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_Water Notice

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1. When was the City made aware of the radium level being out of compliance?

The City received verbal notice from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) in January, with a formal written notification dated January 30, 2023.

2. How high are the radium levels?

The level of radium reported in City water is based on an annual average of quarterly measurements made by MDH. The last measurement, made October 10, 2022, placed the annual average at 6.0 pico Curies per Liter (pCi/L), which is 0.6 pCi/L above the acceptable level for combined radium of 5.4 pCi/L.

3. What steps are being taken by the City of IGH?

The City has contracted with a chemist to take City water samples and make recommendations regarding operational changes in the water treatment process to lower radium levels as quickly as possible. These operational adjustments, including additional sampling and radium testing above and beyond MDH testing requirements, have already been implemented and are being monitored for effectiveness. 

4. How long will this take to correct?

The City of IGH Public Works Department is taking immediate action to lower radium levels in City water. Radium tests require 30 days to process due to the incubation period, so it will take several months of monitoring to confirm the effectiveness of the operational changes made to the water treatment process.

5. Should I boil my water?

No. Boiling water does not remove radium.

6. Should I drink bottled water?

The City is not recommending drinking bottled water. If you have a specific health concern, please consult your healthcare provider.

7. Can children drink City water?

Yes. If you have a specific health concern, please consult your child’s healthcare provider, or you can visit the MDH website for more information at: www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/contaminants/radionuclides.html.

8. Will a carbon filter remove radium from water?

No. Carbon filters, such as Brita filters, are not recommended for removing radium. 

Some other water filters, such as reverse osmosis filters, are recommended for removing radium. Water customers that utilize home water treatment systems, such as water softening and distillation, are also likely reducing radium concentrations through these additional treatment processes. 

9. Is City water safe for bathing, swimming and brushing teeth?

Yes. Radium must be ingested in high concentrations over extended periods of time (i.e., several years) to adversely affect health.

10. Will the City be updating its water treatment plant to better address radium removal?

Yes. The City of IGH was one of the first in Minnesota to treat drinking water for radium using sand filtration. These filters have aged, and technology has improved since they were installed in 1998 and updated in 2006. The City has budgeted approximately $2 million to update the City’s water treatment plant in 2024, including updating its filtration systems to better address radium removal. Because the City has only one water treatment facility, it cannot take the facility completely off-line while the system is updated, requiring that the filter replacement occur in a phased manner to keep the water treatment facility operational.

11. Where can residents find more information?

Please visit the City’s website at www.ighmn.gov/waternotice for more information on the radium notice. This site contains additional resources for water consumers, including past IGH Consumer Confidence Reports, which are annual water quality reports issued by the City, links to more information about radium from the MDH, and details about an upcoming Community Meeting at IGH City Hall on February 28, 2023, at 6 p.m. 

12. I didn't get a notice in the mail. Why not? How can I get one?

Notices were sent to every property that receives water from the IGH water treatment facility. If you are a renter, your landlord might have received the notice for your address, or if you have a private well and do not use City water, you would not have received a notice. Additionally, some residents who receive a water bill from the City of IGH actually get their water from either the Eagan water treatment facility or the South St. Paul water treatment facility. In these cases, you would not have received a notice about radium levels in your water because your home or business does not get City of IGH water. 

To view the public notice, please visit www.ighmn.gov/waternotice, or email water@ighmn.gov with any questions. 

13. I have a private well. How do find information about radium levels in my drinking water?

Private wells are not as deep as the aquifers from which the City sources its drinking water, and therefore the water in private wells comes from different ground strata. The City does not have data on radium levels in private wells on properties within the City of IGH. For more information on how you can test your private well water, please visit the Dakota County Water Testing website at: https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/Environment/WaterResources/WellsDrinkingWater/Pages/radium.aspx or the Minnesota Department of Health Well Testing website at: https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/water/wells/waterquality/index.html.

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Administration

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1. When are City Council meetings?

The second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7:00 pm.

2. When are the Work Session Meetings scheduled?

the 1st Monday of the month at 6:00PM

3. Where are notice of publications published?

Lillie Suburban Newspapers South-West Review. Lillienews.com

4. How do I apply for a massage business license?

Contact City Clerk for information on licensing.

