THE LATEST
 Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions in effect
In continued response to drought conditions, effective August 17 residents are REQUIRED to observe the following watering schedules and time restrictions:
- Odd-numbered addresses must limit outdoor watering to odd-numbered days of the month, and even-numbered addresses must limit outdoor water use to even-numbered days of the month.
- Outdoor watering must be limited to the cooler times of the day -- before noon or after 6 p.m.-- to minimize evaporation.
Note that:
- Hand watering of gardens, bushes, and flowers is encouraged to coincide with the schedule during cooler times of the day, however if necessary can occur outside of this.
- Trees may be watered on any day with a dripping hose, bucket, or tree watering bag.
- Watering of new sod/seed is permitted if daily watering is required. It is recommended any planting of new sod/seeds be delayed until fall or until drought conditions subside.
- Children's recreational sprinkler/pool activities will not be enforced, however please be vigilant in turning off water for activities when not in use.
- The washing of homes, vehicles, or equipment outdoors must adhere to the odd/even schedule.
- There are some exceptions for commercial uses.
Enforcement of the outdoor watering restrictions is conducted by Saint Paul Regional Water Services and began at 8 a.m. today, August 20.
Thank you for doing your part to conserve water!
For more information:
County road construction update
Dakota County is scheduling a milling of the pavement on Lexington Avenue (from Highway 62 to Highway 13) for Monday, August 23. The road is planned to be paved on Tuesday, August 24. The contractor will then be working on shouldering on Wednesday, August 25 and striping on Thursday and Friday. Dakota County has not proposed to close the road during construction. Please use caution when driving through the work area.
The Dakota County work on Delaware Avenue at Salem Church Road is currently scheduled for September 9, and roadway signs do list a temporary road closure. This closure is not anticipated to last for more than two days.
 Become a Certified Emergency Response Team member
Program registration is open; classes begin October 7
Members of the public who are interested in volunteering to support public safety and provide assistance when called upon, in response to local disasters or events, have a new opportunity to become part of a Mendota Heights Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT). This program educates participants about disaster preparedness and provides training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster medical operations, and more. The program is being facilitated by Mendota Heights Police and Fire Departments, and is free to attend.
This is an ongoing volunteer program, with the goal after training for Mendota Heights CERT members to assume leadership, aided by Mendota Heights Police and Fire. Participants should be able to provide volunteer support when called upon for assistance with emergencies and community events, and be willing to participate in and conduct continuing education for emergency preparedness.
Classes will take place on Thursday evenings, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the Mendota Heights Fire Department. Classes start on October 7 and run through December 9, with no class on November 25. There will be a skills test and graduation ceremony on December 9. Class size is limited to twenty with availability until filled; first-priority will be given to residents of Mendota Heights, Mendota, and Lilydale. You must be eighteen years or older to participate in the program.
Learn more and link to registration
 What a weekend it was!
Last weekend's Parks Celebration enjoyed an exceptional turnout. Thank you to our sponsors who helped to make this weekend happen, and to Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Public Safety, and other City staff on supporting the many events. Thank you to all who attended - we hope you had a wonderful time reconnecting with friends and enjoying the beautiful parks of our city!
Public meeting announcements
- There will be a special meeting of the City Council on Wednesday, August 25, starting at 7 p.m. at City Hall. A work session will follow the special meeting to discuss the 2022 budget.
- Please note that in September, the regular City Council meetings will be taking place on Thursday, September 9 and Thursday, September 23, beginning at their regular start time of 6 p.m.
 Valley Park tree removal
Diseased Ash tree removal is planned to take place at Valley Park on Thursday, August 26. A significant portion of the walking and biking trail will be closed as work is underway, from Bluff Circle to the picnic shelter at the tennis courts. Visitors should use caution, adhere to posted signage, and stay clear of any work areas.
 COVID-19 information
- Minnesotans twelve years of age and older who receive their first dose between Friday, July 30 and Sunday, August 22 will be eligible for a $100 Visa gift card to spend however they choose, limited to the first 24,330 eligible submissions. Details.
