Heights Highlights Summer 2025Official City of Mendota Heights Publication
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INSIDE
Project 2020
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A Message
from the Mayor
It's inspiring to see our community come together in the warmer months.
We're expanding programs to meet evolving needs, including new events
like teen nights, and the addition of a video game truck at the upcoming
Picnic with Public Safety, Aug. 25, 5-6:30 p.m. at Civic Center
Park/Mertensotto Field.
A highlight this summer is the newly reimagined Heights Fest! Formerly
known as the Parks Celebration, this citywide weekend of fun will run
Aug. 8-10. Mark your calendar and explore all of the offerings at
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/HeightsFest.
The Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course is having a record
season, thanks in part to a new online reservation system. Golfers can
now book tee times online, up to seven days in advance at Mendota HeightsMN.gov/TeeTime.
Our vibrant community thrives because of you —neighbors, athletic associations, and volunteers.
Special thanks to our dedicated staff and amazing seasonal employees, many of whom live in our
community.
While Police Chief McCarthy says, "Community keeps community safe," our police and fire departments
are vital components of city services. Plan now for Night to Unite on Aug. 5 and register your
neighborhood event at MendotaHeightsMN.gov/NightToUnite, so public safety teams can stop by.
Summer is also budget season and an ideal time to share your ideas with the City Council - stop by
Coffee with Council; 9 a.m. on Aug. 9, at Rogers Lake Park. We want to hear from you!
Enjoy the rest of your summer,
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
New
City Staff
Trey Carlson, the City's new recreation facilities coordinator, joined
the City in March and he'll be overseeing operations at the Par 3
Community Golf Course, as well as coordinating recreation
programs. Trey earned a bachelor's degree in sports management
from the University of Minnesota, and spent two years working for
the Elk River school district planning recreational Community
Education programs. He also spent five years maintaining Edinburgh
Golf Course in Brooklyn Park. Trey is passionate about community
involvement and is excited to be creating new recreation
opportunities throughout the City.
Noel Mills Ford is the City's first Administrative/Special Projects
Coordinator. She supports the City Administrator and Assistant City
Administrator with internal and external customer services,
legislative tracking, benefit administration, communications, and
special projects. Noel has a Master of Public Affairs degree from the
University of Iowa and worked for the City of Edina and a civil
engineering consulting firm before joining the Mendota Heights
team. She is excited to be back in local government and looks
forward to meeting residents.
Project
2020
In 2020, firearms became the leading cause of death among children in the United States,
according to the Centers for Disease Control. Youth firearm suicide is now at its highest rate in
over 20 years. Today, 30 million American children live in homes with guns —and in 80% of
firearm suicides among people under 18, the gun belonged to a family member.
Research shows that safely storing firearms can prevent up to one-third of youth suicides and
accidental deaths. You can help protect your family and community by safely storing guns and
reporting lost or stolen firearms immediately.
To support officer safety and wellness, the City of Mendota Heights reimburses each officer up
to $200 toward the purchase of a home gun safe. "As we send department -issued firearms
home with officers —many of whom have young children —it's our duty to ensure they have a
secure place to store those weapons," said Chief Kelly McCarthy.
In the month of June, Mendota Heights police officers wear a special edition patch to raise
awareness for gun safety. You can support the effort by purchasing a Project 2020
commemorative patch for $10 at the Par 3 Community Clubhouse (1695 Dodd Rd.).
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Project202O
Speed Safety
Cameras
As part of a four-year pilot program through the state of Minnesota, the Police
Department is implementing a new Speed Safety Camera System to deter
speeding and reduce traffic accidents near schools and in residential
neighborhoods; enforcement begins August 1.
What You Need to Know:
• Purpose: To improve road safety with strategically -placed cameras in
areas where speeding is a concern.
• How it Works: Advanced radar and imaging technology detects and records 14
vehicles traveling above the speed limit, then captures an image of the rear of
the vehicle and its license plate. Signs are posted to notify drivers of speed safety
cameras in the area.
• Enforcement: Upon first offense, drivers are issued a warning with no fine. Upon second offense,
drivers are eligible for a diversion program - with completion of a traffic safety course, fines are
waived. Failure to complete the diversion program results in a citation, issued and mailed to the
registered owner of the vehicle.
• Fines: $40 for speeding 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit; $80 for speeding 20+ miles
per hour over the posted limit.
"We believe public awareness is key to the success of this pilot program," said Police Captain Wayne
Wegener. "Our goal is to make Mendota Heights a safer place for everyone, by working together to
create a safer driving environment."
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Police
Go Green with
Renewable Energy
Chances are you're already using renewable energy in your home, but
there's an opportunity to do more - and the City is leading by
example!
