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2021-Spring Heights HighlightsSPRING 2021 Stephanie's Corner 2 2021 Final Budget Adopted 3 Natural Res. Management Plan Update 3 Dog Owner Do's and Don'ts 4 Open to Business Program 4 The Linden of Mendota Heights 5 Big Rivers Regional Trail Park Improvements 5 Henry Sibley High School Improvements 5 Recycling Events and Tips 6 Landscaping for Clean Water Program 7 Community Safety 8 Summer Recreation Registration 9 Coming Soon to Marie Park 10 Golf Events 11 Free Community Events 12 CALENDAR Events may be subject to change. Check the website for current updates. Recreation Registration Open Family Golf Kickoff May 1 Curbside Appliance Pickup May 3 See-a-Truck May 15 Parks Celebration Movie Night June 4 Parks Celebration June 5 Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K June 5 Tour de Rec @ Mendakota June 15 Jr. Rec Golf Tournament June 19 Tour de Rec @ CCA Greenspace June 22 Kidsdance Summer Concert June 23 Tour de Rec @ Mendakota June 29 Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Walk/Run It's time to register for the 16th Annual Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K Walk/Run to benefit Special Olympics. The event will be held on Saturday, June 5 at The Village of Mendota Heights. Registration is $25 before June 5, or $30 on the day of the event. Registration forms are available at City Hall or online at mendota-heights.com. Awards will be given for the first three male and female winners in the following age categories: 19 and under, 20 to 49 (Open division), and 50 & over (Master Division). Awards ceremony and prize drawing will take place upon conclusion of the race near the finish line. During the City Council meeting on December 15, 2020, a recognition award was presented to retiring Mayor Neil Garlock for his past four years of service to the community. Recently retired Councilor Liz Petschel was also recognized for her nearly ten years of service on the City Council. The City is grateful for their dedication and wishes them both well in their future endeavors. At its meeting on February 2 of this year, the City Council recognized retiring Parks and Recreation Commissioner Pat Hinderscheid and retiring Planning Commissioner Mary Magnuson. Both commissioners had served the maximum term limit of three 3-year terms, with Mary Magnuson serving even longer (since March of 2011) when she had filled the remainder of an unexpired term. Both have served as chairs of their commissions, their knowledge and experience will be greatly missed. Photos: Mayor Garlock receives a recognition award from City Administrator Mark McNeill (top left photo); retiring Parks and Recreation Commissioner Pat Hinderscheid and Planning Commissioner Mary Magnuson (top right photos). In Recognition of Service MENDOTA HEIGHTSHEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS a small town feel in an urban setting CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Stephanie's Corner I am delighted to be sharing my first message with you as mayor! Many thanks for extending a warm welcome and for your support during this leadership transition. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve as mayor for our wonderful City. I’m also fortunate to be serving alongside a dedicated and knowledgeable staff as well as our City Council team including reelected Councilors Jay Miller and Joel Paper; Councilor Ultan Duggan; and newly appointed Councilor John R. Mazzitello. I’ve had the privilege recently to award recognition plaques to two long-serving members of our City commissions: retiring Parks and Recreation Commissioner Pat Hinderscheid and retiring Chair of the Planning Commission, Mary Magnuson. The City is so grateful for their service and expertise in these roles. And as we say goodbye to these leaders, we have had an opportunity to say hello to four new commissioners. The volume of applications received for the open seats speaks highly of our community. I’d like to extend a warm welcome to newly appointed Planning Commissioners Cindy Johnson and Sally Lorberbaum, Airport Relations Commissioner Jeffrey Hamiel, and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jaffrey Blanks. Looking back, the 2021 final budget and levy was adopted in December 2020. The budget is conservative based on uncertainties caused by the pandemic; however it does include events that we hope will return this summer such as the outdoor concert series and Fourth of July fireworks. You can read more about the budget in this issue. I think we are all looking forward to the return of in-person community-wide events! Looking ahead, the City Council has been busy putting together strategic goals and objectives for the next two years, based on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan that was completed in December. Five key areas have been identified as priorities, and councilmembers and City staff are excited to put these priorities into action. This requires developing and prioritizing specific action items, evaluating feasibility and timelines, and researching funding sources. Thoughts of spring turn to our wonderful outdoors and the opportunity to move forward with sustainability initiatives. The City is updating its Natural Resources Management Plan with the Phase 1 draft available on our website