Heights Highlights May-June 20233 STREET PROJECTS
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
HEIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Pollinator
AWARENESS MONTH
In 2022, the City began
the process of updating
the Zoning Ordinance to
be consistent with the
adopted 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
Zoning is the City’s
primary tool for regulating
land use and
implementing the goals
and policies of the City's
Comprehensive Plan.
The Zoning Code
imposes land use
controls that regulate
what can be built on
individual parcels of land.
Proposed developments,
from new buildings to
small home additions, are
required to meet the
requirements of the
Zoning Code.
A draft of the Zoning
Code Update and
summary of the key
changes being proposed
were made public and
reviewed by the Planning
Commission and City
Council in April. The
document is available for
public review and
members of the
community are invited to
share feedback on the
draft code update.
All changes to the Zoning
Code must follow a
formal process for
approval, including a
public hearing. This
process will take place
over next several months;
after which, the City
Council will take action to
approve the final draft.
For more information and
to review the proposed
draft, visit
MendotaHeightsMN.gov
/Zoning.
ZONING CODE UPDATE
INSIDE 6 PROGRAMS & EVENTS INSTALL ARAINGARDEN74NEW CITY STAFF
In 2016, the City Council passed a resolution declaring Mendota Heights a Pollinator Friendly Community. This resolution encourages all property owners, residents, businesses and institutions to adopt pollinator-friendly practices.
Since then, the City has worked to maintain this mission with measures such as implementing pollinator-friendly maintenance practices throughout the park system. In the summer of 2022, the City also received a grant from the state of Minnesota Lawns to Legumes Program, to bring native, pollinator beneficial plantings to spaces throughout Mendota Heights. This initiative was a huge success and highlighted the power of residents to make a difference.
Last year, the City promoted No-Mow May; and this year’s initiative aims to add to that by providing education and resources to support pollinator friendly practices all year long.
At their April 18 meeting, the City Council approved a resolution declaring Pollinator Awareness Month in Mendota Heights, May 1–31. Throughout the month-long initiative, the City will provide educational resources and activities on how to support pollinators year-round and highlight the importance of pollinators and their role in the natural world.
Watch for more information throughout the month of May, on the City’s social media channels, and at MendotaHeightsMN.gov/PollinatorAwarenessMonth.
May • June 2023 • ISSUE 133
Receive $3 off one round of
golf or footgolf.
Original coupon must be presented at time of payment. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires May 31, 2023.
SAVE on GOLF
1695 Dodd Road · Mendota Heights
Tee Times 651-454-9822
Get Back Into
THE SWING OF THINGS
The Par 3 Community Golf Course is open for the 2023 season! Book your tee time today for an affordable round of golf right here in Mendota Heights.
Senior and Junior players can take advantage of discounted rates – and you can start your Mother’s/Father’s Day shopping early, with a 10-round punch card for only $100. Looking for a shorter round? Take advantage of the Five-Hole Weekday Play Special for just $5.
RECREATIONAL FIRES
A property owner or lessee of the property may have a recreational fire without
obtaining a permit by complying with the following regulations:
•Fire shall be extinguished within three hours after start, but no later than 11 p.m.
•Use clean, dry wood only (no refuse, grass, leaves, logs over three inches in
diameter, paper, garbage, trade waste or other combustibles).
•Size shall not be more than three feet in diameter, nor shall the flames reach a
height in excess of three feet.
•No fire shall be within 25 feet of any building or structure.
•A means to extinguish must be in the immediate area of the fire.
•No fire shall be started or maintained in dry conditions or winds over 15 mph.
•Recreational fires must be constantly attended by a competent person of at
least 16 years of age until it has been extinguished.
•Portable outdoor fireplaces shall be used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions and shall not be operated within 15 feet of a
structure or combustible material.
•The code official has the authority to prohibit, suspend, or further restrict all
fires should conditions warrant such action.
If you have any questions, call the Fire Marshal at 651-452-1850.
CITY COUNCIL
Mayor Stephanie Levine
SLevine@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-686-0340 C: 651-302-0861
Councilor Sally Lorberbaum
SLorberbaum@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-503-5564
Councilor John Mazzitello
JMazzitello@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-249-7306
Councilor Jay Miller
JMiller@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
651-994-0482
Councilor Joel Paper
Paper@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
612-237-1133
PUBLIC MEETINGS
City Council
1ST & 3RD Tues.| 7 p.m.
Airport Commmission
3RD Wed. of Odd Months | 6 p.m.
Natural Resources Commission
2ND Wed. | 6 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Commission
2ND Tues. | 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission
4TH Tues. | 7 p.m.
Make this the year! Replace some of your lawn with native plants to grow a
pollinator garden. Pollinators are a crucial part of the food production system as
well as key players in ecosystem health.
