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2019-01-18 Friday NewsWelcome New Parks & Recreation Commissioners The City Council has appointed Stephanie Meyer and Dan Sherer to serve as Parks and Recreation Commissioners, filling two vacancies on the commission. Their terms will begin in February 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. MSP Airport Winter Listening Session—First Quarter 2019 Wednesday, January 23 | 7 pm | MAC General Office 6040 28th Avenue S, Minneapolis, MN 55450 The MAC Noise Program Office holds quarterly MSP Listening Sessions for residents to receive updates on the MSP Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) and its activities, to be briefed on MSP operational levels and procedures, and to have an opportunity to provide comments and voice concerns about aircraft noise issues. During these listening sessions, attendees are welcome to make comments or ask questions. In order to facilitate the meeting process, they encourage anyone planning to attend a Listening Session to use the Listening Session Comment Form to submit their comments or questions in advance. Comments or questions raised during the meeting, and those received prior to the meeting, will be answered at the meeting. A similar listening session will be held by MAC on Wednesday, April 24 at 7 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers. This will be a joint session arranged by the cities of Sunfish Lake and Mendota Heights. 23 JAN January 18, 2019 from the City of Mendota Heights Upcoming Public Meeting Dates Jan 21 City Hall Closed (Public Works Open) - Martin Luther King Jr. Day Jan 22 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00 pm Continuation of Public Hearing on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Feb 5 City Council Work Session | 4:30 pm Planning Commission Applicant Interviews City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm Feb 12 Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30 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 Fire Station Improvements Update At its meeting of January 15th, the City Council has adopted a resolution approving plans and specifications, and authorized advertising for bids for the addition to, and remodeling of, the Mendota Heights Fire Station. The city has opted to use a Construction Management (CM) option for the construction of this project. As a result, there will be multiple bids on twenty-one different components (i.e.; excavation/grading; framing; HVAC; finishing; etc.) of the project, rather than a single composite price which can be immediately compared to others. The CM project typically results in greater efficiencies and workmanship. Bids will be opened on February 20. After an analysis by the Architect and Construction Manager, it is anticipated that the award of contracts would be considered at the March 5th City Council meeting. Groundbreaking would be when weather permits in the spring, with a preliminary target of April 9th. City Council—2019 Meeting Dates Set The City Council has adopted the following meeting dates for 2019. Please note that some of the meetings shift from the first and third Tuesday of the month to accommodate religious holidays and other events. Stay connected through Friday News, social media, and the city calendar at https://www.mendota-heights.com/calendar to confirm meeting times and dates prior to attending. Commission meetings for Parks & Recreation, Planning, and Airport Relations are also available on the city website calendar. Parks and Recreation typically meet the second Tuesday of the month beginning at 6:30 pm, the Planning Commission typically meets the fourth Tuesday of the month beginning at 7:00 pm, and Airport Relations the third Wednesday of the month beginning at 7:00 pm; however please check the website calendar and news sources for any changes to this schedule. All are welcome to attend. February March April May June July Tues, 2/5, 7pm (work session at 4:30 pm) Tues, 2/19, 7pm Tues, 3/5, 7pm Tues, 3/19, 7pm Tues, 4/2, 7pm Tues, 4/16, 7pm Tues, 5/7, 7pm Tues, 5/21, 7pm Tues, 6/4, 7pm Tues, 6/18, 7pm Tues, 7/2, 7pm Tues, 7/16, 7pm August September October November December Wed, 8/7, 7pm Tues, 8/20, 7pm Tues, 9/3, 7pm Tues, 9/17, 7pm Wed, 10/2, 7pm Wed, 10/16, 7pm Wed, 11/6, 7pm Tues, 11/19, 7pm Tues, 12/3, 7pm Tues, 12/17, 7pm Valley Park Pollinator Project The City of Mendota Heights has partnered with Great River Greening and Xcel Energy, as well as the State of Minnesota through the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, to restore and create nine acres of pollinator habitat in the Valley Park utility corridor in Mendota Heights. The project entails removing invasive species using mowing and herbicide treatments, and restoring the corridor into a high -quality pollinator habitat using native plant species. This project is part of the larger Metro Big Rivers Phase 8 plan, which focuses on protecting and improving habitats that are needed by Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), and where they need them. Many of these bird and pollinator species in Minnesota are migratory, thus improving habitat along and adjacent to the central flyway of the three big rivers provides essential benefits to all wildlife species, especially during critical migratory periods. Look for more detailed information coming soon!  