2020-09-04 Friday News0
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Friday News 9/4/20
City of Mendota Heights sent this bulletin at 09/04/2020 02:00 PM CDT
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FRIDAY NEWS | September 4, 2020
THE LATEST
Rogers Lake's skateboarding area will remain open while the Commission studies the long-term issues.
Skate Park to be studied by Parks & Recreation
Commission
At its meeting on September 1, the City Council discussed the maintenance and operation
of the Rogers Lake's Skateboard Park. Since 2018 there has been a considerable amount
of vandalism, DIY (do-it-yourself) modifications, and additions by users that were not city-
approved, along with some public safety concerns at the park.
The City Council received data and information from staff and then allowed public comment
on the topic. The City Council thanked members of the public for their feedback and interest
in keeping the park while maintaining public safety for all users. Following this information,
the City Council unanimously recommended to send the discussion to the Parks and
Recreation Commission. The City Council asked the Commission to look at both short-term
operational issues, but also long-term issues including location and desired capital
improvements needed moving forward with the intent of keeping a skateboard park in
Mendota Heights. The City Council has asked staff to include residents (especially youth
users) in the form of a subcommittee to provide insight, perspective, and recommendations
about the park.
Rogers Lake's skateboard area will remain open while the Parks and Recreation
Commission studies the park and provides the City Council with recommendations moving
forward. If you have questions please contact City staff at 651-452-1850. A replay of the
September 1 City Council meeting is available online at townsquare.tv.
"Hey…why the stretch of new concrete on Marie
Avenue?”
Even before the newly reconstructed section of Marie Avenue has been reopened to
through traffic, people have asked the City why a section of concrete has been installed in
what is otherwise a totally asphalt street.
According to Ryan Ruzek, the City’s Public Works Director, the 400 foot long section of
concrete paving is actually a bridge. He said that when Marie Avenue was first being paved
in the early 1970's, engineers found that there was a section of poor soils which was over a
high ground water table. It would have been difficult to construct a traditional road base, so
a bridge—with pilings and load-bearing structures—was built.
At that time, asphalt was chosen for the driving surface, and asphalt was also used when
Marie was resurfaced in 2001. However, today’s standards call for something more durable,
and so the section of concrete was chosen to be installed as the new driving surface. The
project also replaced portions of the bridge structure itself.
“We call it a land bridge," said Ruzek. “The function hasn't changed from what was there
before, but the light-colored concrete does stand out from the asphalt street."
He went on to say that final work on the street reconstruction project is being done. Marie
Avenue from Lexington Avenue to Dodd Road is expected to reopen to through traffic
sometime the week of September 21.
Watch the candidate forum this Thursday, Sept 10
Town Square Television is hosting an upcoming candidate forum for Mendota Heights
Mayor and City Council candidates. Watch the forum LIVE on Thursday, September 10 at
8:30 p.m. via Comcast Xfinity Channel 14, online at townsquare.tv/webstreaming, or
at Town Square Television's Facebook page.
Election information
Preregister to vote
Residents are encouraged to preregister to vote if they are
not already registered. You may preregister up until 5 p.m.
on October 13, 2020. After that date, you must register
when you vote. To check your registration status or to
register visit MNVotes.org. You can also print out a paper form or obtain a paper form from
City Hall.
You will need to register if you have never voted before, if you have changed your name or
address since you last voted (including moving to another apartment in the same building),
or if you have not voted in four years.
Apply for an absentee (early) voting ballot
To vote by mail, visit MNVotes.org to apply for an absentee ballot to be mailed to you.
In-person absentee (early) voting begins Sept. 18
Vote at City Hall beginning Friday, Sept 18. Voting will be available during regular business
hours, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 7 to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays. Extended
absentee voting hours will be available Saturday,October 31,from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.and
absentee voting hours will be available Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and
Monday, Nov 2, until 5 p.m.
City Hall business hours will continue as-is
The City Council authorized at its meeting on September 1 to continue with City Hall lobby
hours as they currently are:
Monday thru Thursday: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 7 to 11:30 a.m.
The Police Department lobby continues to be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30
p.m.
Disposable mask supply at City Hall for distribution
to local businesses is depleted
The supply of free disposable masks, which had been provided by the State of Minnesota
and the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce is now gone.
Recent highlights:
How to use the Reduced Conflict Intersection around the Crown Point neighborhood.
Door-to-door soliciting in Mendota Heights: what's allowed and what isn't.
Review these regulations on the placement of campaign yard signs.
Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K T-shirts available for sale while supplies last.
Dakota County extends protective equipment donation drive; donate items at
Western Service Center and all Library locations.
RECYCLING
Dakota County online Recycling Guide makes it
easier to know what to throw
Dakota County has launched an improved online recycling directory to help residents know
what to recycle and where to bring household items not accepted at the curb. The updated
Recycling Guide — available at dakotacounty.us and by downloading the Dakota County
app — allows users to enter a keyword to easily find reuse, recycling and disposal
information.
