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2020-01-24 Friday NewsPublic meeting announcements There will be a City Council Work Session on Thursday, February 6, from 4:15pm to 6:00pm to discuss Wentworth Park warming house options, Lexington Avenue trail improvements, updates on City Council 2020 Goals and Objectives, and other topics. FEB 6 Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve www.mendota-heights.com 651.452.1850 City Hall Lobby Hours M-TH: 7:00am-4:30pm F: 7:00am-11:30am Police Department Lobby Hours M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm Upcoming Public Meeting Dates Tues., January 28 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm Tues., February 4 City Council Meeting | 7:00pm Thurs., February 6 City Council Work Session | 4:15pm Tues., February 11 Parks & Rec Comm | 6:30pm Mon., February 17 Presidents’ Day City Hall & Public Works Closed Tues., February 18 City Council Mtg | 7:00pm Thurs., February 27 Planning Comm Mtg | 7:00pm (Note changed meeting date) Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD January 24, 2020 from the City of Mendota Heights FRIDAY NEWS New commissioners appointed At its meeting on January 21, the City Council appointed Amy Smith to fill an open seat on the Parks and Recreation Commission, and Litton Field to fill an open seat on the Planning Commission. Both commissioners will serve a three-year term beginning in February. The City Council expressed gratitude to all who applied to serve. The City Council also reappointed Planning Commissioner John Mazzitello, and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bob Klepperich to subsequent three-year terms beginning in February. The City thanks retiring Parks and Recreation Commissioner David Miller, and Planning Commissioner Michael Noonan, who have each served the maximum limit of three consecutive terms. City issued contractor licenses no longer required Beginning this year, building contractors are no longer required to be licensed by the City. The State of Minnesota requires that residential builders, remodelers and roofers be licensed through the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), and it was felt that it was therefore not necessary for the City to also issue a license. The state has adopted contractor licensing requirements administered by the DLI to ensure that buildings are safe and healthy for those who occupy them, and that workers who construct them are qualified to perform said work. Anyone contracting to work on one-family or two-family dwellings and townhouses must be a licensed contractor. Additionally, electrical and plumbing work must be performed by state licensed contractors. Holiday lights recycling at City Hall ends January 31 Recycle holiday lights, electrical cords, appliance cords, and phone cords courtesy of ProAct. Simply drop off items in a collection bin located in the lobby of City Hall during business hours. Hurry! This drive ends Friday, January 31. Food Drive Update 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. In order to serve neighbors in need all year long, rather than end the holiday drive on January 31 the food donation barrel will be accepting donations year round. March FoodShare will be running for six weeks this year, from March 1 through April 12. Watch for information on how you can take part in the near future. * Save the Date * Earth and Arbor Day — free community event Saturday, April 25 Educational Booths and Activities City Hall | 10am – 12pm World of Wildlife – Minnesota Zoomobile Program City Hall | 11am – 11:45am Volunteer Tree Planting Event Hagstrom King Park | 1:00pm Watch for additional details on the City’s website and social media. Aeration underway at Rogers Lake — exercise caution on and near the ice The City of Mendota Heights has obtained a permit from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to install and operate an aerator on Rogers Lake during the winter months. The purpose of the aerator is to maintain healthy oxygen levels for water quality, as well as prevent winterkill of fish and other aquatic life. If using Rogers Lake during aeration operation, please exercise caution and remember ice is never 100% safe. Heed posted warning signs and stay well away from open water that may be created by the aerator. Always drill test holes periodically as you move across ice to gauge thickness. For more information on lake aeration, visit: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/lakeaeration/index.html Spring tree sale for Mendota Heights residents Start planning for spring! Purchase a quality shade tree for your landscape at a discounted rate of $45. Trees come in a 10 gallon potted container and have a trunk width of approximately 1” in diameter. On-line ordering begins Wednesday, March 11 at 9am. Follow the link on the City’s webpage or visit https://treetrust.org/get-a-tree/ mendotaheights/. Trees must be ordered by May 8. Pick-Up: Saturday, May 16 at the Mendota Heights Public Works Facility Availability: Ordering is limited to two trees per resident. The number of trees and tree species are limited, and available on a first-come, first- served basis. Tree Selections:  Kentucky Coffee Tree  Japanese Tree Lilac  Hackberry  Linden  Bur Oak Planting trees helps beautify Mendota Heights, replaces canopy cover lost due to Emerald Ash Borer, improves air and water quality, and provides food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Absentee voting underway Absentee voting is available for those who wish to vote before the Presidential Nomination Primary on March 3. There are two ways to do so:  Absentee vote in person: Vote at the Mendota Heights City Hall or at any Dakota County Office during regular business hours.  