2020-02-14 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
M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm
Upcoming Public
Meeting Dates
Mon., February 17
Presidents’ Day
City Hall & Public Works Closed
Tues., February 18
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
Wed., February 19
City Council Work Session | 4:15pm
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
Wed., March 4
City Council Mtg | 7:00pm
(Note Wednesday meeting date)
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Twitter.com/ @mendota_heights
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@mheightsPD
February 14, 2020
from the City of Mendota Heights
FRIDAY NEWS
Blading with the Blue
Thank you to everyone who came out last
Saturday to Blade with the Blue at
Friendly Hills’ outdoor rink!
Current traffic impacts
Please plan accordingly and drive safely through these construction areas:
WB I-494 from Pilot Knob to the River Bridge
There will be right lane and shoulder closures on westbound I-494, from Pilot Knob to
the River Bridge, from 9am-5pm Fri., Feb. 14, Mon., Feb. 17, and Tues., Feb. 18. No
impacts are anticipated over the weekend.
Hwy 13 between Highview Avenue and Mendota Road
A northbound right lane and shoulder closure is planned on Highway 13, between
Highview Avenue and Mendota Heights Road (near I-494) starting 8am today through
midnight, February 28.
Hwy 149/High bridge project complete
MnDOT has announced that the Hwy 149/High Bridge project has been completed, with
the High Bridge opening December 2019 and other associated work also completed. Watch for a landscaping project to begin this spring on Hwy 149 between I-494 in
Mendota Heights and Hwy 5 in St. Paul, and on Hwy 13 between Hwy 149 and Cherokee
Hts. Blvd. Motorists impacts include possible shoulder closures but all roads and other
lanes will remain open. The project will be complete in June 2021.
Project website: www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy149highbridge/.
Be prepared for delays on highways around MSP Airport —
April through October
Plan for major road work around the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport starting in
April through October 2020. There will be eastbound and westbound closures on
Highway 5, bridge and ramp closures, weekend eastbound I-494 closures, and additional
bridge and ramp work at the I-35E/I-494 interchange throughout the construction
season.
Visit and bookmark https://aroundtheairport.com/ for closures, detour routes and other
information to help you plan your drive.
Get ready for the 2020 Census
The 2020 Census is
coming! To learn
more about the
importance of
everyone being
counted, how the
information is used,
and related job
opportunities,
watch Insight 7’s
story: https://vimeo.com/390850011.
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
Attend a free seminar on opening a restaurant/
food business in Dakota County!
Open to Business is hosting Food Business Start Up 101 on
February 26 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at the Dakota County
Community Development Agency (CDA) in Eagan. You’ll learn how
to assess your idea and financial readiness, key steps and cost
considerations, and will receive resource information for ongoing
assistance.
Learn more & register: https://o2bfoodstartup101.eventbrite.com
Saturday, February 29 | 1-4pm
Mendota Heights Fire Station, 2121 Dodd Rd.
The City is hosting an indoor garage sale featuring surplus office
furnishings, equipment, miscellaneous tools, and more from the Fire
Station and other city departments. Items will be price marked and
will be available to purchase in-person only, on a first-come, first-
served basis. Payment is CASH ONLY (checks and credit/debit cards
will not be accepted). Come prepared to haul away purchases; items
will need to be picked up that day by 4:30pm. Please note that this sale
does not include any type of Fire memorabilia or souvenirs. Shopper parking will be available off of Mendakota Drive; do not
park in the Fire Station lot (unless directed for loading).
Featured items include:
Banquet tables (appx. 14)
Red padded meeting chairs (appx. 65)
Office chairs (appx. 24)
High-top chairs (3)
Wall mount gasoline storage container (1)
Industrial storage rack (1)
Miscellaneous tools (drills, saws, task lights, etc.)
Digital cameras
And more!
Visit the City website for additional details.
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.
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
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.
Nominate an outstanding volunteer today
Nominations are being accepted through March 13 for the fourth
annual Garold 'Jerry' Murphy Community Service Award. This
award is presented in April, during National Volunteer Week, to
an individual who exemplifies outstanding volunteer service to the
cities of Mendota Heights, Mendota or Lilydale. Candidate
eligibility information and a nomination form can be found at
http://bit.ly/JMServiceAward2020. Nomination forms may also be
picked up at City Hall during business hours.
Registration is open for the Officer Scott
Patrick Memorial 5K Walk/Run
Register for the 15th Annual Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K
Walk/Run to benefit Special Olympics Minnesota. The event will
be held on Saturday, June 6 at The Village of Mendota Heights.
Registration is $25 before June 6, or $30 on the day of the event.
Registration forms are available at City Hall or on the city’s
website.
** 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
Spring Shred Event—Saturday, April 18
9:00am-noon | West Saint Paul Sports Complex
Saturday, Feb. 15
Noon-3pm | Farmington Library
Saturday, March 21
Noon-3pm | Robert Trail Library
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 from 9:00am-noon 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.
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
Sign-up for the tree planting on the City’s Parks & Recreation
online registration page under Volunteer Opportunities: https://
secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog
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
The LMRWMO wants to hear
from you
The Lower Mississippi River Watershed
Management Organization (LMRWMO) is in
the process of updating its 10-year Watershed
Management Plan, and they need your input!
Take 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 LMRWMO Organization provides a
valuable forum for member cities to evaluate
and resolve drainage and water quality issues
within the watershed. To learn more visit their
website: Lower Mississippi River WMO.
