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2022-May June Heights HighlightsMENDOTA HEIGHTS HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTSMHCity of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Help Improve INTERNET SERVICE MAY • JUNE 2022 • ISSUE 127 Connect and Serve Through the CITY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Reminders for BONFIRES ⯀ Fires must be at least 25 feet from any building/structure. ⯀ Portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material. ⯀ Size no larger than three feet diameter and three feet high. ⯀ A means of extinguishment must be in the immediate area at all times.⯀ Burn only clean and dry wood less than three inches in diameter. ⯀ Do not burn: trash, grass, paper, trade waste, or other combustibles. ⯀ Do not start in dry conditions or with winds over 15 MPH. ⯀ Fire must be attended at all times by a competent person at least 16 years of age. DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITING Door-to-door sales by registered solicitors and licensed peddlers is allowed in the city from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset. To prohibit all peddlers, solicitors, and canvassers from entering your property, you must display a sign at least 4”x4” stating “No Peddlers, Solicitors Allowed.” Stop by City Hall to pick up a free laminated sign or print from the city’s website >> GARBAGE/RECYCLING CAN COURTESY After garbage/recycling pickup, keep the cans out of view from public streets and adjoining neighbors. Containers can be put out the night before collection day, and should be put away by the following evening into a garage or other structure, or fully screened by landscaping or fencing materials if stored outside. (City Code) CURBSIDE ITEMS Items pending a curbside pickup, such as appliances and furniture, should not be left out for more than 72 hours. Appliances not awaiting collection should not be placed outside. (City Code) PARK COURTESY ⯀ Dogs must be on a leash six feet or less at all times in parks & in public areas (City Code); exception the off-leash Dog Park on Acacia.⯀ You must pick up pet waste (City Code).⯀ Tobacco products including E-cigarettes/vaping are not permitted (City Code). SEASONAL REMINDERS The Dakota Broadband Board is 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. The survey is available through May 20. INSIDE 3 AT YOUR SERVICE: ARC 6 PROGRESS IN MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS & EVENTS74IS YOUR PROPERTY IN THE MRCCA? The City of Mendota Heights has launched an official Volunteer Program aimed at connecting residents to city volunteer opportunities and expanding volunteerism. Volunteers are needed to support a variety of areas including public safety, the environment and natural resources, parks, recreational events, and more. Whether you have volunteered for the city in the past or are new to volunteering, it is easier than ever to get involved at a commitment level that works for you. To get started, adults and juniors complete an online Volunteer Contact Form on the city’s website. On the form you can select from a variety of volunteer positions, review the duties, time commitment, and learn what type of training and steps may be involved. After submitting the contact form, depending on the service position, onboarding may involve an interview, background check, orientation, and training before your volunteer service can begin. Once your service begins, you’ll receive communications when volunteer assignments are available and can accept the ones that work with your schedule. As volunteers register, the city will continue to evaluate feedback on what types of activities volunteers are interested in and may develop programs to expand into other activities moving forward. There’s also a form available to propose a volunteer project or program. Learn more at mendotaheightsmn.gov/volunteer or call City Hall for assistance.mendotaheightsmn.gov/volunteer 2022 ELECTIONS: Your Polling Place May Have Changed Congressional and state legislative boundaries have been updated through the redistricting process. Redistricting is required after each U.S. Census to make the election districts more equal in population. The Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel released the congressional and legislative redistricting plan on February 15, 2022. The new Redistricting Plan places the entire city of Mendota Heights in Congressional District 2, the same as the previous plan. For the state districts, the city is now divided into two state senate districts, which are districts 52 and 53. The city will continue to be in two legislative districts as before, although the boundaries of the districts have changed. The City Council recently reestablished precinct lines and polling locations. Some residents will have a new voting location, since a minor adjustment to the precinct lines between Precincts 3 and 4 was made. A small area from Precinct 3, located south of Highway 62, was moved into Precinct 4. The residents who live in this area will now vote at St. Thomas Academy for all state, county, and city elections. Dakota County will be mailing a postcard to all registered voters in the city, regardless of whether their polling location has changed or not. The postcard will let each registered voter know which districts they are in and where their polling place is located. PRECINCT 1 State Senate District 53; Legislative District 53A PRECINCTS 2, 3, 4, 5 State Senate District 52; Legislative District 52B Pct 5: Friendly Hills Middle School, 701 Mendota Heights Road Pct. 2: Two Rivers High School, 1897 Delaware Ave Pct. 4: Saint Thomas Academy, 949 Mendota Heights Road Pct. 1: Somerset School, 1355 Dodd Road Pct. 3: Holy Family Catholic Church, 1960 Lexington Ave S §¨¦35E 23 1 4 5 I494 HWY 13I35EH W Y 5 5 HWY 62 DELAWARE AVELEXINGTON AVEHUBER DRMARIE AVE WENTWORTH AVE WAGON WHEEL TRL DODD RDWACHTLER AVEDELAWARE AVEI494 DODD RDDELAWARE AVEMARIE AVE I 3 5 EHWY 6 2LEXINGTON AVEHWY 13H W Y 55 DODD RDDODD RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DECORAH LN ANNAPOLIS Receive $5 OFF one round of golf or footgolf. Original coupon must be presented at time of payment. Valid through 6/5/2022. Cannot be combined with any other offer. SAVE on GOLF 1695 Dodd Road · Mendota Heights Tee Times 651-454-9822 Businesses take this survey projects.designnine.com/ survey/dakota-business Residents take this survey projects.designnine.com/ survey/dakota-residential Volunteer Opportunities: Community Emergency Response Team Event Support Invasive Species Removal Landscaping Support Native Restoration Support Park Clean Up Police Reserves Tree Planting Propose a Project/Program Get Back Into THE SWING OF THINGS 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. 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 * The Senior Golf Pass must be purchased at City Hall during business hours; it is not available to purchase at the course. © 2022 City of Mendota Heights STEPHANIE’S CORNER With the State of the City Address approaching in May, it’s a natural time to reflect on progress made within the city over the past year; not only the results and achieve- ment towards goals, but also the how. It’s how we make decisions, how our residents participate in and engage with our City; it’s how we work together. In our city, the how is only possible because so many of you, our residents, have stepped up to lend your time, expertise, talents, and heart to making Mendota Heights a wonderful place to live, play, work and visit. You have asked for the city to lead in preserving and maintaining our natural resources, and in April, we established a Natural Resources Commission to help advise the City Council on the best path forward to support our natural resources. When we needed folks to serve, twenty highly qualified residents stepped up to volunteer to serve on the new commission. The applicants had a phenomenal array of expertise and experience. Ultimately, we chose seven individuals who have a complementary set of broad skills