Issue 56 - Heights Highlights Winter 2002PAGE 1 JANUARY, 2002 ISSUE 56
City Will -Own 100 % of Town Center Land
in February
Acquisition of the 23 -acre development site is almost complete. In
July, the City acquired the 6.42 acre Lorraine Hohenstein parcel,
located at 1898 Dodd Road. We are pleased to report that we have
also negotiated purchase agreements for two of the sites prior to
commencement of a condemnation action. In December, the City
acquired the 0.48 acre Oasis Market parcel, and signed a purchase
agreement for the Tom Thumb property as well. The City will close
on the Tom Thumb parcel in February.
The City is continuing the condemnation action on the remaining
remnant parcels along Highway 110, as well as the vacant parcel
owned by Brian Birch. The City will have title to these remaining
properties in February.
The City hired Relocation Specialists Evergreen Land Services to
' '7 relocate the two remaining businesses on the site: Annex
avers and the Mendota Heights Athletic Association. The Annex
Cleaners, formerly located at 1946 Dodd Road is relocating to the
Diamond Jim's Shopping Center in Lilydale and will be open in
February. Mendota Heights Athletic Association is continuing to
look for an office site.
There are two developers involved with the Town Center project:
RMF Entities and the Dakota County Community Development
Agency. In October, the City Council passed a resolution designating
RMF Entities as the Master Developer for the Town Center project.
Ross Feffercorn, of RMF Entities, has been working with the City
since the first discussions of the Town Center project began in 1999.
The role of the Master Developer is key to the success of this devel-
opment. This individual will be responsible for finalizing the plan-
ning applications for the entire site, including subdivision, wetlands
permits, final PUD approvals and the coordination and supervision
of all aspects of the commercial and residential development. This
individual will also ensure that detailed design and development con-
cepts laid out by the City Council are followed. The Master
Developer will both develop components of the project and ensure
the compatibility of the portions of the project to be developed by
others.
The second developer is the Dakota County Community
Development Agency (CDA). The City and Dakota County CDA
recently signed a development agreement formalizing their commit-
ment to construct a sixty unit affordable senior facility in the project,
lar in size and design to their existing building on South Plaza
Live. The CDA plans to begin construction of the facility in the
fall.
The formal planning application process is also moving along. In
August, the City Council rezoned the Town Center project area to
Mixed Use Planned Unit Development, which will allow for a
unique blend of housing, business and retail development with a "vil-
lage -like" character. The Preliminary Concept Plan was reviewed by
the Planning Commission in November and the City Council in
January. The Preliminary Development Plan for the project will be
before the Planning Commission for its March meeting, and then on
to the City Council at its first meeting in April. The Final
Development Plans of the project will be submitted by the develop-
er, Ross Feffercorn. Mr. Feffercorn will bring the final phases of the
project forward in separate phases (residential, commercial, etc.) The
City anticipates the final applications coming to the Planning
Commission in early summer.
We are hopeful that the groundbreaking for the project will be this
spring, followed by construction of the public infrastructure (roads,
utilities, ponding and civic elements) and the Dakota County senior
housing facility.
REVIEW BOARD MEETING
SCHEDULED
At 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, the City Council will convene its
annual Review Board meeting. At this meeting, the Dakota County
Assessor will review community valuation information and answer
general questions regarding property valuations for real estate taxes
payable in 2002. Following the approximate half-hour presentation,
representatives from the Assessor's Office will meet with individual
property owners who have questions or concerns about their valua-
tions.
"Notices of Assessment for the Year 2002" were mailed to all
property owners by the Assessor's Office in January. If you feel that
the market value for taxation shown on the notice exceeds the actu-
al value of your property, you can appeal the valuation. To do so, you
must either send a letter to the City Council, at City Hall, before
April 2 or you must attend the Review Board or an informal open
book meeting. The dates and locations of the open book meeting are
listed on your "Notice of Assessment."
The Review Board meeting will be held in the City Council
Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
PAGE 2
New Police Officer
On December 18, 2001, the Mendota
Heights City Council appointed Jennifer
Hurst as the newest member of the Mendota
Heights Police Department. Officer Hurst,
who is assigned to patrol, will serve a one-
year probation and is currently going
through an intense Field Training Program
that will be completed in April.
