2022-04-15 Friday News4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 1/10
Friday News 4/15/2022
City of Mendota Heights sent this bulletin at 04/15/2022 01:41 PM CDT
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
FRIDAY NEWS | April 15, 2022
Street sweeping set to begin
Keeping our ponds, wetlands, lakes and streams healthy is a high priority for the City.
Maintaining clean streets through spring and fall street sweeping, as well as homeowners
keeping curbs and stormwater drains swept throughout the year, is key to keeping our
waters healthy.
Weather permitting, we will begin street sweeping on Monday, April 18, and expect to be
completed in about three to four days. The City attempts to clean all city streets twice per
year (spring and fall). The spring sweep removes sediment and debris that has
accumulated throughout the winter. If not cleaned, sediment and leaves will inhibit storm
water facilities, and anything that goes down a storm drain flows directly to the nearest
waterbody. Decomposing plant material in the water encourages the growth of harmful
aquatic plants and algae. Street sweeping collects debris before it enters the storm water
system and the debris is hauled to an approved landfill.
Mendota Heights contracts its street sweeping operations. The contractor uses multiple
sweepers (typically four to six) to clear the streets in a short period of time. Due to the quick
operation and multitude of sweepers, detailed schedules are unable to be determined.
When sweepers are in the neighborhood, residents can help by doing the following:
Keep all vehicles off of the street until sweepers have cleaned both sides of the street
Remind neighbors to keep vehicles off of the street until sweepers are finished
Keep trash cans behind the curb on collection day
DO NOT push/rake leaves, grass, or other debris into the street from your yard or
adjacent yards (City Code).
Subscribe to updates from City of Mendota Heights
Email Address e.g. name@example.com
Subscribe
Share Bulletin
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 2/10
The City removes what falls or is blown naturally on the hard surfaces before they can clog
both storm grates and pipes, which can contribute to back-ups and/or flooding. Throughout
the year residents can help by cleaning and sweeping out catch basins on their streets, and
sweeping grass clippings back into their yards after mowing.
For questions please contact Public Works at 651-454-4059.
Help improve biking and walking systems in
Mendota Heights
The City of Mendota Heights is actively working on a plan for recommendations and
improvements to bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The planning process includes evaluating
where current trails, sidewalks, and on-street facilities are located and where there are gaps
and barriers to bicycle and pedestrian movement throughout the city. Currently, there are
approximately 28 miles of paved trails and sidewalks in Mendota Heights, with an additional
5 miles of wide shoulders or on-street bicycle facilities. In addition, Dakota County owns and
maintains regional trails in the city to provide non-motorized connections within and outside
the community. The final plan will aim to identify strategies to increase access to and
participation in bicycling and walking throughout the community, as well as identifying and
prioritizing physical improvements that will make the system safer and more connected.
A State Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant is being used to fund the project
process. Part of the process includes reaching out to residents and stakeholders to gain
input on how people bike and walk in the city today and their desires for future
improvements. Strategies and initiatives in the plan will focus on improvements that include
education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation, equity, and engineering. The planning
process is expected to be finished in the fall of 2022.
The city is asking for residents and visitors to provide input online now
through April 28, 2022.
Provide your answers to an online survey, which should take about 10
minutes: surveymonkey.com/r/MHBikePed2022.
Provide your comments on an interactive online map of the city. List specific ideas for
improvements on the map; view others’ comments, and like or dislike
them: hkgi.mysocialpinpoint.com/mendota-heights-bike-ped-plan#.
Future input opportunities to comment on draft recommendations and priorities will be
available in the summer of 2022. Stay up to date on the project’s process and future input
opportunities at mendotaheightsmn.gov.
Supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, Minnesota Department of
Health and the Dakota County Public Health Department.
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 3/10
Natural Resources Management Plan Update
Draft available for public comment
The City of Mendota Heights is currently updating its Natural Resources Management Plan
(NRMP). The plan will serve as a means to guide the City in shaping policy and decision
making in order to continue to conserve, enhance, and manage its natural resources.
Members of the public are invited to comment on the current draft of the NRMP. Please
submit comments and questions by April 21, 2022, to Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources
Coordinator, at 651-216-9063 or by email at: KSpreiter@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
Natural Resources Management Plan: Draft April 5, 2022
Help us name our newest snowplow!
