2019-01-25 Friday NewsCity Council—2019 Meeting Dates Set
The City Council has adopted the following meeting dates for 2019. Please note that some
of the meetings shift from the first and third Tuesday of the month to accommodate
religious holidays and other events. Stay connected through Friday News, social media, and
the city calendar at https://www.mendota-heights.com/calendar to confirm meeting times
and dates prior to attending.
Commission meetings for Parks & Recreation, Planning, and Airport Relations are also
available on the city website calendar. Parks and Recreation typically meet the second
Tuesday of the month beginning at 6:30 pm, the Planning Commission typically meets the
fourth Tuesday of the month beginning at 7:00 pm, and Airport Relations the third
Wednesday of the month beginning at 7:00 pm; however please check the website calendar
and news sources for any changes to this schedule. All are welcome to attend.
Public Meeting Announcements
There will be a City Council Workshop on Tuesday, January 29 at 12:15 pm to
discuss the Village at Mendota Heights mortgage issue, Village lots RFP
discussion, and the City’s 2019-20 goals follow up.
29 JAN
January 25, 2019
from the City of Mendota Heights
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
Jan 29
City Council Workshop | 12:15 pm
Feb 5
City Council Work Session | 4:30 pm
Planning Commission Applicant
Interviews
City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm
Feb 12
Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30 pm
Feb 18
City Hall & Public Works Closed for
Presidents’ Day
Feb 19
City Council Mtg | 7:00 pm
Feb 20
Airport Rel. Comm Mtg | 7:00 pm
Mendota Heights City Hall
1101 Victoria Curve
www.mendota-heights.com
651.452.1850
Hours: 8:00 am—4:30 pm
Stay Connected:
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsMN
Facebook.com/
MHParksandRec
Facebook.com/
MendotaHeightsPD
Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights
Twitter.com/
@mheightsPD
FRIDAY NEWS
February March April May June July
Tues, 2/5, 7pm
(work session at 4:30 pm)
Tues, 2/19, 7pm
Tues, 3/5, 7pm
Tues, 3/19, 7pm
Tues, 4/2, 7pm
Tues, 4/16, 7pm
Tues, 5/7, 7pm
Tues, 5/21, 7pm
Tues, 6/4, 7pm
Tues, 6/18, 7pm
Tues, 7/2, 7pm
Tues, 7/16, 7pm
August September October November December
Wed, 8/7, 7pm
Tues, 8/20, 7pm
Tues, 9/3, 7pm
Tues, 9/17, 7pm
Wed, 10/2, 7pm
Wed, 10/16, 7pm
Wed, 11/6, 7pm
Tues, 11/19, 7pm
Tues, 12/3, 7pm
Tues, 12/17, 7pm
Nominations Accepted Through March 15 for the
Garold “Jerry” Murphy Community Service Award
Nominations are being accepted through March 15 for the 3rd annual Garold "Jerry"
Murphy Community Service Award. This award is presented in April, during National
Volunteer Week, to an individual who exemplifies outstanding volunteer service to the
cities of Mendota Heights, Mendota or Lilydale. Candidate eligibility information and a
nomination form can be found at https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?
SEC=7C35E4A1-2207-41B6-8565-84AB5DC7C90A&DE=48318822-6039-4AB4-8725-
FD5E9EE8AAD9, or are available at City Hall, M-F, 8:00 am-4:30 pm.
Cold Weather Safety
Before you venture to Friendly Hills, Marie Park, or Wentworth Parks for outdoor ice
skating and play, be sure to call the Warming House Hotline at 651.255.1174 to ensure
warming houses are open. If you or someone you care about must venture outdoors
during extreme cold, dress in layers. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite
or hypothermia. Try to seek shelter from the wind as much as possible while outside.
Once inside again, change into dry clothing immediately if you are wet. Learn and watch
for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Valley Park Pollinator Project
The City of Mendota Heights has partnered with Great River Greening and Xcel
Energy, as well as the State of Minnesota through the Clean Water Land and
Legacy Amendment, to restore and create nine acres of pollinator habitat in the
Valley Park utility corridor in Mendota Heights. The project entails removing
invasive species using mowing and herbicide treatments, and restoring the corridor
into a high-quality pollinator habitat using native plant species. This project is part
of the larger Metro Big Rivers Phase 8 plan, which focuses on protecting and
improving habitats that are needed by Species in Greatest Conservation Need
(SGCN), and where they need them. Many of these bird and pollinator species in
Minnesota are migratory, thus improving habitat along and adjacent to the central
flyway of the three big rivers provides essential benefits to all wildlife species,
especially during critical migratory periods. Look for more detailed information
coming soon!
