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2019-11-08 Friday NewsPublic meeting announcements The public is invited to attend a Community Crime Discussion led by Police Chief Kelly McCarthy on Wednesday, November 20 at Mendota Heights City Hall. The formal meeting and presentation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. During the meeting the public will have an opportunity to comment and ask questions. 20 NOV 20 NOV New playgrounds under construction Work is underway to install new playgrounds at Hagstrom-King and Wentworth Parks! Weather permitting, installations will be completed this fall. Watch for the grand re- openings when the weather warms up next spring. Hagstrom-King Park’s new playground will feature:  Double skyrun zip track  Arch swing  Tilted sky runner  New slides  Climbers  Swing set with expression seat  Expanded play area  Additional tree plantings  A basketball court expansion is also planned Wentworth Park’s playground is also receiving a makeover with new play equipment and a nature- focused theme. Additionally, future 2020 improvements may include:  A new warming house and community building  Improved trails and parking lot  Tennis court resurfacing  Native Plantings Watch for more information in the coming year. 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 Upcoming Public Meeting Dates Monday, November 11 City Hall & Public Works Closed In honor of Veterans Day Tuesday, November 12 Parks & Rec Comm Mtg | 6:30pm Wednesday, November 13 Airport Rel Comm Mtg | 6:00pm Tuesday, November 19 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Wednesday, November 20 Community Crime Disc. | 6:00pm Tuesday, November 26 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm Thursday, November 28 City Hall & Public Works Closed Friday, November 29 City Hall Closed (Public Works Open) Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD November 8, 2019 from the City of Mendota Heights FRIDAY NEWS Hagstrom-King Park Wentworth Park Note: Actual equipment color scheme will be different than rendering shown above. Seasonal reminders The Winter Parking Ban is currently in effect with no overnight parking on any public streets between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.; please remind overnight guests and young drivers of this important information. Additionally, when it snows 2” or more, or there is a high probability of a 2” or more snowfall, a Snow Emergency may be declared and plows will go into action. Please keep all vehicles off of City streets until roads are plowed curb-to-curb. Thank you for keeping Mendota Heights a safe and operational community! Take part in the 2019 Mendota Heights Community Survey The 2019 City of Mendota Heights’ Community Survey is designed to help Mendota Heights follow trends in community sentiment to better serve residents. The survey consists of 16 questions and was designed to cover topic areas more generally, so that later we can dive into individual results that impact our city. The survey is taken online via any preferred digital device and takes just a few minutes to complete. To take part, link directly to the survey and begin answering questions. At the end you will be directed to set up a free Polco account if you do not already have one. Once an account is established, users can receive notifications when new questions are posted. Participants can remain anonymous and responses are viewed as totals. Users can see survey results and how others in the community are responding, and have an opportunity to comment on topics if desired. Seasonal Skating Instructor The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for a seasonal Skating Instructor. Hourly Rate: $15.50 to $16.25, DOQ To apply: Complete a city application and application supplement. Position open until filled. Seasonal Warming House/Rink Attendant The City of Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for part-time, seasonal Warming House/Rink Attendants for Mendota Heights’ outdoor ice rinks. Hourly Rate: $10.00 to $10.75 To apply: Complete a city application and application supplement. Position open until filled. Seasonal Rink Flooder The City of Mendota Heights Public Works Department is accepting applications for part-time, seasonal Rink Flooders for Mendota Heights’ outdoor ice rinks. Hours: Hours vary, up to 25 hours per week, mid-December through early March (weather permitting). Evening and weekend hours required. Hourly Rate: $10.00 to $10.75. To apply: Complete a city application and application supplement. Position open until filled. Visit https://www.mendota- heights.com/employment for more information, application materials and instructions. Now Hiring – Apply Today! Upcoming Airport Relations Commission Meeting to be televised with guest speaker Wednesday, November 13 at 6:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend the November 13 ARC meeting which will include a presentation from Metropolitan Airports Commissioner Richard Ginsberg. Mr. Ginsburg represents District G, which includes Mendota Heights. The meeting will be broadcast live on Cable Channel 18 and replayed on Sunday, November 17 at 1:00 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Channel 18. An agenda packet for the meeting is available at https://www.mendota-heights.com/agendaminutes. Help a neighbor in need City Hall is collecting shelf-stable food and toiletries for Neighbors, Inc. Donations may be dropped off in the lobby during City Hall business hours. The donation drive will run through the holiday season. Winter break field trips Registration is open for these winter break adventures! Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/ mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Drakulas Bowling & Movie December 26 Enjoy fun and interactive bowling followed by the movie Spies in Disguise. Ages: 6-12 Cost: $27 per child Time: 9:15am-4:00pm (bus from City Hall) Conquer Ninja Warrior Gym & South Saint Paul Pool December 27 Train and compete like ninjas in the morning, and enjoy swimming the afternoon away at Central Square Community Center Pool. Ages: 6-12 Cost: $35 per child Time: 9:30am-3:30pm (bus from City Hall) Winter gymnastics Saturdays, December 7–February 8 At Henry Sibley High School Classes introduce young gymnasts to the sport in a safe, fun environment. A variety of skills will be taught and developed on the balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise and tumbling. This is an 8-week session. Ages: 3-12 Tumbling Tykes, Tumbling Tots, Kinder Tumbling: $90 per child Beginner, Advanced Beginner: $110 per child Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Gymnastics are eligible for the Recreation Fee Assistance Program for qualifying residents. Orbit Earth Expo December 30 Orbit Earth Expo is coming to the City of Mendota Heights and Tri District Community Education for an unforgettable science experience. Orbit Earth Expo is interactive and entertaining. Orb (a 14-foot inflatable model of Earth) and his friends will take your family on a journey to space to create cycles, systems and relationships between the Earth, Moon and Sun. You’ll manipulate the models to create eclipses, seasons, moon phases, creation of winds, day/night cycles, rotation vs. revolution, order of the planets, and more! Admission is limited and registration is required. Thank you to the ISD 197 Education Foundation for their help in making this free event possible. Cost: FREE Time: 1:30-2:30pm Location: Mendota Elementary Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Superhero Masquerade November 17 Action, adventure and fun awaits your little superhero at the Superhero Masquerade! Come dressed as your favorite superhero and enjoy crafts, games, activities, a dance party and refreshments. Register early — space is limited. An adult must be present during the event. Ages: 2-12 Time: 3-5pm Cost: $20 per child Location: Thompson County Park - Dakota Lodge Register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Parks & Recreation Winter ice skating lessons Registration is open for outdoor skating lessons at Friendly Hills Rink on Saturdays, starting January 4.  Parent/Tot classes for first-time skaters, ages 3-5; $35 per child  Beginner classes for ages 6 and up with little to no previous experience; $35 per child Learn more and register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights- mn/catalog or at City Hall. Skating lessons are eligible for the Recreation Fee Assistance Program for qualifying residents. Flag football camp December 26—27 | 10am-1pm Learn the rules of flag football while working on team play and sportsmanship through skill development and games. For ages 6-12; $50 per participant. This activity will take place at the Regional Athletic Center (West Saint Paul Dome). Learn more and register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall. Fall Clean Up—Yard Waste Options It is illegal in Minnesota to dispose of yard and tree waste (grass, leaves, small brush, plant materials) with your household garbage. This means it must be bagged in a compostable paper bag or reusable container and kept separate from your trash bin. Fall yard waste options include: South St. Paul Compost Site ** Now thru November 17 ** 681 Venderosa Ave., South St. Paul (off of Hardman & Venderosa Ave.) Hours: Friday-Sunday | 9am-5pm rain or shine Materials accepted: leaves, grass, sod, and garden waste No brush or tree waste, wood chips, mulch or stumps accepted at South St. Paul Compost Site. Free compost is available to take home! Cost: $.50 per standard bag - $1.00 per larger plastic bag/barrel, or volume-based fee for truck loads. http://www.southstpaul.org/208/Yard-Waste-Compost- Site S&S Tree Horticultural Specialists/Davey’s Tree 405 Hardman Ave. S., South St. Paul Hours: Saturdays only | 7am-5pm Materials accepted: brush and tree waste No stumps; no bags accepted at this site—plastic or compostable Recycling Facility Tour November 13 | 6:30-7:30pm Learn where your recycling goes and why recycling matters on a free tour! A walking tour of the sorting area of the facility follows a presentation about recycling and Republic Services. Participants must be able to go up and down stairs. Learn more and register: https://web2.vermontsystems.com/ wbwsc/mndakotactywt.wsc/search.html? module=AR&type=RECTOUR Get the scoop on what to put in your bin, how to make recycling easier, and learn the most common legends about recycling in Minnesota. This fun, interactive presentation is hosted by Dakota County and the November 14 presentation by Mendota Heights' Recycling Coordinator Cassandra Schueller. Register: https://tridistrict.ce.eleyo.com/ course/4545/adult-enrichment-fall-2019/recycling-mythbusters% E2%80%941 Shoe recycling event November 11-17 Drop off shoes in any condition! Shoes in good condition will be cleaned up and reused by being given to those in need. Shoes that are no longer in good condition will be separated and the parts such as rubber and textiles will be recycled. https:// www.dakotavalleyrecycling.org/recycling-news/236- shoes Eagan Civic Arena | 3870 Pilot Knob Rd Hours: 7:00 a.m.- 10:00 p.m. Recycle Holiday Lights November 15-January 31 Have a string that won’t light? City Hall will once again be collecting holiday lights, electrical cords, appliance cords, and phone cords for recycling courtesy of ProAct. Beginning November 15 simply drop off items in a collection bin located in the lobby of City Hall. Please note that cord adapters, battery packs, plastic rope lights, CFL lights, garland/fake trees, and statuary/metal fixtures are NOT accepted. Items may be dropped off Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Holiday lights are also accepted year-round at The Recycling Zone in Eagan. 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/. Remember to keep leaves out of our streets and storm drains Now that the leaves have begun to fall, remember to keep them out of our streets, gutters, and storm drains. When leaves and yard waste are washed into storm drains, they end up in our surface waters, where they then release nutrients that contribute to algae growth and algae blooms the next spring. These extra nutrients also cause low oxygen levels, fish kills, and unsafe swimming and recreation conditions. When raking up leaves, branches, and debris from your yard, dispose of them properly. Here are some good options:  Compost yard waste in your backyard. Addling leaves to a compost pile is an inexpensive way to add nutrient rich fertilizer to your gardens.  Bring leaves to a compost site or other acceptable disposal site. Many sites take leaves and other yard waste free of charge or for a small fee. A list of sites in our area can be found here.  Till leaves directly into a garden, for added organic matter. Short on time? Use a service such as TaskRabbit to hire out the task of raking and/or removing your leaves for you! 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. How you can Help Pollinators Survive the Winter Some pollinators such as Monarch butterflies, hummingbirds, and some bat and bee species migrate, while others such as the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, hibernate. Here are some ways to help pollinators survive the winter:  Plant native plants in the fall through Mid- November. This can be a dormant seeding, using native seed that is raked into the bare soil, and then germinates and emerges in the spring.  Plant late and early bloomers to provide pollen and food sources going into winter, as well as providing a food source in early spring, when it is scarce.  Provide a place for pollinators to hibernate by leaving areas of ground cover and vegetation standing throughout the winter until late spring.  The majority of native bees nest in the ground. Sometimes these nesting spots are mistaken for anthills or spider holes. Leaving areas of bare ground, open/wild spaces, dead plants, or downed trees can provide shelter for pollinators to nest over the winter.  Butterflies, moths, and other pollinators use leaf litter and plant matter to insulate them throughout the winter. Keep areas in your garden or elsewhere covered with leaves until late spring.  Build a pollinator house! This is a great project to do with kids. Just remember that these houses require maintenance to keep from spreading disease. https://www.beelab.umn.edu/sites/beelab.umn.edu/ files/native_bees.pdf  Always avoid using pesticides whenever possible. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department NOVEMBER 08, 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 Alex Randall 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 Stay Home. Only go out if necessary. Even if you drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out. Drive Slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice. Accelerate and Decelerate Slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stop light. Increase your Following Distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance if needed. Know your Brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Don’t Stop if you can Avoid it. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it. Don’t Power Up Hills. Applying extra gas on snow covered roads will make your wheels spin. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly. Don’t Stop Going Up a Hill. There is nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat road before you take on the hill. Check out the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Winter Safety Checklist—For Driving And Travel 2 DWI — HWY 62/DODD RD 11/02/19, 0225 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle unable to maintain its lane near the intersection of Highway 62 and Dodd Road. The driver was found to be intoxicated and placed under arrest for 2nd Degree DWI. RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE — 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 11/03/19, 0227 HOURS Officer observed a vehicle driving recklessly in the Henry Sibley parking lot. Vehicle was stopped and four juveniles were identified. Vehicle had been reported stolen. Driver of vehicle was arrested for being in possession of a stolen vehicle. Case status cleared with juvenile arrest. MENTAL HEALTH — 1XXX DELAWARE AVE 11/04/19, 0257 HOURS Officers responded to location on a mental health crisis. Patient was unable to care for herself and was acting unsafe. Patient was transported to hospital for assessment. PUBLIC ASSIST/DRIVER EVAL — 1XXX VICTORIA CURVE 11/05/19, 1815 HOURS Adult male drove to the Police Department due to being lost. He had previously been in West St Paul and had police called for a check the welfare but was gone on arrival. Officers escorted him to his home in St Paul. Driver evaluation was completed and sent to the state due to lack of physical driving skills. THEFT FROM VEHICLE — 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 11/05/19, 2011 HOURS Officer was dispatched to take a report of items taken out of a vehicle. The reporting party stated two work bags containing laptops and other miscellaneous items were taken. The window was smashed as well. No suspects or witnesses. ATTEMPTED BURGLARY — 7XX MAIN ST 11/06/19, 0950 HOURS Officers took a report of an attempted burglary. Sometime during the overnight hours, someone attempted to gain access by prying the door. Access was not gained and there is no suspect information at this time. ATTEMPTED BURGLARY — 7XX MAIN ST 11/06/19, 1021 HOURS Officers took a report of an attempted burglary. Sometime during overnight hours, someone attempted to gain access to the building. No access was gained. No suspect information. ATTEMPTED BURGLARY — 2XXX TIMMY ST 11/06/19, 1412 HOURS Officers responded to location to investigate a suspicious person. Investigation revealed it was an attempted burglary. Suspect and vehicle description gathered. Security photos of suspect vehicle from neighboring house collected. Under investigation. FRAUD — 7XX MAIN ST 11/06/19, 1617 HOURS Officers responded to a business on a report of fraudulent activity on a bank account. Under investigation. CAR VS DEER — DODD RD/LAKE DR 11/06/19, 1759 HOURS Officers responded to the intersection on a report of a car vs deer accident. Officers spoke with the driver of the vehicle and there were no injuries. 3 WARRANT ARREST — 35E/SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 11/07/19, 0144 HOURS Officers conducted a traffic stop. The driver had a revoked license and the passenger had a felony warrant out of Dakota County. The driver was cited for the violation. The passenger was arrested and transported to Dakota County Jail. TRESPASSING — 2XXX TIMMY ST 11/07/19, 0806 HOURS Homeowner found the swing gate to his property partially open. The owner investigated and found foot prints on his property as well. In checking the trailer behind the gate, it was apparent that someone had pulled on the door handles in an attempt to gain entry. No entry was made and there was no damage. ALARM — 7XX HWY 62 11/07/19, 1927 HOURS Officers responded to an alarm. The business owner called to report that he saw a person on their video cameras and it was a live feed. Officers arrived and found the female in the store behind the counter. Officers ordered the female out of the store and determined that the female was a employee the owner didn't recognize. Female was released. MENTAL HEALTH — 7XX HWY 62 11/07/19, 1940 HOURS Officers were alerted to an incident where a juvenile had run away from her mother on foot. She was located in the area and was having a mental health crisis. Officers determined that she was not a danger to herself or others and she was released into the custody of her aunt. FRAUD — 1XX HWY 62 11/07/19, 2226 HOURS Officers responded to location on a report of fraudulent activity. A male had cashed a fraudulent bill and had left the area. Officers were unable to locate the male. Officers notified other businesses in the area about the incident. Under investigation. 4 5 11/02 - 11/07 2019 YTD Calls for Service 135 10,431 Police Reports 23 1,016 Citations 14 1,547 Warnings 33 2,266 Response Time Average 6.73 6.61 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  DO NOT FEED COYOTES.  DO NOT LET PETS RUN LOOSE.  DO NOT RUN FROM A COYOTE.  REPELLANTS OR FENCING MAY HELP.  DON’T CREATE CONFLICT WHERE IT DOESN’T EXIST.  REPORT AGGRESSIVE, FEARLESS COYOTES.  DO YOUR RESEARCH ON TRUE THREATS VS COEXISTENCE. We have received an increase of coyote calls here at MHPD. We recommend following these guidelines to ensure safety: