2019-02-15 Friday NewsPublic Meeting Announcements
There will be a Planning Commission Workshop to discuss the 2040
Comprehensive Plan on Wednesday, February 20, at 6:00 pm in the City
Council Chambers. 20 FEB
Winter — Home & Auto Safety Reminders
Due to our generous snow events, now is the perfect time to check the following:
Clear ice and snow from natural gas meters to avoid the potential for dangerous
indoor natural gas buildup. Learn more: https://www.xcelenergy.com/
energy_portfolio/natural_gas/natural_gas_safety/gas_meter_safety
Clear ice and snow from your home’s exterior furnace vent pipes
Check carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning properly, including
replacing the batteries for battery back-up. A CO detector should be located near
every sleeping area in your home. Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/co/
furnacesafetyfactsheet.html
Keep your car’s tailpipe clear of snow
28 FEB
Blood Drive Feb. 28
Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood.
You can donate at City Hall on Thursday, February 28, from 12:00 pm
to 6:00 pm. Please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter
“Mendota Heights” to schedule an appointment.
February 15, 2019
from the City of Mendota Heights
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
Feb 18
City Hall & Public Works Closed for
Presidents’ Day
Feb 19
City Council Mtg | 7:00 pm
Feb 20
Plan Comm Workshop | 6:00 pm
2040 Comp Plan
Airport Rel. Comm Mtg | 7:00 pm
Feb 26
Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00 pm
2040 Comp Plan Public Hearing
March 5
City Council Mtg | 7:00 pm
March 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
Now Hiring for Summer Seasonal Positions
The City is currently accepting applications for the following seasonal positions:
Public Works: maintenance workers
Par 3 Golf Course: clubhouse workers, golf assistants, golf instructors
Recreation: recreation leads, playground assistants,
Tennis Program: tennis instructors, tennis assistants
Visit https://www.mendota-heights.com/employment for more information, application
materials and instructions. Positions are open until filled.
First consideration will be given to applications received by 4:00 pm on March 1.
Nominations Accepted Through March 15 for the
Garold “Jerry” Murphy Community Service Award
Nominations are being accepted through March 15 for the 3rd annual Garold "Jerry"
Murphy Community Service Award. This award is presented in April to an individual who
exemplifies outstanding volunteer service to the cities of Mendota Heights, Mendota or
Lilydale. Candidate eligibility information and a nomination form is available here, or may
be picked up at City Hall, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
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:
February 20 | Planning Comm Workshop | 6pm
The public hearing has been tabled until
February 26 | Planning Comm Mtg | 7pm
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.
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
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.
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
Smart Salting Tip
You can help to reduce over-salting and protect our surface waters by
doing the following:
Shovel! The sooner and more snow you remove, the less ice is
formed, and the less salt is needed.
Reporting
Mailbox Damage
from Snowplows
The City will repair or
replace any properly
installed mailboxes,
which are hit by a city
plow, up to a $75 value
for the post and $75 for
the mailbox itself. If you
experience damage, an online Report a Mailbox form is available to
submit or call City Hall at 651.452.1850. Repairs will be completed as
quickly as possible. If the post has been broken and the ground is
frozen, city crews will do a temporary repair and install a new post
when the ground is thawed. The city is not obligated to repair or
replace mailboxes which are damaged by the weight of the snow, or
damage resulting from improperly installed mailboxes. Review the
Mailbox Installation Guide for details.
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
Youth Versus the MHPD
See how much fun the local youth had at the Blade with the Blue
hockey event! View Insight 7’s story: https://vimeo.com/316572395
Last Session for Gymnastics Saturday, 2/16
For youth in the gymnastics program, a friendly reminder that the last
class will take place tomorrow (February 16). Thank you for your
flexibility! Please contact Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program
Coordinator, with any questions at 651.255.1354 or
meredithl@mendota-heights.com.
From the Archives
1991—Mendakota Park
Save-the-Date for
Recycling Events:
April 20 | Community Paper Shred Event
April 20-28 | Shoe & Clothing Dropoff
A Ball Was Had by All
Local princes and princesses had a grand time at the
Royal Ball last Sunday. 105 young royals, dressed in
their finest apparel, enjoyed crafts, games, cupcakes,
and of course—dancing at the Concord Exchange
Building “Castle”. Thank you to the visiting cities’
royalty who provided a fun meet-and-greet, and the
continued community support of this popular event!