- Walk-ins for Minnesotans are available at any state community vaccination sites; vaccinations are available for ages twelve to seventeen at sites 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
 Learn how CEO Next Business Institute and SBA Emerging Leaders can help your business
Having the tools and techniques to succeed is essential for business owners hoping to make their business thrive. CEO Next Business Institute provides practical tools and techniques designed specifically for growing regional second stage companies.
Participants can include private businesses in Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Scott counties who meet the following criteria:
- 10–99 employees
- Revenue between $1M and $50M
- Ready to transition from small to large — past start-up stage but not yet mature
- Appetite and aptitude for growth
Are you Next?
Register to attend an information session:
Learn more about CEO Next Business Institute | See testimonials from past participants
 Get back-to-school savings by going green
As your summertime fun shifts to school schedules, transform your back-to-school shopping into a low-waste activity. Families with elementary school children plan to spend $848 on school supplies this year while college students expect to fork out $1,200 on school items.
Take back your wallet and have some fun shopping with a little planning:
Take an inventory. Use what you have. Gather leftover supplies from last year to check off what you already have. Jot down clothing and other supplies you need.
Find it cheap. Talk to friends and neighbors to see if they have supplies from previous years that they don’t need. Find items from your list using online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and NextDoor. Shop at secondhand stores where you can find unique and affordable books, clothes and shoes.
Mend it. Bring clothes with holes and backpacks with bad zippers into the next Fix-It Clinic for free repair help.
Donate or sell the excess. For the supplies you no longer need, offer them to neighbors, friends or even your school. The Dakota County Reuse Guide lists outlets to donate and buy used for clothes, sporting goods, instruments and more.
Upcoming events
Aug 22 | Trapp Farm Park, Eagan
Sept 19 | Whitetail Woods Park, Farmington
Through Sept 6 | Special rate for Dakota County residents
New participants and those already in the organics program are invited to a free informational session to get an overview of the program and answers to questions.
Sept 8, 6–6:45 p.m., Farmington Library
Sept 9, 6–6:45 p.m., Virtual
Register for a training session.
Sept 11 | Mendakota Park
Take home FREE compost for your garden.
 Let's get to 750 program sign-ups!
New drop-off location at Mendakota Park is open
Participate the Mayor's Challenge by joining 655+ other Mendota Heights households that are recycling food waste/organics from home through the Dakota County Organics Drop-off Program. By signing up for the program, you simply collect organic waste items, such as food scraps and paper towels, and conveniently drop them off at Mendakota Park's drop-off site for free. Unlike backyard composting, all food scraps, including meat, bones and dairy products, are accepted. Collected items are recycled into compost.
All registered participants receive free compostable bags to use at home, along with helpful tips to get started. To learn more and sign up, visit dakotacounty.us and search organics, call 952-891-7557, or email organics@co.dakota.mn.us.
 Tips for outdoor watering during drought conditions
As drought conditions continue, and outdoor watering restrictions increase, it is important to conserve water and prioritize what is being watered in your landscape and how often. It is easy to focus on lawn watering, as this is usually the first feature in your landscape to turn brown. However, established lawns can go without watering for periods of time during drought and still recover. Brown or yellowing of your lawn does not mean that it has died, but in most cases has merely gone dormant. Here are some tips for saving water while saving your landscape:
- Prioritize watering of newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials over other landscaping, including your lawn.
- For young or newly planted trees, slow, deep watering every two to three days is a good goal. Using soaker products such as watering bags, or soaker hoses are ideal.
- For mature trees, deep watering once a week is sufficient, unless the tree is showing symptoms of drought stress. Symptoms of drought stress include: Yellowing or scorched leaves, wilted foliage, sparse canopy or undersized leaves, premature leaf drop, premature fall coloring.
- Mulch under trees, shrubs, and plants to retain moisture. Trees, shrubs, and plants require more moisture when turf is planted underneath them.
- Watering of landscaping, including trees, shrubs, plants and turf, only needs to be done until soil moisture has been achieved at six inches in depth. While watering, frequently check soil moisture with a screwdriver or alternative to check soil moisture. When soil is saturated to six inches in depth, that is the length of time needed and amount of water that should be applied.
