2018-12-21 Friday NewsPublic Meeting Announcements
Representatives of MNDOT will attend an upcoming City Council workshop to discuss recent
changes made to Dodd Road, at its intersections with Pagel Road, Decorah, and Wagon Wheel
Trail. The workshop will be held from 6:00 to 6:50 pm on Wednesday, January 2, in the City
Council Chambers. Interested residents are invited to attend.
There will also be the regular (rescheduled) City Council Meeting at 7:00 pm on Wednesday,
January 2.
There will be a City Council Work Session discussing goal-setting on Monday, January 7 from
12:00 to 3:00 pm in the City Council Chambers.
A TENTATIVE Planning Commission Workshop to discuss the 2040 Comprehensive Plan is
scheduled for 6:00 pm on Monday, January 7.
December 21, 2018
from the City of Mendota Heights
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
Dec 24
City Hall Closed (Public Works
Open)
Dec 25
City Hall & Public Works Closed
Jan 1
City Hall & Public Works Closed
Jan 2
City Council Workshop | 6:00 pm
City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm
Jan 7
City Council Work Session | Goal
Setting Discussion | 12:00-3:00 pm
TENTATIVE Plan Comm Workshop
2040 Comp Plan | 6:00 pm
Jan 8
Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30 pm
Jan 15
City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm
Jan 16
Airport Relations Comm Mtg |
7:00 pm
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
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.
2 JAN
There will be no Friday News on December 28.
Watch for the next issue on January 4. Have a wonderful holiday!
7 JAN
A Season for Serving
On Wednesday evening members of the MH Fire Department volunteered at Feed my Starving
Children in Eagan. Thank you to this group of current and retired members and their families!
It’s Time to Renew
Dog Pet Licenses
Yearly dog licenses expire on
December 31. To renew your license,
please complete an application form
and return this to City Hall, along with
a proof-of-rabies vaccination from your
veterinarian. The license year runs
from January 1 to December 31. City
Hall is open M-F, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, or
mail application, copy of proof-of-rabies
vaccination, and payment to City Hall,
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights,
MN 55118.
The cost of dog licensing is:
From
the
Archives
There’s Still Time to
Help a Neighbor in Need
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.
Drop-off hours:
M-F, 8:00 am-4:30 pm
1979 -
Construction
began on the
Mendota Heights
water tower.
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. To learn
more visit: https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?SEC=320D5DB8-C925-4819
-9DF2-BE3231E48499
Upcoming Meetings:
January 7 | 6:00 pm | TENTATIVE Planning Commission Workshop
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.
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.
Female Non-Spayed/
Male Non-Neutered
$15
Female Spayed/
Male Neutered
$10
Oheyawahe/Pilot Knob Historic Landscape Plan
Historic Pilot Knob is the portion of Oheyawahe “the hill much visited” that is owned by
the City of Mendota Heights. Great River Greening was hired to restore Historic Pilot
Knob’s vegetation to oak savanna. With funding from the American Express Foundation,
Great River Greening hired SRF Consulting to analyze the Historic Pilot Knob site and to
design a plan to improve visitor experience and safety. The design includes proposals for
new signage, new parking lot, a structure for gathering, a wheelchair accessible looped
trail, and artwork by a Dakota artist.
The final draft is ready for review and suggestions at http://pilotknobpreservation.org/
Oheyawahe_HistoricLandscapePlanDocument_FINAL-181031.pdf.
Public comments will be considered before the final design plan is presented to the Men-
dota Heights City Council. Fundraising for implementation of the plan remains to be de-
termined.
If you have questions or comments, contact info@pilotknobpreservation.org or
Deborah Karasov at dkarasov@greatrivergreening.org.
Nature Event for All Ages-
Snowshoe/Hike with a Naturalist
Jan. 12 | 1-2 pm
Participants will hike or snowshoe on the trails
while learning more about nature! Free snowshoe
rentals are available, but children must be 10 years
old to rent snowshoes. 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
Education 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
accompanied 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 Instructor
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
* * Last Chance to Register for
Winter Break Activities! * *
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.
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
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!
Community Parks Connection - Winter Episode for Viewing
Discover local recreational events and activities! The Winter episode of Community Parks Con-
nection, by Town Square Television, is now available online at: https://vimeo.com/306407860.
You can also watch the show this winter on Comcast Xfnity 18/CenturyLink Prism 8418, Thurs-
days at 6:30 PM, Fridays at 12:30 PM, Saturdays at 3:30 PM, and Sundays at 9:30 PM.
A Waste-Free Holiday
Wrapping Paper Wrapping paper that has foil or glitter is
NOT recyclable, and must be thrown away.
