Issue 57 - Heights Highlights Spring 2003PAGE 1 MARCH, 2003 ISSUE 57
Welcome to New Mendota
Heights Commissioners!
There were a number of City Commission
appointments that expired on January 31, 2003.
In February, the City Council conducted inter-
views with five interested candidates for the
expired seats. Following the interviews, the
Council reappointed Stan Linnell, Raymond
Morris and Larry Craighead to the Parks and
Recreation Commission. The City Council re-
appointed Marina McManus and Bruce
McManus to the Planning Commission. The
Council also reappointed Scott Beaty and
Elizabeth Petschel to the Airport Relations
Commission. There were two new appointments
made this year. Mark Miller was appointed to
the Planning Commission to fill Bernie Friel's
seat. Mike Povolny was appointed to fill the
vacant seat of former Airport Relations
.ommissioner Joe Leuman. Bernie Friel served
on the Planning Commission since 1991, and
Joe Leuman served on the Airport Relations
Commission since 1993. Special thanks to both
of these individuals for their service and dedica-
tion to the City of Mendota Heights
We would like you to join us in welcoming
Mark Miller as the newest member of the
Planning Commission of the City of Mendota
Heights. Mark lives at 2503 Whitfield Drive and
works for McGough Construction in the position
of Senior Project Manager. Mark manages large
commercial construction projects in the Twin
Cities and neighboring states. Mark and his wife
Anne have been residents of Mendota Heights
since 1994. Mark has already met with City staff
for an orientation and attended his first Planning
Commission meeting as a Commissioner in
February.
We would also like to welcome Mike Povolny
as the newest member of the Airport Relations
Commission. Mike lives at 1901 Lexington
Avenue and has been a resident of Mendota
Heights for almost 19 years. Mike is the owner
of Povolny Specialties, a successful specialty
electrical business in Inver Grove Heights. Mike
3 married with two children. Mike attended his
first Airport Relations Commission meeting in
February.
Congratulations and welcome to Mark Miller
and Mike Povolny!
Mayor's Message
It has already been a very busy year for the new City Council. We
have several major issues that we have been discussing and many
of them will remain on the agenda for the next few months. On the
proposed Garron-Acacia development, we received from the appli-
cant a first draft of their response to the Environmental Assessment
Worksheet. Our consultant has advised us that there were a number
of areas that were not adequately addressed by this first draft and so
additional information has been requested from the developer. After
the city determines the EAW is complete, there will be a 30 -day pub-
lic comment period. Governor Pawlenty's proposed solution to the
state budget deficit has a larger impact on us than we had anticipat-
ed. His proposal would take away $225,000 of the city's portion of
Local Government Aid and the Market Value Homestead Credit in
2003 and 2004. We built in a $90,000 anticipated reduction in our
2003 budget so we have a gap of roughly $135,000. We will contin-
ue to monitor events at the capitol but I do not expect a final bill until
late April or May. Depending on the legislature' s final decisions your
council will take appropriate steps to keep the financial position of our
city strong. As of this writing we are continuing the search process for
a new police chief. During the search, Sergeant Donn Anderson has
very ably served as our Acting Chief and the city greatly appreciates
his contributions.
In late February the Council and our City Administrator Cari
Lindberg had a six -hour work session. It was an excellent opportuni-
ty for us to discuss a number of topics. We identified our priorities
and emerging challenges for the next two years. In addition to the
significant development proposals already before us and the state
budget crisis, some of these priorities include potential new develop-
ment requests, park and other city services, maintaining the quality
of our housing stock and bringing Town Center to a successful con-
clusion. At the work session we developed a shared view of the cur-
rent status of Mendota Heights including how the city has changed
and how it will continue to evolve. The session had the added bene-
fit of a team building exercise through discussing why we choose to
serve and a common ground for our vision of the city.
As we move towards spring and summer, I hope to see many of
you out walking on our trails and enjoying our park system. If you see
any of your council members while getting your exercise, please feel
free to stop and say hello and ask any questions you may have. You
are always welcome to contact us at home as well.