they will bring to the commission. We have professional and lay leaders who are experts in wetlands, watershed, engineering, landscape design, gardening, health, and recycling, as well as Natural Resources policy and budgeting. Our new commission also consists of a core of volunteers who served on the Natural Resources Task Force and helped write our Natural Resources Chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as well as community leaders and volunteers who have spent countless hours “green- ing” our community. We are so thankful that we had a deep bench willing to serve and we recognize that while many highly qualified people did not get an appointment, there will be ample opportuni- ties to volunteer and serve on the commission in the future. Another new program that we are launching this month is the Men- dota Heights Volunteer Program. In response to your feedback, the city is launching this program in order to provide a variety of service and commitment options, from one-time events to ongo- ing programs, making it easier than ever for community members to volunteer their time in order to make a positive impact. Finally, thanks to all who take the time to call, text, or email their thoughts and concerns, provide input through casual conversa- tions or formal public comment, attend public meetings, and participate in surveys. Your voice matters and your input makes a difference. We depend on your help guide our work and priorities, and we all benefit from a caring and connected Mendota Heights community. Stephanie Levine, Mayor 2 CITY HALL 1101 VICTORIA CURVE • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55118 City Administration: 651-452-1850 | Fax 651-452-8940 Lobby Hours: M–TH: 7am–4:30pm, F: 7am–11:30am Email: cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov POLICE 1101 VICTORIA CURVE • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55118 Police Administration/Records: 651-452-1366 Lobby Hours: M–F: 8am–4:30pm Email: pdrecords@mendotaheightsmn.gov FIRE 2121 DODD ROAD • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55120 Fire Administration: 651-452-1850 PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 2431 LEXINGTON AVE S • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55120 Building: 651-454-4059 Building Hours: M–F: 7am–3:30pm STEPHANIE LEVINE, MAYOR 651-686-0340 | C. 651-302-0861 | slevine@mendotaheightsmn.gov ULTAN DUGGAN 651-452-5179 | uduggan@mendotaheightsmn.gov JOHN R. MAZZITELLO 651-249-7306 | jmazzitello@mendotaheightsmn.gov JAY MILLER 651-994-0482 | jmiller@mendotaheightsmn.gov JOEL PAPER 612-237-1133 | jpaper@mendotaheightsmn.gov Meetings are held at City Hall unless otherwise specified. Visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/calendar to check for meeting dates & times. Meetings are livestreamed online and for replay at townsquare.tv/webstreaming. Occasionally broadcast channels may change; check Town Square Television’s cable listings for details. Regular meetings are typically held as follows; scheduling changes may occur: CITY COUNCIL 1ST & 3RD TUES | 6PM CHANNEL 18/798 HD AIRPORT REL. COMM.* 3RD WED OF ODD-NUMBERED MONTHS | 6PM NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. 2ND WED | 6PM (May start) Currently not televised PARK & REC COMM. 2ND TUES | 6:30PM CHANNEL 15/859 HD PLANNING COMM. 4TH TUES | 7PM CHANNEL 18/798 HD * ARC meetings are not regularly broadcast CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETINGS CALL 911 for emergency and non-emergency Police and Fire response. How to use a Quick Response (QR) code 1. Open your smart phone’s camera 2. Hover over the code as if taking a photo 3. Click the link that pops up mendotaheightsmn.gov Fireworks Display Dusk • Launch Site Mendakota Country Club Celebrate freedom with a grand display of fireworks! The launch typically begins around 10pm. Mendota Heights State of the City Address 4:30 Doors Open · Mendota Heights City Hall Join Mayor Levine as she delivers the Mendota Heights State of the City Address. The presentation will begin at 4:45pm, with the event ending at 5:30pm. Attend in person or watch live at townsquare.tv/webstreaming. 7 CITY CALENDAR mendotaheightsmn.gov/calendar Tour de Rec Join us for youth and family activities: games, sports, crafts, and more. Free drop-in program · no registration required. Weather line: 651-259-2671 May 5 • 6–7pm • Mendota Elementary June 14 • 1:30–2:30pm • Mendakota Park Picnic Shelter June 21 • 12:30–1:30pm • Southview Park, WSP June 28 • 1:30–2:30pm • Mendakota Park Picnic Shelter EVENTS & Programs RECREATION REGISTRATION mendotaheightsmn.gov or register at City Hall TuesJUNE14 First Ride in May Tune up your bike, grab your helmet, and join community members on a monthly summer bike ride. Register to be on an email list to receive route, date, and time info. The rides are casual with an emphasis on social. Free · registration required on the city’s website or at City Hall. MonJULY4 TuesMAY 17 Events & programs may be subject to change. Sports/Athletic Gear Donation During Business Hours • Mendota Heights City Hall Drop off good-condition athletic gear and equipment for the United Heroes League. Donation ideas: downhill and cross-country skis, cleats for baseball and soccer, gloves/mitts, skates, lacrosse items, golf clubs, & more. No workout clothes or tennis shoes. MAY 16-31 Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Run/Walk 9am Race Start • The Village at Mendota Heights Register for the 17th annual Run/Walk to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota and Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Registration forms are available at City Hall during business hours or register at packet pickup or on race day. Registration is payable by cash or check to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Packet Pickup Options: Thurs, June 2 • 8am–4:30pm • City Hall Fri, June 3 • 8am–4:30pm • City Hall Sat, June 4 • 7–8:30am • Race Location SatJUNE4 Touch-a-Truck 10am–Noon • Mendakota Park Get a behind-the-scenes tour and up close to tons of big rigs: fire trucks, police squads, mowers, plow trucks, and more! Activities will include kids' games, photo opportunities, and a food truck. New this year - vote on your favorite name for our newest snowplow! Rain date: Sunday, May 15. Free event. Subscribe to City Communications & Connect on Social at mendotaheightsmn.gov/communications. SCAN HERE MendotaHeightsMN MHParksandRec MendotaHeightsPD Mendota_Heights MHeightsPD Mendota Heights eNews & Agenda Packets polco.us/mendotaheights ThursMAY 5 Tiger Ries 6-7:30pm • Market Square Park Enjoy classic rock and smooth ballads performed live by this soloist musician. Free event. WedMAY 18 Teddy Bear Band 6–6:45pm • Mendakota Park Enjoy a family-friendly band whose mission is to help children gain and maintain a positive sense of self and develop an appreciation of their own abilities. Participants are encouraged to bring their own teddy bear or stuffed friend. Free event. Wed JUNE1 $30 Preregister by 4:30pm on June 3 $35 Race day TuesJUNE21 TuesJUNE28 Tire Collection 9am-Noon · West St. Paul Public Works 403 Marie Ave E, WSP Drop off up to eight car or light truck tires, without rims, for free collection. This event is for residents of Mendota Heights, WSP, SSP, Sunfish Lake, and Lilydale. Rims/tires from businesses will not be accepted. Free event in partnership with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. SatJUNE 11 Skippin Stones 6:30-8pm • Market Square Park Enjoy dynamic music and recreations of the best tunes from the last 70+ years! Free event. WedJUNE15 SatMAY 14 DJ Party Unit 6-6:45pm • Mendakota Park Get out and dance to popular tunes by this fun and energizing DJ. Free event. WedJUNE 29 6 3 SA FENeighborhoods With additional community interest in natural resources and park programming, the City Council has created some new roles for staff in leading and administering new initiatives. Krista Spreiter and Meredith Lawrence are two staff mem- bers who have recently been promoted within the city to fulfill these