To create less trash, wrap your gifts in
newspaper, brown paper grocery bags, or
even materials like old maps. If you’re feeling
creative you can make cloth bags for
wrapping that can be reused every year, or
learn how to tie a gift in a shirt or scarf
“furoshiki” style.” Get creative and help
create less waste this holiday season.
Greeting Cards
You can send new or used, all-occasion
greeting cards to St. Jude's Ranch for
Children. They work with children to
recycle the cards into new ones and sell
them. Money raised from selling the cards
goes to funding programs for abused,
neglected, or homeless children, young
adults, and families. Information about where
to send the cards can be found on St. Jude’s
website.
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 degrees 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
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
DECEMBER 21, 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
Mike VerWay
Though we feel it all year long, we want to ensure you know how
blessed we feel to be your law enforcement department. Your
support and confidence in us has been so appreciated.
2018 brought us lots of changes! We hired a Police Captain,
promoted our CSO to Police Officer and hired three more Police
Officers. We are so proud of all our staff and their commitment to
providing excellent public service.
We also commend each of you for your assistance with public
safety. Your willingness to keep us informed and discuss matters
of interest keeps us all connected. Together we make this a great
community in which to live and work.
We hope for each of you a peaceful, hopeful and safe holiday.
Please keep the spirit of this season alive into 2019, thinking of
others and sharing peace, hope and kindness with others as much
as possible. Together, we can promote a thriving community and
world where we all can feel safe and hopeful.
HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
2
CAR VS. DEER — HWY 62/DELAWARE AVE 12/15/18, 0210 HOURS
Officer was flagged down for a car vs deer accident. In speaking with the driver, he stated that he was
driving east bound on Hwy 62 when a deer jumped out in front of him and he was unable to avoid hitting it.
The deer was seen getting up and walking away after the impact.
DOMESTIC — 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE 12/15/18, 0742 HOURS
Officers responded to location on a call of a domestic disturbance. The homeowner requested that the
male party leave the premise but he had been refusing. After being separated, the male was given a ride
home. Items were damaged at the home, and we are awaiting an estimate from maintenance for charging.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE — 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 12/15/18, 2144 HOURS
Officers responded to location on a report of a theft from vehicle. A vehicle's window was broken out and
personal belongings were taken. Case pending video surveillance.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE — 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 12/15/18, 2145 HOURS
Officer responded to location on a report of a theft from motor vehicle. The reporting party stated that his
window was broken and a backpack containing a laptop was taken. Case pending video surveillance.
CIVIL ASSIST — RIDGE PLACE/DODD ROAD 12/16/18, 0251 HOURS
Officers were flagged down at the intersection of Ridge Place and Dodd Rd by a taxi cab driver. The driver
located a purse in the back seat of their vehicle and the past occupant had relieved themselves before
exiting the taxi. The owner of the purse was located and the driver was paid a cleaning fee.
FOUND PROPERTY — LEXINGTON AVE/MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD 12/16/18, 1739 HOURS
Approached by individual who stated they found a pair of skis and a pole in the area of Lexington and
Mendota Heights Road and wished to turn them in. Items not entered as stolen. Placed into evidence for
safekeeping.
MISSING PERSON — 2XXX CONDON COURT 12/17/18, 1105 HOURS
Officer was met by reporting party in the PD lobby who wished to report his daughter missing. His
daughter was last seen at a treatment facility and a short time later, staff discovered a basement window
open and the female missing. Case under investigation.
PD ACCIDENT — VICTORIA ROAD/MARIE AVE 12/19/18, 1740 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to location on a property damage accident. Driver 1 had the right of way going east
bound through the intersection. Driver 2 was turning left onto Marie from Victoria and went against the
right of way colliding with driver 1. A citation was issued to driver 2 for failure to yield.
FRAUD — 1XXX SYLVANDALE ROAD 12/20/18, 0927 HOURS
Resident at location reported check fraud via email. Victim ’s previous employee obtained checks from her
and wrote a check out to himself. Dollar amount over $5000. Investigation ongoing.
3
Thanks
MHCCAF , our Crime
Prevention Partner!
M ENDOTA H EIGHTS
C OMMUNITY C RIMINAL
A PPREHENSION F UND
(MHCCAF) is a
non —profit, local
organization,
supporting local law
enforcement efforts
with their efforts to
apprehend criminals.
They are led by
persons committed to
their community ’s
safety and support our
efforts solely thru
private donations.
As you consider your
end of year giving
options, please keep
this group in mind!
Tax deductible
donations/checks
payable to:
MHCCAF
c/o Becky Pentel
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
12/14 – 12/20 2018 YTD
Calls for Service 137 11,942
Police Reports 21 1,115
Citations 13 1,834
Warnings 26 2,188
Response Time Average 6.51 8.56
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