Heights Highlights March-April 2024MENDOTA HEIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
March-Apri12024
3
NKUUKAMS
AND EVENTS
L to R: Council Members Paper, Lorberbaum, Mazzitel-
lo; Mayor Levine; Council Member Miller
Mayor Stephanie Levine
S1_evine(6)MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-686-0340 C: 651-302-0861
Councilor Sally Lorberbaum
SLorberbaumCa)Mendota HeightsMN.gov
651-503-5564
Councilor John Mazzitello
JMazzitelloaa MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-249-7306
Councilor Jay Miller
JMilleraa MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-994-0482
Councilor Joel Paper
JPaperC�)Mendota HeightsMN.gov
612-237-1133
PUBLIC MEETINGS*
City Council
Bi-weekly; 1 IT & 3RD Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
Airport Commmission
Odd months; 3R1 Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Natural Resources Commission
Monthly; 2ND Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Monthly; 2ND Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
Monthly; 4T" Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Meetings are held at City Hall. Watch live
meetings on Ch.18/798 HD and meeting
replay at townsquare.ty/webstreaming.
`Dates and times are subject to change,
visit Mendota HeightsMN,gov/Calendar.
A Message From
THE MAYOR
While we welcome the
Longer days and signs of
spring renewal, I'd like to
acknowledge the
disappointment felt by so
many due to the Lack of
snow, ice and cold this
winter. Staff did their best
to flood the ice rinks and
staff warming houses, but
in the end City rinks were
only open for 6 days.
On the flip side, thanks to a
quick pivot, Public Works
staff were able to make
good use of the time they
didn't spend on plowing
and rink maintenance.
Projects typically outsourced by the City, such as
retrofitting vehicles for street maintenance needs and
removing diseased trees, were completed internally this
season. Crews have also been busy with activities like
trimming trees and brush along trails, repairing picnic
tables and replacing worn out street signs. So, while we
would all have enjoyed a little more sledding this winter,
we were able to conserve fuel, time, resources, and
repairs typically associated with snow removal - and even
stockpile road salt and brine for use next year!
If you are interested in a new family adventure this
summer, try composting and collecting rainwater, which
not only contribute to a sustainable environment but also
foster a sense of community. The City is partnering with
Dakota County to offer discounted rain barrels and
compost bins for residents. Watch for more information on
this limited -time opportunity. We are proud of the fact that
our residents participate in composting at a higher rate
(18%) than any other city in Dakota County (6%). Let's
challenge ourselves to raise the bar!
If your summer plans take you out of town for an
extended period, the Police Department will keep an extra
watch on your home. By submitting an online form, you
can let police know when you'll be gone. As time allows,
officers will pass by your property and let you know if they
see anything suspicious. For more information, visit
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Police.
Finally, mark your calendar for upcoming events such as
the much -anticipated Music in the Park series,
Touch -a -Truck event, Pickleball with Public Safety and
more. For details, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar.
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
•
Become a
FIREFIGHTER
Over the past 77 years, hundreds of
dedicated community members have
served as firefighters in Mendota
Heights. These individuals save lives
and property, comfort others in their
time of need, help teach fire safety
and more.
Some feel called to serve or have a
passion for the fire service; others
appreciate the teamwork, flexibility,
personal development and leadership
skills that come with the job - but all
firefighters feel the value of giving
back to the community and directly
contributing to the safety and welfare
of their hometown.
The Mendota Heights Fire Department
is now recruiting paid, on -call
firefighters. Applications are due May
3, and the next Fire Academy begins in
August. Learn more at an upcoming
information session and apply today!
Mendota Heights M N.gov/
BecomeAFirefighter
Join the
CERTTEAM
i�
The Mendota Heights Community
Emergency Response Team (CERT) is
a group of citizen volunteers who are
trained in emergency preparedness
for large-scale disaster incidents 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.
Using training from the classroom and
hands-on exercises, CERT members
can assist others in their
neighborhoods, workplaces or
schools, during large-scale incidents
when professional emergency
responders need assistance or are not
immediately available to help.
Join the team! The next CERT training
begins April 4.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
EmergencyPreparedness
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Tree Canopy
PROGRAM
As a Tree City, Mendota Heights is part of a
nationwide effort to maintain and grove tree cover.
Trees are known to keep neighborhoods seven to
nine degrees cooler; they also reduce energy costs
Up to 25% and increase property values.
Green space has been proven to improve mental
health and absorb carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. And tree cover reduces stormwater
runoff, erosion and water pollution, while providing
habitat and food for wildlife.
Residents and commercial property owners who
qualify for the cost -sharing Tree Canopy Program in
2024 can purchase trees for a subsidized cost.
Participants receive a complimentary site
consultation, tree recommendation, utility marking
and tree delivery, as well as full -service planting,
mulching and initial watering, with a watering bag
and tree protection for ongoing maintenance.
Mendota HeightsM N.gov/Forestry
Pollinator Garden
RESOURCES
By your local Master Gardeners
Creating a pollinator garden? The University of Minnesota (UMN) Bee
Lab has up-to-date information about planting for all pollinator types!
With contributions from the Xerces Society, MN Board of Water and
Soil Resources, UMN Extension, US Department of Agriculture and
more, the website is a fantastic tool for those planting pollinator
gardens, rain gardens, trees and shrubs.
