Loading...
2019-07-19 Friday NewsOfficer Scott Patrick Memorial Anniversary Tuesday, July 30 at 12pm July 30, 2019, will mark the fifth anniversary of Officer Scott Patrick’s sacrifice in the line of duty. The community is invited to attend an observance event held in his honor on Tuesday, July 30. The event will take place at the site of the shooting, in West St. Paul, near the intersection of Dodd Road and Smith Avenue. Participants should gather at 12 noon. There will be reflections from people who knew Officer Patrick, and a moment of silence at 12:20 pm. Upcoming Public Meeting Dates July 23 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm August 6 Night to Unite Evening August 7 (Wednesday) (Rescheduled) City Council Mtg | 7:00pm August 13 Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD July 19, 2019 from the City of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com 651.452.1850 City Hall Lobby Hours M-TH: 7am-4:30pm F: 7am-11:30am Police Department Lobby Hours M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm FRIDAY NEWS Sign Up for the Warrior 5K to Support ISD 197 Schools The 10th annual Warrior 5K Walk/Run and Family Mile will be held at Henry Sibley High School on Saturday, September 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. This is a community-wide event, and all proceeds support the I.S.D No. 197 Educational Foundation. Registration begins in August, and race and sponsorship forms can be found at http://www.isd197foundation.org/. All paid registration forms include a race t-shirt. For the first time, the race will begin on the new track; and the new sports facility will be open for all to see. All runners and walkers are welcome! Serious runners, casual runners/walkers, those who like to walk with their dogs, and those who like to socialize with friends and neighbors while exercising will enjoy the event. In Remembrance of Firefighter William ‘Bill’ Chisler, Jr. The City would like to recognize the passing of Bill Chisler, who served the community as a firefighter for over 23 years, from 1970-1993. The City is grateful for his dedication to public safety and the contributions he made to the Mendota Heights community. The Parks & Recreation Commission Welcomes Patrick Cotter At its meeting on July 16, the City Council appointed Patrick Cotter to serve an unexpired term on the Parks and Recreation Commission, replacing a seat vacated by Ira Kipp. Mr. Kipp had served on the commission since 2012. His knowledge and passion for the Mendota Heights parks system will be greatly missed. His service will be acknowledged by the City Council at its August 7 meeting. Mr. Cotter will fill the remainder of the term set to expire on January 31, 2021. The City looks forward to his participation. Anticipate Delays on I-494 as Projects Continue MnDOT announced a cancelation of the work planned on I-494 affecting local transportation routes for this weekend, however, anticipate the rescheduling of this work to future weekends. Delays will continue in the south metro as crews begin work on an eight mile stretch of I-494 between the east side of the Minnesota river and 3rd Avenue. The work will also include bridge deck resurfacing and joint replacement on the I-494 bridge decks over I-35E. You can expect to see multiple single lane and full closures of I-494 including some ramps over the next two construction seasons. The City’s new civic engagement tool through Polco is gaining participation. This free online program enables residents to provide feedback to posted questions via their preferred digital device, at a time and place convenient for them. If you’re not on Polco yet, now’s a great time get started! Questions are posted in batches, so watch for the next series to post in the near future. Participate in Polco by visiting https:// polco.us/mendotaheights or by downloading the app for iOS or Android. Are You on Polco? Stay Connected: Stay up-to-date on this project by signing up for email updates at the project website: www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/ projects/i494invergroveheights/ Facebook.com/mndot Twitter: @mndotnews Mndot.gov/knowyourroute For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit 511mn.org or dial 5-1-1. Be on the Lookout for Japanese Hedge Parsley Japanese Hedge Parsley (Torilis japonica) is a new invasive, non- native plant species now found in Minnesota. It is in the carrot family (Apiaceae), and the leaves resemble the leaves of many plants in the carrot family, so identify carefully. Flowers are in flat, white/pink bracted clusters of umbels, 1.5-2 inches across. Individual flowers are notched, with 5 petals of unequal stamens. Leaves and stems are covered in stiff hairs, and appear in groups of 3-5 compound leaves, alternately attached to the stem. Japanese Hedge Parsley is often found along woodland edges, along roads, or in disturbed areas. If you are unsure or if you think you may have Japanese Hedge Parsley on your property, please contact City Staff (contact information below) for a site visit and proper identification. Control: Methods of removal and control include hand-pulling or using a herbicide such as glyphosate or 2,4-D. For more information: MN Department of Natural Resources or Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician at: 651-255-1123 or by Email: kristas@mendota-heights.com. 