2018-01-02 Council Work Session PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
January 2, 2018
5:30 pm
Mendota Heights City Hall
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Convene in Closed Session
a. Closed Session: Pursuant to Minnesota Statute §13D.03; for Attorney Client Privilege for
Discussion of Labor Negotiations Strategy – MNPEA and IUOE
4. Open Session
a. Salary Discussion
Non Contract
Fire Department
b. Village Lots Discussion
c. 2018 Fireworks
d. 2018 Fee Schedule & Sanitary Sewer Rates
5. Adjourn
DATE: January 2, 2018
TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Job Classification and Compensation
In order to comply with pay equity laws, the City must have a system for job evaluation and
maintain a classification and compensation plan. The City’s system for job evaluation had
become obsolete and a new up-to-date system was needed in order to comply with Minnesota
Pay Equity laws and for compensation administration.
Staff worked with the professional consulting firm of Springsted, Inc. to complete a
compensation study to evaluate the City’s non-union positions, develop a sustainable system
for job evaluation, review internal equity and market competitiveness and develop a new
compensation plan, depending on the study outcomes.
At Tuesday’s work session, staff will review the study results as well as recommendations for
implementation and ongoing administration. The following is a summary of key findings:
Position—Job Descriptions
• All non-union job descriptions were reviewed and revised based on employee feedback
and reporting of current duties. Job descriptions were updated and evaluated using the
Springsted’s Systematic Analysis and Factor Evaluation (SAFE) system. The system
evaluates positions based on necessary skill levels and work related factors needed to
perform the work. Each position was assigned a point value. Position points were used
to establish position grades.
• Springsted reviewed the Fair Labor Standards Act exemption status of all non-union
positions. They are recommending that one position—the Recreation Program
Coordinator be classified as non-exempt. This will be a change from the previous
status and the position will now be eligible for over-time.
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Compensation Review with Market
• The process of developing a new pay plan draws from the market data obtained in the
compensation survey. Current pay rates were reviewed relative to peers in the market.
Springsted used the League of MN Cities annual salary survey and market data from
comparable cities was compiled. The data showed that Comparison charts will be
provided at the work session.
Proposed Compensation Plan—Pay Scale
• This City’s current pay scale is a 5-step scale and includes 44 grades. Springsted is
recommending a 7-step pay scale with 22 grades. The proposed pay scale includes a 6%
spread between grades and a 3.5% spread between steps. A detailed review will be
provided at the work session.
Pay Equity
Minnesota law requires all public jurisdictions to eliminate gender based wage inequities in
compensation and submit pay equity reports every three years. The City’s next report is due at
the end of January. Springsted has run a test report and the City is compliant with pay equity
requirements based on the test run results.
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
Subject: Village Lots
Date: January 2, 2018
COMMENT:
INTRODUCTION:
At the January 2 Council workshop, I would like the Council to discuss what, if any, next steps
should be taken regarding development of the three City-owned lots at the Village.
BACKGROUND:
I have recently been asked by a couple of members of the City Council as what is likely to be the
disposition of the three lots at the Village which are owned by the City.
The preliminary information from the KLJ traffic study has indicated that development of these
lots as multi-family would not, at least by itself, cause a failing Level of Service to adjacent
intersections on Dodd Road. The future of the Trammell Crow discussion had been put on hold
pending that study. Therefore, this might be an appropriate time to begin that discussion again.
In addition, since the previous discussions regarding these parcels, the City Attorney has been in
contact with the representatives of RMF Group. He has confirmed that there are no residual
financial or development obligations relating to those lots that might have been due to RMF.
DEVELOPMENT QUESTIONS:
Staff continues to receive inquiries from potential developers about the availability of the lots. I
understand that at least some of the Council have as well. The majority of those inquiries have
been for townhouses, but at least one other apartment developer (in addition to Trammel Crow)
has indicated an interest. Trammell Crow remains interested as well.
The Council is not asked to make any decisions at this time, but a discussion to narrow the scope
of acceptability on the following would be appreciated. Question to consider include:
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1. What will be acceptable land use maximums (or minimums) relating to density, heights,
setbacks, etc.? Will a continuation of the PUD concept be acceptable, or will it need to
be rezoned?
2. Are the parcels assumed to be only for residential, or will a mixed used proposal be
considered? If residential, is there a difference between rental vs. condominium?
