Mendota News
Fall 2013
Rake your Leaves
Save a Lake or River
Did you know that tree leaves contain phosphorus? That’s the same nutrient that can turn lakes and rivers green with algae growth. You can help protect water this fall by:
· Raking or sweeping leaves from your street and storm drains;
· Composting leaves and grass clippings in your yard or at a community yard waste collection site;
· Never disposing of leaves in wetlands or near bodies of water;
· Keeping the street clean of other materials that contain
phosphorus such as grass clippings and eroded soil.
Be Prepared
Having the tools and plans in place in case of an emergency is just as
important as having a working smoke alarm in case of a fire. All families should have an Emergency Supply Kit that would sustain your family for at least three days.
Your kit should include:
1. One gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation needs.
2. A supply of non-perishable food such as protein bars, dried fruit,
and canned foods (don’t forget a can opener).
3. Warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of your family.
Have a Plan
Develop a plan with your family in advance for what you will do in an emergency situation, including a communications plan. You may not be together when an emergency occurs. Determine a location where all family members will meet if your family cannot meet at your home.
This is the basic information for emergency preparedness. More detailed information can be obtained at www.ready.gov.
Home Composting
Did you know that in 1996, organic material, much of which consists of lawn clippings and leaves, accounted for about one-sixth of municipal solid waste in Minnesota (yard waste has been banned from landfills since 1994).
Residents are encouraged to reduce the amount of yard waste that they dispose of by composting and changing their lawn care practices. Here are some tips to help make the most of your yard waste:
1. Start a compost pile in your back yard. Composting is very easy to do, and finished compost can be used as a soil amendment to benefit your lawn and garden. A compost pile allows you to recycle" your lawn, garden and food waste into natural fertilizer, thus eliminating your reliance on chemical fertilizers.
2. Leave clippings on the lawn. Grass clippings left on the lawn are a good source of free fertilizer, and can provide much of the nitrogen needed for a healthy lawn.
3. If you're just starting a compost pile, start with a layer of 4–6 inches of browns (twigs, leaves, etc.) then add a layer of greens (food waste or grass clippings).
What to put in a compost pile What stays out
Grass clippings Food with meat, dairy, or oils
Leaves Pet feces
Garden debris Diseased plants
Vegetable and fruit scraps Weeds gone to seed
Coffee grounds Ash from charcoal or coal
Egg shells
Sawdust and wood chips
Cornstalks and straw
Should you choose not to compost, deliver your yardwaste and tree trimmings to a commercial yardwaste and tree trimmings into compost and mulch, which can be used for lawn, garden, and landscaping projects.
Compost bin made from recycled pallets
Compost Sites in Dakota County
You can drop off your unwanted yard and tree wastes at any of the sites listed below. Yard waste must be placed in a container you will take home with you, or a compostable bag (available at most local retail, hardware, discount, and nursery stores). Hours and fees vary, so be sure to call first for specific information.
Locations:
Gertens
805 Yankee Doodle Road, Eagan
Ph: (651) 450-1501
South St. Paul Compost Site
494 to Hardman Ave, S. St. Paul
Ph: (651) 554-3204
Empire Township - NRG Processing Solutions
16454 Blaine Avenue, Farmington
Ph: (651) 423-4401
Snow Removal
The City of Mendota asks residents to be aware of city ordinances relating to parking and snow removal. Please do not park in such a manner as to obstruct or interfere with snow plowing or snow removal.
Also, it is unlawful for any person to deposit snow/ice into the roadway. All snow and ice should be removed from public sidewalks 12 hours after the snow has ceased to fall.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Plan and Prepare for Winter Driving
Plan
Make sure your vehicle is equipped with jumper cables, road flares, a shovel, windshield scraper, tow rope, and a winter survival kit.
Prepare
Test your anti-freeze, battery, brakes, exhaust and lights. Never travel with less than a half tank of gas.
Pay Attention
Listen to weather forecasts, road reports, and storm warnings.
Notify Others
When roads are in poor driving condition, always tell someone where you are going and the route, then report a safe arrival.
Cut the Cruise
Neveruse cruise control when roads are slippery. It can reduce your control of the vehicle if your tires begin to slip or skid.
Current road conditioncan be found online or by calling the 24-hour Statewide Road Condition Information Number: 1 (800) 542-0220.
Did you know :
2012 Minnesota Statues
169.475 USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE
Subdivision 1. Definition:
For purposes of this section, "electronic message" means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices. An electronic message includes, but is not limited to, e-mail, a text message, an instant message, a command or request to access a World Wide Web page, or other data that uses a commonly recognized electronic communications protocol. An electronic message does not include voice or other data transmitted as a result of making a phone call, or data transmitted automatically by a wireless communications device without direct initiation by a person.
Subdivision 2. Prohibition on use: No person may operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device to compose, read, or send an electronic message, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.
Subdivision 3. Exceptions: This section does not apply if a wireless communications device is used:
(1) solely in a voice-activated or other hands-free mode;
(2) for making a cellular phone call;
(3) for obtaining emergency assistance to report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or to prevent a crime about to be committed;
(4) in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger; or
(5) in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties.