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2019-07-26 Friday NewsPrepare for I-494 Weekend Traffic & Noise Impacts Motorists traveling on Interstate 494 near Mendota Heights, Eagan and Inver Grove Heights should plan for major delays this weekend as both directions of I-494 will have lane closures beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, July 26, weather permitting. The left lane of westbound I-494 between Hwy 62 (Old Highway 110) and I-35E will close beginning at 6 p.m., Friday, July 26 as crews set up the movable barrier in order to pave eastbound I-494. Beginning at 7 p.m., Friday, July 26, the following ramps between I-35E and Hwy 62 will close: • Northbound I-35E to eastbound I-494 • Southbound I-35E to EB I-494 • Dodd Road to and from eastbound I-494 • Highway 3 to and from eastbound I-494 Then by 9 p.m. Friday, July 26 eastbound I- 494 will be reduced to a single lane between I-35E and Highway 62 as crews resurface the road. All lanes and ramps are expected to reopen by 5 a.m., Monday, July 29. Residents that live near I-494 in this area may hear noise as crews work around the clock to remove pavement, set barrier and pave the road. The lane and ramp closures are the first of several closures as part of a larger project on I-494 to repave the road, update drainage and repair seven bridges on an eight mile stretch of I-494 between the Minnesota River and 3rd Avenue in South St. Paul. Anticipate weekend work to continue into the future on this project. Congratulations Tournament Winners! The TC Flinks team captured the trophy as winners of the Mendota Heights Softball Tournament this past weekend. Thank you to all the teams who participated this summer! Watch for information on adult softball league formation next spring. Upcoming Public Meeting Dates August 6 Night to Unite Evening August 7 (Wednesday) (Rescheduled) City Council Mtg | 7:00pm August 13 Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm August 20 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm August 21 Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 7:00pm Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD July 26, 2019 from the City of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com 651.452.1850 City Hall Lobby Hours M-TH: 7am-4:30pm F: 7am-11:30am Police Department Lobby Hours M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm FRIDAY NEWS Stay Connected: Stay up-to-date on this project by signing up for email updates at the project website: www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/ i494invergroveheights/ Facebook.com/mndot | Twitter: @mndotnews Mndot.gov/knowyourroute For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota visit 511mn.org or dial 5-1-1. Register to be a Neighborhood Host by August 2 Night to Unite will be Tuesday evening, August 6. Registration is open to host an event— a great way to get to know your neighbors while sharing valuable crime prevention information. If you are interested in hosting a party, go to https://www.mendota-heights.com/police and click on Night to Unite. Refer to this week’s Just the Facts for more information and a registration form. New for 2019 Food/Donation Drive: This year, the MHPD is partnering with Neighbors Inc and will be collecting non-perishable food items. Officers will be happy to pick up any items that your party is willing to donate. If you are not familiar with Neighbors Inc, you can find out more info at https://www.neighborsmn.org/. The City’s new civic engagement tool through Polco is gaining participation. This free online program enables residents to provide feedback to posted questions via their preferred digital device, at a time and place convenient for them. If you’re not on Polco yet, now’s a great time get started! Questions are posted in batches, so watch for the next series to post in the near future. Participate in Polco by visiting https:// polco.us/mendotaheights or by downloading the app for iOS or Android. Are You on Polco? Sign Up for the Warrior 5K to Support ISD 197 Schools The 10th annual Warrior 5K Walk/Run and Family Mile will be held at Henry Sibley High School on Saturday, September 28, beginning at 9:00 a.m. This is a community-wide event, and all proceeds support the I.S.D No. 197 Educational Foundation. Registration begins in August, and race and sponsorship forms can be found at http://www.isd197foundation.org/. All paid registration forms include a race t-shirt. For the first time, the race will begin on the new track; and the new sports facility will be open for all to see. All runners and walkers are welcome! Serious runners, casual runners/walkers, those who like to walk with their dogs, and those who like to socialize with friends and neighbors while exercising will enjoy the event. Officer Scott Patrick Memorial Anniversary Tuesday, July 30 at 12pm July 30, 2019, will mark the fifth anniversary of Officer Scott Patrick’s sacrifice in the line of duty. The community is invited to attend an observance event held in his honor on Tuesday, July 30. The event will take place at the site of the shooting, in West St. Paul, near the intersection of Dodd Road and Smith Avenue. Participants should gather at 12 noon. There will be reflections from people who knew Officer Patrick, and a moment of silence at 12:20 pm. Kidsdance a Hit at Mendakota Park Thank you to the many kids and kids-at-heart who enjoyed music and dancing by Kidsdance on July 24. Mendota Heights Par 3 Play the 9-hole, par 27 golf course or 9- hole footgolf course. Footgolf is a combination of golf and soccer. Bring your own ball or rent one at the course. Call 651.454.9822 to schedule a tee time at the Par 3 Tee times are recommended for golf and footgolf. Visit https://www.mendota- heights.com/par3 for current rates. The course is located at 1695 Dodd Road in Mendota Heights. Due to inclement weather on the original date, this event is rescheduled for Sunday, August 18 at 2pm | $15 per participant Join the MH Police and Fire Departments for a recreational round of golf at the Par 3. Meet and mingle with officers and firefighters who serve your neighborhood. Groups are welcome to register together, and groups/participants without foursomes may be paired with others for play. All ages are welcome! Participants receive a T-shirt and light refreshments will be provided. Register at https://secure.rec1.com/MN/ mendota-heights-mn/catalog under Par 3 Programs. Register for this Popular Youth Event August 1st | 5-7pm | Rogers Lake Ages 14 and under | $10 per participant Youth should bring their own fishing pole and come on down to Rogers Lake fishing pier to catch “the big one!” Hotdogs and beverages will be served. Youth will have an opportunity to win a Minnesota Lifetime Fishing License. Register under Youth Programs at https:// secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog. Spring/Summer ** Registration is Open ** 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  Golf lessons & leagues  Tennis lessons & leagues  Field trips  Summer camps  Summer playground program Parks & Recreation Registration is still open! Register for Last Week of Playground Program Parks and Recreation offers a fun and enriching Playground Program at Mendakota Park (with rain days at City Hall). July 29-Aug 2 | Nature Unleashed Cost: $50 per week Register https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog 4-6 year olds: 8:15-10:15 am 7-9 year olds: 10:30am-12:30pm 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. Plastic Cups Paper Cups/ Bowls YES Recycle Remove straw and dump ice. NO Trash These are coated in plastic. Throw into trash bin. From the Archives City Hall at 750 S. Plaza Drive –1973-1989. Do You Know Which of These Fast-Food Cups can be Recycled? Mason Jars are NOT Recyclable Did you know mason jars are not recyclable? They are made up of a different composition of glass than pickle or olive jars. Please donate clean mason jars to thrift stores or a friend! Mason Jar Donate them These are not recyclable. Be on the Lookout for Japanese Hedge Parsley Japanese Hedge Parsley (Torilis japonica) is a new invasive, non-native plant species now found in Minnesota. It is in the carrot family (Apiaceae), and the leaves resemble the leaves of many plants in the carrot family, so identify carefully. Flowers are in flat, white/pink bracted clusters of umbels, 1.5-2 inches across. Individual flowers are notched, with 5 petals of unequal stamens. Leaves and stems are covered in stiff hairs, and appear in groups of 3-5 compound leaves, alternately attached to the stem. Japanese Hedge Parsley is often found along woodland edges, along roads, or in disturbed areas. If you are unsure or if you think you may have Japanese Hedge Parsley on your