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2019-Winter Heights HighlightsWinter Parking Restrictions Nighttime parking is prohib- ited on any public street, from 2:00 am to 6:00 am, between November 1 and March 31. Parking is prohibited during any snowfall of 2 inches or more until the street is plowed curb-to-curb. Please remind young drivers and any overnight guests and avoid a citation. WINTER 2019 Airport Relations Commission 2 Acacia Dog Park 3 Community Survey 3 Budget and Proposed Levy 3 Community Development 4 Community Safety 5 The Recycling Zone 5 Smart Salting 6 Endangered Species 6 Winter Tree Care 6 Parks and Recreation 7 Outdoor Rinks Back Cover MENDOTA HEIGHTSHEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS a small town feel in an urban setting CALENDAR Holiday Gift Drive 11/1-12/11 Youth Field Trips 12/26 & 12/27 Earth Orbit Expo 12/30 Blade with the Blue 2/8 Royal Ball 2/9 Snow Removal and Safety Reminders There are a number of simple things you can do to help the City with safety, the snow re- moval process, and prevent snowplow damage this winter: ƒKeep the first 12-13 feet of yard behind your curb clear of items. This area is City owned right-of-way, which houses underground utilities and provides an area for snow storage. ƒMark curbs and sidewalks with yard markers to help snowplow drivers identify boundaries. ƒPlace garbage and recycling carts be- hind the curb line on collection day. ƒBe extremely cautious when street snow removal and de-icing operations are underway. All vehicles should stay a minimum of 75 feet (four car lengths) behind all maintenance units. ƒKeep sidewalks safe and passable; please remove all snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours of de- posit. ƒProperty owners should clear their own driveways and areas around newspa- per tubes, trash cans, fire hydrants and mailboxes. ƒDo not deposit snow on the street. ƒAdhere to winter parking restrictions. Although City plow operators try their best to avoid them, mailboxes may be damaged by snowplow activity. The City will repair or replace any properly installed mailboxes hit by City plow, up to a $75 value for the post and $75 for the mailbox itself. The City is not obligated to repair or replace mailboxes which are damaged by the weight of the snow or from being improperly installed (search “Mailbox Installation Guide” on the website for details). If you incur damage, visit the City website for an online “Report a Mailbox” form or call City Hall. If the post has been broken and the ground is frozen, city crews will do a temporary repair and install a new post when the ground has thawed. You may contact City Hall to alert maintenance of any damaged boulevard ar- eas. For questions regarding snow removal, please call City Hall. Smart Salting on City Roads In an effort to further reduce surface water pollution, last year Public Works staff completed Minnesota Pollution Control Agency training focused on reducing the amount of salt put down on the city’s road system during snow removal and deicing operations. This winter, Public Works plans to continue measures to support salt reduction and elimination while maintaining safe and timely-cleared roadways by: Plowing earlier and more often during a snow event to try to mechanically remove as much snow from the road surface as possible. Reserving salt use for hills, intersections, and curves with limited use on most straight sections of roads. Evaluating the use of salt brine (liquid deicing) in the future to further reduce salt use and costs associated with deicing of the roads. 2 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Neil’s News Winter is finally here, and as part of the usual preparation a friendly re- minder that winter parking restrictions are in effect November 1 through March 31, so please do not park on city streets during the overnight hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Additionally, when it snows two inches or more parking on city streets is not allowed until they have been plowed curb-to-curb. This ensures the City can provide the highest level of mobility and public safety, and thank you in advance for your attentiveness. On a warmer note, the City was awarded a $180,000 Outdoor Recreation Grant from the State of Minnesota for upgrades at Wentworth Park to include new play- ground equipment, a building replacement, and improvements to the trails and parking lot. The community can look forward to celebrating these improvements with a ribbon cutting in the spring of 2020. If you need to visit City Hall for business, please note that the City Council re- cently authorized what had been summer hours to continue through the end of September 2020. City Hall business hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Fridays 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Police Department busi- ness hours remain Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Work on the $6.8 million fire station expansion and remodeling project got un- derway in April. To coordinate the work of the twenty-one separate contractors, the City hired CPMI of Eagan to act as the Construction Manager for the City. The Construction Manager coordinates the contractors, monitors work in place, reviews pay applications and reports to the City on how work is progressing. A wet summer delayed progress on the construction project. As of this writing, structural steel has been erected, exterior walls framed and masonry is being placed. Over the winter work will continue on the interior work, which will in- clude the installation of walls, and other mechanical and electrical work. When the new addition portion of the project is completed—anticipated to be in mid-March of next year—the fire operations will vacate the old building, and move into the new expanded area. Following that, work will begin on the existing 1985-era building to bring it up to today’s building codes. Interested residents can view the Construction Manager’s report to the City Coun- cil, which is usually held at the second regular City Council meeting of each month. Other exciting developments are that The Heights Apartments, located at 2180 Highway 13, has completed Phase I and is accepting rental applications. For more information visit www.michaeldevelopment.com. Lastly, Mendota Heights, Mendota and Lilydale have combined with West St Paul to form Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. This committee will help to create a network that coordinates and connects agencies, organizations, resources and employers for the purpose of proactively supporting those affected by military deployments, as well as retired, former, and disabled veterans. Wishing everyone a wonderful winter and joyous holiday season! Neil Garlock, MayorCITY HALLInside the Airport Relations Commission Did you know that there is an Airport Relations Commission (ARC) that serves Mendota Heights res- idents? Established in 1993, the commission monitors proposed airport rules, procedures, and programs at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport which impact air noise levels within Mendota Heights, and makes recommendations to the City Council on strat- egies to mitigate air noise exposure. Currently serving on the commission are David Sloan (Chair), Sally Lorberbaum, William Dunn, Gina Nor- ling, James Neuharth, Kevin Byrnes, and Arvind Sharma. ARC meets on the third Wednesday of odd numbered months, unless otherwise noted. Meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall and are open to the public. For more information, or to contact a com- mission member, visit www.mendota-heights.com/ad- visorycommissions. Help a neighbor in need! City Hall is collecting shelf-stable food and toiletries for Neighbors, Inc. through January 31. Donations may be dropped off in the lobby during City Hall business hours.HO L IDA Y Take the Community Survey through December 15 The 2019 Mendota Heights Community Survey is ready for your responses! It takes just a few minutes to complete, and provides valuable feedback to better serve residents and the community. Participants can remain anonymous and respons- es are viewed as totals. By participating in the survey you can view the ongoing survey results and see how others in the community are respond- ing. The survey is available online through December 15 at www.polco.us/mendo- taheights. Please note that if you do not already have a free Polco account, you will be prompted to set one up. By establishing an account you are verified as a resident and have the opportunity to receive notifications when future questions are posted. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 3CITY HALL2020 Budget and Levy In September, the City Council adopted the preliminary budget and proposed tax levy for fiscal year 2020. The preliminary levy adopted at that time showed an increase of 7.28% over 2019. However, due to recently found savings in employee health insurance alternatives, the recommendation at the December 3rd meeting reduced that levy increase to 6.5%. Assuming the adoption of the modified recommended budget by the City Coun- cil, a typically-valued home of $408,000 in Mendota Heights will see an increase of approximately 4.35% for the City’s portion of the property taxes payable in 2020. That is less than the 5.1% increase which was anticipated in September. The total General Fund budget anticipated for 2020 is just over $9.518 million, which is 5.5% greater than the 2019 budget. Notable increases for next year are employee wages and benefit changes, the addition of a full-time office assistant to support recreation programming and registration, and fully funding an addition- al full-time Public Works maintenance worker who began in April of this year. Also included in the budget are one-time capital expenditures totaling $514,000. That funding provides for the purchase of a new Mack Truck for the Public Works Department, a sprayer to be used by Public Works and at the City’s Par 3 golf course, and