THE LATEST
 One cool celebration
The City's first Frozen Fun Fest took place last weekend. Thank you to all who embraced the cold and participated in the events! The weekend kicked off with a community hike at Valley Park, and many came out to see Market Square Park's penguin ice carving. And while quite chilly, thank you to musician Tiger Ries who warmed us up with his live performance at Mendakota Park for an audience of all ages.
We'd also like to extend our congratulations and Mendota Heights hearty high-fives to:
- Medallion Hunt winner, Kim Browning, who found the treasure shortly after the clue was posted this past Wednesday morning. For searchers wanting to know, here are the clue explanations.
- Coloring Contest winners Louisa and Josie, who can continue their frozen fun by enjoying gift cards to Coldstone Creamery. We received a whopping 85 submissions for the coloring contest; the artwork is currently on display at City Hall.
- “Team Frostbite” captained by Pam Stein on winning the Kickball Tournament. The trophy has been personalized and will be on display at City Hall.
We look forward to bringing the celebration back next year!
 Get started planning your summer of fun!
Register for summer recreation programs beginning 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1. There are tons of activities for all ages to enjoy! Visit the Summer Fun webpage for details.
Seeking residents to serve on the Natural Resources Commission
Apply by 4:30 p.m., Feb 25
On February 2, 2022, the City Council approved an ordinance establishing a Natural Resources Commission in the City of Mendota Heights. The Natural Resources Commission is a seven-member commission appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The Natural Resources Commission advises:
- The City Council on matters pertaining to natural resources, sustainability, environmental and climate stewardship, and opportunities for the advancement of those areas including developing and recommending policies and initiatives that enhance and preserve natural resources within Mendota Heights; and
- If requested by the City Council, will prepare and assess plans, policies, goals and ordinances for the acquisition, enhancement, or preservation of natural resources in the City of Mendota Heights.
The City of Mendota Heights is seeking applicants interested in serving on the newly formed Natural Resources Commission. The Natural Resources Commission will meet monthly, on the second Wednesday of the month at 6 p.m. Meetings will take place at Mendota Heights City Hall. All applicants must be residents of the City of Mendota Heights.
Interested persons should submit a letter of interest, Application Questionnaire and a current resume, no later than 4:30 p.m. on February 25, 2022 to:
Cheryl Jacobson, City Administrator
cjacobson@mendotaheightsmn.gov
Dakota County to host Community Conversation on youth emergency housing
Dakota County is inviting the public to attend a community conversation on February 15 to hear more about their proposal to provide temporary emergency housing and services for youth ages 12 to 17, who do not have a safe place to stay.
Dakota County is interested in purchasing the property located at 2031 Victoria Road South in Mendota Heights. The current owner, Living Well Disability Services, plans to sell the current 12-bed residential facility in spring. Dakota County will partner with Nexus Family Healing to operate the new facility. The County indicates that Nexus Family Healing has a strong reputation for providing outpatient community mental health services, crisis services, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment to help children and families struggling with emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues. The County hopes to have the new youth shelter facility operational in the 4th quarter of 2022.
For more information on Dakota County’s proposal, please view their presentation to the Mendota Heights City Council during the January 18 city council meeting. If you have questions or would like to learn more, contact Madeline Kastler, Deputy Director of Social Services, at Madeline.Kastler@CO.DAKOTA.MN.US or 651.554.5918.
Meeting information:
Tuesday, February 15 from 1:00 pm– 2:30 pm or 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Dakota County Northern Services Center, 1 Mendota Road, West St. Paul or via Zoom link
If attending the meeting, please RSVP to Julia Wallis Holmoe at Julia.WallisHolmoe@CO.DAKOTA.MN.US or 651-554-5773.
 Apply now for seasonal summer positions
The City is accepting applications for these fun part-time positions:
You must be 18 years of age or older to be an instructor, and 16 years of age or older to be an assistant or clubhouse worker. Click on links above for more information and application materials, or visit job postings at mendotaheightsmn.gov/employment.
 COVID-19 information
Dakota County experiencing high COVID-19 transmission risk:
Kids:
- Minnesota families who get their child 5-11 years old fully vaccinated in January and February can get a $200 Visa gift card. Parents/Guardians can register their 5- to 11-year-old once they have completed their two-dose series. Learn more.
- Children age 5-11 years old are eligible to get vaccinated. Minnesotans can use the Find Vaccine Locations map to find providers offering Pfizer vaccine for 5-11 year olds.
Vaccination locations:
Booster shots:
- All Minnesotans age 12 and older are recommended to get a COVID-19 booster shot. The timing of your booster shot depends on the vaccine you received for your initial vaccine series. Learn more.
