Issue 62 - Heights Highlights Summer 2003PAGE 1 JULY, 2003 ISSUE 62
Mayor's Message
Is your summer slipping away too fast? Here is a
way to make your summer last forever. Have your
street undergo a reconstruction project like the folks
near Freeway Road, South Lane and nearby areas.
Seriously, I want to express my appreciation for the
people who have been so patient during this con-
struction project. I know it was a difficult period to go
through, but now that the asphalt is being put down,
things are looking up. Town Center continues to make
good progress. The row townhouses will be breaking
ground soon with occupancy occurring in early spring.
Shortly after the row townhouses start going up, the
first commercial structure will follow. Groundbreaking
for the first commercial structure may be this fall.
On behalf of the entire city, I want to express our sin-
cere appreciation to Clifford Timm for his generous
contribution to improve the fishing at Rogers Lake. Mr.
Timm made a very significant donation to the city that
rill help the survival of the fish population during the
winter freeze. At the same time the city will be utilizing
some of its MSA funds to improve the culvert through
Wagon Wheel Trail. This is not the first time Mr. Timm
has made a contribution to the city for fishing purpos-
es. We are all extremely grateful for your generosity.
Thank you Cliff!
Can it be budget time already? Your City Council,
City Administrator Cari Lindberg, Finance Director
Kristen Schabacker and the department heads are
hard at work developing a budget for 2004. The final
budget passed by the legislature in June resulted in
Mendota Heights losing $211,405 of Market Value
Homestead Credit (MVHC) in 2003 and 2004 and a
permanent annual loss of $13,302 of Local
Government Aid. Although the MVHC is intended to
be restored in 2005, we would be wise to not count
our chickens before they are hatched.
Finally, a few reflections after 6 months in office as
your mayor... First of all, the time has flown by. The
main reason for that has been the great assistance
have received from Cari and all her staff. The council
members have worked hard as well and have offered
very good input into the process. I also have been
impressed with the calls and questions I have
Bceived from the residents. The comments have
ween very well thought out with a strong desire to
make our city better. Hopefully I have learned a few
things along the way and look forward to working
together on issues important to our city.
Critical Area Ordinance Revision
Since the Metropolitan Council has approved the City's revised
Comprehensive Plan, the City is required to bring all ordinances
into conformance with the Comprehensive Plan and state
requirements. This includes the City's Mississippi River Critical
Area Ordinance, which needs to be updated to conform to the
most recent standards of the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources. The City Council has ordered a public hearing on
the proposed Ordinance Amendment for the August 26, 2003,
meeting of the Planning Commission. The meeting begins at
7:30 pm in the City Council Chambers.
This new ordinance would only impact property in Mendota
Heights that lies within the Mississippi River Critical Area. It
would further restrict subdivisions, construction of new homes,
placement of accessory structures, and any other physical
changes to all property within the Critical Area. The following is
a general guide to the area being discussed:
1. South of Hwy 110: There is no land in the City south of Hwy
110 within the Critical Area, apart from Fort Snelling State Park
land on the far western edge of the City.
2. North of Hwy 110: Your property may be within the Critical
Area if it lies west of Lexington Ave. or north of Marie Ave.
A map of the Critical Area and the language of both the current
and the proposed Critical Area Ordinance are available at
www.mendota-heights.com in the "What's New" section.
New Police Chief
On Tuesday, April 1st, 2003, the City
Council officially appointed Michael
Aschenbrener as our new Police Chief. After,
narrowing the candidates to 5 finalists, the
Mayor and Council, as well as the panel from,
the Police Department, selected Mike
Aschenbrener as the top candidate for the
position. The unanimous decision was made Chief Aschenbrener
to hire Mike to replace the former Chief, Jeff
Piotraschke, who retired to start his own business.
Mike was a Sergeant with the Forest Lake Police Department
where he had worked for 20 years. He is married and has four
children. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal
Justice from Bemidji State and will complete his Masters Degree
in Education and Police Administration at the University of St.
Thomas in August. Mike has been actively involved in the Boys
Scouts Learning for Division Exploring Program and anticipates
starting an Explorer Post with the Police Department early this
fall. Congratulations and welcome Mike! We are pleased to
have you as our new Police Chief here in Mendota Heights!
