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2020 Winter Heights HighlightsWINTER 2020 Neil's News 2 City Election Results 2 Snow Removal Questions 3 Holiday Lights Recycling 3 Holiday Food Drive 3 Community Development 4 Recycling Zone Improvements 4 Snowflake to Stormwater 5 Uncover our Natural World 5 Winter Tree and Shrub Care 5 Community Safety 6 Parks and Recreation 7 Outdoor Ice Skating 8 MENDOTA HEIGHTSHEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS a small town feel in an urban setting CALENDAR Events may be subject to change. Check the website for current updates. Holiday Food Drive Ongoing Holiday Lights Recycling Thru 1/31 Improving a Sacred and Historic Site By Historic Pilot Knob Task Force Members Gail Lewellan and Chris Soutter Oheyawahe/Pilot Knob is a Dakota sacred site and natural area in Mendota Heights, managed by the City. In 2017, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its cultural importance to the Dakota people and its significance in Minnesota state history. “Oheyawahe” means the “place much visited.” Many individuals and community groups visit this sacred site to learn about Bdote and to enjoy the breathtaking vista. To become better stewards of Oheyawahe/Pilot Knob, the City Council created a Task Force in early 2020, made up of the following three committees: ƒCapital Improvements: evaluates potential improvements and funding sources. ƒNatural Resources: develops a long-term natural resource management plan. ƒEducation and Interpretation: investigates grant sources for improving cultural and historic interpretation. The six appointed Task Force members are Juanita Corbine Espinosa, community organizer and member of the Spirit Lake Nation and Pilot Knob Preservation Association; Dale Bachmeier, general manager of Acacia Park Cemetery; Christine Soutter, environmental educator; Al Singer, Dakota County Land Conservation manager; Autumn Hubbell, Dakota County Parks outdoor education supervisor; and Gail Lewellan, Mendota Heights resident and environmental lawyer. Additionally, City staff members including Public Works Director Ryan Ruzak, Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter, City Administrator Mark McNeill, former City Council member Liz Petschel, and Great River Greening staff Wiley Buck regularly support the work of the Task Force. The Task Force is working especially hard to implement visitor safety and educational improvements in anticipation of busloads of students returning on spring field trips. In these unsettling times, it may be an especially good time to visit and appreciate the enduring qualities of Oheyawahe/Pilot Knob. For directions to this historic site and to learn more visit pilotknobpreservation.org. 2 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Neil's News As I leave the office of Mayor, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to the residents of Mendota Heights for the privilege of serving you these past four years. Looking back on my two terms, there have been changes, challenges, and progress made in the community. Over the past four years, housing opportu- nities have been expanded and diversified to provide increased options for residents including The Reserve at Mendota Village, The Heights apartments, and The Linden luxury senior living, which will also feature a restaurant. Commercial enterprises have also been expanded to include the Wood- Spring Suites and Gemini Medical. Devel- opments for public education include sup- porting improvements to the public school buildings, the high school’s athletic field and new aquatic center underway. While managing the City’s response to the pandemic has been at the forefront, it is no small feat that the community can antici- pate improved safety and response for years to come with the newly renovated Fire Sta- tion. Being able to equip our Fire Depart- ment and first responders with a modern facility means better emergency outcomes and safety for all. On the environmental front, sustainable solutions have been advanced with City fa- cilities now equipped with solar energy, the continuation of the Pollinator-Friendly City policy, and increased staff to support recy- cling and natural resource management, with an update to the Natural Resources Plan currently underway. As you may know, I served on the Mendota Heights Police Department for 24 years and prior to that in law enforcement elsewhere. As the City continues to remember the sacrifice of Officer Scott Patrick, I had the honor of dedicating his memorial in Mar- ket Square as a permanent place for reflec- tion and appreciation. As I say, be sure and thank an officer today for their service. Mendota Heights can also be proud that we can now better protect our youth from the dangers of tobacco since raising the age of tobacco sales