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2018-12-07 Friday NewsPublic Meeting Announcements There will be a Planning Commission Workshop regarding the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update and latest revisions at 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 13. Revisions will be on the city website as soon as they become available. There will be a Planning Commission Meeting at 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 20. DEC 20 13 December 7, 2018 from the City of Mendota Heights Upcoming Public Meeting Dates Dec 11 Parks/Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30 pm Dec 13 Planning Comm Workshop 2040 Comp Plan | 6:00 pm Dec 18 City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm Dec 20 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00 pm Dec 24 City Hall Closed (Public Works Open) Dec 25 City Hall & Public Works Closed Jan 1 City Hall & Public Works Closed 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 A Season of Giving City Hall is collecting non-perishable food items for Neighbors Inc. throughout the holiday season. Donations can be dropped into the collection bin located in the City Hall lobby. Especially needed are shelf-stable: pancake mix, instant potatoes, white rice, pasta sauce, canned meats, syrup, jelly, soup, shampoo, and deodorant. The Mendota Heights Police Department is collecting unwrapped gifts for A Place of Hope MN through December 12. Gifts for tweens/teens are especially needed. Collection bins are located in the lobbies of City Hall and the Police Department. Drop-off hours: M-F, 8:00 am-4:30 pm. DEC FRIDAY NEWS The City is Accepting Applications to fill Commission Vacancies Two openings will exist on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The terms will start in February 2019, and run for three years. The commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to city parks and recreational programs, establishes rules and regulations for the use, management and operation of the parks and recreational facilities, and prepares plans for the acquisition, development and improvement of the parks and recreational facilities. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month beginning at 6:30 pm. The Planning Commission will have one opening. The term will start in February 2019, and run for three years. The Planning Commission reviews applications on general matters of planning, zoning, development plans, transportation issues, and platting. The Planning Commission holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the City Council for formal action. The Planning Commission also plays a key role in comprehensive planning and amendments to the zoning code. The majority of this Commission’s work relates to conditional use permits, variances, critical area permits and wetlands permits for properties, which can range from simple accessory structures up to large development plans. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month beginning at 7:00 pm. If you or someone you know is interested in serving, please contact City Administrator Mark McNeill by calling 651.452.1850. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to City Administrator McNeill (markm@mendota-heights.com) no later than December 28, 2018. 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. From the Archives 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: December 13 | 6:00 pm | Planning Commission Workshop December 20 | 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. Smart Salting for our Surface Waters As we have already experienced, winter has arrived with a lot of cold, snow, and ice! Keeping our roads, walkways, and other paved surfaces safe for drivers and pedestrians during times of snow and ice are important. However, sometimes more de-icing salt is used than what is necessary. This can be harmful to our surface waters; including lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands, and the fish and wildlife that depend on them. Only ONE teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute FIVE GALLONS of water. You can help to reduce over-salting and protect our surface waters by doing the following:  Do not over-apply! Use only 4 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.  Use salt only when it will be affective. More salt does not mean less ice! Typical deicing salt is only affective at 15 degre es Fahrenheit and above.  Shovel! The sooner and more snow you remove, the less ice is formed, and the less salt is needed.  Choose a snow removal service that is certified by the MPCA in Level 1-Snow and Ice Control Best Practices.  