THE LATEST
 Residents are encouraged to engage in watering schedules
Amid ongoing drought conditions which are impacting communities across our state, Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) is encouraging residential customers to follow an alternating watering schedule effective July 20. SPRWS customers (which includes Mendota Heights) are asked to limit their outdoor watering to odd or even days of the month based on their address number, with odd-number addresses on odd days and even-numbered address on even days. SPRWS customers are also asked to limit watering to cooler times of the day, before noon or after 6pm, to minimize evaporation. SPRWS will continue monitoring and adjusting water conservation measures as required in compliance with the State of Minnesota and Department of Natural Resources. Check the City website for updates. Thank you for conserving water during the ongoing drought. For more information, visit stpaul.gov/water.
Take the Mayor's Challenge to participate in organics drop-off recycling!
New site now open at Mendakota Park
Residents can now bring organics collected at home, such as food scraps and paper towels, to Mendakota Park's drop-off for free. With the addition of this convenient location, if you haven't yet signed up for the Dakota County Organics Drop-off Program now is the perfect time!
Take part in the Mayor's Challenge and sign up by July 31. Twenty-two residents signed up at the July 17 Open House that was held at Mendakota Park, joining 547 other Mendota Heights households that are already participating, making a total of 569. Let's meet our challenge of 750 households by July 31!
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.
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Xcel Energy transmission line replacement project to begin in August
Xcel Energy will be replacing a 115-kiloVolt transmission line totaling 3.3 miles, located between the Rogers Lake Substation and the Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport. The current line consists of steel lattice towers and wooden H-frame structures. These will be replaced with single pole steel structures, which will reduce the footprint of the line. The existing wire will also be replaced.
Construction activities will begin in August 2021 and are expected to be completed by November 23, 2021. In order to keep everyone safe, we ask those traveling near the construction areas to give construction crews space to work.
Restoration activities, including soil restoration will be completed in the spring of 2022.
 Accepting applications for Police Officer
The City of Mendota Heights is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Successful candidates must have an Associate's degree in law enforcement or related field, and be licensed by the P.O.S.T. Board or eligible for licensing by September 1, 2021. Candidates must be committed to community policing and be team oriented with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Other requirements include a valid driver's license and the ability to pass a thorough background investigation, psychological evaluation, and a physical examination including drug testing.
Starting salary: $5,538 to $6,335 per month (DOQ), educational incentive pay up to 9% for Bachelor degree holders after twelve months of continuous employment, and excellent benefits. Interested applicants must submit a resume, city employment application and application supplement by 4:30 p.m. on August 12, 2021. Applications must be received, not postmarked, by the deadline for consideration.
Learn more and link to application materials.
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport Summer Listening Session
Wednesday, July 28 | 6 p.m.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Community Relations Office sponsors quarterly Listening Sessions for residents to receive updates on the MSP Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) and its activities, to be briefed on MSP operational levels and procedures and to have an opportunity to provide comments and voice concerns on aircraft noise issues.
The public is invited to join the NOC on Wednesday, July 28 for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport Summer Listening Session. The session will be held via Teams at 6 p.m. Anyone planning to attend a Listening Session is encouraged to use the Listening Session Comment Form to submit their comments or questions in advance of the meeting. To participate in this session or for more information visit macnoise.com/our-neighbors/msp-quarterly-listening-sessions.
Public meeting reminder
Due to Night to Unite taking place on Tuesday, August 3, the first regular meeting of the City Council in August will be held on Wednesday, August 4. This meeting will begin at the regular start time of 6 p.m.
Seeking sponsors for Parks Celebration
Sponsorship deadline July 30
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. Note that sponsorship for the Community Coffee Connection taking place at City Hall on Saturday morning is now full.
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!
 Register to host by July 30
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
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.
Recent highlights
 Recycling Coordinator Cassandra Johnson showcases the newly installed Little Free Library at City Hall.
Little Free Library ready at City Hall
Thank you to Scouts BSA Troop 9248 for building and donating a new Little Free Library in front of City Hall, and the donation of books from South St. Paul Public Library to get it started. Stop by and browse for a book, take a book, and feel free to leave a book if you have one. The Little Free Library is in the process of being registered. For more information and to locate other Little Free Libraries in the area, visit littlefreelibrary.org.
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
Aug 22 | Trapp Farm Park, Eagan
Through Sept 6 | Special rate for Dakota County residents
Sept 11 | Mendakota Park
Take home FREE compost for your garden.
Recent highlights
Watch for the 2020 Annual Report
The Mendota Heights Fire Department's 2020 Annual Report is arriving in every mailbox in Mendota Heights. Keep an eye out for a copy to land in yours! In it you'll find
- A message from Chief Dreelan
- Information from the Fire Relief Association
- Firefighter retirements
- Summary of call reports
- Information on becoming a firefighter
- Public education
- And more!
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Just the Facts
Incident reports 7/16/21 - 7/22/21
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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Marie Park playground update
The swings and remaining sand digger have been installed and are ready for play. Due to shipment delays, the two benches are anticipated to arrive in a couple of weeks. Concrete work is currently underway for the entrance.
Upcoming events
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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Teddy Bear Band (Free)
Thurs, July 29 | 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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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 27 | 1:30-2:30pm at Mendakota Park
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August 3 | 12:30-1:30pm at Harmon Park
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August 10 | 1:30-2:30pm at Mendakota Park
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August 17 | 12:30-1:30pm at Harmon Park
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 Parks Celebration Weekend
Sampling of the Suburbs Food Truck Festival
Fri, August 13 | 4-8pm at Mendakota Park
Enjoy a variety of tasty foods and treats available for purchase.
Rockin' Hollywoods Live in Concert (Free)
Fri, August 13 | 7-8:30pm at Mendakota Park
Dance to classic rock and roll music from this iconic band.
Community Coffee Connection (Free)
Sat, August 14 | 8-9:30am at City Hall
Bring a lawn chair, meet new friends, and chat with some of the commissions, City staff, local nonprofits, and community groups over complimentary coffee and breakfast bars.
Parks Celebration Festival (Free)
Sat, August 14 | 11am-2pm at Mendakota Park
Enjoy inflatables, a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, putting green, and more. Visit with sponsors and take part in their booth activities.
Magic Show (Free)
Sat, August 14 | 6-7pm at Mendakota Park
Wrap up the day with the ACME Magic Factory show featuring magic, humor and fun for children and families of all ages.
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.
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Community Bike Ride (Free)
Sun, August 15 | 3-5pm at Mendakota Park
Decorate those wheels and get ready for a family-friendly bike ride. The route begins and ends at the park, with free snacks upon completion.
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