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2013-10 Heights Highlightsr 2013 City Tax Rates Mendota Heights Eagan Lakeville Inver Grove Heights Burnsville Rosemount Apple Valley South St Paul Farmington Hastings West St Paul 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 , Y;/'p ll4l 34.479 38.272 41.234 46.312 47.021 48.862 49.210 63.280 66.821 68.547 69.447 1 f/ )TA,HEIGHTS GOVERNMENT NEWS Council Approves Preliminary Levy and Budget Each year one of the most important decisions the City of Mendota Heights makes is setting the annual property tax levy and budget. This process starts in June with department directors making their initial budget requests and ends with the city council approving a final budget in December. The annual budget is a policy guiding document that is made up of several funds. The general fund is where property tax dollars are collected and spent, but this is just one area of the city budget. In total, the proposed 2014 city budget is $11,611,363. Of that amount, $6,603,749 is anticipated to be collected through the property tax. The remaining funds are an assortment of utility charges (such as water, sanitary and storm sewer fees), building permits, parks and recreation registrations, contracts from neighboring communities for police and fire services, and a host of other smaller revenues. In September, the city council approved a preliminary tax levy for 2014 that is 2.92% higher than the 2013 amount. A large part of this increase is due to debt service payments associated with the city's street reconstruction projects. Dakota County will use this figure to prepare parcel- specific tax notices for each property, and those will be delivered in November. On December 3rd the city council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget, and after receiving public input, will make a decision on the final 2014 budget. Under the proposed budget, taxes on a median valued Mendota Heights home will increase by approximately $40. The city has the highest valued median valued home among the major Dakota County cities. This, along with our healthy business park, allows for our tax rate to consistently be one of the lowest in Dakota County. If you have questions about the 2014 budget, please feel free to contact Finance Director Kristen Schabacker at 651.452.1850 or kristensomendota- heights. com. Water Revenue Fund Debt Service Funds 3% 8% Misc Other Funds 2% '. City Hall Fund 3% Par Three Fund 1% Storm Sewer Utility Fund 4% Sewer Utility Fund 1 l Fund % Engineer 6% Another summer is in the books and fall is in the air. Students are back to school and all of us are getting back into our regular routines. At city hall, that means that the essentials of providing high quality, efficient, and effective services are taking shape with the establishment of the annual budget and tax levy. In September the city council approved a preliminary 2014 budget that includes a 2.92% tax levy increase. The impact to a median valued home — which in Mendota Heights is just over $301,000 — is about $40. Of this 2.92% increase, a large portion of it is due to debt service for ongoing street projects and capital purchases like police and fire vehicles and public works equipment. The city council takes great care in analyzing every detail of the city's budget making sure that increases are for legitimate business needs and are done at a value to all of our taxpayers. Tax notices will be mailed by Dakota County in November, and the city's final 2014 budget will be approved after a public hearing on December 3rd. An area of focus that I am interested in bringing attention to is a program created by the State of Minnesota called Fiscal Disparities. Authorized in 1971, this program takes 40% of the growth in our commercial /industrial tax base and places it into a metro -wide taxing pool. It is then redistributed to cities that have less commercial and industrial tax base so that, in theory, tax rates among metropolitan cities are consistent. The impacts of this program to Mendota Heights are significant. Since our commercial and industrial tax base expanded after fiscal disparities was enacted, almost our entire non - residential tax base is subject to this program. As a result, $2.6 million of our tax base, or roughly 13 %, leaves our city and is redistributed to other cities that can use it for whatever purposes they wish. We are described as a "net contributor" to the program, and while the calculations are very complex, we lose approximately $650,000 per year due to this mandatory, state - imposed program. As a result, Mendota Heights is one of the highest contributors on a per capita basis. The City has grown in a responsible manner over the years and has always strived to provide the best city services at a low cost to our residents. We can all be proud of what our city has become, but