2019-11-01 Friday NewsUpdate on Dodd Road closure between Marie and Wentworth
Xcel Energy is underway with a gas main replacement in the Somerset Park
neighborhood (northwest of Dodd & Marie). Northbound Dodd Road will be closed,
between Marie and Wentworth Avenue, until the week of November 18.
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
Wednesday, November 6
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
Monday, November 11
City Hall & Public Works Closed
In honor of Veterans Day
Tuesday, November 12
Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm
Wednesday, November 13
Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 6:00pm
Tuesday, November 19
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
Stay Connected:
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsMN
Facebook.com/
MHParksandRec
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsPD
Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights
Twitter.com/
@mheightsPD
November 1, 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
Holiday gift drive begins
Donate a gift for a teen or tween, providing a holiday shopping experience for local
families in need. The Mendota Heights Police Department is partnering with A Place of
Hope to collect gifts for youth ages 10-18; especially needed are cash donations. Gifts
should be unwrapped and can be dropped off in a collection bin in the Police
Department lobby. If you would like to volunteer for the organization or know a
family who could benefit, visit www.placeofhopemn.org. The gift drive runs through
December 11. Drop off hours are Monday-Friday from 7am to 4:30pm (after
11:30 am on Fridays please enter through the Police Department lobby doors on the
north side of City Hall, with parking available in the lot off of Lexington Avenue).
Seasonal
reminders
The Winter Parking
Ban is currently in
effect with no
overnight parking on
any public streets
between 2 a.m. and
6 a.m.; please remind
overnight guests and
young drivers of this
important information.
Additionally, when it
snows 2” or more, or
there is a high probability of a 2” or more snowfall, a Snow Emergency may be declared
and plows will go into action. Please keep all vehicles off of City streets until roads are
plowed curb-to-curb. Thank you in advance for being attentive to this information and
keeping Mendota Heights a safe and operational community!
Bootiful night for the
Halloween Bonfire
Thank you to all in the
community who enjoyed the
warmth of the bonfire on
October 31, and to the Fire
Department for their support
of this event. We hope to see
you at next year’s gathering!
Take part in the
2019 Mendota Heights Community Survey
The 2019 City of Mendota Heights’ Community Survey is designed to
help Mendota Heights follow trends in community sentiment to better
serve residents. The survey consists of 16 questions, and was designed
to cover topic areas more generally, so that later we can dive into
individual results that impact our city. The survey is taken online via any
preferred digital device and takes just a few minutes to complete.
To take part, link directly to the survey and begin answering
questions. At the end you will be directed to set up a free Polco
account if you do not already have one. Once an account is established, users can receive notifications when new
questions are posted. Participants can remain anonymous and responses are viewed as totals. Users can see survey
results and how others in the community are responding, and have an opportunity to comment on topics if desired.
As you change clocks back one hour
this Sunday, be sure to change the
batteries in your smoke and carbon
monoxide detectors.
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan.
When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke
alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
Be smoke alarm smart:
Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each
sleeping area and on every level of the home, including
the basement.
Interconnect your home’s smoke alarms. This way,
when one sounds, they all sound.
Teach children the sound of the smoke alarm and to
exit the home/building when it sounds.
Place alarms on the ceiling. If alarms are placed on the
wall they must be no more than 12 inches below the
ceiling.
Smoke alarms should be tested monthly.
Change smoke alarm batteries at least once a year —
unless yours have 10-year, sealed lithium batteries.
Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years.
Source: sfm.dps.mn.gov
Seasonal Skating Instructor
The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation
is accepting applications for a seasonal Skating
Instructor. Hourly Rate: $15.50 to $16.25, DOQ
To apply: Complete a city application and
application supplement. Position open until filled.
Seasonal Warming House/Rink Attendant
The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation
Department is accepting applications for part-time,
seasonal Warming House/Rink Attendants for
Mendota Heights’ outdoor ice rinks. Hourly
Rate: $10.00 to $10.75
To apply: Complete a city application and
application supplement. Position open until filled.
Seasonal Rink Flooder
The City of Mendota Heights Public Works
Department is accepting applications for part-time,
seasonal Rink Flooders for Mendota Heights’
outdoor ice rinks. Hours: Hours vary, up to 25
hours per week, mid-December through early
March (weather permitting). Evening and weekend
hours required. Hourly Rate: $10.00 to $10.75.
To apply: Complete a city application and
application supplement. Position open until filled.
