2020-05-01 Friday NewsWe only use cookies that are necessary for this site to function, and to provide you with the best experience. Learn more in our Cookie Statement. By continuing
to use this site, you consent to the use of cookies.
0
Receive Updates Enter Email Address Go
Friday News 5/01/20
City of Mendota Heights sent this bulletin at 05/01/2020 12:44 PM CDT
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
FRIDAY NEWS | May 1, 2020
THE LATEST
Governor Walz extends stay-at-home order
Minnesota’s stay-at-home order has been extended to May 18. For questions on what's
open and closed, what you can and shouldn't do, and more visit https://mn.gov/covid19/.
Watch for expanded retail to open up May 4 for curbside/delivery only. Governor Walz has
urged all Minnesotans to wear a mask in public.
Traffic impacts: I-494 lane and ramp closures added
through May 4
MnDOT announced that several I-494 land and ramp closures in Southeast Twin Cities are
scheduled through May 4, with eastbound I-494 ramps to and from Highway 52 to be closed
May 1-4. Motorists traveling between South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights should plan
for delays as crews have begun closing several lanes and ramps in both directions of I-494.
WB I-494 between Concord Street and Highway 52 will be reduced to a single lane
daily, from 9 a.m. through 5 a.m., through May 1.
Seventh Avenue ramp to WB I-494 will close daily, from 7 a.m. to 5 a.m., through
May 1.
EB I-494 ramps to and from Highway 52 will close from 6 p.m. Friday, May 1 through
5 a.m. Monday, May 4.
The following closed lanes and ramps will remain closed:
WB I-494 between Dodd Road and Highway 55 is reduced to two lanes through June
1.
NB I-35E ramp to westbound I-494 is closed Friday, through June 1.
WB I-494 ramp to southbound I-35E is closed through May 11.
All scheduled reopening dates for the lanes and ramps are weather dependent. Residents
who live near this area of I-494 may hear noise as crews work around the clock in order to
set barrier, remove pavement and repave the road.
For more information or to sign up for email updates:
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/…/projects/i494invergroveheights/
Coming together to
help group living
facilities
As part of a statewide campaign, the
Mendota Heights Fire Department
collected homemade masks on
Saturday, April 25 to be given to
employees and residents of group
living facilities in the fight against
COVID-19. The drive brought in 450
masks thanks to the generosity and talent of the community. Photo: Firefighter Amy Patrick
and Captain Stenhaug accepting a donation.
Reminder: Spring Clean-Up Day cancelled for
Saturday, May 2
A friendly reminder there will NOT be a clean-up event at Mendakota Park tomorrow. The
City hopes to reschedule the event for this fall.
Parks & Recreation Commission meeting cancelled
The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30pm
has been cancelled.
Changes in air activity at MSP International Airport
Aviation transportation is an approved and allowed essential under Governor Walz's stay-at-
home order. And just as COVID-19 has affected other industries, it has also impacted
airplane activity at the airport. Compared to April last year, the Metropolitan Airports
Commission (MAC) indicates there are approximately 70 percent fewer airplanes flying in
and out of MSP. Over the past few weeks, the number of flights at MSP has dropped to
often below 400 a day. However, while passenger flights have decreased, cargo flights in
April increased by about one percent.
In addition to the number of planes flying, there are also changes to how runways are being
used. Currently, the parallel runways (12L/R and 30L/R—which takes planes over Mendota
Heights) are being used most of the time. Runway 17/35 (which takes flights over
Eagan) is used infrequently and only when required by certain weather
conditions. Runway 4/22 is closed for scheduled maintenance unrelated to COVID-19.
This level of aircraft activity is not typical for MSP and communities should be aware that
airplane activity is expected to slowly rebound as airlines continue to adjust their operations
based on passenger demand.
More info: https://www.macnoise.com/
Excerpts taken from Metropolitan Airports Commission MSP Noise E-News Update: April
17, 2020
Answers to frequently asked questions
Pay sewer/water bills using the outdoor drop box
Sewer/water payments can be put in the secured brown utility drop box in the circular
driveway at City Hall. The box will be checked daily during the week.