a first year update to the City’s Natural Resources Plan that was last updated in 2002. FY 2020 will also see the first full year of levy for the Gen- eral Obligation Bonds for the fire station’s construction project. Details on the budget and levy can be found at www.mendota-heights.com/finance. For the Dogs and Owners Fencing for small dogs added to Acacia Dog Park At its meeting of October 2, the City Council ap- proved the addition of a small dog area within the City’s off-leash dog park on Acacia Drive. The small dog area will be limited to dogs under 35 pounds, and will provide a safer and more relaxed visit for all. The installation of this improvement is scheduled for late November, weather permitting. Visit the dog park at 1360 Acacia Boulevard. Dog pet licenses no longer needed Pending final action by the City Council in De- cember, effective January 1, 2020, the City will longer be issuing dog licenses. Microchip technol- ogy installed by veterinarians has become com- monplace and is more effective than traditional metal licenses in reuniting pet owners with lost animals. City Business Hours In September, the City Council authorized what had been City Hall summer business hours to con- tinue, through the end of September 2020. City Hall Lobby Hours: Monday through Thursday: 7:00 am-4:30 pm Friday: 7:00 am-11:30 am Police Department Lobby Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 am-4:30 pm Public Works Hours: Monday through Friday: 7:00 am-3:30 pm When City Hall lobby doors are locked, for police business the doors located on the north side of City Hall can be accessed during Police Depart- ment lobby hours. For easy access to these doors, parking is available in the Police Department lot off of Lexington Avenue. MOMS Club Tree Planting Thank you to the MOM’s Club for their generous donation of a new tree at Hagstrom-King Park! It is a great addition to the park. 4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTSCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTVillage Lots Site testing and plan preparations by Grand Real Estate Advisors, the developer of the city-owned lots in The Village of Mendota Height continues, with submittal of plans for official consideration in the near future. The developer proposes to construct a 3-story mixed-use facility, with 42-units of senior preferred (aged 55+) housing, with on-site amenities including community rooms and a fitness center; along with a 2,000-sf. co- working office space for private/public use; and a new 4,700-sf. full-service restaurant/ lounge (yet to be named). For questions on the proposed development, please call Community Development Director Tim Benetti at (651) 255-1142 or email timb@ mendota-heights.com. Somerset Elementary School Independent School District No. 197 re- ceived approval to construct three new additions to Somerset Elementary School, located at 1355 Dodd Road. The additions include a new entryway/elevator structure, a classroom addition, and a new full-sized gymnasium on the back side of the school. The school district currently provides ongo- ing construction updates via its website at www.isd197.org. Click on the Facilities icon on the right side. There is also an online form that residents can use to submit ques- tions to district administrators. ISD-197 will be providing construction updates in a separate newsletter to be mailed out to all households in the district. Open to Business Program Through a partnership with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), the City of Mendota Heights is committed to assisting local small businesses with plan- ning, networking, financing options and many other services. This cooperative ef- fort includes an “Open to Business” con- sultant, who is available to offer free con- sulting services. This service is free to any Mendota Heights business or resident. The consultant is available for appointments, and can help plan and work through small business challenges, such as: ƒAccounting and record keeping ƒFinancial and business analysis ƒOperations ƒBusiness acquisition ƒLoan packaging ƒStrategic planning ƒBusiness start-up ƒNetworking ƒCommercial real estate analysis ƒBusiness plan development In addition, “Open to Business” advisors can assist entrepreneurs in identifying borrowing needs and financing options. Direct financing and loans up to $25,000 are also available through the “Open to Business” program. For more information on the servic- es offered in the “Open to Business” program, or to schedule an appoint- ment, please contact Karen Schaffhau- sen, Business Advisor at (612) 706- 3926 or email kschaffhausen@mccdmn. org. You can also visit OTB’s website at www.opentobusinessmn.org. Street Construction Update The 2019 street project included re- habilitation of Mager Court, Spring Creek Circle, South Lane, Wes- ley Court, and Wesley Lane. The project also extended a trail along Dodd Road from Maple Street to Wesley Lane. In 2020, the City is planning a re- construction of Marie Avenue