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Issue 85 - Heights Highlights Spring 2010PAGE 1 APRIL 2010 ISSUE 85 Mayor's Message OnMarch 4, I presented the "State of the City" to the Dakota County Re- , gional Cham- ber of Com- merce. It is impossible to stand before business own- ers and gloss over what was a tough year. No doubt many of them are struggling to weather the storm and unfortunately a few may not make it. On the residential front we had 13 sheriff's sales in 2009, although that was half of what we saw in 2008. We had zero permits issued for new sin- gle family homes, likely a first in our city's history. Despite the rough economic climate your city remains in excellent finan- cial shape. Our bond rating is strong and we have good cash reserves. We purchased a new pumper truck for the fire department, maintained our infrastructure and the Par 3 con- tinues to generate positive cash flow. The staff was able to accomplish all of this while keeping your property taxes virtually unchanged for 2010. During 2009 we welcomed several new businesses to our community, others re -invested in their facilities and this spring the Mendota Plaza redevelopment will get started. As we look forward to a better 2010, let's all support our local retail shops who contribute to the vitality of our community. Now more than ever they need your business. Water Tower Facelift Have you ever experienced a "water failure?" That is, have you ever turned on your faucet and found that no water came out of it? If you get your water from a municipal water system, the answer is probably no. We have power failures all the time. Cable TV goes out fairly frequently. But the water in any city or suburb is always there. Water pressure is very reliable. A big reason for that level of reliability is the water tower. A water tower is an incredibly simple device. Although water towers come in all shapes and sizes, they all do the same thing: A water tower is simply a large, elevated tank of water. Water towers are tall to provide pressure. Each foot of height provides 0.43 pounds per square inch of pressure (PSI). Atypical municipal water supply runs at between 50 and 100 PSI. The water tower must be tall enough to supply that level of pressure to all of the houses and businesses in the area of the tower. Water towers are typically located on high ground and they are tall enough to provide the necessary pressure. The Mendota Heights water tower was constructed in 1979 and consists of a 2,000,000 gallon tank. Periodically the tank will require maintenance. In 1995 the city did a partial repainting of the exterior of the tower. The city water tower is scheduled to be completely repainted inside , and out in 2010. The tower will be encased in a protective containment system to allow the existing paint to be removed, collected and disposed of properly. As part of the project, the contractor will also make minor structural repairs and other modifications to bring the tower into compliance with current worker - safety standards and updated FAA requirements. There may be excessive noise during the blasting - and grinding to remove the existing paint. At this time there are no watering restrictions that will be required due to the tank being out of service. The freshly painted tower should be unveiled by October, looking much like it does now. We appreciate your patience with this project. The short term noise inconvenience is well worth the long term quality and availability of water to the city. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this project please contact Acting City Engineer Ryan Ruzek at 651-452-1850. Visit our website at www.mendota-heights.com PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 Summer Construction Projects 2010 City Reconstruction Project The city is planning a pavement rehabilitation project and road reconstruction project in the north end of town dur- ing the summer of 2010. Proposed rehabilitation (mill and overlay) will include Butler Avenue, Fremont Avenue, Gar- den Lane, Hiawatha Avenue, Junction Lane and Kirchner Avenue. In addition, Diego Lane, Esther Lane, John Street, Simard Street, Spring Street, Valley Lane, View Lane and the rural section of Miriam Street will be reconstructed. Mendota Heights RoadNisitation Drive Roundabout The proposed roundabout is planned to be constructed during the summer of 2010. Mendota Heights Road is scheduled to be closed between Lexington Avenue and Dodd Road for approximately three weeks. Mendota Heights Road/Highway 55 Intersection Turn lanes are proposed to be added to the existing intersection. Construction is scheduled to occur from July to October. If you would like more infor- mation on the projects or have concerns about a specific street please contact Acting Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek at 651-452-1850. Help Keep Curbs and Gutters Clear The City of Mendota Heights is asking for your help in keeping the street, curb, gutter, and storm sewer drains in front of your home clear of grass, leaves, and debris. Streets, yards, and even homes can experience flooding when storm sewer drains become plugged. Grass clippings, twigs, and leaves contain high amounts of phosphorous which negatively impacts pond water quality and increases algae bloom. Your assistance in removing and properly disposing of grass, leaves, and other debris