You can start by reading the book Bringing Nature Home by Dr. Doug Tallamy, available at Dakota Co. Libraries or
bookstores to learn how to be a change agent for nature. Also, visit Dr. Tallamy’s site HomegrownNationalPark.org
for tips and videos to help you. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has templates for pollinator
gardens; visit bwsr.state.mn and search for Residential Pollinator Habitat. You’ll find plans for shade, sun or rain.
Pollinators are active in the early spring and into the autumn. Select native plants with varied blooming times from
April through October. This will support pollinator diversity in our city. Native plants offer the highest quality pollen
and nectar sources. Limit or avoid using insecticide and fungicide in your yard, and when purchasing plants ask if
they have been treated with these chemicals.
Remove invasive shrub species in your yard (Japanese barberry, Amur maple, Buckthorn and Burning bush) and
replace with native shrubs like Dogwood, Aronia, American Hazelnut, High-bush cranberry and others. These
shrubs offer high value nutrition to pollinators and other beneficial insects. When you increase your insect
population you will attract more songbirds who will come for the feast. Finally, take time to observe and enjoy the
natural oasis you have created.
Support Pollinators
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
By Your Local Master Gardeners
Install a Raingarden
THIS SUMMER
A raingarden is a
depression designed to
collect rainwater runoff and
allow it to infiltrate into the
ground instead of flowing
to our wetlands, lakes,
rivers and other surface
waters.
Raingardens feature plants that can tolerate standing
water temporarily, as well as periods of drought - often
native plants that also provide food and habitat for
pollinators, birds, and other wildlife.
By installing a raingarden, you will:
•Filter pollutants and nutrients from stormwater
•Reduce flooding and erosion
•Improve water quality in surface waters
•Reduce harmful algae
•Recharge groundwater supplies
•Provide habitat for insects, birds and butterflies
For more information visit
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Raingardens
Don’t wait to declutter your surplus of cleaning sprays
and unused drain cleaners.
Gather all your cleaning products and potentially
hazardous items from under-the-sink, storage closets
and garage. Keep what you would use in the next year
and put everything else in a box to bring to The
Recycling Zone, your one-stop drop-off for most
products labeled caution, warning, danger or poison.
Residents can bring cleaners, personal care products
like nail polish and sunscreen, paint, yard and garden
chemicals, bug killers and more, to be properly
disposed of for free.
Find hours, directions and a full list of items accepted
at DakotaCounty.us, search: recycling zone.
Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County
Declutter Household Cleaners
FOR A FRESH START
Subscribe to City Communications & Connect on Social at mendotaheightsmn.gov/communications.
How to use a Quick Response (QR) code
1. Open your smart phone camera app2. Hover over the code as if taking a photo3. Click the link that pops up eNews & Agenda Packets
MendotaHeightsMNMHParksandRecMendotaHeightsPD
Mendota_HeightsMHeightsPD Mendota Heights
STEPHANIE’S CORNER
2 7
SUSTAINABLE
Suburbs
CITY HALL
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights
651-452-1850
CityHall@MendotaHeightsMN.gov
Lobby Hours:
M–TH 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
F 7 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Police Lobby Hours:
M–F; 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
I love this time of year for the
inspiration it gives us, with its
longer days, warmer weather
and colorful new surprises
springing up to greet us
every day. For many, the
spring to summer transition is
an inspiration to get moving,
get things done, accomplish
some goals and celebrate.
If you’re looking to celebrate and have some fun
outdoors, be sure to check out the lineup of fantastic
local musicians performing at Music in the Park this
year. The shows take place every-other Wednesday
at 6 p.m. in Market Square Park and they are a great
opportunity to meet up with family and friends to
enjoy live, outdoor music.
The Touch-a-Truck event on Saturday, May 13 from
10 a.m. to Noon at Mendakota Park is also a fun
opportunity for the whole family to get behind the
scenes and close up to fire trucks, police cars,
mowers, plow trucks and more! Plus, there will be
games, photo opportunities, refreshments and food
truck goodies for purchase.
And, you won’t want to miss one of my personal
favorite events of the year, the Pickleball
Tournament on Saturday, May 20 at Marie Park;
registration is required. For more information on
these and other great summer events, visit
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar.
This is also a perfect time to take a look at how the
City is getting things done. Please join me in the City
Council Chambers, Tuesday, May 16, at 4 p.m. for the
State of the City presentation. I’m looking forward to
taking a closer look at demographics in our City,
highlighting the partnerships we’ve formed with
important community organizations such as the
County, School Districts and other non-profit groups
including Aspen House, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
and the Mendota Heights Community Foundation. I
will also be outlining some of the City’s operational
accomplishments including the budget, new
initiatives, and the bonding proposal for Oheyawahe.
The City is making great progress toward our
strategic priorities, thanks to all of the work that has
been done to create a foundation for future
initiatives…and there are more great things to come!
