upcoming Recycling Events
Catapult Your Pumpkin
Recycling Event
Saturday | November 3 | 1-3 pm
SSP High School Football Practice Field
Kaposia Blvd.
The South St. Paul Mayor's Youth Task and Farmers Insurance (Burns,
Wards and Burns) has teamed up to turn your pumpkins into beneficial
compost. For a monetary or non-perishable 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 benefitting Neighbors, Inc. This
event is free to attend. If you prefer to simply recycle your pumpkin,
drop it off during event hours. For additional information, contact Deb
Griffith, Community Affairs Liaison, at Deb.griffith@southstpaul.org or
651.554.3230.
To chill or not to chill?
Properly storing food can reduce waste
Tomatoes should not be stored in the refrigerator
unless cut. Whole and ripe tomatoes can stay fresh up
to three days at room temperature, and if cut or
nearing overripe from two to three days in the
refrigerator.
Optimal Storage: Do not wash them until ready to use. Store fresh
tomatoes on the counter away from direct sunlight, with the stem end
up. Storing them on their sides will cause bruising. Refrigeration can
cause loss of sweetness and texture, but is an option to add a few days
of life if nearing overripe; cut tomatoes should be refrigerated. If
refrigerating, store in their original container or in a breathable bag in
the low-humidity drawer. Allow them to come to room temperature
before eating for best flavor.
Learn more on how to store food properly to extend its shelf life at
www.savethefood.com.
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
OCTOBER 19, 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
We, all of us, should
not stop until society
has zero tolerance
for domestic violence
& until all victims &
survivors are heard.
Awareness is important, but without support and
action, we simply become “Slacktivists” or passive
awareness raisers. What can YOU do to help win this
fight for those who need to escape the trauma of
emotional and physical abuse?
GO TO THESE WEBSITES TO
FIND WAYS TO HELP LOCALLY
AND NATIONALLY!
2
DWI—DODD/MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 10/13/18, 0415 HOURS
Officers saw a car parked in the northbound lane of Dodd near Mendota Heights Road facing southbound
with a sleeping driver at the wheel. Officers woke the driver and found her to be intoxicated. After
performing standard field sobriety tests, the driver was arrested for DWI.
THEFT FROM AUTO—7XX PONTIAC PL 10/13/18, 1018 HOURS
Victim in the 700 block of Pontiac Pl reported a theft. Overnight someone entered his unlocked vehicle and
stole some of his property. Victim did not have a serial number for the property that was taken. Case
Status: Inactive
DWI/WEAPON—35E/I-494 10/14/18, 0400 HOURS
Officer performed a traffic stop on a vehicle driving at night with no headlights on 35E near 494. The driver
was put through field sobriety tests and arrested for DWI. He provided a false name to police and a
handgun was found in his possession. During investigation suspect was found to be a felon, so he was
charged with felon in possession of a handgun as well. Forwarded to investigations.
THEFT FROM AUTO—19XX WARRIOR DR 10/15/18, 0830 HOURS
Responded to the 1900 block of Warrior Drive on a report of an after the fact theft from motor vehicle.
Subsequent investigation led to the identification of a juvenile suspect and some property being recovered.
Case forwarded to the County Attorney for charging consideration.
ACCIDENT—35E/I-494 10/16/18, 0715 HOURS
Officer responded to a two vehicle crash near the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Highway 13. An adult
female driver complained of neck pain and was transported to the hospital. Minor damage to both
vehicles. State crash form completed.
THEFT—1XXX ESTHER LN 10/16/18, 0715 HOURS
Dispatched to the 1000 block of Esther Ln on report of theft. Victim reported a friend took a brand new PS4
console while children were brought to school. Time of theft was between 0800 - 0900 today. Follow up
with suspect to retrieve property.
JUV/MARIJUANA IN MV—6XX MENDOTA HTS RD 10/16/18, 1145 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the 600 block of Mendota Road. The vehicle contained three
juveniles. One juvenile found to be in possession of tobacco and was cited. One juvenile was identified as a
suspect in a recent theft. Parents notified and juveniles and released to their custody.