is appreciated. City Receives Award The City of Mendota Heights has been awarded the Great River Greening Environmental Community Partner of the Year Award for 2010. The city was selected for this award because of the commitment to the environment as demon- strated through the acquisition of the original eight acres of Pilot Knob and subsequent acquisition of Phase 11, the de- velopment and support of restoration plans for Phase I and II, significant funding support and excellent on the ground support. The Environmental Community Partner of the Year Award will be presented at Great River Greening's A Million Shades of Green Gala to be held Saturday, April 17, 2010 at South - view Country Club. This recognition is something that all residents of Mendota Heights can take pride in. Congratu- lations and thank you to all of those involved in this com- munity project! Visioning Study Status The City of Mendota Heights continues to participate in the Dakota County Regional Roadway Visioning Study that is looking at future transportation needs in the northern part of the county. Elected officials and city staff participated in a neighborhood meeting held on February 25, 2010 that was sponsored by the county. Residents expressed a number of concerns with the impact that future growth in Eagan and Inver Grove Heights will have on Mendota Heights and Sun- fish Lake. A joint committee made up of elected officials, staff and residents from both Mendota Heights and Sunfish Lake has been meeting since January to keep up to speed on the study and share thoughts and concerns. Dakota County will be presenting the results of the study to the City Council sometime in April or May. If you would like more information on the county study you can visit www. dakotacounty.org and search "visioning" for details about the options being considered. Residents can check the city website to see when this issue will appear on the city coun- cil agenda. If you have questions on this issue please feel free to contact Acting City Engineer Ryan Ruzek at 651- 452-1850. Drop Box Reminder There are two drop boxes outside City Hall for your convenience. One is for utility bills and the other is for US Mail. Just drive up and drop it off! PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES Fire Department Officers Appointed Assistant Chief The Mendota Heights City Council has approved the appointment of Dave - Dreelan as the new Assistant Fire Chief. Dave will be replacing Jim Kil- burg who retired at the end of 2009. Dave started his career with the Fire Department in August 1990, became a captain in December 1996 and has served as training officer since December 1999. Dave was also selected as Firefighter of the Year in 1996. Dave car- ries a passion for the fire service, his father Paul served on the department for 21 years and Dave was always close by. He is employed as a full-time captain with the Plymouth Fire Department. Always Wanted to be a Firefighter? Now may be your chance. The fire department is currently accepting applications for volunteer firefighters. Persons applying must live or work within a six minute legal driving time of the fire station, be in good physical health and not be afraid of confined spaces or heights. If you are using your place of employment to meet the response time require- ments, you must provide a letter from you employer indicat- ing that you may respond to fire calls during work hours. The department will be holding two informational ses- sions for you and your significant other at the fire station on Wednesday April 28, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. and at 6:30 p.m. to provide an overview of the department and expectations. It is a great opportunity to learn how you can share your tal- ents and make a difference in the community. Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, May 5, 2010. For more information and/or application, call Nancy at 651- 452-1850. Please Test Your Detectors Smoke detectors save lives. The most commonly cited causes of non -working smoke alarms are discharged or missing batteries. Please take some time to test your smoke detectors and replace the batteries if needed. If your detectors are dirty, vacuum them out. Smoke detectors should be tested once a month and replaced every ten years. APRIL 2010 Training Officer y Roy Kingsley was appointed to fill the training officer position left vacant with the promotion of Dave Dreelan. Roy joined the department in August 1990 and became a captain in December go 1994. He served as a captain until be- ing appointed assistant training officer in November 2005. Roy is a fire investigator and has served five years on the Dakota County Special Operations Team. Roy was select- ed as Firefighter of the Year in 1998 and he is a charter member of the Dakota County Fire Educators. Roy is em- ployed as the fire marshal with the City of Apple Valley. Roy looks forward to continuing a strong training program with the fire department. Chevrolet Blazer for Sale The city is accepting bids for the sale of a 1996 four-wheel drive Chevrolet Blazer until Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at 4:00 P.M. The bids will be opened immediately thereafter. The City Council will consider action on the bids at their regular meeting on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. The vehicle has approximately 57,000 