Issue 103 - Heights Highlights Spring 2015Proper Sump Pump Discharge
The City of Mendota Heights saw a remarkable increase in flow through our sanitary
f sewer system in 2014. In fact, due to our record setting wet spring, the City's sanitary
sewer flow increased over 12% from 2013 to 2014. This was the largest flow increase in
over a decade and was largely responsible for City sewer rate increases for 2015.
A large number of basements in Mendota Heights had water seepage during
- the spring of 2014. Many of these basements have sump pumps or foundation
drains that are improperly and illegally connected to the sanitary sewer system.
i These include sump pumps that discharge into wash basins within a house.
Mendota Heights City Code and the Minnesota State Plumbing Code both
1 specifically prohibit any ground water or storm/surface water from being
/ intentionally discharged into the sanitary sewer system. Connecting sump pumps
and foundation drains was a common practice until 1999, so it is reasonable
to think there are many properties in Mendota Heights with these types of
connections.
Beginning in 2016, the City of Mendota Heights intends to begin inspecting
properties for sump pump connections and advising property owners if an
alteration to their sump pump or foundation drain discharge is needed. The goal
of this program is to have all sump pumps and foundation drains disconnected
from the sanitary sewer system by the end of 2016.
Sump pumps and foundation drains can be discharged over land or into the
storm sewer system. The City is asking property owners to look at their sump
pump/foundation drain system and modify it, if necessary, to comply with
Plumbing Code. To ensure compliance, properties may be inspected in 2016.
M E N D O T A The City of Mendota Heights thanks everyone in advance for their cooperation. For
H E I G H T S more information, please call the Engineering Department at 651.452.1850.
APRIL 2 0
Mayor's Message
New City Administrator
Open to Business
Tornado Warnings
Parks Celebration
5K Run / Walk
Citizen Police Academy
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page 2
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Spring Clean Up Day 5
Protect our Lakes & Ponds 5
'cs and Recreation 6 - 7
Programs
Youth Tennis Back cover
Summer Concerts at
The Village
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` 6:00 pm
Steve Clarke & the
Working Stiffs
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6:30 p m
Jazz On The Prairie
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Big Band
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E 6:30 pm
Connie Evingson
J 6:30 pm
Echos of Elvis
U ; 6:30 pm
Retro Swing Sisters
A6:30
pm
TreVeld
6:30 pm
Splatter Sisters
6:30 pm
Cathy -n- Abel
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6:30 pm
Pat Donohue
� 6:30 pm
Kids Dance Back
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Petting Zoo
M 6:30 pm
Shoop!
Face Painting
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Mayor's Message
Spring has finally arrived in
Mendota Heights, and with it
comes new opportunities for
enjoying our City!
One good way to keep up with
spring cleaning is to take advantage
of Spring Clean Up Day, which will
be held Saturday, May 2nd. For
a very reasonable fee, residents
can bring unwanted household trash to Mendakota Park, from
8 AM until noon that day. Volunteers will be on hand to help
you unload your personal vehicle or small trailer, for disposal or
recycling purposes.
The first weekend of June sees the return of other popular
Mendota Heights activities. On June 5th (Friday), live music
will be played in The Village from 6 to 8 PM. This will kick off
another season of outdoor concerts—those concerts are held
every Wednesday night, and will run from June 17th through the
end of August.
On Saturday, June 6th, the annual Mendota Heights 5K Run/
Walk will be held and will again start and end at The Village.
Following the race, residents are invited to attend the annual
Parks Celebration in Mendakota Park from 11:00 am until 2:00
pm. While there, be sure to register for the City's summer
recreation programs. Other opportunities are available for
lacrosse, t -ball, softball, baseball, football, and soccer through
the Mendota Heights Athletic Association. Visit their website at
www.mendotaheightsathletics.com for more information.
And, golfers check out the 2015 season at the City's Par 3 golf
course. All residents will want to stop in the newly remodeled
club house. While there, why not purchase a few refreshments?
From a governance standpoint, the City Council has been busy
as well. We met in a goal setting workshop on February 3rd and
identified both short and long term goals which will benefit the
city. Working with newly appointed City Administrator Mark
McNeill, the City Council will hold a follow-up workshop on
May 12th to check the status of those goals and identify new ones
to pursue for the remainder of 2015. Mr. McNeilfs experience
is a great asset for the city. He has worked with other cities with
many of the areas in which we want to move forward. I know
that he and his wife Sheila enjoy Mendota Heights --especially the
restaurants!
