Issue 45 - Heights Highlights Spring 1998PAGE 1 May, 1998 ISSUE 45
Celebrate
Mendota Heights Parks!
The Seventh Annual Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! will be
held on Saturday, July 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mendakota
Park is the site of this family oriented celebration. The day will
feature a youth softball tournament, food concessions, musical per-
formances and youth & family activities. Several highlights of this
year's celebration include:
Alpha Bits: Mendota Heights very own Alpha Bits will be the
Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks opening act. At 11:00 a.m. Alpha
Bits will put on a fun filled show which gets kids involved with
singing, dancing and lots of laughter.
Animals of Walton's Hollow: From 2:00-5:00 p.m. there will be
a petting zoo which includes animals such as goats, lambs, miniature
donkeys, pot belly pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, a turkey,
'lama, a calf, and the farm's Great Pyrenees dog.
Teddy Bear Band: The grand finale! The Teddy Bear Band will
be bringing their musical fun to the celebration at 4:15 p.m. The
Teddy Bear band inspires movement, imagination and fun for chil-
dren, families, and your bear. The audience will find themselves on
a musical journey, going on imaginary rides, playing games, per-
forming "Bear-Robics" & more. Remember to BYOTB-Bring Your
Own Teddy Bear!
These are just a few of the day's activities. A full lineup of this
event will appear in the Sun Current and Southwest Review during
the first week of July.
This event is made possible by the generous support of local
businesses, various groups and individuals. Donations are currently
being accepted to help support this community event. If you are
interested in making a donation or volunteering to help at this event,
please contact Bill at 452-1850.
Clean-up a Big Success
On Saturday, May 9, the city held its fourth annual Spring Clean-
up. Residents disposed of items such as car tires, remodeling debris
and scrap metal. The weather was good for the event, which helped
contribute to the high turnout. The city would like to thank our
volunteers for being on site during Spring Clean-up day to assist
residents in disposing of various items: Kevin Batchelder, Nancy
Bauer, Jim Danielson, Patrick Hollister, Scott Johnson, Tom Knuth,
Guy Kullander, Marc Mogan, Dan Tilsen and Curt Wimpee.
The city would also like to thank the following businesses and
_rganizations for making this event possible: Paster Enterprises,
Mendota Heights Rubbish, Greenman Technologies (BFI Tire Recy-
clers), Scrapbusters, and Dakota County Environmental Manage-
ment Special thanks also to JR's Appliance for picking up appliances
from residents' homes on Monday, May 11.
Trees Available
The City Council has budgeted funds to
continue the boulevard tree program for
1998. For the past several years, this pro-
gram has provided trees to residents inter-
ested in dressing up their boulevards.
For a pre -payment of $50 per tree, home-
owners may select from several varieties of
trees approximately 13/4 to 2 1/2 inches in
diameter, depending on the variety se-
lected. The trees will be planted in the fall
by a landscape contractor hired by the city.
Each tree will be guaranteed for one year.
If you are interested in participating, contact Nancy at City Hall,
452-1850, to place your name on a priority list. The limited quantity
of trees are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Home Improvement
Opportunities
Dakota County HRA currently has Home Improvement Loan
opportunities available to homeowners wishing to make repairs and
improvements to their homes. Loans can be used to make common
repairs such as window replacement, new siding, new roofing, and
mechanical repairs such as furnace replacement.
The HRA has two types of loans available. The Deferred Loan has
no monthly payments and 0% interest. The loan is repaid when
families move from the house or when ownership of the property
changes hands. The second type of loan is the Installment Loan.
These loans are available to homeowners with an annual interest rate
of 3% and manageable monthly payments. Both loans have a maxi-
mum loan amount of $15,000.
Eligibility for a Home Improvement Loan is based on family size
and household income. Interested homeowners should contact Mark
Hanson at the Dakota County Housing and Redevelopment Author-
ity at 423-8175.
You Be the Judge!
The Minnesota State Primary Election and the General and
City Election will be conducted this fall. Individuals are needed
to serve as election judges in all of the city's precincts.
Service as an election judge is challenging and rewarding. If
you would like to learn more about the election process and help
your community at the same time, contact City Clerk Kathleen
Swanson or Deputy Clerk Nancy Bauer at 452-1850.
PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES
Selecting Fertilizer for Your Lawn
ccording to the University of Minnesota Extension Service, most soils in Dakota County
cain sufficient amounts of phosphorus for healthy turf growth for established lawns. Soil
test results from Dakota County show that sixty-eight percent of the lawns needed no
additional phosphorus and about thirty percent needed a half -pound of phosphorus per 1,000
square foot per year. Phosphorus is the nutrient that can degrade water quality in local ponds
and lakes. It can cause significant algae blooms and promotes excess weed growth.
Residents are encouraged to test their soils to determine the level of nutrients needed for
their lawns. When soil tests show that there are adequate levels of phosphorus in the soil,
fertilizers with low (three or less), or zero phosphorus should be used. Late summer or fall
is the preferred time to fertilize lawns to help make healthier turf going into winter and to
improve spring green -up. It may not be necessary to fertilize at all in the spring if you fertilize
your lawn once or twice in the fall.
Grass requires sufficient amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with other
small amounts of nutrients, to be healthy and to resist disease. Unless a soil test indicates
differently, lawn fertilizers in Dakota County should contain a ratio of 4 nitrogen, 1
phosphorus, and 3 potassium. It is important to keep fertilizer off driveways and streets so
that it will not be carried through storm drains to local water bodies. Water entering storm
drains is not treated, and it drains directly to local water bodies.
The University of Minnesota INFO -U consumer help line provides recorded messages on
a variety of topics. To access INFO -U, call 624-2200. For more information on lawn care,
soil testing, and a catalog of INFO -U topics, contact the University of Minnesota Extension
Service in Farmington at 891-7700.
Summertime Reminders
Now that the weather is warmer, you may be planning summer projects, working on home
and yard maintenance or just thinking about spending some enjoyable time outdoors. We
the following information to help make summer more pleasant for you and your
i,.,.ghbors.
The 21 miles of city trails located adjacent to roadways or meandering through the bounty
of open space in the community offer an excellent opportunity for exercise and relaxation.
When walking or biking along the trails, please remember that the trails were designed for
mixed use. When you ride your bike, please be cautious and considerate, keeping your speed
at a level that is safe for both you and pedestrians. Walkers, please be alert for bicycles that
may be rounding a bend or coming over a hill.
If you plan to landscape your yard, please do not place bushes or place landscape material
within the boulevard areas. In the winter, the boulevard area is used for the storage of snow
plowed from city streets. Anything planted or placed within ten feet of the curb this summer
or fall could be damaged in coming winters, and since the city owns the boulevard area there
is no compensation for damages.
Permits are required for many home improvement projects, including decks, porches,
fences and swimming pools. Before beginning a project, stop in at City Hall to pick up
informational materials on permit requirements, or contact Paul Berg or Dick Gill, the city's
Code Enforcement Officers, at 452-1850.
New Fire Truck on the Scene
On January 30, the Fire Department took
delivery of its newest piece of fire fighting
equipment, a 1,500 gallon per minute pum-
per with a 65 foot rescue ladder device. This
truck replaces two older pieces of equip-
ment, a 1960 750 gallon per minute pumper
and 1970 1,000 gallon per minute pumper.
e new truck is equipped with a 365/400
,. e power engine, six speed automatic
transmission, and five person crew cab on a
freightliner chassis. The truck carries 500
gallons of water for a quick attack. Its body
is stainless steel construction to provide for
many years of service. The 65 foot hydraulic
ladder device on the truck improves the
department's capability to make quick res-
cues. It will also significantly improve fire-
fighter safety by keeping firefighters off the
roofs of burning structures.
LF..............
LrAom
, 1998
Recreational Fires
On January 20, 1998, the City Council
passed an ordinance change regarding rec-
reational fire permits. You may now have a
recreational fire without obtaining a permit
from the city. You must, however, comply
with the following regulations:
• Fires must be extinguished within
three hours after they are started, but I
not later than 11:00 p.m.
• Use clean and dry wood only (no re-
fuse, grass, leaves, logs over 3 in di-
ameter, paper, garbage or other com-
bustibles.
• The size of the fire cannot be more
than three feet in diameter, and flames
must not reach a height in excess of
three feet.
• No fire shall be within twenty feet of
any building or structure
• A means of extinguishment must be
in the immediate area of the fire.