property, please contact City Staff (contact information below) for a site visit and proper identification. Control: Methods of removal and control include hand- pulling or using a herbicide such as glyphosate or 2,4-D. For more information: MN Department of Natural Resources or Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician at: 651-255-1123 or by Email: kristas@mendota-heights.com. Become a Master Water Steward Are you concerned about water pollution? Is there a water quality problem in your neighborhood that you want to fix? Want to get off the sidelines and make real change? The Master Water Stewards program is a great opportunity to learn how to solve environmental problems in your community and find a local network of energized leaders. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) is sponsoring two participants for the Fall 2018 Master Water Stewards Class, a $2,250 value for the classes. Applications are being accepted until September 9, 2019. Note this deadline is earlier for residents of the LMRWMO than the typical application deadline. The two successful applicants will be asked to provide $250 towards the classes, which will be reimbursed upon completion. What Master Water Stewards Do  Assess Watersheds — Identify pollution sources and create strategies for reducing pollutants.  Educate Communities — Help neighbors understand the most pressing environmental problems in their area.  Reduce Pollutants — Work with communities to target pollution sources such as pet waste, fertilizer or pesticides.  Coordinate Action — Help communities reduce polluted runoff by coordinating the installation of raingardens, native gardens, natural shoreline plantings, rainbarrels and other rainscaping techniques. Attend an Information Session To learn more, citizens are asked to attend an upcoming information session. There will also be sessions at Mendota Heights City Hall on July 30 and August 6, beginning at 6:00pm. Please note that you need not attend an info session to apply. Apply Now! Applications are available at masterwaterstewards.org. Please contact Joe Barten, LMRWMO Administrator, at (651) 480-7784 with any questions. Native Plant Garden Tour Saturday, August 3 | 10am - 1pm 1704 Vicki Lane, Mendota Heights Learn more about pesticide/herbicide-free gardening for wildlife, pollinators, birds, beneficial insects, and more, at this informative and educational tour. Resources will be available on how to get started "naturescape-ing" your yard. Informed guides will be available to answer your questions. Join us for coffee and a very fun tour. This event is sponsored by NeighborhoodGreening.org. Adopting a storm drain simply involves keeping it free of sediment, trash, leaves, and other debris by sweeping and collecting it at least twice a month. It is a simple, easy way you can help do your part to improve water quality in our community! Online sign-up at: https://www.adopt-a- drain.org/ Workout Series atMendakota Park Join us for FREE summer workouts in a beau�ful outdoor se�ng! In partnership with Any�me Fitness, all ages are invited to par�cipate in this Team Training session. Workouts feature a large-group-style circuit training for all fitness levels. Classes last 45 minutes to one hour. Aug 14 | 6:30pm Sept 11 | 6:30pm Join us for a FREE summer program bringing recrea�on to neighborhood parks! There will be ac�vi�es and equipment for youth such as games, sports, cra�s, and more! No registra�on required ─ ages 6-15 years. July 30 | 2:00-3:30pm Wentwork Park (739 Wentworth Ave, MH) Aug 12 | 3:30-5:00pm Harmon Park (230 Bernard St. W., WSP) Summer Outdoor Entertainment at Mendakota ParkJoin us for these FREE shows throughout the summer, featuring something for everyone! Aug 8 | 7:00pm The Goombas Rock to the tunes of The Goombas band, whose mission is to learn, prac�ce, perfect and perform dance and party music with a unique group of friends, within an enjoyable rock band se�ng. Sept 7 | TBD Movie Night Sit back and watch a family-friendly movie on the big outdoor screen! The movie will be selected by vote. More Outdoor Fun in the Parks Hosted by Parks & Recrea�on The City of Mendota Heights | www.mendota-heights.com Mendakota Park | 2171 Dodd Road | Mendota Heights concert in the parkFREEFREE Mendakota Park 2171 DODD ROAD | MENDOTA HEIGHTS 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department