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2019-08-09 Friday NewsPublic Meeting Announcements There will be City Council Workshops regarding the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget on:  Tuesday, August 13 at 1:00pm at City Hall  Tuesday, August 20 at 5:00pm at City Hall 20 AUG 13 AUG Upcoming Public Meeting Dates August 13 City Council Workshop | 1:00pm Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm August 20 City Council Workshop | 5:00pm City Council Mtg | 7:00pm August 21 Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 6:00pm August 27 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm September 2 City Hall & Public Works Closed September 3 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD August 9, 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 In Recognition of Service At the City Council meeting on August 7, Ira Kipp was presented with a plaque of appreciation by Mayor Garlock recognizing his more than 7 years of volunteer service to the City as a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission. Pictured above: Mayor Garlock, St. Thomas Academy Head Baseball Coach Matt Kelly (second from right), and five members of the State AAA Tournament Championship Team. “Saint Thomas Academy State Baseball Championship Day” Declared in Mendota Heights At its meeting on August 7, the City Council recognized the St. Thomas Academy Cadet baseball team for winning the 2019 State Baseball Tournament Championship by declaring it “Saint Thomas Academy State Baseball Championship Day” in Mendota Heights. On June 20 the STA Cadets played in the Class AAA Championship game of the MSHAA state baseball tournament. In that game, the Cadets beat the team from Benilde St. Margaret 1-0, to win its first-ever state tournament championship. The team finished with an overall record of 21 wins, and nine losses. Thank you for the Great Turnout and Generosity! Thirty neighborhoods held parties, and two squad cars were filled with food donations for Neighbors Inc. at Night to Unite on August 6. Thank you to the neighborhood hosts, MH Public Safety, and the community for the support and generous donations! New Questions are Posted Multiple I-494 Lane, Ramp Closures in Southeast Twin Cities August 9-12 Motorists traveling on I-494 in Mendota Heights, Eagan and Inver Grove Heights should plan on major delays for the third weekend in a row as both directions of I-494 will have lane and ramp closures beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, weather permitting. The left lane of eastbound I-494 between I-35E and Highway 62/Old Highway 110 will close beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 as crews set up the movable barrier in order to pave westbound I-494. Several ramps between Highway 52 and I-35E will close beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, including:  Highway 3 to westbound I-494  Dodd Road to and from westbound I-494  Westbound I-494 to I-35E also will close when crews are present  Westbound I-494 to Highway 52  Northbound Highway 52 to westbound I-494 and westbound Highway 62 Crews will then reduce westbound I-494 to a single lane between Highway 52 and I-35E by 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. The closure is needed as crews resurface the road. Residents who live near this area of I-494 may hear noise as crews work around the clock to remove pavement, set barrier and pave the road. All lanes and ramps are expected to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12. Ramps Close at I-35E for 42 days Beginning Aug. 15 The eastbound I-494 ramp to northbound I-35E and the southbound I-35E ramp to eastbound I-494 will close for 42 days beginning Thursday, Aug. 15. Motorists should follow the signed detour using southbound I-35E and Lone Oak Road to access northbound I-35E and eastbound I-494. The closures are needed as crews replace bridge joints between the ramps on eastbound I-494. The lane and ramp closures are part of a larger project on I-494 to repave the road, update drainage and repair seven bridges on an eight mile stretch I-494 between the Minnesota River and Third Avenue in South St. Paul. During the two-year project, motorists can expect 14 full or partial closures of I-494. Work is scheduled to be completed by fall 2020. 