Communicating With The City Council
The Mendota Heights Council members welcome and encourage
residents to contact them by phone at their homes. Please note,
however, that any correspondence that you wish to become part of
the public record or to be distributed to all of the City Council mem-
bers should be sent to them at the City Hall address 1101 Victoria
Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118.
PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MARCH, 2003
Fire Department Honors members
In February the Fire Department held its annual awards banquet at the Bluffs
of Mendota. At this years banquet Mike Maczko was honored for his 20 years
of service to the community. Mike retired in June of 2002. The Relief
Association customarily gives the retiree a gift of a gold ring when they retire.
Since Mike does not wear rings he instead opted to have the value of the ring
donated to the Shriners Children's Hospital.
The Firefighters' families and spouses were also honored for their commit-
ment throughout the year. Children and spouses of the firefighters endure a lot
anxious moments and Chief Maczko paid tribute to them thanking them for the
strength and support that family provides each and every firefighter.
Others recognized were Assistant Chief Jim Kilburg for 20 years of service;
Aaron Coates, Jim Perron and Kevin Perron for 15 years of service; John
Bohland, Tracy Wilceck and Rich Burrows for 5 years of service; and new
recruit firefighters Michelle Malkes and Richard Griep.
The George Lowe Firefighter of the Year award for 2002 went to Captain Jeff
Stenhaug. In addition to Jeff making all of the required drills and trainings he
participated in many extra activities contributing almost 500 hours to the
department. He provided the spark and had the enthusiasm of a new firefight-
er recruit and helped to increase the participation and improve morale of all the
firefighters.
All Community Garage Sale
It's that time of year again! The Mendota Heights Fire Auxiliary is sponsor-
ing its Annual All Community Garage Sale and will advertise and sell maps.
The Annual Garage Sale dates are as follows: Thurs., May 15 & Fri., May 16
from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and on Sat., May 17 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Maps will be
on sale for $1.00 at the Mendota Heights Fire Station, 2121 Dodd Road on
Weds., May 14 from 4 - 7 p.m. and on Thurs., May 15 and Fri., May 16, from
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Register for the garage sale at the Mendota Heights City Hall
(1101 Victoria Curve). Registrations will be accepted Mon. - Fri., from 8 a.m. -
4:30 p.m or register at the Mendota Heights Fire Station on Weds., April 30
from 6 - 8 p.m. and on Weds, May 7 from 6 - 8 p.m. Registrations must be
received by May 9, 2003. The registration fee is $10 and you will be given a
special sign to be posted at your garage sale. Please consider participating in
this annual event. If you have any questions, call Lynne at 651-454-5961.
Kristen Schabacker - Finance Director
In March, the City Council promoted Finance Officer Kristen Schabacker to
the department head level position of Finance Director. Kristen is a registered
CPA and has worked with the City since 1998. In the last year she worked
closely with Larry Shaughnessy to manage the City finances including the
budget, audit, annual reporting requirements and the day-to-day financial oper-
ations of the City. Congratulations Kristen on your promotion!
Park Bench Donation Program
Q�
The City of Mendota Heights is accepting donations to
install park benches in City parks or along City trails. The
benches can be personalized with a plaque commemorating
a loved one. This would make a great Mother's Day or
Father's Day gift. The minimum donation required for bench
installation is $750 (or more depending on the bench design).
The design, location, and plaque message must be reviewed
by the Parks Commission and approved by the City Council prior to installa-
tion. For more information, contact Guy Kullander at City Hall at 452-1850.
Recreational Fires
As spring approaches the desire for
a recreational fire increases. The
Fire Department welcomes all to
have a good time but to abide by the
rules. No yard waste is allowed to be
burned & all fires must be called in to
our dispatcher before being started.
Visit the Frequently Asked Question
section of our website www.fire-
dept. ci.mendota-heights. mn. us for all
of the rules pertaining to recreational
fires and the phone number to call.