to 21, banning the sale of fla- vored tobacco products at all licensed ven- dors, and adding menthol, mint and winter- green to tobacco restrictions. As my time as mayor reaches the finish line, with over 42 years dedicated to public ser- vice be assured my running shoes will stay laced up. Watch for announcements on the annual Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Walk/Run for Minnesota Special Olympics this spring. My volunteer work will also continue as chair of the Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon to sup- port local Veterans and their families. I am deeply honored to have shared my ten- ure with current and past council members Liz Petschel, Ultan Duggan, Joel Paper, and Jay Miller, who have worked intentionally and diligently to support this community. I believe this City Council has held more special work session meetings than has any previous Council! I’d also like to acknowl- edge our Parks and Recreation, Planning, and Airport Relations commissioners, oth- er City committees, and the first-rate en- semble of City administration and staff. The accomplishments above are shared and only achieved through the leadership and team- work of this network and the greater com- munity. I would also like to thank my wife Mona and my family for their unwavering support these past four years. While I look back at what has been achieved, I also look forward to welcoming our new mayor, Stephanie Levine, whose expertise and experience will be a great asset. As we continue to navigate the pandemic, one thing I know is the resilience of this community, its heart for service, and its elected leaders who passionately listen and pursue common good. This gives me hope that 2021 will bring better, brighter days. It has been an honor to serve you – Neil Garlock, MayorCITY HALL2020 City Election Results The City of Mendota Heights had an excellent voter turnout for the General Election held on November 3. There were a total of 8,801 voters who cast their ballots. The breakdown of those ballots included 6,547 people submitting an absentee ballot and 2,254 voters who voted on Election Day at the polls. This equals an approximate 95.5% voting turnout for our city. The voters elected Stephanie Levine to be mayor. Jay Miller and Joel Paper were also reelected to serve as council members. The elected mayor and council members will be sworn in at the first City Council meeting of 2021. A big thank you to the 50 election judges and 6 pre- cinct captains who facilitated at the polls, and also many City staff members who put in long hours to help the voting process run smoothly. For election details, visit Dakota County’s Election Results at services.co.dakota.mn.us/electionresults. Your Snow Removal Questions Answered When does the City snowplow? When two inches of snow or more are anticipated, snowplows and/or deicing operations may go into ac- tion. A Snow Emergency may be called when it snows two inches or more, how- ever snowplows may be active without de- claring a Snow Emergency. What should I do if a Snow Emergency is called? Keep all vehicles off of the street until it is plowed curb-to-curb; it does not matter if it is day or night. Failure to move your ve- hicle may result in a citation and towing. How are Winter Parking Restrictions different than a Snow Emergency? Winter Parking Restrictions are in ef- fect November 1 - March 31, and require that no vehicles park on any public streets overnight from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. These re- strictions are independent of an active snowfall event. This ensures that if snow events occur overnight, you do not need to be awakened to move your vehicle, and that snowplows and public safety vehicles have ongoing clear and wide street access. How can I best protect my property from snowplow damage? The City uses the first 12 to 13 feet of yard behind your curb, the City’s right-of-way, to pile up plowed snow. Snow can be pushed into this area to make room for the next snowfall. You can alert plow opera- tors of curblines or permanent lawn orna- ments by pushing tall marker poles into the ground and remove lawn items from the right-of-way area. What do I need to do after the plows come through? Property owners should clear their own driveways, and areas around mailboxes, newspaper tubes and trash cans. Snow should not be deposited in the street. If you use a snowplowing service please re- mind the operators that they must pile your snow on your property. Who clears neighborhood sidewalks? Residential sidewalks must be cleared of snow and ice by property owners within 24 hours. Who clears fire hydrants? If you live near a fire hydrant, residents and property owners are asked to shovel snow around hydrants after every snow event. You can also volunteer to Adopt-a- Hydrant