Jennifer fmished number one in the hiring
process and was selected from a group of
very qualified candidates. Jennifer is a
native of Grand Rapids, Minnesota and a
graduate of Minnesota University at
Mankato. Jennifer is excited to be with us
and we are happy to welcome her into the
department and the community.
Summer Wetland
Monitors Needed
The City of Mendota Heights invites you
to participate in the 2002 monitoring season
of the Wetland Health Evaluation Program.
This award winning program is enriching,
educational and fun. Adult volunteers work
in a team of other city residents to study the
biological health of wetlands in Mendota
Heights. You do not need a science back-
ground or previous monitoring experience
to participate. Volunteers work under the
direction of a team leader and receive train-
ing on wetland monitoring including plant
and insect ID. The time commitment for
volunteers in the program is about 40 to 50
hours from the months of May through July.
This includes training, field work and lab
work. All equipment is provided. If you are
interested or would like more information
call Jim Danielson at 651-452-1850. The
Wetland Health Evaluation Program is a
joint venture between the City of Mendota
Heights and the Dakota County
Environmental Education Program.
Call the Air Noise Line
Are you bothered by
air noise?When air
noise becomes unbear-
able 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
possible, be prepared to provide the MAC
with information on time, location, direc-
tion and aircraft type.
HEIGHTS HIGHLITES FEBRUARY, 2002
PARK BENCH DONATION PROGRAM
The City of Mendota Heights is now accepting donations to install park benches in city
parks or along city trails. The minimum donation required for bench installation is $750. The
required donation may be higher depending on the bench design. The benches can be
sonalized with a plaque commemorating a loved one or friend. The design, location, and
plaque message must be reviewed by the Parks Commission and approved by the City
Council prior to installation. For more information, contact Parks Project Manager Guy
Kullander at City Hall at 452-1850.
Police Department Receives Award For Crime
Prevention Video
On November 6, 2001 at the City Council meeting, the police department received a nation-
al award for a crime prevention video they created early last year. "Safety Tips from the
Mendota Heights Police Department" was designed to increase awareness on auto theft, bur-
glary and personal safety for our local residents. The 10 minute video was produced in coop-
eration with Northern Dakota County Community Television and it was funded by a local
crime prevention grant.
The video aired on local cable access and is also being used to assist the department with
crime prevention presentations to the community. The police department video received the
third place award, which was presented to Jodie Miller, Executive Director at NDCTV dur-
ing the National Association of Telecormnunication Officers and Advisors conference in
Miami Florida this past fall. The police department extends a sincere thanks to NDCTV and
all who helped make the video a success.
Dog Licensing Available By Mail
You can now apply for dog licenses by mail. if you reside in Mendota Heights and o\
a dog over 16 weeks of age your dog must be licensed. Dog licenses must be renewed
annually. The license year inns from June 1 — May 31. Dog owners must obtain licens-
ing for their dog within 30 days of obtaining the dog. The cost of dog licensing is $3.00
for Spayed/ Neutered or $6.00 for Non -Spayed / Non -Neutered.
Licenses can be obtained in person at City Hall, Monday — Friday from 8a.m. — 4:30p.m.
You must bring a copy of the dog's current rabies vaccination certificate. If applying by
mail you must fill out the attached form and mail it along with a check or money order
and a copy of the dog's current rabies certificate (certificates will not be returned).
----------------------------:--------------------------------------------
City of Mendota Heights
Application for Dog License ;
1
;Owner's Name
Address:
,
;Home Phone:
Work Phone:
;
Animal Name:
Breed:
Color:
Sex:
Neutered: Yes No
Spayed: Yes No
Remit Application and Payment to:
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, Minnesota 55118
.................................................. I.........................