3. Will the Council consider a development which would include the closure of Maple
Street? If Maple Street is to be closed, will the City participate in the cost to relocate the
utilities in that Right of Way? Will Council allow for an extension of Hilltop Road to
Linden to replace Maple Street?
4. How important is the sales price? Would the Council consider a below market price for
the “right” development? If so, what is the right development?
5. At what point is input to be solicited from neighbors?
6. Is now the right time to develop? If so, how will the availability of the parcel be
advertised?
The Council may wish to wait until the final report on the Dodd Road portion of the traffic study
is received from KLJ before making any decisions. However, an informal discussion for
guidance at this time would be helpful in responding to development inquiries.
Mark McNeill
City Administrator
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
Subject: Fireworks Discussion
Date: January 2, 2018
COMMENT:
INTRODUCTION:
The Council is asked to discuss whether there is any renewed interest for City involvement in
sponsoring fireworks for 2018.
BACKGROUND:
After many years of a joint fireworks display funded by Mendakota Country Club and the City,
the 2017 display appeared to be the final July 4th to be celebrated locally in this manner.
Mendakota had indicated that it was not willing to contribute financially in the future, and the
Council decided to not budget for fireworks in FY 2018.
A brief announcement mentioned of the end of the Mendota heights fireworks was made in the
most recent Heights Highlights. As a result, several residents contacted elected officials and City
staff, protesting the end of this tradition. That prompted staff to do additional research on the
topic.
DISCUSSION:
In further discussions with Mendakota, I was informed that while it did not want to be
responsible for the overall operation, if the fireworks were to continue, it would willing to
provide the space to shoot the fireworks off, and would do cleanup the following day.
I got information from Mendakota about the current provider, and subsequently spoke with him.
It appears that the current provider is still interested in doing a July 4th display, but he wants to
lock the contract in soon if he is going to continue in Mendota Heights.
I also did a survey of other cities in Minnesota as to who is responsible for fireworks in their
communities, and received nearly 30 responses. From that survey, about one-fourth fund the
fireworks totally through the city. The more common practice, however, is having a local civic
organization solicit funds and operate the display. About one half of those arrangements receive
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at least some funding from the City directly for the fireworks, and almost all cities provide in-
kind services in terms of traffic control and the like.
A couple of cities used a different way to save money—one or two of their firefighters became
certified fireworks display technicians, meaning the City could purchase the fireworks and
insurance directly. However, those cities (smaller ones in greater Minnesota) didn’t indicate
how much they saved through this.
One of the other questions in the survey was whether anyone had had success with
“crowdsourcing” the fireworks funding. By that, I meant as to whether anyone had solicited
private donations from the public through websites such as “Gofundme”. The responses showed
that only a few cities had tried that—either directly through the city, or through the civic
organizations—and none of those appeared to have been successful.
The more common thing to do appears to be to approach local businesses, and seek funding from
them, which are then recognized as sponsorships. Some cities or civic groups have been very
successful in this sort of venture, while others indicated that it raised only about 10% of the need.
It is my understanding that donors have been recognized at Mendakota at some time in the past,
but, given the non-public nature of the fireworks site at that location, many members of the
public would not see those sponsorship banners.
2018 FIREWORKS PROCESS
It is likely that if the fireworks display is going to continue in Mendota Heights in 2018, some or
all of the funding would have to come through the City, unless a sponsorship campaign is
undertaken very soon, and is very successful.
In addition, if the City is going to be responsible for the fireworks display, competitive proposals
would need to be sought. City Clerk Lorri Smith indicates that she had had experience with that
in a previous job—each January, her City solicited proposals from three known providers. The
providers were told the City’s fireworks budget, and were asked to respond with how many
fireworks shells of different sizes they could provide. An award to the successful bidder would
be made in March, which appeared to be soon enough to for July 4th commitments.
BUDGET IMPACT:
The amount of the other cities’ funding varied. A 30 minute display in one of our neighboring
cities costs $27,000. Another Dakota County city budgets $25,000. The most recent display in
Mendota Heights for 15-20 minutes was in the $15,000 to $16,000 range. That amount was
mentioned by a couple of other metro-area cities.
In greater Minnesota, the amounts appear to vary. There may not be the same level of
“competition” between cities; in the metro area, displays in other communities are usually within
easy driving distance.