Absentee vote by mail: An application for an absentee ballot can be obtained at MnVotes.org. Remember, if voting by mail, your voted ballot must arrive by Election Day for the vote to count, so please allow enough time for postal delivery. City Hall will be open extended hours for absentee voting on:  Saturday, February 29 | 10:00am-3:00pm  Monday, March 2 | 7:00am-5:00pm Are you pre-registered to vote? Residents are strongly encouraged to pre- register to vote by February 11 to save time at the polls. If you have moved, changed your name, or have not voted in the last four years, you will need to register to vote. Go to MnVotes.org to register to vote, or to check to see if you are already registered to vote. You can also print off a registration form from this site. A registration form can also be completed at City Hall, any Dakota County office, or any License Center. ** Registration opens at 8:00am on Monday, March 2 for spring/ summer recreation programs ** Program information will be available soon in the spring newsletter and on the City website.  Summer Camps  Field Trips  Golf Leagues & Programs  Tennis Leagues & Programs Register online or at City Hall during business hours. Blade with the Blue February 8 Join the MHPD for a fun day of recreational hockey skills and games. Participants will enjoy friendly challenges in fastest skater, passing, shooting accuracy, and longest goal. After the challenges, team up with police officers for 3-on-3 hockey games. Children must provide their own equipment. Time: 1-2:30pm ages 6-9, 2:30-4pm ages 10-13 Cost: FREE Location: Friendly Hills Park-Outdoor Rink Royal Ball February 9 | 3-5pm Registration is open for the fifth annual Royal Ball! There will be crafts, games, meet-and-greet with real princes and princesses, a DJ, refreshments, and dancing. Space fills quickly for this popular event! Cost: $22 per child Ages: 10 (4th grade) and under Location: Concord Exchange Building, South Saint Paul Parks & Recreation Learn more & register: https://secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights- mn/catalog or at City Hall. Let’s get skating! Ice rinks for pleasure skating and hockey are open for the season! Please note only Marie and Friendly Hills Parks will have a warming house attendant. Wentworth Park’s warming house will be open, however there will not be an attendant on-site. OUTDOOR RINK LOCATIONS Friendly Hills - 2360 Pueblo Lane Marie Park - 1780 Lilac Lane Wentworth Park - 739 Wentworth Avenue WARMING HOUSE HOURS For up-to-date information on rink conditions and warming house availability throughout the season, please call the hotline: 651-255-1174. Rink conditions & availability are weather- dependent. Outdoor rinks and warming houses will be closed when the air temperature is below zero. Monday-Friday 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm Non-school/vacation days and most holidays 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm Discover activities to keep you moving this winter The latest episode of the Community Parks Connection features local parks and recreational activities happening this winter, including a preview of the new playground at Wentworth Park! View the episode at https://vimeo.com/380751741. The LMRWMO wants to hear from you The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization is in the process of updating its 10-year Watershed Management Plan, and they need your input! Make your voice be heard by taking their brief survey. By answering just a few short questions, you will help the WMO to better understand your concerns, priorities and goals for the health of the watershed. Please submit comments by March 1, 2020. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization provides a valuable forum for member cities to evaluate and resolve drainage and water quality issues within the watershed. To learn more about the LMRWMO, visit their website: Lower Mississippi River WMO. 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. * Save the Date * Spring Shred Event Saturday, April 18 9:00am-noon West Saint Paul Sports Complex Plastic Cups Paper Cups/Bowls YES Recycle Remove straw and dump ice. NO Trash These are coated in plastic. Throw into trash bin. Do You Know Which of These Fast-Food Cups can be Recycled? Recycling for packing peanuts Did you know that you can take your packing peanuts to any UPS Store for reuse? Drop them off at any UPS Store and they will get a second life. Ramsey County Fix-It Clinic Saturday, February 22 Noon-3:00pm Rice Street Library, Saint Paul Details: https://www.ramseycounty.us/residents/ recycling-waste/reuse/fix-it-clinics Landscaping for clean water workshops Receive grant funds and on-site assistance for creating a beautiful landscape feature in your yard, such as a raingarden, native garden or shoreline stabilization! Landscaping for Clean Water is a program for Dakota County residents that provides assistance for creating landscape features that promote clean water, benefit local pollinators, are sustainable and low-maintenance, and look beautiful! How does it work?  