Nearly all City facilities are now equipped with grant -funded solar�;�;±�gxagQa�;
energy panels, which have generated enough renewable energy to
save 1.75 million pounds of carbon dioxide - that's the equivalent of planting 7,500 new trees, or saving 3
million driving miles.
All energy generated at City facilities is sent to the energy grid, and the City receives a credit for 25% of
the solar energy it generates. The remainder of the credit is used to cover the cost of the equipment, until
it is paid for in 2029, after which the city will receive the full credit.
The City also purchases renewable energy generated by a community solar program in Rice County,
Minnesota. Community solar programs allow businesses and individuals to purchase subscriptions and
make use of energy generated by solar gardens.
Several programs are available to residents and businesses interested in making use of solar energy.
Learn more about the cost savings and benefits of renewable energy, then join in the effort to create a
more sustainable Mendota Heights,
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
PartnerslnEnergy
A Look Inside:
City Council
Agenda Setting
V GOVERNM/
Agenda setting is an important part of the
city government process, and the way in
which City leaders remain inclusive and
responsive to the community they serve. City
Council meeting agendas contain a mix of
standard City business, Council priorities,
and items of importance to the community.
Here's how you can be part of what's on the
agenda in Mendota Heights:
• Speak during public comment -
Address the Council on any topic that's
important to you, as long as it's not on
the meeting agenda, prior to the start of
their regular meeting.
Participate in a public hearing - Address
the Council on designated topics
indicated for a public hearing on the
agenda - some public hearings are
required by law before the Council acts
on an item, others can be for topics the
Council wants community input on.
Contact Council Members or City staff
- Reach out by phone, email or in
person to ask questions, raise concerns
or discuss ideas - contact information
for all staff and elected officials is
available online.
Get involved with a City Commission -
Learn more about the role of the City's
advisory commissions - you can view
Commission meetings, agendas and
minutes online - and consider getting
more involved when a Commission seat
becomes available.
Council meetings generally take place on the
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. Agendas
are finalized by City staff on Wednesday of
the week prior, and made public on Friday. To
receive Council and Commission meeting
agendas by email or text message, visit
Mendota HeightsM N.gov/Subscribe.
Mendotall-IleightsMINI.gov/
CityGovernment
Food Scraps
Drop-off Program
The number one item in our trash is
food. Keeping foods scraps out of
landfills is good for the environment.
That's why over 11,500 households like
yours are giving food scraps a new life
by participating in Dakota County's
food scraps drop-off program
(formerly organics drop-off program).
In 2024, participants delivered 2.2
million pounds of food scraps across
all locations. The food scraps go to an
industrial compost facility and are
turned into compost for gardening and
landscaping.
There are 11 food scraps 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.
Sign up for the free program online,
email foodscraps@co.dakota.mn.us,
or call 952-891-7557.
When you sign up, you will receive
more information and free
compostable bags in the mail.
DakotaCounty.US
Search: Food Scraps
Partially funded by Dakota County and
the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency.
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New City
Sewer Rates
Sanitary sewer fees help pay for
the operation and maintenance of
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 based on the
amount of water used. These
usage fees are based on the first
quarter of the year (Jan. - March)
when water usage is typically low.
Therefore, as you work to
conserve water at the beginning of
each year, the rest of your
quarterly sewer costs are also
reduced.
As the costs of maintaining
wastewater infrastructure
continue to rise, the City
anticipates a 5% increase in sewer
rates in 2026. To cover this
increase, the City Council adopted
a new base rate of $28.27 and
usage fee of $5.15 per unit that will
be reflected on sewer bills starting
in July. Additionally, the storm
water utility fee is increasing to $7
per month ($21 per quarter).
The total increase reflected on
sewer bills this summer is $7.85 for
the average homeowner, who uses
14 units of water quarterly.
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
Utilities
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NEMENWY �IT"
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July 8
July 29
Chalk and Lemonade Splash Pad
Victoria Highlands
Wentworth Park
July 15
Aug. 5
Scavenger Hunt
Magic Show
Marthaler Park
Thompson Park
F July 22
Painting and Planting
Mendakota Park
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Shows Begin at 6 p.m.
Market Square Park
720 Main St.
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Friday, Aug. 8
Food Truck Festival, Live Music,
z't Movie in the Park
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Cliff Timm Fishing Derby, Kids Fest,
Mini & Me Golf Tournament ly
Sunday, Aug.10
Pickleball Tournament
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-452-1850
City Council
L to R: Paper, Lorberbaum, Mazzitello, Levine, Maczko.
