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Issue 75 - Heights Highlights Spring 2007PAGE 1 MAY, 2007 ISSUE 75 Mayor's Message I have often said that one of the strengths of your City Council is the ability to debate a contentious issue, take a vote, and then come together to work on the next item. Believe me; it is not as easy as you may think. I think of this as we all prop- erly take stock of the messages sent and received during the recent Par 3 debate. First of all, my compliments to all partici- pants in the "Vote Yes" and "Vote No" advocacy commit- tees. It takes no small amount of courage to publicly take a stand on a matter and deliver that message to your neighbors. It is a reminder that democracy cannot exist without people willing to express competing views and we are grateful for their efforts. I compliment the nearly 3,500 people who came out to vote. City Clerk Kathy Swanson called it, "a phenomenal percentage for a spe- cial election". It is a testimony to the work of the advoca- cy committees that made the community aware of the election. It also was a clear statement that our residents were eager to express their opinion. While the prevail- ing opinion was to retain the golf course, strong signals were sent about the level of taxation, the proper role for government in recreational endeavors, and access to those amenities. As we stay mindful of these messages, our role now is to explore new and creative ways to make this an asset that can most broadly serve our residents. I hope you have a great summer and I look forward to see- ing you on the course. - Mayor John Huber 2nd Annual Mendota Heig 5K Run/Walk Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! Saturday June 2, 2007 Join us for a great day at Mendakota Park from Noon to 3 pm (rain or shine)! All events are free! Don't miss the Bike Rodeo * Tennis Tournament * Petting Zoo * Pony Rides * Entertainment by the Teddy Bear Band and Splatter Sisters * Moonwalk * USTA Block Party * Clowns * Fire Truck Rides * Donkey Cart Rides * 3rd Lair Demo * Minnesota Thunder Professional Soccer Players will be on hand for Autographs * Cookie Monster * and just about every sport you can play in our parks will be represented. So stop by for the fun and prizes! Concessions avail- able; provided by Henry Sibley Football Team. Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks is made possible by the generous support of residents, community groups and community businesses. Please remember to sponsor your local businesses and community groups. If you are interested in making a donation, volunteering for this year's event or are a business or community group inter- ested in participating, please contact Teresa at the Parks & Recreation Department at 651-452-1850. Sponsored by Gateway Bank & Anytime Fitness Saturday June 2, 2007 9:00 a.m. start time For information or a registration form, please call City Hall at 651-452-1850 or go to www.mendota-heights.com See page 4 for for more details. Inside "Heights Highlites" *Celebrate Mendota Heights Events *Storm Water Pollution Prevention *Water Friendly Yards *Recycling For Residents *Farewell to Sergeant Donn Anderson *Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf *Summer Recreation Opportunities *Metropolitan Airports Commission Community Open House *Spring Safety Tips Mendota Heights Police Department PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY 2007 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Water Friendly Yards Cfn '—f— hoo Ar—r ci nM4 n+ ht+nn+inn .e.i+h of 4er4(°on v .echo+ v r. _ i.vhhr.rk4 .e n Ui h?efr.r.-. eral, state, and local water quality management regulations: such as the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). To comply with NPDES, the City of Mendota Heights developed a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). SWPPP identifies appropriate bestmanagement practices and corre- sponding measurable goals and timelines necessary to comply with the NPDES. Six minimum control measures are included in the City's SWPPP: * Public education and outreach on storm water impacts. * Public participation/involvement. * Illicit discharge detection and elimination. * Construction site storm water runoff control. * Pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal opera- tions. The pollution prevention/good housekeeping for municipal operations control measures requires the City to: *Operate and maintain the storm sewer system in a manner to minimize the discharge of pollutants. *Inspect annually all structural pollution control devices, such as sump catch basins.. (in some cases, the City has been able to: reduce this inspection to once every two years as a result of showing that maintenance'' was not needed every year),.' *Inspect, at a minimum, 20' percent of the City's storm water inlet and outlet structures, sediment basins, and ponds each year on a rotating basis. *Based on the inspection, determine if repair, replacement, or maintenance measures are necessary for proper operation and to prevent environmental impacts such as erosion. i Necessary measures are to be completed as soon as possible, usually dur- ing the same year. *Summarize the results of inspections in an annual report. *Keep records of inspection results. The City's Engineering and Public Works Departments need to access storm water ponds and lakes. Drainage and utility easements, which are dedicated when property is platted, are the typical way of providing access to storm water ponds and takes. Unfortunately, over the years many of these easements have become overgrown and, in some cases, ;property owners have landscaped or constructed improvements on the easement making it difficult or impossible to access these ponds and lakes with equipment. The storm water system includes approximately 75 ponds and lakes with hundreds of inlets and outlets. The Engineering Department is planning to identify drainage and utility easements and associated parcels, develop an educational program, provide for public, participa- tion, and establish access. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Department at 651-452- 1850. Another Great Spring Clean Up! The City of Mendota Heights Spring Clean -Up was held on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Mendota Plaza. Once again we had a great turnout, as citizens took advantage of this opportunity to dis- pose of electronics, furniture, tires and other miscellaneous trash! Thank you to our following Partners: *Dakota County Board of Commissioners *Dakota County Environmental Management *Minnesota OEA/MPCA *Nitti Sanitation *Scrapbusters *Materials Processing Corporation *Greenman Technologies *Re -Cycle *And Paster Enterprises for hosting! your home, the street, and your neighbors' homes were there? It may have been forest, prairie, farmland, or even a gravel mine. Any time we change how the land is used in an area, we alter the way water moves and interacts with it. When we build our homes, businesses,' streets, and side- walks, we put a hard cap on the land that reduces the space available for water to soak into the ground. Construction practices can compact soils until they are rock hard, reduc- ing the ability of water to soak into the ground. Often there is removal of trees, native grasses, and other beneficial veg- etation than can store water on their leaves and take up water through their roots and breathe it out into the atmos- phere. These land use changes can lead to dramatic changes in the amount of water' leaving our properties as rain water runoff. The excess storm water can cause prob- lems: flooding, decreased groundwater recharge, increased' erosion,, thermal pollution (temperature is too high for trout), and more chemicals and harmful substances picked up from hard surfaces as more water travels over them. Luckily, there are simple and attractive ways we can conscientiously; landscape and manage our properties to more 'closely mimic the way water originally interacted with it. The following practices reduce the amount of water into the ground, filter- ing water through plants, or temporarily storing water on your property. These practices can work in combination or on their own providing many possibilities to choose from. * Direct rooftop gutter downspout away from hard sur- faces and onto lawns and other landscaped areas to allow the rain landing on your roof to soak into the ground. *` Install a rain barrel. This container` attached to the end of a rooftop gutter downspout collects and stores a por- tion of the rain that falls on the roof.' Rain barrels allow you to temporarily store rain water for use at a later date. * Install a rain garden to accept and treat runoff. Storm water is directed towards a garden which is planted in a light 3-8 inch depression. Plants need to be tolerant of 24 to 48 hours of occasional standing water. Water is temporarily stored in the slight depression after a rain event and allowed to soak into the ground. The quick 24-48 hour infiltration time prevents mosquito breeding. * Replace hard 'surfaces with ;pervious surfaces. New materials such as pervious pavers, asphalt, and pave- ment convert traditionally hard impervious surfaces into surfaces that allow water to soak into the ground. * Plant a buffer strip of native plants at least 25 feet wide directly adjacent to a water body to increase infil- tration, filter out pollutants, reduce shoreline erosion, and provide wildlife habitat. * Plant trees. Tree canopies will collect and store rain water in their leaves. Tree roots provide pore spaces for water to soak into the ground improving'; infiltration rates. Trees also take up and use a lot more water than your typical mowed lawn. Other types of deep rooting, native vegetation will provide the same services. Each of us can play an important part in improving and preserving local water quality. Decisions and practices useo in your own yards impact local water bodies and the large regional water bodies they are connected to: the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. if you or your neighbors are looking for more information or are wondering where to start, you can contact the Engineering Department at 651-452-1850. PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY 2007 Recycling For Residents Rethink Recycling - Paper A 2000 study showed that 21 % of household garbage in the Twin Cities metro area is recyclable paper. You �- can recycle more kinds of paper than you think. Use the following guide to start recycling more paper. Paper products which CAN be recycled: • Mail, office and school papers • Magazines and catalogs • Newspapers and inserts • Phone books • Shredded paper in closed paper bags • Cardboard boxes • Cereal boxes, cracker boxes, pasta boxes, cake mix boxes • Shoe boxes, gift boxes & electronics boxes • Boxes from toothpaste, medications and other toiletries Paper products which CAN NOT be recycled: • Pizza boxes, egg cartons or boxes soiled with food • Boxes from refrigerated or frozen foods • Milk cartons and juice boxes • Paper towels, napkins, cups and plates • Gift wrap Where Does it Go? Liere's how the paper recycling process works: 1. You place your recyclable paper at the curb for recy- cling. 2. A recycling hauler picks it up and takes it to a Materials Recovery Facility, or a MRF (pronounced "murf"). 