2019-12-20 Friday NewsA season for serving
On Thursday, December 12 the Mendota Heights Fire
Department had their annual holiday party. The night
started off at Feed My Starving Children in Eagan. Over
30 firefighters and their spouses/families helped to pack
138 boxes of food for starving children. Once they were
finished, the group had the opportunity to taste the
"Mana-Pack" food that they helped assemble. Most of
the group thought it was pretty tasty! This is the second year that this event has been
included in the holiday party as a great way to give back to those in need.
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 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
Tuesday, January 14
Park & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm
Wednesday, January 15
Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 6:00pm
Stay Connected:
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MendotaHeightsMN
Facebook.com/
MHParksandRec
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsPD
Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights
Twitter.com/
@mheightsPD
December 20, 2019
from the City of Mendota Heights
FRIDAY NEWS
Congratulations Officer Randall!
Mayor Neil Garlock swore in new Police
Officer Alex Randall at the City Council
meeting on December 17. Officer Randall
recently completed his field training after
being hired in August of 2019. His
background includes experience with the
Dakota County Park Rangers and the
Minnesota National Guard, with a bachelor’s
degree from Minnesota State University,
Mankato.
There will be no Friday News on December 27.
Watch for the next issue on January 3. Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!
Prevent the spread of tree pests and disease by properly
disposing of live greenery
Insects and tree diseases can be spread through the sale and distribution of trees and
holiday greenery if brought into Minnesota from other states. Please do your part this
season to protect our Minnesota trees by following these practices:
Do not throw trees and greenery into backyards or your compost pile.
Use a credible organized tree and greenery pick-up or drop-off site.
Burn trees or greenery in a contained fire ring. Always check with city ordinances first
before burning (Mendota Heights City Code: Title 7, Chapter 2-7: Recreational Fires).
For more information: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture Bulletins.
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.
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
Accepting 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.
Ice rinks open for the season
Ice rinks are open for the season! Immediate skating on
the rinks is encouraged; this helps compact the ice base
for continued successful flooding.
Please note only Marie and Friendly Hills Parks will have a
warming house attendant. Wentworth Park’s warming
house will be open, however there will not be an
attendant on-site.
OUTDOOR RINK LOCATIONS
Friendly Hills - 2360 Pueblo Lane
Marie Park - 1780 Lilac Lane
Wentworth Park - 739 Wentworth Avenue
WARMING HOUSE HOURS
For up-to-date information on rink conditions and
warming house availability throughout the season,
please call the hotline: 651-255-1174. Rink
conditions & availability are weather-dependent.
Monday-Friday 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Non-school/vacation
days and most holidays
12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Christmas Eve 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Christmas Day CLOSED
New Year’s Eve 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
New Year’s Day 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm
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.
Now Hiring – Apply Today!
https://www.mendota-heights.com/
employment for more information
Community Service Officer
This is a part-time, 20 hours per week
position within the Mendota Heights Police
Department. The position is responsible for
assisting citizens and department staff,
providing information, observing ordinance
violations and responding to calls for service
or complaints. Starting Salary: $19.99 per
hour. First consideration will be given to
applications received by 10:00 a.m. on
January 3, 2020.
Blade with the Blue
February 8
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.
Time: 1-2:30pm ages 6-9, 2:30-4pm ages 10-13
Cost: FREE Location: Friendly Hills Park-Outdoor Rink
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
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.
Music Together Classes
Beginning Jan. 14 or 15
This is a weekly, 45-minute class
for young children to participate
in with their parents/caregivers.
Attendees will enjoy songs,
rhythmic rhymes, movement, and instrument
play. One CD and songbook are included per
family, as well as digital access to music and
activities supporting the class.
Tuesdays: 10:30-11:15am or 6:00-6:45pm
Wednesdays: 10:30-11:15am
Ages: Birth to kindergarten
Cost: $179 per child
$90 per additional sibling (over 8 months); infants
under 8 months free with paid sibling
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).
* * Last chance to register for
winter break field trips * *
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
Learn more & register:
https://secure.rec1.com/MN/
mendota-heights-mn/catalog
or at City Hall.
