Loading...
2020-01-31 Friday NewsMendota 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 Upcoming Public Meeting Dates Tues., February 4 City Council Meeting | 7:00pm 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) Sat., February 29 City Hall Open for Absentee Voting | 10:00am-3:00pm Mon., March 2 City Hall Open for Absentee Voting | 7:00am-5:00pm Stay Connected: Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsMN Facebook.com/ MHParksandRec Facebook.com/ MendotaHeightsPD Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights Twitter.com/ @mheightsPD January 31, 2020 from the City of Mendota Heights FRIDAY NEWS Additional information on City issued contractor licenses no longer being required Building contractors are no longer required to be licensed by the City of Mendota Heights. The State of Minnesota licenses some contractors to ensure a higher level of professionalism and consumer protection. Contractors that contract directly with homeowners of residential real estate are required to have a Residential Building Contractor (RBC) license, including roofing contractors, plumbers, electricians and mechanical contractors. Who does not need a State RBC license? Contractors that provide only one “special skill” are not required to have a State license. The State maintains a list of these special skill categories. Examples of a “special skill” that does not require a State license are siding, finish carpentry, ceramic tile, decks and sheet rock. Additionally, the following are not required to have a State RBC license: commercial contractors, subcontractors who do not contract directly with the homeowner, employees of a licensed contractor, owners doing their own work on their own property in which they occupy, contractors who work on residential buildings with more than four units, material suppliers, architects and engineers doing work within the scope of their practice, and contractors with gross receipts less than $15,000 per year who have a certificate of exemption from the State. For a complete list go to https://www.dli.mn.gov/business/residential-contractors/who- needs-license. Thank you Commissioner Noonan Retiring Planning Commissioner Michael Noonan was presented with a Recognition of Service Plaque by Chair Mary Magnusson at the January 28 Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Noonan has served for nine years on the Planning Commission, which is the maximum limit of three consecutive terms. Meeting cancellation The City Council Work Session scheduled for Thursday, February 6 has been cancelled. Royal Ball event cancelled Due to low enrollment, the 2020 Royal Ball scheduled for February 9 has been cancelled. All families currently registered have been contacted and a refund has been issued. For questions please contact Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence at 651-255-1354. * 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. 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. Census workers needed Minnesota needs 7,500 census workers this year. Are you interested in being one of them? The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring for a range of temporary, flexible jobs that make a difference in every community. The 2020 Census determines how more than a trillion dollars are spent locally for schools, roads, hospitals and much more. That means you could earn extra income while shaping your community’s future. Pay starts at $22 per hour in Dakota County. Learn more and apply at 2020census.gov/jobs. ** 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 Event Cancelled Due to low enrollment, the 2020 Royal Ball scheduled for February 9 has been cancelled. All families currently registered have been contacted and a refund has been issued. For questions please contact Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence at 651-255-1354. 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 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 Did you miss the holiday lights recycling event? You can still bring holiday lights to The Recycling Zone for recycling all year long. Recycle Right Did you know cartons that contain broth, milks, juice and wine are all recyclable? Simply rinse and remove straws. 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 Roundabouts show an 86%         decrease in fatal crashes, an  83% decrease in life‐altering  crashes, and a 42% overall     decrease in the injury crash  Roundabouts provide beƩer  fuel efficiency and air quality.   They replace signals, idling  decreases which reduces      vehicle emissions and fuel  consumpƟon by 30% or  DRIVERS  Slow down when approaching a         roundabout. Get in the appropriate lane.  Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.  Yield to vehicles already in the            roundabout.  Merge into traffic flow.  Do not stop or pass in a roundabout.  