A FOND FAREWELL
City Treasurer Lawrence E.
Shaughnessy, Jr. passed away on
February 1, 2003 after a long and
courageous battle with cancer.
Larry's service to the city spanned
three decades, from 1963 as the city's
consultant financial advisor and since
January 1979 as Treasurer.
The mark Larry left on this commu-
nity is indelible. Over the years,
Mendota Heights residents and busi-
nesses have consistently enjoyed one
of the lowest property tax rates in the
metropolitan area without sacrificing
city services. That was due in large
part to Larry's ability to anticipate and
react to financial trends and his skill at
investing city funds. He developed a
framework that has helped the city
withstand the loss of state aids and
the peaks and valleys in the economy.
The mark Larry left on City staff and
elected officials is no less indelible.
He was a quality person in every
respect. To quote an Irish saying,
"some people make the world special
just by being in it." Larry was one of
those people. We'll miss the twinkle
in those Irish eyes and the friendship
that was so dear to all of us.
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 (612)726-9411. If pos-
sible, be prepared to provide the MAC
with information on time, location,
direction and
aircraft type.
PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MARCH, 2003
Mendota Heights Parks 4... ReC
Find information on trips,
activities c� events on pages q - 7.
SAFETY CAMP
"This experience will last your child a lifetime" - Don't miss this! Children enter-
ing the 3rd and 4th grades in the fall of 2003 can sign up now for Safety Camp
2003. Children will learn how to reduce the risk of accidents and increase safety
of their everyday lives, while having fun and meeting new and interesting people.
Instructors of the camp are volunteers from local police and fire departments, utili-
ty companies, paramedics as well as other professionals whose jobs deal with
personal and public safety. 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. At the
conclusion of the camp on Thursday, campers can return that evening with their
families for a family picnic with hot-dogs, ice cream and beverages. The camp is
sponsored by the VFW Gallagher Hanson Post 295 of So. St. Paul.
Ages: children entering the 3rd and 4th grades in the fall of 2003
Dates: August 12, 13, 14th Fee: $15.00 (all lunches and snacks provided!)
Location: Kaposia Park Located at Wilde and Butler Ave. in So. St. Paul
Enrollment is limited so please register early!
YOUTH SUMMER TENNIS LESSONS AND TEAMS
Lessons for Youth ages 6-17 years old: We will be offering Tennis lessons
taught by Tim Garvey a Certified developmental coach/instructor with USPTA-
United States Professional Tennis Association. We will be using a USTA "games
approach". The kids will learn sportsmanship, general etiquette, develop strokes,
apply strategies and tactics for both singles and doubles in a supervised, safe
environment. Tennis T-shirt and tennis balls are included. Participants will need
tennis shoes & a tennis racquet. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the season.
Please use the registration form on page 7. You will be assigned to a time of 9,
10 or 11 AM. Note on registration if you have friends you want to be placed
with and your preference of time.
Dates: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from June 16 to July 30th
Friday, 8/1/03: In house tournament and awards 9 AM - noon (this extra August
1st date (3 hours) is added to cover any rain out dates that will not be made up.)
Times: 55 minute lessons TBD- 9, 10 or 11 AM Cost: $50.001
Where: Henry Sibley High School Tennis Courts
Traveling Tennis Team:
USTA Teams will be formed according to age, ability, and subject to
the number of participants. The team will travel to locations outside
our City. Tim Garvey is the coach. Please register using the form on page 7 for
team practice/play which is separate from the lessons. USTA will issue team T-
shirts. Team members will need a racquet, tennis shoes and shorts.
Practice/play times for 8-12 year olds are Mondays and Wednesdays 1-3 pm.
13 and up will practice/play Tuesday's and Thursdays 1 - 3 pm. Program will run
approximately 4 weeks. Fee: TBD. Please call Teresa at 452-1850 if you have
questions. Parents are needed to help drive participants to various playing sites.