miles and has been well maintained by the city mechanic. If you have any ques- tions, please contact Nancy at 651-452-1850. The city reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Sub- mit your bid in a sealed envelope marked "Chevrolet Blaz- er," City of Mendota Heights, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118, c/o Nancy. A cashier's check payable to the City of Mendota Heights for the entire amount of the bid is required within ten working days of the bid award. PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 Third Annual Citizen Police Academy Thursdays September 16 — November 11, 2010 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The Citizen Police Academy is a seven week course presented by the Mendota Heights and West St. Paul Police Depart- ments. This program is designed to give citizens a working knowledge of the operations and responsibilities of the Mendota Heights and West St. Paul Police Departments. Our goal is to build a stronger partnership with our citizens in an effort to control crime and promote safer communities and to foster a police -community partnership. The feedback from the past two years has been extremely positive and the impact on the community has surpassed all expectations. We will be accepting 24 participants to attend the academy. Officers will again present information on topics including felony traffic stops, patrol operations, use of force, firearms/deadly force, criminal investigations and DWI. Each week, the participants will be given an opportunity for hands-on experience and will gain an understanding of what it is like to wear a police uniform. Participants will also be given an opportunity to tour the Dakota County Jail and the Dakota Communications Center. What would I learn from the Academy? The Citizen Police Academy theme is "Understanding Through Education." The ultimate goal is to provide citizen partici- pants with an in-depth understanding of what their police do and provide the insight needed to build trust and increase posi- tive interaction between the police and the community. The curriculum was designed with the hope that graduates of the Citizen Police Academy will take their knowledge into the community and educate others when the opportunity arises. We also hope these trained citizens are better able to assist our department in maintaining a safe community due to their greater understanding of what police officers do. How do I Apply? If you are interested in receiving an application for the 2010 Citizen Police Academy: • Email beckyp@mendota-heights.com, or • Call Mendota Heights Police Department @ 651-452-1366 and ask for Records. • We will also post updated information on the 2010 course on our website. Note: Academy participants must be at least 18 years old and either live or own a business in West St. Paul or Mendota Heights. All eligible applicants will be screened by conducting a criminal history check. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant. All applications will be reviewed. L A W E N F O R C E M E N T TORCH RUN. On Thursday June 17, police officers from all around Dako- ta County will be participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. MHPD is planning a great event. If you are interested in sponsoring a runner or helping in some way contact Of- ficer Jen Fordham at 651-452-1366. For more information: http://www.specialolympicsminnesota.org/Torch_Run.php Watch for Our New Website On March 16, 2010 the City Council approved an agreement with GovOffice to update the city's website. Our current website was designed in 2002 and is out- dated in usability and functionality. Please be patient while our website is under construction. We hope that there will be few inconveniences during the updating process and that you will enjoy the website's new look. Of tDakota Cownfg - - Recently the four northern Dakota County cities of Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, South Saint Paul and Inver Grove Heights started a blog: http://wsppvideos. blogspot.com. The departments have begun posting information about crimes that we need help solving. You can also choose to get updates when new information is added by clicking the "Subscribe to: Posts" link at the very bottom of the page. You can provide anonymous tips 24/7/365 online through the website. MHPD also maintains a tip line at 651-255-1170. The blog has already helped clear two cases! Subscribe to and view the blog frequently as it could help solve crime in your own neighborhood! Special thanks to Laura Vaughn, Crime Prevention Specialist at WSPPD, for her insightful guidance and diligent work on this partnership project. PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 MINNESOTA NIGHT TO UNITE TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2010 Join neighbors across Mendota, Mendota Heights and Lilydale on Tuesday, August 3, 2010 for the Second Annual Night to Unite in Minnesota. Sponsored by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association, AAA of Minnesota/Iowa, and Mendota Heights Police and Fire Departments, the intent of Night to Unite is to bring neighbors together and strengthen community partnerships. Last year ten neighborhoods participated in this event. Night to Unite is designed to: • Get to know your neighbors; • Build neighborhood involvement by bringing police, fire and