Heights Highlights March-April 20233 SPRING TREE SALE
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
New
CITY WEBSITE
Street Sweeping
To prevent sediment from
entering the City’s storm
drains, street sweeping
typically begins in early
spring. You can help by
moving vehicles from the
street and keeping trash
cans behind the curb line.
Remember, it is illegal to
place yard waste and
debris onto City streets.
Report a Pothole
The arrival of spring in
Minnesota inevitably brings
potholes to our roadways.
You can help the City,
County and Minnesota
Department of
Transportation stay on top
of pothole repairs in our
community by reporting
them at
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
ReportPothole.
Replace Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Dioxide Alarms
As we spring ahead each
year, it’s a good idea to
replace the batteries in
smoke alarms and carbon
dioxide detectors
throughout your home.
Keeping these alarms in
good working condition
protects your property and
your family.
SEASONAL REMINDERS
Rent a PARK SHELTER
The City’s park shelters offer a unique
and affordable outdoor setting for
reunions, parties, gatherings and more
– rent a park shelter for your summer
event today!
Discounted rates are available to
Mendota Heights residents, businesses
and organizations.
View rental rates, park locations and
amenities, and make reservations
online or complete a rental application
form at MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
ParksRecreation.
Now Hiring:SUMMER SEASONAL
Get paid to be outside this summer!
Summer seasonal employment
options are a great part-time
opportunity.
We’re Hiring for:
• Golf Course Staff and Instructors
• Pickleball Instructors and Assistants
• Tennis Instructors and Assistants
• Parks/Public Works Maintenance
Learn more and apply today at
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Employment.
INSIDE 6 SEVERE WEATHERAWARENESS PROGRAMS & EVENTS74HISTORIC FIREDEPT. PROMOTION
At their Feb. 21 meeting, the City Council officially
launched a new and improved Mendota Heights City
website, MendotaHeightsMN.gov.
Advances in technology over the past few years have
altered the way in which many people seek news and
information. As a result, there has been a significant
increase in visits to the City’s website and a majority of
users are now using a mobile device to access the site.
The City Council directed staff to explore options for a
website redesign that would improve the user
experience as well as the City’s online presence.
In the summer of 2022, the City began working with
CivicPlus, a national leader in government website
development, to establish a new design and structure
for the site. The goal was to create a cutting-edge site
with an intuitive design, where information is easy to
find and City business can be conducted online.
The new website should function as a virtual city hall.
Users should be able to find information about the City,
stay tuned to city business and learn about the great
work taking place.
The new MendotaHeightsMN.gov features an inviting
design capturing the spirit of Mendota Heights. The
site has several new online tools, convenient
navigation options and real time news and event
information. A dynamic set of frequently asked
questions also help users quickly find information.
The responsive new design is mobile-friendly, better
meets the accessibility requirements of the Americans
with Disabilities Act, and can easily be translated into
any language.
“We are always striving to improve how we
communicate,” said Mayor Stephanie Levine. “The new
and improved site is a user-friendly place for residents,
businesses and visitors to find information and utilize
City services – we invite you to visit us online to
experience the new MendotaHeightsMN.gov today!”
March • April 2023 • ISSUE 132
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Stephanie Levine
SLevine@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-686-0340 C: 651-302-0861
Councilor Sally Lorberbaum
SLorberbaum@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-503-5564
Councilor John Mazzitello
JMazzitello@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-249-7306
Councilor Jay Miller
JMiller@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-994-0482
Councilor Joel Paper
Paper@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
612-237-1133
PUBLIC MEETINGS
City Council
1ST & 3RD Tues.| 7 p.m.
Airport Commmission
3RD Wed. of Odd Months | 6 p.m.
Natural Resources Commission
2ND Wed. | 6 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
2ND Tues. | 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
4TH Tues. | 7 p.m.
Tour de Rec
March 2 • 6–7 p.m.
Harmon Park, West St. Paul
Join us for this free event featuring games and
activities for youth ages 6–12.
Spring Tree Sale
Monday, March 6; 8 a.m.
Purchase trees at a discounted rate of $60 each, limit
two per resident on a first-come, first-served basis.
Order at TreeTrust.org/get-a-tree/MendotaHeights.
Spring Break Camp
March 27–30; 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Register kids ages 6–11 years for this no-school week
filled with games, crafts, cooking and free play!