• No fire shall be started or maintained
in dry conditions or winds over 15
MPH.
• Prior notice must be given to the pub-
lic safety dispatcher, at 450-1111, one
hour before the fire is ignited.
• Recreational fires must be constantly
attended by a competent person until
the fire has been completely extin-
guished.
The Fire Chief or his representative is
authorized to prohibit, suspend, or further
restrict all fires should atmospheric, drought,
wind, state or local circumstance or condi-
tions warrant or dictate such action. Viola-
tion of any of these regulations may result
in the issuance of a citation. If you have any
questions regarding these regulations, please
call Fire Marshal Paul Kaiser at 452-1850.
Fire Fighter Recruits
Four of the newest Fire Fighter Recruits
recently passed their state certification ex-
ams. John Boland, Rich Burrows, Rob
Galezewski, and David Bell were all certi-
fied at the Fire Fighter I level. Since August,
all of the recruits have been in extensive
training, including participation in more than
140 hours of training through the Minnesota
Technical College System, and additional
hours in inter -departmental training. Con-
gratulations to Rob, John, Rich and David.
PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES May, 1998
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARKS
AND
RECREATION
SPRING/SUMMER
TRIPS
AND
ACTIVITIES
FORT SNELLING STATE
PARK UPDATE
THOMAS C. SAVAGE VISITOR CENTER
Eleven years ago, an interpretive center in Fort Snelling State
Park was only a vision. On Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7
this vision became reality. The Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center
was dedicated with a two-day celebration and an open house. The
dedication ceremonies began on June 6 with a Native American
Drum Corps presentation and continued throughout the afternoon
and on Sunday.
The visitor center was designed by Duane "Dewey" Thorbeck,
a Mendota Heights resident, and Thorbeck Architects Ltd. Sev-
eral key features of the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center include
a plaza and gazebo area, classroom & interpretive space surpass-
ing the size of visitor centers found in other Minnesota State
Parks, a nature store, an outdoor amphitheater, a resource center,
a fireplace, restrooms, and vending machines.
The Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center is located within Fort
Snelling State Park. Fort Snelling State Park's entrance is ac-
cessed by taking Highway 5 to the east Post Road exit. The visitor
center is located directly below the fort, just north of the Mendota
Bridge.
Fort Snelling State Park, which is partially located within
Mendota Heights, is a valuable asset to the residents of the city.
In order to ensure that this local recreational resource is fully
recognized and utilized by Mendota Heights residents, the city
parks and recreation staff is increasing communication with State
Park staff as a means of putting Fort Snelling State Park amenities
in the spotlight.
For more information about the Thomas C. Savage Visitor
Center and other programs within Fort Snelling State Park, please
call (612) 725-2724.
OFFICE INFORMATION:
Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m
Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve
Phone: 452-1850 After Hours Update: 220-2156
PARKS AND RECREATION STAFF:
Bill Bird, Recreation Programmer
Terry Blum, Parks Leadperson
John Boland, Parks Crew
Mike Maczko, Parks Crew
SPROUTS!
NATURE EXPLORATIONS FOR
PRESCHOOLERS AND PARENTS
"Sprouts" is a four-week series which introduces children ages
3 through 5 to the delights of nature, hands-on and face to face.
Together, parents and children share stories, songs, crafts and trail
explorations. Classes are held in neighborhood parks and end with
a trip to the Minnesota Children's Museum. Be sure to dress for
outdoor weather, rain or shine! Scholarship money is available
for those who qualify. Registration is done through the Min-
nesota Children's Museum. For more information or to register
call (612) 225-6001
AGES:Parents and children ages 3 to 5.
DATES, TIMES & LOCATIONS:
Series III:Wednesday's, July 8-29,9:30-11:00 a.m., Como Park
Picnic Shelter, St. Paul.
Registration Deadline: Friday, June 26.
FEE: $30.00 per pair for Minnesota Children's Museum mer
hers. $45.00 per pair for non-members.
(Register through the Minnesota Children's Museum 225-
6001.)
ENJOY OUR CITY PARKS AND TRAILS!
With spring and summer right around the corner, we invite all
residents to enjoy the parks and trails we have here in Mendota
Heights. Explore the amenities your city has to offer while
enjoying the great outdoors!
