Heights Highlights Sept-Oct 2024)fficiaL City of Mendota Heights Publication
HEIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
"A
3�
J
4M
4
N,
4,
Sept. -Oct. 2024
- 4W,
CITY COUNCIL
L to R: Council Members Paper, Lorberbaum,
Mazzitello; Mayor Levine; Council Member Miller
Mayor Stephanie Levine
SLevineC,tMendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-686-0340 C: 651-302-o861
Councilor Sally Lorberbaum
SLorberbaumCa MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-503-5564
Councilor John Mazzitello
JMazzitelloaa MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-249-7306
Councilor Jay Miller
JMilleq�)MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-994-0482
Councilor Joel Paper
JPaperaMendota HeightsMN.gov
612-237-1133
PUBLIC MEETINGS*
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; 2ID 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.
A Message From
THE MAYOR
Fall in Mendota Heights
is a time for celebrating
new beginnings and
enjoying the beautiful
colors and cooler
temperatures. As we
reflect on our warm, wet
and wonderful summer,
we're proud of the
expanded programming
and events that brought
record levels of
participation! Our
reimagined Parks
Celebration, now
spanning our entire City
parks system, was a
highlight, along with the
fantastic lineup of musicians in our Music in the Park series.
We had over 40 registered block parties for Night to Unite
and it was great to see so many neighbors celebrating on a
perfect summer evening!
Our Par 3 Community Golf Course, parks and trail system,
camps and programming offer something for everyone! A
huge thanks to our dedicated and talented staff who work
tirelessly for our residents — whether running elections,
promoting sustainability, maintaining our roads and
infrastructure, or keeping us safe. We are grateful for their
service.
With busy schedules ahead, don't forget to save the dates
for our fall events. Celebrate Barktober with your dog at the
dog park and join us for our annual Trick -or -Teeing event at
the Par 3 Community Golf Course. Our adult walking group
has also been a great success; in fact, two residents who
knew each other from many years ago, were reunited
through the walking group, and are now enjoying a
rekindled friendship. The walking group will continue this
fall, and all are welcome to join.
As our youngest residents head back to school, please be
mindful of bus routes and areas around schools. Remember
to leave plenty of space for children getting on and off their
buses and watch for student athletes training along our
trails and roads.
Fall is also budget season in Mendota Heights. As City staff
and the Council work to finalize the 2025 City budget, we
invite you to participate in the process. Review the
preliminary budget and provide feedback before it becomes
final. For budget documents and more, visit
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Budget.
Wishing you a fun fall,
'Dates and times are subject to change,
visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar.
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
Strategic Priorities
SHAPE THE FUTURE
Setting the City's annual budget is an important
part of the work City staff and the Council do each
year. The Council sets strategic priorities to help
- with this process; they focus on:
• Economic Vitality and Community Vibrance
• Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship
.'° Premiere Public Services and Infrastructure
• Inclusive and Responsive City Government
�- After the Council reviews recommendations from
staff and commissions, they approve a
r)reliminary budaet. This sets the maximum tax
PUBLIC S\
F
9`NFaASTVo)
JS`v� AND RES O �H
r1 `�
®Y G0VERNM'
MENIAL SUS),q/
f�.
i
Election
2024
This year, voters are selecting the next
President of the United States, as well as many
federal, state and local representatives. Voters
in Mendota Heights are also electing a Mayor
and two City Council members.
Absentee Voting: Sept. 20-Nov. 4 - Request a
ballot online by mail, or in -person at City Hall.
BaLLots can be returned by mail, in the drop
box at City HaLL, or in -person during City HaLL
voting hours. Be sure to return your ballot by 8
p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Direct Ballot Voting: Oct. i8-Nov. 4 - Stop by
and register to vote (if needed), receive your
ballot, mark it and place it directly in the ballot
box.
Election Day Voting: Nov. 5 - Go to your
designated polling place from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Note, voters in precinct 4 Who previously
voted at St. Thomas Academy will now be
voting at Friendly Hills Middle School.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Elections
Local Candidates
Mayor: Stephanie Levine
Stephanie Levine is seeking re-election as Mayor for a third 2-year term. She and her husband,
Jimmy, have proudly called Mendota Heights home for over 32 years and could not have asked for a
better community to help raise their three children. Stephanie's background in finance and
community organizing has enabled her to serve the community in various leadership roles, and she
considers her service as Mayor to be a joy and honor.
Stephanie holds bachelor's and master's degrees in mathematics from the Universities of Wisconsin
and Minnesota, respectively, and spent 15 years working as an actuary. She is a dedicated volunteer
with experience at the city, county and state levels, including eight years on the Mendota Heights
Parks and Recreation Commission and seven years on the ISD 197 School Board. Stephanie is also a
member of the Regional Council of Mayors and a trustee of the Mendota Heights Fire Relief
Association.
Stephanie is committed to building upon the many accomplishments of the past four years, focusing
on efficient and effective city services, infrastructure, recreation programming and environmental
stewardship. She prioritizes integrity, communication, fiscal responsibility, and a future that protects
and sustains our city's unique qualities and character
s
City Council: JoeL Paper
Joel Paper was raised in Mendota Heights. He graduated from Henry Sibley High School (Two Rivers)
and the University of St. Thomas where he studied business. Joel's wife Rachael is an attorney who
runs her own criminal defense firm. He also has two sons, Wil and Levi, who both attend Two Rivers
•� High School where they are active and involved in various sports and clubs. The family's dog is
Snoop Dogg. Watch for Snoop on the trails.
Joel is currently a stay-at-home parent with an extensive construction and landscape background.
He is eager to re-enter the adult workforce soon.