For more information on Great River Greening: https://www.greatrivergreening.org/  For more information on Xcel Energy’s Pollinator Initiative: www.xcelenergy.com/ pollinator  For more information on the Metro Big Rivers Phase 8 Plan: https://www.lsohc.leg.mn/FY2019/accomp_plans/5a.pdf Already have a raingarden, native pollinator garden, or shoreline planting? Attend a free maintenance workshop | March 6, 6-7:30pm, MH City Hall This workshop is designed for people who have and maintain a raingarden, native pollinator garden, or shoreline planting. Learn what to do in every season to keep your garden healthy and looking its best through presentations, discussions, and hands -on activities. Information/registration: http://www.dakotaswcd.org/cleanwater_form.html Holiday Lights Recycling at City Hall Ends 1/31 Recycle your holiday lights, electrical, appliance and phone cords through the end of January 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. 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 22 | Planning Comm Mtg | 7pm (Continuation of Public Hearing) 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. Disposing of Holiday Evergreens—EHS Prevention The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is encouraging residents who purchased wreaths, swags, boughs, and other evergreen decorations at several retailers to burn items, or bag and throw them away to stop the spread of the invasive insect elongate hemlock scale (EHS). Learn more: https:// www.mda.state.mn.us/mda- encourages-residents-burn-or-bag- evergreen-decorations-bought- several-minnesota-retailers. Please review Mendota Heights City Code: Title 7, Chapter 2-7: Recreational Fires prior to burning. Landscaping for Clean Water Workshops Would you like to learn how to design a native garden, create a raingarden, or stabilize shorelines? The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District is offering FREE introductory workshops on creating beautiful gardens to keep our waters clean. Workshops begin in March and run through June. Click on the attached documents for more information. Online registration is available at www.DakotaSWCD.org/CleanWater_Form.html. 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. Register Today! 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 prin- cesses, 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 Free Family Event Picture Perfect Movie Night | Feb. 9 | 6:30-8:30 pm The votes are in, and the winner is Incredibles 2! 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 Recreation Fee Assistance A Recreation Fee Assistance Program is available to eligible Mendota Heights residents for participation in recreation programs. Qualification details, eligible program information, and an application can be found at: https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp? SEC=ECAB3993-A0AD-4170-A8F1- 1313C2A313F2&DE=28868A1A-7D42-4300- B16D-79C045392395. For more information contact Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence: meredithl@mendota- heights.com | 651.255.1354 * * WINTER REGISTRATION IS OPEN * * Registration & additional info: www.mendotaheights.revtrak.net or register in person at City Hall Parks & Recreation Warming House Information Check Rink Conditions/Warming House Hours Hotline: 651.255.1174 Outdoor Skating Rinks (Each includes one hockey rink and one pleasure rink) Friendly Hills, 2360 Pueblo Lane Marie Park, 1780 Lilac Lane Wentworth Park, 739 Wentworth Ave. Warming House Hours M-F | 4:00 pm-9:00 pm Sat | 10:00 am-9:00 pm Sun | 12:00 pm-6:00 pm Non-school days | 12:00 pm-9:00 pm #1 resolution New Year Resolutions for a Better Planet “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” - Ghandi This new year, make a resolution to better the planet. Your actions do make a difference. Here’s the first resolution—watch for more in the next issues: I will bring my own reusable bag to the store this year! The average American uses between 300-700 plastic bags per year. Bring your own and say “no” to cheap, plastic items that are used for 15 minutes but persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Plastic bags are the second most prevalent form of litter after cigarette butts, and wreck havoc on storm drains and marine life—especially to turtles who try to eat them, thinking they are jelly fish. If you need a reusable shopping bag, visit Cassandra’s cube for a free one. Recycle clean, dry plastic bags (and much more!) at grocery stores like Walmart, Target, Cub, Kohl’s and Hyvee. From