Heights Highlights Nov-DecOfficial City of Mendota Heights Publication
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HEIGHTS
HIGHLIGHT
Nov. -Dec. 2024
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CITY COUNCIL
L to R: Council Members Paper, Lorberbaum,
Mazzitello; Mayor Levine; Council Member Miller
Mayor Stephanie Levine
SLevineaMendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-686-0340 C: 651-302-o861
Councilor Sally Lorberbaum
SLorberbau mg) Mendota HeightsMN.gov
651-503-5564
Councilor John Mazzitello
JMazzitelloga MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-249-73o6
Councilor Jay Miller
JMillerCa)MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-994-0482
Councilor Joel Paper
JPaperaMendota HeightsMN.gov
612-237-1133
PUBLIC MEETINGS*
City Council
Bi-weekly; 1 IT & 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; 211 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
As we enter the final
months of 2024, 1 am
filled with a sense of
gratitude. With
Thanksgiving just around
the corner, I find myself
reflecting on the
incredible individuals
who work tirelessly to
make Mendota Heights a
fantastic place to live,
work and visit.
At the heart of our city's
vitality is our city staff.
This small but mighty
team of dedicated public
servants provide
top-notch services,
exceptional customer care and prudent resource
management. From ensuring public safety and maintaining
our streets to curating memorable events and recreational
spaces, our city staff exemplify excellence in every aspect of
their work. Though their efforts often go unnoticed, their
impact resonates deeply within our community. I extend my
heartfelt thanks to each member of our city staff for their
service.
We are equally grateful for the outstanding volunteers who
embody the spirit of our community. Their contributions -
ranging from natural resource conservation to event
coordination and recycling initiatives - are invaluable. Each
year, nearly 30 residents generously volunteer their time and
expertise to city commissions, helping shape the decisions of
the City Council and collaborating on ways to improve our
community. I am profoundly grateful to live in a community
where neighbors unite for the greater good. To every
volunteer who has dedicated their time and energy this year,
thank you.
As we enter this season of giving, I encourage each of you to
explore ways to give back. Whether it's volunteering your
time, contributing resources, or making financial donations,
our community offers countless opportunities for meaningful
involvement. By engaging in acts of kindness - be it helping
a neighbor shovel snow or participating in community
initiatives - we foster a sense of connection and belonging.
For those interested in volunteering with the City of Mendota
Heights, I invite you to explore opportunities at
Mendota HeightsMN.govNolunteer.
May this season of gratitude and giving bring joy to all,
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
'Dates and times are subject to change,
visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar.
Strategic Priorities
IN ACTION
The City Council sets strategic
sae sFe
priorities to shape the work of
City government. One of the s
Council's priorities includes a O
commitment to providing and
maintaining premiere public
services and infrastructure - a
strategy that guides daily
NFRASTRV�S
operations and project work.
Park System Master Plan
Early in 2024, the City began work on a 15-year park
system master plan that will shape the future. After
taking an audit of the park system's level of service,
condition, programming and financial sustainability,
the City gathered input from residents - the results
indicated go% of participants supported expanding
recreational opportunities. To determine financial
feasibility, residents were then asked about funding
preferences, and more than 500 respondents
provided feedback.
Next, the City held focus groups with key
stakeholders, including City partners, active adults,
individuals with disabilities, and local sports user
groups. Findings from this research are being
presented at a joint meeting of the Parks and
Recreation Commission and the City Council on Nov.
12; after which, a draft of the Master Plan will be
completed and made available for public review.
Sanitary Sewer Rates
Sanitary sewer fees help pay for the operation and
maintenance of the infrastructure that removes
wastewater from your property; a portion is also
used to cover Metropolitan Council wastewater
treatment fees.
All sewer customers in Mendota Heights pay a base
fee, plus additional usage fees for every too cubic
feet of water used - these fees are established
during the first quarter of the year, when water
usage is typically low. Therefore, as you work to
conserve water from Jan. -March of each year, your
quarterly sewer costs for the year are also reduced.
As the costs of maintaining wastewater
infrastructure continue to rise, the City anticipates a
5% increase in sewer rates in summer 2025.
MedotaHeightsMN.gov/
CouncilPriorities
Fire Chief
DREELAN RETIRES
Dave Dreelan joined the Mendota
Heights Fire Department in 1990,
following in the footsteps of his father.
"It was evident to me from a young
age that the Department was an
important part of the community and
the firefighters really valued being
members," Dreelan reflects. "After
graduated from college, I moved back
to Mendota Heights. One night I ran
into a few firefighters I knew; they told
me the Department was hiring and
suggested I apply. The rest is history."
Now, after 35 years of service and
rising through the ranks as a captain,
training officer, assistant chief and
chief, he is set to retire in January
2025. Looking back, Dave has seen
many advances in the fire service over
the years.
"One of the biggest changes I've seen
is how technology and advancements
in apparatus have significantly
improved our operations - I
remember when we thought having a
computer in a fire truck was a crazy
concept, now they are just as
important to our operations as boots
and gloves are," he said.
