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2020-01-03 Friday NewsMinnesota Department of Transportation stormwater repairs at Valley Park The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be repairing and replacing two outfalls, or stormwater outlet structures that outlet into Interstate Valley Creek, beginning this winter. Tree removal will be necessary in order to access the two structures. Tree removal will begin this winter, and structural work will take place in July of 2020. The access will begin at the Xcel utility facility adjacent to I-35E in the northwest portion of Valley Park, and continue approximately 700 feet to the south, running parallel along I-35E. The goal of the project is to reduce stormwater velocity coming from the outlet structures, and also reduce or eliminate current erosion that is happening around the structures. View a map of the project here. For additional information, please contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician kristas@mendota-heights.com | 651-255-1123 Chris Chatfield, PE, Principal Water Resources Engineer, MnDOT Metro District Christopher.Chatfield@state.mn.us | 651-234-7365 Discover activities to keep you moving this winter The latest episode of the Community Parks Connection features local parks and recreational activities happening this winter, including a preview of the new playground at Wentworth Park! View the episode at https://vimeo.com/380751741. 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, January 7 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Tuesday, January 14 Park & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm Tuesday, January 21 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Tuesday, January 28 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD January 3, 2020 from the City of Mendota Heights FRIDAY NEWS Orbit Earth Expo out of this world Youth and adults alike enjoyed a journey to space over winter break by attending the Orbit Earth Expo. This free family event featured enormous inflatable models to demonstrate relationships between the Earth, Moon, and Sun. Participants had an opportunity to learn about eclipses, seasons, moon phases, creation of winds, day/night cycles, rotation versus revolution, the order of planets, and more. Thank you to the ISD 197 Education Foundation for their help in making this free event possible! Accepting applications to fill commission vacancies through Monday, January 6 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. Now Hiring – Apply Today! 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 January 31. 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. Office Support Assistant The Office Support Assistant position performs administrative work in Mendota Heights City Hall coordinating and completing a variety of clerical and administrative support tasks related to city departments. Tasks include: assisting with parks and recreation programs, activities and special events, completing data entry, document imaging, preparing correspondence and documents, and providing information. This position will provide back-up capacity for other office support positions, including coverage for the city hall reception desk. Work Schedule: Full-time. The position will be required to work early mornings, evenings and weekends, as needed. The City of Mendota Heights City Hall office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 4:30 pm and Friday from 7:00 am to 11:30 am. Minimum Qualifications:  High School Diploma or equivalent  Two years of experience in general office and administrative clerical work, including customer service  Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent and proficiency in programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook Hiring Salary Range: $22.46 to 24.91 per hour, DOQ, plus benefits. To Apply: Interested applicants must submit a cover letter/letter of interest, resume, city employment application and application supplement to Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator by 4:00 pm on January 8, 2020. Completed applications must be received by the deadline for consideration. For more information visit https://www.mendota-heights.com/ employment ** Last chance to register ** 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. 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 Location: Concord Exchange Building, South Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Music Together Classes Beginning Jan. 14 or 15 This is a weekly, 45-minute class for young children to participate along 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 Location: Harmon Park $90 per additional sibling (over 8 months); infants under 8 months free with paid sibling Learn more & register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights- mn/catalog or at City Hall. 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. Outdoor rinks and warming houses will be closed when the air temperature is below zero. 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 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. LANDSCAPING FOR CLEAN WATER FREE INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS All hour-long workshops will start at 6:00 p.m. Select one of ten different dates and locations. 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: Wed., March 4, 5-6:30 PM Inver Grove Heights: Tues., March 31, 6-7:30 PM Apple Valley: Wed,, April 29, 5-6:30 PM Recycling Free classes & events Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Dakota County) Wednesday, January 15, 6:30-7:30pm Heritage Library, Lakeville Low Waste Living (Dakota County) Monday, January 27, 6:30-7:30pm Westcott Library, Eagan Fix-It Clinic (Ramsey County) Saturday, February 22, Noon-3:00pm Rice Street Library, Saint Paul 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 Looking for a New Year’s resolution? Waste less food! Did you know about 20% of the groceries families buy, eventually end up in the trash? This New Year’s, make a resolution to waste less food. You have the power to reduce what gets tossed, and save money in the process. By making a meal plan ahead of time, using up what ingredients you already have at home, and building in some flexible nights for unexpected plans, you have the power to reduce what gets tossed, and save money in the process. Visit savethefood.com to learn more about food storage techniques, meal prep help, as well as recipes to help use up those leftover ingredients. 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). 