2019-03-22 Friday NewsPublic Meeting Announcement
There will be a Planning Commission Public Hearing on the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan on Tuesday, March 26 at 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Congratulations
Officers Hagelee and
Vandersteen
At the March 19 City Council
meeting, Mayor Neil Garlock
swore in two new officers to
serve in the MHPD. Officer
Hagelee was hired as a community
service officer in November of
2016, where he excelled as a CSO
and Council approved his
promotion to a sworn officer in
August of 2018. Officer Hagelee holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the
University of St. Thomas.
Officer Vandersteen was hired by the Council in November of 2018. Prior to his hiring,
he served as a Minnesota State Trooper. Officer Vandersteen has a bachelor’s degree
from Luther College in Sociology and Gender Studies.
MAR
March 22, 2019
from the City of Mendota Heights
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
March 26
Planning Comm Mtg & Public
Hearing 2040 Comp Plan | 7:00 pm
April 2
City Council Mtg | 7:00 pm
April 9
Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30 pm
April 16
City Council Mtg | 7:00 pm
April 17
Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 7:00 pm
April 19
Public Works Closed
(City Hall Open)
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
Pictured taking the Oath of Office are Leif Vandersteen (left)
and Eric Hagalee.
26 MAR
Bond Sale Set
At its meeting of March 19, the City Council called for the sale of $7.0 million in General
Obligation Capital Improvements Bonds, which will be used to fund the construction of
the Fire Station remodeling and addition. Bids will be taken, and the results will be acted
upon by the Council in April.
The Council opted for a 15 year payback of the bonds, meaning that an average value
property of $365,000 will expect to pay an additional $103.76 annually in property taxes
for the fire station improvements. The Council chose the shorter 15 year repayment
alternative, which will cost about one dollar per month more than what a 20 year bond
payment would have been for the average homeowner. However, this shorter option
saves an overall $783,000 in interest payments over the life of the bond.
Fire Station Project
Developments
On Wednesday, Fire Chief Dave Dreelan
(pictured) and Mayor Neil Garlock
testified before a committee of the
Minnesota Legislature in support of a bill
which would provide a refund to Mendota
Heights for sales taxes paid on supplies
and materials used in the construction of
the Fire Station project. If approved, an
estimated $186,000 could be refunded to
the City. Also pictured is bill co-sponsor
Representative Ruth Richardson of Mendota Heights (right) .
Saturday, April 27 | 10am-12pm
Spend the morning at Mendakota Park,
Rogers Lake, or Valley Park assisting
with garbage and landscape debris
removal, raking, clearing sediment,
buckthorn removal, and more. There
will be kid-friendly and adult-only tasks
available. Volunteers should bring work
gloves, wear closed-toe shoes, and
appropriate clothing. Work equipment,
bags, and safety vests will be provided
as needed.
At 11:30am volunteers will gather at
Mendakota Park for a tree planting
(weather permitting) and appreciation
with snacks, beverages, and games.
Register for this event: https://
secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-
mn/catalog
FREE Landscaping
for Clean Water Workshops
Native Gardens
Raingardens
Lakeshore Buffers Would you like to learn how to design a
native garden, create a raingarden, or
lakeshore stabilization buffer? 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. More information/
online registration:
www.DakotaSWCD.org/
CleanWater_Form.html.
City Hall—NEW Summer Office Hours
To provide improved service, the City Council has approved summer business
hours at City Hall. These hours better accommodate contractor needs for an
earlier opening time during their busy summer season. The new hours will go
into effect Monday, April 29 and run through Friday, September 27.
Please note that these hours do not affect MHPD or Public Works building
hours. The lower level doors to the police area at City Hall will remain open
on Friday afternoons for walk-in traffic.
City Hall Summer Hours
April 29 through September 27
Monday thru Thursday 7:00am-4:30pm
Friday 7:00am-11:30am
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:
Planning Commission Public Hearing
March 26 | 7:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers
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.
From the Archives Ivy Hills—Maple Park Drive
Parks & Recreation
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.
Recreation Fee Assistance
Program Available
A Recreation Fee Assistance Program is
available to eligible Mendota Heights
residents for participation in recreation
programs. Click here for qualification
details, eligible program information, and an
application. For more information contact
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith
Lawrence: meredithl@mendota-
heights.com | 651.255.1354
Spring/Summer
** Registration is Open **
https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-
heights-mn/catalog
Golf lessons
Golf leagues
Tennis lessons
Tennis leagues
Field trips
Summer camps
Sports Unlimited camps
Summer playground program
New Recreation Registration Software
Registration for spring and summer recreation programs is open through
a new CivicRec software system. Users will need to create a new
account in order to register. Create an account and view youth and
adult programs at: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/
catalog.