5. How do I apply to become a commissioner?

Once a position opens on a commission the opening will be announced on our media outlets: website, social media outlets, newsletters etc. Applications are taken from January- May. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in May. Interviews of candidates are in front of the City Council. For more information contact the City Clerk.

6. How do I submit a data request

A data request must be submitted in writing. Contact the City Clerk for more details.

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Community Garden

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1. How big are the plots?

All plots are approximately 13.5 by 17.5 feet or 236.25 square feet.

2. Can I reserve two plots?

Only one plot per household is permitted.

3. How much are plots?

All plots are $34.

4. Where are the gardens located?

The gardens are located at Salem Hills Park.

5. Is there flooding?

Every season is a little different so no promises but we did not have flooding issues in 2021. The Parks Department did a great job re-grading the garden in 2021 to fix flooding issues.

6. Is there water access?

Yes, two water spigots are available for use. One on the north end and one on the south end. The city does not provide a hose or buckets.

7. Is there composting?

Yes, there are two compost bins available.

8. Is there security?

Yes, a security camera was been set up and a lock is secured on the entrance gate. Only season renters will have the access code.

9. How do I register?

Registration is online; search in the outdoor activities category or keyword search "Community Garden- 2022 Plot Rental".

10. Can I request a specific plot?

We cannot guarantee you will be assigned to any specific plot. Plots are assigned on a first come first serve basis.

11. Which spots get the most shade?

It all depends on the time of day, in 2021 the South-East corner received most daytime shade, and the first few plots by the entrance gate received shade. The website includes an aerial photo of the garden (PDF) where you can see the location of nearby trees.

12. Where can I find a plot map?

See an aerial photo (PDF) and a general map of the garden (PDF).

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Finance

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1. What is a Franchise Fee

It is a fee that is authorized by State Law and can be established by a city as a way to collect revenue to pay for a specific project or projects. The utilities involved are required to collect the franchise fee by adding a fee to a utility bill.

2. Why is Inver Grove Heights discussing Franchise Fees?

The proposed franchise fees will generate approximately $1,000,000 in revenue annually that will help the city cover unfunded costs relating to city streets, parking lots and trails. On average, the city needs $4,150,000 per year for the next five years to cover costs not paid for from taxes, special assessments or other funding sources. Franchsie fees will help offset the associated costs without increasing property taxes.

3. Why are franchise fees a better option than increasing the property tax levy?

Franchise fees allow the city to diversify its revenue sources. By implementing a franchise fee all utility users pay a fee, not just taxpayers. All who utilize the streets will help pay for them. Franchise fees will apply to all accounts within the city, including tax exempt parcels owned by non-profits and governmental entities.

4. How will franchise fees be reported?

It’s important that the City maintain transparency to residents and businesses. In an effort to be transparent, franchise fees will be reported in the Franchise Fee Special Revenue Fund. All projects paid for out of this fund will be reported.

5. When will the franchise fees be implemented?

Pending council approval, franchise fees will be implemented beginning with January 2018 billings. 

6. What are the proposed fees and have comparisons of tax impacts vs franchise fees been calculated?

Proposed fees and examples of comparisons have been prepared for the same tax parcels used in the budget process. These comparisons are available on the city’s website www.invergroveheights.org – under Residents.

7. How long will the franchise fee be on a bill?

The current franchise agreements with Dakota Electric and Xcel Energy expire in October 2029 and November 2029, respectively. Collection of franchise fees are proposed to end on June 30, 2029, however, it can be renewed upon Council decision at that time.

8. What other cities within Dakota County have franchise fees?

Dakota County cities with franchise fees include Burnsville and South St. Paul.

9. Are Dakota Elecric and Xcel Energy involved in instituting the franchise fee?

By law, Dakota Electric and Xcel Energy have to collect the fee for the city, but were not responsible for the decision to implement the fees. The line item on the bill is called “City Fee.” 

10. Is there an ongoing administration fee charged by Dakota Electric and Xcel Energy for collecting the franchise fee?

Dakota Electric and Xcel Energy do not apply an administrative fee associated with the franchise fee. The full amount of the franchise fee revenue collected by the utility company is remitted to the City of Inver Grove Heights. (This full remittance with no administrative fee assessed to the city is required by the Public Utilities Commission.) The utility companies will no longer pay right of way fees.

