Heights Highlights May-JuneMENDOTA HEIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
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May -June 2024
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CITY COUNCIL
L to R: Council Members Paper, Lorberbaum, Mazzitel-
lo; Mayor Levine; Council Member Miller
Mayor Stephanie Levine
SLevineaMendotaHeightsMN.gov
551-686-0340 C: 651-302-0861
Councilor Sally Lorberbaum
SLorberbau mg) Mendota HeightsMN.gov
651-503-5564
Councilor John Mazzitello
JMazzitel[oCa MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-249-7306
Councilor Jay Miller
JMilleraMendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-994-0482
Councilor Joel Paper
JPaperCa�Mendota HeightsMN.gov
612-237-1133
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City Council
Bi-weekly; 1 sT & 311 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; 2N1 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 MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar.
A Message From
THE MAYOR
Spring's longer days and
warmer weather remind us
to mark our calendars for
the wonderful season of
programming and events
that begin in May.
The Music in the Park series
begins May 15 and runs
through Sept. 4. With a
wide range of offerings, _
there's something for every
musical taste. Shows take
place every -other
Wednesday at 6 p.m. in
Market Square Park
offering a wonderful
opportunity to gather with
family and friends for live,
outdoor music. Feel free to patronize our local restaurants
for a picnic!
A spring favorite for all ages is Touch -a -Truck on
Saturday, May 1i from 10 a.m. to Noon at Mendakota Park.
The whole family has the opportunity to get to know our
amazing public works, recreation and safety workers, and
climb aboard our fire trucks, police cars, mowers, plow
trucks and more! There will be games, photo
opportunities, refreshments and food trucks too! There are
many more spring and summer events for you to enjoy.
For more information, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Calendar.
May is when we reflect on the State of the City. Please join
me in City Council Chambers, Tuesday, May 7, at 5 p.m.
Together, we will examine the progress we've made
toward our strategic priorities and discuss the great things
to come! From current demographics to the City's financial
outlook we'll reflect on how we are building success into
a bright future for our community. If you can't make it to
City Hall, you can watch the State of the City presentation
Live on or on demand at TownSquare.ty/Webstreaming.
Finally, May is the month when we pay tribute to those
who gave their lives for our country. This Memorial Day,
we honor and remember our fallen American soldiers
throughout history. If you would like to support veterans
and their families in our community, visit the Northern
Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon website, at
NDCYellowRibbon.com.
May you feel inspired this spring,
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
Fresh
AIR FRIDAYS
When Mendota
Heights
resident Kirsten
Ramirez began
Work on the
applied practice
experience for
her Public
Health Master's
Degree
program at the
University of Minnesota, her first
thought Was of her hometown.
Taking aim at addressing climate
change through community
involvement, Kirsten approached the
City's Parks and Recreation and Natural
Resources Commissions about
changing community habits and
reducing environmental impacts from
everyday activities.
With the endorsement of the City
Council, Kirsten has now launched
Fresh Air Fridays!
This citizen -led initiative encourages
residents to make intentional choices
and efforts to reduce pollution, each
Friday throughout the spring and
summer months.
Whether it's choosing to walk, bike or
carpool; opting to repurpose instead of
buying new; making energy efficient
choices at home; or deciding to
compost food waste; residents are
encouraged to think outside the box
and have a little fun while participating
in Fresh Air Fridays.
Ready to join in? Take the pledge online
and get started today!
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
FreshAirFridays
Earth and
ARBOR DAY
Celebrate Earth and
Arbor day With a
multitude of fun
activities for the
Whole family!
Search for Lily the
Frog and Win an
Earth Day gift basket,
grab some dinner
and enjoy a Picnic in the Park Where
you'll Learn more about the City's
recycling and natural resources efforts,
pick up supplies to facilitate your own
neighborhood or park cleanup event,
enjoy a performance by Tricia and the
Toonies and more!
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Calendar
Pollinator
AWARENESS MONTH
As a Pollinator -Friend
Community,
Mendota Heights
sets aside the
month of May to
encourage
pollinator -friendly
practices among property
owners, residents, businesses and
institutions. Leading by example, the City
maintains this mission with
pollinator -friendly practices at public
parks and facilities.
