Loading...
Issue 28 - Heights Highlights Summer 1993PAGE 1 August, 1993 ISSUE 28 "CELEBRATE" A SUCCESS! On Saturday, July 24th the second annual Celebrate Mendota Heights Parks! was held at Mendakota Park. For the second straight year everyone had a fun filled day participating in or watching the various activities and events that were held. It was estimated that over 1,000 people attended the celebration despite the threat of rain throughout the day. The rain held off until after the events were over and everyone had a fun time. The day actually began at Kensington Park, the City's newest park located on Concord Way off of Mendota Heights Road, when Mend -Eagan and Sibley Sting soccer programs hosted a Kickoff and soccer exhibition at the new soccer complex. This event was climaxed by a Ribbon Cutting ceremony as the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission officially dedicated Kensington Park. Meanwhile, back at Mendakota Park the fun and festivities began in the morning with the City's Men's Over 30 Softball League's annual tournament. Many people of all ages participated in activities throughout the day including the Kiddie Parade and Carnival Games hosted by the Mendota Area JAYCEES, Subway Sandwich Shop's Home Run Hitting Contest, Dunk Tank sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary Club, in-line skating, horseshoes, Moonwalk, Fire Truck Rides and face painting by Kelly the Clown. Spectators had the opportunity to enjoy the Teddy Bear Band and the Lazy River Jazz Band for musical entertainment. The Teddy Bear Band thrilled youngsters and adults alike with a performance that included participation by many of the children in the audience and the Lazy River Jazz Band provided two sets of their unique style of Dixieland Jazz. Turner's Gymnastics provided an exciting routine of tumbling spiced with some humorous trampoline hij inks and antics. For the second year in a row, children from D.D.'s Dance Studio delighted the crowd with their well rehearsed dance recitals. Contests held throughout the day included the free throw shooting contest sponsored by the Optimist Club of South/West St. Paul, the sack races, the wheel barrow races, and the water balloon toss with many a lucky competitor taking home a nice prize donated by local area businesses. "his successful event is fast becoming an annual tradition and many thanks go to the volunteer planning committee comprised of local ..;sidents, local civic organizations and city officials. The celebration would not have been possible without the efforts of many volunteers and the generosity of many local businesses and individuals who staffed the events and provided the funding to pay for costs and supplies. Special thanks go out to all the organizations and individuals who contributed to this effort. Special mention goes to the Fire Department and spouses, Ladies Auxiliary Club, JAYCEES, Optimist Club, Mend -Eagan Athletic Association and the parks maintenance staff. PAGE 2 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES August 1993 MENDOTA HEIGHTS HERITAGE MAP This issue of Heights Highlites includes a four-page insert entitled "Mendota Heights Heritage Map." Filled with historical information and anecdotes about the city, it should prove to be both informative and fun reading. Besides publication in Heights Highlites, maps will also be supplied to the Dakota County Library (Wentworth branch) and to Independent School District 197 for distribution to anyone who would like a copy. The Heritage Map is a publication of the Mendota/West St. Paul Chapter of the Dakota County Historical Society.The objective of the Chapter is to further the preservation and awareness of our area's history. Everyone who wishes to learn more about our history and those interested in contributing information are invited to become Chapter members. Membership is automatic when you join the Dakota County Historical Society and indicate your desire to become a Chapter member. Society membership for individuals is $15, family $20, students and seniors $8. A Chapter publication, the Little Historian, is issued to members five times a year. Members also receive the Society's county -wide quarterly newsletter and semi-annual publications. If you wish to join, send your check, made out to the Dakota County Historical Society, along with your name, address and phone number, to Bill Wolston, 648 Sunset Lane, Mendota Heights, 55118. Bill, who moved to Mendota Heights when it was still a township, produced the map and is editor of the Little Historian. Interchange Work Begins The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) opened bids for the Mendota Interchange project on June 11, 1993. The project involves reconstructing three trunk highways (55, 110 and 13) intersecting at the south end of the Mendota Bridge. There were six bidders, with Johnson Brothers Corporation submitting the low bid at $18.3 million. Three other bidders were in the $18 - $19 million range and two around $21 million. The engineer's estimate for the project was at $22 million, so everyone was pleased with the results. This includes Mendota Heights, because the City has to share in the costs for improvements to Pilot Knob Road, Lexington Avenue, utilities to St. Peter's Church, storm sewer and trail improvements to name some of the larger City projects that are being completed along with this Mn/DOT project. Johnson Brothers began the Mendota Interchange reconstruction on July 6th and have until next fall to complete the project. This is a very short time frame for completing such a large quantity of difficult work, which includes removing 700,000 cubic yards of excess fill,com- pletion of four bridges and conversion of the Soo Line Railroad right-of-way to a trail through the area. The interchange work is scheduled to be completed at the same time as the Mendota Bridge reconstruction. The bridge work was greatly hampered by this summer's floods, and we are now concerned over the contractor's ability to complete it by next fall as planned (see photo above). We are all wishing the Contractor good luck with the weather and other obstacles so that this huge project can be completed on time and the residents and businesses in the area, who are most affected, can return to life as normal. Airport Relations Commission Appointed On August 3, 1993 the City Council made appointments to the City's newly estab- lished Airport Relations Commission. Choosing from a highly qualified pool of volunteers, the Council appointed the fol, lowing citizens to serve on the Commis sion: Scott Beaty, Gregg Fitzer, William Healey, Joseph Leuman, Dr. James Olin, David Olsen, and Ellsworth Stein. The Commission will advise the City Council on matters pertaining to airport noise and operations at Minneapolis -St. Paul International Airport, monitor pro- posed rules, procedures and programs which impact the air noise situation within the City, and make recommendations to the City Council regarding strategies to miti- gate the City's air noise exposure. The Commission will hold its initial meeting sometime in September. Watch your local newspapers for more specific scheduling information. The Heights Highlites is a government newsletter distributed to residents to in- form them on events and activities that affect Mendota Heights. All articles, as well as layout and production are done by City staff members. If you know any residents who are not receiving the Heights Highlites but wouV like to, please invite them to contact Cit} Hall, 452-1850, so that they can be placed on the newsletter mailing list. PAGE 3 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES RECYCLING MATTERS What's New in Dakota County PRODUCT EXCHANGE Instead of buying new paint, furniture stripper or herbicides, qvisit the Product Exchange for FREE PRODUCTS. The ex- change is located at the Gopher Smelting and Refining Com- pany Household Hazardous Waste Collection Site, 3385 South PMT Highway 149. Hours of operation are from 6-8 p.m. Wednes- days and 9 a.m. - 12 noon on Saturdays. MAGAZINES AND CATALOGS Shiny magazines and catalogs are collected through the curbside recycling programs in Mendota Heights. Keep these items separate from newspaper and other paper. There is no need to remove inserts, mailing cards, ad- _ V dress labels or covers (except Reader's Digest). T.V. guides, Reader's Digest covers, phone books, comic books and paper back books are not accepted. BUSINESS MAI Residential business mail (junk mail) and office type 0 paper can be brought to the Dakota County Recyclables -moi/�• hew ��0 Collection Center for drop-off recycling. The collection �"<<n center is located at 1350 Larc Industrial Boulevard in Burnsville. Some haulers collect this through curbside r+ `` recycling. Call your waste hauler or Kevin Batchelder at City Hall, 452-1850, to determine whether your hauler accepts these materials. MILK CARTONS AND DRINK BOXES Milk cartons and drink boxes are also being accepted AM.K •_ at the Dakota County Recyclables Collection Center. Any dairy, juice or detergent carton and drink boxes are Ell accepted. Please rinse and flatten the cartons before recycling them. CITY