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2022- September October Heights Highlights�I* ti- EI ALA Nevv Beginnings for Natural Resources Commission Natural resources are a part of both the history and the identity of Mendota Heights, and the city council has worked to make sure that natural resources are now also a part of Mendota Heights' future. Over the past several years, the City has made strides in growing its natural resources program, The City Council had long discussed the development of a natural resources commission with the goal of focusing on supporting natural areas in the city, sustainabllity, and environmental and climate stewardship. Earlier this year, the City Council established the new, seven -member commission. Positions were posted. candidates interviewed and appointed, and the commission met for its first meeting in May. The Natural Resources Commission is an advisory board to the City Council Their charge includes developing and recommending policies and initiatives that enhance and preserve natural resources within the City. Their expertise and insights help to guide the City Council by informing decisions, adding perspective, and exploring issues pertaining to natural resources. The meetings of the Natural Resources Commission are open to the public and are live streamed on Channel15/859 HD on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:00pm. Tupper was elected vice chair. When asked what she thinks the purpose of he commission is. Vice Chair Tupper described Mendota Heights'. "beloved green space ... a great place to have your kids grow up and bike on trails and be around trees and bugs and birds.' She said that, "the commission is really an accountability body for implementing the natural resources pLan._the plan is a living document." When asked what she hoped residents knew about the Natural Resources Commission, Chair Swank said, "we want to hear from them — we're here to sten to them and work together," Investment and engagement with natural resources is woven through the strategic documents of the City. Establishing a naturaL resources commission was a recommendation within the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the City Council has approved an updated Natural Resources Management Plan NRMP). The NRMP provides vision, principles, and goals for the city's natural resources and outlines a framework for enhancing, expanding, connecting, and protecting the city's natural esources into the future. The Natural Resources Commission witL use this document to guide their work and together with staff and council, this plan will come to Life. Heidi Swank was elected chair of the commission, and Nissa For questions or additional information, ca11651-452-1850. IN I D E ©CANDIDATES 0 NEWWHEELS CNT'S W PLAN PHASE 2RIAN 9 EVENTS MS & STEPHANIE'S CORNER As crisp mornings and the school year begins, we reflect on our fleCling Mendota Heights summer before we ease into fall. What a summerwe've had! Residents enthusiasticaLLy welcomed the return of our Mendota Heights Summer Concert Series, the Par 3 had its most successful summer ever, and our recreation programs experi- enced record participation as many residents took advantage of new offerings like pickLeball lessons. Large gatherings Like Touch -A -Truck. 4th of July Fireworks, and the Parks Celebration brought the community together to celebrate. It was great fun to see so many neighbors out during Night to Unite. A huge thanks to all our Public Safety, Parks & Recreation and Public Works staff who plan these programs and maintain our parks and traits! As the Weather cools and days shorten, we find different Ways to connect, Our newly launched volunteer program provides opportunities to engage through community service. If you have not yet signed up, checkout this Link on our website for more information https://i-nendotaheightsmn.gov/volunteer. The city is currently looking for help with fall events, sign up and show up, it is a great Way to connect With neighbors. As you likely noticed, city communications Were refreshed hroughout this past year, We are seeing more frequent city newsletters and our city website has options to opt into additional city publications, like the City Council and Commission meeting packets and our Par 3 eNewsLetter. We have an increased pres- ence on social media (make sure to follow) and robust conversa- on with community members during the summer Coffee with the CounciL meet ups have provided additional ways to connect. Elections, the ultimate form of civic engagement, are just around he corner and Mendota Heights has one of the highest voter turnouts in the state of Minnesota! Learn about your candidates for mayor and city Council in this issue, and do not forget to vote. Precincts will be open on November 8 but absentee voting