11. How can I learn more about franchise fees?

A calendar of upcoming events pertaining to franchise fees is available on the city’s website www.invergroveheights.org – under Residents.

12. What are the proposed monthly fees?

Xcel Energy Gas Rates Proposed

Residential $2.00

Commercial Non Demand $10.50

Commercial Demand $50.00

Small Interruptible $90.00

Medium and Large Interruptible $100.00

Dakota Electric Electric Rates Proposed

Residential $2.75

Small General (non-demand) $3.00

General (demand) $25.00

C&I Interruptible $25.00

Xcel Energy Electric Rates Proposed

Residential $2.75

Small C&I – Non Demand $3.00

Small C&I – Demand $25.00

Large C&I $95.00

Public Street Lighting $6.00

13. Have comparisons of tax impacts vs franchise fees been calculated?

Examples of comparisons have been prepared for the same tax parcels used in the budget process.
Residential Mean Parcel with Taxable Value $231,176
Monthly Tax $5.14
Monthly Gas Franchise Fee $2.00
Monthly Electric Franchise Fee $2.75

Residential Median Parcel with Taxable Value $194,834
Monthly Tax $4.33
Monthly Gas Franchise Fee $2.00
Monthly Electric Franchise Fee $2.75

Business parcels will need to know who their electric provider is and what classification they are charged for electric and gas.
Business with Taxable Value $563,700 $3,058,200
Monthly Tax $14.32 $82.19
Franchise Fee depends on your electric provider and customer class. Fees could range from $13.50 to $195.00.
Xcel Energy Gas Rates Proposed
Commercial Non Demand $10.50 $10.50
Commercial Demand $50.00 $50.00
Small Interruptible $90.00 $90.00
Medium and Large Interruptible $100.00 $100.00
Dakota Electric Electric Rates Proposed
Small General (non-demand) $3.00 $3.00
General (demand) $25.00 $25.00
C&I Interruptible $25.00 $25.00
Xcel Energy Electric Rates Proposed
Small C&I – Non Demand $3.00 $3.00
Small C&I – Demand $25.00 $25.00
Large C&I $95.00 $95.00

14. Franchise Fee Calendar

6/5/2017 City Council Work Session

6/19/2017 City Council Special Meeting 6:00 p.m. to discuss uses

7/10/2017 City Council Meeting 1st Reading of Ordinance

7/10/2017 Call for Public Hearing

7/14/2017 Publication on website to provide additional notice

7/30/2017 and 8/6/2017 Publication in Southwest Review to provide additional notice

8/10/2017 River Heights Chamber Local Issues Meeting

8/14/2017 City Council Meeting Public Hearing and 2nd Reading of Ordinance

9/11/2017 City Council Meeting Continuation of Public Hearing and 3rd Reading of Ordinance

9/17/2017 Ordinance Publication in Southwest Review

9/18/2017 Send Ordinance to Dakota Electric and Xcel Energy

10/1-12/31/17 Xcel Energy requires receipt of ordinance at least 90 days prior to implementation

1/1/2018 Proposed Implementation of Franchise Fees

4/2018 City Collects 1st Quarter Franchise Fees from Dakota Electric & Xcel Energy

 Franchise Fees billed January and February

 Franchise Fees collected February and March

 Franchise Fees remitted April

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Fire

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1. How do I get rid of old fireworks?

Soak them in water for 24 hours and then you can throw them in the garbage.

2. Where can I find more information about fire safety for kids?

This site promotes fire safety for kids and does it in a fun way, with games, videos, and worksheets:  http://www.firesafekids.org/games.html 

3. Where can I find information about hazards in the home?

This interactive resource gives homeowners a visual understanding of hazards in the house and it has a feature showing all of the rooms that are particularly fire prone. https://www.budgetdirect.com.au/homehazards/

4. Do you charge or recycle fire extinguishers?

No. It is typically more cost effective to buy a new extinguisher for your home.  The Recycling Center in Eagan will take fire extinguishers to be recycled.