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department JANUARY 03, 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 Driver Safety Resolutions For Safe Driving Habits! https://santanderconsumerusa.com 2 TRAFFIC STOP/PLATE IMPOUNDMENT — HWY 62/HWY 13 12/27/19, 0252 HOURS Officer stopped vehicle at Dodd Road and Interstate 494 for plates showing flagged for needing impoundment. Plates were removed from vehicle and registered owner was mailed a citation. SWINDLE — HWY 62/HWY 13 12/27/19, 1037 HOURS Officer was informed by supervisor that a citizen had brought in additional evidence from a call the officer worked on and requested a police report to be filed for record. Party had sold pool cue over internet and had not received payment for it. FRAUD — 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE 12/27/19, 0937 HOURS Officer was dispatched to location on a report of fraud. The reporting party stated that someone had gone into her vehicle and stolen her wallet which contained her credit cards and ID. She gave locations of where the card had been used. Officer will obtain security camera footage. THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE — 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE 12/27/19, 1123 HOURS Officer was dispatched to location on a report of a theft from motor vehicle. The reporting party had some credit cards stolen from her car overnight. She cancelled the card before any fraud took place. THEFT — 25XX PILOT KNOB RD 12/27/19, 1345 HOURS Employee of a business in the 2500 block of Pilot Knob Rd discovered a catalytic converter had been stolen from one of the work vehicles. The time line for the theft is within the past seven days. Officer checked with neighboring businesses, none had any video surveillance. THEFT — 8XX CHERI LN 12/27/19, 1401 HOURS Home owner in the 800 block of Cheri Lane discovered five packages missing from his front door. Owner had received an email that the packages were delivered on 12/26/2019. The packages were not there when the owner looked. Owner checked with the USPS and confirmed that the packages were delivered. DWI — ARCADIA DR/SYLVANDALE RD 12/28/19, 0131 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on the 600 block of Arcadia Dr. for speeding. Driver admitted to being intoxicated. Officer ran driver through SFST's. Driver was arrested for DWI. Breath Test Advisory and Breath Test completed. Driver was transported to Dakota County Jail. THEFT — 17XX OVERLOOK LN 12/29/19, 1102 HOURS A vehicle parked near the 1700 block of Overlook Lane was gone through overnight and items were stolen. Credit cards that were taken were used at several locations. The credit card statements were obtained for the investigation. RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY — 12XX MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 12/30/19, 0347 HOURS Officers conducted a random license plate check on a vehicle at the intersection of Hwy 13 and Acacia Dr. The vehicle returned as stolen. Officers conducted a felony stop and arrested the occupant of the vehicle. Suspected narcotics were found in the vehicle and on the driver. Driver was transported to jail. 3 AOA/WARRANT/DOMESTIC — 19XX OAKDALE AVE 12/31/19, 2309 HOURS Officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of Oakdale Avenue in West St. Paul for a domestic in progress between an adult male and an adult female. The male was armed with a knife and made threats to the female. West St. Paul Officers requested assistance from outside agencies. Mendota Heights Officers responded and assisted with apprehending suspect. BURGLARY — 7XX S PLAZA DR 12/31/19, 0648 HOURS Responded to the 700 block of S. Plaza Drive on a report of a suspicious person. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of a suspect who had been entering vehicles and stealing items in the underground parking garage at the location. BURGLARY — 7XX S PLAZA WAY 12/31/19, 1358 HOURS Dispatched to 700 block of S. Plaza Way on an after the fact suspicion/burglary. Resident reported a suspicious person seen earlier in the morning. CCTV captured a female attempting to force entry to the main door. Suspect was arrested one block away on a related crime. DWI — HWY 55/ACACIA BLVD 01/01/20, 0210 HOURS Officer stopped out with a vehicle that had gone off the roadway on Hwy 55 near Acacia Blvd. Upon investigation the adult male was found to be intoxicated and was placed under arrest. VEHICLE THEFT/RECOVERED — 7XX N. PLAZA DR 01/01/20, 1547 HOURS Officers responded to a phone call report of a possible theft of vehicle. Reporting party stated that husband with dementia had his vehicle taken by two suspects on the 700 block of North Plaza Dr. Husband stated that the suspects, who were sitting in a small sedan, approached his vehicle while he was pulling in. The two suspects had him get into the passengers seat and then drove off with him in the car to a unknown location. The victim described the suspects as a male and female, who were wearing some type of uniform. A short time later, Ramsey County had called stating they found the husband with his vehicle. The vehicle was never stolen and he was lost and confused. UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE — 5XX ANNAPOLIS ST W 01/02/20, 0128 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation on the 500 block of Annapolis Street. While speaking with the driver, officer could smell the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A vehicle search located drug paraphernalia. It was also discovered the driver did not have motor vehicle insurance. Driver was warned for the paraphernalia and cited for no vehicle insurance. The vehicle was impounded. THEFT — 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE 01/02/20, 1109 HOURS Resident reported he fell victim to a theft. Reporting party found a vehicle for sale on a social media site, sent funds to seller through Ebay and the item was never shipped. No suspects. 4 12/27 - 01/02 2020 YTD Calls for Service 246 69 Police Reports 23 7 Citations 23 15 Warnings 37 12 Response Time Average 7.19 5.39 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 Did you know you can search your vehicle VIN for safety issues and recalls? Where’s my VIN? Look on the lower left of your car’s windshield for your 17-character Vehicle Identification Number. Your VIN is also located on your car’s registration card, and it may be shown on your insurance card. What will this VIN search show? An unrepaired vehicle affected by a vehicle safety recall in the past 15 calendar years. Vehicle safety recalls from major light manufacturers, motorcycle manufacturers and some medium/heavy truck manufacturers. Visit NHTSA to check for your safety recalls.