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New regulations for peddlers, solicitors, transient merchants
The City was recently advised that the United States Supreme Court has ruled that city ordinances which “blanket” prohibit all or most door to door sales activities or transient merchants are no longer acceptable. The City of Mendota Heights then contacted the City Attorney and the League of Minnesota Cities for advice about how to change the current City Code language to bring it into compliance.
On Tuesday, July 6, the City Council approved an Ordinance which updated the City Code to allow peddlers and solicitors to go door to door, and to allow transient merchants in our city. Highlights of the new Code include:
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The hours for all door to door activity, and for transient merchants, will be from 9 a.m. to not later than thirty minutes before sunset.
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No registration is required for non-commercial canvassing or fundraising by a charitable organization or a school, religious, or service organization and persons who are exercising their state or federal constitutional rights.
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Each solicitor (people who go door to door taking orders for future delivery) are required to register with the city. There is no fee charged, and no background investigation is needed.
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Each peddler (i.e., those going door-to-door selling a product or service for immediate delivery), or each transient merchant, must obtain a license from the City. A background investigation will be completed, and a license fee will be $100.
Solicitors and peddlers will be given a letter from the city stating they have properly registered.
Don’t want to be bothered?
Residents are able to prohibit all peddlers, solicitors, and canvassers from entering their property by placing a sign that is at least 4” x 4” stating “No Peddlers, Solicitors Allowed” or similar language.
The City has these printed and laminated copies of the “No Solicitor” signs available at no charge for the public. Stop by the City Hall front desk to pick one up, or download one from the City’s website and print one off at home.
Partial closure on Dodd Road begins July 12
As part of an Xcel Energy gas project, residents should prepare for a portion of Dodd Road, between Highway 62 and Ridge Place, to be closed beginning July 12. This closure is expected to last from four to six weeks. Please use the designated detours during this time. The through-traffic detour will be Wentworth Avenue, and local-traffic detour Marie Avenue.
Goat grazing ordinance passes
At its meeting on July 6, the City Council passed an ordinance to allow for prescribed grazing by goats for a temporary period of time on residential property. Grazing can be used as a natural control method for invasive plants, especially buckthorn, as well as other vegetation. Call City Hall at 651-452-1850 for more information.
Seeking sponsors for Parks Celebration
The City is seeking business and organization sponsors for the 34th annual Mendota Heights Parks Celebration. The celebration returns August 13-15 and will be an extra special one, with more events for the community to reconnect after having to cancel last year's event.
Donations help provide live entertainment; festival activities such as a petting zoo, inflatables, a rock climbing wall; and new this year a pickleball tournament, a morning coffee connection, and community bike ride.
Sponsors donating $500 or more can host a booth with an activity at the traditional Parks Celebration event at Mendakota Park on Saturday. And new this year, sponsors donating $100-499 can reserve a spot at Saturday morning’s Community Coffee Connection taking place at City Hall.
A variety of sponsorship levels are available to select from. See the sponsorship kit for more information. The deadline to sponsor is July 30. Thank you for your consideration!
 Registration open for Night to Unite
Night to Unite will take place on Tuesday, August 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. This event brings together neighbors and local public safety to help prevent crime. Neighborhoods are invited to host parties such as potlucks, cookouts, and ice cream socials to help build community and meet new friends. Mendota Heights Public Safety will stop by registered parties with their emergency vehicles to check out, visit with neighbors, and answer any questions you may have. Those interested in hosting a party must register by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 30. Night to Unite 2021 Registration Form
Organics drop-off site opening at Mendakota Park
Dakota County is making it easier for residents to reduce waste by opening a new organics drop-off site at Mendakota Park in Mendota Heights on July 16.
Residents will be able to bring organics, such as food scraps and paper towels, to the site for free. All registered participants receive free compostable bags to use at home and helpful tips. To sign up, visit dakotacounty.us and search organics, call 952-891-7557, or email organics@co.dakota.mn.us.
Unlike backyard composting, all food scraps, including meat, bones and dairy products, are accepted. The Mulch Store, a commercial compost facility, processes the materials at higher temperatures to kill bacteria and turn them into nutrient-rich compost.
Since opening the first organic drop-off site in 2016, more than 6,000 Dakota County households have registered for the program. Across the five current locations, more than 10,000 pounds of food scraps are kept out of the landfill each week.
Learn more about organics recycling and sign up for the drop-off program at an Open House at Mendakota Park on Saturday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
COVID-19 information
- Walk-ins for Minnesotans age 12 to 17 are possible at any state community vaccination sites that are administering the Pfizer vaccine.
- The Minnesota Department of Health continues to host both saliva and nasal swab testing events throughout Minnesota. Tests are free and insurance is not required.
 Have a mattress or box spring to dispose of?
Dakota County residents are getting a special rate through September 6 for any type of mattress or box spring, with curbside pickup. Learn more and schedule at bit.ly/3oYHt8A.
The City of Mendota Heights will also be hosting a mattress and box spring collection event on September 11 at Mendakota Park.
Plastic Free July
Have you heard of Plastic Free July? It is a global initiative during the month of July to stop using disposable plastic, and to start making healthier, more sustainable choices in your life. More than a million people took place in last year’s challenge! If you are interested in making some healthier swaps this July, view this short list to get your feet wet. For more information or to sign up for the full challenge, visit plasticfreejuly.org.
Upcoming events
July 3 - 10 | Drop off at City Hall's parking lot
July 11 | 9 a.m. to noon at West St. Paul Public Works
July 17 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mendakota Park
Take home FREE compost for your garden.
 Learn about native plants and pollinators at this free event
Tour the landscaped native garden in front of City Hall and learn about beautiful pollinator plants that you can add to your home landscape! Dakota County Master Gardeners will be your hosts and can answer your questions. This is a free community event—no reservation required. In case of rain, this event will be rescheduled.
Recent highlights
Just the Facts
Incident reports 7/2/21 - 7/8/21
Previous Just the Facts publications are available in the Laserfiche archive system on the City's website.
Sign up for emergency alerts
The Emergency Alert Program is available through the Dakota Communications Center (DCC) at mn-dcc.org/community-notification/.
Stay in touch through Nextdoor
The MHPD has expanded their social media channels to include Nextdoor. Learn more and sign up at nextdoor.com.
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. Completed forms and general questions can be submitted via email to pdrecords@mendota-heights.com.
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Upcoming events
Teddy Bear Band (Free)
Wed, July 14 | 6pm at Mendakota Park
Enjoy a family-friendly band whose mission is to help children gain and maintain a positive sense of self, and develop an appreciation of their own abilities. Participants are encouraged to bring their own teddy bear or stuffed friend.
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The Goombas Band (Free)
Fri, July 23 | 6:30pm at Mendakota Park
Dance to rock and roll tunes and enjoy the blues performed by this popular local band.
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Drop-in Program (Free)
Join us on Tuesdays for the City's traveling program that brings recreation to local neighborhood spots. Staff will set up activities and equipment for youth ages six to twelve to enjoy. There will be games, sports, arts, crafts, and more. No registration required.
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July 13 | 1:30-2:30pm at Mendakota Park
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July 20 | 12:30-1:30pm at Covington Court Apartments Greenspace
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July 27 | 1:30-2:30 at Mendakota Park
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Pickleball Tournament (Free)
Sun, August 15 | 8-11am at Marie Park
This year during the Parks Celebration the City is hosting its first ever Pickleball Tournament. The tournament will be open to pairs of any age. One team member must be a resident of Mendota Heights. There is a limit of thirty-two teams, so register soon as spaces are filling fast!
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