The City Council and staff offer a special thanks to Sergeant
Donn Anderson who served as the Acting Police Chief for 4
months. Thank you for your dedication and leadership Donn!
PAGE 2
Walking The Dog
City ordinances spell out
dog owner responsibilities.
These ordinances require
all dogs in the city to be
leashed. This especially
pertains to park property. Pet
owners are permitted to have their leashed
pets in city parks and on city trails and are
required to clean up any droppings left by
their animals.
Remember to clean up after your pet.
Every person who takes a dog off its
owner's property shall have on his/her per-
son materials to remove excretory matter.
Failure to clean up after the animal shall be
deemed a nuisance. If you are stopped
while walking the dog, you must have with
you a means of picking up and properly
disposing of your pet's excrement.
Trash Can Reminder
The City has received some complaints
recently that some homeowners are leav-
ing their garbage on the edge of their drive-
ways too long after trash pick-up. The
Garbage and Rubbish chapter of the
Mendota Heights City Code reads in part
as follows: "Residential unit customers
may not put out materials more than twelve
(12) hours in advance of collection, and
containers may not be out more than
twelve (12) hours after collection." Please
be considerate of your neighbors and the
community -- bring your trash can and
recycling bin into your garage soon after
pick-up.
AED Donations
The Police Department wishes to recog-
nize and thank the Martha & William
Muska Foundation and Dick Bjorklund of
Dick Bjorklund Construction for the dona-
tion of two Automatic External Defibrillator
(AED) units. AEDs are used on scene in
the event of a heart attack.
The Police Department has
been working to update the
units in order to be consistent with the
Ambulance Service and Fire Department.
With these generous donations, the Police
Department is well on the way to the six
units needed. If you are interested in
making a donation, please contact the
Police Department at (651)452-1366.
HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JULY, 2003
Recreational Fires
The City of Mendota Heights is evaluating a rules Q
change on recreational fires that would no longer require
you to call in your recreational fire before you start one.
Previous to this, you were required to call the public �f�t
safety dispatcher to report that you were having a recreational fire. This
helped prevent an unnecessary call -out of the fire department.
The change is being tested for one year at the request of the City of
West St. Paul who provides our dispatching services. They indicated that
compliance has been so good with the requirement that at times it can
overload the dispatcher on duty. You must still comply with the following
regulations:
*Fires must be extinguished within 3 hours after they are started, but not
later than 11 PM.
*Use clean and dry wood only (no refuse, grass, leaves, logs over 3 inches in
diameter, paper, garbage or other combustibles.)
*The size of the fire cannot be more than 3 feet in diameter, and flames
must not reach a height in excess of 3 feet.
*No fire shall be within 20 feet of any building or structure.
*A means of extinguishment must be in the immediate area of the fire.
*No fire shall be started or maintained in dry conditions or winds over 15 MPH
*Recreational fires must be constantly attended by a competent person
until the fire has been completely extinguished.
*The Fire Chief or his representative is authorized to prohibit, suspend,
or further restrict all fires should atmospheric, drought, wind, state or
local circumstance or conditions warrant or dictate such action. Violation
of any of these regulations may result in the issuance of a citation.
The test will begin immediately and continue through June of next year
when it will be re-evaluated. If you have questions regarding these reg-
ulations, call Fire Marshal Paul Kaiser at (651)452-1850.
Do you have an Alarm System?
At the July 15th meeting, the City Council approved changes in the
City's alarm ordinance. The change now requires companies that
remotely monitor residential fire alarm systems to try and contact the
homeowner BEFORE sending emergency responders. This should help
reduce the number of accidental alarms that the fire department responds
to, and help eliminate a false alarm being charged against the home (30%
of the residential alarm calls turn out to be false). In many cases, the fire
department is cancelled before they even reach the home, as the resident
has already called the alarm company to report there is no problem.
Residents are often embarrassed with the fire department showing up to
witness their "crispy" dinner or a closed fireplace damper. The ordinance
change will now require the alarm company to try and make contact with
someone at the home, ask for their identification number and find out if
the fire department is needed. If the alarm company cannot make con-
tact within 90 seconds they will immediately call the fire department. This
ordinance change does not affect any commercial properties. In those
cases, the fire department will be immediately called. This change should
be a win-win for everyone. Residents are saved embarrassment and the
safety and resources of the Fire Department are not jeopardized.