Ice Skating Lessons
Saturdays – Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25, Feb. 1
This 5-week program develops and improves skating skills while
having fun. Classes are offered for Parent/Tot and Beginners. This
is a joint program between Mendota Heights and West Saint Paul
Parks & Recreation. Skating lessons are eligible for the Recreation
Fee Assistance Program; learn more at www.mendota-
heights.com/parksrecreation.
Buckthorn Removal at Valley Park
You may notice some additional activity in Valley Park beginning next week. The City of
Mendota Heights has partnered with Great River Greening to help control buckthorn in
Valley Park. Glossy and Common Buckthorn are non-native, invasive tree species that are
sometimes pruned as a shrub. Buckthorn competes with and replaces valuable native tree
species and woody vegetation, threatening our native forest ecosystems and wildlife habitat.
The project entails removing buckthorn species using cutting and herbicide treatments, as
well as replanting with native vegetation. Crews will be removing invasives such as common
and glossy buckthorn in the northwest portion of the park, and stacking cuttings near the
trail for removal by City crews. 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 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.
Give an experience. Consider giving golf lessons, a museum
membership, concert tickets or even a massage certificate. These
options create an experience without creating waste. For
inspiration and deals on activities, visit Groupon or Living Social.
Wrap creatively. Use old book pages, maps, magazines or music
sheets as giftwrap, saving you money on buying paper and saving
the environment from extra waste.
Pick green gifts. Look for bags and apparel made of recycled or
organic materials or decorations made from recycled materials.
Get green gift ideas for everyone on your list at Treehugger’s
Holiday Gift Guide.
Choose to reuse. Antique shops, secondhand stores and online
retailers sell gently used clothes, furniture, books and more. Find
local reuse options in Dakota County.
Go for quality. One thoughtful, durable gift can be more
meaningful than five wrapped packages of unwanted presents.
Article provided by Dakota County
Green your gift-giving
‘Tis the season for gift-giving, holiday
parties and celebrations with family
and friends. Show those dear to you
how much you care about the earth by greening
your gift-giving.
American shoppers are expected to spend more
than $600 billion this holiday season.
Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day,
Americans throw away 25 percent more trash
than they do during the rest of the year.
Gift wrap and shopping bags add 4 million tons
of waste annually, much of which is produced
and discarded in the coming months.
During the holiday season, 38,000 miles of
ribbon are used and discarded.
An estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold
each year in the United States, enough to fill a
football field 10 stories high.
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: 651-480-7777 | Email: SWCD@co.dakota.mn.us
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
DECEMBER 13, 2019
ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOURS, NOW AND IN 2020! WE
ARE PROUD OF YOU, OUR COMMUNITY, FOR HOW WELL YOU
HAVE WORKED WITH EACH OTHER AND WITH US IN OUR SHARED
MISSION OF PUBLIC SAFETY. YOU MAKE THIS A GREAT PLACE TO
WORK AND LIVE.
MHPD ADDED SEVERAL NEW FACES THIS YEAR AND WE HAVE A
SUPER TEAM. WE ENJOY THE PARTNERSHIPS WE HAVE WITH THE
MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY
AND OUR WONDERFUL CITY
STAFF. WE LOOK FORWARD TO
ENHANCING OUR CONNECTIONS
WITH YOU MORE IN 2020.
WE WILL CLOSE THIS YEAR
WITH GRATITUDE IN OUR
HEARTS. BEST WISHES FOR A
JOYOUS & PEACEFUL 2020!
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
DWI — HWY 62/HWY 13 12/13/19, 0037 HOURS
Officer iniƟated a traffic stop for a speeding violaƟon. While speaking with the driver, the officer observed
signs of impairment. Officer conducted a field sobriety test and the driver was arrested for Gross
Misdemeanor Third Degree DWI. The driver was booked and released from the Dakota County Jail and the
vehicle was impounded.
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY — 2XXX FIELD STONE COURT 12/14/19, 1405 HOURS
Dispatched to call a complainant regarding damage to a mailbox. It was reported that unknown suspect (s)
punched out the lock of the complainant’s and his neighbor’s locking mailbox. No mail was reported stolen.
No suspects.