5. Do you check car seats?

No; the Inver Grove Heights Fire Department does not check car seats. The Police Department does child safety seat inspections.  Please contact them at 651-450-2525 to make an appointment.

6. If I am unsure if it is an emergency, can I call the Fire Department directly?

No. First, your phone call to a fire station may go unanswered if everyone is away from their work areas. However, even if you think it is not an emergency, the best thing to do is call 911. These calls go into Dakota 911 dispatch center, who sends out fire, police and medical personnel for both emergencies and non-emergencies. 

7. Where can I get my blood pressure taken?

You can stop by Station 1 or Station 2. Both stations are staffed 24/7, unless they are out for a call.

8. I would like to take my kids on a tour of the fire station. Do you do that?

Yes. Please call the main office number at 651-455-5082 to set up an appointment, or visit www.ighmn.gov/1412 to complete a tour request form for one of the fire stations.  Please specify which station. Days and times for tours are limited.

9. Who do I call if I have a complaint about burning?

Call 911. A police officer will be dispatched first to evaluate the situation. 

10. Do we have a volunteer or full-time department?

We have what is called a “combination” fire department. We do have some full-time staff, however, about 75% of the firefighters are considered paid-on-call (POC) firefighters. These are similar to volunteer firefighters who have other full-time jobs outside the fire department and participate when not at their regular jobs. The difference between a POC firefighter and a volunteer is, the POC earns an hourly wage for being on shifts and attending calls, training and events. They also earn time toward a pension, where volunteers do not get compensated in any way.  

11. What kind of pension program do you have for your paid-on-call (POC) firefighters?

All paid-on-call firefighters can earn time toward a fire department pension program. There are minimum requirements that must be met, such as signing up for and working shifts, responding to the pager when called, and training in order to earn time toward that pension. At 7 years of service, a POC firefighter who has met all minimums, can qualify for 60% vesting of the approved pension amount, multiplied by the number of years served. The vesting percentage increases 5% each year until the firefighter has reached 15 years. At that time, the firefighter is 100% vested in the pension program. If someone leaves before 7 years, there is no pension earned. Full-time staff also earn a pension, but that is through a state plan. 

12. What kind of training or experience do IGH firefighters need to get on the fire department?

You do NOT need any previous training or experience to apply. We provide all training in-house as we host the Northern Dakota Training Academy. You will earn an hourly wage while you are going through training.   This academy, along with our weekly drills will, provide the firefighting, hazardous materials, water and land rescue, operation of different emergency vehicles (engines, ladders, water tenders, specialty) and emergency medical training you need. To pass your probationary period, you will be evaluated and tested for your skills and abilities. 

13. Do the paid-on-call and full-time firefighters work together?

Yes. First, both full-time and paid-on-call (POC) firefighters are trained to the same level. We have two staffed fire stations (Stations 1 and 2), each with a crew ready to respond 24/7. Depending on the type of call, each crew may staff an engine, or one crew could staff a ladder truck. Each crew has a full-time officer, a full-time firefighter, and a paid-on-call firefighter (POC). Each crew responds to all calls that come in. If the emergency is large, we will page out our POC personnel to respond to assist.  Our Station 3 is not staffed. 

 

While the full-time staff works 24-hour long rotating shifts, the paid-on-call firefighters can sign up to work 4 or 8-hour shifts. We string those 4/8-hour shifts together with different POC firefighters throughout the day in order to cover that one firefighter spot 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Both full-time and POC also train together. The POC also wear pagers when not working a shift and respond to their closest station to get on an apparatus, if paged. 

14. I don’t like the sight of blood; can I just sign up to go to fires?

No. Because every firefighter, whether full-time or paid-on-call, is trained to the same level, they are all cross trained in everything we do. Since we only have a limited number of full-time firefighters, paid-on-call personnel always have to be trained and ready to respond to any type of call, whether to assist either of the two crews on-duty or because both of those crews are busy. 

15. I hear you can sign up for different “shifts” like a part-time job. Is that the only time commitment I will have to be a paid-on-call firefighter?

No, all paid-on-call (POC) firefighters must sign up to work shifts, but they also have other requirements. There are weekly ongoing training and public education events they have to attend. In addition, POC firefighters still need to carry a pager and respond to callbacks from home/work for bigger and simultaneous incidents.