From aluminum cans to mattresses to vacuum cleaners, the Recycling Guide tells you what
to do with hundreds of materials. Enter the name of an item and find out how to donate or
reuse it and how to recycle or toss it. Users can even suggest items not in the guide to be
added to the directory. The Recycling Guide is continually updated to provide residents the
most useful information. Download the Dakota County app for iOS and Android phones and
devices or visit dakotacounty.us, search recycling guide to start using the Recycling Guide.
Save the date
Saturday, Oct 3 | 8 a.m. to noon at Mendakota Park
Mendota Heights residents can take advantage of these two recycling events on the same
day, at the same location. Please note that there are important changes to what will be
accepted at the Fall Clean-Up event this year. Visit the City's website for event details and
watch for more information in upcoming Friday News issues.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Update on the Pollinator Corridor Project at Valley
Park
Great River Greening, along with approximately 30 Xcel Energy employees, will be at Valley
Park on September 12 planting several native shrub and flower species that benefit
pollinators. Some of these include Wild Indigo, Bush Honeysuckle, Culver’s Root, Red Osier
Dogwood, and High Bush Cranberry. The effort is part of the larger Valley Park Pollinator
Corridor project, which will restore nine acres of pollinator habitat in Valley Park. The project
is a joint partnership between the City, Great River Greening, Xcel Energy, and the State of
Minnesota. Funding is provided through the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment.
Help remove invasive brush at Copperfield Ponds
Great River Greening is seeking volunteers to help remove invasives, including Amur Maple
and buckthorn, at Copperfield Ponds on Saturday, October 10. Volunteers will be able to
see their progress in real time as they open up trail views by clearing the dense understory
of invasive species and creating space for native plant restoration. Amur Maple is a species
native to China and Japan, which is widely planted as an ornamental shrub. Like buckthorn,
it has escaped its landscape setting to invade our natural areas.
The event will take place over three shifts: 7:30-9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., and 1:30-
3:30 p.m. Face coverings and distancing will be required. Preregistration is required at
givepulse.com/event/195464.
Recent highlights
If you've already adopted a storm drain, refer a friend by Sept 7 and you'll both
receive a tote bag. Find a drain to adopt near you at adopt-a-drain.org.
Learn about the Emerald Ash Borer discounted treatment program available for
residents in partnership with Rainbow Tree Care.
Tree planting at Hagstrom King Park through the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources Tree Planting Grant.
MnDOT stormwater repairs at Valley Park
POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Just the Facts
Incident reports 8/28/20 - 9/3/20
Previous Just the Facts publications are available in the
Laserfiche archive system on the City's website.
Sign up for emergency alerts
The Emergency Alert Program is available through the Dakota Communications Center
(DCC) at mn-dcc.org/community-notification/.
For immediate public safety response and non-
emergency police assistance call 9-1-1
The Police Department will also continue to process requests for police reports, gun
permits, etc. Link to the forms under Public Resources at mendota-heights.com/police.
Completed forms and general questions can be submitted via email to
pdrecords@mendota-heights.com.
Face coverings available for purchase while
ace co e gs a a ab e o pu c ase e
supplies last
Purchase a limited-edition MHPD neck-gaiter-turned-face-mask for $10.00 each at the
Mendota Heights Par 3 golf course, 1695 Dodd Road in Mendota Heights. The face
coverings are being sold at cost and must be purchased with a credit or debit card.
PARKS & RECREATION
Free outdoor movie night
Saturday, September 12 | 7:30 p.m.
Mendakota Park
Enjoy The Lion King on the big screen (the 2019 remake of
the original animated classic). Bring a blanket and snacks,
and watch the show under the stars! There will be limited
attendance capacity and tickets will be handed out at the
park before the show, with social-distancing measures in
place.
View the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for this event.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
City Hall and Public Works will be closed on Monday, September 7 for Labor Day.
Public Meetings
Meeting changes or cancellations are noted on the City's website mendota-
heights.com/calendar. Meetings take place at City Hall unless otherwise noted. Meeting
attendees should adhere to the posted City Hall safety guidelines and be aware that
capacity in the City Council Chambers will be limited. As much as possible, the community
is encouraged to continue watching broadcasted meetings live on Cable Channel 18 or
online at townsquare.tv/webstreaming (available live or for replay).
Parks & Recreation Commission September 8, 6:30 p.m.
City Council Sept 15, 6 p.m.
Airport Relations Commission Sept 16, 6 p.m.
City Business Hours
City Hall Business Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Friday 7-11:30 a.m.
Police Department Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
City Hall Contact Information
Official Website of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota
1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Phone: 651-452-1850
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