Visit https://www.mendota-
heights.com/employment for more
information, application materials
and instructions.
Now Hiring – Apply Today! Fire Prevention Tips
Orbit Earth Expo
December 30
Orbit Earth Expo is coming to the City
of Mendota Heights and Tri District
Community Education for an
unforgettable science experience. Orbit
Earth Expo is interactive and
entertaining. Orb (a 14-foot inflatable
model of Earth) and his friends will take
your family on a journey to space to create cycles, systems and
relationships between the Earth, Moon and Sun. You’ll manipulate the
models to create eclipses, seasons, moon phases, creation of winds, day/
night cycles, rotation vs. revolution, order of the planets, and
more! Admission is limited and registration is required. Thank you
to the ISD 197 Education Foundation for their help in making this free
event possible.
Cost: FREE Time: 1:30-2:30pm
Location: Mendota Elementary Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or
at City Hall.
Winter gymnastics
Saturdays, December 7–February 8
At Henry Sibley High School
Classes introduce young gymnasts to the sport in a safe, fun
environment. A variety of skills will be taught and developed on the
balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise and tumbling. This is an
8-week session.
Ages: 3-12
Tumbling Tykes, Tumbling Tots, Kinder Tumbling: $90 per child
Beginner, Advanced Beginner: $110 per child
Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or
at City Hall.
Create an account and view youth and
adult programs at:
https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-
heights-mn/catalog
Parks & Recreation
Recreation Fee Assistance
Program
A Recreation Fee Assistance Program is
available to eligible Mendota Heights residents
for participation in recreation programs.
Qualification details, eligible program
information, and an application can be found
at https://www.mendota-heights.com/
parksrecreation. For more information
contact Recreation Program Coordinator
Meredith Lawrence: meredithl@mendota-
heights.com or 651.255.1354.
Superhero Masquerade
November 17
Action, adventure and fun awaits
your little superhero at the
Superhero Masquerade! Come
dressed as your favorite
superhero and enjoy crafts,
games, activities, a dance party
and refreshments. Register early
— space is limited. An adult
must be present during the event.
Ages: 2-12 Time: 3-5pm Cost: $20 per child
Location: Thompson County Park - Dakota Lodge Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog
or at City Hall.
See Glow Dash in action!
The first Glow Dash held on September 21 was a bright success!
Check out the fun at https://vimeo.com/366784790.
Winter Break Field Trips
Registration is open for these winter break
adventures!
Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/
mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall.
Drakulas Bowling & Movie
December 26
Enjoy fun and interactive bowling followed by
the movie Spies in Disguise.
Ages: 6-12 Cost: $27 per child
Time: 9:15am-4:00pm (bus from City Hall)
Conquer Ninja Warrior Gym &
South Saint Paul Pool
December 27
Train and compete like ninjas in the morning,
and enjoy swimming the afternoon away at
Central Square Community Center Pool.
Ages: 6-12 Cost: $35 per child
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm (bus from City Hall)
Help a neighbor in need
City Hall is collecting shelf-stable food and
toiletries for Neighbors, Inc. Donations may be
dropped off in the lobby during City Hall business
hours. The donation drive will run through the
holiday season.
Shoe recycling event hosted by
Dakota Valley Recycling
November 11-17
Drop off shoes in any condition! Shoes in good
condition will be cleaned up and reused by being
given to those in need. Shoes that are no longer
in good condition will be separated and the
parts such as rubber and textiles will be
recycled. https://www.dakotavalleyrecycling.org/
recycling-news/236-shoes
Eagan Civic Arena
3870 Pilot Knob Rd
Hours: 7:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m.
Fall Clean Up—Yard Waste Options
It is illegal in Minnesota to dispose of yard and tree waste (grass,
leaves, small brush, plant materials) with your household
garbage. This means it must be bagged in a compostable paper
bag or reusable container and kept separate from your trash
bin. Fall yard waste options include:
South St. Paul Compost Site—Now until November 17 681 Venderosa Ave., South St. Paul
(off of Hardman & Venderosa Ave.)
Hours: Friday-Sunday | 9am-5pm rain or shine
Materials accepted: leaves, grass, sod, and garden waste No brush or tree waste, wood chips, mulch or stumps accepted at
South St. Paul Compost Site. Free compost is available to take
home!
