2022-04-22 Friday News4/22/22, 1:58 PM Friday News 4/22/2022
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Friday News 4/22/2022
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FRIDAY NEWS | April 22, 2022
Celebrate Earth & Arbor Day!
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 to be picked up on Monday, April 25. 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.
Register for the virtual ‘Resilient Yards’ workshop
Thurs, April 28 | Noon-2pm | $15
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.
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.
Learn More & Register
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Free Paper Shred event this Saturday
April 23 | 9am-Noon | West Saint Paul Sports Complex
Residents of Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake & Lilydale can
shred and recycle confidential material at this event for Free - No Limit. Please use paper
bags to put materials in rather than boxes, and remove 3-ring binders, spiral binders, and
binder clips.
Pioneer SecureShred staff collects and secures materials into a locking security container
and transports them directly to the mobile shredding vehicle. The material is deposited
directly into the shredding chamber without being touched by human hands. The shredded
material is then sent to a recycler.
Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County.
Become a City Volunteer
There's an exciting new opportunity for residents and the community to make a difference in
Mendota Heights. At its meeting on April 19, the City Council approved a Volunteer Program
for adults and juniors. If you are interested in learning more, visit the Volunteer Program
webpage for details and complete a Volunteer Contact Form so that a staff member can
follow up with you. There's also a form to propose a volunteer project or initiative. Get
started on this rewarding experience today!
Learn More
City Council appoints Natural Resources
Commissioners
At its meeting on April 19, the City Council appointed the following residents to serve on the
newly formed Natural Resources Commission:
Rosemary Husbands, Term Expires 2023 Will Stein, Term Expires 2023 Rachel Quick, Term Expires 2024 Ted McCaslin, Term Expires 2024 Sean Fahnhorst, Term Expires 2025 Nissa Tupper, Term Expires 2025 Heidi Swank, Term Expires 2025
Thank you to all who applied and congratulations to our new commissioners!
Highway 55 construction begins April 29 and
additional road closures announced
I-494 closed May 6-9 to remove Highway 55 bridge decks
MnDOT has announced that resurfacing and bridge deck preservation is scheduled to begin
on Friday, April 29 between Bloomington Road in Minneapolis and Highway 52 in Inver
Grove Heights.
Eastbound Highway 55 will be closed from 6 a.m., Friday, April 29 through 5 p.m., Saturday,
June 18 as construction crews repair pavement between Highway 5 and Mendota Road.
Highway 55 also will close in both directions at 6 p.m. Friday, April 29 between Mendota
Road and Highway 3 in Inver Grove Heights. During the closure, motorists should follow the
signed detour or find alternative routes to avoid congestion and delays. Highway 55 is
expected to reopen by 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, weather permitting.
Additionally construction crews will close Interstate 35E in both directions between Highway
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Additionally, construction crews will close Interstate 35E in both directions between Highway
77 near Apple Valley and I-494 in Mendota Heights at 9 p.m., Friday, April 29 to remove the
Highway 55 bridge deck over the road. Motorists should follow the signed detour on
Highway 77 and I-494 to access I-35E. All lanes on I-35E are expected to open by 5 a.m.,
Monday, May 2.
All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather permitting and subject to change.
MnDOT will maintain access to all businesses and residences throughout the project
however, you may have to use a different route.
When possible, motorists should avoid cutting through neighborhoods and help keep the
community safe by using posted detour routes.
Construction is expected to be complete by October 2022.
For more information and to sign up for email updates, please visit: Hwy 55 Minneapolis to
Inver Grove Heights Project (state.mn.us)
Real time traffic information is available at 511mn.org or download the Minnesota 511 app
on your Apple or Android device
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
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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.
Street sweeping update
Due to rain, it is anticipated that street sweeping will finish up on Monday, April 25. Thank
you to residents who have assisted this process by keeping vehicles off of the streets until
cleaned, keeping trash cans behind the curb, and not adding debris to the streets. Keeping
our ponds, wetlands, lakes and streams healthy is a high priority for the City. 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.
Deadline for entries this Sunday!
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
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,
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g g p ,
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
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
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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
Did you know?
The organics drop site at Mendakota Park accepts more than just food scraps. Bring paper
towel rolls, pizza boxes, used tissues, pet hair and even fingernail clippings, to be
composted instead of going to the landfill. Check what is accepted and sign up for the
program today!
Upcoming recycling events
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.
International Compost Awareness Week Events
May 1-7 Celebration
Athletic Gear Donation
May 16-31 Mendota Heights City Hall & other locations
Recent highlights:
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
ti h b d th diti
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operation may change based on weather conditions.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Get ready for No Mow May
Mendota Heights residents can help create habitat and food sources for pollinators during
the month of May, by choosing not to mow their yard, or mow less frequently. City Council
passed a motion at the April 19 City Council meeting supporting ‘No-Mow May’ and
suspending the City’s height restriction for vegetation in residential yards beginning May
1 of 2022. Businesses, commercial sites, and all other properties still need to comply with
the City’s Weed and Noxious Vegetation ordinance. Residents and all properties must come
back into compliance by Monday, June 6, 2022.
You can download and print off a ‘No-Mow May’ sign to place in your yard through the
Xerxes Society’s website at xerces.org/publications/other/no-mow-may
Create a pollinator friendly space in your landscape year-round by installing a native
pollinator garden, pollinator lawn, or planting beneficial trees and shrubs. For more
information:
University of MN Extension
xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center
Recent highlights
As ice retreats on our lakes and other waterbodies, sometimes several dead fish are
left behind, commonly referred to as winter fish kill. To report a fish kill, or for more
information, visit the MN Department of Natural Resources.
Learn how you can help with spring trash clean-up.
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?
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POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Weekly Crime Report
Incident reports 4/15/2022 - 04/21/2022 Previous Weekly Crime Report/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
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.
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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. 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
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 Joint Work Session with PRC | 6:00 p.m.
Planning Commission | April 26, 7:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting | May 3, 6:00 p.m.
Park & Recreation Commission | May 10, 6:30 p.m.
Natural Resources Commission | May 11, 6:00 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
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Official Website of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota
1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Phone: 651-452-1850
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