Residents without remote monitoring companies are reminded that the
Mendota Heights alarm ordinance requires you to have the name and
phone number of a person who can respond to an alarm posted at the
front door and visible to an officer. This person should be a neighbor, or
a relative or friend who lives close who can respond if the alarm goes off
and you are not home. Mendota Heights also requires all audible alarms
to reset after 15 minutes.
PAGE 3
A Successful Clean Up!
HEIGHTS HIGHLITES
The 9th Annual Spring Clean Up on May 3 was a huge success.
Residents brought materials to Mendota Plaza from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
We would like to thank the following volunteers for their time and effort dur-
ing this event: James Danielson, Kristen Schabacker, Nancy Bauer, Janet
Bolger, Guy Kullander, Tom Knuth, Donn Anderson, Becky Pentel, Mayor
John Huber, Jeff Zachman, Judy Wonick, Tom Olund, John Tran, and
Councilmember Ultan Duggan.
Our thanks also goes out to Paster Eh�terprises, Greenman Tire Recyclers,
Scrapbusters, and Nitti Sanitation/Lightning Disposal. Spring Clean Up was
made possible in part by funding',, from Dakota County's Board of
Commissioners and the MN Office of Environmental Assistance.
I
:ire Department News
The Fire Department recently filled, the firefighter positions that were
acant due to the retirements of 33 year veteran Tom Weinzettel, and 16
ear veterans Randy McNamara and Kevin Perron.
On July 15, the City Council approved the hiring of proba-
onary firefighters Tom Mattaini, Chris !Perrault, and Steve
,brahamson. Welcome and congratulations to you all!
The City also wishes to thank Tom, Randy, and Kevin for
ieir many years of dedication and service to the community.
Protect Your Valuables While At Our Parks
With the return of nice weather we are again experiencing large numbers
of visitors in our city parks as well as on the Big Rivers Trail. This increase
in park population also increases the opportunities for thieves to break into
vehicles. Thieves prey on parks and recreational areas because visitors
often leave purses and wallets behind irl their vehicles. In most cases
thieves will look in vehicles and when thoy see something they want they
break out a window and grab the valuable.
When visiting our parks: NEVER leave voluables in your vehicle. NEVER
place wallets, purses, briefcases or bags i glove boxes, under seats or in
the trunk. Bring your valuables with you oleave them in a secure place at
home. When going to a park or ball game bring only the items you will need
for your outing. E.g.. Your driver's license, � credit card and a small amount
of cash. (Keep these items with you at all limes!) The best way to insure
you will not become a victim of a theft from auto is to leave NOTHING of
value in your car.
,
Remember, if you do become a victim of, theft from auto, the inconven-
ience does not end with a broken window, some missing credit cards and
cash. Many victims will also become victims of credit card fraud, check for-
geries and even identity theft. Help reduce'these crimes by reporting any
suspicious activity immediately to the Mendota Heights Police Department
by dialing 911. Relay the license plate number and descriptions of any sus-
picious persons to the Police Dispatcher. ;Help our Police Department
reduce thefts from auto and related crimes by taking the opportunity away
from the thief!
Village at Mendota Heights Condominiums
In July, the City Council approved the final development plans for the
Condominiums in the "Village at Mendota Heights." The "Linden Street
Lofts" will be two separate buildings, containing 20 units and 16 units
:espectively, each containing a private balcony. The buildings will be very
attractive with a pitched shingle roof, red brick, stucco and stone veneer.
The complex will also include an exercise roo'rq and underground parking.
The architectural drawings of the condominiums are on display in the City
Hall lobby. Construction is anticipated to begin late 2003/early 2004.
JULY, 2003
National Night Out
The City of Mendota Heights Police
Department will be hosting National Night
Out on August 5th, 2003, from 6 - 9 pm.
This year's theme is, "Give neighborhood
crime and drugs a going away party".
The event will be held at Mendakota Park
which is located just south of Highway
110 near the intersection of Dodd Road
and Mendakota Drive.
Officers from the Mendota Heights
Police Department will be showing a
squad car and several other pieces of
equipment used to assist officers in fight-
ing crime. Citizens will have an opportu-
nity to visit with a bike patrol officer and
view one of the city's patrol bikes and dis-
cuss bike safety. The department's child
safety seat expert will be available for
questions and will be taking reservations
for a full child seat installation inspection.