COVID-19 testing:
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Test at home for free:
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Learn more and order at covidtests.gov.
The State of Minnesota offers fast and accurate COVID-19 saliva testing through Vault Medical Services, at no cost, to any person who feels they need a test. Learn more and order a test for you or a family member at learn.vaulthealth.com/state-of-minnesota.
- 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.
 Free virtual event for small businesses
The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), USDOL, MN DLI, and Cities of Minneapolis & Saint Paul Labor Standards have come together to create an interactive Q + A session, designed specifically with small businesses in mind.
The event will consist of three sections:
- A concise and easy to follow 20-minute presentation
- Q + A (submit questions for our panel and register for the event at events@mccdmn.org )
- Open Discussion
Reserve your virtual seat today!
 Become a recycling leader
Registration is open for the Dakota County Master Recycler/Composter program that provides training on waste reduction, recycling, composting and waste. The six-week course includes a training handbook, presentations from local and regional experts, and field trips. Share your time, knowledge and skills to help reduce waste in your community. There is a $30 fee that covers course materials and field trip transportation. Scholarships available.
Tuesdays, Mar. 15–Apr. 19
Dakota County Northern Service Center, West St. Paul
Quick Links:
 Landscaping for Clean Water
Create a beautiful garden on your property that benefits pollinators and other wildlife and improves water quality; or create a shoreline buffer using native plants to stabilize your shoreline. Landscaping for Clean Water is a program offered by Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District that offers free educational classes, garden design courses, garden maintenance workshops, and grants for Dakota County residents. Classes are offered virtually in 2022, beginning March 7. Registration is required. Learn more and register.
 Spring Tree Sale
Mark your calendars! The Mendota Heights Resident Tree Sale begins March 14 at 8 a.m. Purchase a quality shade tree for your landscape at a discounted rate of $60/tree. Trees come in a 10-gallon potted container, have a trunk width of approximately 1” in diameter, and range in height from approximately 4-10 feet.
Ordering:
On-line ordering begins Monday, March 14, on-line: https://treetrust.org/get-a-tree/mendotaheights/
Tree Pick-up:
Saturday, May 14 at the Mendota Heights Public Works Facility
Availability:
Ordering is limited to two trees per resident. Number of trees and tree species are limited, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Planting trees help beautify Mendota Heights, replace canopy cover lost due to Emerald Ash Borer, improve air and water quality, and provide food and habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.
Recent highlights
 Canoe rack permit applications open Feb 15 for Rogers Lake
The City offers rack rental at Rogers Lake to store canoes and kayaks from April through November; the permit cost is $75. Those interested must complete and submit a yearly Canoe Rack Permit Request Application. Mendota Heights residents have an opportunity for first priority for applications being submitted by March 1. After March 1, any unassigned racks will be made available to non-residents. Submitting a request for permit application or having a permit from the prior year does not automatically guarantee that a permit will be issued; please refer to the Canoe Rack Rental Policy for details. Before using the storage rack, all users must have a valid permit for the current calendar year.
Watch for the 2022 Canoe Rack Permit Application Form to be posted Feb 15 on Parks & Recreation's webpage.
For questions contact Sheila Robertson: srobertson@mendotaheightsmn.gov or 651-452-1850.
Canoe Rack Rental Policy
Picnic shelter reservations begin Feb 15
Host an outdoor gathering this summer in one of our picnic shelters! Six of our parks offer rentals. Applications for picnic shelter rentals open online beginning Feb 15, or complete a paper application available beginning Feb 15 on Parks and Recreation's webpage.
For questions contact Sheila Robertson: srobertson@mendotaheightsmn.gov or 651-452-1850.
Picnic Shelter Rental Policy
Adult Softball League registration is open
Registration is now open for the Mendota Heights Adult Softball League. All leagues play "D Level" softball. If you are interested in registering a team, contact Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence, mlawrence@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
Ice rinks/warming houses are open
View rink locations and hours of operation at mendotaheightsmn.gov/parksrecreation. Updates are also available by calling the ice rink/warming house hotline at 651-255-1174. Rinks and warming houses are closed when the air temperature is below zero.
Sports Unlimited Ice Hockey Camp
Monday, Feb 21 (Non-school day)
Time: 11am-2pm
Ages: 5-10
Cost: $26 per player (resident)
Location: Harmon Park, WSP
Participants will learn the rules of hockey and skills such as stick handling, passing, and shooting, while working on team play and sportsmanship. Children will be divided by age and skill level. Campers must bring ice skates, a hockey stick, and hockey helmet; gloves and pads are recommended.
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