Joel is currently completing his second term on the City Council where he is a past vice mayor for six
years. Joel currently represents Mendota Heights on the Dakota 911 Board of Directors. He previously
spent six years representing the City on the Northern Dakota County Cable Commission and served
four years on the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission. He does a wide variety of
volunteer work within the schools and at his synagogue where, among other roles, he serves as the
outdoor ice director.
a Joel would appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve the community on the City Council..
City Council: John Maczko
John is a lifelong resident of Mendota Heights who, along with his wife Lynne, raised their three
daughters, Cassandra, Tiffany and Kimberlee. John graduated from Henry Sibley High School (Two
Rivers) and the University of Minnesota with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He is a
registered professional engineer (Civil/Traffic) for 39 years, 33 of which were serving the citizens of
Saint Paul until his retirement. John currently works part time for a large municipal/traffic engineering
firm.
John also served 39 years on the Fire Department; 32 as Fire Chief. During John's leadership, the Fire
Department was selected Minnesota Fire Department of the Year twice. John also served in
Leadership positions on county and state fire organizations and was recognized by the City Engineers
Association of Minnesota as Engineer of the Year in 2015.
John's leadership skills and extensive experience in local government, large and small, make him
uniquely qualified. He values and seeks all perspectives, collaboration and building consensus. His
priority will be to represent the people that elected him. He will seek a process of true engagement
so the character/needs of the city represents the needs and wants of residents and businesses as
efficiently and effectively as possible.
5
Surface
WATER QUALITY
When leaves and yard waste wash
into a storm drain, they end up in
Local lakes and rivers where they
contribute to accelerated algae
growth. This can result in low
oxygen levels, fish kills and unsafe
swimming conditions.
Help protect surface water quality
this fall by:
• Adopting a storm drain and
keeping it free of yard waste.
• Stenciling a storm drain to
remind others to help.
• Composting yard waste in your
backyard.
• Bringing yard waste to a
compost or disposal site.
• Tilling leaves into a garden for
added organic matter.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
StormDrains
Keep Food Scraps
OUT OF THE TRASH
Fa 11
TREE CARE
Protect your trees over the winter months:
• For trees susceptible to disease from pests,
prune in late fall when pests are not active.
• Water newly planted trees up until ground
freeze to prevent root damage.
• If you see spots, discoloration and early leaf
loss in fruit and lilac trees, rake and dispose of
Leaves properly to prevent further spread of
fungal disease.
• Wrap sensitive trees such as evergreens in
burlap before winter; also do this for trees
- - located near plowed roadways to prevent
snow, salt and ice damage,
• Place guards around tree trunks in early fall to
prevent damage from rodents, deer and other
wildlife.
• Wrap trees or use guards made of
light-colored, reflective material around tree
trunks to prevent sunscald before the first
snowfall.
• Mulch around trees and shrubs to retain
moisture and warmth.
Fall is also a great time to plant trees! Learn more
about the City's full -service Tree Canopy Program.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Forestry
The number one item in our trash is food. That's why more than 1o,000 Dakota County households
have registered to participate in the free organics drop-off program. There are 11 organics drop-off
sites located throughout the county — in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver
Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount (two) and West St. Paul.
Across the locations, more than 40,000 pounds of food scraps are collected each week. Collected
material goes to an industrial compost facility and is turned into compost — a nutrient -rich soil
additive — used in gardening and landscaping.
Bringing organics to a drop-off site is easy and can dramatically reduce waste. The typical household
can divert up to one-third of trash by delivering items such as food scraps, spoiled produce, coffee
grounds and bones.
Sign up online, email organicsoa co.dakota.mn.us or call 952-891-7557. All registered participants
receive helpful tips and compostable bags to use at home.
DakotaCounty.us (Search: Organics)
Partially funded by Dakota County and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
CALENDAR
Coffee, Cribbage and Cards
OCT Wednesdays; 9-11 A.M.
Par 3 Community Clubhouse
2, g, 16, Stop by for some cards, coffee and
23,30 companionship.
OCT
31
Fall Walking Group
Thursdays; g a.m.
Join this group for a walk around
Mendota Heights. Registration is
free, and location information is
shared with those who register.
Barktober
OCT9-11 a.m.
Mendota Heights Dog Park
5 Bring your pup for some fun and
friends.
Fire Department Open House
OCT 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mendota Heights Fire Station
12 Games, live demonstrations, fire
safety activities and more.
Trick -or -Teeing
OCT 4-6 p.m.
Par 3 Community Clubhouse
19 Bring little ghosts and goblins for a
Halloween adventure.
Paper Shredding Event
OCT g a.m.-Noon
2G Mendakota Park
V Bring sensitive documents to shred
for free.
Pumpkin Recycling
NOV
2-3
Mendakota Park
Toss pumpkins into a giant
dumpster for composting.
NOV
6, 13, 20, 27
Coffee, Cribbage and Cards
Wednesdays; 9-11 A.M.
Par 3 Community Clubhouse
Stop by for some cards, coffee and
companionship.
0 0
EVENTS CALENDAR
0.. MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar
City of Mendota Heights
M M1101
Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-452-1850
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit#32324
Twin Cities, MN
CQPLEASE RECYCLE THIS PUBLICATION.
Short -Term
RENTAL PROPERTIES
Short-term rental properties are also known as vacation
home rentals. These properties are typically furnished
and range from a single room to an entire home, which
can be rented for 30 days or less. Beginning Sept. 17,
2024, Mendota Heights short-term rental property
owner/operators are required to:
• Obtain an annual license
• Maintain primary residence at the property
• Limit short-term rentals to five bedrooms or less
• Limit occupancy to 12 people or less, depending on
the number of bedrooms
• Require a two -night minimum stay
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
ShoffermRentals