from Lexington Avenue to Dodd Road. The project will include a bridge rehabilitation, pedestrian under- pass replacement and other trail enhancements. Improvements are also being evalu- ated for Brompton Place, London Road, Downing Street, Winston Circle, and Winston Court. Please contact the Engineering Depart- ment for additional information. CDA Home Improvement Loans Does your home need repairs that you can’t afford to make? The Dakota County Com- munity Development Agency (CDA) may be able to help! The CDA’s Home Improve- ment Loan is an interest free loan program for low and moderate income homeowners in Dakota County. The Loan is repayable when your home is sold or you no longer live there – there are no monthly payments! Loans range from $15,000 to $25,000 and are commonly used for replacing roofs, sid- ing, windows, furnaces, doors, and drive- ways. For qualification details and an applica- tion, visit dakotacda.org/housing-resources/ homeownership/home-improvement-loan- program or call (651) 675-4465. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 5COMMUNITY SAFETYRegister for the Emergency Alert Program Would you like to stay informed when a criti- cal incident or emergency that might affect you, or your family, is occurring? Then register at the Dakota Communications Center (DCC) website. By registering, you will receive notifications on incidents occurring in up to five locations in Dakota County (home, work, school, daycare, loved ones, etc.) regardless of where you and your cell phone are located. In the event of an emergency, DCC is limited to land line notifications unless you register your cellular phone with the DCC mass notification provider Everbridge. You can enter multiple phone numbers and email addresses as well. To take advantage of this great safety opportunity, please visit: www. mn-dcc.org/community-notification. Make a Difference - Adopt a Hydrant During a fire, every second counts and fire- fighters need quick access when they arrive on the scene. There are over 970 fire hydrants in the Fire Department’s coverage area. When it is snowing, buried hy- drants cause dangerous delays. Having a fire hydrant clear of snow and weeds makes them visible, accessible, and shortens emergency response times. Sign up to Adopt-A-Hydrant by calling the fire secre- tary at City Hall. This program allows residents to claim responsibil- ity for shoveling out a fire hydrant after a heavy snowfall and making sure the hydrant is clear of grass and brush during the summer and fall seasons. The Fire Department thanks you for this valuable and potentially life- saving service this provides to your neighbors and the community. 2019 TEEN GIFT DRIVE A Place of Hope (local Toys for Tots distributer) is partnering with MHPD to provide gifts for teens and tweens, ages 10 - 18. Gift ideas include: jewelry ❅ makeup ❅ hygiene products ❅ games ❅ sporting equipment ❅ electronics ❅ movies ❅ books ❅ clothing ❅ blankets ❅ room decor ❅ gift cards Bring your unwrapped gifts to Mendota Heights Police Department November 1 - December 11 Cash donations preferred Using The Recycling Zone Just Got Easier Over the last 25 years, one million people have visited The Recycling Zone to drop off household hazardous waste, and soon, they can drive right on through! The Recycling Zone is under renovation to provide a better user experience: ƒA convenient drive-thru lane will allow you to scan your driver’s license or identification card at a new kiosk while staying in your car as household hazardous waste, electronics and recyclables are unloaded for you. To make unloading as safe and efficient as possible, please bring waste in a con- tainer (such as a cardboard box) that can be left at the Recycling Zone. ƒLanes are expanding from two to three to get you in and out faster. ƒThe reuse area — where you can get paint, pes- ticides, household cleaners and more for free — now has a separate entrance with more space. For information on materials accepted and business hours, go to www.dakotacounty.us, search The Recy- cling Zone. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County. Holiday Lights Recycling Recycle holiday lights, electrical, appliance and phone cords from November 15 through the end of January courtesy of ProAct. Lights attached to wreaths, holly or trees must be removed first. Bring string lights and cords to City Hall's collection bin in the front entry- way. Holiday lights are also accepted year round at The Recycling Zone in Eagan. Cord adapters, battery packs, plastic rope lights, CFL lights, garlands/trees, and statuary/metal fixtures are not accepted. For more visit www.dakotacounty.us search Recyling Zone. 6 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTSGREEN COMMUNITIES Smart Salting Keeping paved surfaces safe for pedestrians and drivers is important, how- ever sometimes more deicing chemicals and salt is used than what is needed. This can be harmful to surface waters; including lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands, and