For more information on Great River Greening:
https://www.greatrivergreening.org/
For more information on Xcel Energy’s Pollinator Initiative:
www.xcelenergy.com/pollinator
For more information on the Metro Big Rivers Phase 8 Plan:
https://www.lsohc.leg.mn/FY2019/accomp_plans/5a.pdf
Holiday Lights
Recycling at
City Hall
Ends 1/31
Recycle your holiday
lights, electrical,
appliance and phone cords through the
end of January courtesy of Pro Act. Lights
attached to wreaths, holly or trees must
be removed first. Bring string lights and
cords to City Hall and look for the
collection bin in the front lobby. Holiday
lights are also accepted year round at The
Recycling Zone in Eagan. Cord adapters,
battery packs, plastic rope lights and CFL
lights are not accepted. For more
information visit www.dakotacounty.us
search Recyling Zone.
2040 Comprehensive
Plan Update
The Comprehensive Plan is an official and
formal document adopted by the City
every 10 years, and contains the City’s
goals and policies as they relate to land
use, housing, parks and open space,
transportation, utilities, and other issues.
The Comprehensive Plan provides a
general future plan or guide for the
community from 2020 to 2040. The 2040
Comprehensive Plan update is now
underway. To learn more visit: https://
www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?
SEC=320D5DB8-C925-4819-9DF2-
BE3231E48499
Upcoming Meetings:
The public hearing has been tabled until
February 26 | Planning Comm Mtg | 7pm
If you have any questions on the proposed
comprehensive plan update or meetings,
please call Community Development
Director Tim Benetti at 651.255.1142 or
email timb@mendota-heights.com.
Landscaping for Clean Water Workshops
Would you like to learn how to design a native garden, create a raingarden, or
stabilize shorelines? The Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District is
offering FREE introductory workshops on creating beautiful gardens to keep our
waters clean. Workshops begin in March and run through June. Click on the
attached documents for more information. Online registration is available at
www.DakotaSWCD.org/CleanWater_Form.html.
Thank you
Mendota Heights
Neighbors!
125 pounds of food was
collected from City Hall
donations in 2018. Neighbors
Inc. wishes to thank everyone
who donated! You can continue
to provide local support by
keeping an eye out in March for
Neighbors Inc.’s big fundraiser of
the year—and there will be
another collection barrel
available for donations in the
entryway of City Hall.
Already have a raingarden, native pollinator garden, or shoreline
planting?
Attend a free maintenance workshop | March 6, 6-7:30pm, MH City Hall
This workshop is designed for people who have and maintain a raingarden, native
pollinator garden, or shoreline planting. Learn what to do in every season to
keep your garden healthy and looking its best through presentations, discussions,
and hands-on activities. Information/registration: http://www.dakotaswcd.org/
cleanwater_form.html
Free Youth Event -
Play Hockey with the MHPD!
Blade with the Blue | Feb. 2
Join the Mendota Heights Police Department
and Parks/Recreation for a fun day of
recreational hockey skills and games.
Participants will enjoy friendly challenges in:
fastest skater, passing, shooting accuracy, and
longest goal. After the challenges, team up with
police officers for 3-on-3 hockey games.
Children must provide their own equipment.
Friendly Hills Outdoor Skating Rink
1:00-2:30 pm 6-9 year olds
2:30-4:00 pm 10-13 year olds
Register at: www.mendotaheights.revtrak.net or in person at City Hall.
Register Today!
Royal Ball | Feb. 10 | 3-5 pm
Register today for the 4th Annual Royal
Ball! There will be crafts, games, meet-
and-greet with real princes and prin-
cesses, a DJ, refreshments, and dancing.
Space fills quickly for this popular event!
Cost: $20 per child Ages: 10 (4th grade) and under
Concord Exchange Building, South Saint Paul
Free Family Event
Picture Perfect Movie Night | Feb. 9 | 6:30-8:30 pm
The votes are in, and the winner is Incredibles 2!