The site includes:
• Guides and descriptions of pollinator gardens suitable for a
variety of landscaping sites.
• Information on how to find bee -safe plants and keep insects
safe in your garden.
• How-to videos for site prep and planting.
• An online book: Best Plants for 3o Tough Sites.
• Native bee posters and educational materials.
• Resources for finding financial support for projects.
beelab.umn.edu/plant-flowers
0 4110
•
City Council
PRIORITIES
IN ACTION
The City Council sets strategic priorities to shape the Work of City v
government. One of the Council's priorities includes a commitment to
providing and maintaining premiere public services and infrastructure
- a strategy that guides daily operations and project Work. �r(n
Diversifying Revenue Sources \
The City Council recently implemented franchise fees on gas and electric
services, as a method of collecting funds from utility companies using public
property to deliver services. Fees are typically passed directly through to all
gas and electric customers; therefore, residents Will see a $2 franchise fee on both
their monthly gas and electric bills - fees for businesses and other properties vary. Revenue from
franchise fees Will support City infrastructure projects such as street/pavement management, natural
resource and sustainability programs, or parks maintenance.
Zoning Code Update
Every 10 years, the City completes a Comprehensive Plan update. This plan is based on significant
community input and serves as a representation of the community's vision for how Mendota Heights
should grow and change in the coming years. The City's current comprehensive plan (available online)
provides a blueprint of Mendota Heights from 2020 to 2040. To align City ordinances with the vision
outlined in the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission and City Council are working with staff to
update Zoning Code regulations.
Planning for the Future of Parks and Recreation
To plan for future recreation needs in Mendota Heights, the City has hired a consultant to assist with
development of a Parks System Master Plan - a roadmap for how parks, facilities and recreation services
should evolve to best -serve the community in the next 15 years and beyond. The planning process will
focus on programming, community engagement, financial sustainability, park infrastructure and more.
There will also be several opportunities for public input, before a plan is expected to be finalized this fall.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/CouncilPriorities.
Stay Organized With
THE RECYCLING ZONE
The Recycling Zone (3365 Dodd Rd.,
Eagan) is a destination for the stuff that
doesn't belong in your home curbside cart.
With the drive-thru setup, you stay in your
car while staff unload materials from the
trunk or backseat. Put smaller items in a
box that you can Leave behind.
Accepted items - free drop-off unless noted:
• Auto products like motor oil, antifreeze and gas
• Bug killers/repellents
• Cardboard (no Larger than 36 inches by 36 inches)
• Cleaners
• Electronics (fee for TVs and computer monitors)
• Lightbulbs — all types
• Needles and sharps (in a closed rigid container, keep in front seat)
• Paints and stains
• Personal care products like nail polish and hair dye
• Propane tanks and aerosol sprays
• Scrap metal
• Small household electronics like toasters and vacuums
• String Lights and cords
• Tires (fee)
• Vaping devices
• Weed killer
• Most products that say caution, warning, danger or poison
If you have an unknown or unique household chemical, email
recyclingzone@a co.dakota.mn.us prior to dropping off to work with
The Recycling Zone staff about safe handling.
The Recycling Zone does not accept:
• Appliances
• Carpet
• Furniture
• Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
• Lumber
• Mattresses
• Medical waste and medications
• Yard waste
dakotacounty.us
Search: Recycling Zone
Partially funded by Dakota County and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Spring Tree Sale
MAR 8 a.m.
Discounted trees for residents; 4
order online for pickup June 1.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Forestry
IVIHK " 11","
7 March 7, April 4, May 2
Free fun for kids; find locations and
activites online.
Coffee With the Council
aAMAR 9 a.m.
McDonald's
14 Join council members for a casual
conversation over coffee.
1
Spring Shred Event
Coffee With the Council
APR 9 a.m.
Ze s Diner
20 Join council members for a casual
conversation over coffee.
Earth and Arbor Day
APR Celebration
City-wide volunteer cleanup,
ON:22-26 giveaways and more!
Prescription Drug Takeback
io a.m.-2 P.M.
APR City Hall Roundabout
27 Properly dispose of medications
to prevent abuse.
State of the City Presentation
MAY5 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
7 Join Mayor Levine for a look at
what's happening in the City.
APR9 a.m.-Noon MAY
West St. Paul Sports Complex
13 Free for residents, bring materials 11
in paper bags; no limit.
Touch -a -Truck
10 a.m.-Noon
Mendakota Park
Fire trucks, police cars, mowers,
plow trucks and more! Plus, games
and refreshments.
❑■ ❑■
EVENTS CALENDAR
0.. - MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar
Now
HIRING
Apply today, for the following
seasonal positions:
Golf Assistants and
Instructors
Pickleball Assistants and
Instructors
Public Works Maintenance
Tennis Assistants and
Instructors
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Employment
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit#32324
Twin Cities, MN
I V bUSINt55
Through the Open to Business
program, small business
owners and entrepreneurs
receive free one-on-one
technical assistance with:
Business plan development
Cash flow and financing
projections
Connections with banks and
community development
lenders
• Other important resources
Get started by scheduling your
free meeting with an Open to
Business representative today!
OpenToBusinessMN.org