the Archives The view from 35E looking north. The Importance of Landfill Waste Reduction Did you know Pine Bend Landfill in Inver Grove Heights is the second tallest point in Dakota County, after Buck Hill? Our Recycling Coordinator, Cassandra, took a tour of the landfill recently. It was eye-opening for her to see all the man-hours, equipment and work that goes into burying our trash. The solid waste industry is one of the top five deadliest industries to work in, with 132 recorded fatalities in 2017 involving workers and members of the public. Waste reduction and recycling helps divert material from the landfill and creates a secondary market for valuable materials to have a second life. Thank you to everyone for recycling at home and around town. Are you Properly Bagging Recyclables? No plastic bags in the recycling, of any kind. Paper bags are fine. Friday News is Available to Subscribe to Online Visit www.mendota-heights.com. Go to Our City/City Publications/ Subscribe to Friday News, or use the 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. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department JANUARY 18 2019 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 Follow these immediate steps on what to do next:  Contact your local law enforcement agency as soon as possible! Do not delay! Provide them with this detailed information: √ Date, time and location your child was last seen. √ Description of your child; clothes, hair, eyes, piercings, tattoos, height, weight, eyeglasses, braces, phone numbers and any other relevant information. √ Name (s) of the last people who saw your child. √ Determine names of associates or companions of your child. √ Information about your child’s general health or medical concerns. √ Clear photos and videos of your child. √ Information about recent changes in your child’s behavior. √ Information regarding any potential custody or court ordered issues involving yourself or your child.  Search any area which a child could crawl, hide or be unable to get out such as closets, piles of laundry, under beds, inside large appliances, vehicles, trunks, etc.  Check areas your child was last seen or often plays.  Restrict access to the home or wherever your child was last seen until law enforcement arrive.  Keep phone lines open.  Identify and secure computers and wireless devices used by your child so law enforcement can access them.  Ask law enforcement what their next steps will be and if an AMBER Alert will be issued and a community notification.  Report your child missing to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST. 2 DWI – 1XXX Victoria Curve 01/11/19, 0131 HOURS Officer observed an occupied vehicle parked in the police department parking lot and stopped out with the vehicle to see if everything was okay. Officer spoke with the driver who stated she parked here and was waiting for her ride. Officer asked why she needed a ride and the driver stated because her car was not working. The driver attempted to show the officer how the vehicle was not working properly however the vehicle was running fine. While speaking with the driver, the Officer could smell the odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle and the driver's eyes were bloodshot and watery. The driver admitted to having two glasses of wine at her friend's house prior to driving. The Officer conducted a field sobriety test and the driver blew a 0.306 on the PBT. The driver was arrested and transported to the Dakota County Jail for 3rd Degree Gross Misdemeanor DWI. DOMESTIC ASSAULT – 1XXX Delaware Ave 01/11/19, 1931 HOURS Officers responded to location on reports of a domestic assault in progress. Upon arrival the parties were separated. It was determined that the aggressor had committed 5th degree domestic assault and charges were forwarded to the city attorney for review. DWI – 9XX Sibley Memorial Hwy 01/12/19, 1013 HOURS Intoxicated driver entered the gas station on the 900 block of Highway 13. Driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and booked into the Dakota county Jail. THEFT BY SWINDLE – 7XX Mohican Lane 01/12/19, 1119 HOURS Officer responded to the 700 block of Mohican Lane concerning a theft by swindle via telecommunications. Suspect/s contacted victim posing as a family member in a bad situation requesting money to help them. Three transactions were completed for nearly $20,000 in cash loss. Pending further investigation. FOUND DOG – 6XX Callahan Place 01/12/19, 1717 HOURS Resident reported finding a loose dog in their yard in the 600 block of Callahan Place. Did not have microchip or identification tags. Dog ultimately taken to the South St. Paul Animal Hospital. Owner saw posting on social media and called to claim dog. Referred to the animal hospital during regular business hours. Owner did not have city dog license and advised to obtain one. AOA/DWI – Griffon Court/Griffon Trail, A.V. 01/12/19, 2303 HOURS While working a traffic saturation in Apple Valley, Officer assisted a Dakota County Sherriff's Deputy on a traffic stop. An adult male was placed under arrest for DWI. ASSAULT – 1XXX TRAIL ROAD 01/13/19, 0710 HOURS Responded to location concerning a nude male attempting to break into a residence. Upon arrival the male was witnessed striking a patio door on the property. He was given commands to stop and comply. He refused to cooperate and came rushing at the officer. The suspect struck the officer in the head during the incident. The suspect was subsequently tased and taken into custody. 