Are you interested in becoming more
involved? The Lower Mississippi River Watershed
Management Organization is looking for
citizens to serve on a Citizen Advisory
Committee (CAC). The CAC would provide
citizen input on the 4th Generation
Management Plan, and actively participate in
the process. For more information, contact:
Joe Barten, Administrator c/o Dakota County
Soil and Water Conservation District
4100 220th St. West, Suite 102
Farmington, MN 55024
T.651.480.7784 | F.651.480.7775
E-mail: joe.barten@co.dakota.mn.us
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
FEBRUARY 14, 2020
CHIEF
Kelly McCarthy
CAPTAIN
Wayne Wegener
SERGEANTS
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
Do not be a victim to romance scams
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for scammers to take advantage of those who
are lonely and vulnerable.
Scammers can use various ways to contact you whether it be via a phone call,
email, dating websites and social media.
WHAT TO BE AWARE OF:
Individuals who confess their love in a short period of time
Individuals who tell stories that tend to pull your heart strings
Individuals who send pictures of themselves or family
Individuals who try to pry into your personal information
Individuals who claim they need money for medical expenses, etc.
Individuals who try to get you to buy and mail them gift cards
TIPS...WITH LOVE, FROM MHPD:
Only use reputable dating sites
Do not share personal information
Do not loan or transfer money
If you are meeting someone you
met online, meet in a public place
Do not believe stories with severe
life circumstances
Research photos and profiles in
other online search tools
2
HARASSING COMMUNICATION—14XX DODD RD 02/07/20, 0958 HOURS
Officers responded to request for a welfare check. It was determined that the suspect had been harassing
the victim and was advised to not contact the victim. Shortly after this conversation, the suspect
communicated with a family member of the victim. The suspect was ultimately mailed a citation as a result
of the incident.
WELFARE CHECK—16XX MAYFIELD HEIGHTS RD 02/07/20, 1632 HOURS
Officers conducted a welfare check. Contact was made with resident and they were provided with
appropriate resources.
RECOVERED STOLEN VEHICLE/PROSTITUTION/DRUGS—13XX NORTHLAND DR 02/07/20, 1959 HOURS
Officer ran the plate of a vehicle parked in lot at local hotel. Vehicle came back as stolen. Male party who
was working under vehicle admitted he was working on it for a prostitute he was there to meet. Male party
arrested for possession of stolen property, solicitation of prostitution, tamper with motor vehicle and
possession of narcotics.
DWI—14XX MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 02/08/20, 0149 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the officer observed signs of impairment.
Officer attempted to conduct a field sobriety test however the driver was unable to perform them. Driver
was determined to be over the legal limit and placed under arrest. Driver later refused to submit to the
breath test and was charged with 3rd Degree DWI Test Refusal. Driver was booked into the Dakota County
Jail and the vehicle was impounded.
SUSPICIOUS PERSON—DODD RD/MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 02/08/20, 1759 HOURS
A 911 caller reported being followed by two vehicles and was directed by the dispatcher to the police
station. Officer met with the victim who said that her son had a disagreement with another boy at school.
This boy has been harassing the male and his family since. Officer met with the suspect and his parents.
Discipline was left to the parents and the parents of the second vehicle was advised as well.
TRAFFIC STOP/DAS—35E/HWY 13 02/09/20, 2350 HOURS
Officer conducted a traffic stop and found the driver had a suspended drivers license and smelled of
marijuana. A vehicle search led to the discovery of prescription drugs. The party stated they belonged to
his ex-girlfriend. Officer confiscated the pills for sake keeping to be picked up at a later date. A citation
was issued for DAS and No Proof of Insurance.
3
THEFT—AUTO PARTS—1XXX MENDOTA HEIGHTS RD 02/11/20, 1518 HOURS
Officer dispatched to a theft of vehicle parts. The reporting party stated that his vehicle was parked in a
parking lot for over a month and he just found out that parts from his vehicle had been stolen. Officer
gathered information and report written.
TS/DAC—35E & HWY 62 02/12/20, 1435 HOURS
A routine license plate query showed the registered owner as having a cancelled license. The driver was
confirmed cancelled and arrested. The vehicle was towed after a small amount of marijuana was found and
destroyed. Forward for charging.
TS/DAC-IPS—35E & HWY 62 02/12/20, 1730 HOURS
Officers were patrolling and conducted a random license plate check, revealing the registered owner was
cancelled inimical to public safety. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the driver.
CSC—2XXX DODD RD 01/0420, 1600 HOURS
Officers responded to a request for a call back and learned of a possible criminal sexual conduct. Reporting
party stated that a coworker touched her inappropriately and has made inappropriate comments to her
also. Claims were investigated and is pending video from the workplace.
BURGLARY—1XXX NORTHLAND DR 02/13/20, 0756 HOURS
Officers were dispatched to take a report of a past action burglary. Sometime during the overnight hours an
unknown suspect forced entry into a maintenance area and removed tools and other items. The incident is
under investigation.
4
02/07—02/13 2020 YTD
Calls for Service 177 1407
Police Reports 17 146
Citations 43 276
Warnings 51 367
Response Time Average 7.95 7.44
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
Quite often, those who
commit crimes do it to
fund a drug habit. It
might start “small” with
occasional use. But if
drug use becomes a
habit or a need, other
criminal activity usually
begins and life takes a
scary, sharp turn.
If your loved one is an
addict but is ready for
help, Minnesota offers
Treatment Court.
MN Treatment
Courts:
Adult Drug Courts
DWI Courts
Family Dependency
Treatment Court
Juvenile Drug
Court
Mental Health
Court
Veterans Court