THE LATEST
 Get ready for No Mow May
Mendota Heights residents can help create habitat and food sources for pollinators during the month of May, by choosing not to mow their yard, or mow less frequently. City Council passed a motion at the April 19 City Council meeting supporting ‘No-Mow May’ and suspending the City’s height restriction for vegetation in residential yards beginning May 1 of 2022. Businesses, commercial sites, and all other properties still need to comply with the City’s Weed and Noxious Vegetation ordinance. Residents and all properties must come back into compliance by Monday, June 6, 2022.
You can download and print off a ‘No-Mow May’ sign to place in your yard through the Xerxes Society’s website at xerces.org/publications/other/no-mow-may
Create a pollinator friendly space in your landscape year-round by installing a native pollinator garden, pollinator lawn, or planting beneficial trees and shrubs. For more information:
University of MN Extension
xerces.org/pollinator-resource-center
 Prescription drug drop-off
The Mendota Heights Police Department will be collecting unused prescription medications to be disposed of for free. Drive through City Hall's main entrance turnaround and they will collect your items. Note that sharps or needles will not be accepted. Unused Epi-pens that have expired or are no longer needed will be accepted if they are in their original safety packaging. Drop off is anonymous.
If you cannot make it to this event, drop these items off 24/7, any day of the year, in the green drop box of the Police Department lobby.
 Shop the Kids Garage Sale
Youth from Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, and Inver Grove Heights communities will be selling gently used games, books, movies, clothing, and more at their very own ‘garage’ sales. Shop from 35+ sales and score yourself some good deals! This event encourages youth to practice money management, communication, and decision-making. Shoppers please enter through Door I; sales are cash only.
 Firefighter hiring info meeting this Saturday!
Accepting applications through May 18
Join the Mendota Heights Fire Department for a Hiring Informational Meeting to learn more. Get firsthand knowledge on what it takes to become one, learn about the training you’ll receive, ask questions, tour the station, and meet members of the team! The next meeting takes place Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to noon. Please plan to arrive at the meeting start time for a presentation.
Mendota Heights firefighters are paid-on-call volunteers who respond to both fire and medical emergencies, serving Mendota Heights, Mendota, Lilydale, and Sunfish Lake. The department operates out of a newly built and remodeled state-of-the-art fire station. Many on the team will tell you that joining the “Fire Family” has been one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives. Our firefighters come from a wide range of backgrounds, most serving while managing diverse careers.
The City of Mendota Heights is accepting applications to become a firefighter by 4:30 p.m. on May 18. Learn more and link to application materials.
We look forward to connecting with you!
Mendota Heights Fire Station, 2121 Dodd Road, Mendota Heights
Prepare for major road closures as MnDOT construction begins
Hwy 55 & I-35E full closures begin Friday, April 29
I-494 full weekend closure May 6-9
Residents should prepare for upcoming major road closures on Highway 55, I-35E, and I-494 for MnDOT resurfacing and bridge deck preservation work beginning this spring. During closures, motorists should follow signed detours or find alternative routes to avoid congestion and delays. All construction activities and traffic impacts are weather permitting and subject to change. MnDOT will maintain access to all businesses and residences throughout the project, however you may have to use a different route.
For details and to subscribe to project updates visit:
dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy55mpls-invergroveheights
Real time traffic information is available at 511mn.org or download the Minnesota 511 app on your Apple or Android device.
 Become a City Volunteer
There's an exciting new opportunity for residents and the community to make a difference in Mendota Heights. At its meeting on April 19, the City Council approved a Volunteer Program for adults and juniors. If you are interested in learning more, visit the Volunteer Program webpage for details and complete a Volunteer Contact Form so that a staff member can follow up with you. There's also a form to propose a volunteer project or initiative. Get started on this rewarding experience today!
 Last chance to take the pledge!
The City of Mendota Heights is participating again in the Wyland National Mayor's Challenge to see which cities can conserve the most water. During the month of April, residents can take a pledge to help conserve water and improve the environment by selecting simple actions to take within their household and community. Mendota Heights will be competing against other cities of similar population, and is engaged in a friendly competition against West St. Paul. Residents have an opportunity to win prizes for themselves and a local charity. Learn more and take the pledge! Follow along by checking the current city standings.