Friday News is Available to Subscribe to Online
Visit www.mendota-heights.com. Go to Our City/City Publications/
Subscribe to Friday News
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
FEBRUARY 15 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
Leif Vandersteen
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
IDENTITY THEFT
Thieves Collect:
√Name and Address
√Social Security Number
√Telephone Number
√Email Addresses
√Credit Card and Bank Account
Info
√Pre-approved credit card offers
√Employment history
How thieves use your info:
√Identity theft
√Employment related fraud
√Phone fraud
√Loan fraud
√Payday loan fraud
√Benefits fraud
√Tax refund fraud
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO
PROTECT YOUR MAIL ?
Consider using a P.O. Box.
Drop mail to the Post Office, a USPS
blue box or directly to a mail carrier.
Invest in a locking mailbox.
Retrive mail promptly after delivery.
Do not send cash in the mail.
Get new checks delivered to your
bank for pickup.
Go digital! Get all financial
statements sent digitally.
Notify Post Office if you will be out of
town so they can hold your mail until
you return or, send a trusted person
to grab it.
Notify Post Office if you change your
address.
Report all suspected mail theft to
your local law enforcement and
USPS.
place outgoing mail in the mailbox with the flag raised! This is an invitation.
Mail theft in our city & the metro remains
an on-going problem. Mail theft is a
felony that occurs when someone steals,
takes, or abstracts your mail.
Thieves mine for cash, checks and
personal information that can be used to
commit identity theft.
While the USPS works diligently to ensure
your mail gets delivered safely, thieves
are always on the prowl.
2
WARRANT/DWI – 35E/HWY 13 02/08/19, 0036 HOURS
Officer observed a vehicle driving northbound 35E from 494 with a taillight and license plate light that was
not operational. As the officer was traveling behind the vehicle, the officer observed the driver swerving
and driving on the shoulder. Officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle for the violations. The officer
identified the driver who did not have a drivers license and was currently revoked. The officer also
discovered the driver had an active Gross Misdemeanor warrant out of Dakota County. The driver later
stated he swallowed a baggie of cocaine and previously took non-prescribed, prescription meds. Officer
obtained a search warrant for a blood draw and booked the driver into the Dakota County Jail for his
warrant. Formal DWI charges pending blood results.
OPEN BOTTLE – WACHTLER AVE/SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 02/08/19, 0110 HOURS
Officer stopped out on a motorist assist with a vehicle in a ditch near the intersection of Wachtler and
Sibley Memorial Highway. The passenger of the vehicle had an open bottle of alcohol. The passenger was
mailed a citation for the open bottle violation, and the vehicle occupants were transported to a nearby gas
station to wait for a ride. The vehicle was privately towed.
THEFT – 1XXX NORTHLAND DRIVE 02/08/19, 1531 HOURS
An employer on the 1400 block of Northland Drive called the police to report a former employee had not
returned company property upon termination. The company has made multiple attempts to get the
property back. Officers are attempting to contact the former employee to resolve issue. Case pending
further investigation.
CIVIL – 1XXX NORTHLAND DRIVE 02/08/19, 1654 HOURS
An employee of a business at the 1400 block of Northland Drive called to report harassing voicemails and
calls at his place of employment. Officers spoke to the employee and listened to voicemails. Officers
determined the voicemails did not constitute harassment.
TRAFFIC STOP – CEDAR AVE/145TH ST W 02/09/19, 0030 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Cedar Avenue and 145th Street West in Apple
Valley while working a DWI saturation. The adult male driver refused a PBT and was placed under arrest for
DWI. The male took the evidentiary breath test and was under the legal limit. He was transported to his
residence.
CHECK WELFARE – SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY/STONEBRIDGE 02/10/19, 2144 HOURS
Officers dispatched to a welfare check at the intersection of Sibley Memorial Hwy and Stonebridge Rd. The
reporting party stated that there was a man that appeared to be intoxicated walking in the road. Officers
located the male. The male was intoxicated and was not able to care for himself. Officers completed a
transport hold and HealthEast transported the male to the hospital.
3
PD ACCIDENT – MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD 02/11/19, 1500 HOURS
A white passenger van was stopped facing westbound on Mendota Heights Road with its left turn signal on
waiting to turn into the Speedway Gas Station. A red Dodge Neon attempted to pass the white van on the
left so he could get by. The van turned left and hit the right side of the Neon. The Neon backed up so that
it was behind the white van and called the police. Insurance information for collected for both parties.