Parks Celebration
Sponsorship is Open
Calling all businesses and organizations! The
City is seeking sponsors for the annual Parks
Celebration Event; sponsorships are a
wonderful way to connect with the local
community. Sponsors have the opportunity to
host a community movie night kickoff on May 31, host a booth at the
Parks Celebration event June 1, or simply make a donation to support
this family-fun event. Donations cover event expenses such as bounce
houses, face painting, a petting zoo, and more. Details online at: https://
www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?SEC=7C35E4A1-2207-41B6-8565-
84AB5DC7C90A&DE=3E0EC6C7-DF58-485A-9953-40A23B09A83C
Cut out and post this handy picture guide of what CAN be recycled at your home/workplace. Tip: lids, caps & product labels, envelope windows and staples can be included with recycling. Spring Clean-Up Day
Saturday, May 4
8am -12 pm @ Mendakota Park, 2171 Dodd Road
Keep the community clean by environmentally disposing of
broken and unwanted items! Review pricing below for specific
disposal costs. The City has partnered with Dakota County to
make this event more affordable, with reduced pricing on many
items versus prior years. This event is limited to Mendota
Heights, Lilydale, Mendota and Sunfish Lake residents only.
Identification is required to verify your address.
Materials Accepted
Miscellaneous
Car Load ……….………. $ 6
SUV/Mini Van Load ……..$ 9
Pickup Load ……………. $13
Trailer Load (4x4x8) …... $24
Mattresses/box springs…. $10
Appliances……………….$ 9
Appliances w/ Freon ……$10
Tires without rims ……...$ 6
Tires with rims ………… $10
Scrap metals …………… Free
Bicycles ………………… Free
Electronics
Microwave……………….$ 7
Lamps/fans ……………....$ 3
Scanners/fax machines….. $ 5
Inkjet printer…………… $ 9
All-in-one printer………. $12
LCD/Plasma TV………… $ 9
Tube-style TV monitors…$15
Flat Screen Monitor……..$ 8
Add $20 if screen is broken
VCR/DVD player……….. Free
Land phone……………... Free
Small appliances
(toaster, clock, blender, etc.)…... Free
NOT ACCEPTED: yard waste, items that can be recycled
curbside, household hazardous waste, business waste, and
contractor/home remodeling debris. For disposal of items
not accepted, check the Green Guide: https://
www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/RecyclingDisposalGuide/Pages/
default.aspx
Spread the Word—Subscribe
to Weekly City News 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.
Friends of the Parks and Trails
Plant Sale thru April 19
Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County is offering a
selection of trees, shrubs, vines, and roses for your yard or balcony. Included in
the sale are the usual favorites, as well as blueberries, currants, plum, redbud,
maple, elm, blue spruce, lilac, hydrangea, clematis, mock orange, and many
other varieties. With a focus on pollinator-friendly plants, new this year is the
perennial native liatris (commonly known as blazing star) – a favorite of
monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Purchase for yourself, or donate a Tribute Tree as a gift or memorial
which is then planted in a Mendota Heights Park (or other park of your
choosing). Order online at https://shop.friendsoftheparks.org/annual-tree-
sale or pick up a brochure at City Hall during business hours. Orders must
be placed and paid for by April 19, and are picked up on May 4, from 9:00
am to 1:00 pm, in Maplewood. Tribute Trees are available to purchase year-round and are selected, placed, and
planted by park staff in the spring following the purchase.
Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that has been promoting and protecting parks, trails, and
open space for 34 years. Donations to the parks are tax-deductible. For more information visit www.friendsoftheparks.org.
March Food Drive at
City Hall
Donate non-perishable food items to
Neighbors Inc as part of the MN Food
Share March Campaign — a friendly
competition between 300 Minnesota-
based food shelves. Neighbors Inc. will
benefit from the food donated, and
have an opportunity to earn extra
funding for their organization.
Suggested donation items include:
peanut butter, pancake mix and syrup,
squeeze-style jelly, plastic jars of pasta
sauces, canned fruit & vegetables, and
shampoo. Donations may be dropped
off in the City Hall lobby,
M-F, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Cash
donations are accepted online at:
https://www.neighborsmn.org/donate-
neighbors/.
Order your tree today at: http://treetrust.org/get-a-tree/mendotaheights/ Mendota Heights Residents Tree Sale Thru May 11
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
MARCH 22 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
Josh Rosenberry
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
As temperatures increase over the next several weeks, we would
like to remind you to take the follow precautions as you enjoy the
spring season:
Always keep your home's doors and windows locked when you go to bed or
leave your house, even if you are leaving for a short period.
Secure all lawn and gardening equipment in your garage or a storage shed,
and keep your garage doors closed at all times (even when you're doing
work around the house).
Put all ladders and other tools back into a secure storage area after you use
them.
Be aware of home improvements scams. If you did not solicit the contractor
or salesperson who shows up at your door unannounced, do not do business
with that person.
Always remember to close your car windows, take any valuables out of your
car (including your garage door opener), and lock your doors every time you
exit your vehicle, even if your vehicle is parked in your driveway.