As part of the Touch-a-Truck free community event on May 14 (rain date May 15), Mendota
Heights residents can help us name the newest snowplow that has joined the fleet! Name
submissions will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. on April 24. After the close of name
submissions, Mendota Heights Public Works and City Staff will narrow the choices to five, to
be voted on by attendees at the Touch-a-Truck event.
More Info/Submit Your Entry
THE LATEST
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 4/10
Residents can take action to conserve water in
Mendota Heights
The City of Mendota Heights is participating again in the Wyland National Mayor's
Challenge to see which cities can conserve the most water. During the month of April,
residents can take a pledge to help conserve water and improve the environment by
selecting simple actions to take within their household and community. Mendota Heights will
be competing against other cities of similar population, and is engaged in a friendly
competition against West St. Paul. Residents have an opportunity to win prizes for
themselves and a local charity. Learn more and take the pledge! Follow along by checking
the current city standings.
Take the Action Pledge
Are you thinking about serving your community as
a firefighter?
Accepting applications through May 18
Join the Mendota Heights Fire Department for a Hiring Informational Meeting to learn more.
Get firsthand knowledge on what it takes to become one, learn about the training you’ll
receive, ask questions, tour the station, and meet members of the team! The next meeting
takes place Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. Please plan to arrive at the meeting
start time for a presentation.
Mendota Heights firefighters are paid-on-call volunteers who respond to both fire and
medical emergencies, serving Mendota Heights, Mendota, Lilydale, and Sunfish Lake. The
department operates out of a newly built and remodeled state-of-the-art fire station. Many
on the team will tell you that joining the “Fire Family” has been one of the most rewarding
experiences of their lives. Our firefighters come from a wide range of backgrounds, most
serving while managing diverse careers.
The City of Mendota Heights is accepting applications to become a firefighter by 4:30
p.m. on May 18. Learn more and link to application materials.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Mendota Heights Fire Station, 2121 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights
Your feedback is needed to help improve high
speed Internet service
The Dakota Broadband Board is currently conducting a survey to assess high speed
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 5/10
y g y g p
Internet needs and access. The survey results will help ensure that all citizens and
businesses in Dakota County have equitable and adequate access to broadband service.
Survey for Residents
Residents are invited to take the survey by May 20, 2022,
at projects.designnine.com/survey/dakota-residential.
Survey for Businesses
Businesses are invited to take the survey by May 20, 2022,
at projects.designnine.com/survey/dakota-business.
We are Hiring! Join the City of Mendota Heights
team and apply now for these positions:
City Clerk
Firefighter
Summer Seasonal Jobs:
Summer Seasonal Public Works Maintenance
Summer Seasonal Recreation
Pickleball Instructors | Pickleball Assistants
Tennis Instructors | Tennis Assistants
Golf Instructors | Golf Assistants
Clubhouse Workers
Visit job postings at mendotaheightsmn.gov/employment.
RECYCLING
Celebrate composting for Earth Day
Celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and International Compost Awareness Week (May 1-7) by
boosting your compost skills. By keeping food scraps out of the trash, you are showing the
Earth you care. More than one-third of what is thrown in the trash could be composted. You
help create compost every time you use the Dakota County Organics Drop-off - there's even
a convenient drop-off location at Mendakota Park. Learn more about the Dakota County
Organics Drop-Off Program and upcoming composting education and events.
SSP compost site is open
The South St. Paul Compost Site is open. Visit their website for information on hours of
operation, type of yard waste accepted, and costs. Note that hours/days of operation may
change based on weather conditions.
Upcoming events
Dakota County Fix-It Clinics
April 16, Noon–3pm Inver Glen Library, 8098 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights
Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) Compost Bin & Rain Barrel
Sale
While supplies last | Residents get 30 percent off when they order online using the promo
code Dakota. Rain barrels and compost bins are sold-out for pickup at Mendota Heights,
but can be ordered to be picked up from another location as available.
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 6/10
Spring Paper Shred Event
April 23, 9am-Noon WSP Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave, WSP (Please note this date was incorrectly shown as April 30 in the City's March/April Heights
Highlights printed newsletter - the correct date is April 23.)