the fish and aquatic life that depend on them. These chlorides can even infiltrate into groundwater and contaminate drinking water. Only ONE teaspoon of salt can permanently pollute FIVE GALLONS of water! Once salt enters surface waters it is rarely removed. Chlorides and salts can also harm or kill pets and wildlife, especially if ingested. Homeowners and business owners can help to reduce salt use by doing the following: • Do not over-apply! Use only 4 lbs. per 1,000 square feet. • If you are considering the purchase of a water softener, look for salt-free models. Salty brine from water softeners drains to wastewater treatment plants that aren’t designed to remove it. • Use salt only when it will be affective. Typical deicing salt is only affective at 15 degrees Fahrenheit and above. • Shovel and remove snow sooner rather than later. • Choose a snow removal service that is certified by the MPCA in Level 1-Snow and Ice Control Best Practices (visit pca.state.mn.us/water/smart-salting-training). • Sweep up extra salt and reuse it! For more on how you can help: www.pca.state.mn.us/featured/snow-removal-do-it- better-cheaper-and-pollution-free An Endangered Species Found in Mendota Heights Have you ever wanted to help an endangered species? Now you can right here in Mendota Heights! The Rusty Patched Bumblebee (Bombus affinis), once a very common wild bumblebee in the Midwest, is the first bee to be listed as an endangered species. This summer the Minnesota Legislature named it our state bee. A couple of years ago, just one Rusty Patched Bumblebee was found in Mendota Heights and this year several were found – some in residential yards, and recently one on the Victoria Road native planting! If you have seen the pollinator garden at City Hall, walked by the Victoria Road native planting, or noticed some of your neighbor’s landscapes changing to a more pollinator-friendly landscape, all of these landscapes are helping to give much needed habitat and food to our native pollinators such as the Rusty Patched Bumblebee. You can make a difference in helping this endangered species. The Rusty Patched Bumblebee needs blooming flow- ers from early spring thru late fall, especially native plants. Add some native plants to your yard for year-round interest. Purchase plants that have not been grown with neonicotinoids. Completely eliminate pesticides or reduce use by spot treating. The Rusty Patched Bumblebee also needs an area to nest such as an undisturbed area of leaves, bare (unmulched) soil, or pile of twigs. This fall leave some of your leaves in a garden bed (be sure they are not near a storm sewer). This winter learn more about native pollinators and then next spring, summer, and fall bring your kids and grandkids outside to look for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee! The Queen is a very large bumblebee with a round dot on its thorax, the males and workers have the two rusty patches on the second segment of the abdomen and a thumbtack shape on their thorax. Winter Tree Care The ideal time to prune is during dormancy (after leaves have dropped), and before March 1. Prun- ing prevents many tree problems including main- taining structural integrity, and preventing insect and disease damage. Specific species should only be pruned from late autumn through the winter months (during dormancy), due to the risk of disease. Pruning is to be avoided until after No- vember 1, depending on weather conditions, for all oak species. Pruning or wounding oaks during the high-risk season (typically April-June), great- ly increases the probability of infection of oak wilt disease. Only prune Ash trees between October 1 and April 30 to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer. Tips for winter tree care: ƒIf you have a young tree, water it up until ground-freeze. ƒPlace tree guards on your tree in early au- tumn to prevent sun scald, as well as rodent and wildlife damage. ƒWhen pruning, if branches are unreachable or large enough to cause injury, consider hir- ing a tree care professional that has a certified arborist on staff. ƒPrune branches just above the branch collar. ƒBranches to prune include branch stubs, rub- bing or closely spaced branches, vertical/ water sprouts, sucker growth, and branches with weak or narrow crotches (junctions). For more visit: www.extension.umn.edu/planting- and-growing-guides/pruning-trees-and-shrubs Field Trip-Drkulas Bowling and a Movie Start your winter break off with fun, interac- tive bowling at Drkula's Bowl in Inver Grove Heights. In the afternoon we will enjoy the movie Spies in Disquise. Please bring a bag lunch and beverage. Concessions will be available at the theater. Thursday, December 26 Ages: 6-12 The bus will depart Mendota Heights City Hall at 9:30 am and return at 4:00 pm $27 per child Field Trip-Conquer Ninja Warrior Gym and South Saint Paul Pool In the morning, we will train and compete like ninjas at the Conquer Ninja Warrior Gym in Woodbury and in the afternoon, we will