The City of Mendota Heights and TriDistrict Community Education proudly
present Picture Perfect - Family Movie Night! Bring some snacks and a
blanket and get ready to enjoy a family-friendly movie on the big screen. All
children under the age of 15 years old must be accompanied by an adult. This
is a FREE event. Preregistration is not required, but greatly appreciated.
Location: Henry Sibley High School Auditorium
Register Online: www.tridistrict.ce.eleyo.com
Recreation Fee Assistance
A Recreation Fee Assistance Program is available
to eligible Mendota Heights residents for
participation in recreation programs.
Qualification details, eligible program
information, and an application can be found at:
https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?
SEC=ECAB3993-A0AD-4170-A8F1-
1313C2A313F2&DE=28868A1A-7D42-4300-
B16D-79C045392395. For more information
contact Recreation Program Coordinator
Meredith Lawrence: meredithl@mendota-
heights.com | 651.255.1354
* * WINTER REGISTRATION IS OPEN * *
Registration & additional info:
www.mendotaheights.revtrak.net
or register in person at City Hall
Parks & Recreation
Warming House Information
Check Rink Conditions/Warming House Hours
Hotline: 651.255.1174
Outdoor Skating Rinks
(Each includes one hockey rink and one pleasure rink)
Friendly Hills, 2360 Pueblo Lane
Marie Park, 1780 Lilac Lane
Wentworth Park, 739 Wentworth Ave.
Warming House Hours
M-F | 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Sat | 10:00 am-9:00 pm
Sun | 12:00 pm-6:00 pm
Non-school days | 12:00 pm-9:00 pm
New Year Resolutions
for a Better Planet
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
-Ghandi
This new year, make a resolution to better the
planet. Your actions do make a difference.
Here’s the second resolution—watch for
more in the next issues:
I will bring my own coffee
mug to the coffee shop
this year!
Billions of “to-go” cups are used in the US
each year. If you take yours “to-go” consider
bringing your own travel mug to cut down on
waste. Paper coffee cups are not recyclable
currently due to a thin layer of plastic that
prevents the cup from breaking down due to
boiling hot liquid.
Discounts* for bringing your own cup:
Dunkin’ Donuts prices as low as $0.99
Panera prices as low at $1.95
Starbucks gives 10 cents off your order
Caribou Coffee gives 10 cents off your order
Amore Coffee gives 10 cents off your order
* Please verify pricing with each establishment
prior to purchase.
#2 resolution
From the Archives
Mendota Heights Road—this photo was discovered on a board titled
“Future Transportation Routes.”
A Reminder
About Disposable
Coffee Cups
Paper coffee cups from
coffee shops are NOT
recyclable or compostable.
Please dispose of these in
the trash—or better yet, make a resolution to
use a refillable travel mug at your favorite
coffeehouse.
Friday News is Available to Subscribe to Online
Visit www.mendota-heights.com. Go to Our City/City Publications/
Subscribe to Friday News, or use the link: https://www.mendota-
heights.com/index.asp?SEC=E609C941-AC5B-4515-AEBF-0702A6E5D5C4
For subscription removals or other questions, please email Communications Coordinator
Sharon Deziel at sharond@mendota-heights.com.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/index.html
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
JANUARY 25 2019
CHIEF
Kelly McCarthy
CAPTAIN
Wayne Wegener
SERGEANTS
Eric Petersen
Tanner Spicer
Peyton Fleming
POLICE OFFICERS
John Larrive
Todd Rosse
Chad Willson
Jeff VonFeldt
Philip McCarty
Weston Raberge
Peter Renteria
Cara Hogan
Tony Patton
Ryan Yauch
Tommy Albindia
Eric Hagelee
Leif Vandersteen
INVESTIGATIONS
Nick Gorgos
SCHOOL RESOURCE
OFFICER
Steve Hilyar
COMMUNITY SERVICE
OFFICER
Coming soon!
SUPPORT STAFF
Kim Richter
Trista Miller
Shayna Hoechst
Becky Pentel
RESERVES
Jim Knox
Jeff Parker
CHAPLAINS
Butch Millett
John Snider
Alberto Vargas
Lynn Liberman
Sue Plucker
Joel Detlefsen
Mike VerWay
STAY BENT
The moment you sense you’ve lost your balance, get ready to
fall with bent elbows and knees. When people panic they
become rigid, and are more likely to fall on an outstretched
hand which could result in a broken wrist or elbow.
PROTECT YOUR HEAD
If you’re falling forward, be sure to turn your face to the side.