A legislative bill was introduced to re -designate Dodd Road
in Mendota Heights and northeast to Smith Avenue in West
Saint Paul, to then be known as "Officer Scott Patrick Memorial
Highway: In March, the City Council unanimously voted for
this to be a fitting tribute to Officer Patrick. It is expected that
Governor Dayton will sign it into law. It should be noted that
the highway will continue to be Dodd Road for addresses
and legal purposes. However, once the bill is signed into
law, it would allow for blue and white honorary street sig_
to be placed beneath the regular street signs to note the
designation.
Congratulations are in order for the Friendly Hills Middle
School "Future Cities" Competition teams, which entered
three teams in this annual competition. Out of 44 teams
entered statewide, Friendly Hills teams finished in 14th,
13th, and 5th places. The 5th place team was the highest
finish ever for the school, and earned it a place in the State
finals. We are proud of the students; with ideas like theirs
the future is in good hands.
I also want to thank the St. Thomas Academy's
Environmental Science class for its consistent interest in
the water quality of Rogers Lake. Several members of
the class reported at a recent City Council meeting on
several measures of water quality for the lake—it has seen
consistent improvement. Thank you, residents, for your
part in helping to keep the lake clean.
Finally, spring is graduation time. Congratulations to all!
Mark McNeill
Chosen as
Mendota
Heights City
Administrator
In February, the Mendota
Heights City Council
unanimously selected Mark McNeill to become the new
City Administrator. He succeeds Justin Miller, who left
in December to take the same position with Lakeville.
He was hired from amongst the 27 candidates who
sought the job.
McNeill comes to Mendota Heights with a significant
amount of experience leading municipal organizations.
Immediately before coming to Mendota Heights,
McNeill had served as City Administrator for Shakopee
for more than 18 years. Prior to that, he was City
Administrator for Mason City, Iowa, and for Savage,
Minnesota.
He earned a BA from the University of Northern
Iowa, and a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from the
Open to Business
Through a partnership with the Dakota
County Community Development
enc
y (CDA) and the
olitan
jil
O A6jjS1t4ESS
C nso t um of Community Developers
P
(MCCD), the City has a certified "Open to Business"
consultant available to offer free consulting services. For more
information on the services offered in the "Open to Business"
program, or to schedule an appointment contact Laurie Crow,
Business Advisor, at 952.484.3107 or lcrownu mccdmn. org. You can
also visit their website at www. opentobusinessmn.org.
This service is free to any Mendota Heights business or resident. The consultant will be available for appointments and can help
plan and work through small business challenges such as:
• Accounting and record keeping • Business acquisition
• Business start-up • Business plan development
• Cash flow, financial and business analysis • Loan packaging
• Networking • Operations
• Strategic planning • Commercial real estate analysis
In addition, "Open to Business" advisors can assist entrepreneurs in identifying borrowing needs and financing options. Direct
financing and loans up to $25,000 are also available through the "Open to Business" program. "Open to Business" consultants are
provided by the MCCD.
Contact City of Mendota Heights Planner Nolan Wall at 651.255.1142 for more information.
CTniversity of Iowa. He has Credential
.dlanager status from the International
City/County Management Association,
and has previously served as President of
the Minnesota City/County Management
Association. He currently holds the office
of President of the Metropolitan Area
Management Association.
When asked what impressed him about the
City of Mendota Heights, he replied that
it is a well-planned and fiscally responsible
community, which places a high emphasis
on providing good customer service.
"One of the things I am doing in my first
weeks on the job is trying to meet with
each of the approximately 45 full time and
contract employees to get to know them as
individuals. The ones with whom I've met I
found to be passionate and caring. They are
certainly one of the Citys strongest assets."
He went on to say that he's found the
-,�sidents to be open and welcoming as well.
ie said, "I feel fortunate and honored to be
serving here."
Outdoor Warning Sirens to be
Sounded Less Often
If you hear a siren, find out why they are going off!
Between 2003 and 2014 outdoor sirens were activated on
average 10 times per year in Mendota Heights. This was based
on the former policy where Dakota County and city emergency
managers set off sirens for tornado warnings and all severe
thunderstorm warnings.
Effective immediately, outdoor sirens will sound 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
but changes to the sustained wind
speed criteria will reduce the number
of siren activations during a severe
thunderstorm.
