Issue 67 - Heights Highlights Winter 2005JANUARY 2005 ISSUE 67
Mayor's Message
Are you looking for a way to get out and enjoy our Minnesota winters and Mendota
Heights Parks? Looking for some family fun and exercise? Then please join me at the 1st
Annual Ice Skate With The Mayor, Saturday January 22, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm at Friendly
Hills Park. We will provide the hot cider and cookies (until they run out!) while you bring your g
CCM's, figure skates or double -runners or just come and watch the fun. You can partici-
pate in skating activities, or if you are like me, brush up on some skills you have not used
for a long time. As a former Mendota Heights ice rink attendant, I remember when our rinks
used to have dozens of skaters on weekends. While indoor rinks are more plentiful today,
this event is a way to connect with the past and rediscover the joy gliding along in the crisp
winter air. I look forward to seeing you there!
While you are used to seeing our council members at regular city council meetings, you may not know they
regularly attend meetings on the City's behalf on various commissions and boards. For example Jack Vitelli just
finished a two-year term as our primary Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) representative. Ultan Duggan will take
over that role for the next two years and also serves as our elected representative to the Northern Dakota County
Cable Communications Commission. Mary Jeanne Schneeman is our representative to the Gun Club Lake
Watershed Management Organization and Sandra Krebsbach is a NOC alternate. These are just a few of the
many meetings they attend beyond the council meetings. I thank all of them for taking on these added duties on
behalf of our city.
Wishing all of you the best in 2005!
- Mayor John Huber
Mendota Heights Seeks Applicants for Commissions
Openings exist on the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission (ARC) and Northern Dakota County Cable
Communications Commission (NDC4). The Mayor and City Council are accepting applications from members of
the public who would like to be considered for these openings. The Commissions are voluntary, citizen advisory
boards that act on related issues and make recommendations to City Council. Members must be of voting age and
reside within Mendota Heights.
The ARC Commission is a voluntary citizen board with three-year overlapping terms. The Airport Relations
Commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to airport noise and operations at Minneapolis/St. Paul
International Airport and makes recommendations to the Council regarding strategies to mitigate the city's air noise
exposure. The Airport Relations Commission meets at City Hall the second Wednesday evening of each month.
The NDC4 currently holds its meetings on the first Wednesday of the month.
Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Square Television Studio, 5845 Blaine
Avenue in Inver Grove Heights. Representatives are asked to attend as many
meetings as possible and stay up-to-date on NDC4 activities by reading the min- _
utes and other materials in the monthly meeting packets. -
Interested citizens are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest to
City Administrator, Jim Danielson, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN
55118. Application letters will be accepted through Friday, February 4, 2005.
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PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2005
Barking Dogs in Your Neighborhood?
The City of Mendota Heights has ordinances regulating
barking dogs.
City Code covers barking dogs specifically in two places;
4-1-4 (m) and 5-3-5 (a). Both are misdemeanors.
The Mendota Heights City Code is available on-line at
http-.//66.113.195.234/MN/Mendota%2OHeights/index.htm.
The wording in the ordinance is: No person shall keep
or harbor a dog which habitually barks or cries. Any
such dog is declared a public nuisance.
When the police respond to a barking dog call we have
two goals: stop the problem that is occurring now and pre-
vent the problem in the future. By stopping the problem
now, and documenting it, we are building a case that will
hold up in court.
As police officers deal with your barking dog problems,
they are preparing to answer questions that will come up in
court. The officers need to prove beyond a reasonable
doubt that:
1) The dog barks habitually, this means that we should
have at least two warnings on file.
2) The dog barks continuously for 15 minutes.
3) The dog barks when unprovoked. (No dogs, animals or
people are in the area drawing the dog's attention causing
it to bark.)
Officers will generally give a warning and write a report
on the first call. The report will indicate if the ordinance is
actually being violated or if the barking is an annoyance.
On a return call, generally not the same day, the officer will
determine if the ordinance is being violated and cite or warn
appropriately. Citizens are encouraged to let their neigh-
bors know what the problem is before involving the police.
In many cases, just informing your neighbor of the problem
will be enough to prevent future problems.