No money for fireworks is budgeted in the FY 2018 City budget.
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RECOMMENDTION:
If the Council wants to provide fireworks for 2018, it should direct staff as to steps to be taken.
At minimum, the Council should decide whether it will commit money—and how much-- from
reserves for 2018, while at the same time directing staff to solicit proposals for the fireworks.
Asking for prices would not commit the fireworks to proceed, and while that is being done the
City could seek sponsorships from local businesses to judge the local levels of support.
If the display is to proceed, the City should be prepared to fill in for any shortfall from the
authorized amount that is not able to be raised in the very near future. We would aim to know
that by March.
ACTION REQUIRED:
Discuss and give direction to staff.
Mark McNeill
City Administrator
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Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: January 2, 2018 TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator FROM: Lorri Smith, City Clerk SUBJECT: Resolution 2018-04 Approving Revised Fee Schedule
COMMENT:
BACKGROUND
Staff is proposing the following amendments be made to the current fee schedule:
Administration
We are proposing to delete some of the line items since they are no needed. Many of these items are
emailed out to residents when requested to do so. Also, assessment splits are handled by Dakota County.
Liquor License Penalties: For liquor license violations, we recommend reducing the penalties to
the average of what other large cities in Dakota County have in place. Below are the survey
results of other large cities in Dakota County:
Liquor License Violation Penalties rolling
time
1st offense 2nd offense 3rd offense 4th offense period
Rosemount 500 1000 2000 --- 3 yr
Northfield 250 500 + 3 days 2000 + 18 days revoke 3 yr
Lakeville 750 1000 + 3 1500 + 6 revoke 2 yr
Farmington 250 + 3 day 500 + 7 1000 + 21 revoke 2 yr
SSP 500 + 1 day 750 + 5-10 revoke
Eagan 500 1000 1500 + 7 2000 + 30 2 yr
IGH 750 1000 + 1 2000 + 3 2000 + 3 5
AVG 500 750 + 3 1500 + 10 revoke 3 yr
Rental Licenses: Several years ago, residential rental licenses were added in an attempt to
monitor long term rentals of single family dwellings. The fee has been $75 annually. However,
the city provided no inspection of the properties to assure compliance with codes, and compliance
was difficult to monitor—applications were in effect voluntary. In 2017, about $2100 was
collected; $2500 is budgeted in the FY 2018, so eliminating this provision will not pose a major
drain on projected revenues.
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Non-Compliant Sump Pumps: A $75 per quarter fee was added to the administration fee schedule
for sump pump connections which are found to be not in compliance with City Code.
Building Permits
Staff recommends deleting the storm sewer utility charges, since these are approved in a separate
resolution. The Water Permit fee is also proposed to be deleted since the water system was sold to St.
Paul Regional Water Service and this fee is no longer collected by the City.
Engineering
The Grading Permit fee is proposed to be increased and an escrow amount of $500 is proposed to be
collected. A new fee for Public Right of Way Excavation Permits is proposed to be added at a flat rate of
$200. The Public Right of Way Utility Permit fee also adds a winter surcharge fee to it of $75.
Staff is also proposing to increase the fee for a CD of Data or Maps from $5 to $10.
Parks and Recreation
For a number of the fees, a $25 application fee is proposed to be added. The Field Preparation fee has
been separated into weekend and weekday costs. As recommended by the Parks/Recreation Commission,
the Par 3 Golf fees would be increased by $1.00 in each category. Staff is proposing to delete the damage
deposit collected for use of the Picnic Area Shelter, since there has been need to collect it.
Planning
For the Critical Area Permit and the Wetlands Permit, it is proposed to add a security deposit of $500 for
each. An Administrative fee for Critical Area Permits and Wetlands Permits has also been added to the
schedule.
Sanitary and Storm Sewer
Please see the separate information from the Public Works Director on these topics.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council discuss and give direction on the above changes. Those changes
would then be brought back for consideration at the January 16th City Council meeting.