new goals. Krista Spreiter is the city’s natural resources coordinator, a role that was restructured to include additional initiatives and support for the city’s new Natural Resources Commission. Krista says, “I was hired by the City of Mendo- ta Heights in September of 2018 as the natural resources technician. This was a new position for the City at the time, so I had the opportunity to implement several natural resources programs and projects that had not been done in the city previously.” When asked what she is most excited for in her role, she says, “Working with and getting to know additional residents through the Natural Resources Commission, and learning of the talents and expertise that they have to offer.” Meredith Lawrence, previously the city’s recreation program coordinator, was promoted to parks and recreation manager. She started working for the city in 2011 as a lead tennis instructor and camp director. From there she worked as a parks and recreation intern, then recreation lead, and for the past five years as the recreation program coordinator. Her newest role as parks and recreation manager will continue to build on the successes of the parks and recreation program over the years. Meredith says, “I will be providing oversight of the long and short term planning projects, construction, opera- tions, and budgeting for park improvement projects. I am excited to focus on planning for the future and finding ways we can improve our park experiences and recreational offerings. I really enjoy the park planning and operational side of parks and recreation, and am excited to spend more time on what I am passionate about.” MattersCOMMUNITY Staff Spotlights Being a firefighter is an amazing opportunity to contribute to the Mendota Heights community. When new recruits start out in the Fire Department, there is a lot to learn. New firefighters go through exten- sive emergency response training, becoming certified as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations and Emergency Medical Responders. Fire captains, like Dan Johnson, are there for them along the way. Dan Johnson has been with the Mendota Heights Fire Department for seven years. He serves alongside his wife, Rebecca Johnson, who is also a Mendota Heights firefighter. Dan was recently promot- ed to the position of fire captain. Dan, as well as the other captains, support firefighters through their training by manag- ing special assigned projects, and by making sure that every- one is prepared for when the pager goes off. Dan says, “There’s a lot to it and it can be very challenging, but also extremely rewarding.” Dan was sworn in as fire captain on April 5, 2022, with Rebecca pinning on his badge. The training and the support do not stop after fire recruits finish their initial training. The job of fire captains includes making sure that all firefighters participate in continuing education and training opportunities to improve their knowl- edge and skill levels through their careers. Do you want to find out more about becoming a Mendota Heights firefighter? Visit the city’s website for information! Future Firefighters Meet One of Your New Captains At Your Service: Airport Relations Commission Partnering for Progress in Mental Health Along with warmer weather, summer in Mendota Heights can also bring increased noise impacts from the airport. Increased airplane noise is related to a variety of factors. The simplest is that we have our windows open more! But there are other reasons ranging from weather to construction. A line of thunderstorms 50 miles south of MSP can temporarily impact flight paths even if there is no sign of rain in Mendota Heights. And yes, even the airport has summer “road” construction — runway repairs can also temporarily impact flight paths. Changes in airplane noise are usually temporary and typically have a reasonable explanation even if it isn’t always readily apparent. If you have concerns about airplane noise, the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission (ARC) is here to help. The ARC has a relationship with the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) at the Metropolitan Airports Commission. City ARC respresentatives attend bimonthly NOC meetings and monitor airport noise in and around Mendota Heights. In addition to noise monitoring, the ARC also serves as a resource for residents by assisting with questions at key community events, and providing airport-related tools and information. The ARC consists of the following commissioners: Kevin Byrnes, Bill Dunn, Jeff Hamiel, Jim Neuharth, Gina Norling (Chair), Arvind Sharma (Vice Chair), and David Sloan. Residents of Mendota Heights with questions, comments or concerns about airplane noise are encouraged to reach out to City Hall where their concerns can be addressed or passed on to the ARC. Excessive airplane noise can also be reported directly to the Metropolitan Airports Commission: Call the MAC Aircraft Noise Hotline: 612-726-9411 Complete an Online Form: metroairports.org/community-connection/aircraft-noise Discussions related to mental health have increasingly been a topic of conversation within the law enforcement and social services communities. Given the rise in the number of crisis calls to which law enforcement responds, there is a known need for improved mental health services for community members. Stakeholders in Dakota County believed a more focused, in-depth approach to understanding those needs and connect- ing people to the appropriate services was essential. At the center of these conversations was how to better respond to people currently in a crisis situation. Last summer, the Mendota Heights Police Department began participating in a pilot program with the Dakota County Crisis Response Unit (CRU). This program brought a member of CRU into the Police Department on a weekly basis. During that time, the CRU member reviews police incident reports and works to get individuals paired with the best services possible. Additionally, Dakota County CRU members are also responding directly to the scenes of people in crisis. Not every crisis call is appropriate for a CRU member to respond without law enforce- ment, however, this model reduces the need for an officer to respond to a call where CRU members, with more advanced training, are better suited. The success of this program can be seen in the statistical data. From October 2021 to February 2022, the number of crisis calls in which an officer needed to respond dropped more than 60%. The program is evolving and changes will continue to be made to ensure it best serves the residents of Mendota Heights. Stakeholders want to ensure there are more effective public service interventions, improved community relations and trust, higher quality of life for residents, and overall improved public safety. NOW HIRING FIREFIGHTERS The City of Mendota Heights is accepting applications to become a firefighter until 4:30 p.m. on May 18. Learn more/application materials mendotaheightsmn.gov/employment The Police Department and Mendota Heights Auto Service have partnered with the Minnesota Commerce Department to promote the Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Program. This pilot program allows the owners of vehicles most at risk for catalytic converter theft to have their catalytic converters imprinted with a unique identifying number. Once labeled, this number is registered and allows a stolen catalytic converter to be traced by law enforcement. If you have a high-risk vehicle and would like to have it imprinted and registered, contact Mendota Heights Auto Service at 651-454-5622 for more information. Check the list of high-risk vehicles >> Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Program Serving the City: Captain Dan Johnson and Firefighter Rebecca Johnson. 