2019-03-01 Friday NewsMarch 1, 2019
from the City of Mendota Heights
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
March 5
City Council Mtg | 7:00 pm
March 12
Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30 pm
March 19
City Council Meeting | 7:00 pm
March 20
Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 7:00 pm
March 26
Planning 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
Now Hiring for Summer Seasonal Positions
The City is currently accepting applications for the following seasonal positions:
Public Works: maintenance workers
Par 3 Golf Course: clubhouse workers, golf assistants, golf instructors
Recreation: recreation leads, playground assistants,
Tennis Program: tennis instructors, tennis assistants
Visit https://www.mendota-heights.com/employment for more information, application
materials and instructions. Positions are open until filled.
First consideration will be given to applications received by 4:00 pm on March 1.
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 to an individual who
exemplifies outstanding volunteer service to the cities of Mendota Heights, Mendota or
Lilydale. Candidate eligibility information and a nomination form is available here, or may
be picked up at City Hall, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
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 up-
date is now underway. To learn more visit: https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?
SEC=320D5DB8-C925-4819-9DF2-BE3231E48499
Upcoming Meetings:
A Planning Commission Workshop is anticipated for mid-March; this will be announced on the
City website and social media when the date becomes available.
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.
FREE Landscaping
for Clean Water
Workshops
Would you like to learn how to
design a native garden, create a
raingarden, or lakeshore
stabilization buffer? 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
Tree Sale Begins March 11
LMRWMO Board of Managers Seeking Applicants
Several local cities are seeking member and/or alternate representatives to serve on the Lower Mississippi River
Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) Board of Managers. As of February 12, cities seeking a member and/
or alternate are Inver Grove Heights, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, West St. Paul, and St. Paul. Each City member may
have one citizen member and one alternate member. Please note that Mendota Heights is NOT seeking to fill
any of its member positions at this time. If you know of any qualified person residing in a neighboring city,
encourage them to apply.
The Board plays a crucial role in decision making for water and stormwater related issues in the watershed. A
background in water resources is not necessary to participate. The Board of Managers meets monthly (except for
January and July) on the second Wednesday of the month at 3:00 p.m. Interested residents should contact LMRWMO
Administrator Joe Barten, joe.barten@co.dakota.mn.us, 651.480.7784, or their respective cities’ contact.
Parks & Recreation
Warming House Update
Due to a long winter season, the warming house schedule will be
extended to two weeks for Marie Park. This is the only skating rink
that will be open going forward.
Check Rink Conditions/Warming House Hours
Hotline: 651.255.1174
(One hockey rink and one pleasure rink)
Marie Park, 1780 Lilac Lane
Warming House Hours
M-F | 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Sat | 11:00 am-5:00 pm
Sun | 12:00 pm-6:00 pm
From the Archives
Recreation Fee Assistance
Program Available
A Recreation Fee Assistance Program is
available to eligible Mendota Heights
residents for participation in recreation
programs. Click here for qualification
details, eligible program information, and an
application. For more information contact
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith
Lawrence: meredithl@mendota-
heights.com | 651.255.1354
New Recreation Registration Software
Registration for spring and summer recreation programs opens this
Monday, March 4 at 8:00 am. Registration will be via a new CivicRec
software system. Users will need to create a new account in
order to register. Accounts can be created immediately. Create an
account and view youth and adult programs at: https://
secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog.
Spring/Summer
** Registration Opens **
March 4 at 8:00 am
https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-
heights-mn/catalog
Golf lessons
Golf leagues
Tennis lessons
Tennis leagues
Field trips
Summer camps
Sports Unlimited camps
Summer playground program
Save-the-Date for
Recycling Events:
April 20 | Community Paper Shred Event
April 20-28 | Shoe & Clothing Drop Off
Can These be Recycled?
Plastic cutlery and straws are not
recyclable. These items are too small for the
machinery to sort out and usually fall onto the
floor, ending up as trash. Sometimes these items
contaminate other recyclable plastic, decreasing
the quality of the load. Please put plastic cutlery
and straws in the trash.
Proper Prescription Disposal
Many people grew up throwing old prescriptions into the trash or into the toilet, however these practices can have
serious repercussions. Here are the reasons why those means of disposal are no longer advised:
Negative environmental impact. A new study released by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency confirms
that lakes and streams across Minnesota are contaminated with pharmaceuticals, cosmetic ingredients, and
endocrine-disrupting compounds. Remote areas of the state are also affected with antibiotics, nicotine,
antidepressants and medications for diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. The insect repellent DEET was
found in 91% of lakes surveyed.