DRUGS — HWY 13/ACACIA DR 12/14/19, 1646 HOURS
Traffic stop was conducted and the officer smelled the odor of marijuana. The officer conducted a search
of the vehicle and found a meth pipe, small amount of marijuana, small baggies, scale, open boƩle and
marijuana paraphernalia. The driver was arrested and taken to jail on a book and release.
ASSIST OTHER AGENCY — THERESA ST/CULLEN AVE 12/14/19, 1848 HOURS
Officers responded to assist with a pursuit which was heading North on 35E from 494. Eagan was pursuing
a stolen vehicle which was also involved in a theŌ from a retail locaƟon in Eagan. Officers aƩempted to
assist with stop sƟcks which were unsuccessful. The vehicle eventually crashed within the Mendota Heights
jurisdicƟon and officers assisted in locaƟng three of the four subjects. One subject is sƟll outstanding but
there is believed to be no threat to the public.
DOMESTIC — 2XXX COPPERFIELD DR 12/14/19, 2020 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to respond to a physical domesƟc. Officers spoke with both parƟes and
determined that one party involved would be put on a transport hold.
MISSING PERSON — 5XX VALLEY LANE 12/15/19, 1203 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to take a report of a missing person. The reporƟng party stated that her husband
was suicidal and she had not heard from him since last night. She did not know where he could be located.
Party was entered into NCIC as missing, a KOPS alert was issued and a ping of his cell phone locaƟon was
requested. Responding officers in another agency were soon able to confirm he was alive and well.
TRAFFIC STOP — NORTHLAND DR 12/15/19, 1933 HOURS
Officer stopped a vehicle for speeding on Northland Drive. The vehicle was searched due to the smell of
marijuana. An open container of alcohol was recovered in the front passenger compartment of the vehicle.
The passenger was cited for open container and the driver was cited for Underage Alcohol—Not A Drop.
THREATS/STALKING — 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 12/16/19, 1318 HOURS
Dispatched a report of threats made by a student on social media. InvesƟgaƟon ongoing.
3
DWI — SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY/WACHTLER AVE 12/17/19, 2309 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop for a speeding violaƟon. While speaking with the driver, the officer could
smell the odor of consumed alcoholic beverage and the drivers eyes were watery. Driver stated he had
nothing to drink tonight and performed a field sobriety test. Driver provided a PBT sample and was over
the legal limit. Driver was arrested for 3rd Degree Gross Misdemeanor DWI. The vehicle was impounded
and the driver was booked and released from Dakota County Jail.
THEFT — 2XXX POND CIRCLE W 12/18/19, 1844 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to a report of a stolen package from their step someƟme in the morning. Officer
gathered invesƟgaƟve informaƟon; case pending follow up.
THEFT — 1XXX MARIE AVE 12/18/19, 1923 HOURS
Officer dispatched to a report of a stolen package from their doorstep right around the noon hour. Officer
gathered invesƟgaƟve informaƟon; case pending follow up.
OPEN CONTAINER — DODD RD/SOUTH PLAZA DR 12/19/19, 0136 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop for expired tabs. Officer saw an open container. Vehicle was searched and
driver was cited for open boƩle and warned on the expired tabs.
FRAUD — 13XX 2ND ST 12/19/19, 1434 HOURS
Officer took a fraud report. A debit card from the vicƟm’s account was aƩempted to be used in Georgia.
Case under invesƟgaƟon.
TRAFFIC STOP — 35E/HWY 13 12/19/19, 2332 HOURS
Officer stopped a vehicle for a speed violaƟon. Driver was revoked, he did not have proof of insurance and
the registraƟon expired 4/2019. Driver was cited and vehicle towed. Case cleared with citaƟon.
4
YOU made a difference
to so many families this
holiday season! Through
our Teen Toy Drive,
MHPD was able to help
A PLACE OF HOPE, MN
overcome their severe
toy shortage. Hope is
restored when a
community can come
together to fulfill a need
and help a stranger.
We were able to deliver
12 huge bags of toys and
just under $2000. The
toys help serve over 700
families across four
counties.
You all make this a great
place to live—thanks,
once again, for all you do.
12/13 ‐ 12/19 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 234 11,631
Police Reports 21 1121
Citations 42 1765
Warnings 58 2,565
Response Time Average 7.40 6.67
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