Science Museum Field Trip
Friday, March 31; 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Youth ages 6–11 years are invited to join in this
no-school day fun! They’ll start at Doug Woog Arena
for games, ice skating and crafts, then head to the
Science Museum for an afternoon of exploration.
Tour de Rec
Thursday, April 6; 6–7 p.m.
Marie Park
Join us for this free event featuring games and
activities for youth ages 6–12.
Junior-Adult Golf Championship
Saturday, April 15; 9 a.m. Shotgun Start
Par 3 Community Golf Course
Join us for a recreational two-person scramble
tournament just like the pros do in Orlando. All
participants must have their own golf clubs. One
registration per team.
Spring Shred Event
Saturday, April 22; 9 a.m.–Noon
West St. Paul Sports Complex
Safely dispose of confidential documents! Partially
sponsored by the MN Pollution Control Agency, this
event is free for residents. Bring materials in paper
grocery bags; no limit.
Pickleball with Public Safety
Thursday, April 27; 5:30–7 p.m.
Friendly Hills Park
Join members of the Mendota Heights Police and Fire
Departments for a few matches! Free; registration
recommended.
Kids Garage Sale
Saturday, April 29; 10 a.m.–Noon
Veterans Memorial Community Center
Register to participate in this great opportunity for
children to make decisions on their own, or stop by
and shop the sale!
Prescription Drug Takeback Day
Saturday, April 22; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
City Hall
Properly dispose of unused medications to prevent
abuse and protect the environment. Collection will
take place at the roundabout in front of City Hall.
Earth and Arbor Day Celebration
April 28–29
Join us for a city-wide volunteer clean-up event,
volunteer tree planting event, giveaways and more!
Watch for more information at
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar.
Subscribe to City Communications & Connect on Social at mendotaheightsmn.gov/communications.
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STEPHANIE’S CORNER
2 7
EVENTS& Programs
CITY HALL
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights
651-452-1850
CityHall@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
Lobby Hours:
M–TH 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
F 7 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Police Lobby Hours:
M–F; 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
With spring nearly in sight in Mendota Heights, renewal and growth are beginning all
around us. As the snow melts, our plants, grasses and trees are waking, and the longer
days and brighter sunshine signal the anticipation of spring. Now is the perfect time to
take advantage of the many opportunities the City offers for personal growth, too.
If you and your family are seeking new ways to grow this spring and summer, be sure
to explore all that Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation has to offer.
Registration for spring and summer programs has already begun – visit
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/ParksRecreation today, and plan a season of fun!
February was a time for renewal in our City as we welcomed our new city commissioners. The City Council relies
on these talented and knowledgeable volunteers who provide input on Airport Relations, Natural Resources,
Parks and Recreation and Planning. I would like to acknowledge and thank retiring commissioners: Kevin Byrnes,
12 years of service, Airport Relations Commission; as well as Parks and Recreation commissioners Bob
Klepperich, six years of service, one year as chair; Patrick Cotter, three and a half of years of service; and Amy
Smith, three years of service. And I want to welcome new commissioners: Bruce Bobbitt, Jason Stone, Brian
Udell, Michael Toth, Jo Schifsky and Tica Hanson. Finally, I want to thank all of our continuing commissioners for
their service. For more information on commissions, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/AdvisoryCommissions.
The City is always seeking volunteers to assist with a wide range of duties, including public safety, natural
resources initiatives, event support and more. To get started as a volunteer and contribute to our community in
fun new ways, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Volunteer.
The City is hiring for the summer. From seniors to teens, we have seasonal employment opportunities available
for all ages, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Employment.
Another way to make an impact that extends beyond our community is to participate in the Mayor’s Challenge
for Water Conservation. Each year, in partnership with the Wyland Foundation, residents across the United States
participate in this challenge during the month of April. The goal is to save on costs and promote drought
resiliency, as well as protect watersheds and ecosystems by making water-friendly lifestyle changes and
undertaking home-based environmental projects. For more information and to take the action pledge, visit
MyWaterPledge.com.
Finally, as we anticipate the warm summer months, be sure to mark your calendar for a multitude of City events
including the Music in the Parks concert series, Coffee with the Council, Touch-a-Truck, Pickleball with Public
Safety and more! For details, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar.
