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2019-12-13 Friday NewsAccepting applications to fill commission vacancies The City is currently accepting applications to fill Commission vacancies. One opening will exist on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The term will start in February 2020, and run for three years. The Commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to parks and recreational programs, establishes regulations for the use and operation of the parks and recreational facilities, and prepares plans for the improvement of the parks and recreational facilities. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of every month beginning at 6:30 pm. One opening will exist on the Planning Commission. The term will start in February 2020, and run for three years. The Planning Commission reviews applications on general matters of planning, zoning, development plans, transportation issues, and platting. The Planning Commission holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the City Council for formal action. The Planning Commission also plays a key role in comprehensive planning and amendments to the zoning code. The majority of this Commission’s work relates to conditional use permits, variances, critical area permits and wetlands permits for properties, which can range from simple accessory structures up to large development plans. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month beginning at 7:00 pm. Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to City Administrator McNeill (markm@mendota-heights.com) no later than Monday, January 6, 2020. Questions can be directed to City Administrator Mark McNeill at 651.452.1850. Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com 651.452.1850 City Hall Lobby Hours M-TH: 7:00am-4:30pm F: 7:00am-11:30am Police Department Lobby Hours M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm Upcoming Public Meeting Dates Tuesday, December 17 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Thursday, December 19 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm Tuesday, December 24 City Hall Closed (Public Works open) Wednesday, December 25 City Hall & Public Works Closed Wednesday, January 1 City Hall & Public Works Closed Tuesday, January 7 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD December 13, 2019 from the City of Mendota Heights FRIDAY NEWS Census workers needed Minnesota needs 7,500 census workers next year. Are you interested in being one of them? The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for a range of temporary, flexible jobs that make a difference in every community. The 2020 Census determines how more than a trillion dollars are spent locally for schools, roads, hospitals and much more. That means you could earn extra income while shaping your community’s future. Pay starts at $22 an hour in Dakota County. Learn more and apply at 2020census.gov/jobs. Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon The Cities of Mendota Heights, Mendota and Lilydale recently merged with the West St. Paul Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to become the Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Mayor Neil Garlock, a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, will be the new chair starting in 2020. A Yellow Ribbon Community unites all areas within a community to create a comprehensive network that connects and coordinates agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of proactively supporting Service members, military families, and Veterans. Learn more at https://wspmn.gov/832/Beyond-the-Yellow-Ribbon. LANDSCAPING FOR CLEAN WATER FREE INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS All hour-long workshops will start at 6:00 p.m. at the following locations: Farmington – Monday, March 9 Burnsville – Tuesday, March 10 Apple Valley – Wednesday, March 11 West Saint Paul – Wednesday, March 18 Lakeville – Monday, April 6 Burnsville – Wednesday, April 8 Apple Valley – Tuesday, April 14 Eagan – Monday, April 27 Apple Valley (MN Zoo) – Tuesday, May 12 Rosemount – Tuesday, June 2 MAINTENANCE WORKSHOPS Already have a Raingarden or other Native Planting? Attend a Maintenance Workshop and learn how to maintain your raingarden or native planting year-round! Mendota Heights Wednesday, March 4, 5-6:30 PM Inver Grove Heights Tuesday, March 31, 6-7:30 PM Apple Valley Wednesday, April 29, 5-6:30 PM Landscaping for clean water in 2020! Receive grant funds and on- site assistance for creating a beautiful landscape feature in your yard, such as a raingarden, native garden or shoreline stabilization! Landscaping for Clean Water is a program for Dakota County residents that provides assistance for creating landscape features that:  Promote clean water  Benefit local pollinators  Are sustainable and low-maintenance  And look beautiful! How does it work?  Attend a FREE introductory workshop where you’ll learn gardening basics, and how to create landscaping that can benefit our local water.  Sign up and attend a two-night Design Course ($25 one-time cost) that allows you to work hands-on with staff to begin planning and designing a garden in your yard.  Apply for the Landscaping for Clean Water Grant by filling out an application. LEARN MORE OR SIGN UP FOR A WORKSHOP: DakotaSWCD.org/cleanwater.html Call: 651-480-777 | Email: SWCD@co.dakota.mn.us Holiday Food Drive 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. 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. Recycle holiday lights at City Hall through January 31 Have a string that won’t light? City Hall is collecting holiday lights, electrical cords, appliance cords, and phone cords for recycling courtesy of ProAct. Simply drop off items in a collection bin located in the lobby of City Hall during business hours. Take part in the 2019 Mendota Heights Community Survey through December 15 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 can be taken online via any preferred digital device in just a few minutes. 