2019-04-26 Friday NewsStay Connected:
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April 26, 2019
from the City of Mendota Heights
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
May 7
City Council Meeitng | 7:00pm
May 14
Park & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm
May 14
Airport Relations Comm Mtg
Joint Mtg w/ Eagan ARC | 7:00pm
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
www.mendota-heights.com
651.452.1850
City Hall Counter Hours
M-TH: 7am-4:30pm
F: 7am-11:30am
Police Department Hours
M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm
FRIDAY NEWS
Earth & Arbor Day
Volunteer Event Rescheduled
Thank you to the volunteers who
anticipated serving at this event
tomorrow. Unfortunately, due to
forecasted weather this event is being
rescheduled. A rescheduled date will be
announced next week. If you had
registered for this event, please register
again when the new date becomes
available.
Mendota Heights Tree Sale Expanded
This sale has been recently expanded to TWO TREES per RESIDENT ADDRESS!
Residents who have already ordered one tree may order another tree. Order today at:
http://treetrust.org/get-a-tree/mendotaheights/. Orders must be placed by May 11 for
pick up in Mendota Heights May 18.
Drug Take Back Day
April 27 at City Hall, 10am-2pm
The MHPD will be on hand to collect unused prescription medications. Simply pull
up to the main City Hall entryway in your vehicle and drop them off. Drop off is
safe and anonymous—no ID is required and no questions will be asked. If you can’t
make this event, a Medication Disposal Box is located in the lobby of the Police
Department at City Hall, where residents can drop off prescription medications 24
hours a day, 7 days a week. This program helps keep narcotics off of the streets and
provides environmentally sound disposal.
Event being
Rescheduled
2040 Comprehensive Plan Update
A City Council Workshop regarding the 2040 Comprehensive Plan is being planned for
the week of May 13. The date for the workshop will be determined at the May 7 City
Council meeting, and will be announced after this determination.
New Metro Cities President
At its Annual Meeting held on Wednesday, Mendota Heights’ City Administrator Mark
McNeill was elected to serve as president of the Metro Cities Association. Metro Cities
is governed by a 19-member Board of Directors of elected and appointed member city
officials from across the metropolitan region. Its primary function is to advance and
protect the collective interests of metropolitan area cities at the Legislature,
Metropolitan Council and Governor’s Office. The organization’s 90 members
encompass over 95% of the region’s population. McNeill’s one year term of office will
begin July 1.
Register Today for the Officer Scott Patrick Memorial
5K Walk/Run Supporting Special Olympics Minnesota
Saturday, June 1
Registration: 7-8:30am | 5K Start Time: 9am
@ The Village at Mendota Heights | Main Street & Market Square
Support more than 8,200 athletes of Special Olympics of Minnesota by
participating in the 5K on Saturday, June 1. Proceeds support year-round
sports training and competition for these talented athletes. Registration is
$25 before 6pm on May 31, or $30 on the day of the event.
Participants will receive a T-shirt and have an opportunity to compete for
awards in age categories 19 and under, 20-49 Open Division, and 50+
Master Division. There will be an awards ceremony and prize drawing upon
conclusion of the race near the finish line.
Register online: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog
or in-person at City Hall. Registration forms are available on the City
website and at the City Hall counter.
FREE Landscaping
for Clean Water Workshops 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 run through
June. More information/online
registration: www.DakotaSWCD.org/
CleanWater_Form.html.
Sights of the Season
A yellow rumped warbler at Rogers Lake. Photo credit: Peggy Kipp.
Beginning Monday:
City Hall Business Hours
City Hall Summer
Business Hours
April 29 –Sept 27
Mon -Thurs 7:00am-4:30pm
Fri 7:00am-11:30am
Police Dept
Business Hours
Mon - Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
Accepting Applications for a
Natural Resources/GIS Intern
The Natural Resources/GIS Intern assists
the Natural Resources Technician and
Engineering staff with planning,
administration, and implementation of
programs relating to water resources,
upland habitat management, and forestry.
The position will also assist with general
engineering projects and GIS work. The
Natural Resources/GIS Intern reports to
the Public Works Director.