en- joy swimming at Central Square Community Center Pool in South Saint Paul. Please bring a bag lunch, beverage, swim suit and towel. Friday, December 27 Ages: 6-12 The bus will depart Mendota Heights City Hall at 9:45 am and return at 3:30 pm $35 per child Blade with the Blue Join the Mendota Heights Police Department for a fun day of rec- reational hockey skills and games. Participants will enjoy friendly chal- lenges in: Fastest Skater, Passing, Shooting Accuracy, and Longest Goal. After the challenges, team up with police officers for 3-on-3 hock- ey games. Children must provide their own equipment. FREE Saturday, February 8 Ages: 6-13 1:00 – 3:00 pm Friendly Hills Park-Outdoor Rink HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 7 Thank you for a great year at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course! 8324 rounds of golf were played! We hope to see you back on the course in 2020.PARKS & RECREATIONRoyal Ball Your little princess and prince are invited to our 5th annual Royal Ball. We will have crafts, games, meet and greet with real princesses and princes, DJ, refreshments, and dancing. Come in your favorite royal costume. Regis- ter now, space fills quickly! Sunday, February 9 Ages: 10 years old and under 3:00-5:00 pm $22 per child Concord Exchange Building-South Saint Paul Sports Unlimited-Flag Football Camp Learn the rules of flag football while work- ing on team play and sportsmanship through skill development and games. The following skills will be taught: passing, catching, kicking, and strategies of offense and defense. Thursday/Friday, December 26/27 Ages: 6-12 10:00 am – 1:00 pm $50 per child Regional Athletic Center (West Saint Paul Dome) Orbit Earth Expo Orbit Earth Expo is coming to the City of Mendota Heights and Tri District Community Education for an unforgettable science ex- perience. 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, sys- tems 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, rota- tion vs. revolution, order of the planets, and more! Admission is limited and registration is required. Thank you to the ISD 197 Educa- tion Foundation for their help in making this event possible. FREE Monday, December 30 1:30 – 2:30 pm Mendota Elementary Register online at secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall.      City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS Winter 2019 ISSUE: 118 City Directory Council Members: Neil Garlock, Mayor 651.775.3850 Ultan Duggan 651.452.5179 Joel Paper 612.237.1133 Liz Petschel 651.454.3256 Jay Miller 651.994.0482 Staff Members: City Hall 651.452.1850 Mark McNeill City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson Asst. City Administrator Mike Andrejka Building Official Tim Benetti Community Development Dir. Dave Dreelan Fire Chief Ryan Ruzek Public Works Director Kristen Schabacker Finance Director Lorri Smith City Clerk Police Department Emergency 911 Police Administration 651.452.1366 Kelly McCarthy Chief of Police Public Works Facility 651.454.4059 John Boland Public Works Superintendent © Copyright 2019 City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com City Hall Lobby Hours Mon.–Thurs.: 7:00am–4:30pm Friday: 7:00-11:30am MHPD Lobby Hours Mon.–Fri.: 8:00am–4:30pm Follow Us Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsMN Twitter.com/@mendota_heights Facebook.com/MendotaHeightsPD Facebook.com/MHParksandRec Twitter.com/@MHeightsPD Ice Skating Lessons Join us for our 5-week program at Friendly Hills Rink in Mendota Heights to develop and im- prove your skating skills while having fun. This is joint program with Mendota Heights and West Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Departments. Register online at secure.rec1.com/MN/men- dota-heights-mn/catalog or at City Hall.  Eligible for Fee Assistance Program January 4, 11, 18, 25 and February 1 Ages: 3 and up $35 per child Warming House Employment Looking for a fun seasonal job? Consider applying to be a Warm- ing House/Rink Attendant. Warm- ing House/Ice Rink Attendants are responsible for opening and closing warming houses and ice rinks; maintain- ing rinks, warming houses and grounds cleanliness; shoveling and clearing excess snow off rinks and walkways; ensuring that rules and policies are followed and for in- teracting with the public in a pro- fessional, courteous and helpful manner. Visit mendota-heights.com/ employment or City Hall for details. Outdoor Skating Rinks The City of Mendota Heights has three outdoor hockey and pleasure rinks that are open, weather permitting, from late December until early March. Outdoor rinks and warming houses will be CLOSED and outdoor programs will be cancelled when the air temperature is below zero. Please keep children home on these days. For up to date information concerning ice rinks, please call the ice rink/warming house hotline 651-255-1174. Locations: Friendly Hills - 2360 Pueblo Lane Marie Park - 1780 Lilac Lane Wentworth Park - 739 Wentworth Ave Warming House Hours: Watch for further information