City Council

CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 4, 2025 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilors Lorberbaum, Paper, Mazzitello, and Maczko, were also present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Levine presented the consent agenda and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Lorberbaum moved approval of the consent agenda as presented, pulling item I. a. Approval of February 18, 2025, City Council Minutes b. Approval of February 18, 2025, Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge Minutes from the November 26, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting d. Acknowledge the Minutes from the January 28, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting e. Authorize the Purchase of Fire Department Turn-Out Gear f. Approve the Job Description, Pay Classification, and Authorize Recruitment of the Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator Position  g. Award 2025 Street Sweeping Contract h. Authorize Letter of Approval from Geothermal Plarming Grant Application 1. fqlflf0Ve Steflll'nater Easin Insfleetien and Maintenanee Assessment Re(fllest for Preflesals J. Approve Field Renovation Work at Valley Park Ballfield k. Authorize Purchase Order for Fuel Tank Repairs I. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS I) APPROVE STORMWATER BASIN INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Councilor Maczko commented that he fully supports looking forward, recognizing that 56 stormwater basins in Mendota Heights require maintenance at some point over time. He stated that when looking through the RFP, he did not see an item identifying the cost for maintenance included. Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter replied that is not included in this project. She explained that the City completes stormwater basin maintenance with road projects, typically two per year. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that Marie pond was large and therefore was about $150,000. He noted that the average cost is about $100,000 per pond to complete a full dredging project with riprap installed at the inlet and outlets. Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter commented that there can also be additional cost to dispose of the material, but noted that those costs are planned for within the annual budget. She stated that these inspections will provide staff with more accurate information for their estimates. She explained that this action will fulfill the MS4 requirement and will provide staff with more information to use in planning for future project costs. Councilor Maczko commented that he did not believe it would be much more to request the consultant to provide a cost estimate for future plarming but noted that if staff can complete that he also supports that. He agreed that this information will be helpful in planning for the future, noting that he prefers to keep the budget consistent and not have high and low years. Councilor Maczko moved to approve the STORMWATER BASIN INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) MAYOR FOR A DAY HONORABLE MENTION RECOGNITION - JAXON BLANKS March 4, 2025 Mendota Heighls City Council Pagel of JO City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson recognized Jaxon Blanks for his honorable mention award in the 2024 Mayor for a Day essay competition sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities. Jaxon Blanks, Somerset Elementary Student, read his essay aloud. Councilor Mazzitello commented that he hopes that the City Council can live up to the expectations of Mr. Blanks, noting that Mr. Blanks will make a fine Mayor someday. Councilor Paper asked Mr. Blanks's age. Mr. Blanks replied that he is 10 years old. Councilor Paper commented that the essay was simple and perfectly written. Councilor Lorberbaum asked that Mr. Blanks let the Council know if they do not live up to his words. Councilor Maczko commented that Mr. Blanks spoke as a true leader, and it is obvious that he has good leadership from his parents. He looked forward to Mr. Blanks being the Mayor someday. Mayor Levine commented that the City will be in good hands with leaders like Mr. Blanks. She commented that Mendota Heights students have participated in the Mayor for a Day competition for many years and this is the first Honorable Mention received, which is great to see. B) FUTURE CITY COMPETITION FRIENDLY IDLLS MIDDLE SCHOOL Councilor Mazzitello recognized students from Friendly Hills Middle School for their participation in the Future City Competition. The students presented their entry. Crystal Mielke, Friendly Hills Middle School, provided additional details on the Future City Competition, where students work on their model through the after-school program. The five students came forward to introduce themselves. Councilor Mazzitello commented that the Friendly Hills team won a special award for their innovative power system and finished tenth of all the teams in the state. The students read the presentation they provided at the competition. Ms. Mielke explained that through this program the students learn different things needed for a city that they would not typically think about in addition to planning and working together. She thanked Councilor Mazzitello for being the mentor for this program at the middle school for so many years. Councilor Paper asked how the students developed