by calling City Hall. What if my mailbox is damaged by a snowplow? The City will repair or replace a properly installed mailbox, up to a $75 value for the post and $75 for the mailbox itself. The City is not obligated to repair or re- place mailboxes damaged by snow weight or resulting from improper installation. If you incur damage, use the online “Report a Mailbox” form on the City’s website or call City Hall. Who do I contact with concerns regarding snowplowing? Call City Hall at 651-452-1850 to connect with the appropriate contact, and to report any issues. How else can I help? Make sure on pickup day that garbage cans and recycling carts stay on your property’s driveway apron behind the curbline. What else can I do to stay safe? When walking or exercising near streets, or clearing driveways and sidewalks of snow, wear bright and reflective clothing. If you are driving behind a snowplow/de- icing operations, slow down and stay at least four car lengths behind. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 3WINTER AHEADMOMS Club Planting Thank you to the MOMS Club for their gener- ous donation of tulips at Wentworth Park! The tulips were planted this fall and will be a beau- tiful addition. Holiday Food Drive Help a neighbor in need! 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 throughout the season. Holiday Lights Recycling Recycle holiday lights, electrical cords, appliance cords, and phone cords through the end of January. 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 entryway. Holiday lights are also accepted year round at The Recycling Zone in Eagan. Cord adapters, battery packs, plastic rope lights and CFL lights are not accepted. For more information visit dakotacounty.us search Recycling Zone. 4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTSCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT4 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Dakota County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program The federal CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties to develop viable urban communities by pro- viding decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low and moderate-income persons. As an urban county, Dakota County receives a direct CDBG grant annually. The County Board has decided that 75% of the funds should be allocated to the cities and townships in Dakota County, and 25% should go towards Countywide programs. The 12 largest Dakota County cities, including Mendota Heights, will receive CDBG allocations. All eligible CDBG-funded activities must meet one of three National Objec- tives. Annual applications for CDBG funds are due in mid-January. If you have questions about the CDBG Program or how it may provide assistance to improving your current residential environment, please contact Maggie Dykes, Assist. Director of Community & Economic Development for Da- kota County CDA at 651-675-4464 or mdykes@dakotacda.state.mn.us. Big change makes Recycling Zone more convenient Dakota County is making it easier and quicker to drop off items at the Recycling Zone in Eagan. The newly-renovated facility includes a convenient drive-thru and drivers don’t need to leave their car when dropping off recycling, electronics and household hazardous waste. The Recycling Zone renovation makes your experience better. An attendant will meet you at a kiosk outside to scan your driver’s license or other ID and direct you to one of three lanes depending on what you brought. Drivers must stay in their ve- hicles while staff unload their items. To make unloading as safe and efficient as pos- sible, use a container such as a cardboard box that can be left at The Recycling Zone. Through the last 25 years, over a million people have come into The Recycling Zone to drop off their household hazardous waste. TVs, computer monitors and tires have fees but everything else is free to drop-off. For information on materials accepted and business hours, go to dakotacounty.us, search The Recycling Zone. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County. Developments In Progress The Linden of Mendota Heights Grand Real Estate Advisors has broken ground on the new 48-unit luxury senior housing apartment with a 4,300-sf. sit-down style restaurant. Visit grandrea.com for more. The Heights Apartments The second phase of the new, senior- preferred apartments is complete. Visit michaeldevelopment.com for details. Henry Sibley High School The Henry Sibley High School’s new aquatic center and gymnasium improvements are anticipated to open in December 2020. BP-Amoco Located at 2030 Dodd Road is slated to remodel and expand a third auto service bay to their automobile service station. They will remain open during construction. Friendly Hills Middle School With new gymnasium complete; the school