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 www.511mn.org or dial 5-1-1. We Want to Hear From You 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! Current questions are posted focusing on public safety and the Mendota Heights Police Department. Participate in Polco by visiting https:// polco.us/mendotaheights or by downloading the app for iOS or Android. Mendota Heights Par 3 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. September 21 | 7pm at Garlough Park (West St. Paul) Light up the night at the first annual, family-friendly Glow Dash! Enjoy music and games before you walk, run, or push a stroller through a lighted 1.36 mile dash. This event is for all ages and abilities (no dogs please). Wear your favorite glow gear, and every participant will receive a swag bag filled with glow-in-the-dark accessories and more. Refreshments available after the event. Sponsored by the Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, and South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Departments. Cost: $10 Early Bird Deadline Sept. 7 | $15 after Sept. 7 Register under Special Events: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota- heights-mn/catalog 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. Create an account and view youth and adult programs at: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota- heights-mn/catalog Parks & Recreation Registration is still open! 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. Sept 7 Movie Night Mendakota Park Sit back and watch a family- friendly movie on the big outdoor screen! The movie will be selected by vote. Aug 12 | 3:30-5:00pm At Harmon Park (West St. Paul) Join us for the last FREE summer program bringing recreation to neighborhood parks! There will be activities and equipment for youth such as games, sports, crafts, and more! No registration required ─ ages 6-15 yrs. Aug 14 | 6:30pm Sept 11 | 6:30pm Mendakota Park In partnership with Anytime Fitness, all ages are invited to participate in this Team Training session. Workouts feature a large- group-style circuit training for all fitness levels. Classes last 45 minutes to one hour. Free Outdoor Fun Continues! Emerald Ash Borer Emerald Ash Borer was first found in Mendota Heights in May of 2015. The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect from Asia that feeds on ash trees, killing them within 3-5 years if not treated. City Staff has begun notifying residents if it is suspected that ash tree(s) on their property are infected with EAB. Removal is not required by City Code, but is encouraged to help slow the spread, and prevent dead and dying ash trees from becoming a safety hazard. Signs of EAB infestation:  Canopy die-back  Blond patches on branches and/or trunk  Woodpecker damage  Splitting bark  D-shaped exit holes If you have an ash tree on your property that is in the early stages of infection, or has not yet become infected, treatment may be an option. The City has continued its partnership with Rainbow Treecare to offer treatments to residents at a discounted rate. Consider treating your ash tree if:  The size of your ash tree is greater than 10” in diameter  It does not compete with other trees, utility lines, or structures  Has less than 30% canopy decline if infested  Is healthy and of sound structure Contact Rainbow Tree Care directly if you are interested in taking advantage of this program: Rainbow Treecare's Discount Program for Mendota Heights. EDDMapS Have you spotted invasive plant, animal, or insect species in Mendota Heights? Help track invasive species in the community by using EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System) to report invasive species. It is simple and easy to use. How it works:  Create an on-line account: https:// www.eddmaps.org/index.cfm?freg  Click on Report Sightings from the Menu at the top of the Home Page.  Enter the species information (you can search for species in this field) and location. If you are at the location, and have a smart phone, you can use your phone’s GPS to pinpoint the location on the site’s mapping tool.  Upload photos of the plant (optional).  Click on Submit Report at the bottom of the page. You’re done! All data is reviewed by state verifiers, and a site visit is conducted to verify. Images from https://eddmaps.org Sponsoring Two Participants for the Fall Master Water Stewards Class 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 2019 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. Apply Now! Applications are available at masterwaterstewards.org. Please contact Joe Barten, LMRWMO Administrator, at (651) 480-7784 with any questions. 