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2016-09 Heights Highlights-FallMENDOTA HEIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2016 Election Information Candidate Profiles Community Notifications Car vs. Deer Accidents page 2 2-3 4 Fire Department Open House 5 CO and Smoke Alarms 5 Firefighters Dance Goldenrod vs. Ragweed Yard and Tree Waste Disposal 6 Parks and Recreation 7 Identity Theft Back Pct Pct. 2 Pct. 3 Pct. 4 Pct. 5 s`ECTION PRECINCT LOCATIONS Somerset School 1365 Dodd Road Henry Sibley High School 1897 Delaware Avenue Mendota Elementary School 1979 Summit Lane Saint Thomas Academy 949 Mendota Heights Road Friendly Hills Middle School 701 Mendota Heights Road Dodd Road Corridor Study Open House The City of Mendota Heights recently received a $25,000 grant from Dakota County as part of the Statewide Health Initiative Program to study the possibilities of constructing an off-street bike/pedestrian trail along Dodd Road from Mendota Heights Road north to Delaware Avenue. As part of the study, city staff, along with the City's consulting planning company, will hold an open house on Monday, October 17th from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at the Mendota Heights City Hall. This is a chance for all residents to ask questions and voice their support and concerns about a future trail along Dodd Road. Following the open house, Stantec will provide the Parks & Recreation Commission with a presentation of their work. If you are unable to attend and would like to share your support or concerns, please email them to Recreation Program Coordinator Sloan Wallgren at sloanw@mendota-heights.com. 2016 General Election November 8 Exercise your right to vote! Polls in Mendota Heights are open 7:00 am — 8:00 pm Tuesday, November 8 for the General Election. You may vote in person at your assigned polling location or you may vote absentee ahead of time. � m This map shows the current precinct boundaries and the voting location for ss J each precinct. See pages 2-3 for candidate profiles and more. MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD HWY 110 ANNAPOLIS WENTWORTH AVE MARIE AVE HWY 110 4 DOTA HEIGHTS RD coir A SMALL TOWN FEEL IN AN URBAN SETTING NEIL GARLOCK Neil Garlock retired from the Mendota Heights Police Department after serving for 24 years. Neil has lived in Mendota Heights for 26 years. He and his wife, Mona, have three children and eight beautiful grandchildren. Neil graduated from Mason City High School, Iowa and enlisted in the US Marine Corps. He served 4 years before receiving an honorable discharge. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant prior to his discharge. Neil graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in Johnston, Iowa in 1980. He served in law enforcement for 10 years in Iowa. Neil was hired by the City of Mendota Heights in July 1990. He worked as a patrol officer and investigator prior to his promotion to sergeant. Neil served on several county law enforcement boards including the MAAG Team (SWAT), the Drug Task Force, the Traffic Safety Committee, Safe Communities and the Dakota County Communications Center. Neil has been the race director for the Mendota Heights 5K for 11 years. This event has raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics of Minnesota. Neil has demonstrated his leadership ability during his 38 years of public service. He knows what the citizens of Mendota Heights expect from their public officials and will provide that leadership. .Goto MNVOTES.ORG for answers to your voting questions 1 Am I registered to vote? Apply for an absentee ballot How to register to vote Where do I go to vote? Get a copy of your ballot Or Call Mendota Heights City Hall at 651.452.1850. SANDRA KREBSBACH Sandra Krebsbach has served as Mayor for the past six years and was a council member for five terms (1993-2010). She and her husband Norbert (Nob) Krebsbach raised their two daughters in Mendota Heights. Now adults with successful careers, their daughters were educated in Mendota Heights public and private schools. Sandra holds a PhD from the University of Minnesota and Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University. She is the Executive Director of the American Technical Education Association, a national professional association of faculty and administrators in technical colleges. She serves on the Regional Council of Mayors, the Dakota County Transit Task Force, and the Association of Metropolitan Municipalities Revenue Committee. She has also served on the Airport Zoning Board and the Minneapolis Rotary #9 Board. Sandra is one of the founders of the University of Minnesota Dakota County Alumni Chapter and serves on its Executive Committee. Sandra encourages public engagement and a strong city council. Areas that she has led the city through are: investment in the J. V. Hoene Ice Arena, Dog Park, Financial Summit, Pollinator City, studies of the Industrial Park, Engineering Department, Police Department, and new development at Mendota Plaza. Sandra and her husband are members of the Mendakota Country Club and St. Peter's Church. RANDY PENTEL Randy Pentel has lived in the area since his parents built a home and moved here in 1971. Randy