Mayor Stephanie Levine
SLevine@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-686-0340
Councilor Sally Lorberbaum
SLorberbaum@Mendota Heights M N,gov
651-503-5564
Councilor John Maczko
JMaczko@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-454-5961
Councilor John Mazzitello
JMazzitello@MendotaHeightsMN,gov
651-249-7306
Councilor Joel Paper
JPaper@MendotaHeightsMN,gov
612-237-1133
PRSRT STD
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MENDOTA HEIGHTS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL
REPORT
I am proud to present the Fire Department's 2024 annual
report! During the year, we made great use of our new
ladder truck, hired three new firefighters, had five new
firefighters graduate from our Fire Academy, responded to
381 calls and completed more than 4,200 hours of training.
In addition, we participated in many community events and
hosted a very successful Fire Prevention Open House.
We also bid farewell to Fire Chief Dave Dreelan who served
with the Department for 34 years. On behalf of the
Department, the City and the community, I want to thank
Chief Dreelan for his service, dedication, and leadership.
I am humbled to step into the role of fire chief and build
upon the strong foundation Chief Dreelan leaves behind. It
is with tremendous gratitude and sense of humility that I
thank you for the opportunity to lead the Fire Department.
We are committed to continually improving training,
strengthening community outreach, and ensuring our
Department is well equipped to meet the challenges of the
future.
Thanks for your ongoing support of the
Fire Department!
-Chief Johnson
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Local Calls: 342 Mutual Aid Calls: 39 Total Calls: 381
RECRUITMENT &
RETENTION
The Mendota Heights Fire Department is a paid -
on -call (paid when called to duty) team of
dedicated residents who serve their community.
To recruit and retain firefighters, leaders have
expanded outreach, improved training, and
enhanced benefits in partnership with the City
Council.
Have a passion for teamwork, solving challenges,
and want to contribute to a greater cause? Learn
about what it takes to become a firefighter at
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/BecomingAFirefighter.
FIRE RELIEF
ASSOCIATION
The Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association
manages the Fire Department's retirement funds.
Each year, the City and State contribute to the
pension fund, which helps recruit and retain
firefighters and rewards long, dedicated service.
The Relief Association also leads fundraising
efforts for projects outside the City
Budget, including the annual
retirement banquet and
community outreach events.
Donations are welcome. To
support the Association,
mail a check payable to:
Mendota Heights
Fire Relief Association
2121 Dodd Road
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
In 2024, firefighters
completed:
• 4,201 hours of cumulative
training.
• 113 training hours per
firefighter.
• 800 total instructor hours.
Training included:
• Mass Casualty Incidents
& Triage
• Hazardous Materials
• Ice Water Rescue
• Technical Rescue
Scenarios
• Search & Rescue
• Firefighter Survivability &
Maydays
• Auto Extrication
• Fireground Operations
Two firefighters completed
a 40 -hour program to
become certified
Driver/Operators:
• TJ Samec
• Alex Lauth
Five new firefighters
graduated from the Fire
Academy:
• Ricky Chodek
• Gretchen Conner
• Christian Douah
• Emily Mahon
• Anna Molinaro
In August, the Department
welcomed three new
recruits:
• Joe Fabiano
• Pete Johnson
• Brandon Rebhan
Public education is an
important part of fire
prevention and safety. In
2024, the Department...
Hosted a Fire Prevention
Open House featuring:
• Fire extinguisher training
• Fire prevention BINGO
• Fire escape planning and
practice with the safety
smoke house
Engaged with the
community at:
• Frozen Fun Fest
• Bogey with the Red &
Blue
• Parks Celebration
• Pickleball with Public
Safety
• Mendota Days parade
Offered on -the -spot
training in:
• Fire extinguishers
• Hands -only C.P.R.
DEPARTMENT
RETIREMENTS
Dave Dreelan
In January 2025, Chief Dreelan
retired from the Department, after 34
years of service. Having grown up in
Mendota Heights, Dave followed in
his father's footsteps when he joined
the Fire Department. He worked his
way up through the ranks, and
became chief in 2017.
In his time with the Department,
Dave provided valuable insight,
leadership and exceptional service
to the community. The positive
changes he made are countless.
Thanks for your dedicated service,
Dave - we will carry your legacy
forward.
David Winge
David joined the Fire Department in
2013 and, after serving the
community for 10 years, retired in
2024.
On behalf of the Department and the
entire community, we wish David the
very best on his next chapter!
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SAVE THE DATE
FIRE DEPARTMENT
OPEN HOUSE
SATURDAY, OCT.11
10 A.M.-1 P.M.
Mendota Heights
Fire Station