2022-01-07 Friday News1/7/22, 1:02 PM Friday News 1/7/2022
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Friday News 1/7/2022
City of Mendota Heights sent this bulletin at 01/07/2022 12:57 PM CST
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FRIDAY NEWS | January 7, 2022
THE LATEST
We want to hear from you about what you want to
hear from us
Mendota Heights residents are encouraged to take part in a short survey to provide
feedback on city communications. The survey takes about three minutes to complete via
Polco. Residents who do not already have a Polco account will be prompted to set up a free
account. Accounts are required to help verify that a participant is a resident and it ensures
that only one response is allowed per verified user.
The survey is available through January 28. We look forward to receiving your thoughts and
ideas!
TAKE THE SURVEY
Get help staying connected
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission
program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service.
This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for
eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a
laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the
Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
Learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting
fcc.gov/ACP or call 877-384-2575.
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Police Officer
Applications due 4:30 p.m. today, Jan. 7
The City of Mendota Heights is currently accepting applications for a full-time Police
Officer. Mendota Heights is a community supportive of law enforcement. We invite
compassionate candidates who are committed to community policing and skilled in building
relationships to apply for this position. Successful candidates must have an Associate’s
degree in law enforcement or a related field, and be licensed by the P.O.S.T. Board or
eligible for licensing by February 1, 2022.
Interested applicants must submit a resume, a city employment application and the
application supplement by 4:30 pm on January 7, 2022.
Learn more and link to application materials.
Check out this video of our officers sharing their
experience working for the City of Mendota
Heights' Police Department:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcRlJKVjgI4
Read the latest
The January-March Issue of Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon's
newsletter is available. Learn how you can get involved to support our veterans and active-
duty military and their families. For assistance from the organization contact their Helpline:
651-259-2614, email yellowribbon@wspmn.gov, or visit wspmn.gov/832/Beyond-the-
Yellow-Ribbon.
COVID-19 information
Dakota County experiencing high COVID-19 transmission risk:
The Minnesota Department of Health and the
Center for Disease Control are recommending that
both vaccinated and unvaccinated people in Dakota
County wear masks indoors. Dakota County is
currently experiencing what the CDC defines as high
transmission risk of COVID 19. MDH recommends
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wearing a high-quality mask to help limit COVID-19,
including variants like Omicron. Examples of high-
quality masks include N95 or KN95 masks, which are
very good at blocking droplets. If you do not have this
type of mask, wear a mask with two or more layers of
tightly woven fabric. You can also layer a disposable
mask under a cloth mask to increase effectiveness.
The cloth mask should press the edges of the disposable mask snugly against your
face. Look for masks with nose wires. They can improve fit and help reduce gaps or
holes. More information on the City’s COVID-19 guidance plan is available
at mendotaheightsmn.gov/covid19.
Kids:
Children age 5-11 years old are now eligible to get vaccinated. Minnesotans can
use the Find Vaccine Locations map to find providers offering Pfizer vaccine for 5-11
year olds.
Vaccination locations:
Walk-ins for Minnesotans are available at any state community vaccination sites.
Booster shots:
All Minnesotans age 12 and older are recommended to get a COVID-19 booster
shot. The timing of your booster shot depends on the vaccine you received for your
initial vaccine series. Learn more.
COVID-19 testing:
The Minnesota Department of Health continues to host both saliva and nasal
swab testing events throughout Minnesota. Tests are free and insurance is not
required.
New Year, more fun at Dakota County Library
Dakota County Library will no longer charge overdue fines on all children and teen items,
and they're open Sunday’s from 1–5 p.m.
Dakota County Library has removed overdue fines on all children and teen items,
regardless of who checks them out. This change went into effect Jan. 3. Removing fines
helps provide access to books and other materials that support literacy and learning, and it
encourages youth to again use the library.
Dakota County Library has returned Sunday hours. Beginning Jan. 9, seven of nine county
library locations will be open Sundays 1–5 p.m. — Farmington and Inver Glen remain
closed.
Farmington and Inver Glen
Monday–Wednesday: Noon–8 p.m.
Thursday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
All other library locations
Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: 1–5 p.m.
For more information, visit dakotacounty.us/library
Recent highlights:
Join close to 16% of Mendota Heights households that are participating in the
Dakota County organics drop-off program; learn more and sign up today!