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. Polco accounts can be set up any time at https://polco.us/mendotaheights or download the app for iOS or Android. Once an account is established, users can receive notifications when new questions are posted. Blade with the Blue February 8 | 1-3pm Join the MHPD for a fun day of recreational hockey skills and games. Participants will enjoy friendly challenges in fastest skater, passing, shooting accuracy, and longest goal. After the challenges, team up with police officers for 3-on-3 hockey games. Children must provide their own equipment. For ages 6-13. Cost: FREE Location: Friendly Hills Park-Outdoor Rink Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Flag football camp December 26—27 | 10am-1pm Learn the rules of flag football while working on team play and sportsmanship through skill development and games. For ages 6-12; $50 per participant. This activity will take place at the Regional Athletic Center (West Saint Paul Dome). Learn more and register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Royal Ball February 9 | 3-5pm Registration is open for the fifth annual Royal Ball! There will be crafts, games, meet-and-greet with real princes and princesses, a DJ, refreshments, and dancing. Space fills quickly for this popular event! Cost: $22 per child Ages: 10 (4th grade) and under Concord Exchange Building, South Saint Paul Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. 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) Now Hiring – Apply Today! Parks & Recreation Orbit Earth Expo December 30 | 1:30-2:30pm 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. Admission is limited and registration is required. Thank you to the ISD 197 Education Foundation for their help in making this event possible. Cost: FREE Location: Mendota Elementary Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Community Service Officer Starting Salary: $19.41per hour (2019 rates) Seasonal Warming House/ Rink Attendant Hourly Rate: $10.00 to $10.75 https://www.mendota- heights.com/employment for more information Copperfield Ponds Park You may notice some additional activity in Copperfield Ponds Park in the next couple of weeks. The City of Mendota Heights has partnered with Great River Greening to help control invasive tree and shrub species in Copperfield Ponds Park. The project entails removing invasive species using cutting and herbicide treatments, as well as replanting with native vegetation. Crews will be removing invasives such as common and glossy buckthorn, and Tartarian honeysuckle. For additional information, please contact Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician at kristas@mendota-heights.com or 651-255-1123. The Lawns to Legumes Program is accepting applications! Have you been looking for a way to help the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and other pollinators? Or maybe you have been wanting to create an environmentally-friendly, low-maintenance landscape? The Lawns to Legumes program offers a simple way to do both! The MN Board of Water and Soil Resources is now offering grants as part of the new Lawns to Legumes Program. This program offers workshops, coaching, guides, and cost-share funding for installing pollinator-friendly native plantings in residential landscapes. These pollinator habitats could consist of any of the following:  A Native Pocket Planting or garden with native, pollinator beneficial flowers  Establishing a Pollinator Lawn by removing existing turf and replacing with a pollinator seed mix that includes no-mow fescues and low-growing flowers, or seeding no-mow fescues and low-growing native flowers into existing lawn  Pollinator beneficial trees and shrubs  Establishing a Pollinator Meadow or a large area with a diversity of native plants, such as a native prairie that includes both native grasses and wildflowers The Lawns to Legumes program offers two types of grants: Individual Support Grants are available to Minnesota residents for projects that establish pollinator habitat in their yards. If awarded, up to $350 in grant funds are available to applicants. To apply, visit Blue Thumb's Online Application Page. The first application period ends February 28 for Individual Support Grants. Demonstration Neighborhood Grants are available for community neighborhood projects that establish pollinator habitat in key corridors. Local government agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits are eligible to apply. These organizations work with local residents to install four types of beneficial planting practices: native pocket plantings, pollinator beneficial trees and shrubs, pollinator lawns, and pollinator meadows. If you or your neighborhood is interested in becoming or participating in a Demonstration Neighborhood project, please contact Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician at kristas@mendota-heights.com or 651-255-1123. For more information on the Lawns to Legumes Program, visit https://bwsr.state.mn.us/lawns-legumes-your-yard-can-bee-change. 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/. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) wants to hear from you! The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization is in the process of updating its 10-year Watershed Management Plan, and they need your input! Make your voice be heard by taking their brief survey. By answering just a few short questions, you will help the WMO to better understand your concerns, priorities and goals for the health of the watershed. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization provides a valuable forum for member cities to evaluate and resolve drainage and water quality issues within the watershed. To learn more about the LMRWMO, visit their website: Lower Mississippi River WMO. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department DECEMBER 13, 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 Jared Powell INVESTIGATIONS Nick Gorgos SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Steve Hilyar COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER Coming Soon 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 2 DISTURBING THE PEACE — 3XX E STREET 12/06/19, 1440 HOURS Officers responded to a group home located on the 300 block of E Street in Mendota for a reported disturbance. On scene, the two parties were separated. The visiting party was verbally trespassed by staff and he was allowed to leave the scene. Information only. WARRANT ARREST — HWY 13 12/06/19, 1622 HOURS Random plate check near intersection of Hwy 13 and Hwy 62, showed registered owner had a warrant for assault and a revoked driver's license status. Driver / registered owner stopped, taken into custody for warrant and transported to Dakota County Jail without incident. 3RD DEG DWI — 25XX ARBOR COURT 12/07/19, 2318 HOURS Officer observed a vehicle stuck in a snowbank in the 2500 block of Arbor Court. Officer pulled up and observed the driver unconscious with their foot on the gas pedal. Officers pulled the driver out of the vehicle who later regained consciousness, however unable to follow simple directions. Driver blew a PBT of .228 and drug paraphernalia was located inside the vehicle. Driver was transported to Regions Hospital. Charges pending blood test results. Vehicle was impounded to Marks Towing. WARARNT ARREST — HWY 62 12/08/19, 0137 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Highway 62 and Highway 13. The driver was discovered to be unlicensed, revoked, and has an active gross misdemeanor warrant and was arrested without incident. Two passengers inside the vehicle were also discovered to have active warrants and also arrested without incident. The third passenger was released. A probable cause search of the vehicle located narcotics and narcotic paraphernalia. The narcotics were seized and sent for testing. The driver was booked into the Dakota County Jail for her warrant. The two passengers were booked into the Hennepin County Jail for their warrants. The vehicle was impounded. PD ACCIDENT — 22XX PILOT KNOB ROAD 12/08/19, 0223 HOURS Officer was dispatched to an accident on the 2200 block of Pilot Knob Road. When the Officer arrived on scene the vehicle was unoccupied. It was determined the vehicle was stolen earlier in the night in Eagan. Vehicle was towed and the registered owner was notified. DOMESTIC ASSAULT — 19XX CROWN POINT DRIVE 12/08/19, 1600 HOURS Officers were called to a domestic in progress near the 1900 block of Crown Point Drive. On scene it was determined that the male party was guilty of domestic assault and told that he was under arrest. He assaulted Officers during his arrest and a Taser was used multiple times. He was transferred to the Dakota County Jail. THEFT — 14XX NORTHLAND DRIVE 12/10/19, 1803 HOURS Report of theft from vehicle on the 1400 block of Northland Dr. Reporting party stated that her catalytic converter had been stolen. Officer gathered information and report written. TRAFFIC STOP/5TH DEG DRUGS — HWY 62 EB 12/10/19, 2008 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop at 62/Delaware for hanging object from rearview mirror. Vehicle was searched and officer found marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Officer seized evidence, took statements, and cited. Marijuana and drug paraphernalia was placed into evidence. Report written. 3 WARRANT ARREST — 6XX WOODRIDGE DRIVE 12/11/19, 1930 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop for a speeding violation on the 600 block of Woodridge Dr. Upon speaking with the driver the officer discovered the driver did not have a drivers license and had multiple active warrants. The driver was arrested and booked into the Dakota County Jail for their warrants and citation issued for driving with no license. The vehicle was impounded to Marks Towing. BURGLARY — 10XX DAKOTA DRIVE 12/12/19, 0637 HOURS Officers were called to the 1000 block of Dakota Drive for a reported burglary. After clearing the building, Officers stayed to collect evidence and photograph the scene. Because the power was cut to the building and the surrounding buildings don't have security cameras outside, there is no suspect information. Inactive. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE — 13XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 12/12/19, 1935 HOURS Officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Hwy 13 on a report of a theft from motor vehicle. Officer spoke with the victim who stated they were at a restaurant and when they returned to their vehicle, it was discovered someone had broken their vehicle window and stole their computer and miscellaneous items. No suspect information at this time. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE — 13XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 12/12/19, 2152 HOURS Officer took a phone call from a victim stating while he was at a restaurant on the 1300 block of Hwy 13, his vehicle was broken into and a book bag was stolen. No suspect information at this time. 4 12/06 - 12/12 2019 YTD Calls for Service 159 11,398 Police Reports 17 1,101 Citations 33 1,725 Warnings 42 2,502 Response Time Average 6.12 6.66 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 WINTER PARKING ORDINANCE * IN EFFECT * 6-2-2: Night Time Parking Prohibited H. No vehicle shall be parked on any public street between the hours of 2:00AM and 6:00AM between Nov 1st-Mar 31st. 6-2-4: Parking During Snowfall A. Parking Time Restricted: No person shall allow any vehicle to park or stand upon any street or road in the city for more than 30 min during the time intervening between a snowfall of 2 inches or more and the plowing or removal thereof.