4 SUSTAINABLE Suburbs Planning a landscape project this summer? Create a landscape feature in your yard that reduces erosion and stormwater runoff, improving the water quality of our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. Many of these features also provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, and add beauty. Landscape features such as raingardens and native gardens reduce stormwater runoff to our storm sewer system and help it to infiltrate into the ground, which in turn reduces the amount of leaves, grass clippings, and pollutants that would otherwise go to surface waters, often untreated. Some landscape features to consider: Planting for Water Quality HOME & BUSINESS Updates Before Starting a Project: Is Your Property in the MRCCA? The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area or “MRCCA” is a protected corridor along the Mississippi River. Mendota Heights’ MRCCA proper- ties are those situated along the northerly edge of the community (State Highway 13/Sibley Memorial Highway corridor), and along the shared municipal boundaries with Mendota and Lilydale. If your property resides in this area, the city regulates certain land uses, construction activities, and standards related to structure placement and height, vegetation clearing, land alteration, and subdivisions, including small additions, decks, fences, swimming pools, patios, driveways, retaining walls, landscaping and others. The city’s website contains links to specific MRCCA Permit Applications (both standard and administrative/minor development requests), along with Property Owner Guides for Land Alterations Permits, Vegetation Clearing Permits, and other MRCCA Permit Checklists. Before starting any work, improvement or project in this area, the City recommends residents contact the City’s Planning or Public Works Departments to verify if your property is in the MRCCA, and discuss with city staff the rules and regulations that may impact your property or proposed project. Check the map to see if you live in the MRCCA >> Access MRCCA permit applications and informational handouts at mendotaheightsmn.gov/communitydevelopment. Dakota County Big Rivers Regional Park (Scenic Overlook Park) Intersection of Mendota Heights Rd & Sibley Memorial Hwy Stop by to enjoy completed improvements to the park, including a new picnic shelter faciltiy/restroom, information kiosk, parking, trail connections, raised ADA compliant viewing ramp, charging station, Wi-Fi system, special event use area, and other natural resource improvements. The Reserve of Mendota Village Phase II Lot west of The Reserve of Mendota Village The City approved a new 58-unit, market rate apartment building that is expected to break ground this May. At Home Apartments Phase III Lot behind the Mendota Plaza Mall The City approved a new 79-unit, market rate apartment building that is expected to begin early 2023. Pilot Knob Business Center 2393 Pilot Knob Road The new 75,000-sq-ft office warehouse facility is complete and open for business. Contact Endeavor Development Group for leasing options at 952-210-5870 or email info@endeavorshield.com. SWIMMING POOLS All new in-ground pools require a building permit, while any above-ground pool that can be disassembled or moved, requires a zoning permit. Fences, at least five feet but no greater than six feet, are required for all in-ground pools, while above-ground pools may have an integrated fence on the top. Automatic or self-placed pool covers are not allowed as a substitute for fencing. SHEDS/ACCESSORY STRUCTURES Most single-family properties are allowed to have one accessory structure/shed up to 144-sq-ft in size, no higher than ten feet in height, and one-story only. An Accessory Structure Permit is required. FENCES A permit is required for any new fence on residential properties. Fences are allowed up to four feet in height, and up to six feet in rear yards and certain corner side yards. IMPORTANT: For any properties adjacent to a wetland or water feature, a Wetlands Permit is required for any project, construction or grading work, landscape removal and/or plantings, within one hundred feet from the wetland edge. Please contact the City’s Planning or Public Works Departments to confirm if your property requires a Wetlands Permit when planning a project. Planning a SUMMER PROJECT? i CREATE A SHORELINE BUFFER. Does your property border a lake, stream, river, wetland, or pond? Creating a buffer of native or cultivar perennials that are adapted to wet-to-moist soil conditions along your shoreline, filters stormwater runoff from your lawn, house, patio, and other surfaces before it enters these water bodies, directly working to improve water quality. INSTALL PERVIOUS PAVERS. Planning on installing or replac- ing your patio, driveway, or walkway? Consider installing pervious pavers, pervious pavement, natural stone with vegetation or perme- able area between, or similar alternative to infiltrate stormwater on your paved surfaces and reduce stormwater runoff. ADDITIONAL WAYS YOU CAN IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN YOUR LANDSCAPE🌢 Direct downspouts to gardens and other vegetated areas and away from driveways and other paved or impervious surfaces. 🌢 Install a rain barrel to catch stormwater runoff from your roof to use in your landscape. Rain barrels are available through Dakota County and the Recycling Association of MN: co.dakota.mn.us/News/Pages/compost-bins.aspx. 🌢 Pick up and compost or mulch grass clippings and leaves that would otherwise wash into our surface waters, causing excess nutrients and algal blooms. 🌢 Pick up after your pet! Harmful bacteria and e-coli from pet waste can wash into our lakes, streams, and other surface waters. 5 By Your Local Master Gardeners Try incorporating native plants! Native plants provide benefits not only for our ecosystem and native pollinators like the endan- gered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, the favorite Monarch butterfly, and more, but they also provide benefits for humans too! Once established, native plants are drought tolerant. They don’t require chemicals to grow well and they need less maintenance. There are many beautiful and unique plants that are native to MN. For inspiration, to learn more, or to ask questions, check out the upcoming Master Gardener Education Nights in June at the City Hall Native Garden and July at the Victoria Road Native Planting. Watch for event details on the city’s social, Friday News email, and website! Each education night you will see and learn more about the many beautiful and beneficial native plants that you can incorporate into your landscape! If you are ready to get planting, check out these links for upcoming nearby Native Plant Sales: BURNSVILLE NATIVE PLANT MARKET 🌱 MAY 21 burnsvillemn.gov/1809/Native-Plant-Market LANDSCAPE REVIVAL 🌱 JUNE 4 saintpaulaudubon.org/event/landscape-revival-oakdale SHOREVIEW LANDSCAPE REVIVAL 🌱 JUNE 11 saintpaulaudubon.org/event/landscape-revival-shoreview Do you want to REFRESH YOUR LANDSCAPE? Visit the Permits webpage for more info, permit application forms, staff contacts, and helpful handouts. mendotaheightsmn.gov/permits INCORPORATE NATIVE PLANTS INTO YOUR EXISTING LANDSCAPE. Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate, which means they require less watering and maintenance than non-native cultivars. Their roots grow much deeper as well, which means they are more drought-tolerant, help prevent erosion, and encourage greater infiltration, which means less stormwater runoff. Read the Refresh Your Landscape article below for more. INSTALL A RAINGARDEN. Raingardens are shallow depres- sions strategically placed in a location that will capture storm- water runoff from your house, driveway, or other impervious surfaces, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than enter the storm sewer system, and ultimately surface waters. It can be planted with native or cultivar perennial plants, shrubs, trees, or a combination of these. CREATE A VEGETATED SWALE. Do you already have an area in your yard that collects water or acts as a swale to funnel water through your property? You can plant this area with native and/or cultivar perennials that can tolerate wet soils to filter stormwater, while creating an attractive landscape feature! Curb-cut raingarden in Lexington Highlands. 