If the problem persists and an officer has not witnessed
the violation, citizens have the right to bring the complaint
to the prosecutor themselves. The prosecutor will review
the case and make a charging decision based upon the evi-
dence. The citizen will be required to testify in court for the
prosecution. The complainant will be required to provide
testimony that the dog violated the ordinance and to the cri-
teria necessary to prove the violation.
Is Your Property Within the
Mississippi River Critical Area?
The Mississippi River Critical Area is a buffer along
the Mississippi River and a portion of the Minnesota
River. A portion of the Critical Area is within Mendota
Heights. If you are not sure whether or not your prop-
erty is in the Critical Area, the following is a general
guide:
1. South of Highway 110: There is no land in the City
of Mendota Heights south of Highway 110 within the
Critical Area, apart from Fort Snelling State Park land
on the far western edge of the City.
2. North of Highway 110: Your property may be within
the Critical Area if it lies to the west of Lexington
Avenue or to the north of Marie Avenue.
A map of the Critical Area within Mendota Heights, as
well as the language of the Critical Area Ordinance are
available on the City's website at mendota-
heights.com. The Critical Area ordinance only impacts
property in Mendota Heights that lies within the
Mississippi River Critical Area. It further restricts sub-
divisions, construction of new homes, placement of
accessory structures, and any other physical changes
to all property within the Critical Area.
Property Maintenance Ordinance
Public Hearing on February 22, 2005
The City Council has scheduled a public hearing on
the proposed Property Maintenance Ordinance for the
February 22, 2005 Planning Commission meeting.
The meeting begins at 7:30 pm in the Council
Chambers at City Hall. You may view the text of the
proposed ordinance at the City's website, mendota-
heights.com. The ordinance would cover such topics
as building and structure appearance and mainte-
nance requirements, firewood storage, and other out-
door storage.
PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2005
Mike Sokol receiving a plaque of appreciation from Mayor
Huber at the 1-4-05 City Council Meeting.
Mike Sokol to "Retire" from NDC4
Mike Sokol, who is the City's Representative on the
Northern Dakota County Cable Communication Commission
(NDC4), has notified the City that he would like to step down
after 18 years of service. Mike has served as the
Commission's Chair for the past three years, and as its Vice
Chair for the preceding three years. Mike was integrally
involved in many of the major negotiations and projects that
the Commissioners accomplished over the years. Some of
the results of his efforts include:
* Spinning off a separate non-profit corporation to handle
cable tv programming and content matters independently
from the city councils and to receive the financial benefits of
a non-profit charitable organization (Town Square
Television).
* Accomplishing the purchase of a stand-alone state-of-the-
art public access and community TV building and studio
located in Inver Grove Heights, which has a much more gen-
erous capital and operating support package from the cable
company than many other commissions of comparable size.
* Franchise renewal negotiation in 2000 which led to a
brand new all -fiber institutional network, connecting over a
dozen city, county, public and private school, and college
entities to each other with a "private" telecommunications
ring and to the outside world of Internet, telephone, data and
video connections, all at extreme costs savings over the next
15 years.
* Many provisions in our franchise to protect the consumers
in our cities with strong customer service standards and
enforcement provisions that make the cable company com-
ply.
Jodie Miller, NDC4 Executive Director, says, "Mike leaves
a huge void to be filled as he steps down from the
Commission, but he has promised that he will remain active
on the programming side, and we intend to take him up on
that offer!"
Official Newspaper Designated
Every January, by state law, the City Council must des-
ignate a local publication to serve as the city's legal
newspaper for the coming year. At its 1/4/05 meeting,
the City Council named the South-West Review to serve
as the city's Official Newspaper for 2005.
All hearing notices, legal notices, and newly adopted
ordinances will be published in the legal section of the
South-West Review during the coming year. Press
releases on issues of interest to community residents
may also be published in the WSP/MH Sun Current.
The Review is published on Sunday and the Sur
Current is published on Wednesday.
Park Bench
Donation Program
The City of Mendota Heights is now
accepting donations to install park bench-
es in city parks or along city trails. The
minimum donation required for bench
installation is $750. The required dona-
tion may be higher depending on the
bench design. The benches can be per-
sonalized with a plaque commemorating a
loved one or friend. The design, location,
and plaque message must be reviewed
by the Parks Commission 41 V
and approved by the City i
Council prior to installa-
tion. For more informa-
tion, please contact Guy
Kullander at City Hall at
(651)452-1850.