and is proceeding with developing Phase 2. The community is invited to comment on Phase 1. Thanks to all of those who have helped our city get to this point. In an exciting development, the City Council unanimously approved joining the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. As a GreenStep city, we will join 141 other Minnesota cities as we move at our own pace, taking concrete steps towards sustainability, environmental best practices and quality-of- life improvements. Watch for updates in the days ahead. We will be celebrating June with new playground equipment at Marie Park – just in time for warm weather! Thanks to all who participated in this redesign, whether through the online Polco survey, or during in-person and virtual open houses. The final design was selected through a voting process, which included residents of all ages. Finally, as the pace of COVID-19 vaccinations increases, the City is preparing for the return of community events this summer. Summer recreation registration is underway, the Par 3 is in full swing with fresh rebranding, and the annual Parks Celebration and Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K are just around the corner. For everyone’s safety, events will continue to be modified in accordance with current public health guidance, so stay connected to the City’s emailed Friday News , website, and social media for the latest information. I want to hear from you, so please feel free to contact me with your thoughts and ideas. I can be reached by email, slevine@mendota- heights.com or by phone at 651-686-0340. In addition, I am always happy to schedule a walk with you on our beautiful trails! Stephanie Levine, Mayor 2 CITY HALL CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS City Council Outlines Two-Year Goals At its meeting of February 16, the City Council discussed its strategic two-year goals and objectives for 2021-2022. The Council is focusing on the following five priority areas: ƒEnhancing City governance and services. ƒCreating a vision for City development and redevelopment areas. ƒMaintaining and improving City infrastructure and assets. ƒEncouraging and supporting park opportunities and improvements. ƒConserving, protecting, and enhancing natural resources. City staff is researching specific action steps of the plan to be brought back to the City Council at a later date for review and approval. 2021 Final Budget Adopted The City Council adopted the final budget and levy for FY 2021 at its meeting on December 1, 2020. The total amount of the approved budget is $10,482,617. This reflects a 4.32% increase over the 2020 budget. For the average-priced home in Mendota Heights (valued at $426,600), the city portion of the property taxes will increase by $45 in 2021. Because of future economic uncertainties caused by the pandemic, earlier in 2020 the City Council had directed that a conservative budget be prepared. The resulting budget includes no new employee positions, but does include money for the Fourth of July fireworks, and the summer concert series at Mendakota Park. Significant one-time expenditures, including equipment and funding of the second phase of the Natural Resources Plan update, totaled $469,200. Of that total $225,000 is to replace the self-contained breathing apparatus systems needed by the Fire Department for breathing gear no longer OSHA-approved as of March 1. Funding for these capital expenditures will come from a portion of the proceeds of the sale of lots in the Village, where The Linden residential development is currently being constructed. Natural Resources Management Plan Update The City of Mendota Heights is currently updating its Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP). The plan will serve as a tool to help guide the City in making decisions and taking actions to conserve and manage its natural resources. A public presentation on Phase 1 of the NRMP draft was given by the City’s consultant, Applied Ecological Services (AES), at the February 2 City Council meeting. The Council also approved a “Notice to Proceed" to begin development of Phase 2 of the NRMP. The NRMP Phase 1 draft is available on the City’s website. Members of the public are invited to comment on the NRMP Phase 1 draft by submitting comments or questions to Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Technician, 651-255-1123 or email kristas@mendota-heights.com. Welcome New Commissioners With the departure of retiring commissioners, the City Council has appointed Sally Lorberbaum to fill a full three-year term on the Planning Commission through January 31, 2024. Commissioner Lorberbaum has served on the Airport Relations Commission for the past fifteen years, including eleven years as co-chair or vice chair. She has also previously served twelve years on the Planning Commission, with six as chair. Cindy Johnson was appointed to the Planning Commission to fill the remainder of an unexpired term, through January 31, 2023. Commissioner Johnson brings her experience working on the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, is a member of the Natural Resources Management Plan steering committee, and serves the community as a Master Gardener. Jaffrey Blanks was appointed to the Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Blanks brings experience in various community