it is important to note that there are several factors, fiscal disparities being just one of them, that dictates what the city can and cannot do. The city council continues to look at ways we can improve on our already high quality of life. Our advisory commissions, led by volunteer residents of our community, provide great input to the city council on a regular basis, as do the many residents who write, call or email us with ideas and concerns. Thank you for helping shape our city into what it has become and for helping us guide it into the future. �Ew 41 Ekk ills Park Open House Citizen Input Needed on the Future of the Tennis Courts The Parks & Recreation Commission will be holding an open house on Tuesday, October 8th at 5:45 p.m. Mendota Heights City Hall We are looking for citizen input on the future of the Ivy Hills tennis courts. Should the tennis courts be resurfaced, or replaced with a volleyball court or pickleball court? Please come and share your thoughts and ideas. Hagstrom King Park Tree Donation Each year the Mendota Heights Moms Club makes a donation to purchase a tree. Their goal is to see trees planted in city parks, that once matured will provide plenty of shade for park visitors. Several moms and their children were present to watch city staff plant the Red Oak tree at Hagstrom King Park in July. Thank you Mendota Heights Moms Club! �. l Pilot Knob Grazing Project In 2012 the City of Mendota Heights received a $75,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The grant was used to relocate a utility line and restore vegetation on the Pilot Knob Open Space site. As part of the project, Great River Greening developed a demonstration project that brings grazing horses to Pilot Knob open space to assist with vegetation. The use of grazing is to manage non - native and over - abundant species that could impact the need for manual labor and chemical treatments for the preservation of Pilot Knob open space. For more on this project, visit www.greatrivergreening.org. Dakota County Greenway Master Plan Over the past couple of years, Dakota County staff has been developing a master plan for greenway trails throughout the county. Of interest to Mendota Heights is the Mendota to Lebanon Hills Regional Park segment of the master plan. This segment would connect the Dodd Road /Highway 110 intersection to Lebanon Hills Regional Park. The plan shows two proposed alignments for the new section of greenway that would connect South Plaza Drive to Kensington Park. The County preferred alignment would construct 'a boardwalk across Friendly Marsh north of Cheyenne Lane and connect to the local trail network along Huber Drive. The alternative alignment would construct a new greenway trail through County CDA property and along the east side of Dodd Road to Mendota Heights Road where it would connect ith the existing local trail network. The City Council has informed Dakota ounty that they prefer the Dodd Road alignment over the Friendly Marsh alignment. For information, please contact Dakota County Trail Planner, John Mertenz at 952.891.7036 or via e -mail at iohn. mertenzna co.dakota. mn. us. Did you know? Residents must store and dispose of all rubbish and garbage in a clean and sanitary manner. Garbage and recycling containers must be either: a) stored inside a structure keeping it from being visible from the public street or adjoining neighbors; OR b) stored outside being fully screened by landscaping or fencing materials keeping them from being visible from the public street or adjoining neighbors. Garbage cans may be put out for collection the night before and must be retrieved the next evening. �1 11he Police Department frequently I receives P/Fcomplaints and questions involving juveniles. Below is some information regarding laws and issues pertaining to juveniles. It is important to talk with your children about the laws that are in place to protect them and the citizens in our community. Vandalism, theft, assault and harassment are crimes If you commit a crime, you could go to court, pay a fine, and do community service. You will also be responsible for paying for any damage you cause. Throwing rocks at homes, cars, or people could hurt someone or damage their property. If you hurt someone or damage property, even if it is an accident, it is a crime. Trespassing is a crime Going on someone else's property when told not to or against posted signage is illegal. Using a pool on private property where you don't live is also trespassing. Treat others nicely You may not always get along with others, but never hit or push. Don't tease or bully other people. Talk to an adult if you are having problems with someone. Graffiti is vandalism If you write or paint graffiti on anything, you are committing a crime. It is very expensive to remove graffiti. Theft It is illegal to take or keep something that doesn't belong to you! Did you know that if you find something and don't turn it in to police, this is considered stealing, too? " Dakota County Curfew Ordinance There is a Curfew Ordinance in • ! I -� "� �` effect for children under the age of 181 Children must be home during the following hours. i Under 12: • Weekdays: Home by 9 p.m. • Weekends: Home by 10 p.m. Speeding The speed limit in residential areas is 30 mph, unless otherwise posted. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for kids and teens. Speeding, not paying attention, and driver inexperience are the main causes of teen crashes. Please slow down and protect yourself, your friends, and others. Smoking & Drinking If you are under 18, it is illegal for you to smoke. If you are under 21, it is illegal for you to drink or even possess alcohol. 12 -14: • Weekdays: Home by 10 p.m. • Weekends: Home by 11 p.m. 15 -17: • Weekdays: Home by 11 p.m. • Weekends: Home by midnight Exceptions to the curfew ordinance could include older children going to and from work, school, or church functions or running errands at the direction of a parent. The curfew is lifted at 5 a.m. seven days a week. Having problems with your teen? If you are having issues with your teenager (getting into fights, hanging out with the wrong crowd, "drifting away," getting involved in minor crime like shoplifting and vandalism), Dakota County Immediate Accountability Program & Juvenile Peer Court may be able to help. Contact Monica Jensen @ 651.438.4440 or via email at monica- ensenoco.dakota.mn.us for information on these programs. For additional parenting help go to the Dakota County website: www.co.dakota. mn. us /HealthFamily /Parenting /Pages /default. Lv px Going South This Winter? If you are going on vacation or plan to be away for an extended period of time, the Mendota Heights Police Department will check your home periodically while you are away. To request to have your premises checked on, visit our website at www. mendota- heights.com, or call 651.452.1366. i A' 4'A Open House The annual Fire Prevention Open House is Saturday, October 12, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 3 P.M. Meet the Mendota Heights Firefighters and tour the fire department. There will be fire truck rides, free hot dogs and pop. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. to honor deceased Mendota Heights Firefighters. We will have the home fire sprinkler demonstration at 2:30 p.m. Firefighters will also be visiting 4th graders at local schools during Fire Prevention Week to discuss fire prevention topics. The firefighters give a family fire safety quiz and talk about creating a home fire escape plan. 65th Annual Firefighters Dance Being Held at Mall of America Hilton The firefighters will be out in neighborhoods selling dance tickets and handing out the annual report as part of their annual fundraiser. The Mendota Heights Fire Department's 65th annual dance will be held on Friday, November 15, 2013, from 8 p.m. to midnight. This year the music will be provided by High and Mighty. The dance will be held at the Mall of America Hilton, 3800 American Blvd. E., Bloomington. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Call or stop by City Hall to purchase tickets. Come out for an evening of fun, music and dancing. Prepare Your Property for the Snow Plows It is time to start preparing for the winter season and the coming snow plows. There are a number of simple things you can do to help the City with the snow removal process. The first 12 -13 feet of yard behind your curb is City owned right -of -way which exists to store underground utilities as well as winter snow storage. After a big snowfall, the City pushes snow back from the curb to make storage room for the next big snowfall. If there are objects or landscaping (other than grass) in this right -of -way area, it could be damaged. Please remove objects or mark them with a 4 foot reflective flag so snowplow drivers will know something is there. The city is not obligated to repair anything damaged except basic sod repair. If snow removal equipment is damaged by a resident placed object in the right -of -way (i.e. landscape boulder, etc.), the property owner may be held accountable for the cost of repairing the equipment (up to $100). Although we try our best to avoid them, mailboxes may be damaged by snowplow activity. The City will repair or replace a mailbox if a City snowplow strikes it. Please see our City web page (www. mendota- heights. com ) for mailbox installation instructions. ff,A6V1\ E NDOTA Winter Fire EIGHTS Safety IVIN Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Alarms In 2010, nearly 60 percent of • _ FD Minnesota's fire deaths were in • homes where smoke alarms were not present, not working, or not known to be working. Carbon monoxide alarms are required within 10 ft. of all sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home and in each sleeping area. Replace batteries at least once a year in smoke and CO alarms. Space Heater Safety During the years 2006 -2010, there were 84 fires in Minnesota related to space heaters. • When buying a heater, look for one that has been tested and labeled by a nationally recognized testing company. • Keep the heater three feet away from drapes, furniture or other flammable materials. • Place it on a level surface where no one can bump it, knock it over or put items on top of it. • Keep electric heaters away from water. Never use them near a sink or in the bathroom. • Warn children of the dangers of an electric heater. .1112 ;. .9� Change Your Clock — 60 Change Your Batteries The Mendota Heights Fire Department reminds you to replace the batteries in all smoke detectors when setting your clocks for daylight savings time on Sunday, November 3, 2013. t pt -A- Hydrant e Mendota Heights Fire epartment is asking for your help in our Adopt -A- Hydrant program. Adopting a fire hydrant means keeping the hydrant free of snow during the winter and free of weeds and shrubs in the summer. Easy accessibility to a fire hydrant will make sure a fire is quickly extinguished. J Youth Field Trip Horseback Riding and Hayride - October 17th Bunker Hills - Ride guided trails on your own horse and enjoy a hay ride. Bring a bag lunch and beverage (no concessions available). We will wrap up with games, a campfire, and s'mores. r , Please note: In case of rain, trip will be moved indoors at Bunker Hills Riding Arena. Riders must wear helmets (included). Parents must sign t ' a Bunker Hills release form available online or at City Hall. Fee: $38 Ages: 8 & up (must be at least 52 inches to ride) BUS: Departs 9:45 a.m. and returns at 3:15p.m. from the Mendota Heights City Hall Fall Golf at Mendota Heights Par 3 Fall is a great time of the year to play golf. Our fall rates are now in effect. Only $8 for weekdays and $10 for weekends. Grab your clubs and get out to the course before winter comes. Glow -in- the -Dark Golf Enjoy a round of glow -in- the -dark golf with friends at the Mendota Heights Par 3. The cost is $15 per person and includes glowing golf balls and a glow -in- the -dark necklace. Sign up for either or both dates. Saturday October 19 and Saturday November 2. Check -in at 6:30 p.m. Golf starts at 7 p.m. Please contact the clubhouse to register or with questions 651.454.9822. J ymnastics Classes or boys & girls, ages 3 and older. Classes include: balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise, tumbling &more. Classes are held at Sibley High School (Small Gym.) Girls should wear leotards; boys may wear shorts & t- shirts. Saturday mornings: 10 Weeks Dec 7, 14, 21, and Jan 4, 11, 18, 25, and Feb 1, 8, 15 Tumbling Tykes Ages 3 & 4 8: 30 - 9:00 a.m. $90 Tumbling Tots Ages 4 & 5 9:05 - 9:35 a.m. $90 Kinder Tumbling Ages 5 & 6 9:40 - 10:20 a.m. $90 Beginner Ages 6 & up 10:25 - 11:25 a.m. $125 * Non WSP /MH Residents add $5 Men's Tuesday League Champs Women's League Champs Men's Thursday League Champs Halloween Safety • Make sure children wear reflective clothing and carry a glow stick or flashlight. • Accompany younger children to the door of every home and make sure you are familiar with all people from which the children receive treats. • Teach your children to NEVER enter a home without prior permission. • Teach your children to NEVER approach a vehicle unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. • Make sure children are able to see and breathe properly when wearing masks. • Teach your children to NEVER approach a home that is not well lit. • Consider a party at home, school, or in a community center as an alternative to "Trick or Treating." Thompson Park Activity Center Events TPAC for 50 + Adults Register online at www.celearn4ever.orQ, by phone at 651.403.8300, or in person at 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul, MN. TPAC's Annual Waffle Breakfast October 13: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. $7 Adults, $4 Children, Kids 3 and under are free. 2nd Annual "Holiday Gala Luncheon" December 4: Noon to 3 p.m. Tickets $17 1:1 Computer, Smart Phone & Tablet Mentoring Free, every Monday and Wednesday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. at Thompson Park Activity Center. No appointment is needed. Thompson Park Activity Center also offers many trips during the fall and winter. October 22 Faribault Woolen Mills November 13 "Church Basement Ladies" at Plymouth Playhouse November 18 Austin Collectibles December 11 "Fiddler on the Roof" at Chanhassen Theater January 30 "Almost Maine" Old Log Theater Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Outdoor Winter Fun For more Recreation information or to register . Warming House & on -line go to www. Rink Hours mendota- heiehts.com or The-city