School District 197 LiveGreen Clothing Swap
April 23, 10am-2pm Two Rivers High School, 1897 Delaware Ave, MH
Curbside Appliance Pickup
Reservation required by April 29 for May 2 pickup date
Dakota County Outdoor Gear Swap
April 30, Noon–3pm Dakota Lodge in Thompson Park, 1200 Stassen Lane, WSP
Dakota County/Community Earth/Arbor Day Events
Celebrate with a wide variety of events to choose from. And don't miss the Mendota Heights
Earth/Arbor Day Celebration & Spring Park Cleaning.
Athletic Gear Donation
May 16-31 Mendota Heights City Hall & other locations
Quick Links:
Join 17% of Mendota Heights households that are participating in the Dakota County
organics drop-off program; learn more and sign up today!
NATURAL RESOURCES
Spring trash clean-up
As our temperatures start to rise and the snow melts, what is left behind is often a plethora
of trash around businesses, parking lots, streets, and waterways. Litter is perhaps most
visible at this time of year, but it is also a problem throughout the year. Trash and debris,
especially plastic, is washed away with rain events and snow melt, polluting our lakes,
rivers, and other surface waters. All of this trash and plastic pays a heavy toll on wildlife as
well, as aquatic life and birds often ingest it or become entangled with it.
What can you do?
Do not litter. Littering is prohibited by City Code, and is considered a misdemeanor
and subject to a fine. Dispose of trash, recyclables, and organics in the proper
receptacles. For disposable options and more information:
co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/Residential.
Encourage and teach children the importance of not littering.
If you see trash, pick it up, as long as you feel safe doing so.
If you notice dumpsters or trash receptacles overflowing, notify the business or
property owner.
Organize or join a local clean-up effort. Below are some local clean up events and
opportunities.
Adopt-a-River through the Freshwater Society.
Join a clean-up event through the Great Mississippi River Cleanup.
Adopt-A-Drain by signing up on-line, and commit just 15 minutes every two
weeks to keep your neighborhood clean and protect our surface waters.
Join your neighbors for a city park clean-up on April 23, as part of the Mendota
Heights Earth and Arbor Day Celebration. Pick up free clean-up supplies at
City Hall from 9 a.m. to noon.
Take part in additional events throughout Dakota County.
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 7/10
Winter fish kill
As ice retreats on our lakes and other waterbodies, sometimes several dead fish are left
behind, commonly referred to as winter fish kill. Snow and ice cover can limit the amount of
oxygen available in water bodies, as aquatic vegetation produces less oxygen, and even
uses dissolved oxygen in the water if the vegetation dies over the winter. Oxygen depletion
can lead to fish kills, which can be worse in winters with early snowfall or ice cover, and low
water levels. Due to the drought experienced last summer, many of our water bodies
experienced low water levels at the start of the winter.
Other causes of fish kills can include pollution sources, such as high temperatures of
discharge water, chemical spills or dumping, pesticides and fertilizers, and nutrient-rich
stormwater runoff from leaves, grass clippings, and other yard waste. To report a fish kill, or
for more information, visit the MN Department of Natural Resources.
Stop by City Hall for free giveaways and learn
simple ways you can protect our surface waters
Sat, April 23 | 9am-Noon
Enter the drawing to WIN a free 10-gallon container tree or a gift certificate to Prairie
Moon Nursery.
Pick up your free pollinator seed packet, and plant a pocket prairie for pollinators!
Join us in spring cleaning our parks
Sat, April 23 | Supply pickup 9am-Noon
Spend the day at a local Mendota Heights park assisting with waste removal. Garbage,
recycling, and organics bags will be available for pick up at City Hall from 9 a.m. to
Noon on Saturday, April 23. Collected materials can be left in or near garbage receptacles
at each City park. Volunteers should wear appropriate attire, including protective gloves,
closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. Safety vests are also available for loan if
desired.
Attend the virtual ‘Resilient Yards’ workshop
Thurs, April 28 | Noon-2pm
Home gardeners, take climate action in your yard! The City of Mendota Heights is
sponsoring a Blue Thumb workshop offering ways you can make your landscape more
resilient to excessive heat, drought, flooding rains and other weather-related challenges that
we are experiencing more frequently.
