Loading...
Issue 44 - Heights Highlights Winter 1998PAGE 1 February,1998 ISSUE 44 RUNWAY RECONSTRUCTION IN 1998 The Metropolitan Airports Commission has announced that it will begin the first phase of a long-awaited reconstruction of the south parallel runway (runway 12R/30L) beginning on April 1, 1998. Reconstruction of Runway 12R/30L will focus on the western 3,400 MSP Runway Use in Southeast Flow feet and it is anticipated that the work will be completed by August of 1998. In 1999, the eastern 3,000 feet of runway is expected to be reconstructed with the total project cost expected to be approximately $17 million. The original runway was constructed in the 1950's and consists of 8-11 inch thick concrete overlaid with 10 inches of bituminous, or )halt. These runway materials have deteriorated due to age and ,vere not designed for today's heavier aircraft. Reconstruction with 20-24 inch thick concrete will accommodate the heavier aircraft currently using the airport and increased traffic loads in the future. The reconstruction of the south parallel runway will result in changes to the current operation patterns at the airport, primarily an increase in the use of the crosswind runway (runway 4/22) for departures to the southwest over Bloomington and Richfield. For Mendota Heights, the operations on the north parallel runway (runway 12L/3 OR) will not change significantly, although there will be a slight increase in daily operations off of this runway. An estimated, additional 10-15 jet aircraft are anticipated to use this runway each day during the reconstruction period. The north parallel runway, 12L/30R, will be used for arrivals and departures for all types of aircraft, as it is being used today. This includes narrow and wide body aircraft, as well as, regional aircraft that will use the north parallel for arrivals and departures similar to its current use. During reconstruction, the south parallel runway, 12R/30L, will be reduced to 6,000 feet of usable runway length. Use ofregional aircraft is expected to increase on the south parallel runway during recon- struction. Narrow and wide body aircraft use is expected to decrease, as it is shifted to the crosswind runway, 4/22. The crosswind runway, 4/22, will see an overall increase in use. Larger, heavier aircraft will require the use of the full length of runway 4/22 for both arrivals and departures. During the reconstruction, the winds will generally favor an east- erly departure and arrival flow. This configuration will result in departures from both parallel runways and the crosswind runway. Arrivals will most likely occur on the parallel runways, except for large and long-haul flights. When the weather requires the use of the airport in a westerly flow, aircraft will depart using the north parallel and the crosswind runway, 4/22, while arrivals will use the parallel runways 30L and 30R. The reconstruction is not expected to impact the airport's capacity. Construction will occur Monday through Saturdays on a fast track. I -35E BRIDGE OPEN HOUSE The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) has announced that it will conduct an informational open house to discuss replacement of the I -35E bridge. The bridge project is scheduled to begin in three years and take two years to complete. The open house will be held in the Mendota Heights City Council Chambers on Tuesday, April 7, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. All residents are invited to attend. PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES February, 1998 Fourth Annual Spring Clean -Up Day Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mendota Plaza, Highway 110 and Dodd Road (Enter and exit from South Plaza Drive) Take advantage of the city-wide spring clean-up day to clean out the garage and storage areas, and tidy up your home and yard. The Mendota Plaza, located at Highway 110 and Dodd Road, will again be the collection site. You should enter and exit the Mendota Plaza from South Plaza Drive. The city wide spring clean-up is limited to Mendota Heights Residents Only! Identification will be requierd. Only cars, pick-ups and small trailers will be allowed to bring items. No contractor or commercial debris will be accepted. We will accept the following items: We will not accept the following items: � Car Tires, Furniture, and Mattresses $3.00 each 0 Household Hazardous Waste (Motor Oil, � Scrap Metals (remove all non-metal Batteries, Paint, Household Chemicals, etc.) components) .......... Volume -Based Fee® 0 Items that can be recycled curbside Home Remodeling Debris and - '�• 0 Home Electronics Miscellaneous Junk .......... Volume -Based Fee 0 Yard Waste Spring Clean -Up is made possible by a grant from Dakota County Environmental Management. Mendota Heights Appliance Collection Day Monday, May 11, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ,n conjunction with Spring Clean -Up, the city will again sponsor an appliance collection day.Old appliances can be picked up from your driveway! Put your appliances out the night before and they will be picked up by JR's Appliance. Call JR's by Friday May 6 for prices and to schedule your appliance pick-up. Dial JR's at 454-9215 and ask for Operator 33. On pick-up day, make your check payable "JR's Appliance" and place it inside your appliance. Work on City's Comprehensive Plan Continues Mendota Heights has contracted with the planning consultants of McCombs Frank Roos Associates to assist the City Council and advisory commissions in revising the City's Comprehensive Plan. A complete revision is due to the Metropolitan Council by December 31, 1998. A Comprehensive Plan is a document that takes inventory of a City's current situation and sets guidelines for future growth and change over the next 20 years. The first workshop for the 1998 revision of the Comprehensive Plan for the City was held on Tuesday, October 14, 1997, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The following six issues emerged as the highest priorities for the Comprehensive Plan: • Airport Noise: Runway Issues and General Diligence • Development of Dodd Road and Highway 110 Intersection • Development of Garron Site/Resurrection Site/Highway 55 Corridor • Air Noise Compatibility Issues for Redevelopment • Maintenance of Older Housing Stock • Creation of an Economic Development Strategy • Preservation of Open Space The City will hold forums for public input on the draft of the revised Comprehensive Plan .er this year. These opportunities for public input will be advertised in this newsletter and in local papers. CITY DIRECTORY Council Members: Charles Mertensotto, Mayor John Huber Christine Koch Sandra Krebsbach Jill Smith Staff Members: Kevin Batchelder, City Administrator Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk James Danielson, Public Works Director Donn Anderson Acting Police Chief John Maczko, Fire Chief Code Enforcement Officers: Paul Berg & Dick Gill 454-3394 450-0729 451-9508 454-5696 688-7444 452-1850 452-1850 452-1850 452-1366 454-3266 452-1850 PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES February, 1998 MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION SPRING/SUMMER TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES Mendota Heights Senior Club The Mendota Heights Senior Club meets the fourth Wednesday of every month, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., in Parkview Plaza's club house, 730 S. Plaza Dr. The club is open to all adults who are 55 and older. Meetings are designed to be socially uplifting, educa- tional and all around fun. The club is interested in individuals with all abilities and talents to assist with the planning and facilitation ofineetings, programs and events. The club has planned programs in conjunction with the monthly meetings. The programs for the next five months include: March 25: Dakota County Historical Society - Learn and reminisce about the history of the area. April 22: Dodge Nature Center - A "Spring Awakening" day trip. May 27: Musical Presentation. June 24: Picnic/Cookout - A traditional summer barbecue. Currently there is no Senior Club membership fee. A collection is taken at each meeting to cover costs for coffee, snacks, and program materials. (Contributions are minimal.) For informa- tion about upcoming meetings, programs and directions to Parkview Plaza, please call Bill Bird, Recreation Programmer, at 452-1850. Thank you! The Parks and Recreation Department and the Mendota Heights Senior Club would like to thank the Dakota County H.R.A. for its generosity in allowing the club to meet in Parkview Plaza's Community Room. This room has allowed the club to have a home to meet, share, and grow. 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 BUILD A BIRD HOUSE Spring is near and the birds are returning. Many species are already building their nests and prepar- ing to start a new family. Give them a helping A hand by building your own birdhouse! Naturalist Tim Lundahl will give you a few tips on how you _- can attract birds to your backyard while you as- semble your bird house. Your backyard chickadees and house wrens will be grateful for their new custom-made home. Don't forget to bring your own hammer! AGES: Parent-child pairs of any age. DATE: Thursday, March 26 TIME: 6:30-8:00 p.m. WHERE: Mendota Heights City Hall DEADLINE: Registrations due by March 18 Minimum: 8 parent-child pairs Maximum: 20 parent-child pairs FEE: $10 per parent-child pair (includes bird house kits ENJOY OUR CITY PARKS AND TRAMS! 