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
RECREATION REGISTRATION
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/ParksRecreation
EVENTS
CALENDAR
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar
7
6 3
COMMUNITYMatters SuburbsSUSTAINABLE
When warmer temperatures arrive, we are often ready to start working in the
yard right away – but don’t start too early! Knowing the best time to start spring
yard work is important for the health of your lawn and garden, as well as the
ecosystem.
There are a few reasons to wait to clean up your garden. If you move leaves
and plant debris away from your plants too soon, they could be hit with a killing
frost. Our last frost date in Mendota Heights is May 31. In addition, removing
leaves and other dead material too early may destroy the pollinators such as
butterflies and bees that have overwintered in the leaf litter in your garden. A
good rule of thumb is to wait until the temperatures have consistently reached
above 50 degrees for several days. Or better yet, leave the leaves for
pollinators! If you plan to add mulch in the spring, hold off so these pollinators
can emerge - some don’t emerge until late May, if the temperatures allow.
Do not take the lawn mower out too early either! Delay mowing until your lawn is not wet or soft, because it can
compact the soil which will inhibit good growth of your lawn. Turf does not start growing until temperatures are
consistently above 50 degrees, so no need to mow before that.
Community Emergency
RESPONSE TEAM
Established in 2022, the Mendota Heights Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a group of
volunteers trained in emergency preparedness for
large-scale disasters that may impact our community.
CERT training is offered to residents and those who
work in Mendota Heights. The training program
educates team members about overall emergency
preparedness and basic disaster response skills such
as fire suppression, light search and rescue, team
organization and medical operations.
Using their training from the classroom and hands-on
exercises, CERT members can assist others in their
neighborhoods, workplaces or schools following
events when professional emergency responders need
assistance or are not immediately available to help.
A second class of CERT members will complete their
training in the spring of 2023, bringing the group of
Mendota Heights CERT volunteers to nearly 40 people.
The City of Mendota Heights appreciates the time and
efforts of these outstanding members of our
community – thanks for all you do!
For more information about the CERT program, visit
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/EmergencyPreparedness.
2022 CERT Graduates
The Mendota Heights Community Foundation is a
non-profit organization with a mission of bringing
people together to serve, strengthen and celebrate
our community.
The Foundation is now accepting applications for its
first community grant, offering up to $3,000 for “The
Best Idea” to enhance life in Mendota Heights.
Individuals or groups are encouraged to apply and
use grant funds to turn their idea into reality!
Applications must be received by May 1, and will be
evaluated for ideas that improve quality of life,
strengthen community connections, use innovation,
leave a lasting impact and build community pride.
Winners to be announced June 1.
For more information and to apply, visit
MendotaHeightsCommunityFoundation.org or pick
up an application at City Hall.
Community Foundation
ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS
Severe Weather
Awareness Week will
take place April 17–21,
with a statewide
tornado drill
Thursday, April 20 at
1:45 and 6:45 p.m.
The Severe Weather
Awareness Week
campaign is intended
to help teach
Minnesotans about
weather hazards and provide resources to minimize
the risks associated with severe weather.
For more weather-related tips and information from
the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, visit
weatherawareness.dps.mn.gov.
Severe Weather
AWARENESS WEEK
Wait to Start
SPRING YARD WORK
By Your Local Master Gardeners
The Mendota Heights
Tree Sale begins March
6 at 8 a.m. Residents
can purchase trees at a
discounted rate of $60
each, limit two per
resident on a
first-come, first-served
basis. The City has doubled the number of trees
available this year; however, quantities are limited.
Order at TreeTrust.org/get-a-tree/MendotaHeights,
then plan to pick your tree up Saturday, May 13 at the
Mendota Heights Public Works facility.
This spring, remember some simple things you can do
to keep surface waters clean:
•Dispose of yard waste properly; don’t rake it into the
street where it runs into surface waters, causing
harmful algal blooms. Find yard waste drop-off sites
at DakotaCounty.us, search: Yard Waste.
•Don’t dump yard waste in or near surface waters.
Yard waste piles should not be placed within 100
feet of any surface water. Instead contain yard
waste in a compost bin or other enclosed container.
•Sweep extra salt from your driveway or sidewalk for
re-use next year. One tablespoon of road salt can
permanently pollute 5 gallons of water!