Apply for permits via email, mail or vestibule drop box
Building, HVAC and plumbing permits are being processed once a week on Tuesdays.
Permit applications are available on the City website. If a sewer permit is required, please
call City Hall and leave a message, and a permit application will be emailed to you as soon
as possible. Two or three-page plumbing, building, sewer, and heating permit applications
can be emailed to permits@mendota-heights.com or mailed to City Hall at 1101 Victoria
Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. Permit applications can also be left in the plastic drop
box located inside of the front entryway. This vestibule drop box is available during normal
City Hall hours—7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, M-Th, and 7:00 to 11:30 AM on Fridays. Please
anticipate some delay in response as staff is working from home and in-reserve, and thank
you for your patience.
To reach the Building Official or schedule a building inspection
Contact: Mike Andrejka, Building Official, 612-597-9667
Small business and nonprofit resources
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):
https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options
Open to Business:
Contact MCCD Business Advisor Tyler Hilsabeck at (612) 789-8838,
email thilsabeck@mccdmn.org or visit www.opentobusinessmn.org.
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.
Mendota Heights Par 3 is open
for play
Call 651-454-9822 to reserve a tee time. Additional
rules are required for play to assist with player and
staff safety during the pandemic. The course is
walking-only, and the Clubhouse is staffed but closed
to the public. Visit the Par 3 web page for more info.
Respond online, by
phone, or mail
Phone: 844-330-2020
Online: https://my2020census.gov/
Apply for a census job; pay starts at $22/hour
in Dakota County
Recent highlights:
City-sponsored events and recreation programs cancelled through July 6.
Dakota County extends protective equipment donation drive; donate items at
Western Service Center and all Library locations.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Tree Sale pickup May 16 at Public Works
Residents who ordered trees for the Spring Tree Sale must pick them up on Saturday, May
16, between 9am and noon at Mendota Heights Public Works, 2431 Lexington Avenue
South. The ordering period for the sale is closed and all trees are sold-out.
Reminders for residents picking up trees:
You (or someone on your behalf) must pick up your tree(s) during this time.
Use social distancing and stay at least six feet away from non-household individuals.
It’s the law to call Gopher State One Call (651-454-0002) at least three days before
digging. They will mark buried utility lines for your safety.
Trees range in size from 4′ to 8′ tall and will fit inside most vehicles. Please plan
accordingly.
Large shade trees should be planted at least 15 feet from power lines and/or
buildings.
For more information, contact Tree Trust’s Community Forestry Department at (952)
767-3886 or email city_trees@treetrust.org
Make a difference
Keep surface waters clean by adopting a storm drain
near you. Clean up around the drain you adopt twice a
month, and track the amount of trash and pollutants
collected. This is a great household project for kids and
adults alike. https://adopt-a-drain.org/
Recent highlights
Emerald Ash Borer discount treatment program available for Mendota Heights
residents
Attend a virtual Landscaping for Clean Water introductory or maintenance workshop;
apply for $250 in grants and on-site assistance
Apply for a grant to create pollinator-friendly landscaping features through the Lawns
to Legumes Program
Spring guide to native plant sales and landscaping information
MnDOT stormwater repairs at Valley Park
RECYCLING
Recycle appliances with ease - call for a reservation
today
Accepted: air conditioners, dishwashers, dryers, dehumidifiers, disposals, furnaces,
humidifiers, microwaves, refrigerators, freezers, stoves, trash compactors, washers, water
heaters, and water softeners. Appliances must be in a square (non-compacted) condition
and free of food, debris or other foreign material. J.R. Advanced Recyclers has the right to
refuse any appliance. For unusual appliances inquire with the recycler regarding
acceptance. Appliances will be picked up on Monday, May 11 between 8am and noon. Cost:
$25 first appliance, $10 each additional appliance. Reservation required by May 8: J.R.'s
Advanced Recyclers 651-454-9215.
Compost Site is open
South St. Paul’s Compost Site is now open
Saturdays and Sundays from 9-6! Bring
your leaves, grass, sod and garden waste
for FREE until May 31. Not accepted items:
woodchips, mulch, branches or tree waste.