Watch for educational resources,
contests, funding options and more!
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
PollinatorAwarenessMonth
��� Recycle
RIGHT
Recycling saves energy and protects natural
resources. Recycling also supports important
businesses across the country, including some that
operate right here in Minnesota.
Help support the recycling industry by recycling
right. Do not use plastic bags. Place recyclables
loose in your home recycling cart or use a paper
bag. Be sure bottles, jars and containers are empty
and dry. They don't have to be perfect --just free
of most residue like food and liquids. Leave caps
on containers and flatten boxes.
Paper
• Newspaper and inserts
• Magazines and catalogs
• Mail and office papers
Cardboard
• Corrugated cardboard
• Paperboard (e.g., cracker boxes)
Cartons
• Milk and juice cartons
• Soup, broth and wine cartons
• Juice boxes
Metal cans
• Aluminum, tin and steel cans
Glass bottles and jars
Plastic bottles, containers and jugs
• Containers numbered 1, 2 or 5
• Soda, juice and water bottles
• Milk and juice jugs
• Margarine, cottage cheese and other tubs
and lids
• Laundry detergent bottles and jugs
• Clear berry and produce containers
Do not recycle plastic bags, batteries, black plastic,
food and things that can tangle in moving
machines.
If you have a question about recycling a specific
item, use the online Recycling Guide.
Recreational
FIRES
General recreational fire guidelines in Mendota
Heights include;
• Maximum size of 3-by-3 feet.
• Must be at least 25 feet from structures
such as homes, sheds, decks or fences.
• Fires shall be attended While burning
• A means to extinguish the fire must be kept
nearby.
• Only Wood With a minimum 1-inch and
maximum 3-inch diameter may be burned.
• Fires must be extinguished Within three
hours of starting, and by Zi p.m.
• Fires allowed When Wind is less than 15
miles per hour.
• Portable outdoor fireplaces must be used
according to manufacturer instructions and
not Within 15 feet of a structure or
combustible material.
• Any fire or police official may Withdraw
permission for recreational fires.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
RecreationalFires
The
JUST DEEDS PROJECT
In April, the City
Council heard a
presentation from JousVee4T.
Two Rivers High
School students
LaRae Dodson and Noelle Hassan, on the Just
Deeds Project - a coalition in the Twin Cities
working to raise awareness of racial covenants in
property deeds, and encourage property owners
to discharge them. Council Members joined the
coalition in condemning the use of discriminatory
covenants, and discharged racial covenants on
all city -owned property.
Property owners are encouraged to join in this
effort! Locate existing covenants in your property
deeds and work with Dakota County to discharge
any discriminatory covenants free of charge.
dakotacounty.us
Search: Recycling Zone
JustDeeds.org
11170
CALENDAR
Pickleball With Public Safety
5:30-7 p.m.
APR Friendly Hills Park
2 G Join members of the Police and Fire
J Departments for a round of
pickleball, or stop by to watch.
Earth and Arbor Day
APR Celebration
City-wide volunteer cleanup
22-26
events, giveaways and more!
Firefighter Recruitment
Information Session
APR 9 a.m.
27 Fire Station
Learn about becoming a firefighter
and apply by May 3.
MAY
2
MAY
7
Tour de Rec: Yard Games
6-7 p.m.
Mendakota Park
Free fun for kids at locations
throughout the community.
State of the City Presentation
5 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
Join Mayor Levine for a look at
what's happening in the City.
Touch -a -Truck
10 a.m.-Noon
Mendakota Park
Fire trucks, police cars, mowers,
plow trucks and more! Plus, games
and refreshments.
Coffee with the Council
MAY 9 a.m.
Location TBD
1g Join council members for a casual
conversation over coffee.
Officer Scott Patrick
MemorialSK
JUN
g a.m.
Market Square Park
1 Don't miss the 19th Annual Officer
Scott Patrick Memorial 5K run/walk.