attended Grass Jr. High, as well as Henry Sibley. He went on to school at both the U of M and at Inver Hills CC, focusing on law enforcement and aviation. Randy is also a pilot, holding multiple qualifications in single and multi -engine aircraft, sea plane, and corporate jets. Since 1987, Randy and his brother, Dan, have operated the nation's largest private information network dealing with large - dollar returned checks in the financial services industry. The company currently processes approximately $2.5 billion worth of check notifications each month. Randy married Rebecca Birch in 1989, and they have lived since then in the city they love. Randy is committed to the city and is a volunteer reserve officer with the Mendota Heights Police Department, currently holding the rank of Reserve Sergeant. He has been with the department since 2008 and now trains the new Reserves. He currently averages around 1,000 hours of volunteer time per year with the department and has attained Presidential Volunteer Service Awards each year that the MHPD has participated in the program. Two of his greatest accomplishments are: marrying Rebecca Birch and setting the national speed record for the fastest flight time in a jet to circumnavigate the continental United States on the 100th anniversary of the Wright brothers' flight. Absentee Voting is available for those who wish to vote before Election Day. There are �i two ways to do this: Absentee Vote In Person: Beginning September 23, you may vote at the Mendota Heights City Hall or at any Dakota County Office during regular business hours, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Extended absentee voting hours will be available Saturday, Nov 5, from 10 am to 3 pm, and also on Monday, Nov 7, until 5 pm. Absentee Vote By Mail: An application for an absentee ballot can be obtained at MNVITotes.org. Remember, if voting by mail, your voted ballot must arrive by Election Day for the vote to count, so allow enough time for postal delivery. JAY MILLER Jay Miller was raised in Mendota Heights and has spent his life living and working in the city. He and his wife, Becca, have twin daughters, Lucia and Josephine (7), and a son Henrik (2). After graduating from Henry Sibley High School in 1995, Jay attended the University of Minnesota -Duluth, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education. He earned his Master's Degree in Education from Bethel University in 2004. Jay is a special education teacher at Henry Sibley High School. In addition to his teaching duties, Jay spent ten years in the boys and girls varsity soccer programs, 14 years as a varsity track & field coach, and is currently in his fourth year as the Head Varsity Soccer Coach at Visitation School in Mendota Heights. Since 2008, Jay has served as a volunteer firefighter for the city. In 2016, he was promoted to Captain. Jay also serves as secretary on the Mendota Heights Fire Department's Board of Trustees. Jay is currently serving on the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission. STEVE NORTON Steve Norton has been serving the citizens of Mendota Heights for the last four years on the Council. Prior to that, he served on the Planning Commission for seven years, including two years as the chair. He also serves as the President of the Mendota Heights Community Criminal Apprehension Fund. Steve graduated from St. Thomas Academy, St. John's University (Collegeville), and William Mitchell College of Law. He owns and operates Norton Realty, Inc., a boutique real estate company with five agents who serve the Twin Cities metro area. Steve worked in local, county, and state government as an attorney - chiefly as a criminal prosecutor - prior to focusing his efforts on Norton Realty. City Council Candidates Steve has lived in Mendota Heights for 13 years. He and his wife Angela had their first child, Marie, in late 2015. The whole family enjoys taking walks with their dog, Mia, on the city's many trails and visiting the great local restaurants. JOEL PAPER Joel Paper was raised in Mendota Heights. He graduated from Henry Sibley High School and the University of St. Thomas. Joel and his wife, Rachael, have chosen to raise their two sons in Mendota Heights where they attend Mendota Elementary. Their family uses many of the wonderful resources in Mendota Heights regularly including the parks, bike paths and shopping. Their boys love to golf at the Mendota Heights Par 3. Joel has owned his own lawn and landscape service, and was a partner at Paper Brothers Construction, both based in Mendota Heights. Joel's current job is being a stay at home dad to his two sons. Joel currently serves as the chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He has been a member of the Commission since 2012. He does a wide variety of volunteering within the community, including helping in the classrooms at Mendota Elementary, and coaching t -ball, baseball and soccer for the Mendota Heights Athletic Association. Joel is actively involved in the Sibley Area Hockey Association, on and off the ice. Joel would like an opportunity to continue to improve this great community by serving on the City Council. JEFF PARKER Jeff Parker has been a proud resident of Mendota