THE LATEST
Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Program
The Mendota Heights Police Department and Mendota Heights Auto Service have partnered with the Minnesota Commerce Department to promote the Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Program.
This program allows the owners of those vehicles most at risk for catalytic converter theft to have their catalytic converters imprinted with a unique identifying number. Once labeled, this number is registered and allows a stolen catalytic converter to be traced by law enforcement.
The following is a list of those vehicles identified as the most at risk:
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Chevrolet Express
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Honda Element
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Mitsubishi Eclipse
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Ford Econoline
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Honda Odyssey
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Mitsubishi Lancer
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Ford F-250
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Hyundai Santa Fe
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Mitsubishi Outlander
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Honda Accord
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Hyundai Tucson
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Toyota Prius
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Honda CRV
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Kia Sportage
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Toyota Tundra
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We recognize the need to imprint and register as many vehicles as possible, even those not listed. We are working to expand the program to curb catalytic converter thefts from any vehicle. If you have one of the vehicles listed above and want to have it imprinted and registered, please contact Mendota Heights Auto Service at 651-454-5622 for more information.
For more information on the Commerce Catalytic Converter Pilot Program and to find a list of participating shops, visit mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-vehicle/auto-theft-prevention/catalytic-converter-pilot.jsp.
 Apply now for these positions:
Summer Seasonal Public Works
The City is accepting applications for seasonal Public Works Maintenance. Positions are open until filled; first consideration will be given to applications received by 11:30 am on April 1, 2022. Learn more and link to application materials.
Summer Seasonal Recreation
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.
BUSINESS NEWS
 Free virtual event for small businesses
In partnership with the University of Minnesota Law School, the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers is offering a free virtual event for small businesses seeking assistance with legal questions. Space is limited; learn more and register.
Free your bottles, cans and paper
Leave the plastic bag behind. Your bottles, cans and paper should go in your recycling cart loose. If you must bag, use a paper bag. Plastic bags ruin the recycling process, because they:
- Prevent sorters from seeing if bad items are mixed in with good items
- Wrap around machines at the sorting facility.
- Cause shutdowns so workers can cut out tangled bags.
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Upcoming events
April 16, Noon–3pm
Inver Glen Library, 8098 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights
While supplies last | Residents get 30 percent off when they order online using the promo code Dakota. Pre-ordered bins and barrels can be picked up at the Mendota Heights Public Works Facility on Saturday, May 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, or at any of the other distribution events in the metro area based on ordering. Rain barrels are sold-out for pickup at Mendota Heights, but can be ordered to be picked up at another location as available.
April 23, 9am-Noon
WSP Sports Complex, 1650 Oakdale Ave, WSP
(Please note this date was incorrectly shown as April 30 in the City's March/April Heights Highlights printed newsletter - the correct date is April 23.)
April 23, 10am-2pm
Two Rivers High School, 1897 Delaware Ave, MH
Reservation required April 1 - April 29 for May 2 pickup date
Quick Links:
 LMRWD is seeking volunteers to serve on its Citizen Advisory Committee
By joining the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), you will be working with other energized volunteers to effect change in your community. The CAC is working to engage residents through education on actions that protect, improve, and restore water resources in the watershed. Use its interactive map to determine if you live within the LMRWD, and learn more and access application materials at lowermnriverwd.org/about/citizen-advisory-committee.
The LMRWD is a local, special-purpose governmental unit that works to solve and prevent water-related issues. The LMRWD spans five counties and 14 communities within its 80-square-mile boundary.
  Have you seen #MaskTrash?
Above: A selection of images tagged #MaskTrash on Instagram. With the necessary use of masks during the pandemic, a sad side effect has been discarded masks littering the ground and making their way into the water. There are plenty of documented cases of wildlife being tangled in masks, and the commonly used surgical masks are made of polypropylene, which constitutes one of the most abundant microplastics in some water bodies.
Spring is a great time for residents to pitch in and clean up a shoreline of trash like masks!
ANYONE can mobilize a group and plan a cleanup event! Participating in Freshwater's Adopt a River program will support you with the planning tools you need.