Tour de Rec
JUN 1:30-2:30 p.m.
11, 18, 25 Free fun for kids; find locations and
activites online.
Coffee with the Council
JUN L a.m.
Location TBD
15 Join council members for a casual
conversation over coffee.
4th of July Fireworks
J U L Mendakota Park
Celebrate Independence Day with
4 fireworks at dusk.
0
EVENTS CALENDAR
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar
i I
MAY i5
THE LEGENDARY
PERCOLATORS
MAY 29
ALLIGATIONS
DUNE i2
THE PATIENCE BAND
DUNE 26
ALL GOOD COMPANY
J U LY iG
THE BARSOLO
BROTHERS
0
J U LY 24
BUSTER PHALEN
AUGUST 7
THE BRU ESKES
AUGUST 21
SKIPPIN' STONES
TRIO
SEPTEMBER 4
TEDDY BEAR BAND &
THE RESISTORS
City Council
PRIORITIES IN ACTION
The City Council sets strategic priorities to shape the Work of City
government. One of the Council's priorities includes a commitment to
providing and maintaining economic vitality and community vibrancy - a
strategy that guides daily operations and project Work.
Premier Public Golf Course
Thanks to an early spring, the Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course officially
opened for the season in March. And With more than 17,000 rounds played last year, the City -owned golf
course has become a premier destination, drawing golfers from throughout the metro area. In this Way,
the golf course plays a multifaceted role in supporting economic vitality, by not only creating jobs and
attracting visitors, but also serving as a venue for hosting events, promoting health and Wellness, and
enhancing the overall quality of life in Mendota Heights.
New Rogers Lake Skate Park
On May 22 at 5 p.m., the City Will host a ribbon cutting event and officially reopen the newly -upgraded
Rogers Lake Skate Park - a renovation project that drew significant community input, as well as interest
from skating enthusiasts throughout the region. A popular attraction for youth in the community and
beyond, the Skate Park amenity provides a constructive outlet for energy, creativity and social interaction.
And soon, the Rogers Lake Skate Park will once again become a dynamic hub of activity and expression
within the community, promoting wellness and community vibrancy for many years to come.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Counci[Priorities
Firefly -Friendly
LAWN AND GARDEN TIPS
By your local Master Gardeners
There are between 10 and 15 species of fireflies in Minnesota, and if you see them in your yard, you're
among the lucky ones. Fireflies, or lightning bugs, are actually beetles and their populations are in decline
due to habitat degradation/loss, light pollution and pesticide use.
Ecologically, fireflies are significant predators in local food webs as firefly larvae are voracious eaters; by
feeding on snails and slugs, they work as nature's pest control, making them highly beneficial in gardens
and lawns.
You can encourage fireflies to find a home in your yard by:
• Allowing food sources including grubs, slugs and snails to live in your yard; don't use pesticides to kill
them.
• Avoiding pesticides and insecticides - for example, spraying for mosquitoes also targets fireflies.
• Keeping your yard dark at night - fireflies use their flashing signals to communicate and mate and
need darkness to accomplish this.
• Leaving a few fallen logs - they provide shelter for larval stage fireflies.
If you haven't had fireflies in the last few years, attracting them may be a three- to five-year process;
however, the outcome is worth the effort!
Firefly.org
SAVE on GOLF
1695 Dodd Road • Mendota Heights
Tee Times 651-454-9822
Mendota Heig htsM N.govf po'
Zoning Code
UPDATE
To align City ordinances With the vision outlined in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Commission and City Council
Worked closely With City staff over the past two years, to update key
sections of the City's zoning ordinance, including: Zoning and
Overlay Districts; Allowed and Prohibited Uses; Character, Building
and Design Standards; and Administration and Conformance.
After an open house event in February, more than 60 members of
the community provided feedback on the potential zoning code
updates, Which helped to inform the City's final revisions. These
revisions Were brought to the City Council in April, and a public
hearing Will take place at a Planning Commission meeting this
spring, before the proposed changes are formally adopted.
e
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Zoning
41