What Would Rosemount Look Like If Kids Were in Charge?
We’re inviting young voices to share their ideas in the 2025 Mayor for a Day Essay Contest, put on by the League of Minnesota Cities! This annual contest is open to Minnesota students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Students are encouraged to imagine themselves as mayor and answer this year’s question:
The City of Rosemount will also recognize one lucky student for their participation.
Cities provide a variety of services and programs that make our lives better—like parks and recreation, street maintenance, water and sewer, libraries, police, fire, and more. If you were mayor for a day, what would you do to make one of the services your city provides even better?
Submissions can be emailed, submitted online, or mailed and must be postmarked by December 12. Up to four winners will each receive a $100 prize and have their essays published in Minnesota Cities magazine. Winners will be notified in early January.
To access the submission form and a helpful guide on what Minnesota mayors do, visit: lmc.org/mayorforaday.
Thank you for supporting the next generation of community leaders!
In the Spirit of Pride and Progress,
Mayor Jeff Weisensel
School District Election Info
The ISD 196 School District Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The School Board oversees all aspects of this election.
Voting options include:
• On Election Day at designated school district polling places
• Absentee voting, beginning September 19
• Early in-person voting at school district locations
Please note: The City of Rosemount will not be accepting absentee ballots or conducting early voting for this election. For polling locations, voting details, and additional information, visit the District 196 website: district196.org/vote
CURIOUS ABOUT CONSTRUCTION?
There are many more City-led construction projects in store for 2026 and beyond. Stay informed on all of them by visiting rosemountmn.gov/construction or use the QR Code.
CONNECT WITH US
Open to Business: Fueling Local Entrepreneurs in Rosemount
What do a cozy coffee shop, a fitness studio, and a pet boutique have in common? They’re all part of a growing wave of small businesses in the area supported by the Open to Business program.
Open to Business, offered through the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), provides free, confidential business consulting and access to financing for entrepreneurs across the Twin Cities region. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, the program offers support in areas like business planning, marketing, licensing, financial assessment, and creative lending solutions.
Local industries supported include health and wellness, retail, food, and service-based businesses. rosemountmn.gov
Rosemount’s 2025 Impact at a Glance 14 local businesses served
130 hours of technical assistance
64% women-owned and 43% BIPOC or immigrant-owned 25+ jobs impacted
$30,000 in direct financing and $2,500 in owner equity
Open to Business Success Story: Maleku Coffee
Located at 15059 Crestone Ave, Maleku Coffee is a shining example of how Open to Business helps dreams take root. Starting as a pre-launch idea in 2023, Maleku Coffee worked with MCCD advisors to secure a loan and navigate the startup process. Since then, the business has grown from one employee to eight.
Ready
to
Start or Grow Your Business?
Open to Business advisors are available to help with:
• Strategic planning
• Marketing and communications
• Licensing and regulatory guidance
• Access to capital and loan packaging They also offer creative financing tailored to your business’s cash flow and seasonal needs.
For more information or to connect with an advisor, visit mccdmn.org or contact 952-451-6390. Language assistance is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
“We are part of MCCD’s Open to Business Program, and the whole process has been a great learning experience. Our loan application would’ve been difficult to accomplish without their help! I would recommend this to any entrepreneur.”
– Maleku Coffee Owner Roberto Morua
Meet Officer Chloe VonBank
Chloe joined the Rosemount Police Department in November 2023 as a Community Service Officer. A 2022 graduate of Rosemount High School, she earned her associate degree in criminology and liberal arts from Inver Hills Community College. In 2024, Chloe was hired as a full-time officer through the state’s ICPOET training program. She completed her field training in July and now serves as a solo patrol officer. Chloe enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying active. We’re proud to have her serving our community!
Meet Officer Jalen Sneddeker
Jalen comes to Rosemount with over seven years of experience at the Dakota County Jail, where he served in multiple roles, including Correctional Sergeant and Gang Intelligence Specialist. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota–Duluth and joined our department through the ICPOET program. After completing field training, Jalen began solo patrol in June 2025. Outside of work, he enjoys playing softball, hockey, and golf, and coaches youth sports. Welcome, Jalen!
Meet Officer Braeden Lecher
Braeden, a Rosemount native and 2020 RHS graduate, joined the department in May 2024 as a Community Service Officer. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from UW–Eau Claire and gained experience as a Park Ranger and volunteer Crisis Responder. Braeden was hired as a full-time officer through the ICPOET program and completed field training in July. We’re excited to have him serving his hometown with professionalism and care!
Safely Dispose of Unused Medications in Rosemount
Do you have expired or unused medications at home? The Rosemount Police Department, in partnership with Dakota County, offers a safe and anonymous way to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medications. The medication disposal drop box has been moved from City Hall and is now available in the lobby of the new Police and Public Works Campus at 14041 Biscayne Avenue. This service is free and open to the public. Dropoff hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How It Works:
• No ID required—drop-off is completely anonymous.