Congratulations
Congratulations to VFW Post 295
Auxiliary for winning the NATIONAL
"AWARD OF EXCELLENCE" for
bringing Safety Camp to our local
communities. Hats off to our Local
VFW Post 295 Auxiliary of SSP our
main sponsor of our Safety Camp.
They won the National Community
Activities Special Project
Recognition Program Award for our
Safety Camp. We are proud to be
a part of this great camp!
For boys & girls of all
ages. Check below for
class level. Classes
include balance beam,
uneven bars, floor exer-
cise, tumbling & more. All classes
held at Sibley High School Gym
(use Delaware Entrance). Girls
must wear leotards; boys may
wear shorts & t -shirts. Classes
limited to 25 students. Cost:
Preschool $40 for residents($45
non-residents), Beginner,
Advanced Beginner & Intermediate
$55 for residents($60 non-resi-
dents).
Pre -School (ages 3-5) 9-9:30 AM
Beginner (all ages -little or no
gymnastics exp) 9:35-10:35 AM
Advanced Beginner (all ages - 1
full year of beginners class
needed) 9:35-10:35 AM
Intermediate (ages 8-14 -must
perform a back walk -over).
10:40-11:40 AM
MONDAY THRU THURSDAYS:
Session I: 6/16-6/26
Session II: 7/7-7/17
Session III: 7/21-7/31
PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MARCH, 2003
The Parent/Child Sunday Afternoon League is a;great way for families to
..I .,. ,.... , -- ,. -, y y...... ---
suit, towel, change of clothes & $2 if you; want
spend time together & an even better way to improve your golf game. '
j to rent an inner tube (for a 2 hr. session).
Two parent child pairs are allowed each tee time. Prizes are awarded.
j i We'll be at the wave pool from 10' - 2. This trip
Sunday Afternoons: June 16—September I (no play on July 7)
j ° is offered for kids ages 10 & over. Includes
Tee times start at 4:00 p.m.
i lunch,; small pop, hot dog, chips & cookie.
Fee: $181.50 (for both players. Must pre -pay for all 11 weeks.)
I Bring extra $ for snacks. Bus departs at 10
AM/returns at 3:15 PM. Cost $16.'
�f
!Thurs, 7/31/03 HYLAND PARK CHUTES &
! LADDERS & SWIMMING AT BUSH LAKE.
Three 1 -hour lessons covering golf course etiquette, golf club grip, stance
1 Play on the many exciting slides & chutes.
and swing and correct putting techniques. There will be one teaching pro-
Next, we'll head to Bush Lake in Bloomington
fessional to every 8 golfers, giving personalized on -course instruction. You
where we'll eat lunch (bring a bag lunch or
will receive 2 free rounds of golf. Cost: $65.00. Especially beneficial to the
you can purchase there), play in the sand,
beginning golfer,
j take a swim or just relax in the sun! Bring
Thursday evening classes offered: Junior Lessons at 5 p.m.; Parent/Child
j your swimsuit, towel, tennis shoes, sunscreen,
Lessons at 6 p.m.; & Adult Lessons at 7 pm.
i bag lunch & spending $. Bus departs at 9:10
Saturday morning' classes offered: Junior Lessons at 11:30 a.m. ;
i AM/returns at 3:15 PM. Cost $7.
Adult Lessons at 12:30 (noon)
j Thurs, 8/7/03 DISCOVER NATURE AT
Session I: Thurs. April 17, 24 & May 1
THE ARBORETUM. We'll discover PLANTS
Session II: Thurs - May 8, 15, 22 or Saturdays — May 10, 179 24
FROM PARADISE & learn the how chocolate
Session III: Thursdays — June 5,'12, 19 or Saturdays - June 7, 14, 21
is made - we'll make our own Hot Cocoa, &
Session IV:' Thursdays — June 26, July 10 & 17
! make our own natural rubber ball. Then we'll
Session V. Thursdays — July 24, 31 & August 7
discover BIG' BUGS PHOTO JOURNAL in the
Fall Lessons: Thurs. Sept. 11, 18, 25 Youth at 5 pm & Adults at 6 pm
i Arboretum garden. ' Bus departs: +8:10/returns:
I Youth Golf Camps
j ' 4 pm.' Cost $12.