is wrapping up the new driveway access and parking lot improvements. Verizon Wireless Cellular Verizon Wireless received approval to install three new wireless/cellular antenna arrays on top of Deerwood Bank located at 1060 Dakota Drive. Uncover our Natural World By Your Local Master Gardeners Battle the winter blues by curling up with one or more of these books, and get ready to look at your landscape in a whole new light. Most of these books can be downloaded or checked out from Dakota County libraries: Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy – “Reading this book will give you a new appreciation of the natural world, and how much wild creatures need gardens that mimic the disappearing wild.” — Review by The Minneapolis Star Tribune Plants of the Midwest by Alan Branhagen – The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum operations director showcases 500 trees, shrubs, perennials, and vines for homeowners to try in their landscape. Pollinators of Native Plants: Attract, Observe, & Iden- tify by Heather Holm – This Minnesota author shares her expertise in pollinators with photos and information. Children can learn and explore nature with these books: Touch a Butterfly: Wildlife Gardening with Kids by April Pulley Sayre – Activities for all seasons to do with kids. Plant a Pocket of Prairie by Phyllis Roots – This beauti- fully illustrated book tells the story of Minnesota prairies and the plants and animals that inhabit them. Thank you Bugs! by Dawn Pape – This book features beautiful illustrations and a story about wonderful bugs. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 5NATURAL RESOURCESFrom Snowflake to Stormwater By Your Local Minnesota Water Steward Did you know that our home’s rooftop, driveway, and sidewalk surfaces are partially responsible for the quality of the water in the ponds, wetlands, and lakes in our neighborhoods? That’s because stormwater and snowmelt (as well as water from sprinkling systems) that goes down the stormdrain on the street where you live flows directly to the nearest waterbody. It does not go to a water treatment plant like the water that is sent down the drains inside your home. One inch of rainfall (or equivalent snowmelt) produces about 600 gallons of stormwater runoff from a 1,000 square-foot roof surface. If this runoff flows off your roof and down your driveway to the nearest stormdrain, any pol- lutants (road salt, leaves, grass clippings, fertilizer, sediment, and pet waste) picked up along the way end up in our local waters. This is one big reason our neighborhood ponds become very green in the summer. And, as winter ap- proaches, it’s important to note that road and residential salt that flow to our ponds, lakes, and wetlands is forever pollution. Salt dissolves (so you can’t see it), but it doesn’t break down. In 2019, 44.17 inches of annual precipitation was measured at MSP Airport. If our homes’ impervious surfaces average 3,000 square feet, and 1 inch of pre- cipitation produces 600 gallons of stormwater per 1,000 square feet of imper- vious surface, a single home has the potential to create nearly 80,000 gallons of stormwater runoff each year. That’s nearly five swimming pools of water. So, how do we collectively help our community’s waters? Keep the curbsides and stormdrains on your street clean. Join the Adopt-a-Drain program. Point downspouts on your property away from hard surfaces. Keep precipitation on your property by creating a raingarden. Practice lawncare that keeps clip- pings, fertilizer, and leaves out of our roadsides. The objective, as they say is, “Only rain down the drain.” Tips for Winter Tree and Shrub Care Don’t take a break from caring for your trees and shrubs during the winter months. This is an important time to continue to give them the care and maintenance that they need. The following tips will help keep your trees and shrubs healthy all year long. For most species, late fall and winter is a great time to prune. Pruning trees and shrubs once they have gone into dormancy helps them to recover from pruning without the added pressure of pests and disease that is present during the growing season. Prune out dead, rubbing, or damaged branches approximately 1" from the branch junction. For large trees and shrubs, hire a tree care company with a certified arborist. DO NOT prune or shear evergreen shrubs during the fall and winter. Sensitive trees and shrubs such as ever- greens, or trees and shrubs that are located near plowed roadways or other surfaces should be wrapped with burlap to prevent salt and ice damage. Guards or fencing should be placed around trunks and stems to prevent damage from rodents, deer and other wildlife in early fall. Wrap used guards made of light-colored, reflective material around tree trunks to prevent sunscald. Sunscald is caused by direct sun or reflected sunlight from snow in late winter, and causes bark tissue to de- velop cankers, crack, or peel. Mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture and warmth. Mulch should be no more than 3" and not be placed right up against the trunk or stems. Continue to water up until ground freeze. This protects your trees and shrubs from cold damage of roots by allowing the soil to hold more heat than drier soils. 