• Keep medications in original containers when possible.
• Loose pills should be placed in a clear plastic bag.
• Labels do not need to be removed.
• Accepted items include prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medications from households.
Not Accepted:
• Needles/sharps
• Mercury thermometers Instead, these can be brought to The Recycling Zone. For additional drop-off locations, visit the Dakota County Recycling Guide and search for “medication” at dakotacounty.us.
CLOSE BEFORE YOU DOZE: A SIMPLE STEP THAT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE
Did you know that closing your bedroom door at night can significantly increase your chances of surviving a house fire?
In the event of a fire, a closed door acts as a barrier—slowing the spread of flames, smoke, and toxic gases. This can give you precious extra minutes to wake up, call 911, and escape safely.
According to fire safety experts, rooms with closed doors during a fire can stay up to 900°F cooler than those with open doors. That temperature difference can mean the difference between life and death.
Here’s why it matters:
• Slows fire spread and limits oxygen supply to the flames
• Reduces smoke inhalation, the leading cause of fire-related deaths
• Buys time for firefighters to arrive and help Make it a habit:
• Close all bedroom doors before going to sleep
• Teach children and family members to do the same
• Check that smoke alarms are working and located inside and outside sleeping areas
A simple action like closing your door can make a big difference. Close before you doze—and stay safe.
GIS Technician Awarded
Emerging Professional Honors
Recently, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician Mike Hanson was presented with the award as this year’s emerging professional by the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium during their annual conference in Duluth.
Since he joined our team in the fall of 2023, Mike has quickly become a driving force in helping staff across the organization understand and apply GIS in meaningful ways. His ability to clearly communicate the purpose and impact of his work—along with creating user-friendly processes and documentation—has made GIS tools more accessible and useful for staff in multiple departments.
From streamlining septic system maintenance tracking to enhancing snowplow route map editing, optimizing the way we access construction records, and integrating cutting-edge tools into our mapping and asset management systems, his work has directly improved how we operate. These contributions aren’t just technical—they’ve helped save a lot of staff time and support better decision-making throughout the City. Mike’s enthusiasm for his craft, responsiveness to assisting the public and fellow staff, and quality of work product together represent fine examples in public service and in being a great teammate.
PICK UP THE POO!
Let’s face it, nobody likes doing it, but nobody is going to pick up your dog’s poop except you--and the health of our surface water depends on it! Scoop and bag pet waste as soon as it happens to keep bacteria, parasites, and phosphorus from washing into storm drains. Pro Tip: Set supplies by your back door to make the job easier to remember, and always bring bags along with you on walks. As a reminder, City Code requires pet waste to be cleaned from your yard at least weekly, and immediately from public property, including boulevards.
L to R: GIS Supervisor Aaron Menza, GIS Technician Mike Hanson, Public Works Director Nick Egger.
Food Scraps Drop-off Program
The No. 1 item in our trash is food. Keeping food scraps out of landfills is good for the environment. That’s why over 11,500 households like yours are giving food scraps a new life by participating in Dakota County’s food scraps drop-off program (formerly organics drop-off program).
In 2024, participants delivered 2.2 million pounds of food scraps across all locations. The food scraps go to an industrial compost facility and are turned into compost for gardening and landscaping.
There are 11 food scraps drop-off sites located throughout the county — in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount (2), and West St. Paul.
To sign up for the free program, visit www.dakotacounty.us and search food scraps, email foodscraps@ co.dakota.mn.us, or call 952-891-7557. When you sign up, you will receive more information and free compostable bags in the mail.
Partially funded by Dakota County and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Upgrade recycling at your apartment, condo, or townhome
Everyone deserves a great recycling program. In fact, property owners are required to provide residents with the opportunity to recycle. The Dakota County Multifamily Recycling Program provides free recycling containers, posters, and education for residents and staff to improve recycling. So far, 167 apartments, condos, townhomes, and senior living buildings have participated in the program. Staff have educated over 10,000 residents. To learn more, contact multifamilyrecycling@co.dakota.mn.us or 952-891-7557.
PUMPKIN COLLECTION
After all the fun of carving and decorating, it’s time to responsibly dispose of your pumpkins! Residents can drop their pumpkins in the labeled bins located in the Central Park parking lot (2875 145th St W) any time from Saturday, Nov. 1, through Sunday, Nov. 2. Remove candles, wax, and any non-pumpkin material. No painted or glittered pumpkins accepted; these must go in the trash. Please do not put anything other than pumpkins or gourds in the container.