4 SUSTAINABLE Suburbs Planning a landscape project this summer? Create a landscape feature in your yard that reduces erosion and stormwater runoff, improving the water quality of our lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. Many of these features also provide habitat for pollinators and other wildlife, and add beauty. Landscape features such as raingardens and native gardens reduce stormwater runoff to our storm sewer system and help it to infiltrate into the ground, which in turn reduces the amount of leaves, grass clippings, and pollutants that would otherwise go to surface waters, often untreated. Some landscape features to consider: Planting for Water Quality HOME & BUSINESS Updates Before Starting a Project: Is Your Property in the MRCCA? The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area or “MRCCA” is a protected corridor along the Mississippi River. Mendota Heights’ MRCCA proper- ties are those situated along the northerly edge of the community (State Highway 13/Sibley Memorial Highway corridor), and along the shared municipal boundaries with Mendota and Lilydale. If your property resides in this area, the city regulates certain land uses, construction activities, and standards related to structure placement and height, vegetation clearing, land alteration, and subdivisions, including small additions, decks, fences, swimming pools, patios, driveways, retaining walls, landscaping and others. The city’s website contains links to specific MRCCA Permit Applications (both standard and administrative/minor development requests), along with Property Owner Guides for Land Alterations Permits, Vegetation Clearing Permits, and other MRCCA Permit Checklists. Before starting any work, improvement or project in this area, the City recommends residents contact the City’s Planning or Public Works Departments to verify if your property is in the MRCCA, and discuss with city staff the rules and regulations that may impact your property or proposed project. Check the map to see if you live in the MRCCA >> Access MRCCA permit applications and informational handouts at mendotaheightsmn.gov/communitydevelopment. Dakota County Big Rivers Regional Park (Scenic Overlook Park) Intersection of Mendota Heights Rd & Sibley Memorial Hwy Stop by to enjoy completed improvements to the park, including a new picnic shelter faciltiy/restroom, information kiosk, parking, trail connections, raised ADA compliant viewing ramp, charging station, Wi-Fi system, special event use area, and other natural resource improvements. The Reserve of Mendota Village Phase II Lot west of The Reserve of Mendota Village The City approved a new 58-unit, market rate apartment building that is expected to break ground this May. At Home Apartments Phase III Lot behind the Mendota Plaza Mall The City approved a new 79-unit, market rate apartment building that is expected to begin early 2023. Pilot Knob Business Center 2393 Pilot Knob Road The new 75,000-sq-ft office warehouse facility is complete and open for business. Contact Endeavor Development Group for leasing options at 952-210-5870 or email info@endeavorshield.com. SWIMMING POOLS All new in-ground pools require a building permit, while any above-ground pool that can be disassembled or moved, requires a zoning permit. Fences, at least five feet but no greater than six feet, are required for all in-ground pools, while above-ground pools may have an integrated fence on the top. Automatic or self-placed pool covers are not allowed as a substitute for fencing. SHEDS/ACCESSORY STRUCTURES Most single-family properties are allowed to have one accessory structure/shed up to 144-sq-ft in size, no higher than ten feet in height, and one-story only. An Accessory Structure Permit is required. FENCES A permit is required for any new fence on residential properties. Fences are allowed up to four feet in height, and up to six feet in rear yards and certain corner side yards. IMPORTANT: For any properties adjacent to a wetland or water feature, a Wetlands Permit is required for any project, construction or grading work, landscape removal and/or plantings, within one hundred feet from the wetland edge. Please contact the City’s Planning or Public Works Departments to confirm if your property requires a Wetlands Permit when planning a project. Planning a SUMMER PROJECT? i CREATE A SHORELINE BUFFER. Does your property border a lake, stream, river, wetland, or pond? Creating a buffer of native or cultivar perennials that are adapted to wet-to-moist soil conditions along your shoreline, filters stormwater runoff from your lawn, house, patio, and other surfaces before it enters these water bodies, directly working to improve water quality. INSTALL PERVIOUS PAVERS. Planning on installing or replac- ing your patio, driveway, or walkway? Consider installing pervious pavers, pervious pavement, natural stone with vegetation or perme- able area between, or similar alternative to infiltrate stormwater on your paved surfaces and reduce stormwater runoff. ADDITIONAL WAYS YOU CAN IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN YOUR LANDSCAPE🌢 Direct downspouts to gardens and other vegetated areas and away from driveways and other paved or impervious surfaces. 🌢 Install a rain barrel to catch stormwater runoff from your roof to use in your landscape. Rain barrels are available through Dakota County and the Recycling Association of MN: co.dakota.mn.us/News/Pages/compost-bins.aspx. 🌢 Pick up and compost or mulch grass clippings and leaves that would otherwise wash into our surface waters, causing excess nutrients and algal blooms. 🌢 Pick up after your pet! Harmful bacteria and e-coli from pet waste can wash into our lakes, streams, and other surface waters. 5 By Your Local Master Gardeners Try incorporating native plants! Native plants provide benefits not only for our ecosystem and native pollinators like the endan- gered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, the favorite Monarch butterfly, and more, but they also provide benefits for humans too! Once established, native plants are drought tolerant. They don’t require chemicals to grow well and they need less maintenance. There are many beautiful and unique plants that are native to MN. For inspiration, to learn more, or to ask questions, check out the upcoming Master Gardener Education Nights in June at the City Hall Native Garden and July at the Victoria Road Native Planting. Watch for event details on the city’s social, Friday News email, and website! Each education night you will see and learn more about the many beautiful and beneficial native plants that you can incorporate into your landscape! If you are ready to get planting, check out these links for upcoming nearby Native Plant Sales: BURNSVILLE NATIVE PLANT MARKET 🌱 MAY 21 burnsvillemn.gov/1809/Native-Plant-Market LANDSCAPE REVIVAL 🌱 JUNE 4 saintpaulaudubon.org/event/landscape-revival-oakdale SHOREVIEW LANDSCAPE REVIVAL 🌱 JUNE 11 saintpaulaudubon.org/event/landscape-revival-shoreview Do you want to REFRESH YOUR LANDSCAPE? Visit the Permits webpage for more info, permit application forms, staff contacts, and helpful handouts. mendotaheightsmn.gov/permits INCORPORATE NATIVE PLANTS INTO YOUR EXISTING LANDSCAPE. Native plants are naturally adapted to the local climate, which means they require less watering and maintenance than non-native cultivars. Their roots grow much deeper as well, which means they are more drought-tolerant, help prevent erosion, and encourage greater infiltration, which means less stormwater runoff. Read the Refresh Your Landscape article below for more. INSTALL A RAINGARDEN. Raingardens are shallow depres- sions strategically placed in a location that will capture storm- water runoff from your house, driveway, or other impervious surfaces, allowing it to soak into the ground rather than enter the storm sewer system, and ultimately surface waters. It can be planted with native or cultivar perennial plants, shrubs, trees, or a combination of these. CREATE A VEGETATED SWALE. Do you already have an area in your yard that collects water or acts as a swale to funnel water through your property? You can plant this area with native and/or cultivar perennials that can tolerate wet soils to filter stormwater, while creating an attractive landscape feature! Curb-cut raingarden in Lexington Highlands. 