.
page 10
2018
City of
Mendota
Heights
Fee Schedule
Adopted by City Council
on
January , 2018
Resolution 2018-__
page 11
2018 2017
ADMINISTRATION FEE
SCHEDULE
Agenda Mailing Annual subscription $25/year $25/year
Assessment Search $15/search $15/search
Assessment Split $25 plus staff time $25 plus staff time
Certification of Delinquent Sewer
Accounts
$50/per certification $50/per certification
City Hall Meeting Room $100 damage deposit $100 damage deposit
City Ordinance Book $75/book $75/book
Comprehensive Plan $50/Complete; $30/One Volume $50/Complete; $30/One Volume
Critical Area Ordinance $4/each $4/each
Election Filing Fee Per MN Statutes 205.13 (3)$5 $5
Friday News Mailing Annual subscription $75/year $75/year
Legal Description Written $5/each $5/each
Mailing Costs Actual or $1/minimum Actual or $1/minimum
Minutes Resident or non-resident $ .25/page plus postage $ .25/page plus postage
Minutes Mailing Annual subscription $50/year $50/year
Non-compliant Sump Pump Connection $75 per quarter
Notary Public Residents, businesses, license applicants
only
No charge No charge
Returned Checks $30 /check $30 /check
Subdivision Ordinance $7.50/each $7.50/each
TIF / Abatement Application Fee $1,200 $1,200
Wetlands Ordinance $2/each $2/each
Zoning Ordinance $20/each $20/each
Photo Copies 1 to 100 pages $ .25/single sided page $ .25/single sided page
Photo Copies over 100 pages $ .25/ single sided page plus staff time $ .25/ single sided page plus staff time
Request for Public Data MN Statutes, Chapter 13 $.00 to review info at city hall; $.25 per
single sided copy; staff time charged when
over 100 copies
$.00 to review info at city hall; $.25
per single sided copy; staff time
charged when over 100 copies
DVD or CD with
Photos/Audio/Video
$10 $10
DATA REQUESTS: Data released by the City adheres to MN Data Practices
Act, MN Statutes Chap 13
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2018 2017
ADMINISTRATION FEE
SCHEDULE
Intoxicating Liquor Licenses
(fees set in City Code 3-1-9)
Intoxicating Liquor Off Sale limited by State Statutes 340A.408 Subd.
3. a.(3)
$150.00 $150.00
Intoxicating Liquor On-Sale Tier 1 Tier 1 license $10,000 $10,000
Intoxicating Liquor On-Sale Tier 2 Tier 2 license $7,500 $7,500
Intoxicating Liquor On-Sale Hotel Limited Service Hotel $3,000 $3,000
Club Liquor On-Sale limited by SS 340A.408 Subd. 2.b.$350 (for 201-500 club members)
$300 (under 200 members)
$350 (for 201-500 club members)
$300 (under 200 members)
Sunday Liquor limited by SS 340A.504 $200 $200
Wine On-Sale limited by SS 340A.408 Subd. 2.c.$2,000 $2,000
Wine On-Sale Institutional limited by SS 340A.408 Subd. 2.c.$250 $250
Malt Liquor Licenses (fees set in
City Code 3-1-9)
Malt Liquor Off Sale (3.2%)$50 $50
Malt Liquor On Sale (3.2%)$250 $250
Temporary On Sale Special
Event Licenses
(fee set in City Code 3-1-9)
Temporary On Sale Intoxicating Liquor,
Malt Liquor, Wine
Issued only to clubs, non-profits,
religious organizations
$50 / one to three day license $50 / one to three day license
Application Investigation Fees
Intoxicating Liquor, Wine, 3.2 Malt Liq
Application Investigation
Renewal or Change $100/per establishment $100/per establishment
Intoxicating Liquor, Wine, 3.2 Malt Liq
Application Investigation
New Applicant $1,500/per licensee, $1,000 refunded if no
out of state investigation needed (for out of
state investigation, actual cost charged, up to
$10,000) (SS340A.412 (subd. 2))
$1,500/per licensee, $1,000 refunded
if no out of state investigation needed
(for out of state investigation, actual cost
charged, up to $10,000) (SS340A.412
(subd. 2))
Liquor License Violation
First Violation within a 3 year rolling time period $ 500 fine $1,000 fine + 3 day suspension of
license
Second Violation within a 3 year rolling time period $ 750 fine + 3 day suspension of license $1,500 fine + 6 day suspension of
license
Third Violation within a 3 year rolling time period $1,500 fine + 10 day suspension of
license
$2,000 fine + 9 day suspension of
license
Fourth Violation within a 3 year rolling time period Revocation: minimum of 1 year from
revocation date
Revocation: minimum of 1 year from
revocation date
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2018 2017
ADMINISTRATION FEE