DIRECTORY Council Members: Charles Mertensotto, Mayor 454-3394 John Huber 450-0729 Christine Koch 451-9508 Sandra Krebsbach 454-5696 Jill Smith 688-7444 Staff Members: Tom Lawell, Administrator 452-1850 Kathleen Swanson, City Clerk 452-1850 nes Danielson, 452-1850 rublic Works Director Dennis Delmont, Police Chief 452-1366 John Maczko, Fire Chief 454-3266 Code Enforcement Officers: Paul Berg & Dick Gill 452-1850 Goodwill Donation Center Goodwill/Easter Seal of Minnesota has announced that beginning on September 1 they will no longer accept items which are currently collected at curbside for recycling. This includes aluminum, newspaper, glass, office paper and corrugated cardboard. Goodwill has made the decision not to accept these items any more because of the availability of other recycling sources in the county. They recommend that people use the established curbside recycling programs to dispose of these items. Goodwill continues to accept clothing and household items, as always. For additional information, contact your waste hauler or call Kevin Batchelder at 452-1850. Anust,1993 Waste Reduction Waste reduction is different from recy- cling. Recycling is still important, but waste reduction is reducing the amount of waste you generate. It is PREVENTING waste from occurring, even BEFORE you recycle. Waste reduction is the simplest way to use less resources to manage our waste. Ways to Reduce Waste: * Buy products not packaged in extra packaging * avoid single use products * do not take a bag at a store for only a few items * use reusable containers * buy concentrates (juices, drinks, de- tergents) * reduce your junk mail by writing to companies and requesting that they not distribute your name to direct mail marketers. RESPOND by voicing your opinion. Let manufacturers and store managers know what you like or do not like about packaging, policies and products. Let them know that you want less packaging. Vote with your dollars! Buy products and packaging that you agree with Look for products made from post -consumer recycled materials. 1'HERE'SNO TMTO WASTE. PAGE 4 HEIGHTS HIGHLITES August, 1993 BasketballNolleyball Leagues Looking for fun, great exercise and a new activity to spice up your life? Two new pro- grams are considered for this fall: a 3 -person half -court basketball league and co-rec vol- leyball. The basketball league would not be offici- ated and would be open to adults age 30 and over. Sign up priority would be given to Mendota Heights residents. All other teams would be taken on a first come, first served basis. The volleyball league would be open to adults (ages 18 and older). Games would not officiated. First priority would be given to teams who reside or work full-time in Men- dota Heights. Details on both programs are currently being worked out. Registration dates and deadlines, fees and minimum/maximum numbers of teams will be available in the next few weeks. Initiation of the programs will depend on availability of facilities and community in- terest. If you would like more information, call City Hall, 452-1850, in mid-September. Ringette The West St. Paul Youth Association has announced the registration schedule for its 1993/94 Ringette season. This is an opportu- nity for young women of all ages (5 and up) to enjoy an exciting winter team sport. Ringette is played on a standard hockey rink using a straight stick to carry, pass and shoot a rubber ring to score goals. Registrations will be held on Saturday, September 11 from 10:00 a.m, to 12:00 noon and Wednesday, September 15 from 6:00 p.m, to 9:00 p.m, at the West St. Paul Ice Arena, 60 W. Emerson Avenue. This pro- gram is not sponsored by the City of Men- dota Heights. You may contact contact Toni Genz at 688-2816 for more information. IN-LINE SKATING LESSONS Get ready to hit the pavement this fall with lots of fun, action and exercise. Feel the sensat, of in-line roller skating. Learn the skills and rules necessary to "skate smart" from John Glynn, a certified instructor through the International In -Line Skating Association. All ages are welcome! Beginners will learn how to stroke, turn and stop. Intermediate skaters will learn how to improve their stride, do cross-over turns, backward skate and control those edges. Skate rental is available through Mendota Cycling and Fitness, 1040 W. Hwy 110, at a special discounted price of $10.00 for four days, including some protective equipment (class receipt required). A helmet is required: knee pads, elbow pads and wrist guards are strongly recommended. Space is limited, so register early. LOCATION AND TIMES: Session I Session I September 7,8,9 September 13,14,15 (Rain makeup, September 10) (Rain makeup, September 16) Beginners: 4:30-5:15 p.m. Beginners: 4:30-5:15 p.m. Intermediates: 5:30-6:15 p.m. Intermediate: 5:30-6:15 p.m. Adult Beginners: 6:30-7:15 p.m. Adult Beginners: 6:30-7:15 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, please call City Hall between 4:00 and 4:30 on the day of your lesson. The lessons will be given at the Mendakota Park parking lot located on Mendakota Drive and Dodd Road. The lesson fee is $15.00 per person. Register at City Hall or call 452-1850 for more info rmation.Registration deadlines are September 3 for Session I and September 10 for Session II. PARKING IN THE PARKS In recent years, activity in the parks system has significantly increased. With this increase in park activity, the City has had to address automobile parking problems which have typically occurred during organized athletic games. In some cases, parking lots were not being utilized and parking was occurring on both sides of narrow residential streets or on County roads. The City received many complaints from neighbors and passersby voicing concerns over pedestrian safety and restricted traffic flow and the blocking of bicycle/hiking trails. To address these problems die City enacted "No Parking" restrictions at the following locations: 1. iS bley Park - Parking is prohibited along Delaware Avenue between Marie Avenue and Highway 110. 2.Civic Center Field - Packing is prohibited along Victoria Curve on the north side between Lexington Avenue and Hunter Lane. 3.Mendakota Park - Parking is prohibited along Mendakota Drive along the north side between Dodd Road and Mendakota Court. From: City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, Mn. 55118 POSTAL PATRON MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MN 55118 AND 55120 Bulk Rate U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 6166 St. Paul, Mn. 55118 CARRIER ROUTE PRESORT KriENDOTA 'NTERCH 1 UPDAT- - VinehrH:,.:::•nvn.;t�����.re�n�.��..:�y.:Xm.>r:n�+�n>nt; ,4 Ustl� >99.? v Mendota Interchange eight percent completed ork on the Mendota Interchange project is now approximately eight percent completed. As of mid- August, 83,750 cubic yards of earth has been moved out of a total 1,847,707 cubic yards to be excavated for the common --cavation portion of the project. Nearly 56,248 cubic yards of dirt has been moved for the subgrade excavation part of the project. When completed, 265,322 cubic yards will have been moved. Weather permitting, the contractor will have the Highway 13 connection, Mendota connection, Acacia Boulevard, the Acacia Boulevard bridge and the access road completed and open to traffic by late September. Workers from U.S. West Communications continue to work on cable at the intersection of Perron Road and Lexington Avenue. Northern States Power is relocating power poles throughout the project area. Brisk Construction Company is clearing and grubbing in Mendota, near the concrete arch span bridge near the river in the city of Mendota and in the wetland area next to the Mendota bridge. Johnson Bros. reports Considering the short time we have been at work, you can already see the location of the various roadways. Johnson Bros. is currently working on the Highway 13 connection from Acacia Boulevard to the Highway 13 and 110 south frontage road. Concrete is being poured for footings for a retaining wail along the Highway 110 south frontage road and construction will start on Highway 110 between the Highway. 13 connection to Lexington Avenue. By, the middle of September, there should be many changes. in .these areas. Clearing and burning of trees and brush at the new location of Highway 13 and Merron road will begin and grading will be done on Highway 13 west of Pilot Knob Road. Johnson Bros. is working hard to reduce dust and keep the whole area as neat as a highway construction project can be kept. ■ Common excavation is digging within a highway project area not below the surface of the future roadway. ■ Subgrade excavation consists of digging in the future roadway area below the surface of the final roadway within the highway right of way. ■ Final graded surface is the top of the soil on which the roadway is built. It also includes the aggregate (gravel) base and the surface of the roadway. The roadway surface may be aggregate (gravel) and bituminous (blacktop) or aggregate and concrete. Terry Zoller, Mn/DOT Resident Engineer, 297-4580,• Charles Graf, Mn/DOT Project Engineer, 297-4580, or Kent Barnard, Mn/DOT Public Affairs Coordinator, 582-1.36.3.