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/ Would you Like to Learn More About Recycling or Composting? Meet others who are excited about waste reduction and have the chance to inspire others to help reduce waste in Dakota County. Over a 6-week period with one class each week, participants hear presentations from local and regional experts on waste reduction, recycling, composting and solid waste and go on field trips to relevant sites. Upcoming classes: Tuesdays, Sept. 24–Oct. 29 | 6:30-9 p.m. Eagan Community Center 1501 Central Parkway, Eagan Optional tour day: Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m. (tentative) Registration opens Aug. 15 Be the first to know about the next class. Contact Jenny Kedward at 952-891-7043 or jennifer.kedward@co.dakota.mn.us. Register and learn more: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/ Environment/CommunityInvolvement/ MasterRecycler/Pages/default.aspx Be on the Lookout for Black Swallow-wort Black swallow-wort, an invasive perennial vine, has recently been detected for the first time in Minnesota. Black swallow- wort can grow up to 6 feet long and form dense patches that can smother other native species. It is in the milkweed family, and is a threat to mon- arch butterflies as it can displace other native milkweeds that monarchs depend on. Identification:  Lance-shaped leaves that are opposite, with smooth edges.  Flowers are purple with a yellow center, and have five petals arranged in clusters. It flowers from May – July.  Seed pods contain silky filaments similar to other milkweed seedpods, growing to 1.5-3 inches long, and open in later summer/early fall. Report black swallow-wort by contacting the MN Department of Agricul- ture at: 651-201-6684 or Arrest the Pest. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department AUGUST 09, 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 With School right around the corner, here are 15 Apps that parents should be aware of on your child’s phone/tablet and the dangers that some of them have. 2 ANIMAL CALL — 6XX CHEYENNE LANE 07/31/2019, 1923 HOURS Officer responded to an animal vs animal complaint at a residence. Reporting party stated that another dog had attacked his dog while secured on their property. Officer met up with the second dog and owner. Stories contradicted, but owner did admit that the dog was being walked off leash. Party mailed a citation for dog at large. Dog later found to have previous similar animal bite incident. Owner notified that dog would be considered dangerous per ordinance and state statute. THEFT — 7XX PLAZA DRIVE 08/02/2019, 1037 HOURS Dispatched to take a report of a theft. The family member of a former resident came in the doors, grabbed an item, and ran out the door to a waiting vehicle. Contact was made with the party and the item was recovered. Follow up is still needed with a conservator. UNINSURED VEHICLE — WENTWORTH AVE 08/02/2019, 2323 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle near the intersection of Wentworth Avenue and Wachtler Avenue. The driver was not licensed, and the vehicle was found to be uninsured. The vehicle was impounded, and the driver cited. UNDERAGE CONSUMPTION — 9XX HWY 13 08/03/2019, 0048 HOURS Officer stopped out with three suspicious individuals outside a vehicle. After investigation, it was found that an adult male and an adult female had consumed alcohol underage and were cited. An open container of alcohol was located in the vehicle and the driver, an adult male, was cited for this offense. 4th DEGREE DWI — HWY 62 EAST 08/03/2019, 2324 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a swerving vehicle. Officer spoke with the driver and observed signs of impairment consistent with use of a controlled substance. Drug paraphernalia was also located inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested, booked, and released from the Dakota County Jail. Charges are pending results of a blood test. The vehicle was impounded to Mark’s Towing. 2nd DEGREE ASSAULT — 1XXX MENDOTA HEIGHTS ROAD 08/04/2019, 0109 HOURS Officer observed several vehicles in the lot of a closed business. While trying to make contact with the vehicles, one vehicle took off toward the Officer. The officer had to jump out of the way of the vehicle and their foot was ran over. The driver of the vehicle fled from the scene and the driver was found and arrested at his residence. UNINSURED VEHICLE — HWY 13/DOWNING ST 08/05/19, 0120 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. The after investigation the vehicle was found to be uninsured and was impounded. The adult male driver was cited. ABANDONED VEHICLE — 1XXX HWY 13 08/05/2019, 0229 HOURS Officer impounded an abandoned vehicle after it been parked at Monument Park in Mendota Village for over a week. Vehicle had a damaged rear axel and was inoperable. Mark’s Towing impounded the vehicle. 