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 appearance of our parks and trails, we ask for everyone's cooperation in usin, the trash and recycling receptacles provided. PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES February, 1998 YOUTH ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES District 197 is offering many youth programs which will keep the minds and bodies of children grades K-8 active during the summer. Listed ,elow you will find the dates, times and a brief description of the programs offered. More detailed information will be sent home with District 197 students in March. A preview/registration night is being held on Thursday, March 19 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Middle School Cafeteria. The preview/registration program is designed to allow parents and children to meet the instructors and "sample" the programs being offered. All 1998 Summer Youth Activities will be at Heritage Middle School or Sibley High School. For more information or if you would like a Summer catalog sent to you contact Barbara at District 197, 905-4182. YOUTH TENNIS Developing the proper strokes and strategies are keys to becom- ing a skilled tennis player. Children will learn through the teach- ing of the instructor and drills, the fundamentals of the game and skill development. Please bring your own racquet and wear tennis or all -court shoes(no black soled shoes). Shorts without pockets are also required. Grades: 4-6 Date: Saturdays, April 18 -May 9 Time: 9:00-10:00 a.m. Location: Henry Sibley High School Fee: $25.00 for 4 sessions Grades: 7-9 Date: Saturdays, April 18 -May 9 Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m. Location: Henry Sibley High School Fee: $25.00 for 4 sessions SIBLEY SOFTBALL SPRING CLINIC Come have fun while learning about the exciting game of softball. Join the Henry Sibley girls varsity softball team for a softball skills clinic. The clinic will cover basic skills and drills for softball players of any skill level. Skills will include fast pitch and slow pitch technique. Please bring a softball glove, cleats and wear practice attire. The clinic will be directed by Kathy Fletcher, head softball coach at Henry Sibley High School, staff, and members of the varsity softball team. Ages: 8-14 Date: Saturday, May 16 Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m. Location: Henry Sibley High School Fee:$9.00 per participant MIDDLE SCHOOL DROP-IN CENTER Community Education is offering an after school Drop-in Cen- ter at both Heritage and Friendly Hills Middle Schools. The center provides middle school students the opportunity to receive homework help, participate in group activities, and interact with Sibley High School students, as well as adult mentors, in a constructive environment. The Drop-in Center schedule for both middle schools is Tues- days after school. Preregistration is required. For more informa- tion or to volunteer, please call Erik Lovdahl, District 197, at 905-4181. SUMMER ACADEMIC INSTITUTE A wide variety of exciting, non-traditional classes that allow students, Grades K-8, to create, explore and discover in areas of their particular interest. Dates: Session I June 22 -July 9 Session II July 13-30 (Monday -Thursday) Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Fee: $108.00 per session SUMMER UNDER THE SUN This afternoon program provides enrichment classes and fun activities including swimming for Grades: K-8 Dates: Session I June 22 -July 2 Session II July 6-9 Session III July 13-23 Session N July 27-30 (Monday -Thursday) Time: Noon -5:00 p.m. Fee: $90.00 per week for the 2 week sessions. $50.00 per week for the 1 week sessions. SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAM Group band and orchestra instruction based on experience level. Beginners are in class for their specific instrument. Grades: 4-8 Date: June 22 -July 30 (Monday -Thursday) Time: To be announced. Fee: $70.00 Ensembles $80.00 Beginners EXTENDED DAY An affordable, educational alternative to traditional school-age child care. Grades: K-8 Date: June 8 -August 21(Not available August 24 -Sep- tember 7.) (Monday -Friday) Time: 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Fee: To be announced. SUMMER ATHLETIC CAMPS Instructional basketball, baseball, softball and football camps. Date:Beginning on June 8. (More information forthcoming.) PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES February, 1998 IN-LINE SKATING LESSONS Do you want to learn how to In -Line skate or improve your skating