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2011-05-28 Friday News May 27, 2011 May 27, 2011 New Variance Rules The city has historically been judicious in issuing variances to the zoning code. The Minnesota Legislature passed new legislation this session which lowers the standards by which variances are considered, which will impact Mendota Heights. Where our community has required that a property owner prove that an undue hardship exists to justify a variance from law, the new legislation softens that stance, requiring only proof of a practical difficulty in complying with code standards. The planning commission discussed this new law on Tuesday night and it is clear that there will be a earning curve as we process applications for variances in the near future. New HiPP Project Sandie Thone attended the initial meeting of the Joint Training Opportunities Committee this week, a subcommittee of the Dakota County High Performance Partnership. Joint Training Programs were identified by HiPP as an area for collaboration as we provide training for employees and officials and reap the benefits of cost and resource sharing. The team comprised of county and city representatives discussed and identified specific training needs, both mandated and desired by the organizations. The team also reviewed training delivery options, efficiencies, concluding there were many opportunities to save money and improve training opportunities. Team members were tasked with providing ideas and resources on past and present training efforts and 2010 training costs to be brought forth to the next meeting. Stay tuned for positive results from the committee in developing quality training at a cost savings to Dakota County and its cities. DARE Graduation On Tuesday afternoon the Police Department took part in the annual DARE graduation program held at Visitation. There were 18 fifth grade students in Mr. Wright’s class who took part in the ceremony. The DARE program is designed to educate students on the dangers associated with tobacco, drug and alcohol use. Thank you to the Mendota Heights Police Department and Mario Reyes for your participation in this excellent program. The students did a great job in reading their essays and sharing what they had learned during their ten week DARE program. The ceremony was topped off with cookies and lemonade to reward the students for all of their hard work. The program was wonderful, the students very well behaved and the parents and teachers were all very proud of the students. Friday News Mendota Heights Weekly Report on City Activities Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com (651) 452-1850 May 27, 2011 Attachments The Pipeline, Just the Facts May 27, 2011 Dates to Remember May 30, 2011 City Offices Closed for Memorial Day June 4, 2011 5K and Park Celebration Day June 7, 2011 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting June 8, 2011 6:00 p.m. Airport Relations Commission Meeting (FAA Tour) June 14, 2011 6:30 p.m. Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Page Two Par 3 Even with all of the rain that we have experienced this spring, the Par 3 Golf Course is in excellent shape and ready for play. The golf industry has been off to a slow start this season due to the weather but the Par 3 is ready for your business. The new hole signs have been installed and are another positive course improvement. Two capital improvement items in the budget are on hold until the end of the season to see how the course does this summer. Please take the time to play a round or two at the Par 3. It is a great course that offers very reasonable prices. Thanks for the tour Tom and thank you and your staff for all of the hard work at the Par 3! City Offices Closed City offices will be closed on Monday, May 30, 2011 in honor of Memorial Day. Offices will reopen on Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. for business. Please enjoy the long weekend and make sure you and your family staff stay safe during your celebrations and remembrances. Farewell, Charlotte Today is the last day at Mendota Heights for Char- lotte Stockstead, our accounting clerk. Charlotte and her husband are off to North Carolina for new adventures. We send her with our best wishes.