Crime Prevention materials will be avail-
able and officers will be on hand to
answer questions. Children will be able
to participate in "Operation Kid Print"
which is a free program where children
are finger -printed and photographed. The
parents are given the prints and a photo
to retain for police investigators in the
event their child becomes lost or missing.
The Mendota Heights Fire Department
will be displaying some of the fire appara-
tus used to protect the city. Firefighters
will be on hand to give tours of their trucks
and answer questions about fire preven-
tion and the services they provide.
Health East Paramedics will be stopping
by to display one of the advanced life
support ambulances used to serve the cit-
izens of our community.
This years entertainment should prove
to be fun for the whole family. Music and
magic will be provided by "Woody", who
is a member of the Rockin Hollywoods.
(Courtesy of Ziggy's Restaurant) Boltz's
Tae Kwon Do will be putting on a martial
arts demonstration. Members of the
Mendota Heights Mom's Club and the MH
Parks and Rec Department will be hosting
some free games for the kids. Free face
painting will be provided by Jim Strohm
and Pro -Tec of Mendota Heights. Free
root beer floats and hot dogs will be pro-
vided to all who attend! This event is a
fun way for residents to get to know their
neighbors and members of the city's pub-
lic safety departments. Please join us
this year at National Night Out 2003.
PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JULY, 2003
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
PARK9 c�i2ECRFATSON
Performances in the parKs
The Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Department is spon-
s:oring a series of "FREE" performances in the parks! Bring a
blanket or lawn chair. Children must be accompanied by an adult
throughout the entire performance. In the case of inclement
weather, all shows will be canceled or rescheduled.
Wednesday, July 30 - Mendakota Park, 6:30 p.m.
"Imagination Station". Fun, singing, dancing & stories.
Tuesday, August 5 - Mendakota Park, 6:30 p.m.
"Woody". Fun, magic, songs & tricks. Held in conjunction with
National Night Out.
Wednesday, August 13 - Mendakota Park, 6:30 p.m.
"Alphabits". Sing & dance along to your favorite kid songs.
Wednesday, August 27 - Mendakota Park, 6:30 p.m.
"Paul Heffron Music". This quartet performs a variety of old time
hits-& modern music with a "Big Band" sound.
SAFETY CAMP
Children entering the 3rd and 4th grades in the fall of 2003 will
learn; how to reduce the risk of accidents and increase safety of
their.everyday lives, while having fun and meeting new and inter-
esting.people. Instructors of the camp include volunteers from
local, police and fire departments, utility companies, and para-
medics. Each camper will receive a camp t -shirt.
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. Campers can return on Thursday evening
with.their families for a family picnic with hot-dogs, ice cream and
beverages. Camp is sponsored by the VFW Gallagher Hanson
Post,295 of So. St. Paul.
Ages: 3rd & 4th graders (as of fall of 2003)
Dates: August 12, 13, & 14th
Fee: $15.00 (all lunches and snacks provided!)
Location: Kaposia Park (Wilde & Butler Ave in SSP)
Enrollment is limited so please register early!
rFish-ing Derby Highlites �,
The 3rd Annual Fishing Derby was held on June 18th at Roger's
Lake. , Once again, everyone had a wonderful evening of fishing, I
.entertainment by "Woody" and fun. Special thanks go out to.
Teresa. Gangelhoff, Clifford Timm (generously donated a tackle
box for each participant), Fishing Pro Scott Seaton, Don & Nancy'
C-ornia (IGH Ace Hardware), Eagan WalMart, "Hooked on Fishing
(International", and Kathy Swanson for making the event a suc-I
.cess.. Congrats to the following winners: Sydney Roston & Lizzy.
IF[ iclek - Tied for Biggest Fish (8.5 inch bass), Jenna Elliot - Most
- ish'.Caught (14), & Nathan Moline- CastingContest Winner_
.. . J
........ 0 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0* 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .. .
Youth Taps
• Space for these trips is limited and will fill
up fast. Mark your calendars now and plan
. to have a lot of fun!. Buses depart from the •
MH City Hall parking lot.
