2018-11-02 Friday NewsSolar Energy in Action
Did you know that the City of Mendota Heights has several buildings using solar energy? Find out
more by viewing the Insight 7 story “Mendota Heights Energized”:
http://townsquaretv.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=11564 .
Halloween Bonfire a Boo-tiful Night!
Thank you to all who attended the Halloween Bonfire community event on October 31. Special
thanks to Paster Properties for donating the site, LCS Metal Stamping of Mendota Heights and
former Public Works employee George Nowack for donating oak pallets, firefighter John Mendez
and Ball Park hot dogs for coordinating and supplying the food, and other firefighters and city staff
for their assistance with the event.
7 NOV
NOV
November 2, 2018
FRIDAY NEWS
from the City of Mendota Heights
13
NOV 19
Public 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.
There will be a Planning Commission Workshop regarding the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Update at 4:00 pm on Monday, November 19.
Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve | www.mendota-heights.com | 651.452.1850 | Hours: 8:00 am—4:30 pm
Do you know where to
vote on Tuesday?
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.
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—Tax
Increment Financing & Michael
Development | 6:00 pm
City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm
Nov 12
City Hall & Public Works Closed
Nov 13
Joint Parks & Recreation Comm &
City Council Meeting | 6:00 pm
Nov 14
Airport Relations Comm Meeting |
7:00 pm
Nov 19
Plan Comm Workshop | 4:00 pm
Nov 20
City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm
Nov 22
City Hall & Public Works Closed
Nov 23
City Hall Closed (Public Works
Open)
Stay Connected:
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsMN
Facebook.com/
MHParksandRec
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsPD
Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights
Twitter.com/
@mheightsPD
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.
Sat 11/3
1:00 AM
Mon 11/5
5:00 PM
Direct Balloting Underway
Direct balloting allows residents to feed their ballots through
the ballot counter just like on Election Day. The process began
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.
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
Own a Piece of History...Highway 110 Signs
Sign-up to request purchase of a Hwy 110 Sign
In August, MnDOT changed the names of Highway 110 to Highway 62. The reason
for this change was to minimize diver confusion to, and from, the MSP airport. The
Highway will be dual named as Highway 110/62 for one year. As the Old Highway
110 signs are removed next summer, residents may purchase one of the
approximately 20 signs that will be available. If more than 20 people are interested
in the signs, names will be drawn randomly.
To request a sign: Contact the Oakdale Sign Shop via email: metsignshop.dot@state.mn.us. Signs are
approximately 24”x30” in size and will cost $1.50/SF. The sign will need to be
picked up in Oakdale.
LMR WMO Meeting Notice
The Lower Mississippi River
Watershed Management Organization
Board of Managers will meet on
Wednesday, November 14 at 3:00 pm
Veterans Memorial Comm. Center
Community Room 1 8055 Barbara Ave
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
For agenda and meeting materials visit: www.dakotaswcd.org/watersheds/
lowermisswmo/
Election Night Results
The fastest way to get election results on Tuesday evening will be to go to the
Dakota County website https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/. Dakota County will post
the results of individual precincts when the votes for that precinct have been
tallied.
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.
Upcoming Meetings:
November 19 | 4:00 pm | Planning Commission Workshop
November 27 | 7:00 pm | Planning Commission Meeting
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
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
The Mendota Heights Par 3 is
closed for the season.
7,915 rounds of golf were enjoyed by our
community. Thank you for a terrific year!
* * REGISTER TODAY * *
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
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
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
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.
Shred Event Recap
Thank you to all who participated in the
community paper shred event on October 20.
Despite the cold, 246 vehicles dropped off a
total of 9,270 pounds of paper.
Recycle Your Pumpkin
Saturday | Nov 3 | 1-3 pm
SSP High School Football Practice Field
Due to the forecast of rain on Saturday, the
pumpkins will not be catapulted. Pumpkins may
still be dropped off for recycling to be turned
into beneficial compost. For additional
information, contact Deb Griffith, Community
Affairs Liaison, at Deb.griffith@southstpaul.org
or 651.554.3230.