Sweep up extra salt and reuse it! For more information on how you can help: Use de-icing salt sparingly to protect Minnesota waters Superhero Masquerade in Action Thank you to Insight 7 for capturing our superheroes in action at the November 11 event! View the story at: https:// vimeo.com/301635917. Nature Event for All Ages- Snowshoe/Hike with a Naturalist Jan. 12 | 1-2 pm Participants will hike or showshoe on the trails while learning more about nature! Free showshoe rentals are available, but children must be 10 years old to rent showshoes. The hike will take place at Dodge Nature Center. Cost: $7 per person. Program will run regardless of the temperature and weather. Snowshoeing will only happen if there is at least 6 inches of snow on the trails. If there is not enough snow, everyone will hike. Register at: www.mendotaheights.revtrak.net or in person at City Hall. Free Youth Event - Play Hockey with the MHPD! Blade with the Blue | Feb. 2 Join the Mendota Heights Police Department and Parks/Recreation for a fun day of recreational hockey skills and games. Participants will enjoy friendly challenges in: fastest skater, passing, shooting accuracy, and longest goal. After the challenges, team up with police officers for 3-on-3 hockey games. Children must provide their own equipment. Friendly Hills Outdoor Skating Rink 1:00-2:30 pm 6-9 year olds 2:30-4:00 pm 10-13 year olds Register at: www.mendotaheights.revtrak.net or in person at City Hall. Registration Open! Royal Ball | Feb. 10 | 3-5 pm Register today for the 4th Annual Royal Ball! There will be crafts, games, meet-and-greet with real princes and princesses, a DJ, refreshments, and dancing. Space fills quickly for this popular event! Cost: $20 per child Ages: 10 (4th grade) and under Concord Exchange Building, South Saint Paul Register at: www.mendotaheights.revtrak.net or in person at City Hall. Free Family Event Picture Perfect Movie Night | Feb. 9 | 6:30-8:30 pm Vote for Finding Dory, Incredibles 2, or The Lion King! The City of Mendota Heights and TriDistrict Community Educa- tion proudly present Picture Perfect - Family Movie Night! Bring some snacks and a blanket and get ready to enjoy a family-friendly movie on the big screen. All children under the age of 15 years old must be accompa- nied by an adult. This is a FREE event. Preregistration is not required, but greatly appreciated. Location: Henry Sibley High School Auditorium Register Online: www.tridistrict.ce.eleyo.com Vote for the movie at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe1Fa- niNtk_OjLVNari_lut8R_otEVSTyPhdAZW5v5-e0tjw/viewform Voting is open! Winter Break Fun! 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 Seasonal Employment Opportunities Skating Instructors and Rink Flooder For information and application instructions, please visit: https://www.mendota-heights.com/employment * * WINTER REGISTRATION IS OPEN * * Registration & additional info: www.mendotaheights.revtrak.net or register in person at City Hall Parks & Recreation Seasonal Safety Did you know?  One of every three Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.  You should recycle any holiday lights that show signs of fraying, bare wires or other wear.  If a home experiences a Christmas tree fire it is more likely to be fatal than other types of fires. Fire Prevention Safety Tips  Never block an exit with a Christmas tree.  Only use non-flammable decorations.  Keep trees away from heat vents and other heat sources.  Remove the tree from your home when the needles are brittle or begin to fall off.  Pick a tree stand that can hold the tree securely. The stand should hold enough water for two days. Source: Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division Fact Sheet, A Division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Holiday Lights Recycling Recycle your holiday lights, electrical, appliance and phone cords from November 15 through the end of January 2019 courtesy of Pro Act. Lights attached to wreaths, holly or trees must be removed first. Bring string lights and cords to City Hall and look for the collection bin in the front lobby. Holiday lights are also accepted year round at The Recycling Zone in Eagan. Cord adapters, battery packs, plastic rope lights and CFL lights are not accepted. For more information visit www.dakotacounty.us search Recyling Zone. Important Snow Reminders When it snows 2” or more, or there is a high probability of a 2” or more snowfall, city snowplows may go into action. To assist with the snow removal process and safety please take a moment to review the following reminders. Failure to comply with snowfall and general winter parking bans may result in a citation and/or towing. Learn more: https:// www.mendota-heights.com/streets. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe and operational! Snowfall Parking Ban: All vehicles must be removed from the street until roads are plowed curb-to-curb General Winter Parking Ban: No vehicle shall be parked on any public street from 2 am to 6 am, Nov. 1-March 31 Snow Event Reminders:  Place garbage cans/recycling carts behind the curb line on service day  Homeowners must remove snow/ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours after deposit  Stay at least 75 feet (four car lengths) behind snow removal/sanding equipment when driving 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department DECEMBER 07, 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 But how much jolly is too much jolly? Mendota Heights PD has seen an increase in jolly travelers throughout our city. Unfortunately for them, there were consequences and fortunately for surrounding travelers, no one was hurt. MN BAC Limit is 0.08% however you may be charged with DWI for a BAC of:  Less than 0.08%, depending on circumstances  0.04% if driving a commercial vehicle  Less than 0.08% if you are underage. Penalties  Receive misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or even felony charges.  Fines up to $3,000.  Driver’s license suspension.  Ignition interlock system.  Vehicle forfeiture.  Attorney Fees.  Jail time.  Serious injury or death. Think before you drink! I only had a couple drinks. My last drink was a few hours ago. Everyone absorbs and metabolizes alcohol at different rates and there are a lot of factors that affect BAC including gender, age, fatty tissue, weight, number of drinks, strength of drink and over how many hours. A BAC calculator could be used to estimate your BAC. You can find one by clicking HERE or, there are apps available on your smart phone. The obvious choice would be to simply not drink and drive. Nowadays there are a number of ride share apps as well as taxi services to accommodate your jolly adventure. 2 PD ACCIDENT - HWY 62/LEXINGTON AVE 11/30/18, 1450 HOURS Officer was dispatched to an accident involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle. No children were on the bus at the time and no injuries were reported. DWI - 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 12/01/18, 0137 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop at location for driving on the shoulder. The driver of the vehicle failed standardized field sobriety tests and completed the DMT. The driver was arrested and booked into Dakota County Jail for 4th degree DWI. DWI - 1XXX HWY 55 12/01/18, 0138 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a speeding violation, 82 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone on westbound Highway 62 near Highway 13. While speaking with the driver, the Officer could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from inside the vehicle. When asked, the driver stated she only had one glass of wine after work. Officer conducted a field sobriety test on the driver who presented multiple signs of impairment. Driver submitted to a PBT and recorded a BAC of 0.22. The driver was placed under arrest for 3rd Degree DWI. Driver was booked into the Dakota County Jail. TAMPER WITH MV - X SOMERSET RD 12/01/18, 1026 HOURS Officer took a theft from vehicle report from Somerset Road. Reporting parties vehicle was gone through and items were taken from inside. The vehicle was not damaged. No suspects known. Checking with pawn shops and local businesses for the stolen items. Case pending. PD ACCIDENT - DODD RD/EMERSON AVE 12/01/18, 1710 HOURS Officer responded to a two vehicle crash near the intersection of Dodd Road and Emerson Ave. No injuries reported. DWI - ANNAPOLIS ST/CHIPPEWA AVE 12/01/18, 2239 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on suspect vehicle for swerving and almost running off the road near Highway 13 and Downing Street. Officer could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from the driver's breath. Driver admitted to drinking two beers prior to driving. Officer conducted roadside field sobriety tests where the officer observed other signs of impairment. Suspect was administered a roadside PBT and recorded a BAC of 0.246. Driver was arrested and booked into the Dakota County Jail for Gross Misdemeanor 3rd Degree DWI. WARRANT/DRUGS - 35E/WAGON WHEEL TR 12/02/18, 0158 HOURS Officer initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 35E and Wagon Wheel Trail on a vehicle for a speeding violation. After speaking with the driver, the Officer discovered the driver was currently revoked and had a misdemeanor theft warrant. Officer arrested the driver for the warrant without incident. Upon searching the vehicle, the Officer located what is believed to be a small baggie of narcotics and paraphernalia. The driver was booked into the Dakota County Jail for the warrant. 