Summer Trips :
Thurs, 7/31/03 HYLAND PARK CHUTES & ;
• LADDERS & SWIMMING AT BUSH LAKE. •
Play on the many exciting slides & chutes. ;
• Next, we'll head to Bush Lake in Bloomington •
where we'll eat lunch (bring a bag lunch or you ;
• can purchase there), play in the sand, take a •
swim or just relax in the sun! Bring your swim- ;
• suit, towel, tennis shoes, sunscreen, bag lunch •
& spending $. Bus departs at 9:10 AM & ;
• returns at 3:15 PM. Cost $7. •
Thurs, 8/7/03 DISCOVER NATURE AT THE ;
• ARBORETUM. We'll discover PLANTS •
FROM PARADISE & learn how chocolate is ;
• made - we'll make our own Hot Cocoa, & make •
our own natural rubber ball. Then we'll discov-
er BIG BUGS PHOTO JOURNAL in the •
Arboretum garden. Bus departs: 8:10 AM & ;
• returns at 4 pm. Cost $12. •
Thurs, 8/14/03 No trip this week.
• Thurs, 8/21/03 VALLEYFAIR. Bus departs •
at 9 AM/returns at 6:45 PM. Bring a bag lunch ;
• or money to purchase lunch/snack there. For •
kids ages 10 & older. Cost $25.
•
------------------------------------
MEA Fall Youth Trips!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 - HORSEBACK- :
• RIDING AT DIAMOND T RANCH AND ROLLER- •
SKATING AT SKATEVILLE IN BURNSVILLE.
• Join us for a morning at the ranch! Take a horse- •
• back trail ride then relax by the warm bonfire. •
They will provide a horse for your riding level,
• experienced or not. Then we are off to Skateville •
for the afternoon. Bring a bag lunch and your own
• spending money for snacks. Cost: $31.00 •
• Bus departs/returns to Mendota Heights City Hall- •
• 8:50am/2:50pm •
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 - TOUR OF XCEL
• CENTER & SWIMMING AT SHOREVIEW COM-
MUNITY CENTER. Call Teresa at 452-1850 in •
: Mid -August for more info on this trip.
.............................
PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JULY, 2003
55 +ACtive adult DaY 'Trips
Our trips and tours are open to you and your guest whether they reside in the area or not. Some trips are co-sponsored
with the City of West St. Paul and Thompson Park Activity Center. ***PLEASE NOTE: If a trip is on an evening or weekend,
MH City Hall is not open so you will be picked up & dropped off at Thompson Park Senior Center in WSP. You may still regis-
ter at MH City Hall for all trips. To attend these trips please register at City Hall in Mendota Heights at 1101 Victoria Curve,
Mendota Heights, MN 55118 or mail your registration in. UCare members may deduct $15 from any trip. You must indi-
cate your UCare number on registration form. Please read the trip refund policy on the registration form on page 7.
Sunday, September 7- SING-A-BRATION - SWEET ADELINES AT TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH (STILLWATER)
Reminisce with the Vallee de Croix Sweet Adeline Chorus as it celebrates its 20 year anniversary. Includes motor coach, transporta-
tion, refreshment, and performance. Cost: $27, Register ASAP
Bus departs/returns: 1:45/5:45 (TPAC) ***Thompson Park Senior Center only -No Mendota Heights Pick-up
Wednesday, September 24- SIZZLERS REVUE (CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRE)
A fun filled variety show featuring kick -lines, song and dance and comedy sketches -An Over -50 musical Revue!! Includes motor coach
transportation, lunch and performance. Cost: $43, Register by 9/10/03
Bus departs/returns: 10:30/3:30 (MH City Hall).
Wednesday, October 8 - MINNESOTA -IT'S NOT JUST FOR LUTHERANS ANYMORE (ST. PAUL PALACE THEATRE)
Come join the fun in our "authentic VFW hall theater" you will enjoy hometown laughs, comical songs and a delicious church -potluck
style dinner. Ya betcha! Includes transportation, lunch and performance. Cost: $49, Register by 9/10/03.
Bus departs/returns: Noon/4:15 (MH City Hall)
Sunday, October 19 - A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING(McKNIGHT THEATRE)
More than three decades of Rodgers & Hammerstein's award winning showtunes including songs from Sound of Music, South Pacific,
Oklahoma and more. Includes transportation and performance. Cost: $46, Register by 9/29/03.