can be done at City Hall starting as early as September z3 and early voting, which is the same as voting at a precinct on election day, begins at City Hall on November 1, Find out where to vote at mnvotes,org, Let's continue the momentum of summer connection through the fall and winter seasons! Volunteerism, communication, civic engagement, and voting are ways we can all work together to ensure a b,:ght future for our wonderful city Wishing you all a fabulous fall and I hope to see you out and about. As always. I am eadily available to hear your thoughts and ideas. Stephanie Levine, Mayor IL I ■ ■ CALL 931 for emergency and non -emergency Police and Fire response. CITY HALL 1101 VICTORIA CURVE MENDOTA HEIGHTS 55118 City Administration: 651-452-1850 Fax 651-452-8940 Lobby Hours: M-TH: 7am-4:30pm F', 7am-11:30am Email: c!tyhaLL@rnendotaheightsmn.gov POLICE 1 VICTORIA CURVE • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55118 Police Administration/Records: 651-452-13GG Lobby Hours M-R Sam-430pm Enl pdrecordsCamendotaheightsmn.gov FIRE 2121 DODD ROAD • MENDOTA HEIGHTS • 55120 Fire Administration: 651-452-1850 PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY 2431 LEXINGTON AVE S MENDOTA HEIGHTS 55120 Building: 651-454-4059 Building Hours: M- :7am-330Pre STEPHANIE LEVINE, MAYOR 651-686-0340 C. 651-302-0861 slevinenmendotaheightsmngov ULTAN DUGGAN 651-452-5179 1 udugganpmendotahe!ghtsmn,gov JOHN R. MAZZITELLO 651-249-7306 JmazzitelloOa mendotaheightsmn,gov JAY MILLER 651-994-0482 Jmilterramendotaheightsmn,gov JOEL PAPER 612-237-1133 jpaperna mendotaheightsmn.gov Meetings are held at City Halt unless otherwise specified. Visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/calendar to check far meeting dates &times. Meetings are tivestreamed online and for replay at townsquare.tv/webstreaming. Occasionally broadcast channels may change, check Town Square Television's cable listings fur details. Regular meetings are typically held as follows; scheduling d ranges may occur, CI7Y COUNCIL 1'T&3f°TUES GPM CHANNEL I8/798 HD AIRPORT REL COMM.' 31°WED OF ODD -NUMBERED MONTHS 6PM NATURAL RESOURCES COMM, 2ND WED 16pM CHANNEL 15/859 HD PARK&REC COMM. 2N°TUES 16'SOPM CHANNEL 15/859 HD PLANNING COMM. 4°TUES 17pM CHANNEL 18/798 HD ARC meetings ore not regulnrfy biaaticost The Candidates IF 6ftr* * * ELECTION 2022 Stephanie Levine John MACAo Stephanie Levine and her husband. Jimmy, have proudly called Mendota Heights home for over 30 years and could not have asked for a better community to help raise their three kids, Stephanie's background in finance and community organizing has allowed her to serve the community in a variety of Leadership ores and she considers her public service to be ajoy and honor. Stephanie holds bachelor's and master's degrees in Mathematics from the Universities of Wisconsin and Minnesota, espectively and spent 15 years working as an actuary. She is a dedicated volunteer with experience at the city, county and state Levels, including eight years on the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission and seven years on the ISD 197 School Board. Stephanie is also a member of the Dakota County Broadband Board and a trustee of the Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association. Stephanie is dedicated to building upon the many accomplishments of the past two years which focus on efficient and effective city services, increasing recreational opportunities and environmental stewardship. She prioritizes transparent eadership, effective communication, fiscal responsibility, and a future that protects and sustains the city's unique qualities and character. John grew up in Saint Paul, has lived in Mendota Heights for 14 year s, and has served the city since moving here. He was he City of Mendota Heights Public Works Director/City Engineer (eight years), Planning Commissioner (four years), and member of he City Council since 2020. John graduated from Cretin-Derham Hall, Marquette University (Civil Engineering), and Argosy University (MBA). He was an Air Force officer, worked for Alaska State Departments of E wironmental Conservation and Transportation, worked for consulting firms both as Land development project manager and Director of Municipal Services. and is currently Deputy Public Works Director for Ramsey County. John served 22 years in the Air Force & Air National Guard, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. John has volunteered for 13-years at FriendLy Hills Middle School (Future Cities Program). He also VOLunteers with local charities: Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Feed My Starving Children, and CDH Alumni Association. John is the proud parent of a Cretin-Derham Hall senior and is engaged to Katherine Virnig. John's priorities are to make sure the city operates within its budgetary