Thurs, 8/14/03 No trip week.
j this
w.
Beginner - $95 per session, Sessions are from 12 - 3 p.m.
j Thurs, 8/21/03 VALLA this
'Bus departs
Session L 'June 9-12; Session JI: July 14-17 Session III: Aug. 4-8
j, at 9 AM/returns at 6:45 PM. Bring a bag lunch`:
Intermediate - $95 per session, Sessions are from 8 - 11 a.m.
j I or money to purchase lunch/snack there. Trip
Session I: July 7-10; Session Il: July 28-31; Session III: Aug. 25-28
j; is for kids ages 10 & older. Cost $25.
PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MARCH, 2003
'Performances in the 'ParKS 55+ Prime Time 'Monthly Trips
The Mendota Heights Parks & Recreation Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department will be
Department is sponsoring a series of "FREE" perform- planning Senior field trips in conjunction with WSP Seniors
ances in the parks! Bring a blanket or lawn chair. and Thompson Park Activity Center. If we have enough peo-
Children must be accompanied by an adult through- ple sign up at City Hall it will assure us of continued trip offer-
out the entire performance. In the case sof inclement ings out of Mendota Heights. As soon as trips are published
weather, all shows will be canceled or rescheduled. in Thompson Times or Heights Highlights you may register at
Mendota Heights City Hall in person or by mail. Please use
Saturday, June 7- Mendakota Park Shelter
10:15 - 11'a.m."The Teddy Bear Band'". Children's
Musical Show. BYOTB- Bring Your Own Teddy Bear!
12 - 1 p.m."Rachael Kroog Show". Music & fun for
children of all ages.
Wednesday, June 18 - Rogers Lake Pavilion
7:30 p.m' "Woody Goes Fishin". Music, magic,
juggling & comedy for all ages with a fishing theme.
(This show is free. Registration is required for the
Fishing Derby)
Wednesday, June 25 - Mendakota Park
6:30 p.m. "Imagination Station Traveling Variety
Show - songs, stories, dancing. Includes this year's
theme - Wizard of Oz.
Wednesday, July 16 `- Mendakota Park
6:30 p.m. "Kit and Kaboodle". Fun songs, music,
fun and laughter for families.
Wednesday, July 30- Mendakota Park
6:30 p.m. "Imagination Station". Backfor more
fun, singing, dancing & stories.
Tuesday, August 5 - Mendakota Park
6:30 p.m. "Woody". He's back with fun, magic,
songs & tricks. Held in conjunction with National
Night Out.
Wednesday, August 13 - Mendakota Park
6:30 p.m. "Alphabits". Sing and dance alon:as
they play your favorite kid songs.
Wednesday, August 27 -;Mendakota Park
6:30 p.m. "Paul HeffronMusic". This quartet per- i
forms a variety of old time hits &modern music with a
"Big "Band" 'sound.
registration form on page 7. (Members of UCare Minnesota
may deduct $15.00 off trip cost. We must have ID number
with your registration to qualify for discount.)'
Wednesday, April 16 2003. Passion Play -Easter
Celebration. With a cast & choir of over 450, authentic cos-
tumes, glorious music &' live animals in the story of the life of
Jesus. Dinner includes baked Lasagna, salad, rolls, coffee &
bars. Coach Bus Depart/Return at City Hall 5 pm/10:30 pm
Cost: $50.00 per person
Thursday, May 1, 2003. "Camelot" at Chanhassen Dinner
Theater. A legendary musical of King Arthur and the Knights
of the Round Table, full of pageantry, music and romance.
PAGE 8 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES MARCH, 2003
FISHING DERBY
Bring your fishin' pole and come on down to the
Roger's Lake Fishing Pier to try to catch the "BIG
ONE"! Prizes will be awarded in different categories!