Office Use Only
License #: Rabies Expire:
I ,
Issue Date: Receipt #
PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES FEBRUARY, 2002
City -Wide Spring Clean Up
Each spring, Mendota Heights designates one day when, for a small fee, residents can dis-
card items otherwise difficult to dispose of. The City—Wide Spring Clean -Up is limited to
idota Heights Residents Only! Identification is required. Only cars, pick-ups and small
trailers are allowed to unload items. Commercial debris is not accepted. Commercial, indus-
trial and institutional customers are not eligible. No yard waste or household hazardous waste
is accepted. For further information call Patrick Hollister at (651)452-1850. Spring Clean -
Up is made possible by a grant from Dakota County Environmental Management.
Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Mendota Plaza, Highway 110 and Dodd Road
(Enter and Exit from South Plaza Drive)
The following is a list of items that will be accepted at Spring Clean Up and those that
will not be accepted.
We will accept the followingitems: ems: Fee
Car Tires, Furniture, and Mattresses $3.00 each
Scrap Metals (remove all non-metal components) Volume -Based Fee
Home Remodeling Debris and Miscellaneous Junk Volume -Based Fee
We will not accept the followingitems:
ems:
Household Hazardous Waste Home Electronics
(Motor Oil,. Batteries, Paint, Household Chemicals, etc.) Yard Waste
Items that can be recycled at your curb
Commercial or Contractor Debris
Mendota Heights
Appliance Collection
Day
Monday, May 7
8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
In conjunction with
Spring Clean U the
p g p>
city has arranged for
reduced price disposal of
^� y' old appliances. JR's
Appliances will pick up
used washers, dryers,
refrigerators and other appliances from resi-
dents' driveways.
Residents interested in participating should
contact JR's Appliances by Friday, May 3 for
prices and payment options and to schedule
pick-up. Then just put the appliance in your
driveway the night before the pick-up.
Call JR's Appliance by _ -
Friday, May 3 for prices
and to schedule your pick-
up' a e
Dial 454-9215 and ask for
Operator 33.
RECYCLING SURVEY
i
The City of Mendota Heights and Dakota County would like your help in evaluating how effective the current City/County recycling j
program is for residents. Please take a moment to fill out the following survey and either bring your answers to City Hall or mail your j
answers to Recycling Coordinator, City of Mendota Heights, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118. Responses are needed j
by April 1, 2002. I
1. What kind of dwelling do you live in? (Check one)
Single -Family Home Townhome/Condominium Apartment
2. How many people are in your household?
# of people
Do you participate in the curbside recycling program?_
(Yes/No)
If you participate in the curbside recycling program, please indicate how many tunes per week you leave the following items for pick-
up by your garbage hauler by marking the appropriate boxes below.
Less than
Item Once a Month
Three
Once/Month Twice/Month Times/Month Every Week
Glass
Aluminum/Tin Cans
Plastic Bottles with necks
News a ers
Magazines & Catalogs
Mail
Corrugated Cardboard
ave you ever used the Eco -Site at Dodd Road and Yankee Doodle Road in Eagan to dispose of anything?
Have you ever participated in Mendota Heights Spring Clean -Up in May of each year?
Do you have a copy of the Dakota County Green Guide?
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
j Thank you for your participation. The City of Mendota Heights and Dakota County encourage you to continue recycling!
L. - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - • - • - • - • - • - • - • - • - • - • - • - • - • -
PAGE 5 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES FEBRUARY, 2002
GOLF LEAGUES/LESSONS/CAMPS
Thinking Spring? Get ready to spend some time on the golf course. The city will be offering golf leagues, lessons and camps this spring &
tmmer at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course. REGISTRATIONS FOR ALL GOLF PROGRAMS ARE ACCEPTED ONLY AT
fHE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS OFFICES (1101 VICTORIA CURVE) UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. Registrations for all
leagues, lessons and camps begin Monday, April 8. Registration closes for all leagues, lessons and camps one week prior to start date.
The women's, junior and parent/child league fees & green fees cover weekly prizes and the end of the season banquet. Payment of fees is
required at the time of registration. League and green fees are non-refundable after the start of league play. Rain checks will be given for
missed days of play. More information on all of the leagues will be available after registration. League, lessons, and camp availability will
be based on demand. Please sign groups of friends up together if you would like to try and get the same tee times. You may request a tee
time, but it is not guaranteed. We will do our best to accommodate your request.