Fall is a Great Time for Buckthorn Removal
Buckthorn is an invasive,
non-native understory
tree that is often pruned
as a shrub. Fall is a great
time for removal, as
Buckthorn is easily
identified by its green
leaves well into late fall,
when other native
deciduous trees and
plants have gone dormant. Please visit the city website at: https://www.mendota-
heights.com/index.asp?SEC=987B4837-0CC1-4603-B5EE-6F0823ED35AC for more
information on Buckthorn identification and control methods. If you are unsure if
you have buckthorn on your property, please contact City Staff for a site visit and
proper identification. For more information: MN Department of Natural
Resources or Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician at: 651-255-
1123 or by Email: kristas@mendota-heights.com
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
NOVEMBER 02, 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
ONLINE DATING SCAMS
Millions of Americans use dating sites, social networking sites, and chat rooms to
meet people. And many forge successful relationships. But scammers also use
these sites to meet potential victims. They create fake profiles to initiate
relationships build trust and eventually convince people to send money in the
name of love. Some even make travel or wedding plans before disappearing with
the money. (Courtesy of FTC.GOV)
How to Recognize a Scam Artist
The relationship may not be what you think,
especially if your sweetheart:
wants to leave the dating site immediately
and use personal email or IM instead
claims love in a heartbeat
claims to be from the U.S., but is traveling or
working overseas
you never get to meet or talk face to face
plans to visit, but is suddenly prevented from coming by a traumatic event or a
bad business gone sour
What Can You Do?
You may lose your heart, but don’t lose your
shirt, too.
DO NOT wire money or gift cards to cover:
Travel, medical emergencies or hotel bills,
Hospital bills for a child or other relative,
Visas or other official documents,
or Losses from a temporary financial setback.
Don’t send money to tide someone over after a mugging or robbery, and don’t do
anyone a favor by picking up a package, making an online purchase or forwarding
a package to another country. One request leads to another, and delays and
disappointments will follow. In the end, the money will be gone along with the
person you thought you knew.
Report relationship scams to:
The Website it originated from
The Federal Trade Commission
The FBI’s Internet Crime
Complaint Center
econsumer.gov
2
FRAUD - 1XXX TWIN CIRCLE DR 10/26/18, 0919 HOURS
Victim walked into the police department to report fraudulent activity. Victim fell for an online scam to
process money orders. Victim cashed check from an online business, accepted pay and sent the rest to an
out of state address on three money orders.
THEFT - 2XXX HWY 55 10/26/18, 0935 HOURS
Officers conducted an operation involving fraud and theft. Two adults were arrested and the investigation
is ongoing.
DISTURBANCE - 7XX MOHICAN LANE 10/26/18, 1816 HOURS
Dispatched to a past action assault call that occurred on the 700 block of Mohican Ln. I contacted the
reporting party who stated that she was choked. I spoke with staff at the residence and gathered
information.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/26/18, 1910 HOURS
Officers called to the 1300 block of Sibley Memorial Highway for a reported theft from vehicle. The back
window of a car had been broken out and a briefcase was stolen. There was no available security footage
and no suspect information was available.
DRUGS - HWY 62/HWY 35E 10/26/18, 1938 HOURS
A traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle for a traffic violation near the intersection of Highway 62 and
interstate 35E. The occupants were removed for suspected drug activity. One of the occupants had a large
amount of marijuana on his person and was arrested. His parents were called to pick him up from the
Police Department.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/26/18, 1938 HOURS
Dispatched to a theft from motor vehicle at the 1300 block of Sibley Memorial Hwy. The reporting parties
vehicle window was smashed and items were taken. No suspects.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/26/18, 1955 HOURS
Dispatched to a theft from motor vehicle at the 1300 block of Sibley Memorial Hwy. The reporting party
stated that his passenger side rear window had been broken and items had been taken from his vehicle.
RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE - 35E/HWY 13 10/27/18, 1454 HOURS
Officers stopped to check on a vehicle parked at the intersection of Highway 13 and Highway 35E. While
checking the vehicle it returned as a stolen. Vehicle was towed by Southeast Towing.
3
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 1XXX MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD 10/28/18, 1453 HOURS
Responded to the 1300 block of Mendota Heights Rd concerning a theft from vehicle. Owner was out of
town and a co-worker contacted her about the damage to her vehicle window. I spoke with the owner and
determined a designer bag with paper records inside were taken. No suspects or witnesses.