Exit roundabout immediately if an      emergency vehicle approaches & then  pull over.   Give large trucks extra space in a        roundabout, they may straddle both  lanes.  PEDESTRIANS  Cross only at crosswalks and designated walkways.  Never cross to the central island.  Cross roundabout one approach at a Ɵme checking for traffic.  BICYCLISTS  Ride with traffic inside the roundabout or use the crosswalks appropriately.  Follow the same rules as vehicles when riding with traffic, yield when entering.     2           FRAUD — 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY        01/24/20, 0821 HOURS  A resident called to report that his son with power of aƩorney had giŌed $20,000 to himself and family members    illegally. Search warrants were issued to the relevant banks to  invesƟgate the possibility of criminal acƟvity. The case  is under invesƟgaƟon.   DAC –IPS — 1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY        01/24/20, 1727 HOURS  Officer stopped vehicle for unsafe passing and speeding. The driver of the vehicle was found to be Cancelled Inimical  to Public Safety. Driver was arrested and booked into Dakota County Jail for Gross Misdemeanor Driving while       Cancelled IPS. Case status cleared with adult arrest.  FELONY DWI — FIELD STONE/POND VIEW DR       01/24/20, 2055 HOURS  Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle reported to have poor driving conduct. While speaking with the driver,  the officer could smell the strong odor of consumed alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. Driver        performed a field sobriety test and was found to be over the legal limit. Driver was arrested and booked into the   Dakota County Jail for Felony DWI, Gross Misdemeanor Driving AŌer CancellaƟon‐IPS, and IgniƟon Interlock             violaƟon. The vehicle was impounded to Mark’s Towing.  CHECK WELFARE — 2XXX MENDAKOTA DR        01/24/20, 1936 HOURS  Officer was called to check on an elderly male who was confused. His wife was located and picked him up. Case       referred to social service.   SUSPICIOUS PERSON — 2XXX FIELD STONE DR       01/24/20, 2030 HOURS  Officers responded to homeowner reports of footprints in the snow leading to mulƟple windows and doors of          residences.  Officers determined that an arrest the day before may be related. Officer contacted two homeowners  and leŌ business cards for the others. Video was found from a neighboring residence that shows the suspect from  the previous arrest walking around the residences. Shoe impressions were compared with the suspect and were the  same. Officers were unable to prove that the suspect entered the three season porch because no evidence from the  suspect was found inside of them. Case status assist/advise.  4TH DEG DWI — DODD RD/HWY 62         01/26/20, 0138 HOURS  Officer conducted a traffic stop and while speaking with the driver, the officer observed signs of impairment. Driver  performed a field sobriety test and was determined to be over the legal limit. The driver was booked and released  from the Dakota County Jail for 4th Degree Misdemeanor DWI. The vehicle was impounded.   VEHICLE THEFT — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR        01/26/20, 0626 HOURS  Officer dispatched report of theŌ of auto. Officer met with an adult male who said his vehicle was stolen by an adult  female overnight. Report wriƩen.   SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY — 1XX STONEBRIDGE RD       01/26/20, 0836 HOURS  Officer dispatched to the area of Stonebridge Road. Officer made contact with the adult male caller who advised that  his mail that was delivered yesterday had been removed and other mailboxes were opened in the neighborhood.  Other reports soon  followed of mail found on the ground nearby.  Mail was returned and further informaƟon was  documented.  Case closed assist/advise.     3         4TH DEG DWI — 1XXX NORTHLAND DR        01/26/20, 2234 HOURS  Officer conducted a traffic stop. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer observed signs of impairment and           conducted a field sobriety test. The driver was placed under arrest for suspicion of DWI‐ Controlled Substance. AŌer    being placed under arrest, the driver claimed to be feeling symptoms of an unknown medical emergency. Medics  arrived and transported the driver to HCMC hospital. Charges are pending blood test results.   JUV 5TH DEG DRUGS — 1XXX DELAWARE AVE       01/24/20, 1530 HOURS  Responded to take a report of a controlled substance violaƟon that happened involving two juveniles. An item was  sent to the Dakota County Drug Task Force for presumpƟve tesƟng and the case will be forwarded to the County  AƩorney for charging consideraƟon aŌer obtaining the results of that test.  DISSEMINATE PORN — 1XXX DELAWARE AVE       01/27/20, 1350 HOURS  Responded to take a report of a juvenile who was suspected of disseminaƟng child pornography via social media. The  case is under invesƟgaƟon.  