- Established turf only requires one inch of water per week. This can be applied once per week, or spread between multiple waterings. To find out how much water is being applied, place tuna cans around your lawn while watering. When the depth equals one inch, you’re done.
- Do not prune trees during severe drought, as this can cause tree stress which can increase susceptibility to pests and disease.
Additional Tips for Conserving Water Outdoors:
- Use a rainbarrel. Rainbarrels collect stormwater runoff from your roof to save and use in outdoor watering when needed.
- Sweep hard surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks instead of using water to clean them.
- When watering, make sure you are watering your landscape and not the pavement. Turn or adjust sprinkler heads so that they are only watering your landscape.
- Plant drought-resistant trees and plants. Many native plants and trees are drought-resistant and also are beneficial to, and attract pollinators and other wildlife to your landscape.
Recent highlights
Just the Facts
Incident reports 8/13/21 - 8/19/21
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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 Join us for free fun
6-7pm | See schedule for dates and locations
The summer Tour de Rec traveling program is expanding! This school year youth and families are invited to join us the first Thursday of every month at local spots in Mendota Heights and West St. Paul. Staff will set up activities and provide equipment for youth and families to enjoy. There will be games, sports, crafts, and more! This is a drop-in program -- no registration required. If weather is questionable, please call 651-259-2671 to hear the status of the program by 5 p.m.
Save the Dates:
SEPT 2 | OCT 7 | NOV 4 | DEC 9 (second Thurs.) | JAN 6 | FEB 3 | MAR 3 | APR 7 | MAY 5
 Bogey with the Red & Blue
Sat, Sept 11 | 10am-noon | Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course
Join the Mendota Heights Police and Fire Departments for a recreational round of golf (9-holes). Meet and mingle with officers and firefighters who serve your neighborhood. Sign up for a team of four and your group will be provided with a firefighter or officer for play. Participants of all ages are welcome. This will be a scramble-style event with a shotgun start. There will be a Longest Putt and Closest-to-the-Pin competition. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
NEW LOWER PRICE: $5 per participant
 Light Up the Night Glow Dash/Party
Sat, Sept 18 | 6:30-8:30pm | Garlough Park
This family-friendly event features music and games before walking, running, or pushing a stroller through an illuminated 1.36 mile dash. The route is designed for all ages and abilities (no dogs please). Each participant will receive a glow swag bag filled with glow-in-the-dark accessories and more. Wear your favorite glow gear! Refreshments follow the event. Everyone participating must register.
EARLY BIRD: $10 per participant through Sept 9, $15 on Sept 10 and after
 Family Camp Night
Thurs, Sept 30 | 6-7:30pm | Dodge Nature Center
Camping enthusiasts and newbies alike will learn how to build, start, and distinguish a recreational fire. Participants will build their own personal fires with flint and other fire-starting materials. Dodge Nature Center Naturalists will share their skills and knowledge. Participants will enjoy a snack over the fire to end the evening. Anyone under age 13 must be accompanied by a preregistered adult.
Cost: $10 per person (ages five and under free)
 YOUTH GYMNASTICS
Tiny Tumblers • Ages 3-4
Saturdays, Sept 18-Nov 6 | 2:30-3:15pm | Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
This program is designed for the gymnast to participate with other gymnasts in a group setting. Tiny Tumblers will stress the importance of respecting rules, learning gymnastics vocabulary, and the overall skill development that is needed as a gymnast, including balance, strength, and coordination. The participants should feel comfortable separating from parent(s) and/or guardian(s) and be toilet trained.
Cost: $80 per child
Beginners (No Experience) • Ages 5-6
Saturdays, Sept 18-Nov 6 | 3:30-4:15pm | Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
This class is tailored to the gymnast who has little to no experience. Participants will develop basic gymnastics skills within all four events while utilizing age-appropriate equipment. Tumbling, positions, dance, strength, and conditioning will be incorporated.
Cost: $80 per child
Beginners (Some Experience) • Ages 5-6
Saturdays, Sept 18-Nov 6 | 4:30-5:15pm | Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
Gymnasts with some gymnastics experience and a drive to advance their tumbling skills are a great fit for this program. Participants will wok on skills including round-offs, back and front walkovers, and beginning handsprings.
Cost: $80 per child
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