Each participant will also receive a tackle box (donated
by Mr. Clifford Timm) and other goodies provided by
Hooked on Fishing International and Wal-Mart.
Entertainment will be provided by "WOODY" at 7:30
p.m. as part of "Performances in the Park" (you do not
have to be registered in the derby to enjoy the free
entertainment.)
When: Wednesday, June 18, 2003 (participants must
bring their own pole & tackle.) Worms and our official
weights and measurements will be provided by Ace
Hardware of Inver Grove Heights.
Where: Roger's Lake Fishing Dock & lake area
(Wagon Wheel Trail)
Ages: Youth 16 & under (Parent/guardian must
accompany participants.)
Fee: $4.00
Time: 5:30 - 6 p.m.: Derby Registration - Park Shelter
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Fishing on your own
6 - 7:30 p.m.: Largest Fish & Casting Contests
7:30 p.m.: Fish -Weigh -ins End
8:00 p.m.: Awards (following entertainment)
Casting Contest: A fun program that helps kids learn
how to cast, & rewards the best in two age groups:
Under 11 & 11-16. Rods & Reels will be awarded to
the winners with an opportunity to enter a drawing
(nationally) for a Stock -Car Style Go -Kart from Frito-
Lay/Pepsi.
National Big Fish Contest: We had a State winner
last year! Trevor Stockton caught a northern and it was
the biggest fish from Minnesota! Pictures will be taken
of the winners in each category, to be sent to "Hooked
on Fishing International!"
Come visit with a Tournament Fishing Pro during the
derby for expert advice on fishing.
PLEASE PRE -REGISTER EARLY AT CITY HALL.
SPACE IS LIMITED. Any questions call the Park and
Rec office at 651-452-1850.
City Directory
Council Members:
452-1850
John Huber, Mayor
450-0729
Ultan Duggan
452-5179
Sandra Krebsbach
454-5696
Mary Jeanne Schneeman
457-4337
Jack Vitelli
455-5625
Staff Members:
Cari Lindberg, City Administrator
452-1850
Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk
452-1850
Jim Danielson, Public Works Dir.
452-1850
Donn Anderson, Acting Police Chf
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, HRICommunic.
452-1850
Teresa Gangelhoff, Rec. Prgmr.
452-1850
Paul Berg & Dick Gill,
Code Enforcement Officers
452-1850
ParKs Celebration
Mark your calendars for Saturday June 7, 2003 as we
Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Activities will include:
9 a.m. - 12 noon: MN Twins Clinic (new this year)
10:15 a.m. Teddy Bear Band
11:15 a.m. Boltz's Tae Kwon Do Demo
11:45 a.m. TBD
12:15 p.m. Rachael Kroog Show
The following events will run from 10 am to fpm:
Walton's Hollow Petting Zoo/Pony Ride
Fire Truck Rides
Mendota Heights Athletic Association Ball Tournament
Sibley Area Sting Soccer Shoot -Out
Mendakota Animal Hospital
Face Painting by PROTEC Environmental Consultants
Caricatures
Inver Grove Heights Clown Club
Concessions by Ziggy's Deli & Ice Cream
Moon Walk
Free Throw Contest
Bike Rodeo: A Bike Rodeo will be put on
by Mendota Heights Police Department Bike Patrol from
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. This event is for younger riders that
would like to have their bike inspected and then ride on a
short bike safety course. Please bring your own bike
and helmet. We will also learn about bike safety on our
trail system. This is a great activity to promote safe biking in
our community. Register to win a bike.
Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks is made possible by the generous sup-
port 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 interested in participating, please contact
Teresa at the Parks & Recreation Department at 452.1850.
Pet Owner Reminder
City 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 ��ss
are required to clean up any droppings left by their animals.
From:
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Prsrt Std
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 6166
St. Paul, MN 55118
CARRIER ROUTE
PRESORT
ECR WSS