Call the Air Noise Line
Are you bothered by air noise? When air noise becomes
unbearable and disrupts your family's lifestyle, the
Metropolitan Airports Commission wants to know. Call the
MAC air noise complaint line at (6t2) 726-9411. If possi-
ble, be prepared to provide the MAC with information on
time, location, direction and aircraft type.
JANUARY 2005
PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2005
Mendota Heights Parks 4o 1�c
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Spring Break - School Is Out Field Trips
Join us on your school days off. The trips listed below offer the perfect opportunities for kids with their friends,
classmates and siblings to participate in FUN chaperoned activities. The trips are co-sponsored with WSP and SSP
Park and Rec. Bus departs from MH City Hall parking lot. Please register by mail or in person at City Hall (1101
Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118). Space for the trips is limited & fills up fast. Mark your calendars now
& plan ahead. Registration closes the Monday prior to trip.
Tuesday - March 22, 2005 Grand Slam and Roller Skating
We start the day at Grand Slam in Eagan from 10 am - noon. Each participant will
get unlimited mini -golf, use of batting cages & bumper cars, 4 game tokens, hot dog
& pop. Next, we depart for Skateville in Burnsville and skate from12:30 - 2:30 pm. '
You may bring your own rollerblades and extra spending money.
Cost: $18.00 0000
Depart/Arrive: 9:20 am/3:00 pm
Ages: 6 and up
Thursday, March 24, 2005 - Camp Snoopy
Chaperoned Trip includes 5 hours unlimited rides wristband and lunch. Bring extra
spending money for snacks and game tokens!
Cost: $24.00
Depart/Arrive: 9:20 am/ 3:40 pm
Ages: 7 and up
TENNIS AND GOLF SUMMER 2005
Please watch for school flyers and look for more
information in our next Heights
Highlites on the upcoming
Tennis and Golf programs. ® ,
Registrations will start April 1.
The Tennis program is contin-
uing to grow with more pre-
school classes added, lessons
offered and tennis team oppor-
tunities.
Golf information will also
be available in the next
newsletter.
Remember to look for
upcoming information on
these two fun and very
popular programs.
trl+►
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Attention Older Adults
in Mendota Heights!
If you are looking for activities and fun check out
THOMPSON PARK ACTIVITY CENTER located
at 1200 Stassen Lane (off Butler and Highway 52)
in West St. Paul. This is our area (District 197
Community Education) 55+ 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 activ-
ities 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 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JANUARY 2005
Mendota Heights ParKs 4, Tic
Warming House/Rink Hours
The City of Mendota Heights has 3 outdoor hockey and
pleasure rinks that are opened weather permitting from
late December until Early March.
Locations:
* Friendly Hills Park - 2360 Pueblo Lane - East of
Pueblo Lane & South of Decorah Lane.
* Marie Park - 1780 Lilac Lane - North side of Marie
Ave. % mile west of Victoria.
* Wentworth Park - 739 Wentworth Park - North side of
Wentworth & % Mile West of Dodd Road.
Warming House Hours:
Weekdays
4 - 8:30 pm
Saturdays
9 am - 8:30 pm
Sundays
12 - 6 pm
School Vacation Days
12 - 8:30 pm
Skating at St. Thomas Ice Arena
The new Saint Thomas Ice Arena located at 950
Mendota Heights Road will be offering the following
skating to the public:
OPEN SKATING: Mondays & Wednesdays from
12 - 1 p.m., 1-31-05 to 3-11-05 (no open skating
during the month of January). Cost is $3/skater, pay
at Arena office. Please bring own skates, no rentals.
Shoes, boots, & hockey equipment not permitted at
this time.
OPEN HOCKEY: Tuesdays & Thursdays from
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., 2-1-05 to 3-11-05 (no open
skating in the month of January). Cost is $5/skater,
pay at Arena office. Goalies skate
FREE! Must be 16 yrs to participate.
Full equipment required and no check-
ing or slap shots.