BUSINESS NEWS
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RECYCLING
Christmas tree disposal
Christmas trees - the real kind - count as yard waste and can’t be put in your trash. Please
remove tinsel, ornaments, string lights and other decorations before dropping off or
arranging for pickup. Call your trash hauler to see if they offer tree pick-up service or haul
your greenery to a local yard waste site. B&D Wood Recycling in Northfield, Gertens in
Inver Grove Heights and The Mulch Store in Burnsville and Rosemount accept trees for a
small fee. For more info on disposal of natural or artificial trees, check Dakota
County's Recycling Guide.
Events
Dakota County Fix-It Clinic
Jan. 15, noon–3 p.m. – Robert Trail Library, Rosemount
Holiday Lights Recycling at Mendota Heights City Hall
Through Jan. 31
Lights can also be dropped off at participating locations within Dakota County, and The
Recycling Zone in Eagan throughout the year. Thank you for keeping our city clean and
green!
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NATURAL RESOURCES
Get a head start on your spring or summer
gardening project
Landscaping for Clean Water registration is opening soon
Do you want to learn how to incorporate native plants into your garden that support water
quality and pollinator habitat? The Landscaping for Clean Water Program is getting ready
for their 2022 season to help residents design and install raingardens, native pollinator
gardens, and shoreline stabilization plantings.
This year’s suite of programming - Introduction to Clean Water Class, Design Course,
and Maintenance Workshop – will provide skills and resources to landowners at every
stage of their gardening journey.
Registration is open for the free Introduction to Clean Water class that provides an overview
of local water quality challenges along with beautiful and practical ways of reducing runoff
pollutants that are causing issues. It also includes information on cost-share opportunities
available to Dakota County residents. Sign up to watch the video class now and you’ll be
ready to register for the Design Course when the 2022 season opens. You can also register
to be notified for when the 2022 Design Course opens up.
Learn more and register: dakotaswcd.org/services/landscaping-for-clean-water.
Weed of the Month
Reporting Invasive Species
You think you may have found a new invasive species or pest in your area. Now what? Here
are some steps you can take to help track invasive species and pests.
1. Take pictures of the pest, disease, or plant, as well as notes on the appearance
and location, being as specific as possible. Use an address or GPS coordinates. If it
is an insect or disease, note what plant or plants it was found on. Place a coin, pen,
or other object in the photo for scale.
2. Take a sample, if possible, using gloves or tweezers to prevent any skin irritation or
insect stings or bites. Put the sample in a glass jar with a lid, or sealed plastic bag.
Place in your fridge or freezer.
3. Report the sighting using one of the following methods:
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses a web-based mapping
system called EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System) for
documenting invasive species and pest locations. Over 300 invasive plant species in
Minnesota are tracked using EDDMapS. You will have to create an account, but the
system is very easy to use. Information on how to sign up and use EDDMapS can be
found at dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrial/locations.html.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture relies on residents to report invasive
species using Arrest The Pest. The Arrest The Pest website website contains a new
online reporting form that can easily be used to report sightings and help identify
invasive species.
The Great Lakes Early Detection Network (GLEDN) has created an app for
reporting as well, which can be found at user-friendly smartphone/tablet app, and can
be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Contact the City. City Staff can then act quickly to help eradicate the invasive
species once it is confirmed. To report a sighting to the City, please contact Natural
Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter, CWD, by emailing
kspreiter@mendotaheightsmn.gov or call 651-255-1123.
Recent highlights
Prevent the spread of Elongate Hemlock Scale by properly disposing of holiday
greens.
Lawns to Legumes cost-share program grants are now available; learn more
about Individual Support Grants and Neighborhood Demonstration Grants for
installing pollinator-friendly native plantings. Individual Support Grant applications are
due February 15, 2022.
FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS
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Stay safe from carbon monoxide
poisoning
Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless, tasteless gas created when fuels (such as
gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn
incompletely. Stay safe by reviewing these important tips and
watch the video above for more information.
Have a working Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector within ten feet
of sleeping areas.
Clear snow and debris from furnace, dryer, fireplace and oven vents outside your
home to prevent CO buildup.
Never use an oven or grill to heat your home; they produce toxic CO gas.
Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors or in closed garages.
