2020-03-20 Friday News0
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Friday News 3/20/20
City of Mendota Heights sent this bulletin at 03/20/2020 02:34 PM CDT
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FRIDAY NEWS | March 20, 2020
THE LATEST
A message from Mayor Garlock
The City of Mendota Heights, as well as organizations around the world, is working hard to
meet the uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 virus. City staff, in consultation with
the City Council, has been meeting frequently to address this rapidly changing situation.
The City’s number one priority is to ensure the health and safety of Mendota Heights
residents, property owners, and its employees.
The City has followed the directives of federal and state governments, and guidelines from
the Centers for Disease Control, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Dakota
County Public Health Department. We have used these resources to determine how best to
provide for a safe working environment while performing essential city services.
In order to do what we can to keep people safe and well, beginning Monday, March
23, where possible City staff will start working remotely. With the exception of our
first responders (Police and Fire), city staff will not report to work at their regular
worksites. They will instead be working from home, “in reserve”, and ready to be
called in on a moment’s notice.
In addition to the Police and Fire protection, the essential duties of the Public Works
Department will continue. As always, calls needing a public safety response should be
made to 911.
Life safety inspections such as Building and Fire will also be made. Meetings and actions
required by law will be held, although some of the meetings may be done via
teleconferencing and alternative methods as allowed by Minnesota law.
However, other services will be provided based on available resources and priorities. Calls
and e-mail messages with questions or requests for services which are made to City
facilities will be taken, but the responses may be delayed by a day or two.
We ask for your patience and understanding during these extraordinary times.
Be safe. Be well. Help your neighbors as best as you can.
Neil Garlock, Mayor
City Council approves Declaration of Emergency
At its meeting of March 17, the Mayor and City Council approved a Declaration of
Emergency in the City of Mendota Heights. This declaration allows the City to access State
and Federal assistance, and allows the City more adaptability and flexibility to meet special,
and operational needs. Resolution 2020-23 Proclamation and Declaration of
Emergency.
Free meals for children
With school closings, several local restaurants and school districts have offered to provide
free lunches for children and students in need. Use this interactive map to locate a
provider near you.
Dakota County closes facilities/public-facing
services
Dakota County has closed all public-facing county services beginning March 18. The
closure will be in effect at least through April 1. Facilities closed to the public include:
Administration Center in Hastings, Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, Western
Service Center in Apple Valley.
County license centers.
All nine county library locations.
Park facilities including Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, Schaar's Bluff Gathering Center,
Dakota Lodge, Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center and Camp Sacajawea. Parks, trails
and bathrooms remain open.
The CareerForce location at Northern Service Center.
The Recycling Zone in Eagan.
Visit www.dakotacounty.us for complete details and the latest information.
Census Day is April 1, 2020
Did you know that for the first time you can return
your census online? The census may also be returned
via phone or mail. Every residence should receive an
invitation to respond to the census by March 20, and
some may receive a paper questionnaire. The census
takes about 10 minutes to complete and participation is
mandatory by law.
Your response helps to direct billions of dollars in
federal funds to local communities for schools, roads,
and other public services, and determines the number of seats each state has in Congress
and your political representation at all levels of government.
Ensure you are counted by visiting mn.gov/2020census.
Do not flush "flushable" wipes
The Public Works Utility Department is experiencing problems throughout the City sanitary
sewer system with bathroom wipes. Even though the package may say the wipes are
“flushable,” they really are not. Wipes are labeled as “flushable” because they degrade at
the treatment plant, but they are clogging up service lines and our sewer main lines.
Standard toilet paper and ordinary waste is still acceptable, but please mind the use of
those “flushable” wipes.
Also, if residents have their service line (the sewer drain from the house out to the street)
cleaned, please contact the Public Works Department so we can flush the city's main sewer
line afterward. Debris from the service line could clog the main line downstream; by letting
us know about the service line cleaning, we can ensure continued sewer service for you
and your neighborhood
and your neighborhood.
Jerry Murphy Community Service Award update
The selection of and presentation to this year's recipient for the Jerry Murphy Community
Service Award is postponed until further notice.
Recent highlights
Become a Parks Celebration Sponsor
Now hiring for summer seasonal positions
Registration is open for the Officer Scott Patrick 5K Walk/Run
Census job applications will stay open through May - pay starts at $22/hour in Dakota
County
NATURAL RESOURCES
Update on LCW Workshops
All in-person Landscaping for Clean Water Classes have been cancelled through April 16.
An online option will be available through live webcasts or pre-recorded videos with class
materials available online. Details: http://www.dakotaswcd.org/cleanwater.html
Earth & Arbor Day event postponed
The Earth & Arbor Day event and Volunteer Tree Planting scheduled for April 25 has been
postponed until further notice.
Tree Sale is sold out
Thank you to all who ordered trees during the resident tree sale; it is currently sold out.
Recent highlights
Apply for a grant to create pollinator-friendly landscaping features through the Lawns
to Legumes Program
Protect surface waters by properly picking up pet waste
Spring guide to native plant sales and landscaping information
Prune trees BEFORE spring arrives to prevent disease
Register for a free Landscaping for Clean Water design or maintenance workshop.
MnDOT stormwater repairs at Valley Park
RECYCLING
Event cancellations
Spring Paper Shred Event, April 18
Dakota County event cancellations:
Tour de Trash, March 31
Fix-It Clinic, March 21
Fix & Swap, March 28
All library presentations through May 31
The Recycling Zone is currently closed until April 1 at the earliest. Check
www.dakotacounty.us for complete details and the latest information.
POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Just the Facts
Incident reports 3/13/20 - 3/19/20
PARKS & RECREATION
Summer program registration is open
Preview the summer program catalog for tons of classes, camps and events to keep
everyone enriched, engaged and energized this summer! Register
at https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Public Meetings
Meetings take place at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting changes or cancellations
are noted on the City's website https://www.mendota-heights.com/calendar. Please confirm
meeting dates & times prior to attending.
Planning Commission March 24, 7:00pm
The March 24 Planning Commission meeting will be held 'live' in the City Council
Chambers. Attendees will be asked to keep themselves at a safe "social distance"
from other participants. It will be available on Town Square Television, Channel 18.
City Council April 7, 7:00pm
The April 7 City Council meeting is to be conducted by teleconference. This too will
be available on Town Square Television, Channel 18, but members of the public who
wish to attend in person or comment should watch this space in the March 27 edition
of the Friday News for further details.
City Business Hours
City Hall, the Police Department lobby, Public Works Facility, and Mendota Heights Par 3
are closed to the public until further notice. City business can be conducted via phone or
email during regular business hours. Paperwork may be left at City Hall in the brown drop
box of the main entrance turnaround or inside the main level entryway.
City Hall Business Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:00am-4:30pm | Friday 7:00-11:30am
Police Department Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
City Hall Contact Information
Official Website of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota
1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Phone: 651-452-1850
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