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2019-08-23 Friday NewsPublic Meeting Announcements There will be a City Council Workshop to discuss the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget at 4:00pm on Tuesday, September 10 at City Hall. SEPT 10 A Beautiful Day to Bogey with the Red & Blue Last Sunday provided an opportunity for community members to mix and mingle with Mendota Heights Police Officers and Firefighters through a recreational round of golf at the Par 3. While no hole-in-ones were reported, all ages had an opportunity to play. Thank you to all who participated and to the MHPD, MHFD, and Parks and Recreation for hosting the event! Upcoming Public Meeting Dates August 27 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm September 2 City Hall & Public Works Closed September 3 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm September 10 City Council Workshop | 4:00pm Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm September 17 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm September 18 Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 6:00pm Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD August 23, 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 Update on the Sale of The Village Lots At its meeting on August 20, the City Council approved a purchase agreement between MH Development LLC (Grand Real Estate Advisors) and the City for four remaining and undeveloped city-owned parcels located in the Village of Mendota Heights center. The Buyer agrees to purchase the properties for $1,100,000 with a $10,000 earnest money deposit, and the remaining purchase price to be paid upon a future closing date on the properties. Proposed is a three-story building with approximately 42 apartment units (each unit to be occupied by at least one resident 55 years of age and over), along with an attached restaurant and “co-working” space, all with underground parking, surface parking, a trail connection, landscaping, and green space. Is There Sufficient Police Visibility in Mendota Heights? We want to hear from you! 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. 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. Green Your Trip to the MN State Fair  Carpool or take Metro Transit: Most stops are serviced every 15 minutes and are super affordable—about $5 cash roundtrip! To find a bus stop, visit MetroTransit or call 612- 373-3333. You can even find places to park and ride for free.  Bring your own bottle: Bring a few reusable water bottles filled with ice that will melt as the day goes on. Refill bottles at restrooms or fill stations on site. There are many water fountains and refill stations located throughout the Fair, especially at restroom blocks. Bring your own bottle to cut down on plastic and save money to enjoy the good stuff— fried food!  Compost your cob. Make sure to drop your eaten cob into a cob composting box located next to the vendor. There are also organics recycling containers set up at the Eco- Experience Building for other compostable items to such as bones and wooden sticks.  Food on a stick: Buy foods with less packaging so you have less to throw away.  Bring a bandana: Use the bandana as a napkin, and you can tie it to your shorts or throw it in your bag when not needed, or mop a sweaty brow. This will help cut down on napkin waste.  Souvenir cup: Purchase the souvenir pop cup to refill throughout the day. Most beverage stands give a slight discount for cup refills.  Say no to plastic junk: Who needs 10 compass keychains anyway? Don’t take the plastic freebies that booths give away. Refrain from bringing wasteful trinkets into your home that require storage and care. Just say no! Mendota Heights Moments Rogers Lake wildlife—photo courtesy of Peggy Kipp. MHFD’s 2018 Annual Report The Fire Department’s annual report for 2018 was recently mailed to the Mendota Heights community. In the report readers will find a message from Chief Dreelan, reports from the Fire Relief Association, Training Division updates, Public Education information, a summary of 2018 call reports, and more. The report is also available on the city website: https://www.mendota-heights.com/fire Sept 7 | 7pm Movie Night Mendakota Park Sit back and watch a family-friendly movie on the big outdoor screen! The movie will be selected by vote. Will it be The Goonies or Grease? Vote on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ MHParksandRec/ or https:// www.facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN/. Try a Music Together Class for Free! Tuesday, Sept 10 | 6-6:45pm or Wednesday, Sept 11 | 10-10:45am Harmon Park, West St. Paul Ages: Birth-Kindergarten Bring the little ones and enjoy a free demonstration of Music Together featuring songs, rhythmic rhymes, movement, and instrument play. This is a free introduction to a 10-week class that will run September 17-November 20. Visit https:// secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/ catalog under Youth Programs to learn more. 