Know the signs of CO poisoning: headache, nausea, fatigue, vomiting and
disorientation.
Test carbon monoxide and fire alarms monthly.
If a CO alarm sounds, go outside and call 911 immediately.
Appliances that use gas may produce CO if they are not working properly. Have
them inspected regularly.
Learn More: NFPA Carbon Monoxide Safety Sheet
POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Just the Facts
Incident reports 12/31/21 - 1/6/22 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
The MHPD has expanded their social media channels to include Nextdoor. 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 mendotaheightsmn.gov/police.
Completed forms and general questions can be submitted via email to
pdrecords@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
PARKS & RECREATION
Ice rinks are open!
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Ice rinks are open!
Outdoor ice rinks houses are ready for play. The City has three hockey and three pleasure
rinks located at:
Friendly Hills Park | 2360 Pueblo Lane
Marie Park | 1780 Lilac Lane
Wentworth Park | 739 Wentworth Ave
Warming house hours:
Monday - Friday: 4-9pm
Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: Noon-6pm
Non-School Days: Noon-9pm
Rink lights are on automatic timers from dusk until 9 p.m., 7 days a week
Stay safe before heading to the rinks:
Call the ice rink/warming house hotline at 651-255-1174 for any updates
Dress for the weather, bring proper gear, and plan your time outdoors according to
temperature and weather
Rinks and warming houses are closed when the air temperature is below
zero
Register now for winter activities
Teen Bean Bag Tournament
Saturday, Jan 15 | 11am-1pm
Ages: 12-16
Cost: $10 per person (resident)
Location: Veterans Memorial Community Center
Missing some yard games? Get your friends together and have fun throwing bags in this
double-elimination tournament. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place teams. Rules,
instructions, and scorecards will be provided to each team.
REGISTER
Gymnastics
Saturdays, Jan 15 - March 5 | TT 2:30-3:15pm, Beg. 3:30-4:15pm
Ages: Tiny Tumblers 3-4, Beginners 5-6
Cost: $80 per child (resident)
Location: Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
Tiny Tumblers will learn gymnastics vocabulary; skill development in balance, strength,
and coordination; and the importance of respecting rules. Children should feel comfortable
separating from their adult(s) and be toilet-trained. Beginners will develop basic gymnastics
skills within all four events using age-appropriate equipment, with a focus on tumbling,
positions, dance, strength, and conditioning. This class is for children with little to no
gymnastics experience.
REGISTER
Ice Hockey Camp by Sports Unlimited (non-school day)
Monday, Jan 17 | 11am-2pm
Ages: 5-10
Cost: $26 per person (resident)
Location: Marie Park's outdoor hockey rink
Learn the rules of hockey while working on team plan and sportsmanship. Participants will
practice skills including stick handling, passing, and shooting, and must bring ice skates, a
hockey stick, and hockey helmet (pads and gloves also recommended).
REGISTER
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REGISTER
Blade with the Blue
Saturday, Jan 29
Times: 1-2pm Ages 6-9 | 2:30-3:30pm Ages 10-13
Cost: FREE
Location: Friendly Hills Park's outdoor hockey rink
Join the Mendota Heights Police Department for a fun day of recreational hockey skills and
games. Participants will team up with police officers for 3-on-3 hockey games. This is free
event; registration is required.
REGISTER
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Public Meetings
Meeting changes or cancellations are noted on the City's website
mendotaheightsmn.gov/calendar. Meetings take place at City Hall unless otherwise
noted. Meeting attendees should adhere to the posted City Hall safety guidelines.
Watch regular meetings online at townsquare.tv/webstreaming (available live or for replay)
or on cable television:
City Council: Channel 18/798 HD Planning Commission: Channel 18/798 HD Parks and Recreation Commission: Channel 15/859 HD Airport Relations Commission (select meetings are broadcast): Channel 15/859 HD
Occasionally broadcasted channels may change; check Town Square Television's listings
for updates.
Upcoming Schedule
Parks & Recreation Commission | January 11, 6:30 p.m
City Council Special Meeting (Closed Session) | January 18, 5:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting | January 18, 6:00 p.m.
Airport Relations Commission Meeting | January 19, 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting | January 25, 7:00 p.m.
City Business Hours
City Hall will be closed Monday, January 17, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day
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.
Public Works Building: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 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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