HOLIDAY LIGHT COLLECTION
Don’t toss out your broken or unwanted light strings! Drop off your tangle of lights and cords at the Steeple Center (14375 S Robert Trail) starting Nov. 17 until Jan. 31, 2026. Please do not drop off cord adapters, plastic rope lights, CFL lights, or battery packs. Garlands, fake trees, statuary, and metal fixtures are also not accepted. Holiday lights are additionally accepted year-round at The Recycling Zone, located at 3365 Dodd Road, Eagan. Need to get rid of something else? Visit dakotacounty.us and search recycling guide.
CLEAN CURBS = CLEAN WATER
Leaves and lawn clippings cause big problems when left on curbs, streets, and sidewalks, because the storm drain on your street is directly connected to your neighborhood pond. Leaf-clogged drains can cause street flooding, and phosphorus-rich yard waste causes algae to bloom in our ponds and lakes. In fact, just one bag’s worth of yard waste contains enough phosphorus to grow 100 pounds of algae!
Clean leaves from curbs, streets, and sidewalks early and often. Use one of these options to dispose of your leaves: mulch back into your lawn using a mower, arrange for your trash hauler to take them away, drop off at a compost facility, or start your own backyard compost pile. Visit rosemountmn.gov/compost to learn more about composting and visit adopt-a-drain.org to adopt a storm drain near your home!
OUTDOOR WINTER CLOTHING SWAP
Join us for our Outdoor Winter Clothing Swap! From coats and boots to scarves and mittens, it’s the perfect way to refresh your winter wardrobe without breaking the bank.
Bring your clean, gently used winter coats/ jackets, mittens & gloves, winter hats, scarves, winter boots, and snow pants. No item donation is necessary to shop the swap! Broken, ripped, or stained items are not accepted. Then browse what others have brought and pick out new pieces for your collection! If you can’t make the swap but have an item you would like to donate pre-event, please contact Violet Penman at violet.penman@rosemountmn.gov or 612-2689097. All are welcome! Nov. 4, 6-8 pm Rambling River Center 325 Oak St, Farmington
Winter Reminders
It may feel far off, but snow will be here before you know it. Prepare ahead with these friendly seasonal reminders:
Keep all garbage and recycling bins at least four feet behind the curb.
Mark your curb lines to minimize sod damage, especially if you live on a curve. Wooden stakes can be picked up, free of charge, at the Public Works maintenance building (14425 Brazil Avenue) weekdays through November.
Trim overhanging branches that may interfere with driver visibility and snowplow equipment – generally, limbs hanging over a street, trail, or sidewalk need to be trimmed up to 12 feet above the surface.
Do not park on the street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. daily, or any time after a snowfall until the street is cleared curb-to-curb.
Verify that your mailbox is structurally sound and installed according to the following parameters:
• Vertical post is set back 10 to 15 inches from back edge of curb
• Bottom of mailbox is 42 to 48 inches off the ground
• Front of mailbox is 0 to 6 inches behind back edge of curb
• Front of paper boxes are flush with vertical post
If you experience sod damage or your mailbox is directly impacted by city equipment, please email pwadm@rosemountmn.gov or use our online Report an Issue tool.
The amount of time it takes City crews to complete snow clearing throughout town varies based on several factors, including intensity, total accumulation, type of snow (wet and heavy, light and fluffy, or if the storm includes freezing rain), and the timing of when the winter storm moves through the City. On average, our crew can complete snow-clearing operations on the City’s 130+ mile street system in about 8½ hours. We appreciate your patience as we work. Learn more at rosemountmn.gov/snowplowing.
Pedestrian Safety Month –We All Have a Role
October is a time when many residents are actively enjoying fall colors and early sunsets. It is also Pedestrian Safety Month, a reminder that providing a safe experience on our streets is a responsibility for drivers and pedestrians alike.
With less daylight, motorists need heightened awareness of pedestrians crossing streets.
Pedestrians can take the lead by using well-lit and enhanced crosswalks, wearing bright colors or reflective clothing, and avoiding distractions like phone screens.
When everyone takes responsibility, streets become safer for all. This October, step up, slow down, and look out for one another—safety truly starts with each of us.
Paul Essler, Heidi Freske, Tami Klimpel, Paul Theisen
City Administrator: Logan Martin
43rd ANNUAL
Rosemount Annual Halloween Trail
The annual Halloween Trail, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6-8 p.m., provides a fun-filled evening for preschool through middle-school-aged youth. The trail begins at the lower level of the Shamrock Animal Hospital parking lot (The Warehouse Fitness Center) on Highway 3 (South Robert Trail), winds its way through Central Park, and exits on 145th Street West. Visit rosemountevents.com for more information. Area volunteers will pass out candy; non-perishable food item donations will be accepted at the trail entrance for the Rosemount Family Resource Center. Please remember, no pets are allowed on the Halloween Trail – thank you for your cooperation.
Annual Halloween Trail
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 6-8 p.m.
Trail begins at the lower level of the Shamrock Animal Hospital parking lot (The Warehouse Fitness Center) on Highway 3 (South Robert Trail)