of Mendota stop in at MH City 40 Heights has three Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights MN 55118. P Learn To Skate This is a great opportunity to improve your skating skills. Classes are limited to 5 to 7 participants. Register online at the city website at www.mendota- heig,hts.com. Lessons held at Friendly Hills Rink, 2360 Pueblo Lane. Fee: $35.00 Saturday mornings: 5 weeks. Jan. 4,11, 18, 25, Feb. 1 Call the skating lesson hotline before each lesson at 651.255.1173 for weather cancellations. Smalls and Talls: Ages: 3 -5 years Time: 9:30 to 10 a.m. Parents participate with first time skater. Learn tips to teach your child. Beginners: Ages: 5 and up Time: 10:05 to 10:35 a.m. For skaters with no previous experience. Learn basic skills. Advanced Beginners: Ages 6 and up Time: 10:40 to 11:10 a.m. Skaters who can skate forward or have completed the Beginners class. Intermediate & Funstyle- Freestyle: Ages 6 and up Time: 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. For skaters who have completed Advanced Beginners. This class will bring you to our highest level offered with some extra fun freestyle moves for those kids ready for more of a challenge! outdoor hockey and four pleasure rinks that are open weather permitting December 15, 2013 until early March 2014. A rink attendant will be on duty during the regular warming house hours listed below. The outdoor rinks and warming houses will be CLOSED and outdoor programs will be canceled when the air temperature is below zero. For information, call the ice rink/warming house hotline at 651.255.1174. Locations: Friendly Hills Park: 2360 Pueblo Lane Ivy Hills Park: 635 Butler Ave. (no warming house) Marie Park: 1780 Lilac Lane Wentworth Park: 739 Wentworth Avenue Warming House Hours: Weekdays Saturdays Sundays School Vacation Days Christmas/New Year's Eve Christmas Day New Year's Day 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Noon to 6 p.m. Noon to 8:30 p.m. Noon to 4 p.m. Closed Noon to 8:30 p.m. J City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Follow Us s, MN 55118 fights. com Learn more about the City of Mendota Heights and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. Facebook.com /MendotaHeightsMN t Twitter. comlomendota heights Email Notification www.mendota-heie,hts.com click on the "email notifications" button. Properly Dispose of Yard Waste ' Each fall residents are faced with \ cleaning up their yards and disposing of 'q their leaves. There are a number of places that can take your yard waste if your curbside trash hauler does not take it away for you (most services offer this for an additional fee). Dakota County lists several places that accept yard waste on the County's web page at http: / /www.co.dakota. mn. us /EnvironmentRoads/EnvirProtect/ Composting/Com�ostSites.htm. On -site composting of yard waste only is allowed in Mendota Heights provided the compost is contained within a compost bin. Raking leaves and other yard waste into the street or dumping of yard waste on undeveloped city property or right -of -way is a violation of City Code and may result in fines or misdemeanor charges. 2013 Safety Camp Fifty Mendota Heights 3rd and 4th graders joined Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation, along with volunteers from the Police and Fire departments, for three days of safety camp on August 6 -8 at Kaposia Park in South St. Paul. PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN Regional Athletics Center (Dome) Are you looking for a place to do some indoor walking this winter? The West St. Paul Regional Athletics Center is available this fall and winter for open walking Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Regional Athletics Center is located at 1655 Livingston Avenue, West St. (Paul. For more information, please call 651.552.4158. JOIN IN CREATING OUR COMMUNITY FOR A LIFETIME `Mendota Heights for a Lifetime' is a new group of residents coming together to study the possibilities, challenges and opportunities of growing older within the city. The group will be working to find ways to: • Facilitate community-wide discussions of the issues related to building an age - friendly community. • Share information of value to older adults and their families. • Educate residents and policymakers on how to make Mendota Heights livable for a lifetime. Please join us and share your ideas on how to make our community one for a lifetime. We will meet on Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at Mendota Heights City Hall. Please RSVP (by Oct. 11) to a contact below. For information, contact: Jess Luce, Dakota County: 651.554.6104, iess.lucepco.dakota. mn. us. Colleen Fritsch, DARTS: 651.234.2222, Colleen.FritschODARTSL org. Our efforts are in partnership with the city of Mendota Heights, DARTS, and the Dakota County Communities for a Lifetime Initiative.