Hourly Rate: $12.00 to $15.00 per hour,
depending on qualifications
Length of Internship: Up to 40 hours
per week for 13-15 weeks, depending on
student's school schedule.
For more information and application
instructions, visit https://www.mendota-
heights.com/employment. Application
materials accepted until position is filled.
Road Updates
The following road projects may impact local transportation routes:
WB I-494 starting 8pm Sunday, April 21
I-494 near the Wakota Bridge will be reduced to 2 lanes. This lane
reduction will also require the closure of the WB Ramp from Maxell, which
may impact traffic on Hwy 61. This construction stage is anticipated to last
30 days. Be prepared for delays in this area.
I-35E @ Lone Oak Rd./Hwy 13 starting Sunday, April 28 From south of Lone Oak Road to south of MN Highway 13, MnDOT will be
crack sealing the northbound lanes; there is a chance the southbound lanes
may be added also.
Stay Connected:
Facebook.com/mndot | Twitter: @mndotnews
Mndot.gov/knowyourroute For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit 511mn.org or
dial 5-1-1.
Mendota Heights Par 3 is Open
The Par 3 is open! Play the 9-hole, par 27 golf course or 9-hole footgolf
course. Footgolf is a combination of golf and soccer. Bring your own ball
or rent one at the course.
**** $5 Golf Day ****
On May 11 check out the Mendota Heights Par 3, and golf for $5 per
round. Open: 7:30am-8pm.
Call 651.454.9822 to schedule a tee time
Tee times are recommended for golf and footgolf. Visit https://
www.mendota-heights.com/par3 for current rates. The course is located
at 1695 Dodd Road in Mendota Heights.
Mendota Heights
Parks—an Updated
Tobacco Policy
On April 2, the City Council
updated the Tobacco-Free
Policy in city parks. Parks have
had a tobacco-free policy since
2006; the new policy added
restrictions for all forms of
tobacco use including E-
cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
The ordinance is currently in
effect, and new signs will be
posted in the parks in the near
future. For more information:
City Code: Title 8, Chapter 4.
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: golf assistants
Visit https://www.mendota-heights.com/
employment for more information,
application materials and instructions.
Positions are open until filled.
Spring/Summer
** Registration is Open **
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
Golf lessons & leagues
Tennis lessons & leagues
Field trips
Summer camps
Summer playground program
Recreation Fee Assistance
Program Available
A Recreation Fee Assistance Program is
available to eligible Mendota Heights
residents for participation in recreation
programs. Visit https://www.mendota-
heights.com/parksrecreation 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
Parks & Recreation
Parks Celebration Sponsorship Deadline May 1
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
FREE Community Events at Mendakota Park
Friday, May 31- 8:30pm: Watch “Mary Poppins Returns” on the big
outdoor screen.
Saturday, June 1 - 11am-2pm: Attend the annual Parks Celebration
featuring bounce houses, a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, sports games,
activities, food truck, booths to visit, and more!
Wednesday, June 19 - 6:45 pm: Teddy Bear Band in concert
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
Mattress/box spring (ea).. $10
Appliance..……………….$ 9
Appliance w/ Freon …..…$10
Tire without rim …. …...$ 6
Tire with rim …………... $10
Scrap metals …………… Free
Bicycles ………………… Free
Electronics
Microwave……………….$ 7
Lamp/fan ……… …..…....$ 3
Scanner/fax machine...….. $ 5
Inkjet printer…………… $ 9
All-in-one printer………. $12
LCD/Plasma TV………… $ 9
Tube-style TV monitor…$15
Flat Screen Monitor……..$ 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
Payment by cash
or check only.
For residents of:
Mendota Heights
Mendota
Lilydale
Sunfish Lake
Dakota County Offering
Free Water Testing Kit and Open Houses
Attend an Open House hosted by Dakota County on Tuesday, April 30, 5-8pm
at the Dakota Lodge in Thompson Park. Complete a survey and receive a free
water test kit for lead. The kit is for city water or private well use. At the Open
House, you can share your ideas on groundwater and land conservation in
Dakota County. There are additional Open Houses coming up in Farmington,
Hampton, and Hastings for private well owners to bring a water sample to for a
nitrate test and results while they wait. Learn more: www.dakotacounty.us,
search “Groundwater Plan” or “Land Conservation Plan.”
