THE LATEST
 City proposes sanitary sewer rate changes
The City of Mendota Heights is proposing to adjust the rate structure on how residents and commercial customers are billed for sanitary sewer services in order to charge more equitably for usage, simplify the billing system, promote water conservation and keep pace with expenses.
As proposed, the quarterly base fee for metered residential and commercial service will decrease and no longer include discharge, while the usage rate will increase from $3.50 to $4.67 per 100 cubic feet. Based on this structure, over 40% of residential customer should see a decrease in their sanitary sewer bill, while the average consumer will see an increase of less than $10 per quarter.
The late fee will change from a flat fee of $4.00 to 5% of the total bill and the grace period for late payments will increase from 21 to 30 days.
This initiative will be presented by City staff at the July 19 regular City Council meeting scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
 Free music in the park
Enjoy live Music in the Parks with the little ones! Get out and dance to popular tunes by this kid-friendly, fun, and energizing DJ.
 We are Hiring! Join the City of Mendota Heights team and apply now for these positions:
Summer Seasonal Recreation
Fall Seasonal Recreation
Visit job postings at mendotaheightsmn.gov/employment.
Did you start a business during COVID-19?
Employers who started businesses after February 15, 2020, may be eligible for the Employee Retention Credit consisting of a refund of 50% of qualified wages or up to $10,000 per employee per year. This credit has been extended specifically for these employers with payroll in Q3 and Q4 of 2021. Employers can learn more at irs.gov/newsroom/employee-retention-credit-2020-vs-2021-comparison-chart and can speak with their tax professional about this credit to help determine their eligibility.
 Thank you for keeping the community clean and green!
The Tire Collection event was a success this past Saturday with 167 tires collected from residents! Thank you to all who participated. If you missed the event, tires can be dropped off at The Recycling Zone in Eagan for a small fee.
 Clear out mattresses at a discount
Certified Recycling is offering a special pickup rate for Dakota County residents through Labor Day (Sept. 5) on mattresses or box springs. Certified Recycling disassembles items and sends the metal, wood and cloth to businesses that can make new products. Even better, quality mattresses are donated to Bridging and given to people pursuing housing stability.
Cost – recycling is $45 for the first item and $25 for each additional item; use the code DC2022 to waive the pickup fee, too.
Accepted – any size mattress or box spring, no limit.
Not accepted – items with a history of bedbugs or contaminated with blood or hazardous waste.
Get information and schedule a pick up at certifiedrecycling.org or call 952-894-1448.
Reminder: Plant pots don’t go in the recycling cart
Recyclers don't like plant pots or plant tags. The Home Depot garden centers in Apple Valley and Burnsville are accepting pots (max five at a time) as well as Lowe’s in West St. Paul. Or, offer yours up to Dakota County Master Gardeners or other local organizations for their annual plant sales.
Upcoming recycling events
June 18 | Noon–3 p.m.
Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave, Apple Valley
Aug 1-12
Mendota Heights City Hall Parking Lot & Other Locations
Recent highlights:
 Why is My Pond Green?
As temperatures rise, you may start to notice a green mat of algae covering our ponds and wetlands. Algae growth is caused by warmer water temperatures along with excessive nutrients in our surface waters. These nutrients enter our surface waters via stormwater, that carries with it leaves, grass clippings, fertilizers, and animal waste. We can all do our part to help reduce the amount of nutrients and subsequent algae growth in our ponds, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and other surface waters. Here are some ideas:
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Adopt a Storm Drain!
Find the storm drain nearest to your home along the curb, and sweep and collect leaves, grass clipping, garbage, and other debris that has settled around it, to keep it from entering our storm sewer system. The water that enters our stormwater system is not always treated by a storm pond or other means of treatment. It often goes straight to our surface waters! You can sign up to officially adopt a storm drain, collect and track how much is removed, and help monitor the impact, through the website: adopt-a-drain.org
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Keep leaves and grass clippings off of paved surfaces.
Direct your mower away from your driveway, sidewalk, and street, so that grass clippings end up in your yard, and not in the storm sewer system. Leaves and grass clippings add excess nutrients to our surface waters, which in turn causes algal growth, which affects water quality and can harm fish and other aquatic life. Mulch or compost grass clippings, leaves, and other yard waste instead.
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Direct downspouts away from paved surfaces.
Allow stormwater runoff from roofs and other impervious surfaces to soak into the ground instead of running onto paved surfaces, into the storm sewer system, and eventually our surface waters, carrying nutrients and pollutants with it.
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Plant a vegetative buffer.
If you live on a pond, lake, wetland, or other surface water, plant a buffer of native plants at the water’s edge of at least 10 feet in width. This not only prevents shoreline erosion, it helps filter the nutrients and other pollutants that are being carried with stormwater via overland flow. For more information on shoreline buffers, visit: Restore Your Shore.
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Install a raingarden.
Raingardens are planted depressions designed to store and infiltrate stormwater runoff, while filtering pollutants that would otherwise enter our surface waters. For more information on raingardens, click Here.
To learn how to learn more about how to install shoreline buffers, raingardens, and other landscape features to improve water quality, visit: Landscaping for Clean Water.
Recent highlights
Gearing up for summer fun
Tune up your bike, grab your helmet, and join community members on a monthly summer bike ride. Folks on Spokes rides are casual with an emphasis on social. Routes are between 7-15 miles, with stopes every 3-4 miles, at an average pace of 8-10 MPH. Rides will start and finish at the same location, and take place in Mendota Heights or neighboring cities. This a free event, however registration is required to be on the email list that announces routes. Route information is sent via email about one week prior to ride dates. This program is in partnership with the Cities of WSP and SSP.
Upcoming ride dates (routes to-be-announced)
- July 26, 6 p.m.
- Aug 19, 9 a.m.
 Save the dates!
Mark your calendars and head out to the parks for live music and entertainment this summer. The concerts are free to attend!
 Free drop-in program - no registration required
Join us on Tuesdays this summer for the City's traveling program that brings recreation to local neighborhood spots. Staff will set up activities and equipment for youth to enjoy: games, sports, arts, crafts, and more! Supervision is provided during the listed event time only; for ages 6-12. This program is in partnership with West St. Paul.
View the Tour de Rec summer schedule.
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.
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