OFP – PILOT KNOB ROAD/I-494 02/11/19, 1842 HOURS
Officer initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Interstate 494 for a left turn
violation. State records alerted the officer that the driver had an Order For Protection against him that had
not yet been served. Officer served the driver with his notice and issued a citation for the moving violation.
Dispatch was informed to update the status of the protection order as 'served.'
IMPOUND – 1XXX IVY HILL DRIVE 02/12/19, 0305 HOURS
Officer impounded a parked vehicle for a snow emergency violation after consulting with public works.
Vehicle has been parked facing the wrong way of the road and has been parked since the last snow fall as it
has been previously plowed in. Vehicle also has the incorrect license plates on the vehicle.
HARASSING COMMUNICATION – 1XXX MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD 02/12/19, 1124 HOURS
Dispatched to the 1200 block of Mendota Heights Rd on harassing communications. A customer at a
business asked employee on dates and then shared personal information found using Google. Perpetrator
was advised by victim and police communications should cease. Perpetrator agreed and will not contact
again.
TRAFFIC STOP/DRUGS – DELAWARE AVE 02/12/19, 1413 HOURS
During a traffic stop for a moving violation near the 1600 block of Delaware, officers smelled marijuana.
During the vehicle search cocaine was located and the driver was arrested.
DWI – MARIE AVE/TRAIL ROAD 02/12/19, 2354 HOURS
Officer observed a vehicle fail to signal their turn and drive on the shoulder of the roadway. A traffic stop
was initiated. The officer could smell the odor of consumed alcoholic beverage, bloodshot and watery eyes,
and the driver admitted to consuming alcohol prior to driving. Field sobriety tests were conducted and a
PBT was submitted with a BAC of 0.194. The driver was arrested and booked into the Dakota County Jail for
3rd Degree DWI. Southeast Towing impounded the vehicle to their lot.
DWI – 8XX MONET COURT 02/13/19, 0213 HOURS
Officer observed a vehicle swerving in and out of its lane near the 900 block of Mendota Heights Road. The
driver also stopped at a green light for six seconds before proceeding through the intersection. Officer con-
ducted a traffic stop. The officer could smell the odor of alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle.
The driver's eyes were bloodshot, watery and the driver was slurring his speech. Field sobriety tests were
conducted and a PBT was submitted with a BAC of 0.12. Driver was booked and released from the Dakota
County Jail for Misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI. The driver's vehicle was legally parked.
4
CAR VS DOG – 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE S 02/13/19, 1940 HOURS
Officer responded to an accident involving one vehicle and a dog near 2200 Lexington Ave. On arrival the
owner of the dog said the dog ran out into traffic and was hit. The dog died. The owner refused transport to
an animal hospital. Minor damage was done to the vehicle. Report only.
THEFT OF MAIL/DRUGS—EMERSON AVE/DELAWARE AVE 02/14/19, 0422 HOURS
Officers received a call to contact Dakota County Drug Task Force staff working in the area of Emerson Ave
and Delaware Ave. They had observed a female walking down the street and taking mail from mail boxes.
After checking her name a warrant for her arrest was found. After searching her belongings, mail, drugs and
other illegal contraband was found. Female was booked into Dakota County Jail on several charges. Ap-
proximately 30 victims in Mendota Heights, West St Paul and other jurisdictions were identified and noti-
fied of their recovered property.
5
Onli ne D at ing can be
f un; s ucces sf ul mat ches
are fo und for many.
But BE WA RN ED—
prot ect yo ur heart,
yo ur family and yo ur
f ina nces! Accor ding to
t he FT C, o nline dat ers
ha ve been dup ed o ut of
o ver $100 mill ion d ue to
fr aud—t hat is tr uly
heart br ea king.
DO THE R ES EA RCH!
1.) Read abo ut ot hers
w ho ha ve been
scam med. Do es t heir
story so und eer ily like
yo ur new sw eet-ta lker?
2.) Co nduct a goog le
sear ch on t he na me and
t he face of yo ur lo ve
co nnect ion in Ro ma nce
Sca mmer sit es.
3.) If t hey ask you for
gift car ds, he lp to pay
tra vel exp enses to me et
you or p lea for f ina ncial
as sistan ce in hard times
–IT'S A SCAMMER !
2/08 – 2/14 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 200 1398
Police Reports 49 157
Citations 34 176
Warnings 54 327
Response Time Average 6.65 6.89
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
L VE
IS BLIND