GOLF LEAGUES
55 + GOLF LEAGUE - PAY AS YOU
PLAY
Thursdays, May 9 — Sept. 26 (no play
on July 4.)
*Registrations for this league are
accepted at the Mendota Heights Par 3
Golf Course 1695 Dodd Road.
This league is for anyone 55 years of age
or older. Tee times will start at 7:00 a.m.
and approximately every seven minutes
thereafter. Prizes Awarded.
Green Fee: $7.00 each day of play (pay
as you play).
Women's Golf League
Ladies, sign up with your friends or sign
up individually for a summer of fun and
relaxation on the golf course.
Prizes will be awarded.
Tuesday mornings: May 21 to Aug. 20
Tee Times start at 8:30 a.m. and approx-
imately every seven minutes thereafter.
Morning League Fee: $10.00
Green Fee: $122.50 (14 weeks at $8.75
each round).
Total Cost: $132.50 (must pre -pay for
Monday mornings: June 10 —Aug. 26
Tee times start at 9:30 a.m. and run
approximately every seven minutes there-
after.
Junior Monday League Fee: $10.00
Green Fee: $105.00 (12 weeks at
$8.75/round).
Total Cost: $115.00 (Must pre -pay for
all 12 weeks.)
Wednesday afternoons: June 12 —
August 28
Tee times start at 1:00 p.m. and run
approximately every seven minutes there-
after.
Junior League Fee: $10.00.
Green Fee: $105.00 (12 weeks at
$8.75/round)
Total Cost: $115.00
PARENT/CHILD SUNDAY
AFTERNOON GOLF LEAGUE
The Parent/Child Sunday Afternoon
Golf League is a great way for families to
spend time together and an even better
all 14 weeks.) way to improve your golf game. Two par -
Wednesday Evenings: May 22 — August ent child pairs are allowed each tee time.
21 Prizes are awarded.
Tee times start at 4:00 p.m. and approxi-
mately every seven minutes thereafter.
Women's Evening League fee: $10.00
Green Fee: $122.50 14 weeks at $8.75
each round).
Total Cost: $132.50 (must pre -pay for
all 14 weeks.)
Junior Golf League
The junior golf league is for boys and
girls ages 8 — 16 years of age. Junior
golfers are expected to acknowledge golf
course rules and etiquette at all times.
Prizes are awarded. This league is looking
for volunteers to share chaperone duties (2
per each day of play). Volunteers will play
for free on their volunteer day, compli-
ments of the golf course.
Sunday Afternoons: June 16 —
September 1 (no play on July 7)
Tee times start at 4:00 p.m. and run
approximately every seven minutes there-
after.
League Fee: $10.00 (covers both play-
ers)
Green Fee: $181.50 (for both players =
11 weeks at $16.50/pair)
Total Cost: $191.50 (for both) Must
pre -pay for all 11 weeks.
If you have any questions or need any
further information on the golf programs
please contact Mendota Heights Park and
Recreation Department at 651-452-1850.
GOLF LESSONS
You will receive three one-hour lessons
covering golf course etiquette, golf club grip,
stance and swing and correct putting tech-
niques. There will be one teaching profes-
sional to every eight golfers, giving person-
alized on -course instruction. You will
receive two free rounds of golf. Cost: $65.00.
These classes are especially beneficial to the
beginning golfer.
Thursday evening classes offer:
Junior Lesson offered at 5:00 pm
Parent/Child Lesson offered at 6:00 p.m.
Adult Lesson offered at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday morning classes offer:
Junior Lesson offered at 11:30 a.m.
Adult Lesson offered at 12:30 (noon)
Session I: Thursdays — April 18, 25 &
May 2;
Saturday — Apr 20, 27 & May 4
Session H: Thursdays — May 9, 16, 23
Saturdays — May 11, 18, 25
Session HI: Thursdays — June 6,13, 20
Saturdays — June 8, 15, 22
Session IV: Thursdays — June 27, July 11
&18
Session V: Thursdays — July 25, August 1
&7
Fall Golf Lessons:
Thursdays — September 12, 19, 26
5:00 p.m. -Youth Lesson
6:00 p.m. -Adult Lesson
PAGE 6 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES FEBRUARY, 2002
YOUTH GOLF
CAMP
Spend a week at golf camp. Children
will be instructed in the fundamentals of
grip, stance, swing, ball contact, putting,
chipping and driving. We will also cover
golf rules and etiquette. The emphasis is
on learning to play golf in a creative fun
environment. Instructors play two
rounds of golf with students. Ratio of 16
students/2 instructors per camp. Students
will receive 2 free rounds of golf at end
of camp.
Location: Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf
Course, 1695 Dodd Rd
Time: 8:00 am to 11:00 am & 12:00
pm — 3 pm
Fees: $105.00
Golf Camp 1 - Beginner — Must have
completed Introduction to Golf Lessons
Session I: June 10 — 13, 12:00 p.m. —
3:00 p.m.
Session II: July 15 — 18, 12:00 p.m. —
3:00 p.m.
Session III: August 5 — 8, 12:00 p.m. —
3:00 p.m.
Golf Camp 2 - Intermediate - Must
have completed Camp 1
Session I: July 8 — 11, 8:00 a.m. —
11:00 P.M.
Session II: July 29 — August 1,
8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Session III: August 26 — 29,
8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
CELEBRATE MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS!
Mark your calendars for Saturday June 1, 2002 as we Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks!
The celebration will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park.
Don't miss the family fin with entertainers, petting zoo, refreshments, baseball tourna-
ment, free-throw contest and lots more in the planning for all ages! Look for the complete
list of events in the next Heights Highlights.
This event 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 interested in participating, please contact the Parks &
Recreation Department at 651-452-1850.
ENJOY OUR CITY PARKS AND TRAILS
Explore the amenities your city has to offer while enjoying the great outdoors! City parks
are open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Park shelters and facilities are available for reservation
on a first come, first-served basis. For information on rental procedures and fees, please con-
tact the Recreation Programmer at 651-452-1850.
When walking, bicycling or in-line skating along the city's trails, please remember that the
trails were designed for mixed use. Bicyclists and in-line skaters, please be cautious and con-
siderate, keeping your speed at a level that is safe for both you and pedestrians. If you are
about to pass a pedestrian on a trail, please announce to that person that you will be passing
them on their right or on their left in a loud, clear voice with enough advance time for them
to respond. Keep in mind that some people walking on the trails may be either hearing
impaired or unable to respond quickly because of limited mobility. Walkers, please be alert
for bicyclists and skaters who may be rounding a bend or coming over a hill.
City ordinances require all dogs in the city to be leashed. Pet owners are permitted to ha
their leashed pets in city parks and on city trails but they are required to clean up any drop-
pings left by their animals.
Finally, to assist the city in the maintenance and appearance of our parks and trails, we ask
for everyone's cooperation in using the trash and recycling receptacles provided.
ATTENTION SOFTBALL TEAMS
Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation is accepting registrations for the Summer 2002
softball season. There will be three leagues available this year: Men's D, Women's D and
Men's D Over 30.
Now through Wednesday, February 13th, registrations will be
accepted for returning "resident teams." Starting Thursday, February
14, registrations will be accepted for new
"Resident" teams and "Non -Resident teams."
All teams must submit a preliminary roster and
pay the registration deposit of $100.00 by the dates
'tet„ listed.
Please call the Parks and Recreation department
at 651-452-1850 for more information.
??INTERESTED IN CO-REC SOFTBALL??
If anyone is interested in starting a co-rec league, space is available. Please call the
Recreation Office at 651-452-1850 for further details.
IVY PARK TENNIS
COURTS - REPAIR
OR REMOVE?
The Mendota Heights Parks and
Recreation Commission will hold a public
meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at
6:30 p.m. to discuss the future of the Ivy
Park Tennis Courts. The tennis courts are in
bad condition. The city is currently unde-
cided as to whether they should be resur-
faced or removed due to the availability of
other tennis courts elsewhere in the city, the
limited finds available for public improve-
ments, and the general decline in the popu-
larity of tennis as a participatory sport.
you have an opinion on this subject, plea_
come to the Parks Commission meeting at
City Hall on March 12, 2002. We hope to
see you there!
PAGE 8
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