service organizations, Rotary, and coaching. Jeffrey Hamiel was appointed to the Airport Relations Commission to serve the remainder of Commissioner Lorberbaum’s term, through January 31, 2022. Commissioner Hamiel served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission for more than three decades, and is a nationally-recognized leader in the air industry. In addition to new appointments, the City Council has reappointed Planning Commissioner Patrick Corbett; Parks and Recreation Commissioner Patrick Cotter; and Airport Relations Commissioners David Sloan, Arvind Sharma, and William Dunn to new three-year terms. Advisory commission contact information can be found at mendota-heights. com/advisorycommissions. CITY HALL 3 Councilor John R. Mazzitello Councilor Jay Miller Councilor Joel Paper Elected Officials Take Office Newly elected Mayor Stephanie Levine and reelected City Council members Joel Paper and Jay Miller were sworn in at the January 12, 2021 City Council meeting. The mayor was elected to a two-year term and council members to four-year terms. Councilors Paper and Miller are both serving a second term in their respective seats. Additionally, John R. Mazzitello was appointed to the City Council on December 15, 2020, to fill the remainder of a vacant seat through December 31, 2022. Councilor Mazzitello most recently served on the City’s Planning Commission and was previously the City’s public works director/city engineer for eight years. Contact information for these officials can be found at mendota-heights.com/ mayorcouncil. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Door-to-Door Soliciting Throughout the year, door-to-door soliciting raises questions for residents. Here's a quick look at what you need to know. Allowed: Any person going door-to-door for the primary purpose of exercising that person’s basic constitutional rights such as freedom of speech is allowed. No registration with the city is needed. This activity is allowed from 9 a.m. to one half hour before sunset. ƒCandidates for political office. ƒA person promoting religious beliefs or causes. ƒA non-profit or charitable organization seeking donations, organization memberships, or other financial support for their religious, social, or political organizations. ƒComcast and CenturyLink are allowed since they each have a franchise agreement with the city. Not Allowed: Mendota Heights does not allow any commercial type of door-to-door selling. If you suspect a door-to-door salesperson is violating City ordinance, please call 9-1-1 for a response from the Mendota Heights Police Department. Dog Owner Do's & Don'ts As the weather warms up and outdoor activities increase, friendly reminders for dog owners: Do: ƒKeep dogs on leashes of six feet or less in all public areas (City Code). ƒPick up your dog's waste (City Code). ƒLet dogs run free at the off-leash Dog Park, 1360 Acacia Boulevard, open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to a large area for running dogs, the park features a separate fenced-in area for small dogs up to 35 pounds. Please follow all rules posted at the park. Don't: ƒLet your dog run free in City parks, on trails, in neighborhoods, or in other public spaces (City Code). ƒWorry about City dog licenses—they are no longer required. Microchip technology has become commonplace and is more effective than traditional metal licenses in reuniting pet owners with lost animals. Spring Tree Sale Recap Thank you to all who purchased trees during the Resident Tree Sale. There were 60 trees sold of six different varieties and they went quickly! If you weren't able to participate this year, watch for next year's sale in early spring. When planted, the new trees will help to provide canopy cover due to loss from Emerald Ash Borer, will improve air and water quality, and in addition to being beautiful, they will provide food and habitat for birds, pollinators and other wildlife. Open to Business Program for Residents, Business Start-Ups & Entrepreneurs Through a partnership with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), the City of Mendota Heights is committed to assisting local small businesses with planning, networking, financing options and many other services. This cooperative effort includes an Open to Business consultant, who offers free consultation services to any Mendota Heights business or resident. The consultant is available for appointments, and can help plan and work through small business challenges such as: ƒAccounting and record keeping ƒBusiness acquisition ƒBusiness start-up ƒBusiness plan development ƒCash flow, financial and business analysis ƒLoan packaging ƒNetworking ƒOperations ƒStrategic planning ƒCommercial real estate analysis In addition, Open to Business advisors can assist entrepreneurs in identifying borrowing needs and financing options. Direct financing and loans up to $25,000 are also available through the program. For details or to schedule an appointment, contact Natalie Mouilso, Business Advisor at 952-451-6390 or nmouilso@mccdmn.org, or visit opentobusinessmn.org. 4 CITY NEWS Big Rivers Regional Trail Park Improvements Dakota County received approvals to make improvements to the Big Rivers Regional Trail Park and trailhead site (also known as Scenic Overlook Park), generally located at the intersection of Mendota Heights Road and Sibley Memorial Highway. The improvements will include a new restroom/picnic shelter facility, information kiosk, expanded parking, new trail connections, a raised ADA compliant viewing ramp, charging station, Wi- Fi system, special event use area, and other natural resource improvements. The existing stone retaining wall built under the old Works Progress Administration (WPA) program, will not be affected. The project is slated to begin this spring and expected to be completed by the fall of 2021. Rendering courtesy of Grand Real Estate Advisors Image courtesy of Dakota County Image courtesy of the Henry Sibley Athletics Dept. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 5 The Linden of Mendota Heights & Restaurant The Linden is a new 48-unit luxury rental building for adults 55 and older, and will feature a full host of on-site amenities including an indoor golf simulator, wellness/fitness center, heated underground parking and controlled building entry, a spacious community room, rooftop deck and grilling station. The new apartments are slated to open August 2021. The main level of the building will also feature a new 5,000-sq. ft. family-friendly restaurant with a large outdoor patio, and full breakfast, lunch and dinner service. The restaurant is also slated to open August 2021. BP-Amoco (Mendota Heights Auto Service) The BP-Amoco, located at 2030 Dodd Road, has completed its store remodeling and third service bay expansion project. Verizon Wireless Cellular Communications Improvements Verizon Wireless received approval to install three new wireless/ cellular antenna arrays on top of Deerwood Bank located at 1060 Dakota Drive. These new antennas will help with overall cellular and wireless capacity coverage in the central sector of the community. Verizon has indicated they plan to install the new antennas later 2021 or early 2022. Pilot Knob Business Center Endeavor Development is proposing to develop the vacant 5-acre parcel of land addressed as 2393 Pilot Knob Road, with a new 75,000- sq. ft. office/warehouse facility. The property is located north of the Lloyd’s BBQ/Hormel plant and south of Southview Design landscaping business. Endeavor is also requesting the establishment of a new tax increment financing district to provide some limited financial assistance to install a new roadway and utility services to the site. Henry Sibley High School Improvements Henry Sibley High School’s new aquatic center has been completed and is open; while the new gymnasium improvements are still under construction, with anticipated opening late spring 2021. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS Curbside Appliance Pickup Event May 3 8am-noon Reservations Required Call J.R.’s Advanced Recyclers between 4/1/21 – 4/30/21 651-454-9215 Accepted appliances • Air conditioners • Dehumidifiers • Dryers • Dishwashers • Furnaces • Humidifiers • Trash compactors • Washers • Water heaters • Refrigerators • Freezers • Stoves • Water softeners • Microwaves • Disposals COST: $25 first appliance $10 each additional appliance Appliances must be in a non-compacted condition and free of food, debris, or other foreign material which would prevent the recycler from proper removal of hazardous waste and/or refrig- erants according to law. J.R. Advanced Recyclers reserves the right to refuse ANY appliance. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County. 6 GREEN COMMUNITY Can I Recycle This? Be a confident recycler by focusing on the following items. Do not use plastic bags. Put recyclables loose in your recycling cart or use a paper bag. Make sure bottles, jars and containers are empty and dry before recycling. They don't have to be perfect—just free of most residue like food and liquids. Leave caps on containers and flatten boxes. All recycling service providers in Dakota County must accept these items. If you’re wondering about a specific item, use the online Recycling Guide dakotacounty.us, search recycling guide. Paper • Newspaper and inserts • Magazines and catalogs • Mail and office papers Cardboard • Corrugated cardboard • Paperboard (e.g., cracker boxes) Cartons • Milk and juice cartons • Soup, broth, and wine cartons • Juice boxes Metal cans • Aluminum, tin, and steel cans Glass bottles and jars Plastic bottles, containers and jugs • Containers numbered 1, 2 or 5 • Soda, juice and water bottles • Milk and juice jugs • Margarine, cottage cheese, cream cheese and other tubs and lids • Laundry detergent bottles and jugs • Clear berry and produce containers DO NOT put these items in recycling: • Batteries • Black plastic • Clothing and textiles • Electronics • Food • Diapers • Plastic bags and film • Shredded paper • Tanglers (e.g., chains, extension cords, hoses, string lights) Free your bottles, cans and paper. Leave the plastic bag behind. Your bottles, cans and paper should go in your recycling cart loose—do not use a plastic bag for your recyclables. If you need a bag, use a paper bag. Plastic bags ruin the recycling process and don't get recycled because they: • Prevent workers from seeing if bad items are mixed in with good items. • Wrap around machines at the sorting facility. • Workers must crawl into sorting machine to cut out tangled bags. Plastic bags, bread bags, plastic wrap around paper towels and bubble wrap can be dropped off at grocery stores for proper recycling. Find drop-off locations in the online Recycling Guide at dakotacounty.us. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County. Spring Cleaning at Home The City will not be offering a clean-up event for residents this spring. Find tips on how to dispose of items and conduct your own spring cleaning in an environmentally-friendly way at mendota-heights.com/recyclingevents. NATURAL RESOURCES 7 Community is Key to Healthy Ponds, Lakes, Streams, and Rivers By your local Minnesota Water Stewards The stormwater that goes down the drain on the street where you live flows to the nearest waterbody, not a water treatment plant. Leaves and grass clippings that go down the stormdrain contain organic matter that breaks down into pollutants in our waters. It takes all of us to keep our waterbodies healthy. How can you help? • Keep the curb in front of your home clean. • Keep your street's stormdrains swept. • Point downspouts away from driveways and sidewalks. • Mow grass clippings into your yard, not the street. • Sign-up to adopt a drain: adopt-a-drain.org. Landscaping for Clean Water Program Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District will again be offering their Landscaping for Clean Water Program, through their partnership with the City of Mendota Heights and other partners. The program offers three classes: Intro to Clean Water, Design Course, and Maintenance Workshop. Through these classes and workshops, you’ll learn about Minnesota’s natural resources and how what we do in our yards can improve our surface water, ground water, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources. Residents can also apply for a $250 cost share grant to help with project installation expenses. Learn more & register: dakotaswcd.org/ services/landscaping-for-clean-water. Thinking of Adding a Tree to Your Landscape? By your local Master Gardeners A shade tree is a welcome relief in the heat of summer. The City included some excellent tree species in their March tree sale that will not only make your summer more comfortable, but will also increase the biodiversity of beneficial insects, including pollinators, in your yard. And, more insects means more bird species. A Bur Oak is a beautiful tree that supports more than 500 species of wildlife including many butterflies and their larvae (caterpillars). The caterpillars attract songbirds. One clutch of chickadees require their parents to bring between 6,000 and 9,000 insects (mostly caterpillars) to feed their young before they fledge. If you plant the trees that attract the caterpillars you will host more bird families in your yard. The Hackberry is a large tree with a corky bark. Some birds like Nuthatches and Brown Creepers hop up and down the trunk looking for hidden insects. Birds like Cedar Waxwings also enjoy the tree’s blue berries. Hackberry trees support many species of butterflies including Mourning Cloaks, Question Mark and the Hackberry Emperor. Whichever tree species you decide to plant, remove the turf grass from under the spreading branches and allow the tree leaves to fall and remain under the tree. Butterflies overwinter under the trees in leaf litter as caterpillars or pupas and even a few as adults. If you rake and remove the leaves, you will destroy the next generation of butterflies. Upcoming Workshops to Improve Your Yard Make your outdoors more beautiful and environmentally friendly by attending a Blue Thumb virtual workshop. Learn DIY ideas for projects that strengthen your yard, help protect nearby lakes and streams and create habitat for bees and butterflies. If you can't attend the workshop it will be recorded for watching at your convenience. Register at bluethumb.org/ events. Scholarships are also available upon request. Planting for Pollinators Workshop Thursday, April 22, 6-7:30 p.m. | $15 This workshop includes information from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources' Lawns to Legumes program, which helps residents create pollinator-friendly landscapes in their yard. Learn about pollinator health, and how you can help bees and butterflies by installing pocket plantings, trees and shrubs, bee lawns, pollinator meadows, and more. Bee Lawn Workshop Thursday, May 6, 6-7:30 p.m. | $15 Learn how to create a bee lawn as bee expert and Metro Blooms landcare professional James Wolfin explains the steps for turning your turfgrass lawn into a beautiful, flowing bee lawn. Flowering bee lawns protect bees and butterflies, improve water quality, and create a healthier environment. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS8 COMMUNITY SAFETY Water Safety Tips With warm days ahead, follow these guidelines to help ensure a safe and enjoyable time by all. Swimming Safety Tips ƒAlways have an adult supervising when children are in the water. ƒDo not rely on flotation devices! They are not a substitution for adult supervision. ƒMake sure all pools have proper fencing. ƒDon't mix alcohol and swimming. ƒPay attention to weather and stop swimming if bad weather is imminent. ƒMake sure someone knows CPR. ƒCheck water depths before diving. Boating Safety Tips ƒDesignate a sober captain of the boat. ƒMake sure everyone has a life jacket. ƒWatch the weather forecast before you head out. Don't go boating in heavy rainfall or dangerous storms. ƒMake sure you have a working fire extinguisher on board. ƒCheck fuel levels before leaving. ƒAlways have a first aid kit on board. Beach Safety ƒWear sunscreen! ƒLimit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the rays are the strongest. ƒDrink lots of water. ƒWear shoes! Sand can be hot and contain materials that could cut the bottom of your foot. Visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for specific rules and regulations at dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/index.html. Caring for Mental Health We as a society have become much more in-tune with our mental health as well as the health of our community. Now, more than ever, it is important to make sure we are monitoring our own mental health and feelings as well as the people we care about. The pandemic has unfortunately left many feeling isolated and lonely due to increased time spent indoors at home and lack of physical contact—especially from the winter months. So make it a point to look after your mental health and take the steps necessary if you are feeling depressed or lost in these trying times. Visit the link below for tips from the World Health Organization of things you can do to look after your own mental health, as well as help others in our families or community that may need some extra support. Learn more at who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat- coronavirus/healthyathome. Crimes of Opportunity During COVID-19 At this current moment in time, we are faced with crimes of opportunity like we have never seen before. From regular thefts of unlocked vehicles to cyber criminals trying to steal innocent people’s money with promises of a vaccine, we have to do our part to not become victims to the endless crimes of opportunity amongst us. Here are just a few ways you can protect yourself from becoming a victim: Lock your car. Seems like the obvious but whether we are in a pandemic or not, this is one of the biggest crimes committed. Take valuables out of your car, whether it's locked or not. Criminals are looking for anything that looks promising. Even if the backpack in your back seat only has a toothbrush and a pack of gum, take it inside so it doesn't look like it contains a thousand-dollar computer. Do not leave your car running for any reason. This has been extra prevalent in winter with Minnesota's extremely cold temperatures. If you leave your car running, even in your driveway, you are giving a criminal an opportunity to take it. Screen phone calls. Criminals are desperate right now and are calling to scam people out of money. The IRS will never call you, the social security office will never call you, and the classic scam of "your family member has been in an accident and needs money to get out of jail" is still happening. Stay vigilant. Don't fall for internet and email scams. These scams are at an all-time high. If something seems too good to be true it always is. You will never have to pay off debt with a gift card from iTunes/Target/Visa. If you think something is fishy it probably is, and you can always call the Police Department for guidance and advice. Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby Bring your fishing pole and come down to Rogers Lake fishing pier to catch “the big one!” Prizes will be provided for all participants. Each child should bring an adult with to help them fish and for supervision. We will be providing snacks and beverages. One lucky participant will win a Minnesota Lifetime Fishing License. Thursday, August 12 4-7pm $10 per child Age 14 and under PARKS & RECREATION 9 Register Early Watch for deadlines and register at least one week prior to the program start. To accommodate social distancing, capacities may be limited and programs may fill quickly. Cancellations occur if there are not enough participants for an activity. Programs and events may be subject to change. Stay Safe Modifications have been made to programs in accordance to current public health guidelines and will be adjusted when guidance changes. COVID-19 Preparedness Plans will be provided before the start of each program. Fee Assistance Program Residents with a parent on active military duty or who receive free and reduced meals through ISD 197 may be eligible for 50% off of golf lessons, tennis lessons, or Safety Camp (up to $150). Contact Parks and Recreation for details. Browse the Program Catalog View and print the Summer Recreation Catalog at mendota-heights.com. Printed catalogs are also available at City Hall during business hours, or call 651-452-1850 and request that one be mailed to you. Select from a wide variety of activities to keep everyone enriched, engaged, and energized— all summer long! Youth Programs  Tennis Lessons  Golf Lessions & Junior League  In-House Tennis League  Mayer Arts Musical Theater Camps  ARTrageous Adventures Camps  Sports Unlimited Camps  Safety Camps  Fascinating Fridays with Splash Pad Adult Programs  Beginner & Advanced Beginner Tennis Lessons  Beginner Golf Lessions  Women's Golf League  NEW - Adult Bags League Summer recreation registration is open online at secure.rec1.com/MN/mendota-heights-mn/catalog or in person at City Hall during business hours. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS10 PARKS & RECREATION Free Recreation Drop-In Program Ages 6-12 Join us on Tuesdays for the City's traveling program that brings recreation to local neighborhood spots. Staff will set up activities and equipment for youth to enjoy. There will be games, sports, arts, crafts and more! FREE - no registration required. June June 15 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Mendakota Park June 22 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Covington Court Apartments Greenspace June 29 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Mendakota Park July July 6 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Harmon Park July 13 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Mendakota Park July 20 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Covington Court Apartments Greenspace July 27 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Mendakota Park August August 3 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Harmon Park August 10 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Mendakota Park August 17 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Harmon Park Coming Soon to Marie Park At its meeting on February 16, the City Council approved a playground redesign for Marie Park. The design selected will feature a play structure for ages two-to-five years, a play structure for ages five-to-twelve years, two sand-diggers, a two- person grasshopper spring rider, a revolution spinner, track ride, five swings, climbers, slides, and two benches. The design was a community favorite in feedback received through the City's Polco survey, and virtual and in-person open houses. The City Council approved the cost for the playground structure, installation, and shade structures for a total of $133,000. The proposed playground replacement is approximately double the size of the existing playground at Marie Park, and it is anticipated to be complete by June 1 of this year, weather permitting. PAR 3 11 A Fresh Look for the New Season On the heels of an extremely successful season last year, golfers and footgolfers heading to the Par 3 this season will be greeted by a brand makeover. Based on feedback received from guests, the Par 3 course is known for its affordability, friendly service, and community spirit. The Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council approved a new logo for the course in late winter to better represent this unique identity and to make the course more marketable. Guests will see the new logo design on flags, score cards, signage, and other materials, and will be able to enjoy the same first-rate and friendly service by uniformed staff. They can also browse and purchase branded golf merchandise available for sale at the Clubhouse. And new this year, customers can stay in touch throughout the season by subscribing to Par 3 News from the Nine on the City’s website. See the refreshed course in person and enjoy the same great rates as last year! Course hours are seven days a week, 7:15 a.m. until dusk. Call 651-454-9822 to reserve a tee time. Subscribe to News from the Nine Receive emailed news and updates from the Mendota Heights Par 3 Commu- nity Golf Course including course opening and closing notifications; course condi- tions; registration informa- tion for lessons, leagues, tournaments; special event information; playing tips; promotions; and more. Subscribe at mendota-heights.com/par3. Family Golf Season KickOff All Ages Join us for a family-friendly start to the 2021 Golf Season at the Mendota Heights Par 3. Tee times can include family and friends. Saturday, May 1 9 a.m. Shotgun Start Cost $20 per participant Register online or at City Hall You th Tournament Ages 15 and under Join us for a recreational tournament for juniors. Players must be familiar with golf rules and etiquette. An adult may walk the course with the child. Saturday, June 19 9 a.m. Shotgun Start Cost $20 per participant Register online or at City Hall M CISU !S EMMU R       City of Mendota Heights 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 www.mendota-heights.com HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS Spring 2021 ISSUE: 123 City Directory Council Members: Stephanie Levine, Mayor 651.686.0340 Ultan Duggan 651.452.5179 John R. Mazzitello 651.249.7306 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 2021 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 Mendota Heights Police Dept See-a-Truck Event Join us for a free behind-the-scenes tour and see big rigs—fire trucks, police squads, mowers, plow trucks and more! Activities will include games for kids, photo opportunities, and refreshments. Saturday, May 15 10 a.m.-Noon Mendakota Park parking lot Get Ready to Celebrate! The annual City of Mendota Heights Parks Celebration is a free event that brings the community together to reconnect with neighbors and celebrate the beauty of our city. Friday Night | Movie in the Park June 4, 8:30 p.m. at Mendakota Park Saturday | Parks Celebration June 5, 11 a.m.-2.p.m. at Mendakota Park Free Summer Concerts Get a blanket and circle up for outdoor music! Concerts take place at Mendakota Park in the early evening. Check website for times. Kidsdance June 23 Dance to the hottest new music and the coolest classics with this family-friendly interactive DJ. Teddy Bear Band July 14 Children will enjoy bringing their own teddy bear or stuffed friend to this family-friendly concert.