Attend a FREE introductory workshop where you’ll learn gardening basics, and how to create landscaping that can benefit our local water.  Sign up and attend a two-night Design Course ($25 one-time cost) that allows you to work hands-on with staff to begin planning and designing a garden in your yard.  Apply for the Landscaping for Clean Water Grant by filling out an application. FREE INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOPS All hour-long workshops will start at 6:00 p.m. Select one of ten different dates and locations. MAINTENANCE WORKSHOPS Already have a Raingarden or other Native Planting? Attend a Maintenance Workshop and learn how to maintain your raingarden or native planting year- round! Mendota Heights: Wed., March 4, 5-6:30 PM Inver Grove Heights: Tues., March 31, 6-7:30 PM Apple Valley: Wed., April 29, 5-6:30 PM LEARN MORE & REGISTER DakotaSWCD.org/cleanwater.html Call: 651-480-7777 Email: SWCD@co.dakota.mn.us The Lawns to Legumes Program is accepting applications Have you been looking for a way to help the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee and other pollinators? Or maybe you have been wanting to create an environmentally-friendly, low- maintenance landscape? The Lawns to Legumes program offers a simple way to do both! The MN Board of Water and Soil Resources is now offering grants as part of the new Lawns to Legumes Program. This program offers workshops, coaching, guides, and cost-share funding for installing pollinator-friendly native plantings in residential landscapes. These pollinator habitats could consist of any of the following:  A Native Pocket Planting or garden with native, pollinator beneficial flowers  Establishing a Pollinator Lawn by removing existing turf and replacing with a pollinator seed mix that includes no-mow fescues and low-growing flowers, or seeding no-mow fescues and low-growing native flowers into existing lawn  Pollinator beneficial trees and shrubs  Establishing a Pollinator Meadow or a large area with a diversity of native plants, such as a native prairie that includes both native grasses and wildflowers Individual Support Grants are available to Minnesota residents for projects that establish pollinator habitat in their yards. If awarded, up to $350 in grant funds are available to applicants. To apply, visit Blue Thumb's Online Application Page. The first application period ends February 28. Minnesota Department of Transportation stormwater repairs at Valley Park The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be repairing and replacing two outfalls, or stormwater outlet structures that outlet into Interstate Valley Creek, beginning this winter. Tree removal will be necessary in order to access the two structures. Tree removal will begin this winter, and structural work will take place in July of 2020. The access will begin at the Xcel utility facility adjacent to I-35E in the northwest portion of Valley Park, and continue approximately 700 feet to the south, running parallel along I-35E. The goal of the project is to reduce stormwater velocity coming from the outlet structures, and also reduce or eliminate current erosion that is happening around the structures. View a map of the project here. For additional information, please contact:: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician kristas@mendota-heights.com | 651-255-1123 Chris Chatfield, PE, Principal Water Resources Engineer MnDOT Metro District Christopher.Chatfield@state.mn.us | 651-234-7365. 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/. 1 The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department JANUARY 24, 2020 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 Jared Powell INVESTIGATIONS Nick Gorgos SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER Steve Hilyar COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER Coming Soon SUPPORT STAFF Kim Richter Trista Miller Shayna Hoechst Becky Pentel RESERVES Jim Knox Jeff Parker CHAPLAINS Butch Millett John Snider Alberto Vargas Lynn Liberman Sue Plucker Joel Detlefsen Mike VerWay Excessive Alcohol Use Can Lead To:  Suicide & Death  Traffic Deaths & Severe Injuries  Violence, Sexual Assaults & Date Rape  Alcohol Dependence  School Delinquency, Failure & Dropout Binge Drinking About 1/3 of high school seniors and 1 in 8 freshman report binge drinking. Binge drinking can result in rapid intoxication, leading to alcohol poisoning and even death due to slowed or stopped breathing, choking on vomit, etc. 1 out of 5 male high school seniors and 1 out of 7 female high school