City parks are open from 6:00 a.m, to 10:00 p.m. In order to
allow everyone the most enjoyable experience without conflict-
ing with the rights of fellow park users and neighboring residents,
we ask everyone's cooperation in abiding by the posted park
rules.
Park shelters and facilities are available for reservation on a
first-come, first-served basis. For information on rental proce-
dures and fees, please contact Bill at 452-1850. Rental groups are
responsible for the clean up of trash and debris in the area reserved
for their activity.
City of Mendota Heights ordinances require all dogs in the city
to be leashed. This especially pertains to park property. Pet
owners are permitted to have their leashed pet in city parks and
on city trails and are required to clean up any droppings left by
their animals.
Finally, to assist the City in the maintenance and appearanc,
our parks and trails, we ask for everyone's cooperation in us..__
the trash and recycling receptacles provided.
PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES May, 1998
Youth Day Trips
CRYSTAL CAVES
SPRING VALLEY, WI
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
Explore Crystal Caves in Spring Valley, WI. Discover an
incredible new world while exploring this geological wonder.
We will have a "Cool" time (literally) touring the caves -bring a
jacket it is very chilly in the caves. After the tour we will have
lunch (Bring a sack lunch.) and on the way home we will stop
for a cool treat at Dairy Queen (Bring extra money for this
stop.).
AGES: 7-12 years old
DATE: Thursday, June 18
BUS PICK UP& West St. Paul City Hall
RETURN: 1616 Humboldt Ave, WSP
DEPARTS: 8:30 a.m.
RETURNS: 3:00 p.m.
DEADLINE: Register by Thursday, June 11, by 4:30 p.j
FEE: $7.00 per person
MINNESOTA TWINS VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
See the Twins take on the National
League's newest team, the Milwaukee
Brewers. Yes, the team from Cheeseland
is now in the National League Central
Division. Spend the day in the mighty
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome watch-
ing an inter -league game. The first pitch
is at 12:15 p.m. Included in the registra-
tion fee is a hot dog or popcorn & a soda. You may bring extra
money for snacks and souvenirs.
AGES: 7-12 years old
DATE: Thursday, June 25
BUS PICK UP&: West St. Paul City Hall
RETURN 1616 Humboldt Ave, WSP
DEPARTS: 9:45 a.m.
RETURNS: 3:30 p.m.(If the game is normal length.)
DEADLINE: Register by Monday, June 15, by 4:30 p.m.
FEE: $9.00 per person
HYLAND PARK CHUTES & LADDERS AND
BUSH LAKE BEACH, BLOOMINGTON
THURSDAY, JULY 9
Experience a variety of chutes, slides, swings, ropes, tunnels
and more. This giant size playground features a 75 foot slide!
Afterwards, a trip to Bush Lake Beach. Bring a lunch, swim suit
& towel for this fun filled day.
AGES: 7-12 years old
DATE: Thursday, July 9
BUS PICK UP & West St. Paul City Hall
RETURN 1616 Humboldt Ave, WSP
DEPARTS: 9:30 a.m.
RETURNS: 3:30 p.m.
DEADLINE: Register by Monday, June 29, by 4:30 p.m
FEE: $5.50 per person
WAVE POOL & LUNCH
COON RAPIDS
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 1998
Looking for "surf' in Minnesota? Well, vp
you can find it at the Coon Rapids Wave
Pool. Four foot high waves are created for
an ocean effect. Bring your swim suit, towel
and a change of clothes. Tubes are available
for an extra $2.00. This trip is offered for
children ages 10 and older. The fee in-
cludes a box lunch, small soda. Additional snacks are available
at your own expense.
AGES: 10-17 years old
DATE: Thursday, July 23
BUS PICK UP& West St. Paul City Hall
RETURN 1616 Humboldt Ave, WSP
DEPART S: 9:00 a.m.
RETURNS: 3:15 p.m.
DEADLINE: Register by Monday, July 13, by 4:30 p.m.
FEE: $12.00 per person
WILD WATERS WATER PARK
SUMMERSET, WI
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
A ton of water fun! So many things to do and so much water to
do it in. Use your unlimited slide pass for the 3 super slides, plus
a visit to Water Wars. In addition to the water activities you will
be able to play volleyball, mini -golf and enjoy lunch.
