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2016-04 Heights Highlights-SummerII-TPltrrtm 1-TlitEimEn ` M E N D O T A ` HEIGHTS APRIL 2016 Mayor's Message Election Information Spring Clean Up Day Parks Celebration and 5K Scam Alert 911 Warning Sirens Grills on Patios and Decks Protect Our Drinking Water Road Construction page 2 2 3 Pollinators Parks and Recreation Adult Programs Concert Schedule 5 5 6-7 Back cover Back cover Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Rulemaking Update Starting in 2013, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been working to update the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Rules. The MRCCA is a 72 -mile land corridor along the Mississippi River encompassing 54,000 acres of land including 30 jurisdictions. Land development in the corridor is currently guided by state regulations, which are implemented through local plans and zoning ordinances. Public hearings concerning the DNR's proposed rules are scheduled for June 14-16 in Hastings, Anoka, and Minneapolis. Interested parties can find additional information on the City's website or on the DNR's website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/rules/mrcca/index.html. Once the new state rules are formally adopted, the City will begin a process to amend the City Code and Critical Area Corridor Plan. Prior to considering any land disturbance or construction activities within the Critical Area, property owners are encouraged to contact the Planning Department to determine the appropriate permitting process. Contact Nolan Wall at 651.255.1142 or nolanwomendota-heights.com with any questions. W \J Residential Property Maintenance Regulations The City's Planning Department is responsible for code enforcement related to zoning, including residential and commercial/industrial property maintenance. In order to promote awareness, educate residents on the standards, and encourage voluntary compliance, the following are common violations: Parked Vehicles: No more than four licensed, operable vehicles (including trailers) can be stored in the front yard of a single-family residential lot. In addition, all vehicles must be parked on a paved surface. Garbage/Recycling Container Screening: Containers must be stored inside a structure. They can be stored outside if they are fully screened by landscaping or fencing, and so they are not visible from the street or adjoining neighbors. Building Maintenance: All dwellings, garages, and accessory structures must have complete siding and no exterior surface can have significant deterioration. Junk Cars: Any motor vehicle which is not operable, or is dismantled for salvaging must be parked within a structure on private property. Weed/Grass Height: Any growth of weeds, grass or other noxious vegetation over 12 inches is prohibited. Once notified of the Code standards, most residents in violation comply in a timely manner. For more information contact Nolan Wall at 651.255.1142 or email nolanw@mendota-heights.com. A SMALL TOWN FEEL IN AN URBAN SETTING • jilkc Mayor's Message It is spring again in Mendota Heights—teams are brushing up on their baseball skills at our parks; cyclists are discovering the City's trails, trees are budding and lawns are greening up. Don't leave the family dog out of plans to get out and exercise. Last September, the City opened a new three acre temporary off leash dog area for that purpose. It is located southwest of the intersection of Acacia Boulevard and Pilot Knob Road, across from Acacia Cemetery. A picnic table was recently added, and a dog watering station is also new this year. It is not too early to sign up for the annual Mendota Heights 5K Walk/Run. The date this year is June 4th and it will start at The Village. Registration information is available on the City's website, or from City Hall. Thank you to retired Sergeant Neil Garlock for again organizing this very successful event for fundraising for Special Olympics. Following the 5K, cross TH 110 and participate in the annual Parks Celebration at Mendakota Park. There will be food, games, and fun for all ages. For ongoing family entertainment, be certain to reserve Wednesday evenings from June 8th through August 24th for the Market Square Summer Concerts. These are being sponsored again this year by the tenants of The Village at Mendota Heights. A schedule of performances is on the Village's website. These musical events are first rate, and are a reminder of how special our Mendota Heights is. Here is an update on other items: There will be another shutdown of TH 13, east of Wachtler Avenue, to allow finishing of a retaining wall on private property. This will be in June and July. The property owner's contractor and MNDOT will work together to finish the project as quickly as possible. The