2019-03-29 Friday NewsNCAA Final Four Flying into the Twin Cities
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is counting down to the big events being
hosted this year in Minneapolis for the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four
Championships. This series of games and associated events will take place April 2-8, and
will bring many visitors to the Twin Cities and surrounding area. Residents may notice
unusual amounts of aircraft activity at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and
surrounding general aviation airports, and in the skies above. The busiest air travel days are
anticipated to be April 5-6 for fans arriving and April 8-9 for fans departing. Team arrivals
are expected on Wednesday, April 3.
Learn more: https://www.macnoise.com/news/ncaa-2019-final-four-flying-twin-cities
MAC Quarterly Airport Listening Session
There will be a community listening session, arranged by the cities of Mendota
Heights and Sunfish Lake, on Wednesday, April 24, 7:00pm to 9:00pm in Mendota
Heights’ City Hall Council Chambers. Attendees are encouraged to submit any comments
or questions prior the to session using an online form: https://www.macnoise.com/our-
neighbors/public-input-meeting-form.
24 APR
Public Meeting Announcement
There will be a Planning Commission Workshop to discuss the 2040
Comprehensive Plan on Thursday, April 11 at 6:00 pm in the City Hall
Council Chambers.
11 APR
Jerry Murphy Community Service Award to be Presented
The annual Jerry Murphy Community Service Award will be presented, in
memoriam, to the family of Mr. Bert McKasy at the City Council meeting on
April 16. This award honors excellence in volunteerism, enthusiastic leadership,
demonstrated compassion, city ambassadorship, and the ability to unite others for positive
purpose within the local community.
Mr. McKasy leaves a legacy of dedicated public service, serving three terms in the
Minnesota House of Representatives, was commissioner of the state Department of
Commerce, vice chairman of the Metropolitan Airports Commission and chief of staff of
former U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger. Mr. McKasy graduated from the University of
Minnesota School of Law, and in business served as the board chairman of Mairs & Power
Mutual Funds, director of UCare, Lect Tec Corp., Northstar Ice Equipment Corp., and the
American National Bank of Minnesota.*
As a forty-five-year resident of Mendota Heights, Mr. McKasy also volunteered on a local
level, working with Jerry Murphy to establish and grow the Mendota Heights Community
Criminal Apprehension Fund (MCCAF), an organization dedicated to crime prevention
through community and police partnerships. He was also one of the founding members of
the Mendota Heights Foundation, which is in the final stages of its legal organization
process. Once registered, The Mendota Heights Foundation will be able to accept and
make philanthropic donations which will benefit the Mendota Heights community.
Mr. McKasy served with humility and a positive spirit, and was dedicated to volunteerism,
his family and career. The public is invited to attend a reception honoring Mr. McKasy at
City Hall on Tuesday, April 16 from 6:00 to 7:00pm, followed by the presentation of the
Garold “Jerry” Murphy Community Service Award to his wife, Carolyn, and family during
the 7:00pm City Council Meeting.
* Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press
16 APR
March 29, 2019
from the City of Mendota Heights
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
April 2
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
April 9
Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm
April 11
Planning Comm Workshop | 6:00pm
April 16
Public reception
honoring Mr. McKasy | 6:00-7:00pm
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
(To include Jerry Murphy Community
Service Award Presentation)
April 17
Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 7:00pm
April 19
Public Works Closed
(City Hall Open)
April 23
Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm
April 24
MAC Airport Listening
Session | 7:00pm
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
Saturday, April 27 | 10am-12pm
Spend the morning at Mendakota Park,
Rogers Lake, or Valley Park assisting
with garbage and landscape debris
removal, raking, clearing sediment,
buckthorn removal, and more. There
will be kid-friendly and adult-only tasks
available. Volunteers should bring work
gloves, wear closed-toe shoes, and
appropriate clothing. Work equipment,
bags, and safety vests will be provided
as needed.
At 11:30am volunteers will gather at
Mendakota Park for a tree planting
(weather permitting) and appreciation
with snacks, beverages, and games.
Register for this event: https://
secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-
mn/catalog
FREE Landscaping
for Clean Water Workshops
Native Gardens
Raingardens
Lakeshore Buffers 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. More information/
online registration:
www.DakotaSWCD.org/
CleanWater_Form.html.