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 Create an account and view youth and adult programs at: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota- heights-mn/catalog Parks & Recreation 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! Field Trips Registration Open for Fall Non-School Days October 17 | Bunker Park Stables Ages: 8 and up | $47 per child October 18 | Sever’s Corn Maze and Eden Prairie Community Pool Ages: 6-12 | $35 per child Reserve early! https://secure.rec1.com/ MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog VOTE for your FAVORITE Emerald Ash Borer City Staff has begun notifying residents if it is suspected that ash tree(s) on their property are infected with Emerald Ash Borer. Removal on private property 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. The City has also begun removals of infected ash trees within the Right-of-Way along public streets, and within City-owned land. EAB is an invasive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. 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. Contact Rainbow Tree Care directly if you are interested in taking advantage of this program: Rainbow Treecare's Discount Program for Mendota Heights. Regardless of your choice or ability to treat your ash tree, consider replacing your ash tree with another shade tree species. Some good options for replacement shade tree species are:  Basswood (Linden) Tilia Americana  Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa  Cathedral Elm Ulmus ‘Cathedral’  Hackberry Celtis occidentalis  Ginkgo Ginkgo biloba  Ironwood Ostrya virginiana  Kentucky Coffee Tree Gymnocladus dioicus  White Oak Quercus alba For More information, please visit: Mendota Heights EAB webpage. 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 is open! 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 Greener Back-to-School Shopping Hopefully your child has some school supplies left from last year so you don’t have to buy everything all over again. You can reduce the chemicals your child is exposed to by purchasing more eco-friendly supplies; keep an eye out for:  Items labeled “non toxic” or “BPA free”  Prioritize buying paper over plastic whenever possible  Metal rulers which will last a lifetime over plastic that can chip and crack  Pencil highlighters will never dry out and are unique and fun  Recycled paper content notebooks  Upgrade a plastic lunchbox to a metal one that will last years Visit Wisdom Supply Co for zero-waste school essentials! 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department AUGUST 23, 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 PROTECT OUR CHILDREN. Know and Obey School Bus Laws! You MUST stop at LEAST 20 feet from the bus when coming from either direction and you see the flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. An extended stop arm means the bus is stopped to either load or unload children. All motorists must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the stop arm is retracted and the red flashing lights are shut off. CAUTION… The majority of children injured or killed in student transportation are not injured or killed on the bus, but OUTSIDE the bus. Most are struck by motorists who fail to stop for the flashing red lights and extended stop arm. This area around the stopped school bus is often referred to as the DEATH ZONE. Flashing Amber Lights Flashing amber lights on the top front and back of the school bus are a warning that the bus is preparing to stop. Motorists must be prepared to stop also. 2 ASSAULT — 13XX Northland Drive 08/16/19, 1324 HOURS Officers responded to the 1300 block of Northland Drive for an assault in progress. Victim was transported to Regions Hospital. Suspect was located in the building and arrested for assault. Suspect transported to Dakota County Jail. 4th DEG DWI — 9XX Sibley Memorial Hwy 08/17/19, 0404 HOURS Officer stopped out with a vehicle that was parked in a parking lot of a closed business in the 900 block of Highway 13. Officer observed the vehicle's brake lights were on and there was an occupant passed out in the driver's seat. Officer spoke with the driver and could smell the strong odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from their breath. Officer conducted a field sobriety test and the occupant was arrested for DWI. The occupant was booked and released at the Dakota County Jail for Misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI. TRAFFIC STOP — 15XX Hwy 55 08/17/19, 0937 HOURS Officer observed