JULY 26, 2019 CHIEF Kelly McCarthy CAPTAIN Wayne Wegener SERGEANTS Eric Petersen Tanner Spicer Peyton Fleming POLICE OFFICERS John Larrive Todd Rosse Chad Willson 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 I¥ Ãù ãÄ ®Ý çÄÙ 18 ùÙÝ Ê½ Ä «Ý Ù®òÙ’Ý ÖÙÃ®ã ÊÙ ÖÙÊò®Ý®ÊÄ½ Ù®òÙ’Ý ½®ÄÝ, Ä ã«ù çÝ ã«®Ù Ö«ÊÄ ®Ä «ÄÝ‐¥Ù ÃÊ? The new hands‐free law does not change anything for teens under 18 with a driver’s permit or provi‐ sional driver’s license: They cannot make or answer calls while driving (hand‐held or hands‐free). They can use their phone in hands‐free mode in the following situaƟons: √ Using their phone as a GPS device, but only in hands‐free or voice‐acƟvated mode. They must set their desƟnaƟon before driving. They can’t hold their phone at any Ɵme. √ Listening to music or podcasts in hands‐free or voice‐acƟvated mode is OK, but hand‐held scrolling through playlists or channels is not allowed under the law. √ Calling 911 in an emergency situaƟon. If there’s an immediate threat to life and safety, they can use the phone in either hand‐held or hands‐free mode. DÊÝ ã« Äó «ÄÝ‐¥Ù ½ó ÙÝÝ ÝÃÙã óã«Ý? Drivers can use them as a convenƟonal watch to check Ɵme, but smart watches are considered an electronic communicaƟons device under the hands‐free law. That means the device has the same restricƟons as a cell phone. Drivers can use a smart watch the same way they use a cell phone as long as it’s by one‐touch or voice acƟvaƟon, but can’t type, text or do anything else prohibited under law. IÝ ®ã ½¦½ çÄÙ ã« Äó ½ó ãÊ ÝãÊÖ ÊÄ ã« Ý«Êç½Ù Ê¥ ã« ÙÊ Ä «Ê½ Ãù Ö«ÊÄ ãÊ Ã» ½½, ãøã, ã.? If it’s not an emergency, stopping on the shoulder of an interstate freeway or controlled access high‐ way is already illegal in Minnesota. Although it is legal to stop along a state or U.S. highway, or a county road, it’s not always safe to do. We strongly encourage anyone who needs to use their phone to find a safe place to pull off the road completely. A convenience store or gas staƟon, for example, will be safer for you and other road users. DÊÝ ã« Äó ½ó ÖÖ½ù ãÊ ½ó Ä¥ÊÙÃÄã ¦Ä®Ý? Under the new law, hand‐held phone use is allowed in an authorized emergency vehicle while per‐ forming official duƟes. However, some agencies have taken a proacƟve approach to reduce or elimi‐ nate hand‐held phone use. For example, the Minnesota State Patrol has insƟtuted a policy that re‐ quires troopers to use their phones only in hands‐free mode. Unfortunately, there are circumstances in which emergency vehicle drivers need to be on their devices to carry out their duƟes. Although this is different than situaƟons other drivers find themselves in, the dangers are the same. We're well aware of those dangers from a law enforcement perspecƟve and are encouraging people to follow the law regardless of whether they have an exempƟon. 2 HANDS FREE IDEAS THAT WON’T BREAK THE BANK 1. Don’t use your phone when you drive. Put your phone in the glove compartment, trunk or backseat or turn on a do‐not‐disturb app and enjoy the drive. It’s free, and you will be surprised at how many new sights you will see on your drive. A number of large, successful companies have adopted no‐phone‐use policies for their employees while driving on company Ɵme, and aŌer geƫng used to it, employees reported being happier and just as producƟve as when they used their phones. 2. Use a single earphone that has the microphone, and you are hands‐free. Remember, using earphones in both ears at the same Ɵme is illegal in Minnesota. 3. Pair your phone to your current car or truck. If your exisƟng vehicle and phone can talk to each other, pair up and go hands‐free. 4. Buy an auxiliary cable and connect your phone’s earphone jack to your car’s AUX jack. You can operate your phone by voice or single touch and listen through your car’s audio system. Auxiliary cables can be purchased for less than $5. 5. If your car is older and doesn’t have an AUX jack but has a casseƩe player, you can buy an adapter that fits into the casseƩe player and allows you to connect your phone through the earphone jack. The casseƩe adapters cost about $30. 6. Buy a holder to clip your phone to the dash. You can use it in a voice‐acƟvated or single‐touch mode. Clips can be simple and cheap or complicated. Make sure you get one that holds your phone securely. Prices range from less than $5 to $50. 