3. The MRF separates the paper into types, wraps it into large bales and ships it to a paper mill. 4. The paper mill then mixes the paper with hot water and turns it into pulp. The pulp is screened for contaminant's, such as staples and plastic, then cleaned, often de -inked and bleached and made into new paper products. Recycled paper is used in many of the paper products you use every day. More than 80% of all U.S. paper manufacturers use some recovered fiber to make their products. Here are just a few of the everyday paper products made with recycled paper: • Egg cartons: Egg cartons are made from recycled newspaper and inserts. • Newspaper: A newspaper is recycled and back in circu- lation in less than four weeks. • Cereal boxes: Recycled office paper, newspapers and card- Kllo�r board boxes are used to makeVnauo cereal and other types of boxes. "t ihroc To learn more, go to ' www.greenguardian.com, the ®�� ,retro area's resource for recy- GreenGuardian.com cling and waste disposal. Source: Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board. and Farewell To Sergeant Donn Anderson Retiring from Mendota Heights Police Department (PD) will be a familiar face. Donn Anderson will be "Officially Retiring" , on May 31, 2007. Donn has worked for the Mendota Heights PD since January 1, 1980. He began his career in law enforce- ment in Glen Rock Wyoming in 1975 when he packed the car and trailer and headed west. In Glen Rock Donn started his career as a patrolman, where he learned what the wild west was all about. In 1979 he and wife Lori packed up and returned to Minnesota where Donn had accepted a job as a police officer for the Lilydale Police Department. The Lilydale PD provided police services to Mendota and Sunfish Lake in addition to Lilydale. Donn had to be wondering what he stepped into when he learned that at the end of 1979 the Lilydale PD would cease to exist. Fortunately for Donn he made a good impression and Mendota Heights Chief Rich Thul offered him a job. Donn worked the last patrol shift in Lilydale and came to work the following day for the MHPD. In 1986 Donn was promoted to Sergeant and was assigned to supervise the patrol officers. During his tenure with the MHPD many things have changed. The population of Mendota Heights has doubled. The number of calls for service went up tenfold. The number of officers have doubled. Record keeping went from 3x5 index cards, to a computer in the office, to computers in the squads. Donn plans on taking the summer off to spend some time with his wife Lori and his dad at the cabin. Once summer is over you will find him in uniform again somewhere. Enjoy your retirement Donn! Recreational Fires As spring approaches, the desire for a recreational fire also increases. The Fire Department welcomes all to have a good time but asks that you comply with the fol- lowing rules: 1. Fires must be extinguished within 3 hours after they are started, but not later than 11 PM. 2. Use clean and dry wood only (no refuse, grass, leaves, logs over 3 inches in diameter, paper, garbage or other combustibles.) 3. The size of the fire cannot be more than 3 feet in diame- ter and flames must not reach a height in excess of 3 feet. 4. No fire shall be within 20 feet of any building or struc- ture. 5. A means of extinguishment must be in the immediate area of the fire. 6. No fire shall be started or maintained in dry conditions or winds over 15 MPH 7. Recreational fires must be constantly attended by a competent person until the fire has been completely extin- guished. 8. The Fire Chief or his representative is authorized to pro- hibit, suspend, or further restrict all fires should atmospher- ic, drought, wind, state or local circumstance or conditions warrant or dictate such action. Violation of any of these reg- ulations may result in the issuance of a citation. If you have questions regarding these regulations, call Fire Marshal Paul Kaiser at 452-1850. PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY 2007 M09rOWOU ."k CeLebrvtiala *cone -Friday dune 7, 6:30 P.W. - V"911ge it `Itj-f Xarket square !Pl"k *`DVy In Ae 1)"k -siturdly dune 21 Noon - 3 P.m xendakota dark The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite you, your family, friends and neighbors to a day in the park to celebrate our parks and bring our community together along with some of our area merchants and residents who through their dona- tions, have made this day in the park possible. The day will feature a youth softball tournament, food concessions, musical performances and youth & family activities. Several highlites of this year's celebration include the following FREE events: • Splatter Sisters - Music & comedy performance sponsored by American Bank & Moose Country • Teddy Bear Band performance sponsored by Pat Kaplan- Coldwell Banker Burnet • MH Police Dept. Bike Rodeo sponsored by MHPD, McDonalds and Boehm's Bike Shop • Petting Zoo sponsored by City and County Credit Union • Pony Rides sponsored by Axel's Bonfire and Mendota Heights Amoco • Fire Truck Rides- Mendota Heights Fire Department • Mendota Heights Athletic Association - Ball Tournament • Vulcan Truck Rides - Sponsored by St. Paul Vulcan's • Soccer Shoot -Out -Sponsored by MN Thunder and Sound and Fury Men's Soccer Teams • Hockey Shoot -Out- Sponsored by Gateway Bank • Face Painting sponsored by Valmont Applied Coating Tech. • Clowns sponsored by Lexington Heights Apartment • Pre School Moon Walk sponsored by Mendakota Pediatrics • Elementary Age Children's Moon Walk sponsored by Dr. Eisenhuth-Orthodontist • "Free Throw" - basketball game • USTA Tennis "Block Party" sponsored by United Properties • Putting Contest sponsored by Mendota Heights Par 3 • Caricatures sponsored by Hoffmann Homes • Joe the Balloon Guy sponsored by TAJ Technologies • Duggan's Dashes sponsored by Ultan Duggan • Fish Pond sponsored by Fischerville Coffee House • Boltz's Tae Kwon Do Demonstration • Football Throw and Concessions sponsored by Henry Sibley Football Team • Baseball Throw sponsored by Saint Thomas Academy • Cookie Monster and Cotton Candy sponsored by Fun-Tastic Party Rentals of Mendota Heights • Donkey Cart Rides sponsored by Mendakota Animal Hospital • Skateboard demo sponsored by 3rd Lair demo team • Bike and Prize drawings will be held at 3 pm. Winners must be present to win! ***New this year: 3rd Lair Skateboard Demo Team, Football Throw, Donkey Cart rides and don't miss Joe The Balloon Guy as he tries to break a World Record in Balloon Art at our Park Celebration! Friday June, 1 Concert 6:30 p.m. - Village at Mendota Heights (Market Square) "Sandy & The Hitman" Music from the 60's and beyond! Co -Sponsors: City of Mendota Heights & Sage Market and Wine Bar 2nd Annual Mendota Heights 5K Run/Walk Sponsored by Gateway Bank & Anytime Fitness Saturday June 2, 2007 9:00 a.m. start time For information or a registration form, please call City Hall at 651-452-1850 or go to: www.mendota-heights.com Mendota Heights Police Department Bike Rodeo Co-sponsored With McDonalds and Boehms Bike Shop Hey kids - bring your bike and get a free Safety Check & ride the obstacle course. Each partici- pant who brings a bike will get an extra drawing ticket for a chance to win one of two new bikes. D t • • • • t • • • • • • • • • • • i • • • • • • • • • • • A Family Tennis Tournament ; Saturday June 2 - 9 a.m. - Noon See Page 8 for details ............................... PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY 2007 Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf 1AR 3 REFERENDUM SUCCESSFUL On April 24, the city held a special election to give community .sidents an opportunity to decide whether the city should pur- hase the Mendota Heights Par 3 property. Forty-two percent of ie city's registered voters cast ballots, either in person or by bsentee — an outstanding voter turnout for a special election! early 54% of the 3,477 residents who cast ballots voted to pur- hase the property. The current owners of Mendota Heights Par 3 will operate the nurse until the city takes possession of the property in late June. he City has a two part plan moving ahead — the first is to keep ie current staff on hand for remainder of the 2007 season. The econd part is to establish a task force to study all of our options )r 2008 and beyond (including maintaining the status quo). The ask Force was authorized at the May 1 City Council meeting, and rill be working on the business plan, as well as operations and iarketing strategies. Whether you've never golfed or are an avid golfer, why not tee -off t Mendota Heights Par 3 and enjoy your golf course. rn?' AmnM First Tee Off April 28th Mendota Heights Par 3 Mendota Heights Par 3 1695 Dodd Road Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course is open for busi- ness. Walk in golfers are welcome or call 651-454- 9822 to reserve your tee -time. The Mendota Heights Par 3 nine -hole course with broad greens and mature trees provides a great experience for youth, adults, seniors and families Par: 27 Yardage: 1,225 Green Fees: Weekdays $9.00 Weekends $11.00 I Reservations: Taking tee times for Saturdays, Sundays_ nd holidays . I -----------------------i Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Program Junior golfers are expected to acknowledge golf course rules. This league is looking for volunteers to share chap- erone duties (2 per each day of play). Volunteers will play for free on their volunteer day. Fee: $100.00 (must pre pay for all 11 weeks- no play July 2,3 or 4th) $5.00 non- resident fee. Boys &/or Girls Monday mornings: June 11 -Aug. 27. Tee times start 8:30 am Girls only Tuesdays mornings: June 12 - Aug. 28. Tee times start at 9:00 am Boys and/or Girls Wednesday mornings: June 13 - Aug. 29. Tee times start 8:30 am The Parent/Child Leagues are a great way for families to spend time together. Two parent-child pairs are allowed each tee time. Fee: $182.00 (one fee for both players) *Must pre -pay for all 11 weeks. Friday Evenings: June 15 - Aug. 24. No play on July S. Tee times start at 4:08 pm Sunday Afternoons: June 17 - Aug. 26. No play July 1st. Tee Times start at 4:08 pm players). Get your neighbors, friends and co-workers to play! Wednesday's May 23 - Aug. 29 (no golf on July 4th) Fee: $135.00 (Must pre pay for 14 weeks. First tee time at 4:08 pm * Note all golf league registrations must be made in person at MH City Hall, so that tee -times can be assigned. Golf Lessons Three 1 -hour lessons covering golf course etiquette, golf club grip, stance, swing and correct putting techniques. There will be one teaching professional to every 8 golfers, giving personalized instruction. You receive 2 free rounds of golf. (Beneficial for the beginning golfer.) Juniors (Ages 6 and up) or Adult : $65 Parent/Child lessons (one fee for both): $95 Thursday evening classes: Junior Lessons at 5 pm; Parent/Child Lessons at 6:10 pm; & Adult Lessons at 7:20pm Session I: (Sorry this class is full.) Session I1: May 24, May 31, June 7. Session III: June 14, 21, 28 Session IV: July 12, 19, 26 Session V: August 2, 09, 16 Ages: 6 - 13. All Skill Levels (you will be put with your level) Fee: $107.00 Time: 8 am - 11 am Session I: June 11 - 14 Session II: June 18 - 21 Session III: June 25 - 28 Session IV: July 9 - 12 Session V: July 16 - 19 Session VI: July 23 - 26 Session VII: July 30 - Aug 2 Session VIII: Aug. 6 -9 Session IX: Aug 13 -Aug 16 PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY 2007 MENDOTA HEIGHTS PrQ7tK5 4, RECREATION CLIFF TIMM MEMORIAL FISHING