Heights for 8 years and is seeking a City Council seat. He is currently a Reserve Police Officer with Mendota Heights Police Department. Jeff was an electrician for 33 years. During that time he was a journeyman, foreman, shop steward, mentor, and teacher to his apprentices. As part of the Parker family, he has spent his life volunteering for various organizations from Girl Scouts to his golf club where he served two terms as President. He has volunteered as a Police Reserve Officer for Mendota Heights for six years and also served on boards with his local union. His wife Michelle is a former Mendota Heights Firefighter and a retired St. Paul school teacher of 37 years. The couple has 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Jeff and Michelle enjoy golfing, spending time with friends, and being active in our great community. MIKE POVOLNY Mike Povolny has served on the City Council for six years. He and his wife Kim, along with their two children, have been Mendota Heights residents since 1984. Mike is a partner in Povolny Specialties which manufactures electrical equipment, lighting fixtures, components, and preci- sion sheet metal. He has been in business for 40 years, starting in his parents' garage. Mike was appointed to fill a City Council vacancy in 2011, and was re-elected in 2012. During his City Council tenure, Mike noted he has served as Acting Mayor for 2016, and has served on the Traffic Safety Committee and the 911 Board of Directors. Mike has also served on the Airport Relations Commission from 2003- 2005 and on the Planning Commission from 2005-2011, which he chaired for six months. Mike has volunteered by serving on the advisory committees at St. Paul College and Dakota County Technical College. Going forward, Mike's concerns for the city include the ponding system of storm water and future mandates from the MPCA in dealing with this issue. Mike is committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the residents. Sign up to Receive Community Notifications The City frequently receives questions about community notifications of events in Mendota Heights which have an impact on the safety and security of our residents. Our public safety partners work closely together to ensure best practices are followed around incident response. After all, your safety is always our number one priority. Our 911 partner is the Dakota Communications Center. In 2009, they implemented a county -wide mass notification system designed to quickly alert the public of emergencies that may affect their health or welfare. It is capable of rapidly sending a high volume of messages to targeted areas within the county. For the service to work, we need you — our residents and businesses - to sign up. Visit the website www.mn-dcc.org, select Please do not re e trees or of er plantings from City property, inc ` the rights-of-way. Removing or damaging plantings or objects placed by the City constitutes theft and/or vandalism, and if caught, could result in fines and criminal charges. For more information call the Mendota Heights Police Department at 651.452.1366. the Community Notification tab, and create an account. You can sign up a variety of devices and email addresses where you want to receive emergency messages. We are very careful to send only important weather, or other safety related messages that impact your home or business. You can opt -out at any time and the county does not share your information. Avoiding Car vs. Deer Accidents As you venture around the city, you may notice many roaming deer. Deer vs. vehicle crashes are at their highest in the autumn months but pose a threat all year long. Remember that your safety should be your first priority. • NEVER veer for deer! Swerving can cause a collision into oncoming traffic or off the road. • Drive at safe speeds and always buckle up. • Be especially cautious from 6 - 9:00 pm when deer are most active; look for deer eyes and silhouettes on the shoulder of the road. • Use high beams when possible at night. • Slow down in areas where there is a large deer population or deer crossing sign present. • If you see a deer, honk your horn to scare it off. If you do hit a deer with your vehicle, you may claim the "roadkill" only by calling 911 for law enforcement to respond. They can issue you a permit allowing you to lawfully possess the deer. If the deer is still alive, keep at a distance and watch to see if the deer is able to move on. If not, report the incident to a law enforcement agency or the DNR. As enticing as it may be to some, trapping and hunting in the City of Mendota Heights is prohibited per city ordinances. Fire Prevention Open House October 15, 2016 This year's Fire Prevention theme is "Don't Wait — Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years." Please join us for a fun -filled Fire Prevention Open House on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the fire station, 2121 Dodd Road, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. We will have a memorial service at 10:00 am and a live burn/ sprinkler demonstration at 2:30 pm. There will also be bingo, fire truck rides, free hot dogs and pop, and other exhibits. Have a safe and enjoyable fall season. Firefighters to Visit Schools Firefighters will be visiting preschoolers, kindergartners, and 4th graders at the local schools during Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2016, to discuss fire prevention topics with the students. Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarms In 2010, nearly 60 percent of Minnesota's fire deaths were in homes where smoke alarms were not present, not working, or not known to be working. • Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to provide protection for your family. • Carbon monoxide alarms are required within 10 feet of all sleeping areas. • Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home and in each sleeping area. • Replace smoke alarms after 10 years and CO alarms after five or seven years, or per manufacturer's instructions. Check the back of the alarm for a manufacture date. If it isn't there, the alarm is more than 10 years old. • Also, keep up with checking smoke detectors monthly. • When setting your clocks back on November 6, 2016, remember to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year when you change your clocks). Adopt -A —Hydrant There are 972 fire hydrants in the Fire Department's coverage area. When it is snowing, remember to clear the area around fire hydrants. During the summer and fall, remember to keep them free of weeds and plantings. Having a fire hydrant clear of snow and weeds will save the firefighters time and make it easier for them to locate. Sign up to Adopt - A -Hydrant at the Fire Prevention Open House. 68th Annual Firefighter's Dance The 68th annual Firefighter's Dance will be Friday, November 11, 2016 at the Hilton Mpls/St. Paul Airport Mall of America (3800 American Blvd E., Bloomington) from 8:00 pm to midnight. Music this year will be by "The Covers" - a premier band in the Twin Cities. They are professional musicians with diverse backgrounds, led by Bruce Balgaard and Sara Renner. "The Covers" brings vibrant energy to the dance floor. Do you like rock and roll, R&B or disco madness? They play it. They will deliver a night of music that will keep the party happening. Their passion for playing together translates to an absolute BLAST on the dance floor. Tickets are $12.00 each or 2 for $20.00 in advance. Tickets will be $15.00 at the door. Halloween Bonfire Join us at the Mendota Plaza for the annual Halloween Bonfire on October 31, 2016, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Firefighters will be handing out free hot dogs and pop for the little ghosts and goblins (and adults) to enjoy. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 5 POLLINATORS: Goldenrod vs. Ragweed An important native plant species to be enjoyed during mid to late summer is Goldenrod (genus: Solidago). Goldenrod provides nectar and pollen for various native pollinators such as beetles, flies, wasps, bees, and butterflies. Adult monarch butterflies feed on its nectar, a carbohydrate made of water and sugar, which is found in the flowers of the Goldenrod. When Goldenrod turns golden yellow, another plant, Ragweed (genus: Ambrosia) is also in bloom. Goldenrod is often mistaken for Ragweed that causes misery to people who suffer from allergies. It is Ragweed that causes the allergies, not Goldenrod. Goldenrod blooms are a bright yellow on a single stem with lanceolate leaves (shaped like a lance). Ragweed has small heads of greenish yellow flowers with lobed leaves that look fern like. Ragweed is wind pollinated and each plant is capable of releasing an incredible amount of allergens in the BROWN GREEN N EW form of pollen. Ragweed pollen is easily inhaled into our lungs causing irritation for many. On the other hand, Goldenrod pollen has an oily coating on its pollen grain and it is pollinated primarily by native insects. Its pollen is heavy and is carried off by pollinators and not readily windborne like Ragweed. Research has determined that insect populations are in decline on our planet. Goldenrod is important as a food source for many valuable insects which in turn are food for bird species. A decline in insects contributes to a decline in other species. Control Ragweed by mowing (before it seeds) or by uprooting (pulling or digging) this shallow rooted plant. Blooming Goldenrod is a harbinger that summer is coming to an end, so go outside and enjoy the golden blooms of Goldenrod knowing that it is not causing your allergies and get after the Ragweed for easier breathing the rest of the summer. Dispose of yard and tree waste the right way Did you know it's illegal to put yard and tree waste in your household trash? That's because it doesn't belong in the landfill. But don't be stumped — there are many convenient ways to properly manage brush, garden debris, grass clippings, leaves, sod, logs, trees, plants, compost, mulch and more. Here are a few: 1. Backyard composting. This is an easy way to turn much of the waste from your yard and kitchen into a rich material that improves soil. 2. Curbside pick-up. Contact your waste hauler to find out if they offer yard waste curbside pick-up. 3. Drop-off locations Bring your yard and tree waste to the nearest compost site. STORE BRAND BAG Home improvement stores sell paper and compostable bags to help contain yard waste. State law requires residents to use these instead of plastic bags to bag their yard waste for drop-off at a compost site or for curbside service. For more information on yard waste disposal options, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search yard waste or call 952.891.7020. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. Parks and Recreation FALL 2016! for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall. Gymnastics Classes For boys & girls, ages 3 and up. Classes include: Balance Beam, Uneven Bars, Floor Exercise, Tumbling & more. All classes will be held at Henry Sibley High School, small gym. Girls should wear leotards; boys may wear shorts & t -shirts. Winter session (10 weeks) — Saturdays, December 3, 10, 17, 2016; January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18, 2017 Tumbling Tykes Tumbling Tots Kinder Tumbling Beginner Ages 3 & 4 Ages 4 & 5 Ages 5 & 6 Ages 6 & up 8:30 — 9:00 am 9:05 — 9:35 am 9:40 — 10:20 am 10:25 — 11:25 am $ 90.00 $ 90.00 $ 90.00 $ 125.00 Fall Field Trip: Horseback Riding at Bunker Stables Ride guided trails on your own horse and enjoy a hayride. Please bring a bag lunch and beverage (no concessions available). We will wrap up with games, a campfire and s'mores. Please note that in case of rain, the trip will be moved indoors at Bunker Hills Riding Arena. Riders must wear a helmet and be 48 inches tall. Thursday, October 20 Ages 8 & up $ 40.00 Bus Departs Mendota Heights City Hall at 9:00 am and returns at 3:30 pm. Mendota Heights Par 3 Come check out our great clubhouse which includes a big screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a great atmosphere to relax before or after your round of golf. There is still plenty of great golfing weather. The Mendota Heights Par 3 will remain open until the snow flies. Fall Rates (beginning September 26): Weekdays $8 Weekends $10 Fall Activities at the Par 3 Clubhouse The Par 3 Clubhouse will be open and available for individuals to play cribbage and scrabble through October 26th. Mondays Wednesdays Cribbage and Coffee Social Scrabble 10:00 am to 12 noon 10:00 am to 12 noon Mendota Heights Book Club Join others to discuss some great books. We will choose a different book each month, then meet to discuss the wonderful story we have read. The book club will meet at Mendota Elementary in the Media Center from 10:00 - 11:00 am. To obtain a copy of the latest books, contact the Wentworth Library at 651.554.6800. September 21 October 19 November 16 The Poisonwood Bible Spirit Car A Journey into a Dakota Past The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates by Barbara Kingsolver by Diane Wilson by Wes Moore HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS SEPTEMBER 2016 Issue: 106 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 651.452.1850 Mark McNeill, City Administrator Mike Andrejka, Building Official John Maczko, Fire Chief 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 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/MendotaHeirrhtsMN • Twitter. com/Oa mendota heights City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com *****ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER E c1 .. solution finance '� beware v C ° banking commercescreen information danger workings •dad safe N Sstealin`gss cam SeCUrlty wlnerdbi' firewall data o protection • co porate laptop • W rk criminal caution v cyber '�' n�'praaa=Y: downloadtrateg (Id to', steal communication jraycli 8: warning 4 nhichinn L PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit #32324 Twin Cities, MN compter 3 O network attack'' 2 eT� v DON'T BECOME A VICTIM OF FRAUD The Police Department's most frequent calls for service are around identity theft fraud, scams, credit card theft, and breached bank account data. Protect yourself now to avoid significant frustration later. Anyone can become a victim. Here are some recommendations to make your safety a number one priority. • Call 911 for any incident requiring police, fire or medical response. It is not just for emergencies anymore! Allow police dispatch to determine if it is an emergency. • Your cell phone is an important emergency tool — keep it secure. Release your cell phone number sparingly. Ensure your "In Case of Emergency" (ICE) contact is updated and your location feature is turned on (if it is available on your phone) or off depending on your security preferences. Updating your "Health" app is also recommended in the event of an emergency. • Use your home phone for business related contacts and use caller ID and voicemail to screen your calls. Do not answer or return calls to numbers you don't recognize — let it go to voicemail. Do not respond to threatening messages. Do not verify or provide any personal information over the phone. • Do not open your door to strangers. Soliciting for commercial purposes in our city is not allowed. If there are strangers at your door, do not let them in and do not engage them in conversation. If you are suspicious of them or fearful in any way, call 911 for police response. • Do not put the flag up on your mailbox when you have outgoing mail. If your mailbox is curbside, find alternate ways to mail outbound checks, money, and personal data.