means while nvesting smartly in city assets, planning for city parks and traits, implementing the Naturat Resources Management Plan, and being a humble and dedicated city servant. John is a lifelong resident who grew up in Mendota Heights, and along with his wife Lynne, raised their three daughters Cassandra Tiffany and KimberLee here. John graduated from Henry Sibley High School and the U of M with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. He is a registered professional engineer (Civi(/Traffic) for 37 years, 33 of which were serving the citizens of Saint Pau[ until his retirement. He currently works part time for a Large municipal/traffic engineering firm. John served for 39 years on the Mendota Heights Fire Depa meat, 32 as the Fire Chief. During John's leadership the Fire Department was selected Minnesota Fire Department of the Year twice. John also served in leadership positions on county and state fire organizations and was recognized by the City Engineers Association of Minnesota as Engineer of the Year in zo15. John values and seeks all perspectives, collaboration and building consensus. His priority will be to represent the people that elected him. He WILL seek a process of true engagement so that the character/needs of the city represents the needs and Wan s of Mendota Heights residents and businesses. Sally and her husband moved to Mendota Heights 42 years ago to raise their family. She was appointed to the Mendota Heights Planning Commission in iggq. and served twelve years: five as chair. She then served thirteen years on the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission, six as vice -chair. Sally currentLy chairs Dakota County's Special Board of Tax Appeals, and returned last year to the Planning Commission, becoming vice -chair. She also serves as National Vice President of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association. Sally received her bachelor's degree in Mathelmatics and master's in Math Education from the U of M, and taught mathelmatics in the Minneapolis Public Schools. She earned an MBA from the U of M while working as a Fortune 500 national training manager. Sally is currently an assistant vice president and project manager for a national financial services provider. Sat priorities are community safety and security. A fiscal conservative, she is Comm to a balanced budget and building reserves to address long-term strategic needs white preserving Low taxes. She WILL work to preserve the special character of Mendota Heights, promote local businesses, and enhance Comm engagement opportunities for residents of all ages. Jeff Nath moved to Mendota Heights in zo15 after an extensive search for the best place to live In the Twin Cities area He Lives with his wife Katie and their dog Selby. Jeff has a Bachelor of Arts degree in History (z004) from the University of Minnesota and a Juris Doctorate from Hamline University School of Law, (2007). Jeff has practiced law as a solo practitioner since 2010. handling all manner of Legal matters as well as being a qualified mediator and arbitrator His priorities for the City of Mendota Heights include maintaining the unique and exceptionat quality of life that residents enjoy. Je f will prioritize solutions for the nfrastruclure problems we encounter and for the expansion of green space with access to nature for at[ residents, Jeff believes that an approachable and open minded council is key to an effectively run city that is an enjoyable place to live. He wilt work to create a system whereby esidents are listened to when they have sues rather than just heard. Jeff wants every citizen to have a voice in governance and Is excited for the opportunity to epresent the community. e Visit mnvotes.org for answer's to your voting questions, New Response Vehicle Reaches Remote Areas The Mendota Heights Fire Department (MHFD) has some new wheels - all -terrain wheels! The new ATV is a valuable new tool for the MHFD to help assist response to hard to get to places within Mendota Heights, Mendota and Lilydale. With this new vehicle, the MHFD can help to ensure that firefighters are able to respond to emergency calls to people away from main roads throughout the city's many wonderful parks and trails. The use of ATV -based fire apparatus has become an essential and preferred vehicle. because they are more robust and versatile, and can go where larger fire trucks cannot reach, The MHFD's recent purchase of a Polaris Ranger Crew XP l000 will be used for grass fires and civilian rescues in remote Locations such as the river bottoms or on the trail system, The new ATV was funded through the Fire Department's budget and by generous donations to the Mendota Heights Relief Association from Joe and Linda Schaefer and the Coss Family Foundation. Firefighters have already started