If you can’t make it to City Hall, you can watch the
State of the City presentation live on or on demand
at TownSquare.tv/Webstreaming.
Finally, May is the month we pay tribute to those
who gave their lives for our Country. Observed on
the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is set aside to
honor and remember our fallen American soldiers
throughout history. United States flags, including the
one in front of City Hall, will be flown at half-mast
until Noon on Monday, May 29, in observance of this
important holiday. If you’re looking for a way to help
Veterans and their families in our community, visit
the Northern Dakota County Beyond the Yellow
Ribbon website, at NDCYellowRibbon.com.
May this season inspire you,
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
6 3
Events& Programs Matters
On Dec. 11, 2022, at 5:47 a.m., Kenneth Sperle was
exercising at the gym when he suffered a cardiac
arrest. A citizen, Daniel Goodstein, immediately began
chest compressions, grabbed an Automatic External
Defibrillator (AED) and placed the pads on Ken’s chest.
Another citizen, Yohuru Williams, assisted with giving
officers and others access to the facility.
Officer Eric Wagman arrived while the AED was
analyzing Ken’s heart. He delivered one shock and
began chest compressions. Officers Dan Iverson and
Jared Powell arrived to assist and continued lifesaving
measures.
After five minutes, Ken began to breathe and had a
pulse. MHealth Paramedics and the Fire Department
arrived and assisted with transporting Ken to the
hospital where he recovered.
On Thursday, March 23, those involved in providing live-saving care during this incident were honored at a
gathering of peers, elected officials and community members, including Ken and his wife. The outstanding work
of the officers who first arrived on the scene exemplifies the mission of the Mendota Heights Police Department;
and the citizens, firefighters and paramedics who each played a key role in saving a life, are a perfect example
of how community comes together to take care of one another.
How to
SAVE A LIFE
COMMUNITY
The City will reconstruct Victoria Curve in front of
City Hall and perform a pavement replacement on
Orchard Hill, starting in late July. In addition, crack
and chip sealing will be done on Medallion Dr,,
Mendota Heights Rd. (from I-35E to Executive Dr.)
and Northland Dr. from (Mendota Heights Rd. to
Highway 55), starting in June.
Dakota County plans to mill and overlay Lexington
Ave. (from Hwy. 62 to Mendota Heights Rd.); and
complete improvements to the trail along
Lexington Ave. (from Hwy. 62 to Tom Thumb Blvd.).
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)
is planning a chip seal project on Dodd Rd. (from
the High Bridge to Hwy. 62); and a project to
rehabilitate Hwy. 62 from I-35E to Hwy. 13 - this will
be done under directional lane closures. MnDOT
will also replace guardrails on the
Mendota Bridge.
Street
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Police Department
REDEFINES MISSION STATEMENT
When Police Officer Pete Renteria attended a training
in 2022, he was inspired to take a closer look at the
Police Department mission statement, to better
resonate with officers and reflect the culture of
policing in Mendota Heights.
Renteria worked with the entire Department to find
the right words. At the March 21 meeting, the City
Council was presented with the new Police
Department mission statement: The Mendota
Heights Police Department is dedicated to
professional service with integrity and fairness to all.
“To us this means we are proud and devoted to
serving the community and expect one another to
be professional, not only in how we present
ourselves but how we treat people, to serve with
high morals and good ethics,” said Renteria. “It does
not matter what race, ethnicity, age, sex, class or that
you live in Mendota Heights, Lilydale or Mendota, if
you interact with a MHPD officer you can expect to
be treated fairly.”
6
Community Golf Course Par-Tee
Bond Payoff Celebration
Saturday, May 6; 9–10:30 a.m.
Par 3 Community Clubhouse
In 2007, voters approved a referendum authorizing
the City to acquire and improve the Mendota
Heights Par 3 Golf Course, by issuing $2,790,000 in
General Obligation Bonds. The City paid the final
bond payment for the Par 3 property on February 1,
2023. Swing on by the Mendota Heights Par 3 for our
Par-Tee to celebrate the final bond payment. The
event will include refreshments, games and
activities to win prizes, a free commemorative ball
marker for all in attendance, and at 9:30 a.m. a short
ceremony will take place to recognize those who
worked on the Save Par 3 Vote YES campaign.
Touch–a–TruckSaturday, May 13; 10 a.m.–Noon
Mendakota Park
Get behind-the-scenes and close up to dozens of
big rigs – fire trucks, police cars, mowers, plow
trucks and more! Plus enjoy games, photo
opportunities and refreshments; food truck
concessions will be available for purchase. In the
event of inclement weather, event will be
rescheduled for May 14.
Pickleball Tournament R
Saturday, May 20; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Marie Park
Join us for a day of friendly competition on the Marie
Park courts! This tournament is casual and
unsanctioned, intended for players looking for game
play.