16. Why do you take a big fire truck to medical calls?

Since the most we have is two crews on duty at any one time, we have to be prepared for any kind of emergency. We get quite a few calls that come in close together, so we don’t want to take a small vehicle for a medical call as the next call coming in could be a fire, vehicle accident or rescue situation requiring a larger truck. Depending on the location of the separate calls, that could mean a 5-10 minute delay in a crew getting to the scene, if they had to get back to the station to switch to a bigger truck.   

17. Do you work with fire departments in other cities?

Through formal mutual aid agreements, a request can be put out to give to and receive help from any fire department in Dakota County, as well as many departments in southeast Washington County. In addition, for structure fire calls, we have what is called auto-aid, as no single department has enough personnel to always cover their community for those larger incidents. 

 For auto-aid calls, certain types of emergencies are programmed into the computer aided dispatch system to call one of our neighboring departments for help at the same time our own firefighters are alerted. This is done to bring additional trained staff to the scene as quickly as possible, without someone having to remember to request them. Our auto-aid agreements are recognized by many insurance companies who consider the neighboring fire department as an IGH fire station. As a result, residents and businesses are able to see a reduction in their insurance premiums because of our auto-aid agreements.  

18. How does the IGH fire department affect my insurance rates?

Many insurance companies use what is called a fire rating which is established by the Insurance Services Officer (ISO). ISO evaluates the fire department operations, equipment and training, along with the city’s water supply, every 5-10 years. Even some insurance companies who do not use the ISO rating still use the benchmarks within the ISO system. 

Some insurance agents do not realize that our auto-aid agreements with our neighboring fire departments can result in lower insurance rates. If you have questions on what the ISO rating is for your address, please contact the fire chief. 

19. Does the fire department have an ambulance service?

No. The IGH FD or the City of Inver Grove Heights does not run an ambulance service. Our city is covered for emergency medical transportation by MHealth Ambulances. Firefighters will go to some of the medical calls in our city and work with MHealth on treatments and transportation of the patients. You may see MHealth ambulances parked at our fire station #3. We provide them space in that station to serve as a base for their operations for this area. That provides our residents and visitors with quicker response time by having them located within our city. Occasionally, you may see other ambulances driving through our city. That could be because all MHealth rigs covering IGH are busy and they need to call in mutual aid ambulances. 

20. When can I apply to be a firefighter?

We have no openings for full-time firefighters, but we accept applications year-round for paid-on-all firefighters. We typically process those applications each spring and hire once a year in late summer. If you already have fire/medical training and/or experience, we may be able to hire you at other times of the year. To apply, you can go to the city website at www.ighmn.gov/jobs and complete an application. 

21. Can I live anywhere and be an IGH firefighter?

No. To be a paid-on-call firefighter, you need to make sure you live within a seven-minute, normal driving response time from your home to one of the three fire stations in the city. You can use Mapquest and Google Maps to verify. You have to already live within that seven minutes before we will consider your application. We do not consider applications for those with the future intent of moving into this area.  You must also maintain this seven-minute response time throughout your time with our fire department. 

22. What do I need to do if I want to have a recreational fire or burn some tree limbs on my property?

Permits are required for any size of fire in ALL parts of the city. Applications can be found on the city website. A recreational fire is considered no more than three-feet by three-feet with a two-foot flame height. To be able to have a recreational fire, a resident is required to have a fire ring on their property and get a permit through the fire department. If your fire ring meets the requirements of a permanent ring, the owner can apply for a permit that is good as long as that person owns that house. It is not transferable. If you are having company and just want to have a small one-time fire without creating a permanent ring, you can apply for a single-use permit. When you apply for the permit, you will get detailed instructions on placement of your fire ring and other requirements. 

If you are burning tree limbs or other brush, you will need a special open-burning permit for that larger fire. That permit also has requirements for size and location of the fire, as well as weather conditions needed to burn, and instructions for calling in your fire before you burn. You can ONLY BURN clean, dry wood in any fire. No treated wood, furniture, leaves, grass clippings, garbage, or chemicals are allowed. 

