THE LATEST
A growing community
The U.S. Census Bureau has released housing and population counts from the 2020 Census. Basic counts show that the population of Mendota Heights increased by 673 since the 2010 Census, with a total population of 11,744. The number of households has also increased to 4,787, with a growth of 409 households. Household increases are partially attributed to the diversification of housing in apartment units and twin homes. For more information visit metrocouncil.org/census2020.
Public meeting announcements
The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 28, at 7 p.m. has been cancelled. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26, at 7 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
 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
 Light Up the Night Glow Dash/Party
There's still time to register! Registrations will be accepted on-site on event day also.
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
 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:
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 news
 Celebrating our small businesses!
This week the U.S. Small Business Administration hosted National Small Business Week with a virtual summit, emphasizing resilience and renewal. Even though the summit is over, there are still opportunities for small businesses to receive support and resources. Visit sba.gov to learn more.
The City of Mendota Heights also partners with Open to Business (OTB) in conjunction with Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) and the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). For information on how OTB can help, Dakota County businesses can contact MCCD Business Advisor Natalie Mouilso at (952) 451-6390, email nmouilso@mccdmn.org or visit opentobusinessmn.org.
CEO Next Business Institute
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. If this fits your business, register to attend a free information session:
 Mattress/box spring collection a huge success!
Thank you to all who participated in the recycling collection event last Saturday. There were ninety assorted-sized mattresses and nine crib mattresses collected, totaling about ten thousand pounds (five tons) of material recycled!
If you missed the event, there are other options for environmental mattress and box spring disposal:
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Second Chance Recycling (612-332-0664)
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Certified Recycling (952-894-1448)
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Bridging accepts good-condition donations and can pick up for a fee (651-631-3255)
- Call your trash hauler to schedule a pick up bound for the landfill or haul items to a transfer station for landfill disposal.
The Dakota County Recycling Guide is always available to locate disposal resources for any items.
Upcoming events
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
Oct 23 | Mendakota Park
Take home FREE compost for your garden.
Valley Park Buckthorn removal
Last Wednesday, September 15, Great River Greening and employees from GovDocs, Inc. removed Buckthorn and planted native pollinator-friendly plants at Valley Park. Buckthorn (both Common and Glossy species) is an invasive understory tree that outcompetes native woody species in forests and woodlands, as well as shades out native ground cover species. This degrades woodland habitats as well as causes erosion. Native species planted include Wild Geranium, Large-leaf Aster, and Poke Milkweed, which will help restore the native groundcover layer. The volunteer event aided in continuing the work being done to restore and enhance native forest communities within Valley Park. Buckthorn photo courtesy of Monarch Watch.
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Recent highlights
FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS
Fire Prevention Open House
Saturday, Oct 9 | 10am-1pm
Mendota Heights Fire Station, 2121 Dodd Road
“Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” at this year’s free community Open House. Meet firefighters, check out the fire trucks and equipment, play fire prevention and safety learning games, take a photo with Snuffers, watch safety demonstrations (at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.), see inside the new station, and more!
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Just the Facts
Incident reports 9/10/21 - 9/16/21
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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 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)
Fall Youth Field Trips
Conquer Ninja Warrior Gym
Thurs, Oct 21 | 8:45am-4pm | Ages 6-12
Thurs, Oct 21 | 8:45am-4pm | Ages 6-12 In the morning train and compete like ninjas and in the afternoon refuel with lunch, play group games, have playground time and more. Bus drop off/pick up at Harmon Park Neighborhood Center in West St. Paul. Please pack a beverage and a peanut-free bag lunch. The bus leaves promptly at 9am.
Cost: $30 per child
Afton Apple Corn Maze
Fri, Oct 22 | 8:30am-4pm | Ages 6-12
Start by playing games and making crafts, then depart for a picnic-style lunch at St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park, followed by a visit to Afton Apple. In supervised small groups, explore the giant 15-acre corn maze, meet farm animals, enjoy playgrounds, try mini-mazes, and see rows and rows of apples. Bus drop off/pick up at Harmon Park Neighborhood Center in West St. Paul. Please pack a beverage and a peanut-free bag lunch.
Cost: $35 per child
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