If the new policy had been in effect over
the past five years, use of outdoor warning sirens
across Dakota County would have been reduced by 75
percent.
For more information please check the Dakota
County or Mendota Heights websites.
FRIDAY * J U N E 5-
Parks Celebration
Don't miss the annual Mendota Heights
Parks Celebration on June 5 and June
6, 2015. Bring your family, friends and
neighbors to kick off summer and celebrate
our beautiful Mendota Heights parks.
This annual event brings our community
together to re -connect with neighbors
and to celebrate the natural beauty of our
city. There will be free music in the park
at Market Square Park at 6:00 pm Friday,
June 5, 2015.
Saturday is packed with activity, starting
at Market Square Park with the 5K Walk/
Run to benefit Special Olympics at 9:00
am. The fun continues with the Parks
Celebration from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at
Mendakota Park. There will be free games
and events including a petting zoo, fitness
demonstrations, pony and fire truck rides,
climbing wall, tennis party, inflatables,
prizes and more! Enjoy the DJ and live
music playing family friendly favorites.
6, 2015 SATURDAY
EVEI
Schell
Friday Ju
6:00 pm Market Sc
the Park event
Saturday June 6
9:00 am The Village at Mendota
Heights — 5K Run/Walk
11:00— Mendakota Park — Parks
2:00 pm Celebration
Petting zoo, fitness
demonstrations, pony rides,
5K Run/Walk for
Special Olympics
This year's 5K Run/Walk event,
sponsored by Gateway Bank, will take
place on Saturday, June 6, 2015, starting
at 9:00 am at The Village at Mendota
Heights. Proceeds are donated to Special
Olympics.
fire truck rides, climbing Registration is $25 before 6:00 pm on
wall, tennis party, soccer
June 5, 2015, or $30 on the day of
kick, inflatables, face
race. Registration forms may be found at
painting, hockey shoot,
www.mendota-heights.com or at Mendota
prizes and much more!
Heights City Hall. Registration includes
a race t -shirt and race day refreshments.
All Mendakota ball fields —
Door prizes will be given away. Awards
weekend Mendota Heights Athletic
will be presented to the top three males
Association baseball
and the top three females in the following
tournament
categories: ages 19 and under, ages 20 to
- -
49, and ages 50 and over.
For more on the Parks Celebration or the
-
5K Run/Walk, visit the City's webpage at
www.mendota-heiehts.com .
8th Annual Citizens Police Academy
Thursdays from September 17 - November 19, 2015: 6:00-9:30 pm
The Citizens Police Academy is a ten week course designed to give citizens a working
knowledge of the operations and responsibilities of the Mendota Heights and West St. Paul
Police Departments. Students will be given hands on instruction in aspects of criminal
investigation, traffic stops/patrol, use of force techniques, field sobriety testing, and
domestic violence.
For more information, call the Mendota Heights Police Department at 651.255.1191 or go
to www.mendota-heigihts.com.
g:nn am to 12:00 pm SATURDAY, MAY 23 2015* 8:00 am to 12:00 pm
This is your chance to clear out your home and property. We will have
volunteers to help unload your vehicle. The event is open to Mendota Heights
residents with a current ID, driving personal vehicles and small trailers.
We will accept the following items: • Car tires, furniture ($5 each) -
Mattresses/box springs ($10 each) Home remodeling debris/misc.
junk (Volume -based fee) • Bicycles (Free) • Scrap metals — remove all
non-metal (Free) • Electronics with cords (Volume -based fee) We do
not accept: Yard waste, business waste or contractor debris, household
hazardous waste, or items which can be recycled at the curb.
We discourage bringing items
that could be donated for reuse.
For more information contact
Nolan Wall at 651.255.1142 or '
nolanwomendota-heights.com. - `'
A ,
The spring clean-up is made possible by a giant from Dakota Counol Envh
NEW! Shredding Event
Flat $ 5.00 fee per vehicle
Credit Card Offers
Cardboard
Medical Records
Books
Loan & banking information
Metals Plastics
Receipts & old bills
Hardware
Check Stubs
Tax & Investment records
Please remove: 3 -ring binders, binder clips,
Imetal tabs on file folders
RESIDENTIAL
r MATERIAL ONLY!
Business material
will not be accepted.
nagement and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance.