3 BURGLARY — 2XXX GLEN TORO ROAD 08/05/2019 2200 HOURS Responded to a report of a residential burglary that had happened overnight. The scene was processed for evidence. Crime/loss prevention was discussed. GM NO INSURANCE — 1XXX HWY 55 08/06/2019, 0105 HOURS Officer conducted traffic stop westbound on the Mendota Bridge. Registered owner of the vehicle was revoked and the driver was the registered owner. Driver admitted to not having insurance on the vehicle. Driver was arrested and charged for Gross Misdemeanor no insurance. Driver was transported to the Dakota County Jail. Case status cleared with report. BURGLARY — 2XXX GLEN TORO ROAD 08/06/2019, 0807 HOURS Responded to a report of an after-the-fact burglary. Homeowner left for work around 0700 hours and noticed that a car in the attached garage had been gone through. Homeowner called his son and discovered that a neighbor had reported a burglary. Owner’s son discovered drawers had been rummaged through and a set of keys were missing. Evidence was taken from the interior of the house. THEFT — 1XXX DAKOTA DRIVE 08/06/2019, 1118 HOURS A business owner was contacted by another law enforcement agency who had executed a search warrant. During the search, some of this business’s property was recovered. The business was requested to file a police report. Report completed. THEFT — 2XXX DODD ROAD 08/06/2019, 1439 HOURS Customer dropped of a vehicle key at a business in the 2000 block of Dodd Rd. The manager at the business discovered the vehicle key was missing. Manager checked video, a male had entered the store and is observed stealing the vehicle key off of the managers desk. Video lacks clarity to identify the suspect. Vehicle was moved off site so it could not be stolen. Case Status: Inactive DRIVING AFTER REVOCATION — HWY 35E/494 08/06/2019, 2159 HOURS Officers observed a vehicle traveling with expired registration. Officer confirmed with a license plate check that the registration was expired. Officer could see that there was a 21 -day temp tag in the window but couldn't read the date. Officer stopped the vehicle and upon approaching the vehicle the driver stated that they were revoked and didn't have a license. Officers conducted a search of the driver ’s record and determined that the driver had a long history of not responding to citations. Officers arrested the driver and transported her to jail. 4 3rd DEG DWI — 494/35E 08/06/2019, 2353 HOURS Officers observed a vehicle traveling West on 494 from 35E make multiple traffic violations and swerving over their lane line. Officers conducted a stop on the vehicle and found signs of impairment. Officers arrested the driver and transported them to jail. SUSPICIOUS PERSON — 21XX TIMMY STREET 08/06/2019, 2200 HOURS Responded to a report of an attempted burglary. Homeowner found a secure screen door was partially opened sometime overnight. No entry was made and nothing was stolen. PD ACCIDENT/ HIT & RUN — 9XX DELAWARE AVE 08/07/2019, 0348 HOURS Officers responded to a vehicle crash. The driver fled the scene and was located by officers. Driver was transported to Regions. Charges are pending further investigation. HRO VIOLATION — 7XX MOHICAN LANE 08/07/2019, 2136 HOURS Officer was dispatched to a report of a restraining order violation. Officer spoke with the victim who stated the mother of his child was sending him text messages in violation of a restraining order he has out on the suspect. Officer determined there was probable cause to arrest and with the assistance of Richfield Police, the suspect was taken into custody without incident. BURGLARY — 5XX HIAWATHA AVE 08/08/2019, 0303 HOURS Officers responded to a report of burglary in progress. Officers were unable to locate the suspects in the area. Case active. FOUND PROPERTY — FREMONT STREET 08/08/2019, 0556 HOURS Officer was dispatched to Chippewa and Fremont for a found purse. The purse was returned to the owner. Report as information only. TAMPERING WITH MOTOR VEHICLE — 9XX CHIPPEWA AVE 08/08/2019, 1935 HOURS Officer was dispatched to the 900 block of Chippewa for a report of a vehicle that was gone through overnight. Only a phone charger was taken out of the vehicle. Case inactive. 5 08/02—8/08 2019 YTD Calls for Service 232 7382 Police Reports 29 715 Citations 40 1087 Warnings 59 1579 Response Time Average 6.27 6.49 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 Once again we had a wonderful turn out for Night to Unite! We attended a whopping grand total of 30 parties and had a fabulous time meeting so many of our community members. We were able to collect 2 squad cars full of food donations for our local food shelf, Neighbors Inc., which is so fantastic! We can’t thank you all enough for such a fabulous evening and hope to see you all again next year!