6 3 SA FENeighborhoods With additional community interest in natural resources and park programming, the City Council has created some new roles for staff in leading and administering new initiatives. Krista Spreiter and Meredith Lawrence are two staff mem- bers who have recently been promoted within the city to fulfill these new goals. Krista Spreiter is the city’s natural resources coordinator, a role that was restructured to include additional initiatives and support for the city’s new Natural Resources Commission. Krista says, “I was hired by the City of Mendo- ta Heights in September of 2018 as the natural resources technician. This was a new position for the City at the time, so I had the opportunity to implement several natural resources programs and projects that had not been done in the city previously.” When asked what she is most excited for in her role, she says, “Working with and getting to know additional residents through the Natural Resources Commission, and learning of the talents and expertise that they have to offer.” Meredith Lawrence, previously the city’s recreation program coordinator, was promoted to parks and recreation manager. She started working for the city in 2011 as a lead tennis instructor and camp director. From there she worked as a parks and recreation intern, then recreation lead, and for the past five years as the recreation program coordinator. Her newest role as parks and recreation manager will continue to build on the successes of the parks and recreation program over the years. Meredith says, “I will be providing oversight of the long and short term planning projects, construction, opera- tions, and budgeting for park improvement projects. I am excited to focus on planning for the future and finding ways we can improve our park experiences and recreational offerings. I really enjoy the park planning and operational side of parks and recreation, and am excited to spend more time on what I am passionate about.” MattersCOMMUNITY Staff Spotlights Being a firefighter is an amazing opportunity to contribute to the Mendota Heights community. When new recruits start out in the Fire Department, there is a lot to learn. New firefighters go through exten- sive emergency response training, becoming certified as Firefighter I, Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operations and Emergency Medical Responders. Fire captains, like Dan Johnson, are there for them along the way. Dan Johnson has been with the Mendota Heights Fire Department for seven years. He serves alongside his wife, Rebecca Johnson, who is also a Mendota Heights firefighter. Dan was recently promot- ed to the position of fire captain. Dan, as well as the other captains, support firefighters through their training by manag- ing special assigned projects, and by making sure that every- one is prepared for when the pager goes off. Dan says, “There’s a lot to it and it can be very challenging, but also extremely rewarding.” Dan was sworn in as fire captain on April 5, 2022, with Rebecca pinning on his badge. The training and the support do not stop after fire recruits finish their initial training. The job of fire captains includes making sure that all firefighters participate in continuing education and training opportunities to improve their knowl- edge and skill levels through their careers. Do you want to find out more about becoming a Mendota Heights firefighter? Visit the city’s website for information! Future Firefighters Meet One of Your New Captains At Your Service: Airport Relations Commission Partnering for Progress in Mental Health Along with warmer weather, summer in Mendota Heights can also bring increased noise impacts from the airport. Increased airplane noise is related to a variety of factors. The simplest is that we have our windows open more! But there are other reasons ranging from weather to construction. A line of thunderstorms 50 miles south of MSP can temporarily impact flight paths even if there is no sign of rain in Mendota Heights. And yes, even the airport has summer “road” construction — runway repairs can also temporarily impact flight paths. Changes in airplane noise are usually temporary and typically have a reasonable explanation even if it isn’t always readily apparent. If you have concerns about airplane noise, the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission (ARC) is here to help. The ARC has a relationship with the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) at the Metropolitan Airports Commission. City ARC respresentatives attend bimonthly NOC meetings and monitor airport noise in and around Mendota Heights. In addition to noise monitoring, the ARC also serves as a resource for residents by assisting with questions at key community events, and providing airport-related tools and information. The ARC consists of the following commissioners: Kevin Byrnes, Bill Dunn, Jeff Hamiel, Jim Neuharth, Gina Norling (Chair), Arvind Sharma (Vice Chair), and David Sloan. Residents of Mendota Heights with questions, comments or concerns about airplane noise are encouraged to reach out to City Hall where their concerns can be addressed or passed on to the ARC. Excessive airplane noise can also be reported directly to the Metropolitan Airports Commission: Call the MAC Aircraft Noise Hotline: 612-726-9411 Complete an Online Form: metroairports.org/community-connection/aircraft-noise Discussions related to mental health have increasingly been a topic of conversation within the law enforcement and social services communities. Given the rise in the number of crisis calls to which law enforcement responds, there is a known need for improved mental health services for community members. Stakeholders in Dakota County believed a more focused, in-depth approach to understanding those needs and connect- ing people to the appropriate services was essential. At the center of these conversations was how to better respond to people currently in a crisis situation. Last summer, the Mendota Heights Police Department began participating in a pilot program with the Dakota County Crisis Response Unit (CRU). This program brought a member of CRU into the Police Department on a weekly basis. During that time, the CRU member reviews police incident reports and works to get individuals paired with the best services possible. Additionally, Dakota County CRU members are also responding directly to the scenes of people in crisis. Not every crisis call is appropriate for a CRU member to respond without law enforce- ment, however, this model reduces the need for an officer to respond to a call where CRU members, with more advanced training, are better suited. The success of this program can be seen in the statistical data. From October 2021 to February 2022, the number of crisis calls in which an officer needed to respond dropped more than 60%. The program is evolving and changes will continue to be made to ensure it best serves the residents of Mendota Heights. Stakeholders want to ensure there are more effective public service interventions, improved community relations and trust, higher quality of life for residents, and overall improved public safety. NOW HIRING FIREFIGHTERS The City of Mendota Heights is accepting applications to become a firefighter until 4:30 p.m. on May 18. Learn more/application materials mendotaheightsmn.gov/employment The Police Department and Mendota Heights Auto Service have partnered with the Minnesota Commerce Department to promote the Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Program. This pilot program allows the owners of vehicles most at risk for catalytic converter theft to have their catalytic converters imprinted with a unique identifying number. Once labeled, this number