skill? Check out our beginner skating lessons and Street Smart Skating clinic. John Glynn from the Dynamic Skate School and Team Ramp will be instructing each lesson and clinic. Each lesson and clinic requires the use of a helmet and wrist guards. Knee and elbow pads are recommended but not required. Equip- ment rental is available. Rental needs must be noted when regis- tering. STREET SMART SKATING CLINIC Saturday, April 19 This clinic deals with going up and down hills, over curbs and bumps, traffic, skating with a group, and the rules of the road. This clinic is open to all ages but you must know how to in-line skate. Maximum class size: 20. AGES: All ages DATE: Thursday, June 4 TIME: 5:00 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. p.m. FEE: $7 per person WHERE: Mendakota Park YOUTH BEGINNER SKATING LESSONS Monday and Tuesday, May 19-20 This class teaches the fundamentals of in-line skating. Getting started, stopping, rules of the road are just a few examples of the techniques instructed in this two day session. AGES: 6-14 years old DATE: Tuesday, May 26, Wednesday, May 27 TIME: 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. FEE: $12 per person WHERE: Mendakota Park ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUES Registration information is now available for a variety of Adult ASA sanctioned slow -pitch softball leagues. League packets can be obtained at City Hall. Leagues being offered include: Men's Class C, to be played on Monday evenings; Men's Class D and Women's Class D to be played on Tuesday evenings; and a Men's Over 30 Class D to be played on Thursday evenings. There will be priority registration for returning Mendota Heights teams from February 23 -March 6. New Mendota Heights Resident team registration will occur on a first come, first served basis from March 9-13. A Mendota Heights resident is defined as a person either residing or working within Mendota Heights. Teams may have up to four players who are non-residents and still be considered a Mendota Heights team. Returning non-resi- dent teams and new non-resident teams may register March 16-20 on a first come, first served basis. If you have any other questions please call Bill Bird at 452-1850. GOLF LEAGUES Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation, in cooperation with Par 3 Golf Course, will be offer- ing summer golf leagues. Indi- vidual registrations will be ac- cepted, however pairs and four- some registrations are strongly encouraged. The league member- ship fee covers weekly prizes and is due when you register. Green / fees are paid directly to Par 3 on the day of your game. The golf leagues are designed to provide golfers of all skill levels an op- portunity to participate in an or- #iS�r?+% ganized golf league. League fees are non-refundable after the start of league play. This year's leagues include: SENIOR GOLF LEAGUE MONDAYS, MAY 4 - SEPTEMBER 28 (NO LEAGUE PLAY ON MEMORIAL DAY AND LABOR DAY) The Senior Golf League is open to anyone 55 years of age or older. Tee times will start at 7:00 a.m. and approximately every seven minutes thereafter. There will be free coffee! LEAGUE FEE: $9.00 per person GREEN FEE: $7.00 each day of play WOMEN'S GOLF LEAGUE TUESDAYS A.M., MAY 26 - AUGUST 25 WEDNESDAYS P.M., MAY 27 - AUGUST 26 Tee times begin at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, then approximately every seven minutes thereafter. After the first three weeks of play, you will establish a handicap and be competing against women on the same level as yourself. LEAGUE FEE:$10.00 per person GREEN FEE: $7.75 each day of play JUNIOR'S GOLF LEAGUE MONDAYS, JUNE 8 - AUGUST 17 WEDNESDAYS, JUNE 10 - AUGUST 19 The Juniors league is for boys and girls ages 10 through 17. Tee times begin at 11:00 a.m. and approximately every seven minutes thereafter. On the first day of play, participants are requested to arrive at the golf course at 10:00 a.m. as there will be a Golf Pro to discuss the rules of the game and proper golf etiquette. This league is seeking adult volunteers to chaperon the boys and girls. Volunteers will play free on their volunteer day, compliments of the golf course. This is a terrific opportunity for a parent to participate with their child. LEAGUE FEE: $10.00 per person GREEN FEE: $7.00 each day of play More information on each of the leagues will be available after registration. For more information or questions about the city run leagues, please call Bill Bird, Recreation Programmer at 452- 1850. If you have questions about other leagues with the Par 3 golf course, please contact David Lundeen, General Manager/Su• perintendent at 773-3494. 