3 THEFT — 1XXX Riverside Lane 01/13/19, 1127 HOURS Victims reported having bikes stolen from condominium garage. The bikes were locked to a bike rack. Resident saw bikes the day before. Victim is working with management to get potential video. Case status pending further investigation. WARRANT/FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE — 2XXX Pilot Knob Road 01/13/19, 2342 HOURS While on patrol, officers discovered a vehicle in a park after hours. Officers identified the driver and passenger. It was determined that the passenger had an active warrant out of Burnett County Wisconsin. The party was arrested and transported to Dakota County Jail. BURGLARY — 1XXX Northland Drive 01/14/19, 0740 HOURS Officers responded to location on report of a burglary at a business. Forced entry was made sometime between Friday after 1530hrs and Monday before 0530hrs. Nothing was stolen from inside the business. There is no suspect or witness information available. Case inactive. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE — 7XX S. Plaza Drive 01/14/19, 2202 HOURS Officer responded to location for a theft from a motor vehicle in progress. The reporting party confronted a male who was inside her vehicle. The male and a female ran when confronted by the reporting party. The male took a wallet containing $600. Case pending. FLEEING — Delaware Ave/Thompson Ave 01/16/19, 0021 HOURS Officer observed a vehicle traveling northbound on Delaware Ave from Marie Ave with license plates that did not match the vehicle. Officer initiated a traffic stop at Wentworth and Smith Ave. The vehicle refused to pull over and fled from the officer. Officer discontinued the pursuit and notified West St Paul of the last known location. WSP reinitiated the pursuit but ultimately terminated it on Hwy 62 and Hwy 13. DRUGS — 7XX S. PLAZA WAY 01/16/19, 0942 HOURS Apartment manager reported the smell of marijuana coming from an apartment. Officers responded, were advised what apartment number it was. Officers went to the apartment in an attempt to make contact. As officers approached the apartment in question, the smell of marijuana became stronger. Officers attempted contact at the apartment and no one came to the door. Case referred to DTF. DRUGS — 7XX S. PLAZA WAY 01/16/19, 1412 HOURS DTF executed a signed search warrant at location. Male was arrested for 5th degree drug possession and transported to Dakota County Jail. BURGLARY — 1XXX RIVERSIDE LANE 01/16/19, 1600 HOURS Officer took the report of a burglary that occurred at location. The reporting party told officers that sometime in the previous two weeks, his bike was stolen from a bike rack in a parking garage. The case is under investigation. 4 ASSAULT — 1XXX Oakdale Ave 01/16/19, 2100 HOURS Officer responded to location to take an after the fact assault report. Reporting parties son was assaulted while on his way home from school by a group of individuals on the bus. The assault took place in Mendota Heights while heading to the bus stop near home. Case pending. DOMESTIC — 2XXX Victoria Road S 01/17/19, 0822 HOURS Resident wished to report a hostile relationship with her brother in -law. Officer advised her of legal options available. DWI — 35E/Marie Ave 01/18/19, 0039 HOURS While on patrol at location, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a fast speed. Officers initiated a traffic stop and came to the conclusion that the driver may be impaired. Field Sobriety Tests were conducted and the driver was determined to be impaired. The driver was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to Dakota County Jail. HAVE A SAFE WEEK! 5 1/11 – 1/17 2019 YTD Calls for Service 198 564 Police Reports 26 53 Citations 16 62 Warnings 60 160 Response Time Average 5.79 6.29 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 INVISIBLE ODORLESS TASTELESS During 2010-2015, a total of 2,244 deaths resulted from unintentional carbon monox- ide poisoning. The higher number of these deaths occurred in the months of December, Janu- ary & February. SYMPTOMS:  Headache  Dizziness  Loss of Judgement  Nausea  Convulsions  Irregular Heart Rate  Symptoms could be fatal POISON PREVENTION:  Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home along with smoke alarms.  Annually inspect all fuel- burning appliances and vents in your home.  Do not run a car inside an attached garage even if it is open.