3
DWI—SIBLEY MEMORIAL/MENDOTA HTS RD 10/16/18, 1820 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for swerving over the shoulder fog line. Officer could smell the
odor of alcoholic beverages coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to having a couple of
drinks prior to driving. Officer conducted roadside field sobriety test and administered a PBT to the driver.
The driver recorded a PBT of 0.084. The driver was placed under arrest and booked and released into the
Dakota County Jail for fourth degree DWI.
TS/CARELESS DRIVING—8XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/17/18, 0135 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for several moving violations on the 800 block of Highway 13.
Officer could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to
drinking prior to driving. The driver failed roadside field sobriety test and blew a preliminary PBT of 0.093.
The driver was taken to the Police Department for further testing where the driver later recorded a BAC of
0.07. The driver was issued a citation for Careless driving and released.
ASSIST OTHER AGENCY—HWY 62/HIAWATHA 10/17/18, 0923 HOURS
Assisted Eagan PD stopping a suspect in an OFP violation. Vehicle was stopped, male taken into custody,
and turned over to Eagan. Suspect was issued citation for DAS. Case Status: Referred to other agency.
FRAUD—1XXX MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 10/17/18, 0921 HOURS
Responded to the 1300 block of Mendota Heights Rd concerning a fraud report. The bank for this business
had contacted them regarding a check using the business name and their account information. Further
checking indicated the check was not authorized by the business. No loss at this time since the check was
declined by the bank. Pending investigation.
THEFT—7XX SOUTH PLAZA WAY 10/17/18, 1157 HOURS
Employee from a moving company had a back pack stolen from an apartment in the 700 block of South
Plaza Way. Suspect is a driver from Door Dash. Theft was caught on video, unable to get vehicle license
plate number. Investigation and follow up has been done, more to follow. Case Status: Pending
FOUND PROPERTY—SCENIC OVERLOOK 10/17/18, 1322 HOURS
Reporting party found a wallet at the Scenic Overlook. I was unable to locate a phone number for the
owner. It has been placed in property. Brown men’s wallet, two Visa cards, Target ID card, US Passport, and
$80 in twenties. Possible phone number located, message left for owner. The owner of the property has a
misdemeanor warrant.
IDENTITY THEFT—1XXX COMMERCE DR 10/18/18, 1038 HOURS
Employee at a business in the 1500 block of Commerce Dr. called to report identity theft. The victim had
been using his debit card in a vending machine. Victim believes his card was skimmed because there were
unauthorized charges on his account. Victim has reported the loss to his bank, has been reimbursed and
the business is aware of what happened. Case Status: Inactive
4
10/12 – 10/18 2018 YTD
Calls for Service 245 9964
Police Reports 20 905
Citations 49 1571
Warnings 47 1803
Response Time Average 6.21 6.53
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 Vacation/House Check Request online form is
available on our website; you can also complete a form
found in our lobby, or simply give us a call!
MHPD offers a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of
the PD where Dakota County residents can safely &
anonymously dispose of their prescription drug
medication. This program is mainly meant to keep nar-
cotics off the streets and dispose of medications in
environmentally sound ways.
** No needles/sharps. Visit the Green Guide for tips.
** Please visit the Dakota County Recycling Zone for
helpful resources for all safe disposal solutions.
Car Seat Checks—TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
Please visit the MN DPS for more information.
HAVE A SAFE WEEK!
If you've endured life with an
abusive partner or parent, it
is NOT your fault. Maybe
there were red flags and
maybe there weren't.
Most advocates would agree
abusers are cunning,
deceptfve and manipulatfve.
They can start out as the
most romantfc and
thoughtiul partners, gain
power and control by earning
a survivor's trust and then
slowly erode that trust
through emotfonal, verbal
and/or physical abuse.
Many survivors agree that
they can see some of those
early signs of abuse now,
looking back, but couldn’t
when the abuser first
appeared in their life.
Check out the warning signs
via the website above. If
your gut is telling you some-
thing is wrong or scary, talk
with someone who is trained
and can advise you. Seek
help and take steps to
protect yourself and your
family! If you see someone
you think is being abused,
seek resources on how to
help them thru it.
www.domesticshelters.org
Questions/Comments?
Email us at:
pdrecords@
mendota-heights.com
I T ’S NOT
YOUR FAULT !
www.domesticshelters.org
Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366.
Need Public Safety Response? Call 911