Help Protect our Lakes, Streams, & Ponds
Every year, the water bodies around Mendota Heights become a REPLACE TURF WITH NATIVE PLANTS: Replace high -
nuisance to residents due to algae and weed growth. Additionally, 6■ maintenance lawn for low -maintenance plants and
sediments and other debris can fill in ponds reducing their water grasses. Native plants develop deeper root structures, reduce
treatment capability, making them less of an aesthetic amenity for runoff and allow for better water infiltration.
neighborhoods. Here are some steps to help protect our water: VEGETATIVE BUFFER: If you own shore land on a pond
FERTILIZE SMART: Use a phosphorus -free fertilizer and ®or lake. A vegetative buffer by a water body helps protect
sweep up fertilizer spills on hard surfaces. This helps it and may be required by city ordinance. The City of Mendota
prevent fertilizer from getting into the storm drain. Heights recommends the following:
`j GRASS - DON'T BLOW IT OFF: Remove grass clippings and
t.
-_ r leaves from the street, sidewalks, trails, and driveways.
Grass clippings and leaves in the street end up in the storm
sewer, and are carried to ponds and lakes.
■ Trees cannot be planted in a wetland buffer.
■ Existing trees (even dead ones) cannot be removed from a
wetland without a permit.
■ Mowing is not allowed in a wetland buffer.
SCOOP THE POOP: Pickup after your pets. Rainwater ■ Landscaping plants, mulch, rock or other material is not
C = washes pet waste into lakes and streams. Pet waste contains allowed in a wetland buffer.
bacteria that can cause illness.
KEEP A HEALTHY LAWN: Aerate your lawn, seed bare
■ Herbicides may only be used to remove noxious and
l`l invasive, non-native plants.
is r, patches and mow at a higher setting. A healthy, vigorous
Composting or disposing of leaves and grass is not allowed
in needs less water, fertilizer, and maintenance.
in a wetland buffer.
ADOPT A STORM DRAIN: Keep storm drains free of leaves,
r trash, seeds, and grass clippings. Storm drains are directly
connected to the nearest pond or lake.
For more information, contact the city Engineering Department
at 651.452.1850.
Parks and Recreation Plan for Summer!
for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall.
SUMMER
Eagan Puppet Wagon
Location: Market Square Park
Date: Mondays,
June 15 —August 10
Time: 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
South St. Paul Summer
Playhouse
June 15-19
Location:
Mendakota Park
Date:
Tuesdays, June 16 —
Water Works 1
August 4
Time:
11:00 to 11:30 am
Playground Program
*NEW: Camps run Monday — Friday
Join us at Mendakota Park for a week of summer fun!
Morning session: Ages: 4 - 7 Fee: $49 Time: 9:30 to 11:30 am
Afternoon session: Ages: 7 - 10 Fee: $69 Time: 12:30 to 3:30 pm
Week One:
Gameshow Week
June 15-19
Week Two:
Olympics Week
June 22-26
Week Three:
Water Works 1
July 6-10
Week Four:
Super Hero Week
July 13-17
Week Five:
Sports, Sports & more Sports
July 20-24
Week SIX:
Disney Week
July 27-31
Week Seven:
Water Works 2
August 3-7
Skyhawks Sports Camps
Skyhawks provides a wide variety of fun, safe and skill
based programs that emphasize critical lessons in sports
and life, such as teamwork, respect and sportsmanship.
Camps are 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Monday -Thursday.
The cost of each camp is $99 per participant.
June 22-25 BASKETBALL
Ages 6-12
July 27-30 FLAG FOOTBALL Ages 6-12
Kensington Park
St. Thomas
Academy Gym
Kensington Park
July 27-30 SOCCER Ages 6-12 Kensington Park
Skate Board Camp
Have you ever dreamed of
doing a kickflip, dropping in
on a ramp, or just cruising
down the street? If so, this
is the camp for you. Staff
from 3rd Lair has been teaching the Twin Cities how to
skateboard since 1997. Whether it's your first day on a
board or you're an experienced rider looking to take it to
the next level, you are covered. Highly trained instructors
teach proven techniques in a fun and supportive setting.
Necessary equipment provided.
Location: Rogers Lake Skate Park, 1000 Wagon Wheel Trl
Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday
Time: 10:00 to 12:00 noon
Cost: $99 per camp Camp #1: June 16-18
Camp #2: July 7-9
Camp #3: August 4-6
Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby June 25, 2015
Bring your fishing pole and come on down to Roger's Lake fishing pier to catch "the big one!"