City Hall—NEW Summer Office Hours
To provide improved service, the City Council has approved summer business
hours at City Hall. These hours better accommodate contractor needs for an
earlier opening time during their busy summer season. The new hours will go
into effect Monday, April 29 and run through Friday, September 27.
Please note that these hours do not affect MHPD or Public Works building
hours. The lower level doors to the police area at City Hall will remain open
on Friday afternoons for walk-in traffic.
City Hall Summer Hours
April 29 through September 27
Monday thru Thursday 7:00am-4:30pm
Friday 7:00am-11:30am
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:
Planning Commission Workshop
April 11 | 6:00 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers
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.
Parks & Recreation
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.
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
Spring/Summer
** Registration is Open **
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
New Recreation Registration Software
Registration for spring and summer recreation programs is open through
a new CivicRec software system. Users will need to create a new
account in order to register. Create an account and view youth and
adult programs at: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/
catalog.
Parks Celebration
Sponsorship is Open
Calling all businesses and organizations! The
City is seeking sponsors for the annual Parks
Celebration Event; sponsorships are a
wonderful way to connect with the local
community. Sponsors have the opportunity to
host a community movie night kickoff on May 31, host a booth at the
Parks Celebration event June 1, or simply make a donation to support
this family-fun event. Donations cover event expenses such as bounce
houses, face painting, a petting zoo, and more. Details online at: https://
www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?SEC=7C35E4A1-2207-41B6-8565-
84AB5DC7C90A&DE=3E0EC6C7-DF58-485A-9953-40A23B09A83C
Cut out and post this handy picture guide of what CAN be recycled at your home/workplace. Tip: lids, caps & product labels, envelope windows and staples can be included with recycling. Spring Clean-Up Day
Saturday, May 4
8am -12 pm @ Mendakota Park, 2171 Dodd Road
Keep the community clean by environmentally disposing of
broken and unwanted items! Review pricing below for specific
disposal costs. The City has partnered with Dakota County to
make this event more affordable, with reduced pricing on many
items versus prior years. This event is limited to Mendota
Heights, Lilydale, Mendota and Sunfish Lake residents only.
Identification is required to verify your address.
Materials Accepted
Miscellaneous
Car Load ……….………. $ 6
SUV/Mini Van Load ……..$ 9
Pickup Load ……………. $13
Trailer Load (4x4x8) …... $24
Mattress/box spring (ea).. $10
Appliance..……………….$ 9
Appliance w/ Freon …..…$10
Tire without rim …. …...$ 6
Tire with rim …………... $10
Scrap metals …………… Free
Bicycles ………………… Free
Electronics
Microwave……………….$ 7
Lamp/fan ……… …..…....$ 3
Scanner/fax machine...….. $ 5
Inkjet printer…………… $ 9
All-in-one printer………. $12
LCD/Plasma TV………… $ 9
Tube-style TV monitor…$15
Flat Screen Monitor……..$ 8
Add $20 if screen is broken
VCR/DVD player……….. Free
Land phone……………... Free
Small appliances
(toaster, clock, blender, etc.)…... Free
NOT ACCEPTED: yard waste, items that can be recycled
curbside, household hazardous waste, business waste, and
contractor/home remodeling debris. For disposal of items
not accepted, check the Green Guide: https://
www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/RecyclingDisposalGuide/Pages/
default.aspx
Payment by cash
or check only.
For residents of:
Mendota Heights
Mendota
Lilydale
Sunfish Lake
Friends of the Parks and Trails
Plant Sale thru April 19
Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County is offering a
selection of trees, shrubs, vines, and roses for your yard or balcony. Included in
the sale are the usual favorites, as well as blueberries, currants, plum, redbud,
maple, elm, blue spruce, lilac, hydrangea, clematis, mock orange, and many
other varieties. With a focus on pollinator-friendly plants, new this year is the
perennial native liatris (commonly known as blazing star) – a favorite of
monarch butterflies and other pollinators. Purchase for yourself, or donate a Tribute Tree as a gift or memorial
which is then planted in a Mendota Heights Park (or other park of your
choosing). Order online at https://shop.friendsoftheparks.org/annual-tree-
sale or pick up a brochure at City Hall during business hours. Orders must
be placed and paid for by April 19, and are picked up on May 4, from 9:00
am to 1:00 pm, in Maplewood. Tribute Trees are available to purchase year-round and are selected, placed, and
planted by park staff in the spring following the purchase.
Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that has been promoting and protecting parks, trails, and
open space for 34 years. Donations to the parks are tax-deductible. For more information visit www.friendsoftheparks.org.
Food Drive at City Hall
—Not Too Late!
Donate non-perishable food items to
Neighbors Inc as part of the MN Food
Share March Campaign — a friendly
competition between 300 Minnesota-
based food shelves. Neighbors Inc. will
benefit from the food donated, and
have an opportunity to earn extra
funding for their organization.
Suggested donation items include:
peanut butter, pancake mix and syrup,
squeeze-style jelly, plastic jars of pasta
sauces, canned fruit & vegetables, and
shampoo. Donations may be dropped
off in the City Hall lobby,
M-F, from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Cash
donations are accepted online at:
https://www.neighborsmn.org/donate-
neighbors/. The food drive will end on
April 10.
Order your tree today at: http://treetrust.org/get-a-tree/mendotaheights/ Mendota Heights Residents Tree Sale Thru May 11
Feeding Deer and Wildlife
While providing corn, hay, or other feed for deer and other wildlife may feel like the right
thing to do, it is actually causing wildlife more harm than good. Providing feed causes deer
and wildlife to congregate in larger numbers than otherwise would occur naturally, and
leads to the spread of diseases, such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer. Although
there are no feeding bans in Dakota County, many other counties in Minnesota are under
deer feeding bans as a result.
Supplemental feeding can cause other issues as well, such as overeating to the point of death, and safety concerns.
Supplemental feeding often draws animals away from their natural feeding and habitat, to areas of high traffic,
causing auto accidents.
Instead of providing supplemental feed for wildlife, consider planting native vegetation, including flowers, grasses,
shrubs, and trees that provide natural food and habitat for wildlife. Native plants provide food that is healthiest for
wildlife, giving them the nutrients they need and are adapted to, as well as providing food and habitat well into the
future.
While feeding deer and other wildlife is discouraged by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, it is still
okay to feed our Minnesota birds! Spring is a good time to adjust and supplement your bird feeders to
accommodate birds that are migrating back to Minnesota, as well as our permanent feathered residents. Now is the
time to start putting out finch feeders stocked with niger thistle, hummingbird feeders, and increasing the
proportion of millet, suet and black oil sunflower seeds to provide for both migratory birds and over-wintering
species.
Additional Information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/birdfeeding/spring.html
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/research/health/feeding/deer.html
Captured on Camera
Look closely—can you spot the eagles on Rogers Lake?
Photo credit: Sue Light
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 29 2019
We all have known someone in school who acted
like a bully and tormented kids - it may have even
happened to you! Bullying usually begins at a young
age and if not corrected can continue into adulthood.
It might start with name calling or gossiping, or
physical acts like pushing, tripping or hitting. If not
corrected, the bully only gains more power and
incentive to continue.
STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR CHILD. The more you know about your child's classmates
and school life, the more likely you will be to spot any changes or issues. Discuss the
events of the day (car talks work great) and pay attention to what the child says and
doesn't say. If you learn about bullying behavior, take action and talk to the child ’s
parent or the school.
LOOK FOR THE WARNING SIGNS AND ACT. If a child is a victim of bullying, the first warning
sign is usually a change in behavior - social withdrawal, sudden aggression or anger,
or reluctance to go to school. If your child is a bully, the clues may be harder to pick up,
but it is not uncommon to hear the bully make disparaging and boastful remarks about
others, often without realizing how unkind the behavior is. Many parents don’t take
bullying seriously, dismissing some behaviors as being "not as bad" as others.
EXPLAIN WHAT BULLYING IS AND TEACH EMPATHY. Young children understand that hitting
or pushing another child is wrong. Even teasing is something they instinctively know is
hurtful. They need to understand that such behaviors are unacceptable. If your child is
a bully, ask how he or she would feel if the shoe were on the other foot. Have them
consider reaching out in friendship to someone who acts like a bully as they may be
acting out from their own painful situation. Children understand cause and effect
better than adults and embrace the use of empathy and kindness to resolve conflict.
TELL A CHILD WHAT TO DO IF HE OR SHE WITNESSES BULLYING. Teach your child how not
acting is essentially the same as participating in the behavior. Speaking out against a
bully is an important skill to learn at a young age, whether directly or thru a trusted
adult. A child should understand that reporting a bully is not "tattling" but merely a
way to stop others from getting hurt.