Take larger items to Davey’s, formerly
known as S&S Tree:651-337-4089
known as S&S Tree: 651 337 4089.
Purchase a compost bin or rain barrel at a
discounted rate while supplies last
Help your yard and save money through the annual Recycling Association of Minnesota
compost bin and rain barrel sale. While supplies last, Dakota County residents get 30
percent off when they order online at www.recycleminnesota.org by applying the promo
code Dakota. Pre-ordered bins and barrels can be picked up at any of the distribution
events in the metro area.
Green gift ideas for Mother's Day
Mother's Day is May 10. Ask Mom ahead of time if she’d prefer a physical gift or time off
from chores, and some peace and quiet around the house. Sometimes the best gifts don’t
cost any money!
Make a card with some paper, magazines and markers you already have at home
Fix a nice, homemade dinner AND do the dishes
Have the kids help bake Mom’s favorite dessert
Make an easy, DIY body care item such as sugar scrub (sugar + olive oil)
POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Just the Facts
Incident reports 4/24/20 - 4/30/20
Sign up for emergency notifications
The Emergency Alert Program is available through the Dakota
Communications Center (DCC) at https://www.mn-
dcc.org/community-notification/.
For immediate public safety response and non-
emergency police assistance call 9-1-1
The Police Department will also continue to process requests for police reports, gun
permits, etc. Link to the forms under Public Resources at https://www.mendota-
heights.com/police. Completed forms and general questions can be submitted via email to
pdrecords@mendota-heights.com.
FIRE SAFETY
Planning an at-home bonfire? Regulations you need
to know
to know.
Bonfires at home can be enjoyable, but there have been recent complaints of smoke from
burning leaves or green wood. Please review the City's Recreational Fire Guidelines before
you light one:
In-ground fire pits or fire rings must be at least 25 feet from any structure, which
includes fences and sheds
Portable units, such as fire kettles and chimineas, should be used in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions and be at least 15 feet from any structure
Size shall not be more than three feet (3’) in diameter, nor shall the flames reach a
height in excess of three feet (3’).
Fires shall be extinguished within three hours after start and no later than 11:00 pm
A means of extinguishment must be in the immediate area
Fires must be constantly attended by a competent person of at least 16 years of age
Burning materials must be clean, dry wood only (no refuse, grass, leaves, logs over
three inches (3”) in diameter, paper, garbage, trade waste or other combustibles)
No fire shall be started or maintained in dry conditions or winds over 15 mph.
The code official has the authority to prohibit, suspend, or further restrict all fires should
conditions warrant such action. If you have any questions regarding these regulations, call
the Fire Marshal at 651-452-1850.
PARKS & RECREATION
Stay active at home through fitness & fun
Enjoy a new experience in recreation called Rec-at-Home! Watch for daily activities posted
on Park & Rec's Facebook page and the City's website. Check out activities from this past
week:
Explore Yellowstone National Park
Connect the dots
Window Tic Tac Toe
Play the dice game "50"
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Public Meetings
Meeting changes or cancellations are noted on the City's website https://www.mendota-
heights.com/calendar.
City Council May 5, 5:00pm
This meeting will be conducted by teleconference. Visit the City website for details on
how to provide public comment or monitor this meeting.
Park & Recreation Commission May 12 has been cancelled
City Business Hours
All city facilities are currently closed to the public, including City Hall, the Police
Department lobby, and the Public Works Maintenance Facility. Essential city business
can still be conducted via phone or email during regular business hours. A brown drop box
in the main level driveway “island” is available for sewer/water utility payments, and that is
checked regularly, M-F. For other city business, including the dropping off of building permit
applications, there is a plastic drop box located inside of the front entryway. This vestibule
drop box is available during normal City Hall hours—7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, M-Th, and 7:00 to
11:30 AM on Fridays. Please anticipate there may be a delay in response as staff is working
from home or in-reserve.
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
Stay Connected with the City of Mendota Heights:
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions | Help | Unsubscribe from all Topics
Powered by
Privacy Policy | Cookie Statement | Help