work is necessary to ensure that there will not be a washout of that section of the bluff during a big rainstorm. And a reminder that City Code and state law prohibit your sump pump from discharging into the City's sanitary sewer system. City sewer customers pay to process all water that goes into the sewer, whether it is clear rain water or not. The separation of the sump pump discharge from your sewer pipe must be made. I am frequently asked about City policy on garbage collection. The City is not looking to go to an organized garbage collection system. Mendota Heights' residents and businesses are free to choose from any of the eleven garbage and recycling haulers which operate in the City, as long as the company is licensed. But to minimize wear and tear on the streets and maximize safety, the City does encourage neighborhoods to consolidate their haulers wherever possible. However, that is your call, and your neighbors—not the City's. 2 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Spring Clean Up Day will be held May 7th. We look forward to this community event. This year, we will not be able to accept construction debris—that material should be taken to a landfill, or arrangements made for disposal by your regular hauler. Check the article on Clean Up Day for items that we do accept. You may start to experience some utility work in your neighborhood. In March, the City Council granted a non- exclusive cable television franchise to CenturyLink. Over the next five years, CenturyLink will be installing cable, which may be in addition to the service which has been provided by Comcast. In the areas served by both, you, the consumer, will be able to choose between the two companies. What else is new? LeMay Lake Shores townhouses are underway. Take a drive through, it is off of LeMay Lake Drive. Several homes are under construction. This will be another beautiful Mendota Heights neighborhood. Different development plans have been discussed and may be coming to the Planning Commission and the Council. The Council will continue the tradition of each adding to the neighborhood and community. The Council will have a 2nd goal setting workshop in May. We continue to look again as we lead Mendota Heights. Have a great spring and congratulations to our graduates. iff&A 2016 Elections VOTEState Primary: Tuesday, August 9, 2016 General Election: Tuesday, November 8, 2016 Voting hours: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm City Candidate Filing Period: The filing period for Mayor (2 year term) and two City Council seats (4 year terms) begins at 8:00 am, Tuesday, August 2, 2016 and ends at 5:00 pm, Tuesday, August 16, 2016. The filing fee is $5.00. Candidates' names will be placed on the General Election ballot. Voter Information Available: If you have questions about voting, i.e. Am I registered to vote?, Where is my polling location?, Can I see my sample ballot?, Who are my representatives?, go to MNVotes.org. You will find answers to a variety of voting questions you may have. You can also call the Mendota Heights City Hall at 651.452.1850. Absentee voting for the upcoming elections can be completed through the mail or in- person. You can apply for an absentee ballot online by going to MNVotes.org. In-person absentee voting will be handled by the Dakota County Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road West, OR at any county office. In-person absentee voting will no longer be available at the Mendota Heights City Hall. Spring Clean-up Day Saturday, May 7, 2016 Me haakota Park - 8:00 a.m. until Noon war/ 11. w:\ t \� f i I/ - )14? /iii /___ The annual Spring Clean -Up Day is set for Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Mendakota Park starting at 8:00 am and ending at 12:00 pm The event is open to Mendota Heights residents with a current ID, driving personal vehicles and small trailers. We will accept: • Car tires, furniture ($5 each) • Mattresses/box springs ($10 each) • Electronics with cords • Misc. junk (Volume -based fee) • Bicycles (Free) We will NOT accept: • Yard waste • Business waste • *NEW Contractor or home remodeling debris • Scrap metals — remove all non-metal (Free) • Paper to be shredded — no business materials ($5 each vehicle) • Household hazardous waste • Landscape timbers • Items which can be recycled at the curb. For more information contact Nolan Wall at 651.255.1142 or email nolanw@mendota-heights.com. com. The spring clean-up is made possible by a grant from Dakota County Environmental Management and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance. Proper Sump Pump Installation Basement sump pumps and foundation drains are not allowed to discharge into your sanitary sewer (floor and/or sink drain, wash tub, etc.). Sump pump discharge into the sanitary sewer