This issue highlights how to do absentee voting, proposed sanitary sewer rate changes and more...





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Mendota Heights, Minneosta




*FRIDAY NEWS | June 24, 2022*






THE LATEST?

Absentee Voting

Absentee Voting for the Primary Election begins this Friday *June 24, 2022.*?

*Not available on election day?* You can vote by casting an absentee ballot prior to Election Day. Absentee voting means voting by mail or in person before Election Day, instead of at the polling place. Absentee ballots are ready 46 days before an election. Any voter may vote absentee.?

You may pick up an absentee ballot at City Hall, or request an absentee ballot be mailed to you either at City Hall or through the MN Secretary of State website:?HERE [ [link removed] ]

There are two upcoming elections this year:?


* *Primary Election:* August 9, 2022- Absentee Voting Open 6/24-8/8
* *General Election:* November 8, 2022- Absentee Voting Open 9/23-11/8

Absentee Ballots can be mailed, dropped off inside city hall, or dropped in the blue secure drop box in front of City Hall.?

More information on absentee voting available on the City's website HERE [ [link removed] ]

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Secure Absentee Ballot Box at City Hall
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City proposes sanitary sewer rate changes

The City of Mendota Heights is proposing to adjust the rate structure on how residents and commercial customers are billed for sanitary sewer services in order to charge more equitably for usage, simplify the billing system, promote water conservation and keep pace with expenses.?

As proposed, the quarterly base fee for metered residential and commercial service will decrease and no longer include discharge, while the usage rate will increase from $3.50 to $4.67 per 100 cubic feet. Based on this structure, over 40% of residential customer should see a decrease in their sanitary sewer bill, while the average consumer will see an increase of less than $10 per quarter.?

The late fee will change from a flat fee of $4.00 to 5% of the total bill and the grace period for late payments will increase from 21 to 30 days.??

This initiative will be presented by City staff at the July 19 regular City Council meeting scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

*LEARN MORE* [ [link removed] ]

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Hwy. 55 Construction Update

The pedestrian/bike trail adjacent to the westbound lanes of the Mendota Bridge reopened Tuesday, June 21. The westbound driving lanes reopened Wednesday, June 22.

Beginning Thursday, June 23 through mid-August the eastbound lanes of Hwy. 55 over the Mendota Bridge were closed.

Visit MnDOT'S Highway 55 project page for the latest. [ [link removed] ]

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Free music in the park

Wed, June 29 | 6-6:45pm |?Mendakota Park [ [link removed] ]

Enjoy live Music in the Parks with the little ones! Get out and dance to popular tunes by this kid-friendly, fun, and energizing DJ.

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We are Hiring! Join the City of Mendota Heights team and apply now for these positions:

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Communications Coordinator: Part-Time [ [link removed] ]

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Police Officer [ [link removed] ]

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Summer Seasonal Recreation

* *Tennis Instructors [ [link removed] ]*

*Fall Seasonal Recreation*

* *Clubhouse Workers [ [link removed] ]*

Visit job postings at?mendotaheightsmn.gov/employment [ [link removed] ].

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Organics Drop Off Sign Up

Mendota Heights has a compost drop site at?Mendakota Park [ [link removed] ]? where residents can drop off food scraps, and compostable paper products. It is a free, convenient, and easy way to manage organics and reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill.*? ? ? *

There are 843 households from Mendota Heights that have registered for the organics drop-off program.?


* 18% of all households in Mendota Heights have registered.?
* The next highest percentage of registered households from an individual city are Hastings and West St. Paul, both at 8%.?
* The Countywide Average is 5% of households that have registered for the program.?

*Sign up to participate:*?


* Sign up online [ [link removed] ],?call 952-891-7557, or [email protected]
* You will receive a welcome kit in the mail with a container label, compostable bags and details on how to recycle your organics, along with an access code if the drop-off location requires this.?

More information about the Organic's Recycling Program can be found HERE [ [link removed] ]

Organics ________________________________________________________________________

DID YOU KNOW?

*Soaring Temperatures Reduce Departure?**Altitude of Aircraft*

Aircraft departing in warmer weather do so at lower rates of climb than during periods of cooler weather. During heat waves, the air has lower density which increases the runway length aircraft need during take-off and decreases lift and altitude gained as aircraft depart the airport.