Bus departs/returns: 1:00/4:30 (TPAC) ***Thompson Park Senior Center only -No Mendota Heights pickup
Wednesday, November 5 - WELLNESS WISDOM - "AM -AGING GRACE"
Mary Ann Glasgow will present a new concept of "age". She will present a broadened definition of humor and an approach to han-
dling the changes and stresses of aging. Includes transportation, forum and refreshments. Cost: $11, Register by 10/22/03.
Bus departs/returns: 11:45 am/4 pm (MH City Hall)
Friday, November 7 - FOGEY FOLLIES (HOWARD CONN FINE ARTS CENTER) AND LUNCH AT OLIVE GARDEN
Lunch at the Olive Garden (please indicate menu choice on registration of Lasagna, Spaghetti & Meat Sauce or Fettuccini Alfredo)
We will head to the Howard Conn Fine Arts Center for a wacky look at TV's great game shows of the Fifties: I've Got A Secret,
What's My Line?, You Bet Your Life, To Tell The Truth and others along with the Follies chorus & dancers. Includes transportatation,
lunch, tip, & performance. Cost: $38.00, Register by 11/7/03.
Bus departs/returns: 10:00 am/3:45 pm (MH City Hall)
Friday, December 5 - CROWN CHAPEL CHRISTMAS - CROWN COLLEGE (ST. BONIFACIUS)
We'll be greeted by strolling carolers and the students will present a holiday dinner buffet for us. After dinner, we'll enjoy a perform-
ance, in the intimate Chapel, of traditional holiday favorites and new pieces to renew our spirits. Cost: $51, Register by 10/31/03.
Bus departs: 4:30 pm (MH City Hall)
Monday, December 22 - LORIE LINE & HER POPS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (HISTORIC ORPHEUM THEATRE)
Lorie Line began her career as a pianist for Marshall Fields (formerly Dayton's) and has become a successful pianist who writes and
performs her original compositions. This Christmas Classic will give you a reprieve from the busy season and a chance to enjoy the
gift of a great talent. Includes transportation and performance. Cost: $39, Register by 11/24/03
Cost: Bus depart/returns: 6:30 pm/10:15 pm ***Thompson Park Senior Center only -No Mendota Heights pickup
Wednesday January 7- NUNCRACKERS-THE NUNSENSE CHRISTMAS MUSICAL (CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRE)
The nuns you love, Father Virgil, four of Mount St. Helens most talented students and all the carols and typical Nunsense humor that's
sure to make you laugh. Includes motor coach transportation, lunch and performance. Cost: $47, Register by 12/10/03
Bus depart/returns: 10:30 am/4 pm (MH City Hall)
FOR MORE COMPLETE INFORMATION ON THESE TRIPS PLEASE CALL TERESA AT CITY HALL 452-1850.
Ice Cream Social All 55 + Active Adults!
The Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation
�' Department wants to invite you to an Ice Cream Social
and free music featuring the "Paul Heffron Band" play-
ing a variety of old time, dixie and modern music with a
"Big Band Sound"on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:30-
7:30 PM at Mendakota Park Pavilion (Dodd and
Mendakota Rd). Bring your own lawn chair!! Join us and find out
about our 55+ programs offered this fall.
Card & Scrabble Clubs
A room is available at the Mendota Heights City
Hall for individuals 55 years of age or older that
are interested in starting a card or scrabble club.
Group members will be responsible to organize a
play schedule and choice of game(s). Anyone
who is interested in playing should contact
Teresa at the Parks and Recreation Department
(651)452-1850.
PAGE 6
HEIGHTS HIGHLITES
wnat's Happening in our Parks?
* Hagstom-King Park: New playground components will be installed at a new location, just
west of the softball field, in August.
* Mendakota Park:
1. Expanded rubberized surfacing will be installed and new play components added in
August. Minor repairs and touch-up painting will also be done.
2. An eight -foot high section of fencing was installed in July at the south end of the youth
soccer field to stop errant balls from flying into the brush
3. New fencing with additional support rails has been installed, at the back of all four back
stops, in July.
4. In<August, asphalt trails will be repaired and widened at specific locations followed by a
thin overlay of the total 1.2 miles of trails in the phrk.
* Civic Center Ballfield: A new 20 ft. high backstop with 30 ft. wide wings installed in July.
* Wentworth Park: Tennis courts will be "power blasted" and then resurfaced in August.
* Friendly Hills: Parks crew painted the paved hockey rink surface white to provide better
ice conditions.
* Kensington Park: Play equipment will be repainted in August.