is also considered a violation of State and local building code. Re-routing your sump pump to discharge water outside your home, instead of into a sanitary sewer drain line, can help reduce sanitary sewer flows and help keep your sewer bills low. Beginning this summer, the City will be asking property owners to disconnect their sump pumps from the sanitary sewer. This program is intended to include an active inspection program. Please call the Public Works/Engineering Department at 651.452.1850 for more information. Mendota Heights 5K and Parks Celebration Don't miss the annual Mendota Heights 5K Walk/Run and Parks Celebration on June 3 and June 4, 2016. Bring your family and friends to kick off summer and celebrate our beautiful parks. The celebration starts Friday, June 3rd, with free music at Market Square Park starting at 6:30 pm. 5K Walk/Run for Special Olympics On Saturday, June 4th, the celebration starts at Market Square Park with the 5K Walk/Run to benefit Special Olympics. The event is sponsored by Gateway Bank and will start at 9:00 am. Registration is $25 before 6:00 pm on June 3rd, or $30 at the event. Registration includes a t -shirt and refresh- ments. Awards will be presented to the top three males and females in three age categories. Door prizes will be given away. All participants will enjoy complimentary pizza after the race donated by Gateway Bank. Parks Celebration The fun continues on Saturday, June 4th with the Parks Celebration from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at Mendakota Park. There will be free games and events, a petting zoo, pony rides, fire truck rides, a climbing wall, inflatables, face painting, prizes and more. Master gardeners will have a booth with information on pollinators, native plants, and sustainable landscaping. There will be a DJ and entertainment. Be sure to take in a game or two at the Mendakota ball fields all weekend during the Mendota Heights Athletic Association baseball/softball tournament. For more information, visit www.mendota-heights.com or call City Hall at 651.452.1850. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS 3 1=1111111111 1111 i�hhitt'ttr SCAM ALERT! Our Police Department has experienced an increase in the number of calls and questions regarding phone scams. Scam artists are becoming ever more creative in their methods to coerce you out of information or money. We need your help in spreading the word about these scams. The Police Department recommends the following to prevent you from becoming victimized by a scam: • Stay educated; scam artists are vigilant and looking for new ways to trick you into giving data and/or money. Visit the Federal Trade Commission website for resources and information about current scams. • Use Caller ID to screen your calls or allow voice mail to take the message. • For email, stay vigilant for oddly worded email text and do not open suspicious links. • If you receive a suspicious call, email or message from someone who asks you for information or money, do not provide or confirm any data. Verify the "issue" with the actual source. • Trust your gut, if you think it's a scam, it probably is! • If you provided information or gave money to a fraudulent entity, take action immediately! Check on and secure your account(s), change passwords and call the police department. When in doubt, call your police department— we want to help ensure your protection. We are just a "911" away. 911 — IT'S NOT JUST FOR EMERGENCIES ANYMORE! By calling 911 anytime you need public safety response, you initiate ACTION, whether from police, fire or other personnel. We want to hear from you immediately when you hear a suspicious noise, see a vehicle that doesn't belong or see anything out of the ordinary. Allow us the chance to investigate in a timely manner and determine what the status is. Too often, we think "I don't want to be a bother" or "It's probably nothing." IF YOU "SEE" SOMETHING, "SAY" SOMETHING! 4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Outdoor Warning Sirens IF YOU HEAR AN OUTDOOR WARNING SIREN, FIND OUT WHY! Beginning in 2015, outdoor sirens are now only sounded when wind speeds are expected to meet or exceed 70 miles per hour. This is an increase from the old standard. The new policy continues to activate the outdoor warning sirens during tornado warnings. Changes to the sustained wind speed criteria will reduce the number of siren activations during a severe thunderstorm. With the new policy in effect, the use of outdoor warning sirens across Dakota County has been reduced by 75 percent or more. In 2015, there was only one outdoor siren activated county -wide. When outdoor warning sirens are sounded too frequently, residents become desensitized and may ignore the warning. Cities and counties are learning that