AGES: 7-12 years old
DATE: Thursday, August 6
BUS PICK UP & West St. Paul City Hall
RETURN 1616 Humboldt Ave, WSP
DEPARTS: 9:00 a.m.
RETURNS: 3:15 p.m.
DEADLINE: Register by Monday, July 27 by 4:30 p.m.
FEE: $16.00 per person(Includes Lunch)
WILD MOUNTAIN
TAYLOR'S FALLS, WI
Thursday, August 20
Waterslides, alpine slides & go carts! The summer is winding
down, but the fun isn't. Slip and slide for five hours on the four
water slides and alpine slide and don't forget to race your friends
on the go carts. Bring a sack lunch or purchase your lunch at Wild
Mountain.
AGES: 7-12 years old
DATE: Thursday, August 20
BUS PICK UP& West St. Paul City Hall
RETURN: 1616 Humboldt Ave, WSP
DEPARTS: 8:45 a.m.
RETURNS: 4:00 p.m.
DEADLINE: Register by Monday, Aug. 10, by 4:30 p.m.
FEE: $18.00 per person
PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES May, 1998
PERFORMANCES IN THE PARK
The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a series of FREE
performances in the park! This summer's performances offer a wide variety of entertainment
for people of all ages. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a favorite summertime drink. Glass
containers are prohibited in Mendota Heights parks. Children must be accompanied by an
adult.
Wednesday, June 17
7:00 p.m.
"The Paul Heffron Music"
(the natural pH balance in music)
Mendakota Park Pavilion
This father and son duo perform a variety of old time hits and
some modern music with a "Big Band" sound. Paul Heffron plays
the keyboard and is the lead singer for their musical arrangements.
Air,Harvey Heffron (Paul's father) plays the trombone and has seven
decades of musical experience. Harvey was with Lawrence Welk
in the 1930's as a trombonist and arranger, the Jules Herman
Orchestra at the Prom Ballroom in the 1950's and with Harry Blons
at the St. Paul Hotel in the 1960's. This performance is bound to
bring back a lot of musical memories.
Wednesday, July 15
7:00 p.m.
"Rascals In Paradise"
Rogers Lake Park Pavilion
Rachel Kroog is a naturalist, singer and dreamer whose
life's work is a magical combination of her three favorite
things: children, music and nature. Rachel will bring her
music and Rascal characters to Rogers Lake Park for an
evening of music and discovery. Children will be chal-
lenged to move beyond fear and misunderstanding toward
respect for themselves and their environment. (The ideal
audience for this performance includes children preschool
age through 6th grade.)
Wednesday, July 22
7:00 p.m.
"Urban Renewal Bluegrass"
Rogers Lake Park Pavilion
St. Paul based Urban Renewal Bluegrass performs a "driving
and fast" style of bluegrass. In addition to bluegrass a touch
of jazz, pop and country filters into some of their numbers. An
Urban Renewal Bluegrass show is highly entertaining for both
bluegrass diehards as well as newcomers to this truly American
style of music. Bluegrass is alive in Minnesota!
Wednesday, August 5
7:00 p.m.
"Wonderful World of Woody"
Mendakota Park Pavilion
Sing, dance and laugh with Woody as he and his guitar strum up
children's music. If your kids are into the music and fun of Rafr and
Barney your kids will enjoy this performance. Besides his musical
talents, Woody will juggle and perform magic. Woody loves audience
participation so don't be afraid to let loose. (The ideal audience for this
performance includes children preschool age through 3rd grade.)
All performances are subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. Canceled
performances will be re -scheduled if possible.
Safety Camp
August 11,12,13
Children will learn how to reduce the
risk of accidents and increase the safety
of their everyday lives. The camp will
focus on building safety skills, while at
the same time the children will have fun
and meet new and interesting people.
Instructors of the camp are volunteers
from local police & fire departments,
utility companies, and paramedics as
well as other professionals whose jobs
deal with personal and public safety.
Topics such as stranger safety, weather
safety, drug awareness, animal safety,
home safety and first aid are just some of
the areas which will be addressed.
Safety Camp is designed for children
who will be entering the 3rd and 4th
grade in the Fall of 1998. At the conclu-
sion of the camp there will be a family
picnic with hotdogs, ice cream and bev-
erages. The camp is sponsored by the
VFW Gallagher Hanson Post 295.