•Clean up after pets. E-coli from pet waste left on
the ground runs into streams, rivers, lakes and
wetlands.
•Think of ways to irrigate less this summer; runoff
from irrigation sends pollutants down the storm
drain and into surface waters. Consider a
drought-tolerant, sustainable landscape, visit
Extension.UMN.edu, search: Water Wisely.
Spring Tree Sale &
ARBOR DAY EVENTS
Spring Cleaning for
SURFACE WATERS
Earth & Arbor Day Celebration
The City’s annual Earth and Arbor Day Celebration
will take place April 28–29. Events and activities
include a city-wide volunteer clean-up event,
volunteer tree planting event, giveaways and
more! Watch for more information at
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar.
4
SERVICE
Highlight
5
Established in 1947, the Mendota Heights Fire Department is made up of two command staff, four fire captains and
up to 36 paid-on-call firefighters who respond to fire-related emergencies in Mendota Heights, as well as the Cities
of Lilydale, Mendota and Sunfish Lake.
Late in 2022, the Department promoted 17-year veteran Hayley Heidelberg to the position of captain. When she was
sworn into her new role on Jan. 17, 2023, Heidelberg made history as the first female fire captain in Mendota Heights.
Become a
MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIREFIGHTER
Few professions provide the sense of accomplishment and personal enrichment
that fire service professionals enjoy. There is tremendous satisfaction in having
saved a life, controlled a structure fire, comforted an accident victim, or taught a
skill that prevented a child from becoming injured. Becoming a paid on-call
volunteer firefighter may be one of the most personally rewarding things you
could ever do.
The Mendota Heights Fire Department annually recruits new firefighters to be
enrolled in the Department's training program beginning each fall. If you are
interested in learning more about what it takes to become a firefighter, consider
attending a Fire Department Job Fair this spring at the Mendota Heights Fire
Station (2121 Dodd Road).
The next firefighter training class begins Thursday, Aug. 3. Applications will be
accepted March 13–May 13; for more information and to apply, visit
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/BecomeAFirefighter.
Historic
FIRE DEPARTMENT PROMOTION
Captain Hayley Heidelberg
Years with the City: 17
Other Job: Emergency
Preparedness and Response
Coordinator at Prior Lake Savage
Area Schools
How did you decide to join the
fire service? At 16, I was in a car
accident and had to be assisted
out of the vehicle by emergency responders - this
experience stuck with me. I learned that when I was 18,
I could apply to be a paid-on-call firefighter for MHFD,
so I did!
Something interesting or little known about you? I
was the recipient of a cornea donation, from an organ
donor, that restored my vision following a damaging
parasitic eye infection. I always have and always will
select organ donation on my driver’s license.
Captain Dan Johnson
Years with the City: 7
Other Job: Account Manager at
Thompson Reuters
How did you decide to join the fire
service? I grew up in a Mendota
Heights neighborhood with several
firefighters. Having been around it
as a kid, joining the Department
seemed like a natural thing to do
when I moved back in 2015.
Best part of your job? Being in a position to help
someone that has an emergency or even a simple
problem going on. It is a privilege and a pleasure to
assist in someone else’s time of need.
Something interesting or little known about you? My
wife Becky also serves on the Department as a
firefighter and assistant training officer.
Captain Jay Miller
Years with the City: 15
Other Job: Special Education
Teacher at Two Rivers High School
How did you decide to join the
fire service? I grew up with them in
my neighborhood and always
knew I wanted to be a firefighter.
Best part of your job? Serving the
community that raised me, and
being part of something bigger than me.
What do you want residents to know? Your Fire
Department loves this City.
Something interesting or little known about you? I
play seven instruments and own a burgeoning maple
syrup business called Sticky Jays.
Captain Pat Noack
Years with the City: 15
Other Job: Full-Time Fire Captain,
South Metro Fire Department
How did you decide to join the
fire service? I am a
third-generation firefighter. My
father and grandfather both
served on the Mendota Heights
Fire Department. In fact, six
members of my family have served as Mendota
Heights firefighters, together we have more than 110
combined years of service.
Best part of your job? The camaraderie among
Department members.
Something interesting or little known about you? I
enjoy boating and fishing, anything on the water and
spending time with family and friends.
Meet the
FIRE CAPTAINS