As a parent, do not accept that nothing can be done – even if the child is not your own. The
greatest opportunity for change is not in high school when social dynamics are set; it's in
elementary school when behaviors and personalities are still
evolving. How you act can determine whether a child is allowed to
suffer in silence or is given the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more at:
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
Josh Rosenberry
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
2
PD ACCIDENT — 1XXX Northland Dr 03/22/19, 1027 HOURS
While on patrol I found a vehicle parked in the 1000 block of Northland Dr. that had been involved in an
accident. The vehicle had extensive rear end damage, and based on the amount of debris around the
vehicle it was a hit and run accident. A manager from the hotel came out and gave me a piece of paper
with a phone number on it. A different employee noticed the note and turned it in. I called the number, the
mailbox was full. I located the suspect vehicle in a parking lot east of the accident location. I spoke with the
owner, got the drivers information and insurance information. The case number was left for the owner.
IDENTITY THEFT — 1XXX Eagle Ridge Dr 03/22/19, 1611 HOURS
Officer spoke with a party on the 1000 block of Eagle Ridge Drive in reference to a scam phone call. The
party had provided information to a party posing as a Medicare employee. No financial loss was reported.
TRAFFIC STOP — 494/Pilot Knob Rd 03/24/19, 0110 HOURS
Officers were patrolling the area of Interstate 35E and Interstate 494 when they observed a vehicle
swerving within its lane, over the lane line, and have what appeared to be no taillights. A traffic stop was
conducted and the driver admitted to drinking. Field sobriety tests were conducted and the driver was
arrested for DWI. During the evidentiary test the driver tested under the legal limit and was released to a
friend.
THEFT — 7XX Main St 03/24/19, 1822 HOURS
Officers responded to the 700 block of Main St on reports of a theft from vehicle. The vehicle had its
window broken and a purse was taken. No video is available of the incident and no suspects are known at
this time. Credit cards which were stolen in the theft were used at several Targets and Speedways in the
metro. Video was requested from those locations.
MENTAL HEALTH — 2XXX Lexington Ave 03/25/19, 0200 HOURS
Officers responded to the 2000 block of Lexington Avenue for a Mental Health Crisis. Patient was
transported to the hospital.
TRESPASSING — 1XXX Northland Dr 03/26/19, 2140 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of Northland Drive to assist with removing a party from a room.
The adult female agreed to leave and was given a trespass warning.
TRAFFIC STOP — 35E/Wagon Wheel Tr 03/27/19, 0112 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Interstate 35E near Wagon Wheel Trail. The vehicle was
found to be uninsured and was impounded. The driver was issued a citation.
FRAUD — 1XXX Eagle Ridge Dr 03/27/19, 1053 HOURS
Officers responded to a phone call request on a fraud. Resident in the city called to report that her card was
used fraudulently in Washington when she still had possession of the card. Her card was deactivated and
her bank was requiring a report.
3
TOBACCO VIOLATION — 7XX Hwy 62 03/27/19, 1506 HOURS
Officer conducted tobacco compliance checks at tobacco licensed retailers. An employee at a business on
the 700 block of Hwy 62 sold tobacco to an underage party. This compliance check was educational only
and there will be no penalties against the business or the clerk.
DISORDERLY CONDUCT — 1XXX Hwy 13 03/27/19, 1824 HOURS
Officers responded to a call of unwanted physical contact on the 1000 block of Highway 13. A statement
was taken from the victim and the suspect was identified. The suspect was contacted by phone and
admitted to inappropriately touching the victim. The suspect was mailed a citation for disorderly conduct.
Case will be forwarded to the Dakota County Sheriffs Office to trespass suspect from the park system.
Have a Safe Week!
4
7 TRUTHS
FROM VICTIMS
OF BULLIES
“Bullying messes with
your mind.”
“The emotions
bullying stirs up are
not over-reactions.”
“Bullying really can
make you ILL.”
“Telling someone that
‘bullying isn’t a big
deal’ or to ‘just get
over it’ is not
helpful.”
“Being bullied can
change you.”
“Being bullied makes
you feel powerless
and alone.”
The Final, most
Important &
Hopeful
Truth…
“The kindness of one
person can change
everything.”
3/22 - 3/28 2019 YTD
Calls for Service 207 2,907
Police Reports 14 267
Citations 41 390
Warnings 75 691
Response Time Average 5.57 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