DERBY AT ROGERS LAKE This year's fishing [ derby being held ``tak_eme f iShirt N July 11, 2007 is full 9~ at this time. Please call City Hall 651-452-1850 to be put on a waiting list. Please register by early April next year to be sure of a spot in the 2008 derby! For those already registered here is your derby informa- tion: Participants must bring their own pole/bait/tackle. Participants will receive a tackle box, IGH Ace Hardware gift certificate and other goodies provided by Hooked on Fishing International, Wal-Mart, and area resident Ira Kipp. Entertainment will be provided by "Kevin Hall Magic" at 7:30 p.m. as part of "Performances in the Park" (you do not have to be registered in the derby to come and enjoy the free entertainment.) Event Times: 5:30 - 6 p.m. - Derby Registration at Park Shelter (You T/y� must be pre -registered prior to the Derby at City Hall) 6 - 7:30 p.m. - Fishing (you will be in 1 o 3 groups rotating on pier, land & casting contest each '/ hour.) 6 - 7:30 p.m. - Largest Fish , Littlest Fish, Most Fish & Casting Contests 7:30 p.m. - Fish -Weigh -ins End 8:00 P.M. - Awards ICE FISHING ANYONE? Mendota Heights Park and Rec is too%6 , pleased to announce that we have been designated as a 2007 Take Me Fishing Developmental Community. We are looking at adding an Ice Fishing Program next winter at Rogers Lake. We are proud to partner with the National Recreation and Parks Association to offer more program- ming for fishing in Mendota Heights. If you have any ideas or would to help promote or donate to our fishing programs in Mendota Heighs please contact Teresa at 651-452-1850. Visit our website at www.mendota-heights.com SUMMER PLAYHOUSE FEATURING DR. SEUSS (Formerly The Imagination Station) is a traveling variety show which will be making appearances at both Marie and Friendly Hills Parks this summer. This group will provide cre- ative, quality perform- ances free of charge. The shows will include: choreo- graphed performances, puppet shows, songs and dances. Performances last approximately thirty minutes and are designed to entertain families with young children. Performances will not be held if it is raining. Feel free to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets to sit on. Mondays: June 18 - July 23 (No performance July 2) 1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Marie Park (Marie Avenue between Victoria & Lexington) 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. Friendly Hills Park (Pueblo Lane & Apache) SPECIAL EVENING PERFORMANCE ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 27 AT MENDAKOTA PARK PAVILLION 6:30 PM. 3RD LAIR SKATEBOARD CAMP AT ROGER'S LAKE SKATE PARK For the expert to beginner and everyone in between. The 3rd Lair instructors are very experienced in the sport and have years of teaching knowledge. Equipment needed for camp: skateboard and helmet. (knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are rec- ommended. If raining please meet under the pavilion. Date: One week camp from Monday, July 30 to Friday, August 3rd. Time: 9 am to noon Cost: $160.00 Ages: All ages • MINNESOTA THUNDER SOCCER CAMP COMING TO MENDOTA HEIGHTS IN JUNE For more information and registration please go • to www.mnthunder.com or call 651 -917 -TEAM. • .................................. PAGE 7 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY 2007 SUMMER THURSDAY YOUTH TRIPS PLEASE NOTE: Trips depart & return from Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. Trips are for student's ages 6 or older unless specified. Deadline to register is the Monday prior to trip. Each trip has a limited number of participants, so register early to avoid being put on a waiting list. Registration forms can be found on page 7. All trips include chaper- ones, transportation & activity fee. THURSDAY, JUNE 21 - VALLEYFAIR (IN SHAKOPEE). Start the summer off with a day at Valley Fair. Bring a group of friends! Don't forget your swimsuit and towel for the water park! Bring a bag lunch or $ to purchase lunch/snacks. Bus departs/returns 9:05 AM /6:10 PM. Cost: $29.00 Ages: 10 & older. THURSDAY, JUNE 28 - MN TWINS - Spend an exciting afternoon at the metro dome. Game time is 12:10 PM - it is Recreation Day. The trip includes RESERVED SEATING in the "Home Run Porch", hot dog and pop, supervision, trans- portation. Participants may bring extra money for snacks and enjoy a day at the Park! Bus departs at 10:05 AM & will return after the game — approx. 3:30 PM. Cost: $21.50 /person. Ages: 6 and up THURSDAY, JULY 5 - NO trip this holiday week THURSDAY, JULY 12 — SPRING LAKE PARK AMUSEMENT CENTER AND CRYSTAL COVE AQUATIC CENTER We will begin the day with unlimited mini golf and other amusement park fun, including 10 balloons each for Water Wars, so bring your swim suits and towel. We then spend the rest of the afternoon swimming at Crystal Cove Aquatics Center. It has a water play area as well as 2 large waterslides. Bring a bag lunch or money for concessions and arcade. Bus departs/returns 9:05/4:00 Cost: $20.00/person. Ages: 7 & up THURSDAY, JULY 19 - WILD MOUNTAIN IN TAYLORS FALLS - WATER PARK, ALPINE SLIDES, GO CARTS. Don't miss Wild Adventure Island with 4 waterslides, climbing net, water cannons or just take it easy on a tube in the lazy river. Unlimited go carts & alpine slide rides. Bring a hearty bag lunch or $ for concessions, a swimsuit & towel, sunscreen plus tennis shoes (no flip-flops) for the alpine slide. Bus departs at 8:15 AM & returns at 4:20 PM. Cost: $27.00/person. Ages: 8 & over. THURSDAY, JULY 26 - BUNKER BEACH (WAVE POOL -COON RAPIDS) & BOX LUNCH - Bring your swimsuit, towel, change of clothes & if you want to rent an inner tube bring an extra $4.00 (we will be at pool