6 : CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Now on Nextdoor The Mendota Heights Police Department is now using Nextdoor. In addition to our Facebook page, this is another way to reach out and communicate with specific neighborhoods. Nextdoor allows us to send messages, polls, and emer- gency alerts to specific neighbor- hoods within Mendota Heights. Nextdoor connects you with your neighbors. Your account is estab- lished and verified based on your address. It is already used by 40% of the households in Mendota Heights. If you’d like to join Nextdoor, sign up for free online at nextdoor.com.COMMUNITY SAFETYOfficer Albindia Recognized Mendota Heights Of- ficer Tommy Albindia was one of over 125 law en- forcement officials throughout the state of Minnesota recognized for their outstanding efforts in DWI enforcement and education on October 13. Each year, MADD recognizes the brave men and women of Minne- sota for their commitment to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. Law enforce- ment plays a critical role in the fight to eliminate this 100 percent preventable crime. This is the second straight year that Officer Albindia has received statewide recognition for his ef- forts in keeping Mendota Heights, Mendota, and Lilydale safe. Think Before you Drink ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but how much jolly is too much jolly? As of late October 2020, the Mendota Heights Police De- partment had 62 Driving While Intoxi- cated (DWI) cases year-to-date. Accord- ing to statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): ƒAn average drunk driver has driven drunk over 80 times before first arrest. ƒEvery day in America, another 29 people die as a result of drunk driv- ing crashes. That’s one person every 50 minutes. ƒEvery two minutes, a person is injured in a drunk driving crash. A standard drink is defined as 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, which contain the same amount of alcohol. Everyone absorbs and metabolizes alcohol at different rates and there are a lot of factors that affect blood alcohol. A BAC calculator could be used to estimate your BAC, such as online at lifeloc. com/calculator. The best choice is simply do not drink and drive. Nowadays there are a number of ride share apps as well as taxi services to accom- modate your jolly adventure. If you choose to drink and drive, penalties may include: ƒMisdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or even felony charges ƒFines up to $3,000 ƒDriver’s license suspension ƒIgnition interlock system ƒVehicle forfeiture ƒAttorney fees and jail time ƒSerious injury or death The Minnesota BAC Limit is 0.08%, however you may be charged with DWI for a BAC of: ƒLess than 0.08%, depending on circumstances ƒ0.04% if driving a commercial vehicle ƒLess than 0.08% if you are underage As you celebrate the holidays, please THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK! Make a Difference - Adopt a Hydrant During a fire, every second counts and firefighters 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 hydrants 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 secretary at City Hall at 651-452- 1850. Thank you for this valuable and potentially lifesaving service this provides to your neighbors and the community. HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS : 7 In-House Non-School-Day Camp A fun-filled day with all things winter! Par- ticipants will walk over to Marthaler Park for a morning of sledding and snow fun. The day will finish with a warm cup of cocoa and a movie back at West Saint Paul City Hall. Dress for weather, bring a sled and a nut-free bagged lunch! December 28 Ages 6-12 8:30am-4:30pm at West Saint Paul City Hall $20 per child Heroes, Villains, and Funny Sidekicks Musical Theater Whether you like to save the day, cause trou- ble or make people laugh this musical theater class is for you! Learn songs, dances, and cre- ate a unique story. We will talk about what makes a character great and how to bring them to life, and we'll play fun theater games. December 28-30 Ages 5-9 9am-Noon $77 per child Mendota Heights Fire Department Room Soccer Learn the rules of soccer while working on team play and sportsmanship through skill development and games. Individual skills taught: shooting, passing, dribbling along with learning the strategies of