If you haven't already, make sure you check your smoke detectors and
carbon monoxide detectors and change those batteries.
Get to know your neighbors! Let a trusted neighbor know if you are
planning to travel this spring. Neighbors who know each other look out for
each other.
As always, thanks for actively working with your police
department—we need your help to keep our community safe.
SPRING SAFETY TIPS
2
FOUND PROPERTY — 1XXX Victoria Curve 03/15/19, 1349 HOURS
A found wallet was turned in at the police department lobby. Officer was able to make contact with the
owner of the wallet who reported he had lost it while plowing driveways for his employer. The owner
responded to the PD to pick up the wallet, checked the contents and confirmed all money and credit cards
were still present. Nothing further.
DWI — 35E SOUTH 03/15/19, 0322 HOURS
Officers assisted State Patrol with a driving complaint heading south from HWY 13. Officers stopped the
vehicle and determined that the driver was intoxicated and was arrested for suspicion of DWI.
NO INSURANCE — HWY 62 03/15/19, 1958 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with an equipment violation on Highway 62 near Interstate
35E. The vehicle was found to be uninsured and was towed. The driver was cited.
4th DEG DWI — Sibley Memorial Hwy 03/16/19, 0108 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at the 900 block of Highway 13. Officer could smell the odor of
consumed alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. Driver stated he drank one beer prior to
driving. Officer conducted a roadside field sobriety test and the driver blew over the legal limit. The driver
was arrested booked and released from the Dakota County Jail for Misdemeanor DWI.
WARRANT ARREST — Delaware Ave 03/16/19, 0257 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop on Delaware Avenue and Highway 62 for an equipment violation. While
running the driver through the state records system, the Officer was alerted to an outstanding Hennepin
County warrant on the driver. Officer placed the driver under arrest who was later transported to the
Hennepin County Jail.
2nd DEG DWI— HWY 62 03/16/19, 0328 HOURS
Officer located an abandoned vehicle that was crashed on the highway. Officer located the occupants down
the road and subsequently arrested the driver for DWI. Driver was booked into the Dakota County Jail for
Gross Misdemeanor DWI.
FRAUD — 1XXX Knollwood Lane 03/16/19, 0925 HOURS
A woman living near the 1XXX block of Knollwood Lane received a fraudulent call telling her that she
needed to pay fines of $5,660 for missing jury duty. She paid the fake fine by means of Google gift cards.
There is no suspect information at this time.
3
AOA — 35E SOUTH 03/16/19, 0925 HOURS
Officer assisted Rosemount officer working a traffic safety event in Mendota Heights with the arrest of an
individual for fleeing on foot and possession of narcotics on Interstate 35E. Officer transported party to the
Mendota Heights Police Department and secured him a holding cell.
3rd DEG DWI — 35E SOUTH 03/17/19, 0101 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 35E near Wagon Wheel Trail. The adult male driver admitted
to having consumed alcohol that evening. Officer conducted field sobriety testing and the driver was found
to be intoxicated and placed under arrest for DWI.
SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES — 1XXX Northland Drive 03/18/19, 1226 HOURS
Officers responded to the 1XXX block of Northland Drive on reports of a suspicious white powder that had
been mailed to a local business. US Postal Inspectors were called and they were unable to find anything
hazardous.
THEFT — 1XXX Sibley Memorial Hwy 03/18/19, 1827 HOURS
Officers responded to 1XXX block of Sibley Memorial Hwy on reports of a theft by swindle. An employee
was tricked into giving money to a man who claimed to be a relative of a employee.
THEFT — 1XXX Lilydale Road 03/20/19, 0908 HOURS
A vehicle was broken into near the 1XXX block of Lilydale Road. A purse was stolen from the vehicle along
with bank cards. There is no suspect information at this time. The case is inactive.
PD ACCIDENT/HIT & RUN — Warrior Drive 03/21/19, 0844 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to the intersection of Warrior Drive and Sibley Court on a report of a hit and run
vehicle crash. Officer spoke with the victim who stated he was sideswiped on the right and the other
vehicle immediately fled the area. The victim was unable to obtain the license plate of the vehicle. Officer
searched the area but was unable to locate the suspect vehicle.
Have a Safe Week!
4
SPRING BRINGS
CHANGE TO
MHPD!
MHPD welcomes
Joshua Rosenberry,
Community Service
Officer.
Josh moved here this
month from his
lifetime home, Omaha,
Nebraska, after
completing his degree
in Criminal Justice at
Bellevue University.
He is excited to be
here in Minnesota to
kick off his career in
Law Enforcement and
to serve the
communities of
Mendota Heights,
Lilydale and Mendota.
Welcome Josh!
3/15 - 3/21 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 217 2675
Police Reports 20 253
Citations 40 350
Warnings 101 619
Response Time Average 5.78 6.75
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