communities together; and • Bring awareness to crime and fire prevention techniques and local law enforcement and fire department efforts! Police Chief Michael Aschenbrener said, "I invite neighborhoods in Mendota Heights, Lilydale and Mendota to become involved in Night to Unite activities. This is an opportunity for neighbors and communities to come together, enjoy a summer evening and get to know who lives in the neighborhood. We will make a special effort to have Police Officers at every block party answer some questions and provide some advice. Take ownership, be informed and enjoy the great communities in which we live!" For more information on Night to Unite, how to register and event ideas, visit the City of Mendota Heights website at www. mendota-heights.com, click on Community Events and Night to Unite. If you have questions or concerns, contact Crime Prevention Officer Denise Urmann at deniseu@mendota-heights.com. Register early, deadline is July 30, 2010. Emergency Mass Telephone Registration M1111aWD If you have not yet registered please go to http://www.mn- dcc.org/ and click on the logo. Registering will take less than five minutes. In September 2009 the Mendota Heights Police along with the Dakota Communications Center implemented the CodeRed© high speed notification system designed to quickly notify the public of emergencies that may affect their health, safety or welfare. The system sends recorded mes- sages to targeted areas within the county at the rate of up to 60,000 calls per hour. Examples of notification events are hazardous material spills, pandemic outbreaks or missing persons. All areas of Dakota County are covered by the system. The system uses the 9-1-1 database and other sources for its notification lists, but no one should assume that their information is included. You may remove information that enter at any time. Cell Phone Solicitations Cell phone listings will soon be handed over to your not - so -favorite telemarketing friends. To prevent unwanted, unsolicited calls: • Register any phone anytime at: http://www.donotcall. gov/default.aspx • Verify email warnings at www.snopes.com • The cell phone warning can be found at: http://www. snopes.com/politics/business/cell4l 1.asp. Licenses are Due If you own a dog and keep it within the city limits, it must be licensed. Annual licenses, effective from June through May, are available at city hall for either $3.00 or $6.00, depending on whether the dog has been spayed/neu- tered. Please bring your dog's rabies certificate along when you apply for the license. City ordinances place specific responsibilities on the owners of dogs. Owners must not permit their dogs to be at large in the city and must keep them under restraint at all times. "Restraint" means control by a leash no more than six feet long or control by a competent person and immediately obedient to that person's command. Please do not allow your dog to go outside your yard without supervision. Although your dog is undoubtedly special to you, it could be very intimidating to others if it is allowed to roam unsupervised. PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 Severe Weather Awareness The outdoor sirens in our city are activated on the first Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. If this scenario doesn't fit when you are hearing the sirens, seek shelter! The County Emergency Manager has worked diligently with the National Weather Ser- vice (NWS) to help reduce the number of activations in areas that are not a part of the severe weather. The NWS and Dakota County Emergency Management continues to work on making sure every activation is relevant so we do not have any unneces- sary deaths or injuries. Our ulti- mate goal is always safety for you and your family. The National Weather Service will call the 911 center for activation of the Mendota Heights sirens if the City is in or about to be in a storm that meets the following criteria: • Severe Thunderstorm Warning (winds 58+ MPH). • Tornado Warning (a tornado has been sighted in or on a path toward our city). Additionally, a police officer or trained NWS spotter can call for activation of the system. All city sirens will be activated for every event that calls for the public to be alerted. Be very aware that tornados usually form on the backside of a severe weather system as it travels through your area. Also, the sirens in Mendota Heights do not have battery back-up systems; if there is no power, the sirens will not sound. Purchase a public alert device or a weather alert radio with an alarm. This type of clock radio has "SAME" technology which allows you to set the clock radio to sound an alarm/ alert when the NWS has issued a warning for your area. We have provided two links below: the first will direct you to the NWS website for a quick overview of these emergency radios; the second will help you make decisions on which radio might work best for you. For more information please go to: http://www.nws.noaa. gov/nwr/nwrrcvr.htm or http://ce.org/Standards/2946.asp Call the Air Noise Hotline Are you bothered by air noise? When air noise be- comes unbearable and disrupts your family's lifestyle, the Metropolitan Airports Commission wants to know. Call the MAC air noise complaint line at (612) 726-9411 or go to www.mac- noise.com. If possible, be prepared to provide the MAC with information on