is registered and allows a stolen catalytic converter to be traced by law enforcement. If you have a high-risk vehicle and would like to have it imprinted and registered, contact Mendota Heights Auto Service at 651-454-5622 for more information. Check the list of high-risk vehicles >> Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Program Serving the City: Captain Dan Johnson and Firefighter Rebecca Johnson. STEPHANIE’S CORNER With the State of the City Address approaching in May, it’s a natural time to reflect on progress made within the city over the past year; not only the results and achieve- ment towards goals, but also the how. It’s how we make decisions, how our residents participate in and engage with our City; it’s how we work together. In our city, the how is only possible because so many of you, our residents, have stepped up to lend your time, expertise, talents, and heart to making Mendota Heights a wonderful place to live, play, work and visit. You have asked for the city to lead in preserving and maintaining our natural resources, and in April, we established a Natural Resources Commission to help advise the City Council on the best path forward to support our natural resources. When we needed folks to serve, twenty highly qualified residents stepped up to volunteer to serve on the new commission. The applicants had a phenomenal array of expertise and experience. Ultimately, we chose seven individuals who have a complementary set of broad skills they will bring to the commission. We have professional and lay leaders who are experts in wetlands, watershed, engineering, landscape design, gardening, health, and recycling, as well as Natural Resources policy and budgeting. Our new commission also consists of a core of volunteers who served on the Natural Resources Task Force and helped write our Natural Resources Chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, as well as community leaders and volunteers who have spent countless hours “green- ing” our community. We are so thankful that we had a deep bench willing to serve and we recognize that while many highly qualified people did not get an appointment, there will be ample opportuni- ties to volunteer and serve on the commission in the future. Another new program that we are launching this month is the Men- dota Heights Volunteer Program. In response to your feedback, the city is launching this program in order to provide a variety of service and commitment options, from one-time events to ongo- ing programs, making it easier than ever for community members to volunteer their time in order to make a positive impact. Finally, thanks to all who take the time to call, text, or email their thoughts and concerns, provide input through casual conversa- tions or formal public comment, attend public meetings, and participate in surveys. Your voice matters and your input makes a difference. We depend on your help guide our work and priorities, and we all benefit from a caring and connected Mendota Heights community. Stephanie Levine, Mayor 2 CITY HALL 1101 VICTORIA CURVE • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55118 City Administration: 651-452-1850 | Fax 651-452-8940 Lobby Hours: M–TH: 7am–4:30pm, F: 7am–11:30am Email: cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov POLICE 1101 VICTORIA CURVE • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55118 Police Administration/Records: 651-452-1366 Lobby Hours: M–F: 8am–4:30pm Email: pdrecords@mendotaheightsmn.gov FIRE 2121 DODD ROAD • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55120 Fire Administration: 651-452-1850 PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 2431 LEXINGTON AVE S • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55120 Building: 651-454-4059 Building Hours: M–F: 7am–3:30pm STEPHANIE LEVINE, MAYOR 651-686-0340 | C. 651-302-0861 | slevine@mendotaheightsmn.gov ULTAN DUGGAN 651-452-5179 | uduggan@mendotaheightsmn.gov JOHN R. MAZZITELLO 651-249-7306 | jmazzitello@mendotaheightsmn.gov JAY MILLER 651-994-0482 | jmiller@mendotaheightsmn.gov JOEL PAPER 612-237-1133 | jpaper@mendotaheightsmn.gov Meetings are held at City Hall unless otherwise specified. Visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/calendar to check for meeting dates & times. Meetings are livestreamed online and for replay at townsquare.tv/webstreaming. Occasionally broadcast channels may change; check Town Square Television’s cable listings for details. Regular meetings are typically held as follows; scheduling changes may occur: CITY COUNCIL 1ST & 3RD TUES | 6PM CHANNEL 18/798 HD AIRPORT REL. COMM.* 3RD WED OF ODD-NUMBERED MONTHS | 6PM NATURAL RESOURCES COMM. 2ND WED | 6PM (May start) Currently not televised PARK & REC COMM. 2ND TUES | 6:30PM CHANNEL 15/859 HD PLANNING COMM. 4TH TUES | 7PM CHANNEL 18/798 HD * ARC meetings are not regularly broadcast CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETINGS CALL 911 for emergency and non-emergency Police and Fire response. How to use a Quick Response (QR) code 1. Open your smart phone’s camera 2. Hover over the code as if taking a photo 3. Click the link that pops up mendotaheightsmn.gov Fireworks Display Dusk • Launch Site Mendakota Country Club Celebrate freedom with a grand display of fireworks! The launch typically begins around 10pm. Mendota Heights State of the City Address 4:30 Doors Open · Mendota Heights City Hall Join Mayor Levine as she delivers the Mendota Heights State of the City Address. The presentation will begin at 4:45pm, with the event ending at 5:30pm. Attend in person or watch live at townsquare.tv/webstreaming. 7 CITY CALENDAR mendotaheightsmn.gov/calendar Tour de Rec Join us for youth and family activities: games, sports, crafts, and more. Free drop-in program · no registration required. Weather line: 651-259-2671 May 5 • 6–7pm • Mendota Elementary June 14 • 1:30–2:30pm • Mendakota Park Picnic Shelter June 21 • 12:30–1:30pm • Southview Park, WSP June 28 • 1:30–2:30pm • Mendakota Park Picnic Shelter EVENTS & Programs RECREATION REGISTRATION mendotaheightsmn.gov or register at City Hall TuesJUNE14 First Ride in May Tune up your bike, grab your helmet, and join community members on a monthly summer bike ride. Register to be on an email list to receive route, date, and time info. The rides are casual with an emphasis on social. Free · registration required on the city’s website or at City Hall. MonJULY4 TuesMAY 17 Events & programs may be subject to change. Sports/Athletic Gear Donation During Business Hours • Mendota Heights City Hall Drop off good-condition athletic gear and equipment for the United Heroes League. Donation ideas: downhill and cross-country skis, cleats for baseball and soccer, gloves/mitts, skates, lacrosse items, golf clubs, & more. No workout clothes or tennis shoes. MAY 16-31 Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Run/Walk 9am Race Start • The Village at Mendota Heights Register for the 17th annual Run/Walk to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota and Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Registration forms are available at City Hall during business hours or register at packet pickup or on race day. Registration is payable by cash or check to Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. Packet Pickup Options: Thurs, June 2 • 8am–4:30pm • City Hall Fri, June 3 • 8am–4:30pm • City Hall Sat, June 4 • 7–8:30am • Race Location SatJUNE4 Touch-a-Truck 10am–Noon • Mendakota Park Get a behind-the-scenes tour and up close to tons of big rigs: fire trucks, police squads, mowers, plow trucks, and more! Activities will include kids' games, photo opportunities, and a food truck. New this year - vote on your favorite name for our newest snowplow! Rain date: Sunday, May 15. Free event. Subscribe to City Communications & Connect on Social at mendotaheightsmn.gov/communications. SCAN HERE MendotaHeightsMN MHParksandRec MendotaHeightsPD Mendota_Heights MHeightsPD Mendota Heights eNews & Agenda Packets polco.us/mendotaheights ThursMAY 5 Tiger Ries 6-7:30pm • Market Square Park Enjoy