seniors is a frequent drinker. Among college freshman, girls consume alcohol and binge drink at a rate equal to boys. MN Social Host Ordinance MN communities have social host ordinances that make it a criminal misdemeanor to host an event or gathering where persons under 21 years of age possess or consume alcohol regardless of whether the person hosting the event or gathering supplied the alcohol. Mendota Heights Social Host Ordinance: 4-6-1 CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UNDERAGE DRINKING CONSEQUENCES, FACTS AND LAWS 2 UNDER 21-NOT A DROP — MARIE AVE/DODD RD 01/17/20, 0114 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on the 600 block of Marie Avenue. While speaking with the driver, the officer could smell the odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from the driver's breath and his eyes were watery. Driver admitted to drinking alcohol earlier in the evening. Driver performed a field sobriety test and recorded a BAC that was under 0.08. Driver was under the age of 21 and was cited for Not A Drop violation. DISTURBANCE — 18XX LEXINGTON AVE 01/17/20, 2319 HOURS Officers responded to a report of a domestic assault on the 1800 block of Lexington Ave. After speaking with both parties, it was determined a crime did not occur. The parties agreed to be separated for the night. UNINSURED MOTOR VEHICLE — NORTHLAND DR/HWY 55 01/18/20, 2313 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop for a speed violation at Northland Drive and Hwy 55. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer discovered the vehicle was not registered and did not have vehicle insurance, the driver's license was revoked, and the officer previously impounded the vehicle for the same reasons. The driver was cited for the offenses and the vehicle was once again impounded. DWI — HWY 62/HWY 13 01/19/20, 0129 HOURS Officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 62 and Highway 13 and while speaking with the driver, the officer observed signs of impairment. Officer conducted a field sobriety test and it was determined the driver was over the legal limit. The driver was booked and released from the Dakota County Jail for Misdemeanor 4th Degree DWI and the vehicle was impounded. THEFT — 13XX NORTHLAND DR 01/20/20, 1529 HOURS Officer dispatched to a theft call on the 1300 block of Northland Drive. The reporting party stated that his wallet was stolen and that he left it in the hallway. The reporting party stated that his credit card had been used. Officer located stores that the card had been used at and will get security footage. WARRANT ARREST — DELAWARE AVE/HWY 62 01/21/20, 0852 HOURS Officers were dispatched to a motorist assist on Hwy 62 and Delaware Ave for a vehicle that was stalled in the turn lane. Officer made contact with an adult female driver. The driver of the vehicle was arrested for a warrant and transported to Dakota County Jail. THEFT — 7XX MAIN ST 01/21/20, 1811 HOURS Officers were dispatched to a theft report on the 700 block of Main Street. The reporting party stated that on a previous date a male entered the store and stole ice cream from the freezer. The reporting party had photos and security footage of the incident. 3 TAX EVASION — HWY 62/SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY 01/22/19, 1005 HOURS A traffic stop was conducted near the intersection of Hwy 13 and Hwy 62 on a vehicle displaying expired tabs. It was found that the driver knowingly allowed her tabs to expire for seven months. Case sent for charging. VULNERABLE ADULT — 13XX 2ND ST 01/22/19, 1253 HOURS Officer received a MAARC report at the 1300 block of 2nd Street in Mendota. Officer made contact with the alleged victim and the alleged suspect. The MAARC report allegations were unfounded. THEFT — 18XX DELAWARE AVE 01/22/19, 1732 HOURS Officers responded to a phone call report of a theft from the 1800 block of Delaware Ave. An iPhone was stolen from a victim and camera footage of the incident is possibly available. Case forwarded to SRO for follow up. THEFT — 23XX APACHE CT 01/23/19, 0938 HOURS Officers were called to the 2300 block of Apache Ct for a reported trailer theft. Officers were told that a trailer with a snow blower was taken from the front of the residence without being noticed. The serial numbers are being tracked down by the victim and will be added to NCIC if located with a supplemental report. FRAUD — 2XXX VALENCOUR CI 01/23/19, 1125 HOURS Officers dispatched to a fraud report at the 2000 block of Valencour Circle. The reporting party stated that his credit card was used at the Eagan Outlet Mall at multiple stores. Case pending. 4 01/17—01/23 2020 YTD Calls for Service 171 724 Police Reports 17 80 Citations 28 97 Warnings 33 155 Response Time Average 7.59 7.42 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 VEHICLE SLIDING? That means you are going too fast for road conditions. DO NOT HIT YOUR BRAKES Braking triggers slides and makes existing slides worse. TURN INTO THE SLIDE Turn wheels in the direction the back of the vehicle is sliding. DON’T PANIC OR OVERCORRECT Overcorrecting may send the car into an unrecoverable spin.