ASSAULT - 7XX MAIN STREET 10/28/18, 1830 HOURS
Dispatched to a fight in progress at location. The reporting party stated that a customer and employee
were physically fighting. Officers arrived and the two suspects were already separated. Gathered
information and a report and a citation was written.
THEFT - DODD RD/IVY FALLS 10/29/18, 0743 HOURS
Officer took a theft report near the intersection of Dodd and Ivy Falls. A construction trailer had been
broken into and several items taken. No suspects known. Data bases being checked for items being sold.
Case status inactive.
FRAUD - 1XXX SUTTON LANE 10/29/18, 0857 HOURS
Officer dispatched to take a fraud report from the 1700 block of Sutton Lane over the phone. Report taken
and information on identity theft provided.
FRAUD - 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/29/18, 0943 HOURS
Officer took a report of identity theft that took place near the 1100 block of Sibley Memorial Highway. The
reporting party was notified of fraudulent activity on a credit card. He reported it to the FTC. They
investigated and found him not at fault and refunded the money lost.
FRAUD - 1XX STONEBRIDGE RD 10/29/18, 1342 HOURS
Officer took a report of fraud from the 100 block of Stonebridge Road. Reporting parties credit card was
used at a local retailer. Followed up with the store and no receipt of the transaction was found. Credit card
company is reimbursing reporting party.
DWI - HWY 62/DELAWARE AVE 10/29/18, 2137 HOURS
Officer heard the State Patrol air a driving complaint eastbound on Highway 62 from Highway 5. State
Patrol advised a 911 caller reported a female driver looked as if she was falling asleep behind the wheel.
The caller reported the vehicle looked like a blue Honda car. Officer located a vehicle that matched a
description and observed the driver swerving out of their lane. Officer initiated a traffic stop on Highway 62
and Delaware and spoke with the female driver. Officer could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages coming
from inside the vehicle and the driver admitted to drinking prior to driving. The officer conducted a
roadside field sobriety test and the driver blew a 0.097 BAC. The driver was arrested for Third Degree DWI
and booked and released into Dakota County Jail.
4
OFP - SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY/WACHTLER AVE 10/30/18, 2314 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop near the 700 block of Highway 13 for a speeding violation. Officer was
alerted the driver had an Order For Protection that had yet to be served to him. Officer served the driver
their notice and the driver signed the notification without incident.
VEHICLE THEFT - 1XXX COMMERCE DR 10/31/18, 1001 HOURS
Officers responded to the 1400 block of Commerce Dr on reports of a trailer theft. Trailer was stolen over
the weekend and was noticed today. Officers waiting for further information to enter it as stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 1XXX LILYDALE RD 10/31/18, 1238 HOURS
Responded to the 1600 block of Lilydale Rd concerning a vandalism. Reporting party had parked his vehicle
in the parking lot and went for a walk. When he returned, the vehicle's passenger side front door window
was shattered. A white mini-van with unknown male or model was observed leaving the area. Unknown if
related. No suspects. Items were later determined to be missing from the vehicle.
CAR VS DEER—WACHTLER AV/EMERSON AV 11/01/18, 1101 HOURS
Officers responded to the intersection of Wachtler Ave and Emerson Ave on reports of a deer struck by a
car. RP was not involved in the accident but wanted to claim the meat. RP was issued deer tag number
447624 and took possession of the deer.
THEFT—700 MAIN ST 11/01/18, 1807 HOURS
Dispatched to a theft at the 700 block of Main St. The reporting party stated that a male took her laptop off
of the table she was sitting at and ran out of the store. The reporting party said that the male got into a
vehicle and drove off. Gathered information and report written.
HAVE A SAFE WEEK!
5
6
10/26 – 11/01 2018 YTD
Calls for Service 230 10,505
Police Reports 29 963
Citations 34 1647
Warnings 34 1900
Response Time Average 4.84 6.44
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
SET YOUR
CLOCKS BACK
ONE HOUR
BEFORE YOU
GO TO BED
SATURDAY
NIGHT.
One more hour
of extra