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2018-10-26 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. The Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 13 at 6:30 pm has been changed to a joint Parks & Recreation Commission/City Council Meeting. This joint meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 13 at 6:00 pm. Community Event October 31 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm 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! Preparing for Election Day Mendota Heights election judges were preparing for the November 6 General Election by participating in Poll Pad training at City Hall. Poll Pad made its debut at the state primary in September. With a state grant, Dakota County and the City of Mendota Heights purchased poll books to assist with the check-in process and registering new voters at the polls. This new process streamlines voting at the polls, making it faster to check in through time-saving features, including: elimination of paper rosters, universal line registration/check in instead of separate lines based on last name, and a drivers license scanning feature when registering allowing automatic data transfer versus the election judge manually entering a drivers license number. The poll pads are only used for voter check-ins. Ballots are still cast on paper and inserted into the tabulator machine. Several election judges commented on how easy the poll books are to use. The poll books will drastically cut down on clerical errors and make the election judges’ work easier and more accurate. 7 NOV NOV 13 Upcoming Public Meeting Dates: Nov 3 City Hall Open for Absentee Voting 10:00 am-3:00 pm Nov 5 City Hall Open for Absentee Voting 8:00 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 Nov 13 Joint Parks & Recreation Comm & City Council Meeting | 6:00 pm Nov 14 Airport Relations Comm Meeting | 7:00 pm October 26, 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 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. Thurs 11/1 1:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 8:00 PM Fri 11/2 5:00 PM, 11:00 PM Mon 10/29 1:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 8:00 PM Wed 10/31 5:00 PM Sat 10/27 11:00 PM Sun 10/28 2:00 PM 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 5. 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 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: 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 Last Chance for Par 3 Fun! The Mendota Heights Par 3 will close for the season on October 31. 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. If you have any questions on the proposed comprehensive plan update or 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 Catapult Your Pumpkin 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. From the Archives Enjoy a blast from the past with this gem of a photo from the 1970’s or 1980’s. Watch for more classic photos in upcoming Friday News issues! 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 com- postable 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 ** No stumps ** | FREE disposal Upcoming Recycling Events Recycling 101 Presentation November 15 | 6:30 pm -7:30 pm 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. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department OCTOBER 26, 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 On average, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other night of the year. How it may be “cool” to be dark and spooky, they are also very hard for drivers and other people to see you. Get your costumes glowing! Add reﬂecƟve tape to your costumes and carry ﬂashlights and/or glow sƟcks to make sure your kids can see and be seen. Halloween Candy Safety Tips: Wait unƟl children are home to sort and check candy with an adult. Throw candy with: An unusual appearance or discoloraƟon. Tiny pinholes or tears in wrappers. Spoiled or unwrapped items. Homemade goods unless you personally know them. When in doubt, throw it out! QuesƟons about possible tainted candy, please contact: POISON CONTROL CENTER 1.800.222.1222 Walk Safely: Cross at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look leŌ, right and leŌ again. Use sidewalks. Watch for cars turning or backing up. Drive Safely: Watch out for kids crossing mid‐block. Slow down and be especially alert. Keep phones and radios down so you are not distracted. Children under the age of 12 should be supervised by an adult. 5:30pm‐9:30pm Trick‐or‐TreaƟng Typical Hours 2 VEHICLE THEFT ‐ 5XX WATERSEDGE TERRACE 10/19/18, 0834 HOURS Officer took a stolen vehicle report from the 500 block of Watersedge Terrace. Vehicle was locked in the driveway. Other personal items were in the vehicle. No suspects known. Spare set of keys for the vehicle could be with it. Vehicle entered as stolen. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY ‐ 1XXX STRATFORD RD 10/19/18, 1409 HOURS Officer took a report of past acƟon burglary in the 1000 block of Straƞord Rd. ReporƟng party's house was burglarized in 2013. She recently noƟced pry marks on a window. No entry into the house was made. Party does not know when it happened. No suspects known. Photos of the damage taken. Case status, inacƟve. RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE ‐ 2XXX FIELD STONE COURT 10/19/18, 1821 HOURS Officer dispatched to a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a residence in the 2300 block of Field Stone Court. The vehicle was found to be stolen out of Saint Paul. Saint Paul police noƟﬁed and the vehicle was towed. RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE ‐ 2XXX FIELD STONE COURT 10/19/18, 1821 HOURS Officer dispatched to a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a residence in the 2300 block of Field Stone Court. The vehicle was found to be stolen out of Saint Paul. Saint Paul police noƟﬁed and the vehicle was towed. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY ‐ 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/19/18, 2158 HOURS Officers responded to the 900 block of Sibley Memorial Highway for a report of a domesƟc. AŌer speaking with all parƟes involved, it was determined that an assault took place in a residence in Saint Paul. Saint Paul Police responded to the scene. DWI ‐ 8XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/20/18, 0010 HOURS Officer observed a vehicle commit several moving violaƟons on the 900 block of Highway 13. Officer conducted a traffic stop and could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admiƩed to drinking prior to driving. AŌer conducƟng ﬁeld sobriety test, the driver blew a roadside PBT of 0.134 and was arrested for DWI. The driver later refused the breath test and was charged for 3rd Degree DWI Refusal. The driver was booked and released into the Dakota County Jail. DANGEROUS DOG ‐ 1XXX SOMERSET COURT 10/20/18, 1923 HOURS Officer responded to a report of a dog bite that occurred earlier in the day. AŌer speaking with the vicƟm and dog’s owner, it was determined that the dog is potenƟally dangerous and will be designated as such. HIT & RUN ACCIDENT ‐ 5XX ANNAPOLIS ST W 10/21/18, 0030 HOURS Officer took a phone call from an adult female whose car had been involved in a hit and run accident in the 500 block of Annapolis Street West. Report taken, no suspects at this Ɵme. 3 DWI ‐ 35E N/HWY 62 10/21/18, 0228 HOURS Officer iniƟated a traffic stop on Interstate 35E and Highway 13. The driver was slow to stop and ulƟmately stopped at 7th Street and Interstate 35E in Saint Paul. AŌer conducƟng ﬁeld sobriety tests, it was found that the adult female driver was under the inﬂuence of alcohol and was placed under arrest. She took the DMT test and was booked into Dakota County Jail. BURGLARY ‐ 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE 10/21/18, 1333 HOURS Responded to the 2400 block of Lexington Ave on report of a burglary. Resident returned home to ﬁnd the TV was missing. No forced entry because the key was lost at a bar last night. BURGLARY ‐ 8XX BLUFF CIRCLE 10/22/18, 0817 HOURS Responded to the 800 block of Bluff Circle concerning an aŌer the fact burglary report. Suspects entered unlocked vehicle and residence. Items were taken from both locaƟons. Pending invesƟgaƟon. ABANDONED VEHICLE ‐ LILYDALE RD/HWY 13 10/22/18, 0955 HOURS Responded to the area of Hwy 13 and Lilydale Rd concerning an abandoned vehicle that possibly was against a guardrail. The vehicle was located unoccupied with very light damage and no damage to the guardrail. Driver/owner contacted. Vehicle towed due to hazard. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY ‐ 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/22/18, 1806 HOURS Officers responded to the 1300 block of Highway 13 on reports of damage to property. Upon arrival a window had been broken on a vehicle but nothing was taken. THEFT ‐ 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/22/18, 1927 HOURS Officers responded to the 1400 block of Highway 13 on reports of a theŌ from vehicle. Upon arrival officers spoke with a vicƟm who had a window broken and work items stolen from her vehicle. THEFT ‐ 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/22/18, 1930 HOURS Officers responded to the report of a theŌ from vehicle on the 1300 block of Highway 13. Personal belongings were stolen from the vehicle. DRUGS ‐ 9XX WILLIAMS COURT 10/22/18, 2105 HOURS Officers were called to the 900 block of Williams Court for a suspicious vehicle. On arrival, probable cause for a vehicle search was found and narcoƟcs and paraphernalia were found. The driver was arrested for ﬁŌh degree possession of a controlled substance and booked into Dakota County Jail. RUNAWAY ‐ 1XXX KENDON LANE 10/22/18, 2228 HOURS Officers responded to the 1300 block of Kendon Ln on reports of a runaway child from a residence. Officer took a report and entered the child as missing. During a search of the area the child returned home. 4 THEFT ‐ 1XXX WEST CIRCLE COURT 10/23/18, 0914 HOURS Responded to the 1000 block of West Circle Ct concerning an aŌer the fact theŌ from an unlocked detached shed. It occurred someƟme in the past several days. No suspects or witnesses. THEFT ‐ 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/23/18, 1022 HOURS Responded to the 900 block of Hwy 13 concerning an aŌer the fact theŌ of catalyƟc converters from business vehicles. The items were stolen in the past 3‐4 weeks. No suspects or witnesses. POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA ‐ 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 10/23/18, 1036 HOURS Responded to the 1800 block of Delaware Avenue on a report of a juvenile in possession of a small amount of marijuana. The juvenile was released to their parent with a citaƟon. FOUND PROPERTY ‐ 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/23/18, 1209 HOURS Customer at a bar/restaurant in the 1300 block of Hwy 13 turned in some property (MN DL, two debit cards and two insurance cards). The property was located in the parking lot to the south of the bar/restaurant. I was able to contact the owner, she will be stopping in to pick up the property. The property was stolen from her car in south Minneapolis on 10‐22‐2018. JUVENILE TOBACCO ‐ 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 10/23/18, 1404 HOURS Responded to locaƟon on a report of a juvenile in possession of an electronic nicoƟne delivery device. The device was seized, photographed and destroyed. The juvenile was issued a citaƟon for the offense. JUVENILE TOBACCO ‐ 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 10/23/18, 1445 HOURS Responded to locaƟon on a report of a juvenile in possession of an electronic nicoƟne delivery device. The device was seized, photographed and destroyed. A citaƟon was issued for the offense. DISTURBANCE ‐ 2XXX AZTEC LANE 10/24/18, 2013 HOURS Officers were dispatched to the 2100 block of Aztec for a violaƟon of a no contact order. Both parƟes believed there was an order in place, but neither had copies of the order. Officers were unable to ﬁnd a copy in their records. DISTURBANCE ‐ HWY 62/LEXINGTON AVE 10/25/18, 0108 HOURS Officers were requested to assist Dakota County Park Reserve on a vehicle that was in the middle of the road. A male party was ulƟmately turned over to Ramsey County Detox. HAVE A SAFE WEEK! 5 6 B ELIEVING VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT “WHY DID SHE WAIT SO LONG TO REPORT IT?” There are many reasons why victims of abuse or assault delay reporting the incident, including: FEAR—for their safety and/or their children’s safety. TRAUMA—It takes time to process what hap- pened, especially if trust has been breached by someone who is supposed to love you. DOUBT—due to various social exposures, they may not think it’s abuse, and while it might not feel healthy, they doubt it’s criminal. JUDGEMENT—Let’s face it—responses to such allegations inspire a variety of responses, many of which are un- kind and thoughtless. When it’s reported is not as important as the reporting itself. Be there by listening, believing and supporting. 10/19 – 10/25 2018 YTD Calls for Service 247 10,249 Police Reports 29 933 Citations 42 1,611 Warnings 63 1,869 Response Time Average 4.88 6.48 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 narcotics 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. Questions/Comments? Email us at: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366. Need Public Safety Response? Call 911