Dreelan has also served in a full-time
capacity with the Plymouth Fire
Department since 2003; he will retire
as deputy fire chief after 21 years of
service with the City of Plymouth, in
December 2024. But memories of
serving on the Mendota Heights Fire
Department will always hold a special
place in his heart.
"On my dad's last day with the
Department, we were called to a car
fire on Highway 35E. We were both in
the back seat of the truck so that
meant that we got to be on the hose
Line together," remembers Dave.
"After we got the fire out, a State
Patrol officer overheard us talking
about how cool it Was to Work a fire
together on his last day - he thought it
was a momentous occasion too, so he
stopped traffic allowing us to take a
photo together at the scene."
As he anticipates his retirement,
Dreelan is especially thankful to those
who have mentored and supported
him through the years, especially his
family.
"Being a firefighter is not easy, for
many different reasons, and our
families share in that burden. Family
activities, holiday plans and countless
meals often had to take a back seat to
my schedule and emergency calls,"
he said. "Without the incredible
support and understanding of my wife
and our two daughters, I could have
not done this job. Thanks Stacy, Kally
and Ellie!"
Congratulations on an outstanding
career, Chief Dreelan. We're grateful
for your service to the Mendota
Heights community, we wish you well
as you take time to enjoy your favorite
pastimes, and we hope to see you on
a local pickleball court soon!
w.tcl:
A Message from
MAYOR LEVINE
We are incredibly thankful for Chief Dave
Dreelan's outstanding commitment and
exceptional service to the Mendota Heights
community for more than three decades. We
wish him all the best as he takes time to enjoy
his well-earned retirement.
Thanks to Chief Dreelan's forethought and
succession planning, he leaves the Department in
good hands. The selection process has already
begun for the next Mendota Heights fire chief, to be
announced in December 2024.
r
Snow
REMOVAL
Y '
When it snows, Mendota Heights maintenance crews
clear more than 140 lane miles of City streets, in addition
to arterial sidewalks and trails -county and state crews
plow the county roads and state highways.
When driving, please give plow drivers plenty of space;
when on foot or bicycle, be sure to wear bright,
-
reflective clothing, so plow drivers can see you.
A '
Residents are responsible for clearing driveways and
public sidewalks adjacent to private property within 24
hours of a snow event. Remember, it is illegal to place
snow onto the roadway. You can also help by shoveling
t
around hydrants and mailboxes, as well as placing trash
-�
and recycling bins behind the curb line.
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Winter
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PARKING
To allow for snow removal, parking is prohibited on any
public street from 2-6 a.m. Nov. 1 to March 31. Parking
restrictions are also in place on all public streets after any
snow event resulting in two inches of snow or more, until
the street is plowed from curb to curb.
Mendota HeightsM N.gov/Streets
CALENDAR
MIS
NOV
4
Toys for Teens
Through Dec. 16
Police Department
Donate new, unwrapped toys for
teens experiencing homelessness.
Coffee, Cribbage and Cards
DEC Wednesdays; 9-11 A.M.
Par 3 Community Clubhouse
4,11,18 Stop by for some cards, coffee and
companionship.
Holiday Lights Recycling Tour de Rec: Ninja Night
N O\ V / Through Jan. 31, 2025 DEC 6-7 p.m.
City Hall Mendota Elementary School
15 Drop holiday lights Nov. 15-Jan. 31 5 Free fun for kids at neighborhood
to be recycled. parks and facilities.
Coffee, Cribbage and Cards Tour de Rec: Sports Night
NOV Wednesdays; 9-11 a.m. JAN 6-7 p.m.
Par 3 Community Clubhouse West St. Paul Sports Dome
20,27 Stop by for some cards, coffee and 9 Free fun for kids at neighborhood
companionship. parks and facilities.
0
EVENTS CALENDAR
0„ MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar
e. �
FIND MORE WINTER FUN!
• Wreath Making
• Yoga & Dance Lessons
• Cross Country Ski Lessons
• Family Snowshoeing
• Cooking Lessons and More
MEN DOTAH EIGHTSM N.GOV/
RECREATION PARTNERS
• Rink Flooders
• Skating Assistants
• Skating Instructors
• Warming House
Attendants
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Employment
Thank You
ELECTION
JUDGES
As many as 30,000
Minnesotans serve as
election judges,
assisting their
neighbors with voting
and providing an
added level of trust
and security.
Working as an election
judge is a tremendous
service to the
community, and the
City of Mendota _
Heights would like to
thank the more than 90
residents who helped
provide a fair and
balanced 2024
Election.
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
i *MJ Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-452-1850
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
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Twin Cities, MN
& PLEASE RECVCLETHIS PUBLICATION.
Embrace
WINTER FUN
The City offers numerous amenities, programs and
events to help you embrace the outdoors this winter:
• Register now for winter recreation programs,
including ice skating lessons and snowshoeing.
• Watch for the City's three outdoor ice rinks and
warming houses to open in late December.
• Save the date! Frozen Fun Fest is scheduled for
Feb. 7-9, 2025.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
ParksRecreation