This sale has been recently expanded to TWO TREES per RESIDENT
ADDRESS! Residents who have already ordered one tree may order another
tree. Order today at: http://treetrust.org/get-a-tree/mendotaheights/
Mendota Heights Residents Tree Sale Expanded
Compost Bin and
Rain Barrel Sale
Don’t miss the Recycling
Association of Minnesota’s annual
compost bin & rain barrel sale!
Dakota County Residents can enjoy
30% off of their order by applying
promo code “Dakota” at check out.
Orders will need to be picked up at
your selected distribution site. The
closest pick-up locations are
April 27 in Maplewood, or June 1 in
St. Paul. Learn more and order
online: https://recycleminnesota.org/
work/compost-bins-rain-barrels/
Adopting a storm drain simply involves
keeping it free of sediment, trash, leaves,
and other debris by sweeping and
collecting it at least twice a month.
Please use caution and follow the safety
procedures on the Adopt-a-Drain
website. You can even track how much
you are collecting using the website. It is
a simple, easy way you can help do your
part to improve water quality in our
community! Online sign-up at: https://
www.adopt-a-drain.org/
Become a Trained Aquatic
Invasive Species Detector
Aquatic invasive species are a problem
in Minnesota; be part of the solution!
Dakota County is looking for
volunteers to become aquatic invasive
species detectors. The commitment
includes an online course and a one-
day, in-person workshop. Dakota
County is hosting a class in Farmington
on May 4 and will reimburse the course
fee for up to nine residents to complete
it. Once certified, detectors are asked
to volunteer for 25 hours each year.
For more information visit:
www.aisdetectors.org
Shred Event Success!
Last weekend’s shred event collected 25,080 pounds of paper; the weight equivalent to 2 adult African elephants! A huge
thank you to the reserve officers who came out to help direct traffic! The event was so successful, that unfortunately it
couldn’t accommodate the demand. If you missed the event or were not able to have your paper shredded, here are two
more options:
Starting May 3: Pioneer Shredding, 155 Irving Ave. N., Minneapolis
Drop off paper for free the first Friday of every month, 9:30-11:30am beginning in May, limit of 25 boxes per person.
Call 612.381.2176.
June 26: Wakota Shred Event, 1151 Southview Blvd., South St. Paul
Free community shred event, 3-6pm, no limit. Sponsored by the City of South St. Paul, Dakota County, and the MN
Pollution Control Agency.
Want to Learn More About Recycling &
Waste Management in Dakota County?
Register Today for Tour de Trash
Friday, May 17 | 8:30am-3pm
Tour beings at Lebanon Hills Visitor Center
Cost: $10 covers busing and lunch
The Tour de Trash is a half-day field trip to local waste
and recycling facilities. Participants will visit a landfill,
compost site, recycling center, and The Recycling Zone.
This event is open to all Dakota County residents ages 16
and over.
Learn more & register: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/
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.
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
APRIL 26 2019
CHIEF
Kelly McCarthy
CAPTAIN
Wayne Wegener
SERGEANTS
Eric Petersen
Tanner Spicer
Peyton Fleming
POLICE OFFICERS
John Larrive
Todd Rosse
Chad Willson
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
Laws & Safety Tips For
Drivers, Bicyclists &
Pedestrians.
Bicyclists Must:
Travel in the same direction as traffic.
Obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as motorists.
Signal their turns and should ride in a predictable manner.
Use a headlight and rear reflectors when it's dark. To increase visibility, add a rear
flashing light.
Motorists Must:
Drive at safe speeds and be attentive — look for bicyclists, check blind spots.
Check mirrors and surroundings of roadway before opening doors and turning into
intersections.
Maintain a three-foot clearance when passing a bicyclist. This includes areas where
there is no shoulder.
Stop for pedestrians and bicyclists at marked crosswalks and at all intersections
without crosswalks or stop lights.