training with the new vehicle to make sure that they are ready when they get the call to help, Highlights and Updates Police Department Safe Driving Traffic issues, such as distracted driving and speeding vehicles, are often cited as a concern for the citizens of Mendota Heights. n June, the Mendota Heights Police Department used a speciaLLy designed pickup truck to combat distracted driving. The truck is equipped with a 360° camera system that is able to ecord drivers as they check email, text, or other distractions while behind the wheel. This new truck has allowed the departiment to have several interactions with distracted drivers. Mendota Heights is one of several regional partners who benefit from this resource, obtained by the City of Richfield, through a Nationa L Highway Traffic Safety Administration grant. As you drive around Mendota Heights, you may have noticed a speed trc;ler. However, this is no ordinary speed trailer, This speed trailer has a built-in camera to help the MHPD educate the public about their driving, The speed trailer records the speed of passing vehicles, and if the speed is above the posted speed limit, it takes a picture of the rear license plate. Then, a notice is mailed to the registered owners to inform them of their vehicle's speed at the date and time the vehicle passed the speed trailer, with the captured image of the license plate, and what a citation would have cost them. MHPD hopes this information wilt improve people's driving habits. The Department's volunteer divisions have been busy: Last year, the first Mendota Heights Community Eimergency Response Team launched. Since then, the team has assisted with community events and continues to train and prepare for various ncidents. This year, training included advanced first aid and conducting line searches to locate missing persons. In May, CERT activated to search for a missingjuveniLe on the Mendota Heights/West St. Paul border, who was located and safe. The Mendota Heights Reserve Officers'summer was packed with service to the community. They provided support for Touch a Truck, the Memorial Officer Scott Patrick 5k Run/Walk, Mendota Days, and the Mendota Heights Parks Celebration. They also assisted neighboring cities with their local festivals. This year there were 43 Night to Unite parties throughout the City. The MHPD enjoyed meeting and conversing with the citizens they serve in a more of a casuat setting. Hovci are your plants looking? Garden Plants By Your Loca! Master Gardeners Seasonal annuals look a bit worse for the wear during cooler months. A great solution is to plant drought -tolerant native plants! They will thrive When most of our other landscape plants are struggling. Examples of native plants that will make your landscape shine. ■Wild Petunia (RueLLia humilis) blooms abundantly in the heat (June to August), Ukes sunny dry sandy soils, and does well in difficuIt areas Like along the edge of a sidewaLk or driveway. ■ False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides) s a tall native with a cheery yellow daisy like I for part shade to fuLL sun that blooms from July to September. ■Whorled Milkweed (AscLepias verticiltata) grows in full sun and is a host plant for Monarchs. ■Bee Balm (Monarda fistulosa) is an mportant food source and deer resistant. It blooms in fuLt sun June to August. Bee Balm sa favorite of many native bumblebees. The endangered Rusty Patch Bumblebee was found on this plant in Mendota Heights again this year. ■ LittLe BLuestem and Prairie Dropseed are native grasses that will add texture to your Landscape and provide food for birds. There are also many native plants to choose for shady landscapes too, Drought tolerant natve plants will reduce your water biLL, add beauty to your landscape, and provide much needed food for pollinators and birds. More native plants are needed to help pollinators and birds: so try beautiful and low maintenance native plants in your Landscape! u� sagain it tivin m Join Your Neighbors Donating and Thrifting Just Got Easier Try out the Reduce &Reuse Map by Dakota County to quickly find the closest places to donate goods, shop used, re equipment and repair your stuff. ■ Rent —Search for tents, Linens, tools and other equipment re Locations for your next party or home project. ■ Donate/Buy Used —Find the closest location to donate and buy secondhand household goods, books and furniture. ■Repair —Get items like shoes and jeweLry fixed and mended using a Local repair business. ■Sell Used Items —Discover consignment shops that will pay you for yourgently used sporting goods and clothing. ■Drop boxes —Drop-off clothes and shoes using a donation box near you. ff You do more than save money when you make your stu go the extra mile or score unique items at a secondhand store. By reducing and reusing instead of buying new, you'll spend less money, keep your home organized and simplify your fife while helping the planet. Check out the new map at www.dakotacounty.us, search reuse map. Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dahoto County 1 HELP THE CITY PLAN BY REVIEWING AND COMMENTING ON THE INTERACTIVE MAP. �- o ❑ - _ • ' INTERACTIVE MAPPING TOOL: !-�_ �' � � https://hkgi.mysocialpinpoin[com/mendota-heights-phase-2-map/map#/ '� �:� � o Mendota Heights has approximately 28 miles of paved trails and sidewalks and five mites of wide shoulders or on -street bicycle infrastructure. The City is working on a plan to improve the existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities and to plan for future investments, After completing Phase i of the project, the city is now in Phase II, and is seeking feedback on the take-aways from the initial public engagement process. According to the data from Phase I, the top three concerns that community members have about Mendota Heights' Bike and Pedestrian infrastructure are: 1. Trails and sidewalks are too icy or snowy in winter months; z. There are no trails or sidewalks where I want to go; and 3� Not feeling safe walking or biking near motorized traffic and busy intersections The survey responses for bicycle and pedestrian facilities were input into an interactive online map. The interactive online map is part of the second phase of the plan to collect input identifying places where people think the City should place priorities on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure investments. Use the OR code, above. or enter https:hkgi.mysocialpinpoint.com/mendota-heights-phase-z-map/map#/ In your Internet browser to go to the map. On the map, use the icon options to comment and leave your input. You can also attach a photo to support your comment. If you have an idea or a suggestion, you can drag that icon onto the map and draw a line showing a potential new sidewalk or trail route, You can also Like, dislike, or comment on icons placed by others. Your insights wilt help the city to map issues and opportunities. r The City Council approved new sanitary sewer usage rates effective the third quarter of 2oz2. Residents will see the new rate applied in their October billing. The City of Mendota Heights uses the funds collected from quarterly sanitary sewer billing to operate, maintain, and upgrade the Infrastructure that removes wastewater from properties. This fund is also used to pay the Metropolitan Councilto safely treat the wastewater at its regional treatment plant. The new rates will ensure. ■Equitable charges for everyone based on their fair share for system usage. ■Simple billing system with one rate. ■ Water conservation. ■Adequate funding to pay for the system's current and future capitaland operational needs. Mendota Heights Trailhead Open 17 House 3-6pm •Big Rivers Regional Trail Mendota Heights Trailhead Explore the new trail enhancements and interpretive stops at the historic overlook. Enjoy games, activities, music and food trucks. Movie in the Park -The Lego Movie 17 730-gpm •Two Rivers High School Bring a lawn chair or a blanket, and get ready to enjoy The Lego Movie. This activity is weather dependent. In ease of inclement weather, checkthe City's social media and. website for updates. Children, age 10 and younger, must be accompanied by an adult, Free Makers Market gam-3pm • Two Rivers High School 24 Join us fora spectacular craft show featuring local artists, creators and vendors. Concessions available. Stargazing 03 7 9pm •Harmon Park Explore and learn about Minnesota's night sky at this stargazing event. Stargaze with a telescope, followed b a resentation from the Minnesota AstronomicaLSociet .All Y P Y ages are welcome. Registration online or by scanning the QR code in the bottom right Free Senior Passport to Thompson 13 Park Activity Center 11am-2pm •Programming for Adults 55t The City has teamed up with Thompson Park Activity Center to offer a special day for residents Join us for light lunch, a tour of the facility and learn about the amazing programs Thompson Park Activity Center offers for Adults 55t. Register by October 3 and get free admission to Naturalist Melanie Sliipman's "Wolves of the Land from 10-11am on October 13 at Thompson Park Activity Center, To register, call 651-255-1140. Fire Department Open House � l0am-lpm •Mendota Heights Fire Department 15 Visit the Fire Department's open house to learn about this year's fire prevention theme: "Fire won't wait. Plan your escape." Meet firefighters. check out the fire trucks and equipment, play fire prevention and safety Learning games and take a photo with Snuffers. Watch safety demonstrations (at 11 am -- and 12:30pm), and more! Free Dog Day � 1-3pm •Mendota Heights Dog Park 15 Bring your dog to socialize with other pups! Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation will provide fun dog play equlpment, prizes and more. Free MEA Field Trip -Drkula BoWI 2� and Movie 8:30am-4pm •Harmon Park •Ages 6-12 Spend the morning at Harmon Park playing games, then head to Drkula's to go bowling and eat lunch, After, catch a movie and head back to the park. Pizza included. NOTE, Exact movie and location are to be determined. Register online at mendotaheig htsmngov. On partnership with the cities of Mendota Heights, Paper Shredding Event gam-12pm • Mendakota Park 22 Residents of Mendota Heights. West St. Paul. South St. Paul Sunfish Lake & Lilydale can shred and recycle confidential material at this event. Free. No Limit. For more ihformation, visit mendotaheightsmn.gov. Trick or Teeing • 22 5-7pm •Par 3 Golf Course 1 Ages 13 and under Celebrate the season with your little ghosts or goblins for a spooktacular tnck-or-teeing experience. Dress up and visit golf course holes for a treat. Enjoy festive games, and arts and crafts. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to October 23. Adult supervision required. p;>? p RECREATION � 0 CITY ti vo- REGISTRATION roc x CALENDAR _ Events &programs may O� 'y be subject to change. O mendotaheightsmn.gov or mendotaheightsmn,gov/calendar register at City Hall SEASONAL REMINDERS KEEP LEAVES OUT OF STORM DRAINS Help protect and clean up surface waters by keeping the storm drains near your house free of Leaves. Every storm drain on your street flows to a nearby take, wetland, stream, or river. When Leaves wash into the storm drains, they release nutrients that contribute to accelerated growth of algae. This can result in Low oxygen Levels for plant and animal Life and unsafe recreation conditions. This fall, keep leaves out of storm drains, and find new uses for them instead. Keeping Leaves and debris out of storm drains also helps prevent ice dams and slippery roads. Here are ideas on ways to use your Leaves and help keep surface waters clean: Simple ways YOU can help; ■Adopting a drain is an easy way to make a big difference. It only takes 15 minutes every other week to sweep up around a storm drain in your neighborhood, For information and to sign up online, visit: adopt-a-drain.org. ■ Keep the Leaves in your garden to provide food and shelter for pollinators. ■ Leave the Leaves around trees and plants to help retain moisture and reduce frost damage to roots throughout winter. ■Compost leaves in your backyard, Adding leaves to a compost pile is an inexpensive way to add nutrient rich fertilizer to your gardens. ■ Bring leaves to a compost site or other acceptable disposal site. Many sites accept Leaves and other yard waste for free or a small fee. on j City of Heights ilm victoriatoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118 POSTAL CUSTOMER PRSRT STO U.S. Postage PAID Permtt#33324 Twin Cities, MN Svciinging into Fall at the Par 3 Golf Course The Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course,1695 Dodd Road, s open for three seasons, with faILL. being the best time of the of season. With cooler temperatures and glorious goLfscapes created by the autumn hues on the golf course, its time to get out and play before winter sets in. The golf course is maintained daiLy by three seasonal employees who mow the course, rake the bunkers, cut the cups, tend to the plants and perform special projects. The course has undergone its annuaL aeration process, which eLieves the compaction that is associated with a fullseason of I I Receive$3 OFF one I round of golf or footgolf. I OriglnaL coupon must be presented at time of payment. Valid throughl0/30/2022. Cannot be combined with any other offer. I I I I I ff I I /lGT^ I I I I I I MENDOTA HEIGHTS I COMMUNn 00L COURSE I �•Jim I I I use. Aerating improves airand water movement throughout the soil. which provides healthier grass and consistent conditions resulting in smoother, thriving greens. The Par 3 is a 9-hole, par 27 If course owned and operated by the City The course was founded in 1961, ust five years after Mendota Heights was incorporated as a village. The City purchased the course for municipal operation n 2007 The golf course was laid out over existing farmland, and was quickly surrounded by housing development. The golf course encompasses over 17 acres of green space that includes native plantings, a rain garden, a gorgeous patio, and a clubhouse building that is used for building community. For more than 60 years, the Par 3 has been a great place for golfers to Learn and grow their game. The course features a forgiving Layout and caters to golfers of at[ ages and aties. Visit the clubhouse for exceptional service to help you make tee times, Swing on by the golf course for a round of golf footgolf, or to see the IS autumn colors and enjoy the Par 3 Golf Course amenities!