2020-12-11 Friday NewsFriday News 12/11/20
City of Mendota Heights sent this bulletin at 12/11/2020 12:57 PM CST
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FRIDAY NEWS | December 11, 2020
THE LATEST
Sergeant Peyton Fleming (L) and Officer Eric Hagelee (R) pose with some of the donated gifts.
Making the holidays brighter
Thank you to all who donated to the Mendota Heights Police Department's Holiday Gift and
Food Drive. The gifts collected will benefit local teens and tweens through A Place of Hope
MN. The community also donated 266 pounds of groceries to be distributed locally by
Neighbors, Inc. A collection barrel is still available at City Hall throughout the year to accept
nonperishable food and hygiene donations for neighbors in need.
Keep up the good work
Mendota Heights!
Pause for the cause
The Governor's executive order 20-99 is in effect
through December 18, 2020. While indoor and outdoor
dining is prohibited, we can continue to support Mendota
Heights restaurants by ordering drive-thru, curbside,
take-out, and contactless delivery.
staysafe.mn.gov | Executive Order 20-99
Find a free COVID-19 community testing event
The Minnesota Department of Health is hosting both saliva and nasal swab testing events
throughout Minnesota. Tests are free and insurance is not required.
Visit mn.gov/covid19/for-minnesotans/if-sick/testing-locations/index.jsp for more
information.
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Learn more about the COVIDaware MN app
You can help protect your community and add your phone to the fight against COVID-19
today! It’s free. It’s anonymous. It helps slow the spread of the coronavirus in our
communities. Visit covidawaremn.com for more information.
The City is accepting applications to fill
Commission vacancies
Application deadline December 31, 2020
One opening will exist on the Parks and Recreation Commission. The term will start in
February 2021, 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 p.m.
One opening will exist on the Planning Commission. The term will start in February 2021,
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 p.m.
Interested persons should submit a letter of interest and a current resume to City
Administrator McNeill (markm@mendota-heights.com) no later than Thursday, December
31, 2020. Questions can be directed to City Administrator Mark McNeill at 651-452-1850.
City Council to interview candidates for open seat
At its work session on December 8, the City Council narrowed the number of candidates for
the vacancy from twenty to four. The candidates are Patrick Corbett, Sally Lorberbaum,
John Maczko, and John Mazzitello. These candidates will have an opportunity to be
interviewed at a City Council Work Session scheduled for December 14, 2020, beginning at
5 p.m., to be held virtually. The public can attend the work session using dial-in, by calling 1-
312-535-8110, Access Code:177 919 5847 ##. Note that while all or most of the members
of the City Council will be participating remotely, the Council Chambers will be open to the
public during this meeting, assuming that social distancing protocols are followed. It is
anticipated that the City Council will make the appointment at its regular meeting on
December 15, 2020.
Recent highlights:
Winter parking restrictions are in effect through March 31; no overnight parking on
city streets from 2 to 6 a.m. Link to more winter snow plowing information here.
Dakota County extends protective equipment donation drive; donate items at
Western Service Center and all Library locations.
RECYCLING
DIY recycled gift wrapping
The holiday season creates mountains of waste in the form of gift wrap—the vast majority of
it being non-recyclable. You can help limit waste, and save money on gift wrap, by getting
creative with materials you already have at your home!
Fabric: Scraps of fabric, towels, or even blankets can be used as a form of gift wrap. Any
type of fabric can be used to add dimension and a creative touch to your gift. You can look
up “Furoshiki” style of gift wrap, popular in Japanese culture, to learn a variety of ways to
wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes.
Clothing: Hats, sweaters, scarves and more can be used to wrap gifts. Socks and hats can
be stuffed with gifts for a cute presentation. Do you have old jeans or a sweater than cannot
be donated? Cut it up to use as wrap.
Paper & Reusable Bags: Paper bags make excellent gift wrap. Pair them with twine or
sprigs of evergreen, and you’ll have an elegant gift that is sure to delight the recipient! You
can even stamp or draw on the outside of the paper to leave a more personal touch.
ca e e sta p o d a o t e outs de o t e pape to ea e a o e pe so a touc
Magazines, Book Sleeves & Music Sheets: Do you have old books lying around that
cannot be donated? What about old magazines or music sheets? These make great gift
wrap for whimsical packages.
Paper Tubes: Start saving those toilet paper rolls and paper towel tubes. Gift cards fit
nicely inside, just lightly flatten and dip the ends into themselves to create a little container.
Tape closed or use a pretty ribbon to complete the package.
Newspapers and Maps: From the weather section to comics to politics, newspapers are a
great free gift wrap that we know is recyclable. Do you have old maps lying around? Maps
are a fun, colorful way to wrap your gifts, and perfect for a friend who is dreaming of travel
or some warmer weather.
Now through January 31
As you begin decorating for the holidays and run into that string that will no longer light,
swing by City Hall and drop it into the collection barrel for recycling. In addition to holiday
lights, you can drop off electrical cords, appliance cords, and phone cords through the end
of January. Lights attached to wreaths, holly or trees must be removed first. Holiday lights
are also accepted year round at The Recycling Zone in Eagan.
Repair instead of replace at Dakota County's
upcoming virtual Fix-It Clinic
Saturday, December 19, 10 a.m. - noon
Sign up for a Fix-It clinic and get free repair assistance and advice on many different types
of items. Learn more and sign up for a free Zoom virtual clinic.