The chart below shows average departure altitudes during the winter (January 19, 2022 through January 26, 2021 with a low of -16??F) in blue and average departure altitudes from last summer (July 22, 2021 through July 29, 2021 with a high of 93??F) in red. To compare aircraft departure altitudes, concentric rings near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) runway were applied every mile between one mile and ten miles. Total average departure altitudes for flights at each ring are shown in the chart.?

Within three miles of MSP, during the two time periods used for comparison, aircraft were almost 400 feet lower in the hot period than during the winter. At nine and ten miles from MSP, aircraft altitudes averaged about 1,300 feet lower in summer compared to winter.

You? may notice this change in departing aircraft but can rest assured aircraft are able to safely operate just as they do in cooler temperatures.? The departure altitudes are normal and expected when temperatures soar.

Altitude Chart

Visit Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Community Relations website to learn more about MSP Airport and aircraft noise [ [link removed] ]

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BUSINESS NEWS

[ [link removed] ]

Did you start a business during COVID-19?

Employers who started businesses after February 15, 2020, may be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit consisting of a refund of 50% of qualified wages or up to $10,000 per employee per year. This credit has been extended specifically for these employers with payroll in Q3 and Q4 of 2021. Employers can learn more at?irs.gov/newsroom/employee-retention-credit-2020-vs-2021-comparison-chart [ [link removed] ]?and can speak with their tax professional about this credit to help determine their eligibility.

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RECYCLING

Clear out mattresses at a discount

Certified Recycling [ [link removed] ] is offering a special pickup rate for Dakota County residents through Labor Day (Sept. 5) on mattresses or box springs. Certified Recycling disassembles items and sends the metal, wood and cloth to businesses that can make new products. Even better, quality mattresses are donated to Bridging [ [link removed] ] and given to people pursuing housing stability.

*Cost* ? recycling is $45 for the first item and $25 for each additional item; use the code DC2022 to waive the pickup fee, too.

*Accepted* ? any size mattress or box spring, no limit.

*Not accepted* ? items with a history of bedbugs or contaminated with blood or hazardous waste.

Get information and schedule a pick up at certifiedrecycling.org [ [link removed] ] or call 952-894-1448.

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Reminder: Plant pots don?t go in the recycling cart

Recyclers don't like plant pots or plant tags. The Home Depot garden centers in Apple Valley and Burnsville are accepting pots (max five at a time) as well as Lowe?s in West St. Paul. Or, offer yours up to Dakota County Master Gardeners or other local organizations for their annual plant sales.

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*Upcoming recycling events*

Shoe & Clothing Recycling Drop Off (Good Condition Items) [ [link removed] ]

*Aug 1-12*
Mendota Heights City Hall Parking Lot & Other Locations

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Recent highlights:

* Join 18% of Mendota Heights households participating in Dakota County's Organics Drop-Off Program; learn more and sign up. [ [link removed] ]
* The South St. Paul Compost Site is open and accepts grass clippings, sod, leaves and other yard waste. Visit their website [ [link removed] ] for information on hours of operation, type of yard waste accepted, and costs. Note that hours/days of operation may change based on weather conditions.? ??
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NATURAL RESOURCES

Public Comment Open Now: Natural Resources Management Plan
Draft NRMP

The City of Mendota Heights is 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 of the NRMP draft was given by the City?s consultant, Resource Environmental Solutions (RES), at the regular meeting of the City Council on May 17, 2022.? Click HERE [ [link removed] ] to view the presentation. Members of the public are invited to comment on the NRMP. Please submit comments or questions by* Friday, July 8, 2022*, to Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator, at 651-255-1123, or via Email at: [email protected].

View the Natural Resources Management Plan Here [ [link removed] ]

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Recent highlights [ [link removed] ] [ [link removed] ]

* Learn how to identify, control, and prevent the spread of the invasive species garlic mustard. [ [link removed] ]
* Spring is a great time for citizens to pitch in and clean up a shoreline! Learn more about the Adopt a River program and access planning tools for your cleanup event through the Freshwater Society. [ [link removed] ]?
* The?Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is seeking volunteers to serve on its Citizen Advisory Committee. [ [link removed] ]??
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Create a beautiful garden to benefit pollinators, improve water quality, or stabilize your shoreline with the Landscaping for Clean Water program. Learn more about their Introductory, Design, and Maintenance classes -- get started today. [ [link removed] ]


* I'm planning a project near a surface water. Do I need a permit? [ [link removed] ]
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POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWS

pd logo med
Weekly Crime Report

Incident reports 6/17/2022 - 06/23/2022 [ [link removed](002).pdf ]
Previous "Weekly Crime Report/Just the Facts"?publications are available in the Laserfiche archive system on the City's website [ [link removed] ].?