Make eye contact with the person crossing intersections and roadways to ensure
you both are aware of each other.
Pedestrian Law Highlights
Vehicles stopped for pedestrians can proceed once the pedestrian has completely
crossed the lane in front of the stopped vehicle.
Pedestrians must not enter a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching and it ’s
impossible for the driver to stop.
When a vehicle is stopped at an intersection to allow pedestrians to cross the
roadway, drivers of other vehicles approaching from
the rear must not pass the stopped vehicle.
LEARN MORE AT DPS.MN.GOV
2
TS/DWI — HWY 62/DODD RD 04/19/19, 0217 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop for a speed violation on Highway 62 and Dodd Road. Upon speaking with
the driver, the officer smelled the odor of consumed alcoholic beverage and conducted a field sobriety test.
The driver submitted to a roadside PBT and blew over the legal limit. The driver was arrested and
transported to the police department and after further testing, recorded a BAC under the legal limit. The
driver was released from custody.
JUV DRUGS — 9XX MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 04/19/19 2336 HOURS
While on routine patrol officer witnessed a running vehicle parked on the 900 block of Mendota Heights
Rd. The driver of the vehicle was sleeping; driver indicated that he had consumed drugs. Driver contacted a
parent and received a ride home. Report written.
UNDER 21 DWI — 35E/HWY 62 04/20/19, 0154 HOURS
Officer was NB on 35E from Hwy 62. Officer observed vehicle weave over lane line. Vehicle was stopped.
Driver admitted to drinking, but driver was under 21. Driver was put through field sobriety tests. Driver
blew under .08 but alcohol was present. Driver was cited for permit violation and under 21 drinking and
driving. Cleared with citation.
FOUND DOG — 1XXX VICKI LN 04/21/19, 1655 HOURS
Responded to the 1700 block of Vicki Lane for a report of a found dog. No identification tags or microchip
were located. The owner was not able to be located and the dog was ultimately taken to the South St. Paul
Animal Hospital.
PROPERTY DAMAGE — HWY 62/DODD RD 04/21/19, 1655 HOURS
Motorist reported their windshield struck by a golf ball while traveling eastbound on Hwy 62 between I35E
and Dodd Rd. Damage occurred on Saturday April 20th at about 1755hrs.
DRUGS/PROSTITUTION — WENTWORTH AVE/DODD RD 04/23/19, 0901 HOURS
Officers performed a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Wentworth and Dodd road. Officers
performed a vehicle search and located narcotics and paraphernalia. A male and female party were
arrested. During an interview it was found that prostitution had been taking place. Both parties were
charged with possession of narcotics and the male was charged with solicitation of prostitution.
FOUND PROPERTY — 7XX NAVAJO LN 04/24/19, 0900 HOURS
Citizen turned in an old pellet gun from their basement to be destroyed. Item was destroyed.
PROPERTY DAMAGE — 5XX HIAWATHA AVE 04/24/19, 1335 HOURS
Dispatched to a traffic accident/ damage to property call at the 500 block of Hiawatha Ave. The reporting
party stated that a neighbor had advised him that a FedEx vehicle had struck his basketball hoop two weeks
prior. Officer gathered information and report written.
ACCIDENT — 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 04/25/19, 0756 HOURS
Dispatched to a PD accident/no Injuries at the 900 block of Sibley Memorial Hwy. Officer met with parties
involved and gathered information. Report written.
3
As you head
outdoors to enjoy
the spring weather,
remember to be
cautious!
SEE & BE SEEN!
Make eye contact with
pedestrians, drivers,
bicyclists to ensure they
have seen you before
entering intersections.
Wear Bright, visible
clothing, especially at
night
WALK ON THE CORRECT SIDE OF THE ROAD!
It’s the LAW!
WITH WHEELS:
with Traffic/Right Side
of Roadway
WITHOUT WHEELS:
Against Traffic/Left side
of roadway
04/19 - 04/25 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 199 3,813
Police Reports 12 343
Citations 29 526
Warnings 46 886
Response Time Average 5.77 6.64
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