NATURAL RESOURCES
City of Mendota Heights Natural Resources
Management Plan update
The City of Mendota Heights is currently updating its Natural Resources Management Plan
(NRMP). The plan will serve as a tool to help guide the City in creating decisions and
actions to conserve and manage its natural resources into the future. There will be a public
hearing and presentation on the draft of the Natural Resources Management Plan at the
City Council meeting on January 12, 2021. Watch for a copy of the NRMP draft to be posted
for review on the City’s website prior to the City Council meeting. Learn more about the
plan.
Look for small, yellow-brown spots on the underside of the needles. Photo from the Minnesota Department of
Agriculture.
Properly dispose of holiday greens when the
season is over
Elongate hemlock scales are very small insects that secrete a waxy coating for defense and
feed on the sap from plants. Please do your part to protect our environment when the
holiday season is over.
Inspect your holiday greenery for elongate hemlock scale. If you find small (~2mm
long) yellow-brown parallel-sided spots on the underside of needles, please take a
picture and report it to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) using
the Arrest the Pest Line.
Do not toss trees and greenery into backyard woods or your compost pile.
Use an organized tree and greenery pick-up or burn the greens. If burning please
follow the City's Recreational Fire Guidelines.
Parks and public space stewardship
As much of our normal activity has changed due to COVID restrictions, many people are
spending more time outdoors, and taking advantage of the many great parks and open
spaces that Mendota Heights has to offer. While this is a great opportunity, please
remember to also be a good steward of our Parks and open spaces, as well as our natural
resources.
Stay on paved and/or marked trails.
Do not create new paths or trails, as this can potentially cause erosion and trample
native vegetation, as well as spread invasive species.
Only collect dead, down leaves or other plant materials along trails. Do not cut or pick
live native vegetation, as it then cannot propagate. This also leaves space for
invasives to spread and overtake the area.
Be a good steward of our Parks, so that all users can enjoy them!
Recent highlights
Keep leaves and other debris from polluting waters; sign up to Adopt-a-Drain today.
Fall is the perfect time for buckthorn removal. Learn how to identify and remove this
invasive from your property.
POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Just the Facts
Incident reports 12/4/20 - 12/10/20 Previous Just the Facts publications are available in the
Laserfiche archive system on the City's website.
Sign up for emergency alerts
The Emergency Alert Program is available through the Dakota Communications Center
(DCC) at mn-dcc.org/community-notification/.
Stay in touch through Nextdoor
As a way to reach more of the community and specific neighborhoods, in addition to their
popular Facebook page MHPD has expanded their social media channels to include
Nextdoor. Nextdoor accounts are verified based on your address, and the platform is
already used by 40% of the households in Mendota Heights. Learn more and sign up
at nextdoor.com.
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 mendota-heights.com/police.
Completed forms and general questions can be submitted via email to
pdrecords@mendota-heights.com.
PARKS & RECREATION
Participate in a fun and free weekly competition
It's a battle between Mendota Heights and West Saint Paul's Parks and Recreation to see
who will win the Quarantine Cup! Receive a weekly activity for your household to do
on Mendota Heights' Parks & Recreation Facebook page. Respond as directed in the post
to earn points for our city. As you participate in activities, please remember to follow all
COVID safety guidelines.
Quarantine Cup Week 2: Letters to Our Neighbors
It's the season of giving, so let's give a little cheer to those in our community who need a
pick-me-up during these difficult times. Write a letter or draw a picture of positivity for
community member and we'll distribute to someone that fits your description.
How to do it:
1. Write a positive letter or draw a picture to someone that fits a role in our community. Not a
person by name, but one that fits a category (ex. resident of a senior living facility, business
owner or worker, restaurant staff, health care worker, teacher, etc.)
2. Drop it in the brown utility billing drop box outside of MH City Hall, in person at City Hall,
or mail to (1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights MN 55118) in an envelope labeled, "Attn
Parks and Rec"
3. Parks and Rec staff will deliver your letters to help spread cheer in Mendota Heights!
Letters must be received by 9 a.m. Monday, December 14. Each letter equals one point.
Feel free to write multiple letters!
Winter seasonal positions
If you enjoy the outdoors and would like to earn part-time income, the City is currently
accepting applications for the following position:
Ice skating instructor
Learn more and apply at mendota-heights.com/employment.
Winter recreation programs
See what's coming up for winter fun and register for open programs
at secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog. Please note that programs may
change at any time in response to public health guidance and regulations.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Upcoming Holiday Closures:
City Hall | Dec. 24 & 25, Jan. 1
Public Works | December 25, Jan. 1
Public Meetings
Meeting changes or cancellations are noted on the City's website mendota-
heights.com/calendar. Meetings take place at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting
attendees should adhere to the posted City Hall safety guidelines and be aware that
capacity in the City Council Chambers will be limited. As much as possible, the community
is encouraged to watch City Council, Planning Commission, and Parks & Recreation
Commission meetings live on Cable Channel 18, online
at townsquare.tv/webstreaming (available live or for replay), or through dial-in when offered.
Select Airport Relations Commission meetings are broadcast on Cable Channel 19.
Occasionally broadcasted channels may change; check Town Square Television's listings
for updates.
City Council Work Session | Dec. 14, 5:00 p.m.
City Council | Dec. 15, 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission | Dec. 17, 7:00 p.m.
Parks and Recreation | Jan. 5, 6:30 p.m.
City Business Hours
City Hall: Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Friday 7-11:30 a.m.
Police Department: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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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