vehicle traveling at high rate of speed on Highway 13 at Windy Ridge. Vehicle was stopped on the Mendota Bridge. Officer suspected impairment. State Patrol investigated and arrested the driver for DUI. Case status cleared with report 2nd DEG DWI — 15XX Sibley Memorial Hwy 08/17/19, 2249 HOURS Officer observed a vehicle driving on the shoulder and speeding in the 1500 block of Old Sibley Memorial Highway. Officer caught up with the vehicle and attempted to pull over the vehicle, however the driver refused to immediately pull over. Once the driver did stop, the officer conducted a high -risk traffic stop and detained the driver without incident. While speaking with the driver, the officer could smell the strong odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from the driver's breath. Driver submitted a PBT sample of 0.17. Driver was arrested and booked into the Dakota County Jail for Gross Misdemeanor 2nd Degree DWI and vehicle was forfeited to Mark's Towing. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY — Hwy 62 Eastbound 08/18/19, 0800 HOURS Police Officer was on a traffic stop on Highway 62 at Crown Point Drive when a vehicle stopped behind the stopped police car. Officer investigated and determined a domestic assault occurred outside of Mendota Heights. Suspect was taken into custody, medics were called for the victim, and West Saint Paul Police came to scene to investigate the domestic assault. Case status clear. ASSAULT — 20XX Dodd Road 08/18/19, 1422 HOURS Officer responded to the 2000 block of Dodd Road for a 911 call. Upon arrival officer learned an assault had occurred. Suspect was identified and mailed citation. Case status clear with report. 3 THEFT — 13XX Northland Drive 08/18/19, 1536 HOURS Officer responded to the 1300 block of Northland Drive for a theft report. Hotel guest reported license plate and windshield wipers stolen. Case status closed with report. DOMESTIC — 10XX Ester Lane 08/19/19, 0204 HOURS Officers were dispatched to a 911 hang up call in the 1000 block of Esther Lane. While in route, dispatched advised a child was calling in that her mother and boyfriend were arguing. Officers arrived and after investigation arrested one party for terroristic threats and disorderly conduct. DRUGS — 20XX Pilot Knob Road 08/19/19, 2041 HOURS Officer responded to a report of drug activity near the 2000 block of Pilot Knob Road. The report was that there was a vehicle with juveniles smoking marijuana. Officers found the vehicle, stopped it and searched it, finding a small amount of marijuana and THC vape pens. Marijuana was discarded on the side of the road and one juvenile is being formally charged for vape pens. FOUND PROPERTY — 10XX Wagon Wheel Trail 08/20/19, 1019 HOURS Officer was notified by Mendota Heights Public Works that they had found abandoned property in the area of 1000 Wagon Wheel Trail. JUVENILE COMPLAINT — Dodd Road 08/21/19, 0129 HOURS Officers dispatched to a juvenile complaint at the intersection of Dodd Rd and Wagon Wheel Trail. The reporting party stated that there was a large group of juveniles throwing big items in the middle of the road. Officers located items in the middle of the road and transported them back to PD. Officers checked the area for juveniles but were unable to locate them. Items placed in storage until owners can be located. 4th DEG DWI — Hwy 35E Southbound 08/22/19, 0124 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on southbound I-35E at I-494 for a speed violation and while speaking with the driver, the officer could smell the odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from the driver's breath. Officer conducted a roadside field sobriety test and subsequently arrested the driver for DWI. Marks Towing was called to impound the vehicle and the driver was booked and released from the Dakota County Jail for Misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI. TRAFFIC STOP — Pilot Knob Road 08/22/19, 0152 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle near the intersection of Pilot Knob Road and Interstate 494. The vehicle as found to be uninsured and was impounded. The driver was mailed a citation. 4 08/16—8/22 2019 YTD Calls for Service 192 7824 Police Reports 20 753 Citations 28 1148 Warnings 40 1666 Response Time Average 7.28 6.51 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 Minnesota Law says it’s legal to honk a horn when it’s “reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation” on the road. For example, that would include warning other vehicles, pedestrians or animals as needed to avoid an accident. If it’s not a safety situation, it’s illegal to honk the horn on the road. Excessive or illegal use of the horn could result in receiving a citation. For more info please see MN Statute 169.68.