23. Can I use a grill on my deck if I live in an apartment?

No. Neither charcoal and gas grills are allowed to be used or stored on the decks of apartment buildings. There are also some condos and townhomes where grills are also prohibited. When in doubt, please call the fire department at 651-455-5082 with your questions. 

24. Why do you have dorm rooms in the fire stations?

Emergencies come in at all hours, including the middle of the night. The quickest response we can get is if firefighters are already at the fire station, where the trucks are located. It is much quicker to have firefighters in the station, rather than waiting for firefighters to wake up at home, get dressed and drive to the station, before even getting a truck out the door. 

25. Do you have any volunteer jobs or is there anything I can do to help without being a firefighter?

Not at this time. We are continually exploring ways where an ordinary citizen can help within the fire department without such a serious time commitment, safety concerns, or without the same physical strength and endurance requirements of our firefighters. 

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Pavement Management Initiative

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1. What is Pavement Condition Index (PCI)?

A rating system for the condition of a segment of road. On a scale of 0 to 100, a rating of 100 would indicate a perfect road surface. A rating of 50 or lower would indicate that, in general, a road needs repair.

2. What is Mill and Overlay?

A method of street repair that involves grinding off and recycling the top layer of blacktop on a road, then adding a new surface layer. It is considered a cost-effective, quicker, and less disruptive means of raising a road’s PCI when compared to other pavement reconstruction methods, and is effective at extending a roadway’s surface life for 20 or more years. 

3. What is Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR)?

FDR is an in-place recycling method for reconstruction of existing pavements using the existing pavement material as the base for the new roadway, with two layers of blacktop placed to replace the wearing surface.  FDR is utilized when existing pavement or underlying gravel is deteriorated to a point where a mill and overlay would not effectively extend the roadway service life by 20 additional years.  

4. What is a Full Reconstruction?

Full reconstruction involves the complete reconstruction of a roadway, including replacement of pavement, curb and gutter, subgrade materials, and where applicable, public utilities such as watermain, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer.   Full reconstruction is generally performed in areas where public utility infrastructure has deteriorated to a point of needing replacement.  This typically occurs in neighborhoods where infrastructure is greater than 60 years old, and there has been a recent history of infrastructure failures, such as watermain breaks, localized street flooding, and sewer main clogs or breaks.   

5. In general, what are the steps involved in communicating information for Pavement Management Initiative projects?

1. Upon authorization of a feasibility report by the City Council, an informational mailing is sent from the City to residents and property owners who will be impacted by a project.  For projects where full reconstruction is proposed, this mailing is often accompanied by a resident survey, for staff to gain feedback on existing water and sewer utility services, and to identify potential ancillary improvements to consider with the street project (i.e., street flooding mitigation, roadway narrowing/widening, streetlighting improvements, sidewalk or trail installation, etc.).
2. Feasibility Report Open House mailing - An invitation is mailed from the City to residents, which includes the date and time of an Open House and a formal Public Hearing about the project.  
3. Feasibility Report Open House – An event held to discuss the feasibility study and project plans with City staff in an informal setting. Open Houses typically occur at a City facility (City Hall, Fire Station, etc.) or at a facility in or near the neighborhood impacted by a project. The open house is typically held a few weeks in advance of a public hearing.   
4. Public Hearing – A hearing held during a City Council meeting, where the merits of the project are discussed based on the feasibility report, and residents are offered the opportunity to voice their support, concerns, or opinions regarding the project in front of the City Council.  Upon completion of the public hearing, the City Council votes on whether to advance the project to final design. 
5. Contract Award – If a project is advanced during the public hearing, the City Council accepts project bids and awards a contract. This typically occurs within 3-4 months following the public hearing.
6. Construction Open House mailing – An invitation to a construction open house is mailed by the City. Residents can attend and learn more about the proposed construction schedule, impacts to property or access, and meet with City project staff. 
7. Construction Open House – An event held a few weeks in advance of construction activity starting in a given neighborhood.
8. Post-Construction/Assessment Hearing Open House and Assessment Hearing mailing - An invitation to a third Open House event is mailed to residents, which includes a notice of an Assessment Hearing and final special assessment values for the work are provided.. 
9. Assessment Open House – Any event held a few weeks in advance of the assessment hearing, where residents can review with staff any questions regarding final special assessment calculations and payment options.  
10. Assessment Hearing - A hearing held during a City Council meeting, where the final project costs and final special assessments are summarized based on the completion of the construction activities.  Residents are offered the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the final special assessments in front of the City Council.  Upon completion of the assessment hearing, the City Council votes on certifying the final special assessments. 