If you are falling backward tuck your chin to your chest, so
your head doesn’t hit the ground.
LAND ON THE MEAT
If you find yourself falling, try to land on the meaty parts of
your body; the muscles in your back, butt or thighs. Keep
your knees and elbows bent and look to land on muscle to
avoid cracking your elbows, knees, tailbone or hips.
KEEP FALLING
When you fall your instinct is to stop your body quickly.
However, your safest effort is to keep rolling because the
more you give in
to the fall, the
safer you will be.
Spread the impact
across a larger
part of your body
to avoid
concentrating the
impact on one
area.
2
DOMESTIC ASSAULT – 13XX NORTHFIELD DR 01/19/19, 0059 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of Northland Drive on a report of a disturbance inside a hotel
room. Witnesses reported hearing yelling and things being thrown around inside the room. Officers arrived
and spoke with a male involved who stated the argument with his girlfriend was about a cell phone.
Officers spoke with the girlfriend who later stated there was physical altercaƟon that took place inside the
hotel room and that she was grabbed and thrown onto the bed. Officers arrested the male and transported
him to the Dakota County Jail for Misdemeanor DomesƟc Assault.
TS/DAS – HWY 62/35E 01/19/19, 0032 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 62 near Interstate 35E for a registered owner with a suspended
license. The registered owner was the driver of the vehicle and stated that there was no insurance on the
vehicle. The owner was issued a citaƟon and the vehicle was towed.
DISORDERLY/DETOX – HWY 62/35E 01/19/19, 0101 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of Sibley Memorial Highway for a report of an intoxicated male
who was being vulgar and stumbling outside. The male was highly intoxicated and was ulƟmately
transported to Ramsey County Detox. A citaƟon for disorderly conduct was issued and mailed to the males
address.
TAMPER W/MV – 13XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 01/19/19, 1924 HOURS
Officer dispatched to the 1300 block of Sibley Memorial Highway for a property damage report. The
reporƟng party’s vehicle's passenger window was broken. Nothing was taken from the vehicle.
THEFT – 23XX LEXINGTON AVE S 01/18/19, 0912 HOURS
Responded to the 2300 block of Lexington Ave on report of theŌ. Lumber and tools were stolen from a
construcƟon trailer during the overnight hours on 1/18/19 valued at $2900. No suspects/witnesses.
DWI – HWY 62/DODD RD 01/21/19, 0303 HOURS
Officer observed a vehicle swerving over the fog line a couple of Ɵmes near the intersecƟon of Highway 62
and Dodd Road and iniƟated a traffic stop. Officer could immediately smell the odor of consumed alcoholic
beverage coming form the driver's breath. The driver stated she had one beer aŌer work. Officer
conducted a field sobriety test and the driver submiƩed to a PBT and registered a BAC of 0.148. Officer
arrested the driver and transported her to the Dakota County Jail for Misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI.
THEFT – 13XX RIVERSIDE LN 01/12/19, 2357 HOURS
VicƟm had items taken from the underground garage in the 1300 block of Hwy 13. Video was obtained.
InvesƟgaƟon on‐going.
DAC–IPS – HWY 62/35E 01/21/19, 1159 HOURS
Near the intersecƟon of Sylvandale Road and Woodridge Drive an officer iniƟated a traffic stop with a
vehicle due to the registered owner’s drivers license being Canceled Inimical to Public Safety. The driver
was the registered owner. The license plates were removed from the vehicle and the incident was
forwarded to the City AƩorney for formal charging.
THEFT BY SWINDLE – X LILYWOOD LN 01/07/19, 1000 HOURS
VicƟm received call that his computer had been hacked and that in order for it to be repaired, the vicƟm
needed to pay in giŌ cards. The vicƟm complied and it was found that his computer had not been hacked
and that it was a scam. InvesƟgaƟon on‐going.
3
SUSPICIOUS — 21XX FOX PLACE 01/22/19, 1527 HOURS
Officer responded to the report of suspicious clothing behind a home on the 2100 block of Fox Place. The
officer disposed of the clothing and completed a report.
HIT & RUN—9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 01/22/19, 1706 HOURS
Officer responded to a hit and run at the 900 block of Sibley Memorial Highway. A witness saw a vehicle
back into a parked vehicle and speed away. Vehicle informaƟon was reported. Minor damage was done to
the parked vehicle. Follow up will be done to retrieve surveillance footage. Case acƟve pending suspect
informaƟon.