Accidental Poisoning: Children, pets or potential abusers can go through garbage and find medication. Roughly
165 children in the United States are treated in emergency rooms every day after getting into medications, with
95% of the cases being when the parents are not around.
Where to take medication:
Dakota County has numerous drop sites for medication including Mendota Heights City Hall Police entryway, West St.
Paul City Hall entryway, South St. Paul City Hall Police lobby, and Ramsey, Hennepin, and Washington County also
have multiple drop sites for medication.
Accepted: All types of medicines, including prescription medicines, controlled substances, over-the-counter
medicines, vitamins and supplements, and pet medicines are accepted. Medicines are accepted in all forms, including
aerosols, blister packs, capsules, creams, gels, inhalers, liquids, patches, pills, powders, and Epi-pens.
Not accepted: Needles, sharps, or thermometers. No medicines from businesses, including health care facilities, long-
term care facilities, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and veterinary clinics can be accepted.
Spread the Word—Subscribe to Weekly City News Online
Visit www.mendota-heights.com. Go to Our City/City Publications/Subscribe to Friday News
For subscription removals or other questions, please email Communications Coordinator Sharon Deziel at sharond@mendota-heights.com.
1
The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department
MARCH 01 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
INSTAGRAM
Instagram is a social media
app used to share photos,
videos and messages.
Manage Privacy. You can choose a
public or private account by selectfng
“Account Privacy” in Settings. Here you
can also remove followers, choose who
can comment and more. You can also
turn off “Show Actfvity Status” so
friends can’t see when you’re online.
You can block an account by tapping on
their profile, then tapping “Block.”
Doing this prevents them from seeing
posts, stories and live broadcasts. You
can unblock at any tfme.
Manage Interactions. In Settings,
choose “Comment Controls” to choose
who you allow comments from. In this
sectfon you can also choose to block
comments or filter comments. Filters
will automatfcally remove offensive
language or words you choose to omit.
Manage Time. The Actfvity Dashboard
shows how much tfme was spent on the
app on any given day. Here you can set
daily reminder notfficatfons with tfme
limits. The notfficatfons can be muted
and will return to the normal setting
after.
TIK TOK
Tik Tok is a video
community where users
create, share and
discover short video clips.
Inappropriate Lyrics/Content. Users lip
sync to songs and make their own
videos. Some choices contain swear
words, sexual themes, violence and self
harm. Children are exposed to this and
also can broadcast themselves
mimicking the inappropriate lyrics and
behavior.
Report Inappropriate Content. Always
report inappropriate content by simply
tapping “Report.” You can also choose
“Enhanced Restricted Mode” from
within the Wellbeing feature which
filters inappropriate content.
Manage Privacy. Set the account to
private. Tap the three dots at the top
right to access settings. Click “Privacy
and Safety” and then private account.
Manage Time. In the
apps settings, turn
Digital Wellbeing on to
limit the amount of
tfme spent on the app.
2
YouTube
YouTube is a video sharing app that enables you to view, upload, rate and
comment on a wide variety of videos. Videos consist of informatfon, advice
and entertainment.
Videos. Challenge and viral videos are trending and can be very dangerous. Some videos may be
threatening and propose self harm. Children are keen to share their own videos, often tfmes imitatfng a
YouTube hero. Doing so, they may regret it later or receive negatfve comments or bullying from doing so.
Make sure the content you are watching is age appropriate.
In-App Messaging. When your child is logged into their Google account and browsing YouTube, they can
share and talk using the chat bubble found at the top right of the desktop or through in -app messaging.
When you tap on the “Friends” button, they have a list of suggested people from their contacts or someone
who has sent them an invite link (complete strangers).
Manage Privacy. You can use “Restricted Mode” to screen out mature content. On your desktop, go to the
bottom of the page and switch restricted mode to “on.” On a mobile tap the three dots at the top right, go
to settings, click restricted mode filtering and then restrict. You can also “Block Accounts” by clicking on the
persons channel/account by clicking on their name, click “About,” tap the dropdown box with an image of a
flag on it, press “Block User,” then “Submit.”
Manage Time. Use the “Time Watched” tool in app Settings to monitor tfme spent on the app.
ALWAYS monitor what your child is watching or postfng . You can view this by clicking “History” or on
some devices “Library.”
Snapchat
Snapchat is a photo sharing app for mobile phones and tablets. The app allows users to
share images, videos and chat with friends. Images and videos are shared directly to a friend
or on a “Story” shared with their entfre friend list which documents the previous 24 hours.
