Night to Unite

Each year on the first Tuesday night in August, the City of Mendota Heights hosts Night to Unite, a summer evening dedicated to celebrating and strengthening the commitment to a safe community.

For residents, this is an opportunity to put together a neighborhood celebration, turn on the front porch lights, gather with neighbors and friends, get to know one another, catch up on things, play some games with the kids, enjoy a few hot-off-the-grill favorites and build a sense of community.

Night to Unite 2025 is Tuesday, Aug. 5.

Neighborhood representatives are asked to register their Night to Unite events by Friday, Aug. 1, so members of the Police, Fire and Ambulance service can stop by to visit.

New Sewer Rates

Sanitary sewer fees help pay for the operation and maintenance of infrastructure that removes wastewater from your property; a portion is also used to cover Metropolitan Council wastewater treatment fees.

All sewer customers in Mendota Heights pay a base fee, plus additional usage fees based on the amount of water used. These usage fees are based on the first quarter of the year (January-March), when water usage is typically low. Therefore, as you work to conserve water at the beginning of each year, the rest of your quarterly sewer costs are also reduced.

As the costs of maintaining wastewater infrastructure continue to rise, the City anticipates a 5% increase in sewer rates in 2026. To cover this increase, the City Council adopted a new base rate of $28.27 and usage fee of $5.15 per unit that will be reflected on sewer bills starting in July. Additionally, City Council increased the storm water utility fee to $7 per month ($21 per quarter).

The total increase reflected on sewer bills this summer is $7.85 for the average homeowner, who uses 14 units of water quarterly.

Weed of the Month - Crown Vetch

It is a great time to start identifying and managing common vetch before it flowers and sets seed. Common vetch begins growing early in the season, making it easier to spot among slower-to-emerge native plants. The soft, moist soil of spring also makes it a good time to hand-pull this fast-growing weed before it takes over open spaces or competes with desired vegetation.

Emerson-Bridgeview Raingarden Planting

On Saturday, May 31, resident volunteers, Dakota County Master Gardeners and homeowners planted over 700 plants and shrubs in eight curb-cut raingardens within the Emerson and Bridgeview neighborhoods.

Raingardens are gardens that are designed to capture and treat rainwater runoff from lawns, roofs, streets, and other impervious surfaces. Stormwater runoff from these areas often carries pollutants such as oil, grease, and heavy metals, as well as grass clippings, leaves, and lawn care chemicals. These pollutants would otherwise end up in our surface waters.

The raingarden project was part of the Emerson and Bridgeview Street Improvement projects that began in 2024. Thank you to all of our participants and community volunteers for making the project possible!

Weekly Crime Report

The Mendota Heights Police Department provides a weekly list of incidents taking place in our community. View historical crime reports.

Tour de Rec

Tuesdays
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Join us for this free weekly activity throughout the summer, at locations throughout the City:

June 17 - Recycling Crafts at Garlough Elementary School

June 24 - Yard and Field Games at Wentworth Park

Music in the Park: Alligations

June 25; 6 p.m.
Market Square Park

Join Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation on various Wednesday evenings this summer for Music in the Park at Market Square Park! Bands will feature family friendly music for everyone. Don't forget a lawn chair or blanket.

Let's Talk: Speed Safety Cameras

July 1; 5-6 p.m.
City Hall

Join Police Chief Kelly McCarthy for an information conversation about the Department's use of speed safety cameras beginning Aug. 1.

Teen Night: Laser Tag

June 30; 3-8 p.m.
Kensington Park

Play laser tag with friend at Kensington Park! One round of play is $5 per person; multiple hours can be purchased. Round time is approximately 10 minutes with participants returning to the end of the line in order to play again.