classic rock and smooth ballads performed live by this soloist musician. Free event. WedMAY 18 Teddy Bear Band 6–6:45pm • Mendakota Park Enjoy a family-friendly band whose mission is to help children gain and maintain a positive sense of self and develop an appreciation of their own abilities. Participants are encouraged to bring their own teddy bear or stuffed friend. Free event. Wed JUNE1 $30 Preregister by 4:30pm on June 3 $35 Race day TuesJUNE21 TuesJUNE28 Tire Collection 9am-Noon · West St. Paul Public Works 403 Marie Ave E, WSP Drop off up to eight car or light truck tires, without rims, for free collection. This event is for residents of Mendota Heights, WSP, SSP, Sunfish Lake, and Lilydale. Rims/tires from businesses will not be accepted. Free event in partnership with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District. SatJUNE 11 Skippin Stones 6:30-8pm • Market Square Park Enjoy dynamic music and recreations of the best tunes from the last 70+ years! Free event. WedJUNE15 SatMAY 14 DJ Party Unit 6-6:45pm • Mendakota Park Get out and dance to popular tunes by this fun and energizing DJ. Free event. WedJUNE 29 MENDOTA HEIGHTS HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTSMHCity of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Help Improve INTERNET SERVICE MAY • JUNE 2022 • ISSUE 127 Connect and Serve Through the CITY VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Reminders for BONFIRES ⯀ Fires must be at least 25 feet from any building/structure. ⯀ Portable outdoor fireplaces must be at least 15 feet from a structure or combustible material. ⯀ Size no larger than three feet diameter and three feet high. ⯀ A means of extinguishment must be in the immediate area at all times.⯀ Burn only clean and dry wood less than three inches in diameter. ⯀ Do not burn: trash, grass, paper, trade waste, or other combustibles. ⯀ Do not start in dry conditions or with winds over 15 MPH. ⯀ Fire must be attended at all times by a competent person at least 16 years of age. DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITING Door-to-door sales by registered solicitors and licensed peddlers is allowed in the city from 9 a.m. to 30 minutes before sunset. To prohibit all peddlers, solicitors, and canvassers from entering your property, you must display a sign at least 4”x4” stating “No Peddlers, Solicitors Allowed.” Stop by City Hall to pick up a free laminated sign or print from the city’s website >> GARBAGE/RECYCLING CAN COURTESY After garbage/recycling pickup, keep the cans out of view from public streets and adjoining neighbors. Containers can be put out the night before collection day, and should be put away by the following evening into a garage or other structure, or fully screened by landscaping or fencing materials if stored outside. (City Code) CURBSIDE ITEMS Items pending a curbside pickup, such as appliances and furniture, should not be left out for more than 72 hours. Appliances not awaiting collection should not be placed outside. (City Code) PARK COURTESY ⯀ Dogs must be on a leash six feet or less at all times in parks & in public areas (City Code); exception the off-leash Dog Park on Acacia.⯀ You must pick up pet waste (City Code).⯀ Tobacco products including E-cigarettes/vaping are not permitted (City Code). SEASONAL REMINDERS The Dakota Broadband Board is 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. The survey is available through May 20. INSIDE 3 AT YOUR SERVICE: ARC 6 PROGRESS IN MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAMS & EVENTS74IS YOUR PROPERTY IN THE MRCCA? The City of Mendota Heights has launched an official Volunteer Program aimed at connecting residents to city volunteer opportunities and expanding volunteerism. Volunteers are needed to support a variety of areas including public safety, the environment and natural resources, parks, recreational events, and more. Whether you have volunteered for the city in the past or are new to volunteering, it is easier than ever to get involved at a commitment level that works for you. To get started, adults and juniors complete an online Volunteer Contact Form on the city’s website. On the form you can select from a variety of volunteer positions, review the duties, time commitment, and learn what type of training and steps may be involved. After submitting the contact form, depending on the service position, onboarding may involve an interview, background check, orientation, and training before your volunteer service can begin. Once your service begins, you’ll receive communications when volunteer assignments are available and can accept the ones that work with your schedule. As volunteers register, the city will continue to evaluate feedback on what types of activities volunteers are interested in and may develop programs to expand into other activities moving forward. There’s also a form available to propose a volunteer project or program. Learn more at mendotaheightsmn.gov/volunteer or call City Hall for assistance.mendotaheightsmn.gov/volunteer 2022 ELECTIONS: Your Polling Place May Have Changed Congressional and state legislative boundaries have been updated through the redistricting process. Redistricting is required after each U.S. Census to make the election districts more equal in population. The Minnesota Special Redistricting Panel released the congressional and legislative redistricting plan on February 15, 2022. The new Redistricting Plan places the entire city of Mendota Heights in Congressional District 2, the same as the previous plan. For the state districts, the city is now divided into two state senate districts, which are districts 52 and 53. The city will continue to be in two legislative districts as before, although the boundaries of the districts have changed. The City Council recently reestablished precinct lines and polling locations. Some residents will have a new voting location, since a minor adjustment to the precinct lines between Precincts 3 and 4 was made. A small area from Precinct 3, located south of Highway 62, was moved into Precinct 4. The residents who live in this area will now vote at St. Thomas Academy for all state, county, and city elections. Dakota County will be mailing a postcard to all registered voters in the city, regardless of whether their polling location has changed or not. The postcard will let each registered voter know which districts they are in and where their polling place is located. PRECINCT 1 State Senate District 53; Legislative District 53A PRECINCTS 2, 3, 4, 5 State Senate District 52; Legislative District 52B Pct 5: Friendly Hills Middle School, 701 Mendota Heights Road Pct. 2: Two Rivers High School, 1897 Delaware Ave Pct. 4: Saint Thomas Academy, 949 Mendota Heights Road Pct. 1: Somerset School, 1355 Dodd Road Pct. 3: Holy Family Catholic Church, 1960 Lexington Ave S §¨¦35E 23 1 4 5 I494 HWY 13I35EH W Y 5 5 HWY 62 DELAWARE AVELEXINGTON AVEHUBER DRMARIE AVE WENTWORTH AVE WAGON WHEEL TRL DODD RDWACHTLER AVEDELAWARE AVEI494 DODD RDDELAWARE AVEMARIE AVE I 3 5 EHWY 6 2LEXINGTON AVEHWY 13H W Y 55 DODD RDDODD RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RDMENDOTA HEIGHTS RD DECORAH LN ANNAPOLIS Receive $5 OFF one round of golf or footgolf. Original coupon must be presented at time of payment. Valid through 6/5/2022. Cannot be combined with any other offer. SAVE on GOLF 1695 Dodd Road · Mendota Heights Tee Times 651-454-9822 Businesses take this survey projects.designnine.com/ survey/dakota-business Residents take this survey projects.designnine.com/ survey/dakota-residential Volunteer Opportunities: Community Emergency Response Team Event Support Invasive Species Removal Landscaping Support Native Restoration Support Park Clean Up Police Reserves Tree Planting Propose a Project/Program Get Back Into THE SWING OF THINGS 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. 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 * The Senior Golf Pass must be purchased at City Hall during business hours; it is not available to purchase at the course. © 2022 City of Mendota Heights