Users can add filters using “Lens Explorer” for themselves to make an image of yourself to be
funny, pretty, etc. This has caused quite the controversy about having an impact on young peoples
wellbeing to make them feel “prettier.”
Manage Privacy. Check your privacy settings to be sure only your friends list can see your story. Go to
the “Who Can View My Story” sectfon of your settings and make sure it says “My Friends.” “Quick Add”
helps friends find each other on the app but also allows for complete strangers to add you as a friend.
Encourage your child to turn off this feature in settings.
Screenshots & Saved Messages. While Snapchat’s gimmick is that all photos, videos and texts disappear
eventually, users stfll have the ability to screenshot or record anything sent to them. If your child receives
negatfve comments, they should screenshot them for proof. To delete a message, simply press and hold the
sent message and press delete.
Sexting. Sending sexual images and videos has become the chosen platiorm for young individuals. How
awkward it may be, talking to your children about this can be beneficial. It is illegal to make, possess,
download, store and share sexual content of persons under the age of 18.
Exposing Your Location. It is highly recommended enabling “Ghost Mode” on the app so your child’s
locatfon will not be visible to anyone on the Snap Map. Snap Map shares your exact locatfon in real-tfme
through a map on the app. Go to Snap Map, tap the cog at the top right corner and choose Ghost Mode.
3
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking
app where users can post
comments, share photographs
and post links to news or other
content on the web, chat live
and watch short-form video. Please follow these
10-tfps to Facebook safety.
Do not register for an account untfl the age of
13.
Do not use your full name, nicknames work
well.
Do not post contact info on your profile.
Do not ever post your locatfon or that you are
home alone.
Report any abusive postfngs or harassment.
Be smart about what you post.
Keep an eye out for Facebook scams.
Social networking has become a way of life. While there are several other social networking sites not
listed, the idea is the same; avoid risks and follow safe social networking skills.
Highly Influential. More than one third of children aged 6-17 consider social media stars to be their
role models. There is a danger that children develop unrealistfc expectatfons on how they should look
and behave which can in turn cause low self-esteem, prevent individual thinking or sway their ethical
stance on important topics and situatfons.
Be Open with your children about the risks of social media and monitor their social media apps. Set
parental controls and make sure they are age appropriate to create an account.
STOP
THINK
CONNECT
4
MENTAL HEALTH — 1XXX WINSTON CIR 02/22/19, 0739 HOURS
Officers were called to the 1000 block of Winston Circle for a mental health crisis. Officers spoke with a
male, who requested to be taken to the hospital. Medics were called and patfent was transported.
WARRANT/AOA — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR 02/22/19, 1245 HOURS
Officers were advised by another agency that a party had an outstanding felony warrant. The party was
arrested and transported to Dakota County Jail.
RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY — HWY 55/MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 02/23/19, 2112 HOURS
Routfne license plate checks revealed a stolen vehicle. Vehicle followed untfl it went into a hotel in Eagan.
Initfated high felony stop and waited for assistance. MHPD officers were assisted by Eagan PD. Driver and
passenger taken into custody without incident. Statement taken from passenger who was then released.
Driver found to be in possession of counterfeit currency. Driver declined to provide a statement and
ultfmately transported to the Dakota County Jail.
DWI — ELM ST/AKIN RD, FARMINGTON 02/23/19, 2228 HOURS
While conductfng a DWI Enforcement detail in Farmington, officer conducted a traffic stop at the
intersectfon of Elm Street and Akin Road in the city of Farmington for an equipment violatfon. While
speaking with the driver, the officer could smell the odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from
inside the vehicle. Driver admitted to drinking prior to driving. Officer conducted a field sobriety test and
the driver submitted to a PBT of 0.156. Officer arrested the driver where he was booked and released from
the Farmington Police Department.
DWI — HWY 3/170TH ST W, FARMINGTON 02/24/19, 0013 HOURS
While conductfng a DWI Enforcement detail in Farmington, officer was traveling on Highway 3 near 170th
Street in Farmington when the officer observed a vehicle in the ditch on its roof. Officer stopped out with
the driver and assisted with getting the driver out of the vehicle. Driver stated he was not injured and
refused medics. Officer could smell a strong odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from the driver's
breath and conducted a roadside field sobriety test. Driver blew a PBT of 0.156. Driver was arrested and
ultfmately booked into the Dakota County Jail for Gross Misdemeanor DWI.
