Council Approves Utility Franchise Fees

At their Jan. 9 meeting, the Mendota Heights City Council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance implementing franchise fees on gas and electric services.

Franchise fees are a method of collecting funds from utility companies who use public property to deliver services. Fees are typically passed directly through to all commercial and industrial businesses, tax exempt properties and residents. Over the next three months, residents will see a $2 franchise fee on both their monthly gas and electric bills; fees for businesses and other properties vary.

Frozen Fun Fest 2024

Each year, Frozen Fun Fest brings hundreds of residents and visitors out to enjoy the City?s year-round amenities. With festivities taking place throughout the City, the three-day event aims to bring the community together for some fun, games and fresh air during the cold winter months - and quickly reminds us all, what we love about winter in Minnesota!

The 3^rd Annual Frozen Fun Fest takes place Feb. 5-11

Don?t miss the always-competitive Medallion Hunt, with enticing daily clues that will send your out searching, with dreams of becoming the grand prize winner! Little ones can join in the fun by participating in the Coloring Contest to win prizes all their own. Then mark your calendar, invite friends and neighbors, and get ready for a weekend filled with free fun for everyone. Register early for the wildly-popular puzzle contest, and head outdoors to enjoy live music, ice skating, ice sculpting, food trucks, Valentine?s Day crafts and exclusive promotions from Shops at the Village retailers.

Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to assist with several events during the Frozen Fun Fest celebration! This is a great opportunity for individuals, families, neighborhoods or community organizations interested in joining in the fun and giving back to the community through volunteerism.?

For more information and to register as a volunteer, visit MendotaHeightsMN.gov/Volunteer.

Tree of the Month: Tamarack

The Tamarack (also called Eastern Larch) is a native conifer tree species in the Pine Family. It is unique in that it loses its needles in the fall, which are actually modified leaves, making it the only native deciduous conifer in Minnesota.?

Emerald Ash Borer Tree Marking

City Staff have begun marking trees and notifying residents regarding removal of ash trees within the public right-of-way (boulevard) that are infected with Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) disease.

Presidential Nomination Primary

The Presidential Nomination Primary is March 5, 2024; absentee voting begins Jan. 19.

To participate in absentee voting:

1. Request a ballot - this can be done?online, by mail or in-person at City Hall; you will be required to select a major political party to request a ballot and participate in the Presidential Nomination Primary.
   
   
2. Return your ballot:
   • In person at City Hall
   • By mail
   • Using the drop box in front of City Hall

Note: Completed absentee ballots must be received by Tuesday, March 5 at 8 p.m.

To vote in-person on Tuesday, March 5:

1. Find your local polling place at pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us
   
   
2. Vote at your polling place from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Note: There is no in-person voting at City Hall on March 5.

Weekly Crime Report

The Mendota Heights Police Department provides a weekly list of incidents taking place in our community.

Previous crime reports?are available in the?Laserfiche archive system?on the City website.?

Holiday Hours

Wishing you a meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall is closed Monday, Jan. 15, as we honor his legacy.

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Coffee With the Council

Jan. 13; 9 a.m.
Ze?s Diner

Join council members for a casual conversation over coffee.

Coffee, Cribbage and Cards

Jan. 24; 9-11 a.m.
Par 3 Community Clubhouse

Ages 55+, join us for coffee, games and fun - no experience required! The event is free but registration is required; click here to register.

Blade with the Blue

Jan. 27; 1?3 p.m.
Wentworth Park

Skate and play hockey with police officers; registration recommended. Click here to register.