the overuse of sirens may do more harm than good. Visit: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness preparedness/Pages/ severe -weather -awareness -week program.aspx. for more information. Grills on Patios or Decks Regulations Last July, the City Council enacted a change in the City's Fire Code which brought the City into compliance with the State Fire Code. This relates to grilling on decks for multifamily structures (i.e. apartments or townhouses). At issue are grills which are portable and not bolted down, and not plumbed or hard -wired into the building's gas or electrical system. The City now defines the affected buildings as those with "three or more dwelling units." As a result, the change affects additional structures in Mendota Heights, especially side-by-side construction. Some residents are unaware of this change. The State of Minnesota is in the process of revising its Fire Code now. In May or June of this year, Mendota Heights will have to consider whether to revise its Fire Code language again. With grilling season once again upon us, residents should be aware of this change in code. Those residents in apartment buildings or attached townhomes with an interest in the language change should watch the City's website for when this topic may be discussed before the City Council. 111 00„1111111111111111111 000 Protect our Drinking Water and Water Bodies Our surface water bodies are linked to our drinking water for our region. The MPCA estimates that 3/ of the drinking water wells in Minnesota are contaminated. Here are some steps to protect our water resources and help keep them pollution free: Sweep up fertilizer that spills onto hard surfaces This helps to prevent fertilizer from getting into storm drains and ultimately to ponds and lakes. Remove grass clippings/leaves from the street, sidewalks and driveways These and other materials in the street end up in the storm sewer. Yard waste nutrients feed algae; and can affect drinking water. Pick up after your pets Pet waste contains bacteria that can cause illness. It also contains nutrients that can cause algae and weed growth. Mow at a higher setting Higher settings develop deep roots and a stronger lawn. Healthy lawns need less water, fertilizer, and maintenance. Keep storm drains free of debris Storm drains are directly connected to the nearest pond or lake. Water running into storm drains can carry debris and chemicals directly into the surface water. Replace lawn with low -maintenance plants and grasses Native plants develop deeper roots, reducing runoff and allowing for better infiltration. Visit www. bluethumb. org for more information. Shore land buffer areas A 25+ foot vegetative buffer adjacent to a water body helps protect from erosion and pollutants. Buffer zones also stabilize the shoreline. For more information about water management contact the Engineering Department at 651.452.1850. POLLINATORS Road Construction 2016 will be a lighter than normal year with respect to road construction in Mendota Heights. Please be aware of these projects and plan your travel accordingly. 2016 projects include: City Projects: Contact the City Engineering Department at 651.452.1850. Mendota Road Reconstruction: The City will be reconstructing the Highway 110 frontage road between Oak Street and Delaware Avenue. The project will include new road bed, pavement, curb, gutter, storm sewer, and trail modifications. Warrior Drive Neighborhood Rehabilitation: This project will consist of pavement replacement on Warrior Drive, High Ridge Circle, and Sibley Court; along with spot curb and storm sewer catch basin repairs, and the installation of a median on Warrior Drive. Allowed parking will remain on the east side of Warrior Drive after the project is completed. County/State Projects: Contact Dakota County Transportation Department, Kristi Sebastian — Project Manager at 952.891.7178, or Kristi. sebastian@a co. dakota. mn. us. Pilot Knob Road & 1-494 Traffic Signal Improvements: This signal will be modified this summer to add a "flashing yellow" arrow to left turn movements, and improve timing for traffic flow. Additional lighting is also planned. Construction is expected to begin in June. Minnesotans look forward to our spring/summer weather, and so do pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, and native bees. They are categorized into the six different areas of land use as compiled by the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC). Foraging Habitat (Food Source): Delay your first spring mowing to allow clover to grow until other trees and plants bloom. Then resume your regular mowing schedule. Select blooming native plants as sources of nectar and pollen for pollinators. Reproduction Habitat: These vary according to the pollinator. Wait to cut