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 us. 60 ...........................................................i 1101 Victoria Curve patelleceived: Receipt#: lendota Heights MN 55118 Phone: 452-1850 cneck#: cash:_ By: ro'A.AA•A Parent/Guardian Name: Home Phone: Work Phone: Address: City: Zip Code: ❑ Please for $5.00 check Non -Resident Fee Participant Name Gender Birthdate Activity Name Start Time FEE 1. (Circle) M F / / Date /_/_ $ 2. M F / / / /_ $ 3. M F / / /_ $ Liability of Accidents I 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. I 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 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES February, 1998 Home Improvement Opportunities Dakota County HRA currently has Home Improvement Loan opportunities available to homeowners wishing to make repairs or improvements to their homes. Loans can be used to make common repairs such as win- dow replacement, new siding, new roofing, and mechanical repairs such as furnace re- placement. The HRA has two types of loans available. The Deferred Loan has no monthly pay- ments 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 home- owners with an annual interest rate of 3% and manageable monthly payments. Both loans have a maximum loan amount of $15,000. Eligibility for Home Improvement Loans is based on family size and household in- come. Interested homeowners should con- tact Mark Hanson with the Dakota County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, at 423-8175. Hard to Hear? When air noise be- comes unbearable and ddisrupts your family's �_�► lifestyle, the Metropoli- �tan 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. Maintenance Helpers Needed Applications are being taken for part- time workers for the Public Works De- partment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Interested persons should contact Nancy Bauer, at 452-1086, for an appli- cation. Mendota Heights is an AA/EEO employer. Your Unused Items May Be A Treasure ... to Someone Else! Have you been thinking of having a garage sale? Why not get a few friends together and plan your sale for May 14-15-16. Clean out those things your family no longer uses or wears and have fun while earning money. 5th Annual All -Community Garage Sale Sponsored by the Mendota Heights Fire Auxiliary The sale will be held, RAIN or SHINE, fromThursday, May 14 through Saturday, May 16 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You can choose the days and hours you wish to participate. Publicity and Advertising will be handled by the Fire Auxiliary. Signs C will be given to you to identify you as a participant of this organized event. The sale registration fee is $10.00. Registrations will be taken at the Fire Station, 2121 Dodd Road, on Tuesday, April 14 from: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, May 2, from 10:00 a.m. toNoon. Shoppers can purchase maps and sale descriptions for $1.00 at the fire station on May 13 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., May 14 and 15, from 8:00 a.m. to Noon and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and on May 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. The high concentration of sales in one area draws a lot of shoppers to the comunity. There were more than fifty participating sales during last year's very successful event. For further information, call Mary at 452-8078 or Kim (during_ =. business hours) at 452-1850. Review Board Meeting Schedulen From 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, the City Council will convene its annual Review Board meeting. At this meeting, the Dakota County Assessor will review community valuation information and answer general questions regarding property valuations for real estate taxes payable in 1999. Following the approximate half-hour presentation, repre- sentatives from the Assessor's Office will meet with individual property owners who have questions or concerns about their valuations. "Notices of Assessment for the Year 1998" will soon be mailed to all property owners by the Assessor's Office. If you feel that the market value for taxation shown on the notice exceeds the actual value of your property, you can appeal the valuation. To do so, you must either send a letter to the City Council, at City Hall, before April 21 or you must attend the Review Board meeting or an informal open book meeting. The dates and locations of the open book meeting will be listed on your "Notice of Assessment." The Review Board meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, Mo. 55118 POSTAL PATRON MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6166 St. Paul, Mn. 55118 CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT ECR WSS