Your feedback is needed to help improve high speed Internet service
The Dakota Broadband Board is currently conducting a survey to assess high speed Internet needs and access. The survey results will help ensure that all citizens and businesses in Dakota County have equitable and adequate access to broadband service.
Survey for Residents
Residents are invited to take the survey by May 20, 2022, at projects.designnine.com/survey/dakota-residential.
Survey for Businesses
Businesses are invited to take the survey by May 20, 2022, at projects.designnine.com/survey/dakota-business.
 We are Hiring! Join the City of Mendota Heights team and apply now for these positions:
Summer Seasonal Jobs:
Visit job postings at mendotaheightsmn.gov/employment.
 Paper Shred results
The Paper Shred event on April 23 was a huge success! Volunteers braved the rain and wind to assist 430 vehicles during the event, collecting 15,880 pounds of paper for on-site shredding. For a list of other community shred events visit Dakota County's website and click the blue “Recycling Events” tab.
 Did you know?
The organics drop site at Mendakota Park accepts more than just food scraps. Bring paper towel rolls, pizza boxes, used tissues, pet hair and even fingernail clippings, to be composted instead of going to the landfill. Check what is accepted and sign up for the program today!
Upcoming recycling events
Reservation required by April 29 for May 2 pickup date
April 30, Noon–3pm
Dakota Lodge in Thompson Park, 1200 Stassen Lane, WSP
Celebrate with a wide variety of events to choose from.
May 1-7 Celebration
May 5, 5-7pm
The Mulch Store, 16098 Blaine Avenue, Rosemount
May 16-31
Mendota Heights City Hall & other locations
Recent highlights:
- The South St. Paul Compost Site is open. Visit their website for information on hours of operation, type of yard waste accepted, and costs. Note that hours/days of operation may change based on weather conditions.
 Thank you!
Thank you to all who attended the Mendota Heights Earth & Arbor Day Event last Saturday, as well as those who attended the Resilient Yards virtual workshop hosted by Metro Blooms last Thursday. Approximately 50 people attended and participated in the City-wide Parks Clean-Up event, even amidst occasional showers and thunderstorms!
 Volunteer to monitor wetlands
Pull on a pair of waders! Dakota County seeks volunteers for the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP). Volunteers work with a community-based team to evaluate wetlands by collecting data on plants and macroinvertebrates like beetles, bugs and snails. Previous monitoring experience or a background in science is not necessary to take part. Registration is open through May 15.
Sign up on a team and for training on Dakota County’s volunteer website. Learn more at mnwhep.org.
Recent highlights
Upcoming events
Get ready for the first outdoor concert of the season with music by Kalliah and BlackWater. Enjoy live rock, blues, pop, country, and even techno/dubstep songs from this local group. This is a free community event!
Join us for youth and family activities: games, sports, crafts, and more! This is a free 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.
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Join us at Touch a Truck for a behind-the-scenes tour and get up close to tons of big rigs -- fire trucks, police squads, mowers, plow trucks, and more! There will also be a food truck available. Activities will include kids' games, photo opportunities, and refreshments. New this year - vote on your favorite name for the newest Mendota Heights snowplow. This is a free community event! (In case of bad weather/rain, this event will be held on Sunday, May 15.)
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.
 The Par 3 Community Golf Course is open for the 2022 golfing season, weather permitting. Players can enjoy the same affordable rates as last year, with special rates for senior and junior players. The course is currently walking only; pull carts are available to rent.
Players can also take advantage of specials available at the course (restrictions apply):
- Senior Golf Pass (65+): $200
- 10-Round Punch Card: $100
- Five-Hole Weekday Play Special: $5
Note that the Senior Golf Pass must be purchased at Mendota Heights City Hall during business hours; it is not available to purchase at the course.
Visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/par3_community_golf_course for rates and information, and call 651-454-9822 to reserve a tee time. We look forward to welcoming you back!
For information on COVID-19 and to connect to resources for vaccinations, boosters, testing, and more, visit mendotaheightsmn.gov/covid19.
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