back your perennials and grasses so that the native insects have time to leave the stems where they have overwintered. Shelter: Provide windbreaks and specific plantings such as native trees and shrubs. Invasives/Exotics: Check your property for invasive plants which crowd out native trees and plants. Removing buckthorn, garlic mustard, etc., will allow native trees and plants to grow. Chemical use: Avoid pesticides, especially neonicotinoids. Spot treat when pollinators are less active, in the late afternoon or evening. Buy plants from nurseries that do not use neonicotinoids. Monitoring: Inspect your yard, look for pollinators and pollinator nesting areas. At the June 4th Parks Celebration we will have more information where you can learn more about pollinators, native plants, and sustainable landscaping. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS :5 Parks and Recreation Stammer 2[i1 R for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall. Thursday Field Trips Trips for youth ages 8-12 All trips include chaperones June 16: Zero Gravity/Shoreview Pool $30 June 30: Riding at Bunker Stables July 7: Bunker Beach Water Park July 21: Apple Valley Water Park July 28: Valleyfair The bus departs from and returns to city hall $40 $25 $30 $35 Teen Tuesday Trips Trips for youth ages 12-15 Max 12 kids per trip June 21: Valleyfair June 28: Kayaking at Taylors Falls July 19: Mini Golf, Paddle, Swim July 26: SegwayTour & Beach August 2: Zip -Line at Trollhaugen $40 $35 $30 $40 $50 August 16: Bunker Beach Water Park $25 August 23: St. Paul Saints Game $25 Mendota Heights Par 3 Junior Golf Leagues Ages: 6-15 Date: June 13 - August 26 Fee: $99 / 11 weeks Grow your game and play in a league. Tee times are available from 8:30 am to 10:30 am and also on Monday evenings from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm If you have a group and would like to play regularly at another time, please contact us. Golf Camps Ages: 7-12 Date: June 6 - August 18 Times: 9:00-11:30 am and 12 noon -2:30 pm Fee: $89 includes a free round of golf and t -shirt Youth golf camps run Monday -Thursday (Friday may be used as rain makeup day) and features exercises and games to help improve golf skills in a fun environment. Camps run weekly. Tiger Tots Golf Lessons Ages: 5-7 Days: Fridays or Saturdays, June or July Fee: $39, includes 4 lessons, free round of golf and t -shirt „ Ir a {. Camp teaches the basics of golf, while focusing on fun. Maximum of 6 participants per class. See the City's website for the entire list of class times. 6: CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Safety Camp July 12-14 Camp leaders include volunteers from local police and fire departments. Camp participants learn about stranger safety, first-aid and more. Thursday we take a field trip to a water park to practice the water safety skills we learned. Date: Tuesday & Wednesday 8 am to 3:30 pm; Thursday 8 am to 4 pm Ages: Youth entering grades 3 and 4 in the fall Fee: $30; lunch, snack, field trip Location: Kaposia Park, South St. Paul Canoe Rack The City of Mendota Heights has a canoe rack available at Rogers Lake Park. Space on the rack can be rented out for $50 per summer. For information, or to rent a space, contact the City Hall. Trucks & Travel Event Come out and let your kids climb on all of the neat vehicles that will be there. The Teddy Bear Band will perform from 6:30-7:30 pm. This is sure to be a fun event. June 16: 6:15 to 7:45 pm Henry Sibley High School Parking Lot Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby June 23 Prizes and goodie bags. We will provide hotdogs, beverages and a cold treat. Ages: 14 & under (must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian) Fee: $10 Time: 5:30 pm - check-in Parks and Recreation Bummer 9n1 R1 for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall. Summer Playgrouna Program Join us at Mendakota Park (rainy -days at Mendota Heights Fire Hall) for a week of summer fun! Please bring: sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle, snack, hat, change of clothes and a towel each day. Sign up for one, two or all weeks you can attend. No afternoon session July 11-15. Morning session Ages 4 to 7 9:30 to 11:30 am Fee: $39 Afternoon session Ages 7 to 10 12:30 to 3:30 pm June 13-17 Summer Sun and Fun June 20-24 Ninja Warrior Week June 27 -July 1 Water Works ONE July 11-15 Super Hero Week Our tennis programs are for learning and enjoying the game. Programs run from June 13 -July 28 at Sibley High School Tennis Courts. (no tennis the week of July 4-8) Littles Tennis Ages: 4 to 7 Fee: $40 6 sessions Tennis Lessons: Ages: 7 to 12 Fee: $85 18 sessions An introduction using mini nets and junior tennis balls. Parents/chaperones are encouraged to stay. Classes are once a week for 6 weeks. Classes are Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Beginner, intermediate, and advanced play. Sign up all of your children for one session. In House League: Ages: 10 and up Fee: $90 18 sessions Recreation Travel League: Ages: 10 and up Fee: $90 For players looking to play matches USTA Junior TEAM Tennis Ages: 12 to 18 Fee: $125 Highest level players Instructors divide participants into singles or doubles play each day and will keep the matches moving. Instructors provide coaching on strokes, serving, footwork and scoring. Matches: Mon., Tues., and Wed. from 12 noon to 12:55 pm Instructors provide coaching and match supervision. Team will practice the first 2 weeks and play matches the last four weeks. Matches are held on Mondays & Wednesdays, from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. There will be 3 home matches and 3 away matches (transportation is not provided). Players should be on or ready to be on a school's tennis team. First 2 weeks are practice. Matches begin mid-June, 1:00 to 2:30 pm. The 14 Under team play Tues, 18 Under play Thur. Home and away matches. Instructor coaching and match supervision. r July 18-22 July 25-29 Adventure Island Summer Favorites Week Week Skate Board Camp Fee: $49 August 1-5 Water Works TWO Staff from 3rd Lair has been teaching the Twin Cities how to skateboard since 1997. Trained instructors teach proven techniques in a fun and supportive setting. Necessary equipment provided. Location: Rogers Lake Skate Park Cost: $99 per camp Days/Time: Tues, Wed, Thurs from 10:00 am to 12:00 Dates: Camp 1: June 14-16 Camp 2: July 19-2P7-777-4 Camp 3: August 2-4 0 Camp 4: August 23-25 i mP Camp 5: August 30 -Sept 1 1 Programs are designed to give each child a positive introduction into sports while fostering a lifelong love for an active, healthy lifestyle. Friday is rainy day makeup. Days: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon Mon. - Thurs. Fee: $99 June 13-16 June 20-23 August 8-11 August 15-18 MINI HAWK (Ages 4-7) Kensington Park BASKETBALL (Ages 6-12) St. Thomas Academy FLAG FOOTBALL (Ages 6-12) Kensington Park SOCCER (Ages 6-12) Kensington Park HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS 7 HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS APRIL 2016 Issue: 105 City Directory Council Members: Sandra Krebsbach, Mayor 651.454.5696 Ultan Duggan 651.452.5179 Steve Norton 651.269.2004 Liz Petschel 651.454.3256 Mike Povolny 651.454.0926 Staff Members: City Hall Mark McNeill, City Administrator Tamara Schutta, Assistant to the Administrator Mike Andrejka, Building Official John Maczko, Fire Chief John Mazzitello, Public Works Director Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director Lorri Smith, City Clerk Nolan Wall, Planner Police Department Emergency 911 Police Administration 651.452.1366 Mike Aschenbrener, Chief of Police 651.452.1850 Public Works Facility 651.454.4059 Terry Blum, Public Works Superintendent © Copyright 2016 City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:00 am — 4:30 pm www.mendota-heights.com Follow Us Learn more about the City of Mendota Heights and keep updated with happenings by following the city online. © Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com/Pmendota heights City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www. mendota-heights. corn *****ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN Summer Concerts Market Square Park in The Village Shopping Center at 6:30 pm June 3 The Percolators June 8 New Prescriptions June 15 Connie Evingson June 22 Vinnie Rose June 29 Mendota/Somerset Elementary Talent July 6 Echoes of Elvis 13 Jazz on the Prairie y 20 July 27 August 3 August 10 August 17 August 24 Adult Pickle Ball Pat Donohue Annie Lawler Band treVeld Shopp Kids Dance Back Latin Billies Classes and court play will be held at Marie Park. Quick Learn Classes — 2 sessions Fee: $15 We will focus on the basics and play. Equipment provided. June 7 & 9 June 13 & 15 9:00 to 10:00 am 5:30 to 6:30 pm 6:30 to 7:30 pm Open Play — Come out and play for fun! Free, no registration. June 16 through August 31 Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am; Wednesdays 6:30 pm Thompson Park Activity Center 55+ Looking for activities and fun? Check out Thompson Park Activity Center located at 1200 Stassen Lane, West St. Paul. Mendota Heights residents are welcome to join classes or take part in activities. Get on the mailing list for the "Thompson Times" which lists all upcoming activities and classes by calling 651.403.8300 or stop by for a visit. Mendota Heights Book Club The group reads and discusses books chosen by group members. Bring your thoughts to share, and a favorite title or author that others might like to read. Third Wednesday of the month from 10:00 to 11:00 am at Mendota Elementary