6. Where can I sign up for email notifications about local road construction projects?

Go to www.ighmn.gov/list.aspx and sign up for the email notifications that interest you. 

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Police

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1. Where is the police department located?

8150 Barbara Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077

West side of the building

2. What are the lobby hours?

The police reception desk is staffed M-F, 8 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holidays. A lobby phone is available that will be directed to a dispatcher to request police assistance outside of normal business hours and on weekends.

3. What number should I call if I don't have an emergency?

The Police Department partners with the Dakota Communication Center for dispatching services. The DCC encourages the use of 9-1-1 for any situation that requires the response of police, fire, emergency medical personnel. This includes non-emergency situations such as reporting a crime, a traffic situation, or suspicious activity. The dispatcher will ask questions to help assure the proper level of response and that emergencies receive the highest priority. 9-1-1 should not be used for information purposes only. You may contact the DCC at 651-322-2323. For more information visit the DCC website at www.mn-dcc.org.

4. Do you provide fingerprinting services?

The police department no longer provides fingerprinting services.

5. What is the curfew for juveniles?

Click on link

6. Is there an overnight parking ordinance?

Yes, parking on any street or highway within the City is prohibited from November 1st through April 1st between the hours of 3:00 am and 6:00 am. Warning notices will be issued beginning October 15th. On November 1st, any vehicle found in violation will be tagged and/or towed to the impound lot.

Click on Link

7. My vehicle was impounded, where can I retrieve it?

Vehicles can be released at Southeast Towing:
7401 Dickman Trail
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
651-451-9721

If you're told the vehicle has a hold on it, please call the Police Department at 651-450-2525.

8. What should I do if I find and injured wild animal?

If the animal is in an area where it is posing a threat to people, please call 911 so an officer can be dispatched to assess the situation. If the animal is not posing an immediate threat, please contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at 651-486-9453 for advice.

9. I saw a coyote/cougar/wolf. What should I do?

Click on link

10. Can I drive a mini-bike or motorized scooter on the sidewalk or roadway?

Click on link

11. What are the city's regulations for door-to-door sales?

Click on link

12. What are the regulations on the use of BB guns and paintball guns?

The use of firearms including BB guns and paintball guns are prohibited except by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, or when used by a person to lawfully defend their person, property or family, or on a licensed shooting range within the City.

13. What should I do if I'm in a car accident?

You are only required to notify the police if there is an injury related to the crash, or if public property has been damaged. Crashes that result in damage to the vehicles only can be handled by exchanging insurance information. If for any reason you would like an officer to respond, please call 911 or 651-322-2323 and an officer will be dispatched. If the crash has resulted in an injury or in $1,000 combined damage for all vehicles involved, a State of Minnesota Accident Report must be completed. This requirement is in place regardless of whether an officer responded or not. You may obtain the form from the Department of Public Safety: www.dps.state.mn.us

14. How do I obtain a copy of my accident/police report?

Please complete a data request - Data Request

15. How can I get a background check done on myself?

The Police Department can do a local record check (Inver Grove Heights Police records only) and provide you with a certified written document containing the results of the search for $32. If you need a FULL criminal background check, please contact the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 651-793-2400.

16. How can I get a copy of my Minnesota driving record?

The State of Minnesota can provide you with a copy of your driving record. Contact the Division of Vehicle Services at 651-296-6911.

17. I would like to report a non-violent crime with no suspects or witnesses.

We are unable to take reports of hit and run, identity theft, financial transaction fraud or check forgery reports over the phone. Please come into the Police Department to make this report or call the non-emergency number 651-322-2323 to have an officer dispatched to your location.