• AGES: Children entering the 3rd
and 4th grades in the Fall of 1998.
• DATES: August 12, 13, 14
• LOCATION: Kaposia Park (Lo-
cated at Wilde and Butler Avenues
in South St. Paul.)
• TIME: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
• FEE: $20.00 per participant (In-
cludes a T-shirt, lunch everyday, in-
struction, supervision and picnic.)
*There is a limited enrollment for each
community(Mendota Heights, Inver
Grove Heights, West St. Paul and South
St. Paul) participating. To be placed on
the preliminary roster contact Bill at 452-
1850. Placement on the preliminary ros-
ter does not guarantee final enrollment.
Further details and scheduling informa-
tion will be mailed to each registered
participant during the last week of July.
Fireworks
Planned!
Mendakota Country
Club, in cooperation
with the city, plans to
sponsor the fourth an-
nual fireworks display on the Fourth of
July. Watch your local newspapers for
further information on parking and other
details.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION
Registration for programs may be made in person or by mail at the Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. All
registrations must be accompanied by program fee (checks made payable to the City of Mendota Heights).
Deadlines
Most activities have limited enrollment and registration deadlines, so please register as
soon as possible. Registrations will NOT be taken over the phone.
Non-resident Fee
Non-residents are welcome to participate in our programs, however, residents will receive
priority registration. There is a $5.00 non-resident fee per participant, per activity if
you live outside Mendota Heights. Please include the non-resident fee with regular
registration costs when enrolling.
Refund Policy
A $2.00 service fee will be charged for individual cancellations made prior to the start of
a program or its registration deadline. This service fee will also apply to registrations
taken after the deadline date, if enrollment allows, with the exception of being on a
participant waiting list. No refunds will be given after registration deadlines or the start
of an activity. Registration fees for programs canceled by the City will be fully refunded.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Confirmation
There will be no further confirmation
after registration. It is your responsibility
to be present on the date and time your
program begins. You will receive notifi-
cation if a program is filled, canceled, or
changed.
Participants With Disabilities
Participants with disabilities who are in
need of any special assistance or auxil-
iary aids should notify the Parks and
Recreation Department at the time of
registration to ensure that any need can
be met to fully participate and enjoy a
program or service.,
REGISTRATION FORM - PLEASE PRINT
Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Office Use Only:
1101 Victoria Curve DateReceived: Receipt H:
`4endota Heights MN 55118
none: 452-1850 Check u: Cash:_ ay:
!AA A D.I&A A JA
Parent/Guardian Name:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
Address:
City: Zip Code:
Please check
❑
for $5.00
Non -Resident Fee
Participant Name
1.
Gender
(Circle)
M F
Birthdate
/_/
Activity Name
Start
Date
/_/_
Time
FEE
$
2.
M F
/_/
/_/_
$
3.
M F
/ /
/ /
$
liability of Accidents
1 agree that all activities undertaken by me or my child as part of the program are undertaken by me or my child at my or his/her own risk and that the City of Mendota Heights shall not be liable for any claim,
demands, injuries, damages, actions, or causes of action whatsoever to myself or my child or my property or my child's property due to the passive or active negligence of the City of Mendota Heights, it's
agents, or employees arising out of or connected with my or my child's participation in or the use of operation of equipment in this program and that I expressly forever release and discharge the City of Mendota
Heights, its agents, or employees from all such claims, demands, injuries, damages, actions or causes of action whatsoever.
1 understand that my signature is required before my or my child's participation in this program is allowed.
I have read this Agreement carefully and know and understand its contents.
Signature Date
PAGE 8
City Participates in
Purple Loosestrife
Control Program
Purple Loosestrife is an aggressive inva-
sive weed that is forming dense uniform
stands and replacing diversified native flora,
including important waterfowl food plants,
and taking over many wetland areas. The
Minnesota Department ofNatural Resources
has declared it a noxious weed and requires
that it be controlled. Various federal, state,
county and city departments have been try-
ing to control the spread of purple loosestrife
by various means including cutting it, pull-
ing it out, spraying it with herbicides and
burning it. As city staff has found, some of
the control methods make the situation
worse by killing surrounding plants so its
seeds have no competition. Many of the
city's wetlands have major infestations.