the name of the city. The students replied that their original name idea was already taken (New Atlantis) and the name they chose means floating city in Spanish. March 4, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page3of JO Councilor Lorberbaum asked what the students learned from this process. The students replied that they learned what is needed for a city, energy resources, different types of engineering, and teamwork. Councilor Maczko asked the nmnber of hours that were spent researching and the tools that were used. The students replied that they met for 90 minutes each Wednesday to develop the essay and plan, with an additional 14 to 16 hours spent on building the model. Councilor Mazzitello congratulated the students and looked forward to working with students next year in the program. C) ROGERS LAKE WATER QUALITY REPORT PRESENTATION BY SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY Tony Kinzley, Saint Thomas Academy, stated that Saint Thomas Academy students have collected water sample data from Rogers Lake for about 33 years. He stated that about 60 students collected the data this year and five students are present tonight to review those results. The students presented their annual update on several aspects of water quality in Rogers Lake. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked the students for collecting the data. She recognized the statement that the lake is showing improvement and asked if there were any thoughts as to why it is improving. The students replied that the data collected has shown the things that needed to be done to improve the lake and therefore the water quality has improved. Councilor Maczko commented that his questions were answered during the presentation and commended the students for a great presentation. He commented that Rogers Lake is a natural resource in the community, noting that as a child he swam in the lake. He was happy that the school continues to do this work. Councilor Mazzitello expressed gratitude for the continued support of Rogers Lake and their efforts with the lake. Councilor Paper referenced the fecal coliform results, noting a result of zero last year and 3. 7 this year, and asked for more information. The students replied that the slight increase could be due to people forgetting to pick up pet waste and fertilizer getting into the water. Students noted that the result is still low. Councilor Paper asked the number of times the students tested the water. The students replied that they had tested 22 times. March 4, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 ofJO Mayor Levine asked if the students have ever swum in Rogers Lake and whether they would recommend swimming in the lake. A student replied that he has swam in the lake and the water is very clean, especially considering the traffic it receives. Other students replied that they had not swam in the lake but would. Mayor Levine recognized that there is not a swimming beach at Rogers Lake, but there is a fishing pier and beautiful paths around the lake. She was surprised to see the size of the fish within the lake that were caught this season by those ice fishing. She thanked Mr. Kinzley and the students for the great work. D) MENDOTA HEIGHTS PARKS AND RECREATION YEAR IN REVIEW Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Lawrence presented the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Year in Review video that highlighted accomplishments from 2024 and plans for 2025. Mayor Levine thanked the entire parks and recreation staff. Councilor Mazzitello asked how staff would top this presentation. Councilor Maczko agreed that the presentation was very well done and also recognized NDC4 for the great work they do. Councilor Lorberbaum encouraged residents to continue to participate m parks and recreation programming and events. Mayor Levine stated that residents recently received a catalog for spring-summer programs and encouraged residents to mark their calendars for upcoming events and activities. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2025-12 APPROVING A PRELIMINARY PLAT OF CAMPION ESTATES AT 772-790 RIDGE PLACE- PLANNING CASE 2025-01 Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided background information on the request and stated that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2025-12, Approving a Preliminary Plat of Campion Estates. Councilor Paper asked why there is land dedication and money for park dedication. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained the park dedication requirements of ten percent of the gross plat area and noted that there were some concerns with using ten percent of that gross area as the highway segment has not been part of their usable land for decades. She commented that there was also concern from the applicant because there are two property owners and three fmal properties, but one property would provide the bulk of land for park dedication. She stated that City Code does allow for cash in lieu or a combination of the two. Councilor Paper asked if all the unusable property south of the pedway is counted as usable square footage. March 4, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page5 of JO Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the area of right-of-way is not being used for the calculation. Councilor Paper asked where the proposed trail addition would be. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden identified the segment from 2007 that was proposed but not constructed, along with the existing trail. She identified the area proposed for the grade separated crossmg. Councilor Maczko stated that the property owners understand that the underpass is critical to bridge the divide of Dodd Road and noted that the trail to the neighborhood is also important. He asked if the residents are willing to accommodate the trail to be built under the alignment if the northern location is chosen for the grade-separated crossing. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden stated that the applicant is aware of the trail plans and have agreed to this percentage oflot three for land dedication with the purpose oftrails. She stated that if the northern route is selected, Dakota County may need to acquire additional space or easement and would follow the normal process for acquisition. She stated that this would provide a significant chunk ofthat. Councilor Maczko commented that he did not want the developer to be surprised about the need and desire for the trail project. He stated that the City was able to vacate land that made it possible for the property owners to split that and then split off another lot and therefore wanted to ensure there were no surprises in the future related to the planned trails. He stated that as long as everyone understands those things, he believes this will be a win-win for everyone. Councilor Mazzitello referenced condition five of the draft resolution and stated that the confi guration of the ten percent land dedication is not described. He asked if that detail should be included. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that they could be that specific if desired but noted that the applicant and applicant's surveyor have the detail provided by the City that would need to be shown on the Final Plat. She stated that once the Council votes tonight, the change would be made to the plat. Councilor Mazzitello stated that as the condition is written, it would seem that ten percent of land could be dedicated in any manner and therefore would like to add the additional detail. Councilor Maczko stated that it would seem that if the trail did not equate to ten percent, the additional land could be gained in the area where the County needs the land. Councilor Paper moved to approve RESOLUTION 2025-12 APPROVING A PRELIMINARY PLAT OF CAMPION ESTATES AT 772 AND 790 RIDGE PLACE (PLANNING CASE NO. 2025-01). Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine invited the applicant to step forward. March 4, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page6of JO Tom Campion, applicant, expressed gratitude to City staff, noting that he started this process 2.5 years ago and they have been a pleasure to work with. He understands that the City did not have to deed the land. He commented that he will build something they will be proud of. He stated that he understands the park dedication requirements and will be the party paying the cash in lieu as well. He stated that as long as he ends up with a buildable lot, he is happy to dedicate the land as discussed. Mayor Levine thanked the applicant for attending this meeting and the Planning Commission meetings pnor. She asked if the shaded area shown on the screen for park dedication equates to ten percent of lot three. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that, as shown, it is roughly ten percent. Mayor Levine commented that seems to be the expected/suggested dedication and believed it could be more specified within the resolution. She recognized the location of Valley Stream near that area and commented that she wanted to ensure the water is protected while also providing access for the Ridge Place neighborhood and better aligning the lots. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden commented that the shaded blue document is a guiding document for the applicant and is not mathematically perfect and will be cleaned up by the surveyor. Councilor Maczko commented that the area shown as shaded is exactly what he was thinking as well. He stated that it would seem to him that, based on the northern alignment, that land would meet the goals of what is needed for the trail and crossing. He stated that if it could be articulated that is the expected dedication, it would make sense to do that. Mayor Levine acknowledged the goal to improve the safety of pedestrians along Dodd Road. Councilor Maczko commented that in his conversations with staff the trail will not be directly along the road and will have boulevard between the trail and road for improved safety. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek confirmed that the plan is to include a four-foot vegetative boulevard between the trail and road, noting that the trail would be ten feet wide. Councilor Mazzitello moved to amend RESOLUTION 2025-12 TO INSERT, IN CONDITION FIVE, THE THIRD LINE AFTER DEDICATION, "CONSISTENT WITH THE 2007 CITY COMPLETED FEASIBILITY REPORT AND PLANS FOR DODD ROAD TRAIL". Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Maczko commented that he is not familiar with the 2007 Plan and asked if that also includes the underpass or whether additional language should be added to address the needs of Dakota County. Councilor Mazzitello agreed and suggested that the additional language be added to his proposed addition to read, " consistent with the 2007 City completed feasibility report and plans for Dodd Road Trail and Dakota County's River to River Greenway plans". March 4, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7of JO Councilor Paper accepted the additional language. Mayor Levine thanked the Planning Commission for their hard work, along with the plauning staff, the applicants, and members of the public who participated in the public hearings. She acknowledged that previous review makes the job of the Council much easier. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 B) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 597: CANNABIS BUSINESS REGISTRATION Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider adoption of Ordinance No. 597, Cannabis Business Registration, and authorize publication of summary ordinance. Mayor Levine recognized the need for the public hearing and asked if they should take action on this item or wait for the public hearing. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden clarified that action should be taken on this matter and that the public hearing for the fee schedule amendment would follow. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 597 AMENDING TITLE 3: BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS TO REGULATE CANNABIS AND LOWER-POTENCY HEMP BUSINESSES AND AUTHORIZE PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY ORDINANCE. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine recognized the hard work of staff on this ever-changing issue. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that in many cases there is an idea of what they will want and, in this case, the rules were evolving throughout the process, and therefore, what they could do changed over time. She thanked staff for the effort. Councilor Maczko acknowledged that this has taken some time. He commented that the City does not have a choice and must allow one retail business by law, therefore, the City has regulated what it can. He recognized that if the County meets its capita, the City may not need to allow the retail business. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilor Mazzitello moved to authorize ORDINANCE NO. 597 SUMMARY PUBLICATION. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 March 4, 2025 Mendota He;ghts City Council Page8ofl0  PUBLIC HEARINGS A) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 600, AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE 2025 FEE SCHEDULE TO INCORPORATE CANNABIS BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a briefbackground on this item. The Council was being asked to hold a public hearing to consider approval of Ordinance No. 600 to authorize an amendment to the 2025 Fee Schedule to incorporate Caunabis Business Registration Fees. Councilor Maczko referenced the table, which shows the maximum for registration fees and renewal fees and asked for clarification. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the fee would be $500, or half of the state license fee, whichever is less. Councilor Maczko asked and received clarification that the maximum the City can charge is $500. He wanted to ensure that the City is charging what it can to ensure there is funding for enforcement and other staff time. Councilor Mazzitello moved to open the public hearing. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 There were no comments. Councilor Mazzitello moved to close the public hearing. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve ORDINANCE NO. 600 AMENDING THE FEE SCHEDULE TO ADD A REGISTRATION FEE FOR CANNABIS OR LOWER-POTENCY HEMP RETAIL BUSINESSES. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Maczko reminded residents of daylight savings time. He stated that if residents are looking for a way to give back in a worthwhile way, the Fire Department is accepting applications for paid on-call March 4, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page9of JO firefighters. He stated that spring is on the way and encouraged residents to enjoy the parks and open spaces. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked the presenters today. She stated that Ramadan has started and will run through March 29th . She wished those who celebrate a blessed or generous Ramadan. Councilor Paper wished the cadets' hockey team luck in the tournament and wished his children a happy birthday. Councilor Mazzitello wished his wife a happy birthday. He expressed thanks and gratitude to all the presenters tonight, noting that the city is blessed to have such great educational institutions. He stated that it is snowing and that it had rained before it started snowing, which means the roads will be slippery. He encouraged residents to drive slowly and carefully. He stated that March is Women's History Month and shared a quote. He also shared a quote to close out Black History Month. Mayor Levine stated that before this meeting, the Council and senior staff leadership met for four hours of strategic planning. She stated that she was pleased with the ability of that diverse group to come together and prioritize the work of the next two years. She recognized the work of staff and was excited about the direction for the next two years. ADJOURN Councilor Paper moved to adjourn. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:57 p.m. ' Stephani B.Levine Mayor ATTEST: lltt City Clerk Q� March 4, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page JO of JO