7. Buy a Bluetooth speaker or earphone to pair with your phone. There are many aŌer ‐market choices for both, all of which let you go hands‐free. Prices are generally in the $10 to $50 range. 3 FORGERY—2XXX PARK LN 07/18/19, 1557 hours Officers took a report of a check fraud/forgery. Check had been placed in out‐going mailbox at home and the owner learned it never cleared with the company. The bank, however, showed it had cleared in another person’s name. Case is under invesƟgaƟon. HIT & RUN—1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 07/18/19, 1650 HOURS Officer dispatched to take a report concerning a driver who had struck another vehicle and a stop sign, then leŌ the area without stopping. Contact was made with the vicƟm who took a picture of the suspect driver and his vehicle as he was leaving. The suspect was ulƟmately located and arrested at home in a neighboring city by the MN State Patrol on suspicion of DWI, and also cited by this officer for Leaving the Scene of an Accident. ASSAULT—1XXX NORTHLAND DR 07/19/19, 0008 HOURS Officers were dispatched to an assault in progress and conducted an invesƟgaƟon. Suspect was transported to the hospital due to her level of intoxicaƟon and injuries. Case will be forwarded to the city aƩorney to review for charging. AUTO THEFT—7XX SOUTH PLAZA WAY 07/20/19, 2043 HOURS Officers responded to take a report of a stolen vehicle from a parking lot. Caller leŌ unsecured vehicle in the lot and returned a few hours later to find it missing. No suspects or witnesses, case under invesƟgaƟon. FOUND DOG—1000 JAMES RD 07/20/19, 2300 HOURS Officer was dispatched to a found dog. The dog's owner was not found and the dog was transported to the South Saint Paul Animal Hospital. DWI—SIBLEY MEMORIAL/WACHTLER AVE 07/21/19, 0334 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. AŌer invesƟgaƟon, the adult female driver was found to be intoxicated and placed under arrest for DWI. She was ulƟmately transported to the Dakota County Jail to be booked and released. FOUND DOG 07/21/19, 0739 HOURS Officers were dispatched to check on a loose dog. Officers arrived to the area and located the small dog in the middle of the street. Officers were able to capture the dog, who appeared to be in poor condiƟon, and transported it to the animal hospital for an emergency evaluaƟon. AŌer compleƟng the evaluaƟon, the dog was boarded at the South St. Paul Animal Hospital. FOUND PROPERTY—1000 DAKOTA DR 07/22/19, 0935 HOURS Officers were dispatched retrieve a found purse. Owner was contacted and stated her purse had been stolen from her vehicle in Minneapolis. Owner was provided with idenƟty theŌ prevenƟon informaƟon and advised to report the recovery to the other agency. ASSIST OTHER AGENCY—35E/HWY 62 07/22/19, 1216 HOURS Assisted other agency in stopping a vehicle involved in a theŌ. Vehicle was spoƩed on 35E near Hwy 62. A high risk traffic stop was conducted and driver was taken into custody without incident. The reporƟng agency was informed, responded and took custody of the driver and the stolen property. At their request, vehicle was impounded by Mark's Towing. MHPD did not search the vehicle. Referred to other agency. 4 HIT & RUN—720 MAIN ST 07/23/19, 2046 HOURS Officer responded to a call regarding a hit and run property damage crash. No suspect informaƟon available. Case inacƟve pending suspects or other evidence. FOUND PROPERTY—2XXX LEXINGTON AVE 07/24/19, 1909 HOURS A wallet was found turned into police. The owner was contacted and advised the wallet was found. Wallet entered into the evidence room for safe keeping unƟl the owner can pick it up. Report as informaƟon only. 5 07/19—7/25 2019 YTD Calls for Service 200 6855 Police Reports 20 669 Citations 31 980 Warnings 53 1480 Response Time Average 5.94 6.55 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. TUESDAY AUGUST 6TH, 2019 Bring neighbors together Build relaƟonships Get to know your public safety partners Share safety concerns Learn crime prevenƟon Ɵps Great for adults and kids Enjoy yummy treats Check out police squads and fire trucks REGISTER BY AUGUST 2ND, 2019 By using the aƩached form or by going to the city website to com‐ plete the form. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU! Questions/Comments? Email us at: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com Questions? Call our Non-Emergency Line @ 651.452.1366. Need Public Safety Response? Call 911 6