Fire Chief Dave Dreelan Announces Retirement
Dave Dreelan joined the Mendota Heights Fire Department in 1990. Now, after 35 years of service and rising through the ranks as a captain, training officer, assistant chief and chief, he is set to retire in January 2025.
Congratulations on an outstanding career, Chief Dreelan. We’re grateful for your service to the Mendota Heights community, we wish you well as you take time to enjoy your favorite pastimes, and we hope to see you on a local pickleball court soon!
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Valley Park Streambank Stabilization Project Update
The City of Mendota Heights is working with Dakota County, Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), and the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) to conduct streambank stabilization and volume reduction in Valley Park, as part of the River to River Greenway project.
The purpose of the project is to replace degraded stormwater infrastructure, provide additional stormwater treatment, and restore a wetland to aid in vegetation management, reduce erosion, provide habitat, and restore wetland conditions that existed historically.
As part of the project, the use of heavy equipment and some tree removal is necessary to install these features and make repairs within Valley Park.
This work may begin as early as Dec. 9, 2024.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding access, or regarding the Valley Creek Stabilization and Best Management Practices (BMP) project, please contact the City.
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Proper Disposal of Holiday Greenery
Insects and tree diseases can be spread through the sale and distribution of trees and holiday greenery if brought into Minnesota from other areas. This includes Elongate Hemlock Scale, Boxwood Blight, Round-leaf Bittersweet, Spongy Moth and others. These pests and diseases can be spread by live holiday decorations such as Christmas trees, wreaths, swags, garland and other greenery if not disposed of properly.
Best Management Practices to help prevent the spread:
- Use a curbside tree collection or bring to a designated drop-off site.
- Wreaths and other live decorations can be disposed of in trash cans.
- If other options do not exist, greenery can also be burned. Always check fire danger conditions and burning restrictions before burning. Recreational Fire Regulations can be found at MendotaHeightsMN.gov/RecreationalFires
- Do not place in a compost pile, or leave them outdoors, as insects such as Elongate Hemlock Scale can move to nearby spruce, fir and hemlock trees in the spring.
- Buy locally grown holiday trees and greenery.
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Toys for Teens
The Police Department is collecting gifts for children ages 10–18 this holiday season. Toys collected will help the Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Scott, Carver and Dakota Counties offer a holiday shopping experience to teens experiencing homelessness and families in need. New, unwrapped donations can be dropped off at the Mendota Heights Police Department (1101 Victoria Curve) through Dec. 15. Don't have time to shop? Choose a gift from the wish list.
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Holiday Lights Recycling
Did you know holiday string lights can take years to break down in a landfill?
Recycle your old, unwanted and non-working holiday lights with convenient drop off during City Hall business hours, now through Jan. 31.
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Oak Award Nominations
The Natural Resources Commission sponsors the Oak Awards Program each year. Any individual, family, company or organization that has contributed to the advancement of natural resources within Mendota Heights is eligible; nominees need not reside within Mendota Heights.
The nomination deadline is Dec. 31, 2024.
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Mayor for a Day Contest
What would our cities look like if kids were in charge? The Mayor for a Day Essay Contest is back to find out! To enter, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders can answer the prompt, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” for a chance to win $100 and recognition in Minnesota Cities magazine. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 13.
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Weekly Crime Report
The Mendota Heights Police Department provides a weekly list of incidents taking place in our community. View historical crime reports.
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Schedule
Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Dec. 10; 6:30 p.m.
Natural Resources Commission Meeting
Dec. 11; 6 p.m.
City Council Work Session
Dec. 17; 5 p.m.
City Council Meeting
Dec. 17; 7 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting
Dec. 19; 7 p.m.
Meetings take place at City Hall; changes or cancellations are noted at mendotaheightsmn.gov/Calendar.
How to Watch
Watch online or on demand at townsquare.tv/webstreaming; or on cable television:
- City Council & Planning Commission: Ch. 18/798 HD
- Airport Relations (select meetings televised), Natural Resources & Parks and Recreation Commission: Ch. 15/859 HD
Find meeting agendas and minutes at MendotaHeightsMN.gov/AgendaCenter.
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