Cost: $.50 per standard bag - $1.00 per larger plastic bag/barrel, or
volume-based fee for truck loads.
http://www.southstpaul.org/208/Yard-Waste-Compost-Site
S&S Tree Horticultural Specialists/Davey’s Tree
405 Hardman Ave. S., South St. Paul
Hours: Saturdays only | 7am-5pm Materials accepted: brush and tree waste
No stumps; no bags accepted at this site—plastic or compostable
FREE disposal
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/.
Remember to Keep Leaves
out of our Streets and
Storm Drains
Now that the leaves have begun to
fall, remember to keep them out of
our streets, gutters, and storm drains.
When leaves and yard waste are
washed into storm drains, they end up
in our surface waters, where they
then release nutrients that contribute
to algae growth and algae blooms the
next spring. These extra nutrients also
cause low oxygen levels, fish kills, and
unsafe swimming and recreation
conditions.
When raking up leaves, branches,
and debris from your yard,
dispose of them properly. Here
are some good options:
Compost yard waste in your
backyard. Addling leaves to a
compost pile is an inexpensive way
to add nutrient rich fertilizer to
your gardens.
Bring leaves to a compost site or
other acceptable disposal site.
Many sites take leaves and other
yard waste free of charge or for a
small fee. A list of sites in our area
can be found here.
Till leaves directly into a garden,
for added organic matter.
Short on time? Use a service such as
TaskRabbit to hire out the task of
raking and/or removing your leaves for
you!
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.
Get ready for winter with smart salting
Keeping paved surfaces safe for pedestrians and drivers is important,
however sometimes more deicing chemicals and salt is used than what
is necessary.
When unused salt makes its way down our storm drains, it is not
treated by stormwater treatment features that are usually designed to
remove other pollutants such as nutrients and sediment. Only ONE
teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute FIVE GALLONS of water!
Once salt enters our surface waters, including the lakes, streams,
rivers, and wetlands in your neighborhood, it is very difficult to
remove, and often is never removed. Chlorides and salts can also harm
or kill pets and wildlife, especially if it is ingested.
Homeowners and business owners can help to reduce salt use by
doing the following:
Do not over-apply! Use only 4 lbs. per 1,000 square feet.
If you are considering the purchase of a water softener, look for
salt-free models that do not use salt. Salty brine from water
softeners drains to wastewater treatment plants that aren’t
designed to remove salt, so it passes through to lakes and rivers.
Use salt only when it will be affective. More salt does not mean
less ice! Typical deicing salt is only affective at 15 degrees
Fahrenheit and above.
Shovel and remove snow sooner rather than later. The more
snow you remove, the less ice is formed, and the less salt is
needed.
Choose a snow removal service that is certified by the MPCA in
Level 1-Snow and Ice Control Best Practices.
Sweep up extra salt and reuse it!
For more information on how you can help: Snow removal: Do it
better, cheaper and pollution-free!
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
NOVEMBER 1, 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
Alex Randall
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
Install CO alarms
near bedrooms on
each level of your
home.
Have a professional
inspect your heating
system annually.
Make sure
appliances are
installed correctly.
Causes of CO
poisoning include
improper use of fuel
burning appliances.
Never run a portable
generator inside
your house or
garage.
Do not leave a
vehicle running in
the garage.
Carbon Monoxide is a
colorless, odorless gas.
If an alarm goes off, get
outside and call 9-1-1.
PPM
5000
2000
1000
500
200
100
30
Death in 20 minutes
Death in 4 to 5 hours
Coma, convulsion (in 1 hour)
Loss of consciousness, tachypnea, tachycardia
Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue
Headache, asthenia
Light perception
2
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 2XXX DODD RD 10/25/19, 0816 HOURS
Dispatched to Mendakota Park on damage to a building. Sometime between Tuesday 10/22 and Friday
10/25, a door was forced open at the concessions building but nothing stolen. No suspects or witnesses.
DWI — DODD RD/BACHELOR AVE 10/25/19, 2239 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for driving the wrong way in a one way in a construction zone.
Officer spoke with the driver and could immediately smell the strong odor of consumed alcoholic beverage
coming from inside the vehicle. The driver's eyes were also glassed over. Driver submitted to a standardized
field sobriety test and was determined to be over the legal limit. The driver was booked into the Dakota
County Jail for Third Degree Gross Misdemeanor DWI and the vehicle was legally parked.
MEDICAL — 5XX JUNCTION LANE 10/26/19, 0000 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to the 500 block of Junction Lane for an intoxicated male who had fallen and hit
his head. The male declined to be transported and officers signed a hold on the male and he was
transported to the hospital by HealthEast.