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. Call 651.454.9822 to schedule a tee time at the Par 3 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. Due to inclement weather on the original date, this event is rescheduled for Sunday, August 18 at 2pm | $15 per participant Join the MH Police and Fire Departments for a recreational round of golf at the Par 3. Meet and mingle with officers and firefighters who serve your neighborhood. Groups are welcome to register together, and groups/participants without foursomes may be paired with others for play. All ages are welcome! Participants receive a T-shirt and light refreshments will be provided. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/MN/ mendota-heights-mn/catalog under Par 3 Programs. Register for the Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby August 1st | 5-7pm | Rogers Lake Ages 14 and under | $10 per participant Bring your own fishing pole and come on down to Rogers Lake fishing pier to catch “the big one!” Hotdogs and beverages will be served. Youth will have an opportunity to win a Minnesota Lifetime Fishing License. Register under Youth Programs at https://secure.rec1.com/ MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog. 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 Parks & Recreation Registration is still open! Watch the Latest Community Parks Connection Discover local recreational opportunities by viewing the latest Community Parks Connection from Town Square TV. Mendota Heights’ highlights include the Par 3 golf/footgolf course, free summer concert series, free workouts in the park, free Tour de Rec, and more! View at https://vimeo.com/345780101, or catch it on Comcast Xfinity 14 & 18 or CenturyLink Prism 8414. Are the Kids Getting Bored? Parks and Recreation offers a fun and enriching Playground Program at Mendakota Park (with rain days at City Hall). July 22-26 | Game Show Mania July 29-Aug 2 | Nature Unleashed Cost: $50 per week Register https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog 4-6 year olds: 8:15-10:15 am 7-9 year olds: 10:30am-12:30pm 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. Workout Series atMendakota Park Join us for FREE summer workouts in a beau�ful outdoor se�ng! In partnership with Any�me Fitness, all ages are invited to par�cipate in this Team Training session. Workouts feature a large-group-style circuit training for all fitness levels. Classes last 45 minutes to one hour. Aug 14 | 6:30pm Sept 11 | 6:30pm Join us for a FREE summer program bringing recrea�on to neighborhood parks! There will be ac�vi�es and equipment for youth such as games, sports, cra�s, and more! No registra�on required ─ ages 6-15 years. July 24 | 1:00-3:00pm Southview Park (275 Westview Dr., WSP) July 24 event is with the WSP Police Department July 30 | 2:00-3:30pm Wentwork Park (739 Wentworth Ave, MH) Aug 12 | 3:30-5:00pm Harmon Park (230 Bernard St. W., WSP) Summer Outdoor Entertainment at Mendakota ParkJoin us for these FREE shows throughout the summer, featuring something for everyone! July 24 | 6:30pm Kidsdance DJ Grown-ups and kids alike will enjoy this mega fun dance party featuring the family-friendly Kidsdance. This is an interac�ve DJ experience playing the ho�est new music and coolest classics ─ with tons of ac�vi�es to get everyone moving! Aug 8 | 7:00pm The Goombas Rock to the tunes of The Goombas band, whose mission is to learn, prac�ce, perfect and perform dance and party music with a unique group of friends, within an enjoyable rock band se�ng. Sept 7 | TBD Movie Night Sit back and watch a family-friendly movie on the big outdoor screen! The movie will be selected by vote. More Outdoor Fun in the Parks Hosted by Parks & Recrea�on The City of Mendota Heights | www.mendota-heights.com Mendakota Park | 2171 Dodd Road | Mendota Heights Become a Master Water Steward Are you concerned about water pollution? Is there a water quality problem in your neighborhood that you want to fix? Want to get off the sidelines and make real change? The Master Water Stewards program is a great opportunity to learn how to solve environmental problems in your community and find a local network of energized leaders. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) is sponsoring two participants for the Fall 2018 Master Water Stewards Class, a $2,250 value for the classes. Applications are being accepted until September 9, 2019. Note this deadline is earlier for residents of the LMRWMO than the typical application deadline. The two successful applicants will be asked to provide $250 towards the classes, which will be reimbursed upon completion. What Master Water Stewards Do  Assess Watersheds — Identify pollution sources and create strategies for reducing pollutants.  Educate Communities — Help neighbors understand the most pressing environmental problems in their area.  Reduce Pollutants — Work with communities to target pollution sources such as pet waste, fertilizer or pesticides.  Coordinate Action — Help communities reduce polluted runoff by coordinating the installation of raingardens, native gardens, natural shoreline plantings, rainbarrels and other rainscaping techniques. Attend an Information Session To learn more, citizens are asked to attend an upcoming information session. There will also be sessions at Mendota Heights City Hall on July 30 and August 6, beginning at 6:00pm. Please note that you need not attend an info session to apply. Apply Now! Applications are available at masterwaterstewards.org. Please contact Joe Barten, LMRWMO Administrator, at (651) 480-7784 with any questions. Native Plant Garden Tour Saturday, August 3 | 10am - 1pm 1704 Vicki Lane, Mendota Heights Learn more about pesticide/herbicide-free gardening for wildlife, pollinators, birds, beneficial insects, and more, at this informative and educational tour. Resources will be available on how to get started "naturescape-ing" your yard. Informed guides will be available to answer your questions. Join us for coffee and a very fun tour. This event is sponsored by NeighborhoodGreening.org. 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. 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/ Organics Recycling Update Mendota Heights believes in reducing waste. The best way to know how to waste less is to find out what you’re trashing – and that’s exactly what the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency does periodically. Based on the most recent 2013 MPCA Waste Composition Study, our landfills are still made up of a surprising amount of recyclable items: Based on the chart above, almost half of what was thrown away could have been recycled: paper, cans, glass jars and plastic bottles. On top of that, roughly one third of the material in the landfill could be composted; like food waste and used napkins. Food scraps break down differently in a landfill. They create methane gas – a greenhouse gas 30 times worse than carbon dioxide. Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions and creates a valuable product that can be used on roadway projects, in gardens and in farmers’ fields. In October, 2017, Mendota Heights City Hall began composting and diverting food waste, soiled paper products like napkins, paper towels and tissues, as well as certified compostable flatware. Since beginning organics recycling at City Hall, about a ton and a half of material has been kept out of the landfill, which is about the weight of two cows! If you are interested in composting at home, visit Dakota County’s website for information. If you prefer to drop off your food waste and tissues, sign up for the Organics Recycling Program for free, and take your materials to Eagan or West St. Paul. Sign up online at www.dakotacounty.us, call 952-891-7557 or email organics@co.dakota.mn.us. A welcome kit with guidelines and free compostable bags will be mailed to your home. Accepted  All food, food scraps, peels, pits, etc.  Coffee grounds, filters and teabags  Paper towels, napkins and tissues  Paper towel and toilet paper rolls  Paper egg cartons  Certified compostable products: Items with the BPI or Cedar Grove certified compostable logo on the product or packaging  Hair and fur  Popsicle sticks and toothpicks  Houseplant trimmings and flowers Not accepted  Yard waste including pumpkins and garden plants  Plastic bags  Pet waste, litter or bedding  Fast food wrappers Waste station in entryway of City Hall. Have you heard of Plastic Free July? It is a cam- paign where millions of people all over the world take the challenge to reuse single-use plastic for a full month. The goal is to reduce plastic waste by making simple changes. Join the challenge today and challenge your family, friends and coworkers to give up single-use plastic for the month. Sign up and challenge yourself to say goodbye during the month of July to plastic bags, water bottles, takeaway coffee cups and plastic straws. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department JULY 19, 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 What can I do under the new law? The new law allows a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone. Remember, hands-free is not necessarily distraction-free. What can’t I do with my phone under the new law? You may not hold your phone in your hand. Also, a driver may not use their phone at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone. Can I ever hold my phone? Yes. Hand-held phone use is allowed to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties. Can I use a GPS navigation device? Yes. GPS and other systems that can only be used for navigation are exempt from the Hands-Free law. In-car screens and systems are also exempt. In both cases, most of these systems lock when the vehicle is moving. Is it against the new law to hold a phone in a hijab or other type of headscarf or wrap? Having a cell phone tucked into a headscarf or head wrap is not against the hands - free cell phone law. The phone must be securely situated to remain hands-free and must not block the driver’s vision in any way. What would be against the new law is if the driver removed the phone and held it in their hand while they were a part of traffic. At no time may a driver hold the phone in their hand unless it ’s to obtain emergency assistance, if there is an immediate threat to life and safety, or when in an authorized emergency vehicle while performing official duties. The new law does allow a driver to use their cell phone to make calls, text, listen to music or podcasts and get directions, but only by voice commands or single-touch activation without holding the phone. 2 DWI — 35E/HWY 13 07/12/19, 0050 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Interstate 35E and Shepard Road. After investigation, the adult male driver showed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest. The driver refused to take the evidentiary breath test and was transported to jail. IMPOUND — 1XXX DODD RD 07/12/19, 0255 HOURS Officer observed a vehicle parked at a closed business on the 1000 block of Dodd Road. Officer checked on the vehicle which was unoccupied. Officer observed a firearm in the driver's door. Officer took custody of the firearm and the vehicle was impounded. Officer made contact with the owner who stated he intentionally left his vehicle parked at the business and knows he left his firearm in plain view. MAIL THEFT — 1XXX DODD RD 07/12/19, 0914 HOURS An officer took a report of mail that was stolen from a mailbox on the 1000 block of Dodd Road. The mail was outgoing and in the mailbox with the flag up when the item was taken. FORGERY/COUNTERFEITING — 1XXX JAMES RD 07/12/19, 1157 HOURS Officer dispatched to call the reporting party regarding possible check fraud. It was learned mail was stolen from the reporting party's mailbox and a check, issued to the reporting party, had been altered and cashed by someone else. Similar report was taken in the same neighborhood at the same time. TRAFFIC STOP/MARIJUANA — HWY 62/CHARLTON RD 07/13/19, 0009 HOURS Officer was on routine patrol when he witnessed a traffic violation. Vehicle stopped and driver identified. Officer could smell the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle. Officer searched the vehicle and located a small amount of marijuana. Gathered information and driver cited. DUMPING/LITTERING — VALENCOUR CIR/ACACIA BLVD 07/13/19, 0908 HOURS An officer observed a party throwing debris into the road ditch near the intersection of Valencour Circle & Acacia Boulevard. The suspect was ultimately issued a citation for unlawfully depositing garbage. HIT & RUN — 2XXX DODD RD 07/13/19, 2107 HOURS Officer dispatched to a PD Accident/ Hit and Run at the 2000 block of Dodd Rd. The reporting party stated that a vehicle hit a parked vehicle that was in the lot and then drove away. The reporting party was able to get a license plate number for the suspect vehicle. Officer gathered information and report written. Case pending further investigation. TRAFFIC STOP/DRUGS — DODD RD/CREEK AVE 07/14/19, 0103 HOURS Officer came across a vehicle stopped in the middle of the intersection of Dodd Road and Decorah Lane. Officer followed vehicle to Dodd and Creek Avenue. Vehicle was stopped, searched, and driver was arrested for possession of controlled substances. Driver was booked into the Dakota County Jail. Case forwarded to the Dakota County Drug Task Force. 