for two, two-hour ses- sions). There is the wave pool, waterslides & adventure pool. Trip includes lunch, small pop, hot dog, chips & cookie; however, you can bring extra money for additional snacks. Bus departs/returns at 10:05/3:50 Cost: $18.50 Ages: 10 and over THURSDAY, AUGUST 2ND- CRYSTAL CAVES AND VISONQUEST SKATING AND FUN CENTER IN WISCONSIN All this fun less than one hour away! First we tour Crystal Caves on a guided tour and then everyone will get to pan for gems just like the miners did. Afterwards we head to Menomonie to VisonQuest Family Fun Center where we will have pizza and pop for lunch and have fun roller skating (you may bring your own roller blades if you like), moonwalk, turtle scooters, interactive DJ and video screens (all included). Bring extra spending money for snacks/arcade/rollerblade rental (reg. skates are free). If you bring a helmet, knee, elbow and wrist protec- tion you may go on the ramps with rollerblades or you may rent safety equip- ment for the ramps. PLEASE BRING A SWEATSHIRT OR JACKET TO WEAR IN THE CAVES!!! Bus departs/returns 8:15/4:30 Cost:: $23.00 Ages: 6 and up nrlurJCP�INrPrJ'rJPcn �ePrJ��PP�l+�l+cf+�PCPrl�f"+�P�PcfPP�PN�PCIr"NA.PNcIiJPhlQIrPrP.PCP�PNCPrPr.Pr.PCPrPcfdPr.P�PcIiP�P.k+Pcl'NrPNrPcf"cf"+�PrPrJcf'i� rJOPrJ�cPrJrP G FETY CAMP SAFETY CAMP IS FULL FOR 2007 -you may call city hall at 651-452-1850 and be put Dn our wait list. Camp will be held August 14, 15, 16 at Kaposia Park in South St. Paul. Co - Sponsored with West St. Paul, South St. Paul and the South St. Paul VFW Post 295. If you miss out this year please register approxi- mately mid March 2008 to be sure of a spot in next year's camp! 6=M Enjoy Walking in Dakota County Join "Simple Steps," the new walking pro- gram in Dakota County! It's FREE, easy, and energizing. All you need to do is find at least one friend, relative, (SIMPLE neighbor or �� coworker to walk y yj " with at least once In DaLota Count each week. If you want, you can add others to your walking group. To register, go to www.dako- tacounty.us and search for "Simple Steps". You'll receive a guide full of tips to get you started and keep you motivated. You'll also get maps of interesting places to walk in the county, notices of special events, and spe- cial rewards for participating. Registration begins April 1st. This program will run from April 1 st - October 31 St. There is no charge for this program. Tnompson ParK ACtiviltles for 55+ Adults in Mendota Heights! If you are looking for activities and fun check out THOMPSON PARK Join the ACTIVITY CENTER locat- TPAC for June ed at 1200 Stassen Lane Bug Days Call (off Butler and Highway 52) in West St. Paul. This is 651-450-8291 our area (District 197 for program Community Education) 55+ information. center and Mendota Heights residents are welcome to join classes or take part in any of the activities. If you would like to get on the TPAC mailing list for the Thompson Times listing 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. PAGE 8 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY 2007 Mendota Heights Summer Tennis Program Lessons will be held at Visitation Courts at Mendota Heights Road and Dodd Road. We will be offering tennis lessons and teams taught and coached by Tim Garvey a certified developmental coach/instructor with the USPTA-United States Professional Tennis Association. We also have high school/college assistants working with Tim. Please call the Tennis Hotline at 651-255-1174 if weath- er is questionable up to a half hour before your lesson. Rain outs will not be made up. Instead we have added extra time on Friday, July 27 with a picnic, in-house tournament, games and prizes. ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED SO PLEASE REGISTER EARLY!!!! Register for our Tennis Program this summer and you will have a chance to apply for a winter indoor tennis schol- arship worth $100.00 at the Fort Snelling Tennis Club. "Little Tennis" for Youth Ages 4 - 7 T-shirt included (45 minute lesson once a week). This program will introduce tennis to your child in a fun and safe environment. Mini nets & other teaching aids will be used to gear this program to your child's age level. Register early as this program fills quickly. (The instructor would like a parent/chaperone to stay with child during lesson - you may coordinate with another parent to help with your child if you are unable to stay.) Dates: Thursdays, June 14 - July 26 (no lesson on July 5) Times: Littles I - (Sorry Full) Littles II - 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Littles III - 10:30 - 11:45 Cost: $40 (no rainout/makeup's). We may add more sessions if these classes fill. Beginner Tennis Lessons for Youth Ages 8 - 14 We will be using a USTA "games approach" to get kids together to have fun and learn how to play tennis. They will learn sports- manship, general etiquette, develop strokes, apply strategies and tactics for both singles and doubles in a supervised, safe environ- ment. Tennis T-shirt and tennis balls are included. Participants will need tennis shoes and a tennis racquet. Dates: Mon., Tues., & Weds. from June 11 to July 25 (18 hours total + Friday Fun Day) no play on July 2, 3, or 4. Times: Session I - 8:30 - 9:25 a.m. for ages 8, 9, 10 years Session II - 9:30 - 10:25 for ages 11, 12, 13, 14 years. Cost: $75.00 ** Friday, July 27 - In house tournament, picnic fun/games and awards 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Lessons for Youth Ages 8 - 14 This program is for youth with previous tennis experience or for youth who participated in our tennis program last year. Tim and his assistants will take them to the next level of training. You will work with the instructors at your level of