THE LATEST
 Water conservation measures urged
City officials were updated this week on the drought situation, and what that means to Mendota Heights water customers of St. Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS).
There are different levels of water conservation methods for users of the St. Paul water system based on the flow volume of the Mississippi River. As of this time, the SPRWS is continuing in the voluntary odd/even water conservation stage. Depending on river volumes, the next higher level would be mandatory odd-even watering. If the drought situation worsens, additional measures would be added. For more information, visit stpaul.gov/water.
Please do your part to reduce your use of water!
In remembrance
Officer Scott Patrick was killed in the line of duty on July 30, 2014. Looking back at the days following the tragedy, one of the things we hold dear to our hearts is how connected our community became. We came together in our grief and in our fears, and caring for each other was paramount.
As Night to Unite approaches, we hope you will join your neighbors and your community by promoting similar feelings of connection and positivity, and continue these throughout the year.
 Gatherings take place this Tuesday, August 3
There are currently forty gatherings that have registered for Night to Unite in Mendota Heights. If you received a neighborhood invitation, we encourage you to attend! By connecting with neighbors and public safety, you are making a difference in creating a strong and safe community. We hope to see you out!
Mendakota Park location makes organics drop-off recycling convenient
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. There are 655 Mendota Heights households currently participating -- about 14% of Mendota Heights homes! That compares very favorably to other Dakota County cities.
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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 Dodd/Hwy 62 business access routes
As part of an Xcel Energy gas project, a portion of Dodd Road, between Highway 62 and Ridge Place, has been closed since July 12. While the project is underway, businesses are open and can be accessed via the marked detour routes. This closure is expected to last from four to six weeks.
Fireworks at TCO Stadium this Saturday night
As part of Minnesota Vikings Training Camp, TCO Stadium will have a fireworks display in conjunction with a night practice this Saturday, July 31. Mendota Heights residents in the southern part of the city should be aware of this.
 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.
Public meeting updates
- 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.
- The Planning Commission is holding a Special Meeting on Monday, August 9, to discuss the following:
- Conditional use permit for 650 Brookside Lane
- Interim Use Permit for Xcel Energy for temporary outdoor storage yard at 2101 Lexington Avenue S
- Lot line adjustment at 1881 and 1892 Orchard Heights Lane
- The following work sessions have been scheduled by the City Council to discuss the 2022 FY Budget. These sessions will be held at City Hall; please note the schedule may be subject to change. Visit the City's web calendar for the most current information.
- Aug 16, 1:30-3:30pm
- Aug 17, 3:30-5:30pm
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
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.
 CCMI River Crew planting
Again this year the City hosted a Conservation Corps Mississippi (CCMI) River Crew to aid in the restoration of Valley Park, as well as caring for new trees. The CCMI River Crew removed invasive species, such as buckthorn, earlier this spring in Valley Park. This week they returned to plant native grasses, sedges, and forbs to help establish native ground cover species that had been shaded out by the buckthorn that was previously removed. They also helped with watering and tree care for the newly planted trees in Valley Park, Ivy Hills Park, and the Oȟéyawahe/Pilot Knob Historic Site. The trees planted will help to mitigate the ongoing loss of ash trees in the community and the Mississippi River corridor due to Emerald Ash Borer. The crew is part of the Youth Outdoors program within the Conservation Corps of Minnesota, and their work was made possible through the City’s partnership with the Mississippi Park Connection and the National Park Service.
Recent highlights
Just the Facts
Incident reports 7/23/21 - 7/29/21
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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 The sounds of summer
A large crowd gathered for The Goombas free community concert at Mendakota Park last Friday night. Little ones also enjoyed dancing with their favorite stuffed friends when the Teddy Bear Band played this past Thursday.
Upcoming events
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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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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