Adult Hiking Group R
Fridays, May 26, June 20; 9–10 a.m.
Join Parks and Recreation staff for a 2-3 mile walk at
locations in Mendota Heights and surrounding areas.
Participants go at their own pace and do not need to
finish the entire walk. Participation is free; register
online or call 651-255-1353. Starting locations and
routes are sent the Monday before the hike via email.
Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5k R
Saturday, June 3; 9 a.m.
Market Square Park
Register today for the 18th Annual Officer Scott Patrick
Memorial 5k run/walk to benefit Special Olympics
Minnesota and Northern Dakota County Beyond the
Yellow Ribbon!
Tour de Rec
Tuesdays; 1:30–2:30 p.m.
June 13 – Thompson Park Activity Center
June 20 – Wentworth Park
June 27 – Southview Park
Join us for the City’s free recreation program that
brings sports, games, arts and crafts, and more, to
neighborhood parks and facilities!
Tire Recycling Event
Saturday, June 24; 9 a.m.–Noon
West St. Paul Public Works
Drop off your used or unneeded tires to be recycled.
Free for residents; limit 8 per household. No tractor
tires, semi tires, and no rims.
4th of July Fireworks
Tuesday, July 4
Mendakota Park
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at dusk!
Pictured L to R: Citizens Yohuru Williams and Daniel Goodstein;
Officers Eric Wagman, Dan Iverson and Jared Powell;
Paramedics Angie Smith and Megan Schwartz.
R REGISTRATION REQUIRED
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Register
EVENTS CALENDAR
MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Calendar
Don’t wait to declutter your surplus of cleaning sprays and unused drain cleaners.Gather all your cleaning products and potentially hazardous items from under-the-sink, storage closets and garage. Keep what you would use in the next year and put everything else in a box to bring to The Recycling Zone, your one-stop drop-off for most products labeled caution, warning, danger or poison.Residents can bring cleaners, personal care products like nail polish and sunscreen, paint, yard and garden chemicals, bug killers and more, to be properly disposed of for free. Find hours, directions and a full list of items accepted at DakotaCounty.us, search: recycling zone.Partially funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Dakota County
The Fire Department's training program is designed to
give new members a full understanding of basic
firefighting, rescue equipment, Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) and Department procedures.
During the first two years, new firefighters receive
training to complete certification as Firefighter I,
Firefighter II, Hazardous Materials Operator, and
Emergency Medical Responder.
New firefighters must also attend regularly scheduled
department trainings. Beyond initial training, all
firefighters participate in continuing education
Meet the Training Officer!
Captain Dale Stein
Years with the Mendota
Heights Fire Department: 17
Other Job: Paramedic with
Allina Health EMS
How did you decide to join
the fire service? I am a
second-generation Mendota
Heights firefighter. I grew up
in the fire station with my
dad. He was on the
department for 31 years.
What do you want residents
to know? This is the best
profession you could ever
get involved with. It gives the
greatest variety of
education, technical challenges, and most importantly
reward. If you are interested in challenging yourself and
giving back to the community that you live in, we are
always willing to chat if you have any questions. It has
been one of the best decisions I have ever made.
For more information on how to
become a Mendota Heights Firefighter,
visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/
BecomeAFirefighter.
Applications are being accepted
through May 13.
Become a
MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIREFIGHTER
New
CITY STAFF
Willow Eisfeldt is the
City’s new Recreation
Program Coordinator.
She earned a
bachelor’s degree in
Recreation Therapy
from the University of
Wisconsin-La Crosse,
and is a Certified
Therapeutic
Recreation Specialist
licensed through the
National Council on
Therapeutic Recreation Certification. Willow
previously worked as a Parks and Recreation intern
for the City of Boulder, Colo. and as a Recreation
Manager at a facility in La Crosse, Wis. for children
and teens with behavioral challenges and disabilities.
Willow is passionate about offering fun, diverse and
beneficial programming for all, and is excited to get
to know the Mendota Heights Community! Willow
loves gardening and has 75-plus house plants.
Courtney Selstad is
the new Recycling
Coordinator for the
Cities of Mendota
Heights, West St.
Paul, South St. Paul,
Lilydale and Sunfish
Lake. After earning a
bachelor of arts in
international relations
from the University of
Wisconsin-Madison,
Courtney spent the
first several years of her career working in public
relations and nonprofit management in the Twin Cities
and New York City. It was on the trash-filled streets of
Manhattan that she fell in love with creative reuse and
waste diversion. Upon returning to Minneapolis, she
had the opportunity to combine her professional and
personal interests in a position at the Recycling
Association of Minnesota where she worked with
people from all parts of the recycling industry on
public education, communications and professional
development. Courtney is excited to help cities in
Dakota Co. with recycling and sustainability needs!
4
SERVICESpotlight