play, not age. Dates: Mon., Tues. & Weds. from June 11 to July 25 (18 hours total + Friday Fun Day) no play on July 2, 3, or 4. Times: Session III - (Sorry Full) Session IV - 11:30 a.m. - 12:25 p.m. Cost: $75.00 (If you plan on playing on the traveling team and would also like to take the lessons, please sign up for Session IV.) ** Friday, July 27 - In house tournament, games, prizes, picnic and awards 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. In -House League Play for Ages 11 - 14 You may be part of this program if you are in advanced lessons (session III at 10:30 a.m.) or took lessons last year and want to take your game to the next level without playing on the traveling team. You will need to qualify for this program and be evaluated your first day. If Coach Tim feels you are not ready for this program, your money will be refunded. COST. If you sign up for both the 10:30 advanced lessons and in house league play you will get a reduced rate of $135.00. If you are just signing up for in house league the fee is $75.00. DATES: Mon., Tues., & Weds. from June 11 - July 25. (18 hours + Friday Fun Day) No play on July 2, 3, or 4. Time: 11:45-12:45. ** Friday, July 28 - In house tournament, games, prizes, picnic and awards 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Traveling Tennis Team for Youth Ages 12 - 14 (or approval of instructor) The Coach will approve you to play on the first day - if he feels you are not ready for this program your fee will be refunded. USTA Teams will be formed according to age. You will travel to locations outside our City and some games will be at our home courts at Visitation. When traveling to other sites ending times may vary. Tim Garvey will be the coach. Fee will include Team T -Shirt, USTA team fee. Most weeks you will practice or play on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons with an opportunity to qualify for USTA Sectional Championships. Team members will need a racquet, tennis shoes and shorts. Parents will be needed to help drive team to playing sites. Please let instructor know if you can help drive. Instructor is not allowed to drive players. Cost: $100.00 Dates: Mon., Tues., Weds. from June 11 - July 25 (no play on July 2, 3, or 4). Times: 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. (approximately). R I nere will oe two travel teams one uompetitive rnant ana one Hecreatlonal mant ana you will Diav otners at vour level. DON'T MISS THESE TENNIS EVENTS - JUNE 2ND IN MENDOTA HEIGHTS!!! FAMILY TENNIS TOURNAMENT - Saturday, June 2, 2007 9am-Noon. Visitation Courts: Two flights of competition -1. Adult/Child-14 and under doubles; or 2. Singles age 14 and under open to both boys and girls. Tournament fee: $10.00 per participant includes t -shirt and awards. Sign up by May 30. Limited spots available. Mail or drop off your registration at City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve, MH, 55118. 2007 USTA BLOCK PARTY -Saturday, June 2nd Noon — 3:00pm Mendakota Park Join the free fun as USTA & our staff plan some fun events and prizes -held in conjunction with the Park Celebration. PAGE 9 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY, 2007 mportant Phone Numbers & FREE FKff I Ef "SUMMER PERFOR- (Recreation Information I IMANCES IN THE PARK" I _ You may register for programs or 1 1 The Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department is Itake out park permits at the recep-6w-- Isponsoring a series of "FREE" Performances In The Park!Itionist desk in City Hall during normal 1 (Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Children must be accompa- (business hours (Monday through 1 from 8 - 4:30 I Inied by an adult throughout the entire performance.Friday I 1 a.m. p.m.). Fri. June 1, 6:30 p.m. - Market Square (Village at Mendota Park & Recreation Programmer, Teresa 1 (Heights) "Sandy and the Hitmen" playing a variety of music IGangelhoff, 651-452-1850. Hours are 10:00 am -3:30 pm 1 (from the 60's and beyond. Co -Sponsored with Sage Market (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday. I land Wine Bar. I* MH Adult Softball League: Teresa @ 651-452-1850 1 1 Sat., June 2,12:15-1 p.m. - Mendakota Park. "Splatter I* Skating Lesson Hot Line: 651-255-1173 1 (Sisters" 1 I* Ice Rink Hotline: 651-255-1174 1 1 Sat., June 2,1:45-2:45 p.m. - Mendakota Park. "The Teddy 1* Sibley Sting Youth Soccer: 651-457-1426 1 (Bear Band" (BYOTB- Bring Your Own Teddy Bear!) I* Thompson Park Activity Center: 651-450-8291 I 1 Weds., June 13 , 7 p.m. - Performing on the Front Steps @ I* DARTS: 651-455-1560 1 (Henry Sibley High School. "The Alpahabits". This show is I I* Fort Snelling State Park -612-725-2389 I lin conjunction with the Early Learning Advisory Council of 1 1* Special Olympics: 612-333-0999 I (ISD 197 "TRUCKS AND TRAVEL" I* DNR information Center: 651-296-6157 I 1 Weds., June 27, 6:30 p.m. "Summer Playhouse" (formerly 1 I* Mendota Heights Garden Club: 651-454-3337 I IThe Imagination Station) will be making a special evening I* Dakota County Parks: 651-438-4671 I (appearance at Mendakota Park featuring Dr. Seuss and 1* St. Thomas Ice Arena: 651-209-6020 I (more! 1 I* Mendota Heights MOMS Club: 651-405-3111 (Sarah) I 1 Weds., July 11, 7:30 p.m. - Rogers Lake Pavilion. "Kevin 1 1* District 197 Community Education: 651-681-2389 I lHall Magic". He will entertain all ages with magic & come- 1 P Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA) - All youth 1 idly. You don't have to be part of the Fishing Derby to come 1 Isports (excluding tennis & golf): Please call MHAA @ 651- I land enjoy the performance! 1 1454-0433 or sign up at: www.eteamz.active.com/mhaaonline1 1 Tues., August 7,6:30 p.m. - Mendakota Park Pavilion. 