Prizes and goodie bags will be provided to all participants. Parents and grandparents are welcome
to watch. We will be providing hotdogs, beverages and a cold treat. One lucky boy or girl will wi
Minnesota Lifetime Fishing License.
Ages: 14 & under (parent/guardian must accompany participants)
Fee: $10 Time: 5:30 pm - check-in 6:00 pm - fishing begins
7:00 pm - awards and prizes
Parks and Recreation Plan for Summer!
for information or to register online go to www.mendota-heights.com or stop in at City Hall.
Traveling Parks Program
Grab a friend and join us for some fun games at
your local parks. This summer Mendota Heights
Park 8& Recreation staff will be out at some of our
parks organizing some fun games and activities. There is
-no charge to participate in this program, just come to have
r 1This program is for youth ages 4 to 12. We will play fun
genes such as: ultimate frisbee, whiffle ball, basketball, soccer
and much more. On Fridays at Rogers Lake Park our staff will
have fishing equipment and bait (corn or worms) available for
kids to use.
Mondays: Marie Park
10:30 to 11:30 am
Friendly Hills Park
12:30 to 1:30 pm
Wednesdays: Kensington Park
10:30 to 11:30 am
Wentworth Park
12:30 to 1:30 pm
Fridays: Rogers Lake Park
10:30 to 1:30 pm
Par 3 Youth Golf
2015 Bike Rodeo
Come join us for the annual Bike Rodeo.
This event is brought to you by the Mendota
F/rPTA. The event is open to youth of all ages. The
Cub Scouts will be serving a pancake breakfast inside
the school. The Mendota Heights Police Department will
be on hand to help kids navigate the bike safety course. One
Ten Cycles will be on site to check out your bike and answer
questions about bike maintenance you may have. Also,
Master Boltz from Boltz Family Taekwondo will be there
offering personal safety demonstrations and a bouncy house.
Date: Saturday May 30, 2015
Place: Mendota Elementary
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 am
(Breakfast served from 8:30 to 9:30 am)
Junior Golf League: ages 6-15 Fee: $99 for 11 weeks
Tee times are available Mon, Tues, Wed, or Friday mornings, from 8:30 - 10:30 am
(Monday evening league tee times are also available from 6:00 to 6:30 pm).
Youth golf camps: ages 7-12 Fee: $89
Youth golf camps run Monday through Thursday and features exercises and games to help
improve golf skills, in a fun environment. Camps run every week starting June 8. Morning
camp: 9:00 to 11:30 am. Afternoon camp: 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm.
Tiger Tots Golf Lessons: ages 5-7 Fee: $39
Four lessons, one per week.
Includes the basics of golf while focusing on having a great time. The class fee includes a free
round of golf and a tee shirt. Maximum 6.
*N
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
www. mendota-heights. com
********ECRWSS**
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Mendota Heights Youth Tennis
PRSRT STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit #32324
Twin Cities, MN
Our tennis programs are for learning and enjoying the game. Programs run from June 15 -
July 30 at Visitation School Tennis Courts and Ivy Hills Park. (No tennis the week of June
29 -July 2) Check our website for class times.
Littles Tennis: ages 4-7 One time a week Fee: $39 6 sessions
An introduction using mini nets and junior tennis balls. Parents/chaperones are
encouraged to stay.
Tennis Lessons: ages 7-12 Three times a week Fee: $85 18 sessions
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced play. Sign up all of your children for one session.
In House League: ages 10 and up Three times a week Fee: $90 18 sessions
Instructors will divide participants into singles or doubles play each day and will be on
hand to keep the matches moving. Coaching on serving, strokes, footwork and scoring.
Matches are Mon, Tue, Wed, 12:00 to 12:55 pm.
Recreation Travel League: ages 10 and up Fee: $90
wwMinend'I
This program is for players who are looking to play matches. Instructors will provide
coaching and supervision of matches. The team will practice the first two weeks aril play
FO�POW US matches in July. (Transportation is not provided)
Learn more about the City of USTA Junior TEAM Tennis: ages 12 -18 Fee: $125
Mendota Heights and keep updated 'Ibis program is for youth who are lookih- Vlay at the highest level. Players should be
with happenings by following the city on or intend to be on their school's tennis tearere will be a 14 & Under team and an
online. 18 & Under team. Matches will begin in June. Thee, will be 2 or 3 home matches and 2
Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN or 3 away matches. Instructors will provide coachin&and supervision.
kTwitter. comlomendow heights