DWI — HWY 62/LEXINGTON AVE 02/24/19, 0313 HOURS
Officer observed a vehicle in the median ditch of Highway 62 near Lexington Avenue. Officer stopped out
with the driver who stated he ran off the road. Officer could smell a strong odor of consumed alcoholic
beverage coming from inside the vehicle. The driver admitted to drinking prior to driving. Officer conducted
a field sobriety test and the driver registered a BAC of 0.191. Officer also recovered a loaded handgun on
the driver's person and was also charged for a permit to carry violatfon. Driver was arrested and booked
and released into the Dakota County Jail.
5
CHECK WELFARE — 1XXX MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 02/24/19, 0459 HOURS
Officers responded to check the welfare of a party at Speedway. Male was upset and making threatening
comments. Officers checked the area and places he visits. Male was not found. KOPS alert was created for
the metro area for agencies to check the welfare. The male was spotted the following day and the KOPS
alert was cancelled.
WARRANT ARREST — 1XXX ESTHER LN 02/24/19, 2201 HOURS
Officers responded to the 1000 block of Esther on reports of a verbal domestfc disturbance in progress.
Upon arrival officer found one person walking from the residence and one inside. Officer determined that
the person leaving had a warrant and placed him under arrest. No domestfc had occurred and incident was
relabeled as a disturbance.
DWI — HWY 13/MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 02/25/19, 0258 HOURS
Officers stopped a vehicle at Hwy 13 and Mendota Heights Rd for swerving over fog lines. Officers
determined through driver admission that he had been drinking. Officers conducted field sobriety tests and
the driver was arrested for DWI.
DISTURBANCE — 7XX MOHICAN LN 02/25/19, 1703 HOURS
Dispatched to locatfon on a report of two people fightfng inside the house. Both partfes live at the home.
Neither wanted to pursue charges. One agreed to leave for the night.
MENTAL HEALTH — 9XX DIEGO LN 02/26/19, 1917 HOURS
Officers responded to locatfon on a call of an adult male who had attempted suicide. A hold was placed on
the male and he was transported to the hospital.
DWI — CHIPPEWA AVE/DODD RD 02/26/19, 2358 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violatfon on the 1100 block of Chippewa Avenue. Driver
immediately told the officer he knows he has a warrant. While speaking with the driver, the officer could
smell the odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. Driver admitted to consuming two beers prior
to driving. Officer conducted a field sobriety test and the driver submitted to a PBT which registered over
the legal limit. Driver was arrested and vehicle was impounded for forfeiture. Driver was ultfmately booked
into the Dakota County Jail for 1st Degree Felony DWI and multfple warrants.
THEFT — 7XX MOHICAN CT 02/27/19, 0822 HOURS
An officer took the report of a theft that occurred on the 700 block of Mohican Court. Sometfme during the
overnight hours, someone went in his vehicle and removed a bag of miscellaneous tools. There is no
suspect informatfon at this tfme.
6
FRAUD — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR 02/27/19, 0850 HOURS
Business discovered a check sent to a vendor never made it there. The check was originally sent to a
business in Canada but later discovered it was cashed by someone in Pennsylvania. The business is working
with their bank to complete an affidavit of forgery and to try and determine where the check was cashed.
VIOLATE OFP — 2XXX BEDFORD CT 02/27/19, 2018 HOURS
Officers took a report of an OFP violatfon. A statement and evidence was collected. Case will be sent to
investfgator. Case pending.
CHECK WELFARE — 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 02/28/19, 1546 HOURS
Reportfng party who lives at locatfon wished to file a burglary report. The PD has had similar calls in the
past from the RP. The RP has dementfa. After speaking with staff and RP ’s son, it was determined no
burglary had taken place. The family was advised on steps to take in the future.
PD ACCIDENT — DODD RD/WESLEY LN 02/28/19, 1557 HOURS
Officer was dispatched to a two vehicle crash at the intersectfon of Dodd Rd & Wesley Ln. Upon arrival
officer found one vehicle blocking the road and unable to move, no injuries were reported. A tow was
requested for one of the vehicles; informatfon was exchanged. Nothing further.
Have a Safe Week!
7
Once again,
MHPD is
partnering with
Bobby & Steve’s
Auto World to
ensure
VEHICLE LIGHTS
STAY ON!
Thanks to
generous private
donors thru
Microgrants.Net,
this program is
once again in
place to help the
citizens we serve.
If you receive a
voucher from a
police officer, get
that broken bulb
issue fixed for
free by visiting
Bobby & Steve’s
Auto World , with
nine locations in
the metro area.
2/22 - 2/28 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 231 1,879
Police Reports 20 195
Citations 32 234
Warnings 38 405
Response Time Average 6.16 6.70
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