Please call St. Thomas Ice Arena at '
651-209-6020 for more info.
Help Wanted
& Volunteers Needed
Volunteers and Business Sponsors Needed for
Special Events. If you would like to get involved in
your community, Parks & Rec is looking for volun-
teers or area businesses to sponsor or volunteer to
help with annual events including the Parks
Celebration, Fishing Derby, and National Night Out.
If you are interested in helping or if you are a busi-
ness and would like to sponsor any of these events,
contact Teresa Gangelhoff at 452-1850.
A background check is required with any posi-
tion that involves working with children.
SOFTBALL LEAGUES NOW FORMING
Adult Softball Leagues will be forming soon. If you have a team that would like to play in our
league please contact Teresa at the Park and Rec office at 651-452-1850 and she will send you
out a registration packet for the 2005 season.
Our leagues are as follows:
Tuesday Nights
Men's D
Women's D
Most games are double headers
Thursday Nights
Men's Over 30 D
Double Header games.
PAGE 7
Parks & Rec Registration Info
HEIGHTS HIGHLITES
Deadlines. Most activities have limited enrollment,
registration deadlines, and fill quickly. Please register
as soon as possible. Registrations will NOT be taken
over the phone.
Non-resident Fee. Non-residents are welcomed to par-
ticipate in our programs; however, residents will receive
priority registration. There is a $5.00 non-resident fee
per participant per activity if you live outside Mendota
Heights. Exception: youth trip participants will not be
charged a non-resident fee. Please include the non-resi-
dent fee with regular registration costs when enrolling.
Refund Policy. A $2 service fee will be charged for
individual cancellations made prior to the start of a pro-
gram or its registration deadline date, if enrollment
allows, with the exception of being on a participant wait-
ing list. No refunds will be given after registration dead-
lines or the start of an activity. Registration fees for pro-
grams canceled by the City will be fully refunded.
Confirmation. There will be no further confirmation
after registration. It is your responsibility to be present
on the date and time your program begins. You will
receive notification if a program is filled, canceled, or
changed.
Participants With Disabilities. Participants with dis-
abilities who are in need of any special assistance or aux-
iliary aids should notify the Parks and Rec Department at
the time of registration to ensure that any need can be
met to fully participate and enjoy a program or service.
Important Phone Numbers &
Recreation Information
JANUARY 2005
You may register for programs or
take out park permits at the recep-
tionist desk in City Hall during normal
business hours (Monday through
Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.).
Park & Recreation Programmer,
Teresa Gangelhoff, 651-452-1850.
Hours are 9:30 am -3:30 pm Tuesday, Wednesday &
Thursday.
* MH Softball League Director: Teresa 651-452-1850
• Skating Lesson Line: 651-255-1173
* Ice Rink Ho'dine: 651-255-1174
* Mendota Heights Athletic Association (MHAA) - All
youth sports (excluding tennis & golf): 661-454-0433
or online at: www.eteamz.com/mhaaonline
* Sibley Sting Youth Soccer: 651-457-1426
* Thompson Park Activity Center: 651-453-0025
* DARTS: 651-455-1560
* Fort Snelling State Park -612-725-2389
* Special Olympics: 612-333-0999
* DNR information Center: 651-296-6157
* Mendota Heights Garden Club: 651-454-3337
* Dakota County Parks: 651-438-4671
* St. Thomas Ice Arena: 651-209-6020
* Mendota Heights Mom's Club: 651-452-0483 (Sue)
MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS & REC REGISTRATION FORM
You may register in person or by mail for all activites EXCEPT Floats & Flicks at: Mendota Heights City Hall, Parks and Rec Dept., 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 $2.00 service fee will be charged for cancellations made prior to the start of a program or it's registration deadline.
City of Mendota Heig
Parks & Recreation
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
651-452-1850
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
DATE REC'D
CHECK #
AMOUNT
BY
Activity Name Activity Date Fee
1. / / $
2. _/_/ $
3. / / $
Please fill in this section for Youth Programs Only: Male Female _
School Grade Child's Age Birth date _/_/_
Participants. Name Home Phone (Youth Only) Parents cell or work phone
Address city Zip
Participant signature (or Parent signature if participant is under 18) Date