1 L _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ J 1"Woody" is back again to perform and entertain at the , ,National Night Out event. Come and enjoy the comedy, , Mark Your Calendars ,magic and fun for all ages. , Weds. August 29, 6:30 — 7:30 p.m. - Mendakota Park National Night Out -August 7 2007 I 1 ,Pavilion. "Leroy's River Minstrels" provided by MH Park & , Come join your friends, neighbors and repre- IRec and free root beer floats provided by Thompson Park sentatives from the Mendota Heights Police (Activity Center. Playing old time hits and Big Band Sound. Department for this informational and fun event! ,*If it rains, the concert will be held at The Village Commons Iof Mendota Heights in the Community Room (720 Linden St. -Hwy 100 & Dodd Rd _ J MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS & REC REGISTRATION FORM You may register in person or by mail for all activities at: Mendota Heights City Hall, Parks and Rec, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118.(Make checks payable to City of Mendota Heights) 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, it's agents or employees. I have read and understand this agreement by signing below. We reserve the right to cancel any program due to insufficient enrollment with a complete refund. No refunds after start of activity. A $5.00 service fee will be charged for cancellations made prior to the start of a program or it's registration deadline. Non-resident fee of $5.00 will apply for golf programs and fishing derby only. City of Mendota Heights Activity Name Activity Date Fee Parks & Recreation 1 /—/— $ 1101 Victoria Curve 2. —/ /— $ Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Please fill in this section for Youth Programs Only: Male Female 651-452-1850 �A,1k1, School Grade Child's Age Birth date FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Participants Name Home Phone (Youth Only) Parents cell or work phone DATE REC'D CHECK # Address city zip RECEIPT# AMOUNT Participant signature (or Parent signature if participant is under 18) Date BY PAGE 10 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MAY, 2007 Spring is in the air the Mendota Heights Police Department strongly recommends the following to increase your chances of not becoming a victim. 1. If you have a home security system for your residence, get in the habit of using it. 2. Secure your home by locking your doors and windows, especially first floor windows. 3. Get to know your neighbors and let those you trust know when you're leaving town for an extended period of time. 4. Consider replacing exterior lights with motion sensor lights and make sure that they are operational. 5. Strategically put interior lamps on timers that will turn on and off throughout the day and night. 6. Make sure that your garage door(s) are closed before you leave your home and/or go to bed. 7. If you park your vehicle outside make sure that you do not leave anything inside your vehicle that looks interesting enough to break into it and take it. 8. Always lock your vehicle even when it's parked inside your garage. 9. If you're out enjoying the trail systems or parks rather than securing your purse and/or wallet inside your vehicle think about carrying it with you. Only bring those things that you truly need so as to make it easier for you to keep it with you at all times. Leave the rest at home. 10. If you choose to secure your belongings inside your vehicle be aware of thieves who may be watching. Don't ignore the feeling that's telling you something isn't right! 11. Keep your head up and be aware of what's going on around you, especially in public places. Most victims later report to police that they never saw it coming and have little information about the perpetrator. 12. Help us help you by being a great witness obtains as much information as possible including; a vehicle description, license plate number, suspect description, time, location and any other information related to what happened. Theft is most often times a crime of opportunity. Thieves are looking for the "easy victims" who do not follow safe practices. We can not prevent someone from forcibly breaking into our home or vehicle and stealing our property, but we can make it more difficult for them. Stay Safe, Officer Bobby Lambert Mendota Heights Police Department r � � ® � � _ � ® � � 9 'Drop Box Reminder ' There are 2 drop boxes outside of City Hall for your ' convenience. One is for utility bills and the other is for US Mail. Just drive up and drop it off! L J City Directory Council Members: John Huber, Mayor Ultan Duggan Sandra Krebsbach Mary Jeanne Schneeman Jack Vitelli Staff Members: Jim Danielson, City Administrator Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk Mike Aschenbrener, Police Chief John Maczko, Fire Chief Sue McDermott, Public Work Dir. Jake Sedlacek, Asst. to the City Admin Tom Olund, Public Works Supvr. Kristen Schabacker, Finance Dir. Teresa Gangelhoff, Rec. Prgmr. 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 452-1850 454-4059 452-1850 452-1850 452-1850 From: City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 Metropolitan Airports Commission Community Open House - August 6th Residents are welcomed and encouraged to attend a Community Open House at which the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) will share information on Summer 2007 Reconstruction Operations at Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport. The Open House will be held in the Mendota Heights City Hall Council Chambers, from 6:30- 8:30pm on Monday, August 6 1 2007. For more information, contact the MAC at 612-725-6455. Prsrt Std U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6166 St. Paul, MN 55118