First Year Tennis Program a Success H
The Mendota Heights Park and Recreation department would like to recognize
Mendota Heights resident and tennis instructor Tim Garvey who worked with our ten-
nis program. We anticipated 20 - 30 youth and we ended the program with 104 kids
enrolled in lessons. He also coached our very first tennis team (including 12 kids)
that traveled to other park districts for competition. In addition, he helped us write a
community development grant. As a result of this, we recieved $400.00 from USTA
Tennis. We will apply this grant to purchasing mini nets and equipment to get a pre-
school tennis program off the ground for summer 2004. The season ends with a fun
and games day on Friday, August 1 with a mini -tournament, relay games and a BBQ
lunch for all participants. Hats off to Tim and his student assitants Emily and Marissa
deLeon for a successful program. Watch for tennis!to return next spring!!!
Skatepark Opening
The Mendota Heights Parks and Rec announce the opening of a Tier I Skatepark
during the 4th week of July. The skatepark is locatod at Roger's Lake Park, 1000
Wagon Wheel Trail. Following installation of the amps and obstacles, Custom
Skatepark Concepts will arrange for a Demonstration Team performance, a Q & A
session and tips to beginning skateboarders. Call City Hall at (651)452-1850 for an
exact time and date of this event.
Parks Celebration Thank You
The Parks & Recreation Department, the City Council and the City of Mendota Heights
would like to express our deepest gratitude to all sponsors of the Twelfth Annual Celebrate
Mendota Heights Parks event.
Thank you to the following Sponsors & Participants:
American Bank Sun Country Airlines Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course
Pat Kaplan, Coldwell Banker Burnet TAJ Technologies, Inc. Ziggys Restaurant & Bakery
Brown College Mendota Heights McDonalds Children's Country Day School
Courtyard by Marriott Dave Libra, Lapp Libra Law Firm Hudson Co., Inc.
St. Thomas Academy United Properties Visitation Monastery
Wag the Dog Grooming Salon Mendakota Country Club Mendota Liquor
Acacia Park Cemetery AIIITech Engineering Corp Axels
Bernard Friel Capital Computer Group, LLC CSC Publishing, Inc.
Esslinger & Company GP Companies LCS Company
Larry Dennison Agency, Farmers Insurance Richard Spicer Ridge South Condominium Association
Sally Lorberbaum Steve & Nessa Kleinglass Viking Plastic
Visitation School Play it Again Sports . ProTec Environmental Consultants
Sandra Krebsbach Ultan Duggan Boltz's Tae Kwon Do, Inc.
Mendota Heights Athletic Association MH McDonalds Pam Lund's Fantastic Party Rentals
MH Fire, Police, and City Hall personnel Mendota Heights Moms Club ,Timberwolves "Crunch" Mendota
Heights Bike, Ralph Johnson MN Twins Baseball Clinic 'OSA Tennis & Instructor Tim Garvey
Southwest Review Newspaper Dave Libra Paul Portz
Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks is made possible by the generous support'oi residents, community groups and
community businesses. Please remember to sponsor your local businesses and _cpmmunity groups. If you are interested
in making a donation, volunteering for the event, or are a business or community group interested in participating, please
contact Teresa at the Parks & Recreation Department at 651-452-1850.
JULY, 2003
GOLF CAMP
4 LESSONS
Youth Golf Camp
Intermediate - $95.00
August 25 - 28
8:00 - 11:00 am
Golf Lessons
Three I -hour lessons covering
golf course etiquette, golf club
grip, stance and swing and cor-
rect putting techniques. There
will be one teaching professional
to every 8 golfers, giving person-
alized on -course instruction. You
will receive 2 free rounds of golf.
Especially beneficial to the
beginning golfer. Cost: $65.00
Thursday, September 11, 18, 25
Youth at 5 p.m.
Adults at 6 p.m.
;Mens& Womens Fall,
!League Softball!
;Teams
I The Mendota d' j
(Heights Parks and f I
IRec Department i
!has the following I
!openings for Adult Softball!
!teams: I
* Tuesday Night League
Women's D
* Tuesday Night League
j Men's D j
j * Wednesday Night League j
j Co-Rec D j
i The season will start mid -1
]August and run for 6 weeks.]