time, location, direction and aircraft type. Mendota Heights Par 3 1695 Dodd Road The Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course opened for the 2010 golf season on March 23, 2010. The Mendota Heights Par 3 is a short par three course, with large greens and a forgiving layout. The course offers an af- fordable and enjoyable golf experience for the whole family, including beginners, seniors and everyone in- between. The course is open from sun -up to sun -down. Leagues, lessons, camps and events are available, in- cluding night golf events. Green Fees: Weekdays: $10.00 Adults - $9.00 Youth & Seniors Weekends & Holidays: $12.00 Adults $11.00 Youth & Seniors Business and/or social groups interested in organizing golf leagues, tournaments, outings (including moonlight golf), and/or parties (including birthday party packages), please call 651-454-9822. �h 4 Primary Election Date Changed The Minnesota State Primary Election has historical- ly been held on the Tuesday after the second Monday in September. On March 3, 2010, Governor Pawlenty signed a bill into law that changed the date of the Primary Election to the first Tuesday in August. In 2010, the Pri- mary Election will be held on August 10, 2010. The primary impetus for changing the date of the elec- tion was to allow additional time between the primary and general elections for absentee ballots to be mailed back and forth to military and overseas voters. For the 2010 Primary Election, absentee balloting will be avail- able from June 25 through August 9. If you have any questions regarding election processes, please feel free to contact the city clerk at (651) 452- 1850. PAGE 7 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 Mendota Heights Park Celebration Friday June 4, 2010 & Saturday, June 5, 2010 Performance in the Park Friday - June 4, 2010 Market Square Park Village at Mendota Heights (Hwy 110 and Dodd Road) 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Remember to bring your blankets and lawn chairs to Market Square Park at the Village at Mendota Heights. Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation along with the businesses at the Village at Mendota Heights kick off our Park Celebration with a free concert from a great local band, "Johnson." Bike Rodeo 2010 Noon - 3:00 p.m. - Mendakota Park Saturday, June 5 Hosted by Mendota Heights Police Department Kids can ride through the MHPD bicycle obstacle course. Each participant who brings a bike & rides through the obstacle course will get an extra drawing ticket for a chance to win a new bike. Day in the Park Saturday - June 5, 2010 Noon to 3:00 p.m. - Mendakota Park Mark your calendars for Saturday June 5, 2010 as we Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks at Mendakota Park. We have planned the following events from Noon to 3 p.m. Live music • Walton's Hollow Petting Zoo & Pony Ride • Fire Truck Rides by Mendota Heights Fire Department • MHAA Ball Tournament • Soccer Shoot -Out • Hockey Shoot -Out • Face Painting • Moon Walks • Free Throw Contest • USTA Tennis "Block Party" • Putting Contest Caricatures • Joe the Balloon Guy • Duggan's Dashes Boltz's Tae Kwon Do Demo • Bike Drawings • Football Throw Volunteers are needed for this year's Park Celebration. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jake at 651-452-1850. Mendota Heights 5K Run/Walk Sponsored by Gateway Bank Saturday, June 5, 2010 9:00 a.m. start time Begins at the Village at Mendota Heights Highway 110 & Dodd Road Entry Fee: Pre -registration by 6:00 p.m., Friday, June 4, $18.00 Day of race registration: 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. $23.00 Registration includes a t -shirt, race day refreshments and lots of door prizes. Awards will be given to the first three male and female winners in each age category: ages 19 & under, ages 20 - 49, and ages 50 & over. Register by Mail or In Person: City of Mendota Heights, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 (Please mark your envelope SK race) Number & Shirt Pick-up: Friday, June 4 at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or Sat- urday, June 5 at the Village at Mendota Heights from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. All proceeds go directly to Special Olympics. Anyone wishing to make a donation to Special Olympics may do so at the same time they pick up their packet, or dona- tions may be mailed ahead of time with. your race en- try form. Separate checks must be written for the race entrance fee and Special Olympics donations. Checks for race entrance fee should be made out to The City of Mendota Heights. Donation checks for Special Olympics should be made out to Special Olympics. For information or registration forms, please contact City Hall at 651-452-1850 or go to www.mendota-heights. com under "What's New. " PAGE 8 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APP11 gnin Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation 7 1 Summer Youth Trips 1 1 The city is offering the following fun trips this summer. Please visit our web 1 1 site at mendota-heights.com for complete information about each of the trips. 1 All trips will depart from and return to City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. The reg- istration deadline is the Tuesday prior to the trip. Space is limited, so register 1 1 early. 