THE LATEST
 Sights of the season
A double rainbow spanned over Rogers Lake on Wednesday evening.
2022 Preliminary Budget and Levy adopted
On September 9, the City Council adopted the preliminary budget and proposed tax levy for fiscal year 2022.
The adopted preliminary levy of $11.269 million is an increase of 7.5% over 2021. Assuming no changes are made and the budget is certified as final in December, the median-valued home in Mendota Heights ($438,000 in 2022) will see an increase of approximately 7.79% in the City’s portion of the property taxes payable in 2022. That will amount to $128 annually.
The preliminary budget adds a Parks and Recreation Manager position in 2022, and eliminates a currently vacant half-time Police Community Service Officer position. The budget provides for enhanced parks and recreation programming services, and upgrades an existing employee position dedicated to the management of Natural Resources.
Also included are one-time capital expenditures totaling $1,513,539. These will be funded with just over $1.3 million from the General Fund balance; $200,000 in proceeds which remain from the 2019 sale of city-owned land; and other dedicated City funds. These purchases will improve and enhance Public Safety and Public Works services, expand recreational amenities, and more. Notable one-time expenditures include:
- Architectural design services for the expansion and remodeling of the City’s Police Department and City Hall building. This will enable the City to have shelf-ready plans for when construction market bidding is optimal.
- Purchase of a new ladder truck for the Fire Department, which will replace two existing trucks.
- Purchase of an additional Police squad car, and a replacement brine solution plow truck in Public Works.
- New radios for Police and Fire
- Construction of a warming house and parking lot at Wentworth Park (to be partially reimbursed through grant funding)
- Paving of the Wentworth Park hockey rink.
- Purchase replacement equipment for the City’s Par 3 Community Golf Course
- Resurface tennis courts at Friendly Hills Park
- Update the City’s website, and improve audio/visual services in the City Hall Council Chambers
At the September 9 meeting, City Finance Director Kristen Schabacker noted that after the City Council’s approval of the preliminary budget, the levy amount cannot be increased. However, she said that it could be decreased before the final levy and budget adoption, which is scheduled for consideration on December 7. The City Council must certify the final budget and levy by December 28, 2021.
For more information visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/finance.
 Get ready to Bogey with the Red & Blue
Sat, Sept 11 | 10am-noon | Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course
There's still time to register! Register online until 9am on Sept 11 or on-site at the event.
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.
COST: $5 per participant
 Become a Community 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 Community 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
 Mandatory outdoor watering restrictions remain in place
Even with the recent rain, Saint Paul Regional Water Services is reminding all customers to use water resources wisely, and the REQUIRED odd/even water schedules are still in effect:
- 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.
Enforcement of the outdoor watering restrictions is conducted by Saint Paul Regional Water Services.
For more information:
 Par 3 aeration closure
Weather permitting, the Par 3 Community Golf Course will be closed on Monday, September 13, until 3 p.m. for annual aeration. The rain date is Tuesday, September 14. Watch for fall golf and footgolf rates coming soon!
COVID-19 information
Vaccination location information:
- 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.
COVID-19 testing information:
- 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 airport news
CEO Next Business Institute information sessions
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 have 10–99 employees, revenue between $1M and $50M, are ready to transition from small to large (past start-up stage but not yet mature), and have an appetite and aptitude for growth.
Learn more about CEO Next Business Institute | See testimonials from past participants
Upcoming events
Sept 11 | 9 a.m. to noon, Mendakota Park
Sept 19 | Whitetail Woods Park, Farmington
Sept 21 | Noon or 6:30 p.m.
Brush up on what to put in the recycling bin at a 30-minute talk. Learn the top items to recycle, what to leave out, and get answers to recycling questions. Register
Wednesdays, Oct 6–Nov 10, 6:30–8:30pm, Western Service Center, Apple Valley
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 705+ other Mendota Heights households that are recycling food waste/organics from home through the Dakota County Organics Drop-off Program. 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.
Recent highlights
Just the Facts
Incident reports 9/3/21 - 9/9/21
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.
|
 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.
Cost: $15 per participant
 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
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
|