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Sign up for emergency alerts

The Emergency Alert Program is available through the Dakota Communications Center (DCC) at?dakota911mn.gov [ [link removed] ].

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Stay in touch through Nextdoor

The MHPD has expanded their social media channels to include Nextdoor. Learn more and sign up at?nextdoor.com [ [link removed] ].?

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For immediate public safety response and non-emergency police assistance call 9-1-1

The Police Department will also continue to process requests for police reports, gun permits, etc. Link to the forms under Public Resources at mendotaheightsmn.gov/police [ [link removed] ]. Completed forms and general questions can be submitted via email to [email protected].


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PARKS & RECREATION



Gearing up for summer fun

Tune up your bike, grab your helmet, and join community members on a monthly summer bike ride. Folks on Spokes rides are casual with an emphasis on social. Routes are between 7-15 miles, with stopes every 3-4 miles, at an average pace of 8-10 MPH. Rides will start and finish at the same location, and take place in Mendota Heights or neighboring cities. This a free event, however registration is required to be on the email list that announces routes. Route information is sent via email about one week prior to ride dates. This program is in partnership with the Cities of WSP and SSP.

Upcoming ride dates (routes to-be-announced)


* July 26, 6 p.m.
* Aug 19, 9 a.m.

*Register to Join* [ [link removed] ]

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Save the dates!

Mark your calendars and head out to the parks for live music and entertainment this summer. The concerts are free to attend!?


* *June 29:* *DJ Party Unit* [ [link removed] ] @ Mendakota Park (6:00-6:45pm) Great for KIDS!
* *July 13:* *Up South [ [link removed] ]* @ Market Square Park (6:00-7:30pm)
* *July 27:* *Sons of Groove [ [link removed] ] *@ Mendakota Park (6:30-8:00pm)
* *August 12: Funktion Junction [ [link removed] ]* @ Mendakota Park (6:30-8:00pm)
* *August 24: Rockin' Hollywoods [ [link removed] ] *@ Mendakota Park (6:00-7:30pm)
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*Free drop-in program - no registration required*

Join us on Tuesdays this summer for the City's traveling program that brings recreation to local neighborhood spots. Staff will set up activities and equipment for youth to enjoy: games, sports, arts, crafts, and more! Supervision is provided during the listed event time only; for ages 6-12. This program is in partnership with West St. Paul.?


* *June 28:*?1:30-2:30pm at?Mendakota Park [ [link removed] ]

*View the Tour de Rec summer schedule [ [link removed] ]*.

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*Get started planning your summer of fun!?*

Registration is open for summer recreation programs and programs are filling quickly. There are tons of activities for all ages to enjoy! Visit the?Summer Fun webpage [ [link removed] ]?for?details.?






COMMUNITY CALENDAR

*Public Meetings*

Meeting changes or cancellations are noted on the City's website mendotaheightsmn.gov/calendar [ [link removed] ]. Meetings take place at City Hall unless otherwise noted.?Meeting attendees should adhere to the posted City Hall safety guidelines.

Watch regular meetings online at townsquare.tv/webstreaming [ [link removed] ]?(available live or for replay) or on cable television:


* City Council: Channel 18/798 HD
* Planning Commission: Channel 18/798 HD
* Parks and Recreation Commission: Channel 15/859 HD
* Airport Relations Commission (select meetings are broadcast): Channel 15/859 HD
* Natural Resources Commission: Not yet televised

"Occasionally broadcasted channels may change; check Town Square Television's listings [ [link removed] ] for updates."

Upcoming Meeting Schedule

* *Planning Commission* | June 28, 7:00 p.m.
* *Planning Commission Work Session?| *June 30,? 5:30 p.m.

City Business Hours

*City Hall:*?Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Friday 7-11:30 a.m.

*Police Department:* Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

*Public Works Building*: Monday - Friday, 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

*City Hall Contact Information [ [link removed] ]*






*Official Website of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota [ [link removed] ]*
1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Phone: 651-452-1850








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