WARRANT — 6XX MAPLE PARK DR 10/26/19, 0049 HOURS
Officer stopped out with a suspicious vehicle. One of the individuals in the vehicle had a felony warrant out
of Hennepin County. The individual was transported to Dakota County Jail.
TRAFFIC STOP — 11XX HWY 13 10/26/19, 0206 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop in the 1100 block of Highway 13. The adult male driver fled on foot, but was
later identified and mailed a citation.
IMPOUND — 14XX NORTHLAND DR 10/27/19, 0953 HOURS
Vehicle parked in the 1400 block of Northland Dr. was impounded for violation of 24 hour parking violation.
The vehicle had citations from Sep. 15th, 27th, and Oct. 26th under the windshield wiper. Vehicle was
towed and the registered owner was notified by mail.
DRUGS — NORTHLAND DR/HWY 55 10/28/19, 1919 HOURS
Officers conducted a traffic stop at the intersection. Officers smelled the odor of marijuana which led to a
vehicle search. Officers found prescription narcotics. Party was given a chance to prove prescription
belonged to them. Case referred to DTF.
TRAFFIC STOP — 494/PILOT KNOB RD 10/28/19, 2303 HOURS
Officer stopped vehicle westbound 494 at Pilot Knob Road for excessive speed. Driver did not have a valid
license. Vehicle was towed and driver cited.
3
ANIMAL CALL — 7XX S PLAZA WAY 10/29/19, 0030 HOURS
Officer responded to an animal complaint near the 700 block of South Plaza Way. Officer found two dogs
leashed to a tree barking. After a short while the owner of the dogs came but was deemed unfit to take care
of the dogs. A family member came to take care of them. Dogs were unharmed, no charges to be filed.
DISTURBING THE PEACE — 11XX IVY HILL DR 10/29/19, 1346 HOURS
After the fact report of a domestic that took place in a residence on the 1100 block of Ivy Hill Dr. Reporting
party stated that the perpetrator grabbed her twice and tried to trip her when leaving. Officer spoke with
the alleged perpetrator who admitted to grabbing her but only to calm her down. Reporting party was not
injured, no signs of an assault.
THEFT — 11XX DODD RD 10/29/19, 1903 HOURS
Vehicle parked at location was broken into and a purse was stolen. Under investigation.
WARRANT — ROBERT TRAIL/DIFFLEY RD 10/29/19, 2039 HOURS
Officers conducted a random license plate check on a vehicle that was traveling south on Dodd and 494.
The vehicle returned with a felony warrant. Officer stopped vehicle and arrested the driver.
CHECK WELFARE — 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/30/19, 0553 HOURS
MHPD squads dispatched to the 900 block of Hwy 13 on a check the welfare. Upon arrival, squads observed
the victim had possibly used heroin and was in medical distress. Medics transported victim to local hospital
for treatment. Vehicle was towed.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 2XXX FOX PL 10/30/19, 1140 HOURS
Resident reported the windshield on a vehicle parked in the driveway had been shattered by a rock. It
appeared the rock had been thrown from a moving vehicle. No suspects or witnesses.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 1XXX DODD RD 10/30/19, 1246 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to a report of damage to a vehicle. Drivers side window was broken while parked on
the street between 1000 and 1200 hours. A damaged t-handle screw was left behind in the vehicle.
Nothing was stolen. No suspects or witnesses.
DUMPING/LITTERING — 8XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 10/30/19, 2313 HOURS
Officers observed additional debris that had been dumped at location. No suspects at this time.
DRUGS — 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 10/31/19, 0930 HOURS
Officer responded to location on a report of a juvenile found in possession of a nicotine vape and another
juvenile in possession of a nicotine vape and suspected THC vape device. Both juveniles were released to a
parent. The suspected THC will be sent for testing and charging consideration to follow.
4
5
10/25—10/31 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 225 10,221
Police Reports 23 991
Citations 51 1,530
Warnings 90 2,239
Response Time Average 6.10 6.60
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
NIGHTTIME
PARKING
11/1 – 3/31
Cars off the street
2 am – 6 am.
MH CITY ORD
6-2-2H
PARKING
DURING
SNOWFALL
2” or more snowfall =
vehicles off streets
until it’s plowed curb
to curb.
MH CITY ORD 6-2-4