This workshop is great for do-it-yourselfers. It offers an overview of resiliency and
information on redirecting runoff, assessing your site, designing with native plants, using
trees and shrubs, turf alternatives, protecting pollinators and more. There are two parts to
this workshop. After registering, you’ll receive an online presentation with a series of videos
to watch at your convenience. The presentation will include prompts to help you get started
on plans to incorporate some of these tactics in your yard At the workshop offered virtually
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 8/10
on plans to incorporate some of these tactics in your yard. At the workshop, offered virtually,
you’ll meet in small breakout groups for assistance from landscape designers and other
experts such as Master Gardeners. Bring your ideas and your questions!
The virtual workshop will be held from Noon to 2 p.m. on April 28. The cost is $15. For
more information and to register, check the Blue Thumb website at bluethumb.org/events/,
or call Metro Blooms at 651-699-2426.
Blue Thumb is coordinated by Metro Blooms, a nonprofit that partners with communities to
create resilient landscapes and foster clean watersheds, embracing the values of equity and
inclusion to solve environmental challenges.
Recent highlights
Spring is a great time for citizens to pitch in and clean up a shoreline! Learn more
about the Adopt a River program and access planning tools for your cleanup event
through the Freshwater Society.
The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is seeking volunteers to
serve on its Citizen Advisory Committee.
Create a beautiful garden to benefit pollinators, improve water quality, or stabilize
your shoreline with the Landscaping for Clean Water program. Learn more about
their Introductory, Design, and Maintenance classes -- get started today.
Learn how to identify and prevent the spread of the aquatic invasive plant Curly Leaf
Pondweed.
I'm planning a project near a surface water. Do I need a permit?
POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Just the Facts
Incident reports 4/08/2022 - 04/14/2022
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 dakota911mn.gov.
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
Upcoming events
Pickleball with Public Safety & Ribbon Cutting
Date: Thurs, April 21
Time: 5:30-7pm
Location: Friendly Hills Park, 2360 Pueblo Lane
Play recreational pickleball with Mendota Heights Public Safety personnel as we celebrate
the opening of the new courts. All ages are welcome at this free community event. No
registration required.
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 9/10
Attend the Kids Garage Sale
Date: Sat, April 30
Time: 10am-noon
Location: Veterans Memorial Community Center, 8055 Barbara Ave, IGH
Youth from Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, and Inver Grove Heights communities will be
selling gently used games, books, movies, clothing, and more at their very own ‘garage’
sales. Shop from 35+ sales and score yourself some good deals! This event encourages
youth to practice money management, communication, and decision-making. Shoppers
please enter through Door I; sales are cash only.
Get started planning your summer of fun!
Registration is open for summer recreation programs and programs are filling quickly. There
are tons of activities for all ages to enjoy! Visit the Summer Fun webpage for details.
The Par 3 Community Golf Course is open for the 2022 golfing season, weather
permitting (it will be closed on Sunday, April 17). Players can enjoy the same affordable
rates as last year, with special rates for senior and junior players. The course is currently
walking only; pull carts are available to rent.
Players can also take advantage of specials available at the course (restrictions apply):
Senior Golf Pass (65+): $200
10-Round Punch Card: $100
Five-Hole Weekday Play Special: $5
4/22/22, 1:53 PM Friday News 4/15/2022
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MNMENDOTAHEIGHTS/bulletins/313845e 10/10
Note that the Senior Golf Pass must be purchased at Mendota Heights City Hall during
business hours; it is not available to purchase at the course.
Visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/par3_community_golf_course for rates and information, and
call 651-454-9822 to reserve a tee time. We look forward to welcoming you back!
COVID-19 RESOURCES
For information on COVID-19 and to connect to resources for vaccinations, boosters,
testing, and more, visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/covid19.
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
City Council Work Session | April 19, 4:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting | April 19, 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission | April 26, 7:00 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.
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
Stay Connected with the City of Mendota Heights:
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES: Manage Subscriptions | Help | Unsubscribe from all Topics
Powered by
Privacy Policy | Cookie Statement | Help