When and where should you plan a cleanup? Who should you invite, and how can you get started? Freshwater has all the answers for you at freshwater.org/adopt-a-river.
What if I want to clean up, but not a shoreline? That's great, too! Our streets are an extension of our shorelines. Most storm drains flow directly into lakes and rivers. That means everything we do on land affects our water. Check out Freshwater's community cleanup page for info on other cleanups.
 Stop by City Hall for free giveaways and learn simple ways you can protect our surface waters
Sat, April 23 | 9am-Noon
- Enter the drawing to WIN a free 10-gallon container tree or a gift certificate to Prairie Moon Nursery.
- Pick up your free pollinator seed packet, and plant a pocket prairie for pollinators!
Join us in spring cleaning our parks
Sat, April 23 | Supply pickup 9am-Noon
Spend the day at a local Mendota Heights park assisting with waste removal. Garbage, recycling, and organics bags will be available for pick up at City Hall from 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, April 23. Collected materials can be left in or near garbage receptacles at each City park. Volunteers should wear appropriate attire, including protective gloves, closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. Safety vests are also available for loan if desired.
Attend the virtual ‘Resilient Yards’ workshop
Thurs, April 28 | Noon-2pm
Home gardeners, take climate action in your yard! The City of Mendota Heights is sponsoring a Blue Thumb workshop offering ways you can make your landscape more resilient to excessive heat, drought, flooding rains and other weather-related challenges that we are experiencing more frequently.
This workshop is great for do-it-yourselfers. It offers an overview of resiliency and information on redirecting runoff, assessing your site, designing with native plants, using trees and shrubs, turf alternatives, protecting pollinators and more. There are two parts to this workshop. After registering, you’ll receive an online presentation with a series of videos to watch at your convenience. The presentation will include prompts to help you get started on plans to incorporate some of these tactics in your yard. At the workshop, offered virtually, you’ll meet in small breakout groups for assistance from landscape designers and other experts such as Master Gardeners. Bring your ideas and your questions!
The virtual workshop will be held from Noon to 2 p.m. on April 28. The cost is $15. For more information and to register, check the Blue Thumb website at bluethumb.org/events/, or call Metro Blooms at 651-699-2426.
Blue Thumb is coordinated by Metro Blooms, a nonprofit that partners with communities to create resilient landscapes and foster clean watersheds, embracing the values of equity and inclusion to solve environmental challenges.
Landscaping for Clean Water Classes
Create an addition to your home landscaping that is not only attractive, but will benefit our lakes, streams and wetlands! Landscaping for Clean Water classes will help you beautify your landscape and provide cleaner water.
Three LIVE virtual Landscaping for Clean Water introduction classes are being hosted in partnership with the watershed organizations here in Dakota County. The classes provide an overview of local water quality challenges and provide beautiful and practical ways of reducing runoff pollutants that are causing issues. The Landscaping for Clean Water program makes it easy to realize the positive impacts raingardens, native gardens, and shoreline stabilizations can have on your aesthetic and environmental surroundings.
Want to participate, but can’t make the live event? The introduction class will also be offered as a pre-recorded option, so you won’t miss a beat in learning how you can plant for clean water this year. After attending an introductory class, sign up for the $25 raingarden design workshop where you will receive design assistance to create a functioning raingarden specific to your own yard.
Participation in the introductory classes is free, but registration is required. Visit dakotaswcd.org/services/landscaping-for-clean-water or call 651-480-7777 for more details.
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Recent highlights
Just the Facts
Incident reports 3/18/2022 - 03/24/2022
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 dakota911mn.gov.
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@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
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 It's almost time!
The Par 3 Community Golf Course is hoping to open around April 1 for the season, weather permitting. Clean up those clubs and get ready to hit the course! Watch for the official opening announcement coming soon.
Get started planning your summer of fun!
Registration is open for summer recreation programs and programs are filling quickly. There are tons of activities for all ages to enjoy! Visit the Summer Fun webpage for details.
For information on COVID-19 and to connect to resources for vaccinations, boosters, testing, and more, visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/covid19.
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