18. I have been the victim of identity theft, what should I do?

Click link

19. How do I obtain a restraining order/order for protection?

THe Police Department doesn't provide restraining orders. You must go to one of the Dakota County Service Centers. Once the restraining order has been issued, the order must be served before it's considered to be in effect. At that point, if the order is violated, the Police can act upon it.

Northern Service Center, 1 Mendota Road, West St. Paul. 651-554-6200
Judicial Center, 1560 Highway 55 Hastings. 651-438-8100
Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave W, Apple Valley. 952-891-7256

20. I lost my cell phone and my carrier says I need a police report in order to get reimbursed.

The Police Department can't write a police report on lost property, due to the fact that it isn't a crime. We can however, provide you with an 'incident number' which shows that you've contacted is and we've documented that you lost your phone.

21. How do I obtain a permit to purchase a firearm?

Two options: 1. Download the application from the Department of Public Safety web site (www.dps.state.mn.us), complete it and bring it in to the Police Department (bring ID to show you are the applicant). 2. Complete an application at the Police Department. You must reside in the City of Inver Grove Heights. Please allow seven to 10 business days to process the application. If you're approved, you will be contacted regarding your next step. If you're not approved, will will contact you to explain the reason for denial. A permit to acquire is valid for one year. Each year you must come in and renew your permit if you wish to purchase additional firearms. You don't need to renew your permit to continue to own current firearms.

22. How do I obtain a permit to carry a firearm?

Permits to carry a firearm are processed at the County level only. If you live in Dakota County, visit thier web site (www.dakota.mn.us) or call 651-438-4700.

23. I've lost my citation, how can I pay my fine?

We don't accept payment for citations, you need to contact any one of the Dakota County Service Centers and they will look up your citation number. You have the option of paying them over the phone with a credit card. 651-554-6200 for the Northern Service Center.

24. I lost something and want to know if it was turned into the police department.

Call 651-450-2525 to see if we have your property.

25. How do I retrieve my confiscated property?

Please call and make an appointment before coming to the police department. 651-450-2525.

26. I've locked my keys in my car, can the Police help me?

Please call the non-emergency number to have an officer dispatched. 651-322-2323.

27. I would like my child seat to be inspected to ensure it was properly installed, who do I call?

Please call M - F, 8 am to 4:30 pm to schedule an appointment, 651-450-2525.

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Property Maintenance

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1. Where can I store my recreational vehicles such as boats, campers, RV’s and trailers?

“Boats, campers, RV’s and trailers may be parked in a side or rear yard so long as they are at least five feet from a side property line and eight feet from a rear property line. Boats, campers, RV’s and trailers are allowed in the front yard only on a driveway or parking pad that is contiguous to the driveway. The parking pad must be constructed of bitumen, concrete or paving blocks. Parking of automobiles or recreational vehicles on grass in the front yard is prohibited.”

2. Am I allowed to keep items stored in my yard under a tarp?

The City does not allow outdoor storage of household items, construction materials, vehicle parts etc. Outdoor storage of items not meant for outdoor use is prohibited unless contained by a solid fence 6 feet in height. Storage items may not contain junk vehicles or junk of any kind. If you wish to build a fence, a permit may be obtained by calling our Building Department at 651-450-2550.

3. My neighbor has an old vehicle in their yard that hasn’t been moved in years. Is this allowed?

No, this is not allowed. Any vehicle that is inoperable or not currently licensed must be stored in a garage or off the property.

4. Do notices of City Code violations include a fine and court appearance?

A violation notice is simply an educational tool the City uses to remind residents of our codes and notify a property owner of a violation. A property owner will receive multiple notices before a citation would be issued. At that time, an appearance in court would be required and a judge would decide what happens from that point forward.

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Public Works

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1. Can I use coal tar-based sealant?

On November 14, 2011, the City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the use of coal tar-based driveway sealers. Some of the chemicals (called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs) are known to cause cancer in people and fish, and to harm the aquatic food chain. In addition to the potential health risk of PAHs, there can be substantial costs for cities and private property owners to manage sediment in storm water ponds that are contaminated with PAHs from coal tar-based sealants. The MPCA keeps a list of Contractors who have pledged

not use coal tar-based sealers. Asphalt-based sealers are an acceptable alternative. Click on this link to access the list of contractors.