2017-03-07 Council Work Session minutes
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Workshop
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a workshop of the Mendota Heights City Council was held at
City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Councilmembers Miller, Paper, and Petschel
were also present. Councilmember Duggan joined the meeting via an interactive television pursuant
to Minn. Stat. §13D.02. Staff in attendance included City Administrator Mark McNeill, Assistant
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Public Works Director
Ryan Ruzek, Community Development Director Tim Benetti, City Attorney Tom Lehmann and City
Clerk Lorri Smith.
VILLAGE LOTS
Administrator McNeill opened the discussion and provided background on three vacant City-owned
lots which are part of The Village at Mendota Heights development. He reported the City has
received two offers from developers.
The Council reviewed plans submitted by Trammel Crow Companies for a market rate senior
housing apartment building. The proposed development would contain approximately 154 apartment
style units in a five story building with underground parking. It was noted that this density would be
57 units per acre.
Councilmembers noted that this development would meet a lot of the needs for Mendota Heights.
Traffic congestion on Dodd Road is a major concern.
The second proposal was received from a local builder and would include 19 row townhomes
designed similar to those that are currently located in the development.
There was consensus of the Councilmembers to move ahead with completing a traffic study and an
appraisal of this property.
BOURN PROPERTIES
Administrator McNeill discussed with the Council a proposal received from a local business to
expand their business on the Bourn Lane properties. The City has been acquiring these parcels since
the early 1990’s and it includes 14 acres. The local business would like to receive an incentive from
the city.
Tax abatement was discussed as an incentive. It was suggested the City complete an Environmental
Assessment Worksheet on the property.
A second proposal was received, proposing a recreation center on this property, to include a field
house and soccer fields.
Staff was directed to get prices on the cost of completing an EAW on this property.
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The possible sale of the Mendota Motel was discussed. Offering Tax Increment Financing as an
incentive to the potential developer of the property was discussed. Completing an appraisal of the
property was discussed. It was noted that the City could pay for the appraisal and reimburse
ourselves for that cost if TIF is offered to the developer.
This discussion will continue at the March 21, 2017 Workshop meeting.
OTHER BUSiNESS
A. Council Meeting Start Time Discussion
Changing the start time of the City Council meetings was discussed. Councilmember Paper
suggested a 6:30 pm start time. Mayor Garlock agreed. Council member Petschel noted those who
would be adversely affected by this change. Staff was directed to place this on the next Council
agenda for action.
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Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
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Neil Garlock, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Lorri Smith, City Clerk
March 7, 2017 Council Workshop Page 2 of 2