3 AOA/PD ACCIDENT - CHARLTON ST/EDGEWOOD LN 12/02/18, 0434 HOURS Assisted West St. Paul PD with a property damage crash at the intersection of Charlton Street and Edgewood Drive. Vehicle one was southbound on Charlton Street making a left turn (EB) to Edgewood Drive when vehicle two was unable to stop due to icy road conditions, striking the rear of vehicle one. Both vehicles were drivable. No citations. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY - 1XXX CROWN POINT DR 12/02/18, 1015 HOURS Officer took a damage to property report from the 1900 block of Crown Point Drive. A shrub and holiday lights were damaged. Suspicious activity was observed but not reported a week earlier. No suspects known. Photos taken. Case status, inactive. DWI - LEXINGTON AVE/MARIE AVE 12/02/18, 2355 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the intersection of Lexington and Marie. Upon speaking with the driver, the Officer could smell the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to having drank before driving. Officer conducted a roadside field sobriety test on the driver. The driver refused to submit to a PBT and was placed under arrest for DWI. Driver was transported to the police department where the driver was offered another breath test. The driver again refused to take the breath test. Officer advised the driver he will be considered to have refused and was charged with Gross Misdemeanor DWI- Refusal. The driver was booked into the Dakota County Jail. FRAUD - 5XX POND VIEW DR 12/03/18, 0804 HOURS Responded to the MHPD lobby concerning a fraud report. Resident on the 500 block of Pond View Drive posted an ad for an item for sale. Interested party responded and subsequently tried to purchase the item in a fraudulent manner. Owner did not send item or have any loss. THEFT - 1XXX MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 12/04/18, 1421 HOURS Responded to the 1200 block of Mendota Heights Rd concerning an after the fact theft. A party had stole a light fixture left outside to be changed by a company. Pending further investigation. ASSAULT - 2XXX LOCKWOOD DR 12/04/18, 2149 HOURS Officers were called in reference to an assault that had taken place. The suspect was not able to provide a statement due to his state of intoxication. Case under investigation. THREATS - 6XX BUTLER AVE 12/05/18, 0855 HOURS Complainant came to the PD lobby to report threatening texts and emails in an attempt to extort $5500. Suspect is located in the Dominican Republic. Complainant has requested a report to provide to Dominican Republic authorities and to the U.S. Embassy. 4 PD ACCIDENT - MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD/PILOT KNOB RD 12/05/18, 1521 HOURS Officers responded to Mendota Heights Road and Pilot Knob Road on a report of a property damage hit and run accident. Unable to locate suspect. VEHICLE THEFT - 7XX HWY 62 12/05/18, 2157 HOURS Dispatched to the 700 block of Hwy 62 for a report of a stolen vehicle. The vehicle's keys were taken out of a jacket that was in an unsecure employee area of the business. The vehicle was entered into NCIC as stolen. RECOVERED VEHICLE - 7XX HWY 62 12/05/18, 2241 HOURS Dispatched to the 700 block of Highway 62 for a report of an abandoned stolen vehicle. An employee called to report a suspicious vehicle in the lot of the business. The vehicle came back stolen out of Bloomington. The vehicle was confirmed stolen. The vehicle was towed and Bloomington PD advised the RO. PD ACCIDENT - HWY 62/LEXINGTON AVE 12/06/18, 1105 HOURS Officer responded to a two vehicle accident at the intersection of Lexington Ave and Hwy 62. No injuries reported. 5 6 11/30 – 12/06 2018 YTD Calls for Service 170 11,604 Police Reports 26 1,079 Citations 30 1,797 Warnings 32 2,128 Response Time Average 5.02 8.65 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 HOW ELSE CAN I HELP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON? Adopt-A-Family Adopt-A-Senior You are assigned a specific family or person for which you will shop. You will be given their information and gift suggestions. Please call 651.306.2140. Financial Donations Donations will be used for holiday toys, clothing or food to designated families or persons. Click HERE to donate. Volunteer A considerable amount of volunteer hours are needed. Please call 651.272.1133. Neighbors, Inc. only serves the communities of South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Lilydale & Sunfish Lake.