ACCIDENT/DWI — 2XXX LEXINGTON AVE S        01/29/20, 0400 HOURS  Officers were dispatched to a report of a crashed vehicle. Officers found the vehicle and spoke with the driver. He  admiƩed to consuming alcohol and was run through SFSTs and PBT. He was placed under arrest for DWI. He was  transported to Dakota Jail for DWI. Case Status cleared by arrest.  IDENTITY THEFT — 9XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY       01/29/20, 1031 HOURS  An employee of a local business learned unauthorized checks were being passed. Employee received a phone call on  01‐28‐2020 from an individual from out of state, inquiring about a check that was received. The employee contacted  their bank and discovered 26 unauthorized checks. There has been no financial loss, the bank requested a report be  filed. Case Status: InacƟve  HARRASSMENT — 1XXX MARY ADELE         01/29/20, 1435 HOURS  Officers were informed that a harassment restraining order violaƟon had taken place. Probable cause was               established by officers to arrest the suspect. Several agencies were asked to check on past addresses associated with  the suspect, who so far not been located. An alert was put out to pick up and hold the suspect if located. The suspect  was ulƟmately arrested.  DAC‐IPS — VICTORIA/MARIE AVE         01/29/20, 1715 HOURS  Officer stopped vehicle for equipment violaƟon at Victoria and Marie. Vehicle driver was cancelled IPS. The driver  was arrested for driving cancelled IPS. Driver was transported to Dakota County Jail. Case status cleared by arrest.   THEFT FROM AUTO — 7XX MAIN ST         01/29/20, 1900 HOURS  Officers responded to the 700 block of Main St on report of a theŌ from vehicle. Upon arrival officers found a vehicle  that had their rear passenger’s window broken out. VicƟm had a purse stolen and credit cards aƩempted to be used  at mulƟple stores. InvesƟgaƟon is ongoing.    4         THEFT FROM AUTO — 1XXX DAKOTA DR        01/29/20, 2038 HOURS  Officer dispatched to a theŌ from motor vehicle call. The reporƟng party stated that her vehicle's window had been  smashed and her purse had been stolen from inside the vehicle. Officer gathered informaƟon and wrote report.   2ND DEG DWI — 7XX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY       01/30/20, 0031 HOURS  Officer conducted a traffic stop for a speeding violaƟon. While speaking with the driver, the officer observed signs of  impairment. Driver performed a field sobriety test and was determined to be over the legal limit. Driver was booked  into the Dakota County Jail for 2nd Degree Gross Misdemeanor DWI. The vehicle was released to a sober driver.   TS‐MARIJUANA — ANNAPOLIS/HWY 13        01/30/20, 1126 HOURS  Ran vehicle registraƟon and drivers license check on listed vehicle. Vehicle came back current and clear, registered  owner came back as Record Only. Vehicle stopped, upon approach, the officer could smell burnt marijuana. Driver  was ID'd and issued citaƟon for possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle. Case Status: Cleared by citaƟon.  FRAUD — 1XXX KNOLLWOOD LN         01/30/20, 1537 HOURS  Officers responded to a phone call report of financial transacƟon card fraud. ReporƟng party stated that they had  their card in hand and had fraudulent charges applied to online stores. ReporƟng party's business credit card had  been charged and they had already filed a report with their bank. Report was taken and a case number was provided  to the vicƟm.  ACCIDENT — HIT & RUN—1XXX SIBLEY MEMORIAL HWY      01/30/20, 1915 HOURS  Officer discovered an abandoned vehicle with recent front‐end damage. Area was checked for vehicle occupants who  could not be located. Vehicle was towed. Case clear with report.     5   Farewell, #2208! Having someone leave MHPD is bittersweet. We wish them well and are happy for their change, but we’re often sad to see them go. Today we get to be grateful! We had to pleasure of working with Sergeant Eric Petersen, #2208. We’re also thankful Eric can retire as a police officer intact and healthy. We get to be hopeful—that his new career path in the private sector is rewarding as he looks forward to a new life with his future bride-to-be. And we get to be just a little sad. Eric has always been very smart and decisive, thoughtful and so kind. His experience and knowledge will be sorely missed by us all and we count ourselves with those who have been touched by his big heart, dedication and selfless service to this profession. We wish you all the best in this next stage of your life, Eric! Your last call today will be hard for some of us to hear. 01/24—01/30 2020 YTD Calls for Service 209 972 Police Reports 26 114 Citations 42 148 Warnings 69 225 Response Time Average 6.63 7.24 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