offense and de- fense. December 29-30 Ages 6-12 1-4pm at Regional Athletics Center Dome $47 per player Ice Hockey Camp This camp combines stick handling, passing and shooting skills of the game of ice hockey. Kids will be introduced to the rules of hockey while working on team play and sportsman- ship. Children will be divided by age and skill level. Campers must bring: skates, hockey stick, hockey helmet (gloves and pads are rec- ommended). January 18 Ages 5-10 1-4pm at Marie Park $26 per player February 15 Ages 5-10 1-4pm at Harmon Park $26 per player SKATE PARK STUDY UNDERWAY The Parks and Recreation Commission has assembled a subcommittee to study the operation of the skate park recreational area at Rogers Lake, led by Commissioners Amy Smith and Bob Klepperich. The group is helping to address and find solutions to increase public safety and enjoyment of the park. They will also be developing recommendations for longer- term capital maintenance and improvement options. The study group consists of a cross section of Mendota Heights residents who use the park. Multi-Sports Camp Participants will explore soccer, flag football, and non-contact lacrosse and baseball. No pressure – just lots of fun while these young ath- letes participate in all four sports through unique Sports Unlimited games. All equipment is provided. February 15 Ages 5-10 9:30am-12:30pm Regional Athletics Center Dome $26 per player Park Improvement Projects Enjoy new features and improvements that took place in our parks this year, and look forward to more coming: • Valley Park As part of the street project the basket- ball court was rehabilitated and includes a set of bollards to delineate the playing surface from the parking lot. The existing basketball hoop was removed and new ad- justable hoop has been ordered which will be installed by parks staff. • Hagstrom-King Park The existing basketball court was extend- ed to enable full court basketball. New ad- justable hoops were added. Baseball dug- out covers were added to provide shade for players. • Marie Park Staff is working with the Parks and Recre- ation Commission and City Council on de- veloping plans to remodel the playground. Watch for more information. Playing it Safe this Winter Winter registration is open. Register online at secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or in person at City Hall. Please register at least one week before your program begins. Cancellations due to low attendance are made 2-5 days prior to start dates. Limited registrations will be taken and COVID-19 Preparedness Plans will be emailed prior to the start of a program. Programs may change at any time in response to public health guidance and regulations. Par 3 Wrap Up Thank you for a great year at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course. We had a total of 14,283 rounds of golf played this year! This is about a 75% increase over last year! We hope to see you back on the course in 2021. PARKS & RECREATION      City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS WINTER 2020 ISSUE: 122 City Directory Council Members: Neil Garlock, Mayor 651.775.3850 Ultan Duggan 651.452.5179 Joel Paper 612.237.1133 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 2020 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 Saturdays: January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Marie Park $35 per child Beginner: Ages 6-10 10:35am-11:05am 11:15am-11:45am 12:35pm-1:05pm Parent and Tot: Ages 3-5 9:15-9:45am 9:55am-10:25am 11:55am-12:25pm This 5-week program is a great opportunity to learn skating and improve skills while having fun. This is a joint program with West Saint Paul Parks and Recreation. Warming House Information The City has three outdoor hockey and pleasure rinks that are open, weather permitting, from late December until early March. At this time, the City plans to flood the rinks, however in response to public health guidance and regulations warming houses may not be open, and outdoor recreational activities may be subject to change. Stay safe before heading to the rinks: ƒCall the ice rink/warming house hotline at 651-255-1174 for updates on rink and warming house availability, hours of operation, and other notifications. ƒIf warming houses are closed dress for the weather, bring proper gear, plan your time outdoors according to temperature and weather, or use your vehicle to warm up. ƒBe aware that there may not be a rink attendant on duty. ƒRinks are closed and outdoor programs cancelled when the air temperature is below zero. Please keep children home on these days. ƒReview COVID-19 plans for rinks and warming houses on the City’s website. Outdoor Rink Locations: Rink lights are on from dusk to 9pm Friendly Hills 2360 Pueblo Lane Marie Park 1780 Lilac Lane Wentworth Park 739 Wentworth Ave