2014-09-02 Council Workshop minutes budgetCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Workshop
Held Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a workshop of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights,
Minnesota was held at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Mayor Krebsbach called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. The following members were present:
Councilmembers Duggan, Petschel, and Povolny. Council member Norton was absent.
City staff in attendance included City Administrator Justin Miller, Assistant to the City Administrator
Tammy Schutta, City Engineer/Public Works Director Mazzitello, Finance Director Kristen Schabacker,
Police Chief Mike Aschenbrener, Fire Chief John Maczko, IT Manager Sue Donovan, Planner Nolan Wall,
and City Clerk Lorri Smith.
2015 DRAFT BUDGET REVISIONS AND TAX LEVY DISCUSSION
Administrator Miller presented the draft budget revisions for adding an additional sergeant to the police
department and the budget impact that would have. The position would be added mid -year and would
increase the overall tax levy increase from 4.34% to 5.01 %. This position would provide the department
with additional supervision. By general consensus, the Council was in favor of the additional sergeant
position and including it in the preliminary budget.
The Council discussed the implementation of gas and electric franchise fees, and the possibility of
dedicating that revenue towards existing debt which would lower the levy. The Council reviewed
information provided showing how the various proposals would impact taxes for residents and businesses.
By general consensus, the Council was not in favor of proceeding with the franchise fees ordinance at this
time. They did express an interest in exploring this further and will discuss it in more detail at their goal
setting workshop in 2015.
The Council discussed the renovation of the ice arena in West St. Paul and making a contribution towards
that project. The project would be a joint effort with the City of West St. Paul and ISD #197. The
renovations are estimated to cost between $1.3 and $1.8 million. A commitment letter is needed by
October 1St in order to apply for a $200,000 State of Minnesota grant.
The Council members stressed the importance that, if approved, this would be a one-time contribution and
would not include on-going yearly expenses for the arena.
The Council discussed possibility of taking the contribution from the General Fund reserves and how that
might impact the City's bond rating. They asked how much bonding for the contribution would cost and
would increase the city's costs. The Council discussed the possibility of making yearly payments for the
contribution over a set number of years.
The members discussed a possible Joint Powers Agreement and making sure that the renovation costs do
not include locker rooms or score board improvements.
Administrator Miller will do further research and return to the Council with answers to their questions.
Mayor Krebsbach adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
ATTEST- andra Krebs ,Mayor
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
September 2, 2014 Mendota Heights Council Workshop Page 2