AOA/CHILD PROTECTION—WEST ST PAUL 01/22/19, 0241 HOURS
Mendota Heights Police Department assisted West Saint Paul Police Department for a mental health crisis
call on the 400 block of Mendota Road. Parent was transported to hospital on a mental health hold.
Assisted with three children within who were ulƟmately transported to WSPPD to wait for child protecƟve
service. Assist only, incident closed.
DANCO—9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 01/23/19, 0040 HOURS
Dispatched to an assault in progress on the 900 block of Sibley Memorial Highway. DescripƟon of suspect
and vicƟm vehicle aired. VicƟm vehicle located NB on 35E from Highway 13. Vehicle occupants idenƟfied.
Passenger provided false name and later found to have a DomesƟc Abuse No Contact Order against other
passenger. Other occupants released at the scene. Male arrested and transported back to the Mendota
Heights Police Department where he provided a statement. Determined that no assault occurred. Male was
taken to the Dakota County Jail and charged with Felony DomesƟc Abuse/No Contact ViolaƟon.
NO DL/NO INS/NO REG—1200 MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 01/24/19, 0046 HOURS
Officer observed a vehicle driving with no license plates and was unable to view a 21‐temporary permit in
the rear window. Officer iniƟated a traffic stop on the vehicle on the 1200 block of Mendota Heights Road.
During the stop, the officer determined the driver was driving with no driver's license, no vehicle insurance,
and an unregistered vehicle. Officer impounded the vehicle and issued a citaƟon to the driver for driving
aŌer suspension and no proof of insurance.
WARRANT ARREST/FALSE INFO/5TH DEG DRUGS—9XX HWY 13 01/24/19, 0345 HOURS
Officer iniƟated a traffic stop on a vehicle for a speed violaƟon on the 900 block of Highway 13. Officer was
given a false name by the driver when asked for her idenƟficaƟon, and was subsequently arrested for a
Misdemeanor warrant and Gross Misdemeanor False InformaƟon To a Peace Officer. Three passengers
who were also in the vehicle were each idenƟfied and arrested for their respecƟve outstanding warrants.
Officer transported three of the occupants to the Dakota County Jail and the fourth to the Hennepin
County Jail for their respecƟve warrants and charges.
THEFT—16XX VICTORIA RD S 01/24/19, 0913 HOURS
Dispatched to the 1600 block of Victoria Rd on report of theŌ. Resident placed outgoing mail containing
personal checks in the mailbox. Resident noƟfied by Wells Fargo Fraud DetecƟon that one of the checks
had been presented in a fraudulent manner. Follow up with Wells Fargo conƟnues.
HAVE A SAFE WEEK!
4
Please take a moment
to recognize someone
who embodies the
spirit of generosity
and volunteerism
within our
Community &
Neighborhood.
NominaƟons are being
accepted through March 15
for the 3rd annual Garold
"Jerry" Murphy Community
Service Award. This award
is presented in April, during
NaƟonal Volunteer Week, to
an individual who
exemplifies outstanding
volunteer service to our
community, schools and our
neighboring ciƟes.
Candidate eligibility
informaƟon and a
nominaƟon form can be
found on the city website,
aƩached to this newsleƩer
or picked up at City Hall,
from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm,
Monday through Friday.
Can you think of
someone deserving of
such a nomination?
Complete an
application today!
1/18 – 1/24 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 144 732
Police Reports 19 71
Citations 23 85
Warnings 37 201
Response Time Average 8.40 6.92
Check out the MH Crime Map!
Click below to search your neighborhood:
https://www.raidsonline.com
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, MN 55118
If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are
going out of town or on vacation, you can notify
MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to
keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away.
The Vacation/House Check Request online form is
available on our website; you can also complete a form
found in our lobby, or simply give us a call!
MHPD offers a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of
the PD where Dakota County residents can safely &
anonymously dispose of their prescription drug
medication. This program is mainly meant to keep
narcotics off the streets and dispose of medications in
environmentally sound ways.
** No needles/sharps. Visit the Green Guide for tips.
** Please visit the Dakota County Recycling Zone for
helpful resources for all safe disposal solutions.
Car Seat Checks—TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE
Please visit the MN DPS for more information. Questions/Comments?
Email us at:
pdrecords@
mendota-heights.com
Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366.
Need Public Safety Response? Call 911