]Contact Teresa Gangelhoff,i
]Recreation Programmer, ati
1(651)452-1850 if you are inter -j
Tested in any of these leagues. I
L._._._._._._._._._._._._.J
PAGE 8 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES JULY, 2003
The Bluffs Project EAW
In December, Developer Ron Clark applied for a rezoning, subdivision,
street vacation, conditional use permit for a planned unit development and a
variance for an owner occupied multi family residential development at the
north end of Pilot Knob Road ("The Bluffs"). In December, the Mendota
Mdewakanton Dakota Community filed a petition for an Environmental
Assessment Worksheet (EAW) with the Minnesota Environmental Quality
Board. Once an EAW petition is filed, a project cannot be started, nor can a
final government decision be made on the project until: a petition for an EAW
is dismissed, a decision is made that an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) is not necessary, or an EIS is determined adequate. Once the
Environmental Assessment Worksheet has been completed, the City will
determine whether or not an Environmental Impact Statement is needed. In
January, the City Council voted to order an Environmental Assessment
Worksheet to be conducted on the "Bluffs" project. The Council passed a res-
olution ordering the process to begin based on the potential for significant
environmental effects, which is the standard laid out by the Minnesota Rules.
In February, the City received the preliminary draft EAW prepared by the
Developer. In March, the City hired Barr Engineering to review the draft. Barr
was charged with reviewing the draft EAW for completeness and accuracy,
and making recommendations to the City Council about any missing infor-
mation necessary to make the document complete. Barr reviewed the draft
EAW and identified a number of areas where the EAW is deficient. The
Developer is working on satisfying these deficiencies.
Once the City determines that the EAW is complete, the City must publish
the EAW for a 30 -day review and comment period. During this 30 -day period,
written comments from the public are accepted on the EAW. The comments
shall address the accuracy and completeness of the material in the EAW,
potential impacts that may warrant further investigation before the project is
commenced, and the need for an EIS on the proposed project. The City (the
Regulatory Governmental Unit) must respond in writing to all of the submitted
comments. The City has also hired Barr Engineering to assist the City in draft-
ing responses to technical comments and to work with staff in preparing
responses to policy related comments. They will also assist the City in draft-
ing final findings of fact once the comment period is complete. For more infor-
mation, a list of the public record regarding this project can be viewed on the
City's website at www.mendota-heights.com.
Thank
you
Mr.
s Raak!
Meet Fred
Raak. He
4 and his wife
Fred Raak Eileen have
lived near
Wentworth Park (before it was even a
park) for more than fifty years. Fred
has been retired for over twenty years,
and he stays active in his garden and
has been the unofficial "Park Keeper" of
Wentworth Park. While he agrees that
the City Public Works crew does a great
job of maintaining all of the City Parks,
he enjoys watching over Wentworth
Park and picks up tree limbs, cans, lit-
ter, storm debris, etc. Fred likes the
peaceful setting and is at the park at
least once a day. He especially enjoys
watching the deer and watching kids
skate and play hockey and baseball.
Fred and Eileen have been married
for 59 years and have 5 children, one
of whom lives right next door to them.
Fred, thank you for everything you do
to help keep Wentworth Park a nice
place for everyone to enjoy!
In each Heights Highlites newsletter,
we will honor one of the many wonder-
ful volunteers in our community! If you
would like to nominate someone,
please contact Emmy at 452-1850.
City Ordinances The Mendota Heights City Code of ordinances is now available on-line. To access
information on city regulations, go to www.mendota-heights.com, and click on "City
Online Code" on the main menu.
City Directory
Council Members:
John Huber, Mayor 450-0729
Ultan Duggan 452-5179
Sandra Krebsbach 454-5696
Mary Jeanne Schneeman 457-4337
Jack Vitelli 455-5625
Staff Members:
Can Lindberg, City Administrator
452-1850
Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk
452-1850
Jim Danielson, Public Works Dir.
452-1850
Mike Aschenbrenner, Police Chief 452-1366
John Maczko, Fire Chief
255-1371
Patrick Hollister, Admin. Asst.
452-1850
Tom Olund, Public Works Supvr,
454-4059
Kristen Schabacker, Finance Dir.
452-1850
Emmy Foster, HR/Communic.
452-1850
Teresa Gangelhoff, Rec. Prgmr.
452-1850
Paul Berg & Dick Gill,
Code Enforcement Officers
452-1850
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