3 DWI — SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY/WACHTLER AVE 07/14/19, 0250 HOURS Officers were dispatched to a suspicious activity call at the 500 block of Kirchner Avenue. The reporting party stated that two males got out of their vehicle and were acting suspicious. The reporting party advised that the males got back into the vehicle and drove away. Officer located vehicle and witnessed the vehicle fail to come to a complete stop at stop sign. Officer stopped vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was later determined to be intoxicated and was arrested for DWI. BURGLARY — 6XX CALLAHAN PL 07/14/19, 0657 HOURS An officer responded to the 600 block of Callahan Place on the report of a burglary that had just occurred. A witness described the suspect and the vehicle. Officers located the suspect and placed him under arrest. The property was recovered and returned to the owner. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 2XXX DODD RD 07/14/19, 1042 HOURS An officer took a report of damage to property on the 2000 block of Dodd Road. The victim's trailer had a tire slashed some time over the past week. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 1XXX LONDON RD 07/14/19, 1058 HOURS Victim's vehicle, garage area and front screen door were vandalized in the 1000 block of London Road. Unknown suspects. Case Inactive. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 6XX BUTLER AVE 07/14/19, 1542 HOURS Officer responded to the report of vandalism on the 600 block of Butler Ave. Sometime overnight, a vehicle drove through a property and tore up the grass. Under investigation. FRAUD — 1XXX 2ND ST 07/15/19, 1320 HOURS Officer was dispatched to the PD lobby to speak with a resident who believed she was victim of check fraud. The resident attempted to sell her vehicle on Craigslist and fell victim to a scam involving cashiers checks. FRAUD — 2XXX DODD RD 07/15/19, 1506 HOURS Officers were called to the 2000 block of Dodd Road for a reported theft. A work trailer had been gone through some time overnight and several items had been taken. Officers checked local pawn shops for evidence of the stolen items but found none. There is no suspect information at this time. The case is inactive. THEFT — 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 07/16/19, 1227 HOURS Officers dispatched to the 900 block of Hwy 13 on a theft. Male suspect left in a vehicle, but the vehicle could not be located. Investigation active. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 1XXX CLEMENT ST 07/17/19, 0555 HOURS Officer responded to location on a report of damage to a vehicle that had happened overnight. No suspects. 4 TAMPER W/MOTOR VEHICLE — 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 07/17/19, 0715 HOURS Responded to the 1000 block of Delaware Avenue on a report that unknown person/s have been moving a piece of construction equipment over the last several days. Crime/loss prevention was discussed as well as notifying the property owner of the incident. No suspects or evidence. Case is closed. SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES — 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 07/17/19, 0920 HOURS Officers responded to a report that an environmental company drilling core samples had located bone fragments 35 feet below the ground and they were uncertain if they were human or not. The fragments were turned over to the State Archaeologist for examination and the MN Bureau of Indian Affairs was notified. Case pending results. DOMESTIC — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR 07/17/19, 1151 HOURS Officers were dispatched to a 911 hang up. Officers made contact with the occupants of the hotel. They were arguing about a cell phone and an ID card. Female made threats to smash a TV and then called 911 and hung up. The male allegedly held female against the wall and was struck in the head by the female. No indications of an assault and there was no damage to the room. Parties were separated. POSSESSION OF STOLEN PROPERTY — 5XX ANNAPOLIS ST 07/17/19, 1504 HOURS Speed violation in the 500 block of Annapolis Street. Stopped vehicle, no plates, no 21 day temp. Driver ID'd by MN ID and driver was revoked. Driver and passenger did not know who owned the vehicle. Several calls to potential owners, no positive proof of ownership. Vehicle impounded, driver and passenger jailed. Case under investigation. 5 07/12 - 07/18 2019 YTD Calls for Service 227 6,631 Police Reports 32 651 Citations 41 944 Warnings 69 1,425 Response Time Average 7.98 6.57 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. TUESDAY AUGUST 6TH, 2019  Bring neighbors together  Build relationships  Get to know your public safety partners  Share safety concerns  Learn crime prevention tips  Great for adults and kids  Enjoy yummy treats  Check out police squads and fire trucks REGISTER BY AUGUST 2ND, 2019 By using the attached form or by going to the city website to complete the form. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! Questions/Comments? Email us at: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366. Need Public Safety Response? Call 911 6