1 June 24 - Family/Youth Trip to Crystal Caves and Eau Galle Park/Picnic/ Dam Tour 1 Ages: 6 and up (or children may be under 6 if accompanied by adult) 1 Cost: $23.00/child Picnic lunch will be provided. 1 Pickup/Return: 8:30 a.m./3:50 p.m. 1 July 8 - Bunker Beach Wave Pool/Waterslides & Lazy River 1 Ages: 10 and up Cost: $17.00 1 Pickup/Return: 10:05 a.m. /3:50 p.m. 1 1 Bring sunscreen, swimsuit, towel and money for concessions. If your child 1 1 wishes to have a tube, there is a $2.00 charge for tube rental for each two 1 1 hour session. (This is not included in the price.) 1 1 July 15 - Edina Water Park Ages: 7 and up Cost: $18.00 1 1 Pickup/Return: 10:05 a.m./3:55 p.m. 1 1 Bring a bag lunch, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, change of clothes and extra 1 1 money for concessions. 1 1 July 21 — Minnesota Twins vs Cleveland Indians SORRY -- SOLD OUT! 1 1 July 29 — Apple Valley Aquatic Center 1 1 Ages: 7 and up Cost: $16.00 1 1 Pickup/Return: 10:20 a.m./3:25 p.m. 1 1 Bring a bag lunch, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and extra money for concessions if you like. 1 1 August 5 — Mendota Hts. & W. St. Paul Park & Rec Day at WSP Pool 1 1 Ages: 6 & up Cost: $8.00/person 1 1 Time: 10:00 a.m./3:00 p.m. NO BUS 1 1 Drop your child off at the WSP Pool, 92 West Orme, at 10:00 a.m. 1 Picnic lunch and an afternoon snack will be provided. Bring towel, change 1 of clothes, sunscreen and money for concessions if desired. (Chaperones 1 1 will only be provided until 3:00 p.m. so please pick up your child by that 1 1 time.) 116 Thompson Park Activity Center for 55 + Adults If you are looking for activities and fun check out the Thompson Park Activity Center located at 1200 Stassen Lane (off Butler and Highway 52) in West St. Paul. This is our area (ISD 197 Community Education) 55+ center. Mendota Heights residents are welcome to join classes or take part in any of the activi- ties. If you would like to get on the TPAC mailing list for the "Thompson Times" which lists all upcoming activities and classes, or need more information on what is offered, please call the Thompson Park Activity Center at 651-450- 8291 or stop in for a visit. 3d L04iR SKpiEBOAAD GIMP The Mendota Heights 3,d Lair skate- board camp will be held at Rogers Lake Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon from Monday, August 2, 2010 through August 6, 2010. The program cost is only $166.00 for five days of camp. This camp is for beginners to experts and everyone in- between. The basics will be taught, in- cluding balance, pushing, dropping in, skate park safety and etiquette. 3RD Lair instructors are very expe- rienced and have years of teaching knowledge. Equipment required for camp: skate- board and helmet. Knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are recom- mended. If it's raining, camp will meet under the Rogers Lake pavilion. Register on-line at www.mendota- heights.com or in person at City Hall or call (651) 452-1850 for more infor- mation. Summer Playhouse Summer Playhouse is a traveling va- riety show which makes appearances at Marie and Mendakota Parks . This group provides creative, quality per- formances free of charge with puppet shows, songs and dances. Shows last 30 minutes and are designed to entertain families with young chil- dren. Shows will be cancelled if rain- ing. Feel free to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Please check the city website at www. mend ota-heights. corn for more info on start date and times. PAGE 9 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 SAFETY CAMP This experience will last your child a lifetime. Instructors for the safety camp are volunteers from local police and fire departments and park and recreation staff. Topics such as stranger safety, weather safety, drug awareness, animal safety, home safety and first aid are just some of the areas that will be addressed. Each camper will receive a camp t -shirt. At the conclusion of the camp on Thursday, campers will join their families for a short pro- gram and treat starting at 3:30 p.m. Safety camp is sponsored by the South St. Paul VFW and the Mendota Heights, West St. Paul and South St. Paul Parks and Recreation Departments. Dates: Tuesday, August 1 • through Thursday, August 12 Time: Tuesday: registration from 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. camp 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ages: children entering the third & fourth grades in the fall of 2010 Fee: $30.00 (all lunches & snacks provided!) Location: Kaposia Park in South St. Paul Northern Dakota County TriDistrict Community Education Do you want a safe and engaging environment for your child? Do you 4ecdo�a ^ gh�t want to learn a new skill or brush 150 d up on an old one? If so, Commu- nity Education is right for you! The combined Community Education Wo program for the school districts of Years of Excellence~ West St. Paul -Mendota Heights- Pt000PAN. .oIDP=11. Eagan, South St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights offers a wide range of educational and social opportunities for all ages and abili- ties. To view their current catalog, please visit www.comed. isd197.org. For more information or to register, please visit www.celearn4ever.org or call 651-403-8313. Summer Playground Program The summer playground program is held at Mendakota Park in weekly sessions beginning on June 14. Many of the program sessions are full at this time. Please check city's website at mendota-heights.com for program availability. Summer Performances in the Parks Free Family Entertainment Enjoy "FREE" Performances In The Park! Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the entire performance. (Market Square is our newest park located at The Village at Mendota Heights -Hwy 110 and Dodd) Friday, June 4, 6:30 p.m. — 9:00 P.M. Market Square Park - enjoy our local Band "Johnson" playing your favorites from the 60's, 70's, and 80's Saturday, June 5, 12:15 p.m. — 1:00 p.m. Mendakota Park - " The Splatter Sisters" Saturday, June 5, 2:00 p.m. — 2:45 p.m. Mendakota Park - "Teddy Bear Band" Wednesday, June 16, 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. Henry Sibley High School parking lot - "Wiggle, Jiggle and Jam." (In conjunction with ECFE Trucks and Travel.) Thursday, June 17, 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Market Square Park - Band to be determined. Wednesday, July 14,7:00 p.m. Rogers Lake Park - "Woody" This will coincide with the Fishing Derby that evening. You do not have to be a part of the fishing derby to come and enjoy the show. Thursday, July 15, 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Market Square Park - Band to be determined. Wednesday, August 18, 6:30 p.m. — 7:30 p.m. Market Square Park - "Leroy's River Minstrels." Your favorite old time and Dixieland Music In case of rain event will be held indoors at the Village Commons Building across from Market Square Park. Thursday, August 19, 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Market Square Park - Band to be determined. *Visit www.villagemh.com for updated information on which bands will be playing at Market Square Park this summer. PAGE 10 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 Youth Summer Tennis Program Our tennis programs utilize the U.S. Tennis Association Quickstart Program. They are taught by a USTA certified instructor and are held at the Visitation courts. All par- ticipants need tennis shoes and raquets. Except for the Little Tennis program, all classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from June 14 through July 28 and cost $75.00. There will not be make -ups for cancellations or bad weather. Call the ten- nis hot line (651) 255-1174 for bad weather cancellations. Little Tennis Designed for youth ages 4 to 7 years old. A parent or chaperone must stay with the child during the lessons. Lesson cost is $45.00. Dates: Thursdays, June 17 - July 29. No class July 8. Cost: $45.00 Times: Little I: 8:30-9:10, Little II: 9:15-9:55 a.m. Little 111:10:00-10:40, Little IV: 10:45-11:25 a.m. Beginner Tennis Lessons -- Ages 8 and up Time: Session 1- 8:30 - 9:25 a.m. Session II - 9:30 - 10:25 a.m. Intermediate Lessons -- Ages 9 and up Time: Session III - 9:30 - 10:25 a.m. Session III - 10:30 - 11:25 a.m. Intermediate/Advanced Lessons --Ages 10 and up Time: Session V - 11:30 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby — July 14 Bring your fishin' pole and come on down to the Rogers Lake fishing pier to try to catch the BIG ONE! This event is in memory of Cliff Timm who passed away in Decem- ber 2005. Goodie bags will be provided thanks to Cliff Timm's Trust, Ace Hardware of IGH, the Kipp family and Gander Mountain. Worms and our official weights and measurements will be also be provided by Ace Hardware of IGH and volunteers. Prizes will be awarded in different categories. This event is for youth, ages 14 and under. Parent/ guardian must accompany participants. The fee is $8.00 per child/$13.00 for non-residents. YOU MUST PRE REGISTER AT CITY HALL OR ONLINE NO REGISTRA- TIONS WILL BE TAKEN AT THE DERBY! No refunds will be made for this program. Check-in time will be from 5:30 p.m. to 5:50 p.m. Fishing begins at 6:00 p.m. and entertainment starts at 7:00 p.m., with prizes/awards to follow. In House League ages 11 and up You will need to qualify for this program and will be evaluated your first day. If the instruc- tor feels you are not ready for this program, your money will be refunded or you can be moved into Session V. Time: 11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m. Cost: $75.00 Traveling Tennis Team A competitive program ages 10 — 16 Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays Coach may add some Tues. practices (TBD) Times: 1:00 p.m. — 3:15 p.m. Cost: $80.00 Parent car pooling to the matches is required. Instructor is not allowed to drive players. Matches will be in close proximity to Mendota Heights. USTA Juniors The coach may choose to place the more competitive players on a USTA Jr. Team. Register for the traveling tennis team. If selected for the juniors, you will be aske to pay a USTA Jr. player fee of $19. Most weeks you wily practice or play on Monday and Wednesday afternoons (also some Tuesdays, TBD) and have an opportunity to qualify for USTA Sectional Championships. USTA- Tennis Block Party "Causin' a Racquet" in Mendota Heights! SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2010 at MENDAKOTA PARK (PARK CELEBRATION EVENT) Noon — 3:00 p.m. Open to all ages. Try our Tennis Obstacle Course, Tennis 101, and Beat the Pro. A USTA Pro, along with our tennis instruc- tor, Terry Olson, and the summer tennis staff will be on hand if you would like more information on the Mendota Heights tennis pro- grams and league. Don't miss the fun, games and PRIZES! PA(,F 11 