Biological control of the plant began in
Germany in the 1960's. It was found that
certain species of beetles would control the
spread of the weed. In 1992, after years of
careful and extensive research for any nega-
tive affects of these beetles by several gov-
ernmental agencies and universities, the
United States Department of Agriculture ap-
proved the release of these beetles as biologi-
cal control agents in the U.S.
City staff, with the aid of the Dakota
County Agriculture inspector, has begun a
program for this type of control. They trans-
planted 22 purple loosestrife plants from a
wetland site to pots at the public works ga-
rage. These plants are being grown to act as
hosts for the leaf feeding beetles that will be
placed on them in late May. Twelve beetles
will be placed on each plant where they will
colonize and produce between one thousand
and two thousand others. These potted
plants will then be distributed to loosestrife
infested wetlands around the city. The bee-
tles are expected to leave the host plants and
feed on existing ones. Research has shown
that in a few years the beetles will multiply
in numbers and will be able to reduce the
growth and reproduction of this noxious
weed.
Heights Highlites is a government news-
letter distributed to residents to inform
them on events and activities that affect
Mendota Heights. All articles, layout and
production are done by city staff members.
If you know any residents who are not
receiving the Heights Highlites, please in-
vite them to contact City Hall, 452-1850,
to be placed on the newsletter mailing list.
HEIGHTS HIGHLITES Mav, 1998
Residential Safety Tips
As we enjoy the great weather of another Minnesota summer, it seems that our lives becc
even busier. We look forward to family outings, outdoor sporting events and maybe travel i..a
to northern Minnesota for a vacation. We should take a few moments to consider how we
can reduce our risk of being the victim of crime while our homes are unattended.
Burglary is the fastest growing felony crime in the United States. A burglar enters
someone's residence in this nation every 15 seconds! Of the $400 million worth of goods
stolen each year, only 5% is recovered.
Burglars operate in many different ways. Some knock on doors to see if anyone is at home.
If someone answers, they make up an excuse and go to another house. Others cruise the
neighborhood looking for telltale signs that no one is at home such as newspapers that have
not been removed. Still, the most common burglar is a teenager who lives in a nearby
neighborhood.
Residential alarm systems remain a good investment. Despite all the publicity about
complex electronic burglary -prevention systems, techniques for protecting your home and
family are really quite simple. The best precautionary measures you can take involve
old-fashioned common sense and good modem locks.
You can't make a house absolutely burglar proof. You can make it so difficult for a burglar
to make entry that he will go elsewhere in search of an easier victim. Burglars don't like
delay, risk or noise. Make sure you have deadbolt locks on your doors and also good window
locks. Leave exterior lights on during times of darkness when not at home.
When away on vacation, the goal is to maintain a "lived-in" appearance for your home.
Have newspapers, mail and other delivery services discontinued during your absence.
Arrange to have your lawn mowed while you are gone. Purchase an inexpensive timer to
turn your interior lights on and off. Ask a neighbor to periodically check your house.
One of the most important ways of protecting your home is to know your neighbors. When
you are familiar with regular visitors, strangers in the neighborhood are easier to spot. If you
should notice a stranger who appears to be doing something out of the ordinary, call the
Mendota Heights Police immediately.
Preventing crime is everyone's business. If you would like more information on what
can do to reduce your risk of being a victim of a crime, please contact us at the Menau,a
Heights Police Department, 452-1850. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Weed Warning!
The City Code Enforcement staff is ac-
tively enforcing ordinances regulating the
removal of noxious weeds or grass more
than 12" tall. Violators will be notified and
given a reasonable time to correct the
problem. If notices are ignored, the city
will contract to have the property mowed
and will bill the cost to the property owner.
For further information, call Dick Gill at
452-1850.
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, Mn. 55118
Feelin' Licked?
When air noise becomes
unbearable and disrupts
your family's lifestyle, the9
Metropolitan Airports
Commission wants to
know. Call the MAC air
noise complaint line at
726-9411. If possible, be
prepared to provide the
MAC with information on time, location,
direction and aircraft type.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No, 6166
St. Paul, Mn. 55118
POSTAL PATRON CARRIER ROUTE
PRESORT
MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN
55118 ECR WSS