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 r— — — — — — — South Region Stars The Area 12 Special Olympics "STARS" are in training and participating in a wide variety of sports and activities that include: soccer, floor hockey, swimming and basket- I ball. New athletes can be registered at any time during the year. Call Teresa at (651) 452-1850 for more infor- mation. L— — — — — — — — — — J Program Registration Information Please register for activities online at www.mendota-heights. com, or in person or by mail at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. Most activities have limited enrollment and fill quickly. Please register as soon as possible. No registrations will be taken over the phone. If classes are full, call 651-452-1850 to be put on a waiting list. You will not get any further confirmation after registration. It is your responsibility to be present when your program begins. Non-residents or non -District 197 students must include a $5.00 non-resident fee. A $10.00 service fee will be charged for cancellations. Refunds will only be given if cancelled five business days prior to activity. Programs cancelled by the City of Mendota Heights will be fully refunded. Important Recreation Phone Numbers Rec. Programmer Teresa Gangelhoff (651)452-1850 Adult Softball League (T. Gangelhoff) (651)452-1850 Softball rainout (adult leagues) (651)255-1173 Tennis Hot Line (651)255-1174 Sibley Sting Youth Soccer (651)457-1426 DARTS (651)455-1560 Thompson Park Activity Center (651)450-8291 Dakota County Parks (651)438-4671 DNR Information Center (651)296-6157 Fort Snelling State Park (612)725-2389 Mendota Hts. Garden Club (651)454-3337 Special Olympics (651)452-1850 St. Thomas Ice Arena (651)209-6020 Mendota Heights Moms' Club: www.mendotaheightsmombclub.me Mendota Hts. Athletic Assn. (651)263-3760 www. mendotaheightsathletics.com to register for youth sports (excluding tennis and golf). Mendota Heights Registration Form - Online Registration at www.mendota-heights.com By signing below you agree that the City of Mendota Heights shall not be liable for any claims, demands, injuries, damages, actions or causes of action whatsoever to you or your property due to the passive or active negligence of the City of Mendota Heights, its agents or employees. PHOTO/MEDIA LIABILITY RELEASE - by signing below you grant the City of Mendota Heights unconditional right to use name, voice and photo likeness of child in connection with city's use in video, articles or press releases. **If you do not want your child's likeness used, please inform recreation department at 651-452-1850 and note it on registration below. Please note any special needs or medical conditions we should know about for participant here: City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118 651-452-1850 www.mendota-heicihts.com FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: DATE REC'D CHECK # RECEIPT # AMOUNT$ BY ACTIVITY NAME (PLEASE FILL OUT FORM COMPLETELY) ACTIVITY DATE FEE 1. _/_/_ $ 2.—�— $- 3. —�—�— $— Participant's Name (PLEASE School Home Phone Participant Signature (or parent signature if under 18) Print Name Email Address Cell Phone Work Phone ip - Birthdate-/-/-Gender-Date PAGE 12 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES APRIL 2010 City Directory Council Members: John Huber, Mayor Ultan Duggan Sandra Krebsbach Mary Jeanne Schneeman Jack Vitelli Staff Members: David McKnight, City Admin. Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk Mike Aschenbrener, Police Chief John Maczko, Fire Chief Jake Sedlacek, Asst. to Admin. Tom Olund, Public Wks. Supvr. Kristen Schabacker, Finance Dir. Teresa Gangelhoff, Rec. Progrmr Paul Berg & Dick Gill, Code Enforcement Officers 450-0729 452-5179 454-5696 457-4337 455-5625 452-1850 452-1850 452-1366 255-1371 452-1850 454-4059 452-1850 452-1850 452-1850 From: City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 SPRING CLEAN UP MAY 19 2010 New Location: Mendakota Park The annual Mendota Heights Spring Clean up will once again be held on the first Saturday of May, which falls on May 1, 2010, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The clean up will be held at Mendakota Park this year, as our traditional site, Mendota Plaza will be undergoing redevelopment. This event is open to Mendota Heights residents only. Identification will be required. Only cars, pick-ups and small trailers are allowed. There is a small fee based on volume, to help defray the costs of the event. Volunteers will be on hand to help unload your materials. WE WILL ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: * Car Tires, Furniture, and Mattresses, $3.00 each 1WV Scrap Metals (remove all non-metal components),Volume-Based Fee * Home Remodeling Debris and Miscellaneous Junk, Volume -Based Fee * Home Electronics - Fee Based Upon Weight The spring clean up does not accept yard waste, contractor debris or items that can be recycled at your curb. Appliances are not accepted at the event, but can be picked up at anytime at your home by J.R.'s Appliances, by calling 651.454.9215. Household hazardous wastes are not accepted at the event, but can be brought to the Dakota County Recycling zone, just a few miles south on Dodd Road. Spring Clean -Up is made possible by a grant from Dakota County Environmental Management and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance (OEA).