SCHEDULE
License and Permit Fees
Dog License Not neutered or Not spayed $15 $15
Dog License Neutered or Spayed $10 $10
Domestic Chickens New License or Renewal $25 $25
Massage Therapist License New licensee or renewal $50 $50
Massage Therapist License Investigation New licensee or renewal $50 $50
Massage Therapy Enterprise License New licensee or renewal $100 $100
Massage Therapy Enterprise License
Investigation
New licensee or renewal $100 $100
Rental License Fee $75/annual $75/annual
Rubbish Hauler License City Code 4-2-3. Fee not prorated $75/annual plus $10 per truck tag $75/annual plus $10 per truck tag
Tobacco License City Code 3-2-4. Fee not prorated. $200/ annual $200/ annual
Tobacco Investigation Fee New or Renewal $100 per establishment $100 per establishment
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2018 2017
BUILDING PERMIT FEE
SCHEDULE
Building Alterations Residential/Commercial Per Attachment A Per Attachment A
Building Moving Permit $75 $75
Building Permit Fee Residential/Commercial Per Attachment A Per Attachment A
Contractor License Annual $50/year $50/year
Demolition Permit Per Attachment A Per Attachment A
Mechanical Alteration or
Replacement (including gas piping and
gas fire place installation)
Residential or Commercial 1% of value/$ 75 minimum 1% of value/$ 75 minimum
Plan Review Fee Residential or Commercial Per Attachment A
Exceptions ($50 fee): Decks, Basement
Finishes, Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom
Remodel, and similar projects.
Per Attachment A
Exceptions ($50 fee): Decks,
Basement Finishes, Kitchen Remodel,
Bathroom Remodel, and similar
projects.
Plumbing Permit Fee Residential or Commercial 1% of value/$ 75 minimum 1% of value/$ 75 minimum
Public Utility or Improved Public ROW
Connection
Residential/Commercial parcels not
assessed at time of past City improvement
when surrounding lots were assessed
(includes newly created lots)
Amount assessed at time of improvement
plus interest at rate offered to other
assessments at time of improvement
Amount assessed at time of
improvement plus interest at rate
offered to other assessments at time of
improvement
Roof Permit Commercial 1% of value/$100 minimum/$1,000
maximum
1% of value/$100 minimum/$1,000
maximum
Roofing and Siding Permit Residential 1% of value/$100 minimum 1% of value/$100 minimum
Sewer Permit Residential/Commercial $75 $75
Storm Sewer Utility
Charge
Commercial/Industrial $ 121.80 / > acre
$60.90/< acre
$ 121.80 /acre
Storm Sewer Utility
Charge
Residential $10.00 $7.25
Water Permit Residential/Commercial $10 $10
Window Replacement Residential 1% of value/$75 minimum 1% of value/$75 minimum
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2018 2017
ENGINEERING PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
FEE SCHEDULE
Driveway Permit Replacement $50 $50
Driveway Permit New or Expanded $100 $100
Engineering and Drafting
Services
Actual costs plus staff time Actual costs plus staff time
Feasibility Report Credit shall be given for
information which can be used in plan
and
specification preparation
Actual costs plus staff time Actual costs plus staff time
Field Inspection and
Staking
Actual costs plus staff time Actual costs plus staff time
Grading Permit $200 + $500 escrow $100/flat fee
Litigation Actual costs plus staff time Actual costs plus staff time
Miscellaneous Charges Actual costs plus staff time Actual costs plus staff time
Plans and Specifications Project Construction under $100,000 Actual costs plus staff time Actual costs plus staff time
Plans and Specifications Project Construction over $100,000 7% of final contract amount 7% of final contract amount
Preliminary Studies Actual costs plus staff time Actual costs plus staff time
Professional Services on
Planning Cases
1st hour per case Included/ thereafter actual
costs plus staff time
1st hour per case Included/ thereafter
actual costs plus staff time
Public Right of Way General
Excavation Permit
$200 / flat fee
Public Right of Way Utility Permit Commercial $200 / first 1000 feet
$25 / each additional 100 feet
$75 / winter surcharge fee (11/1 - 3/31)
$200 / first 1000 feet
$25 / each additional 100 feet
Public Right of Way
Permit
Residential $50 /flat fee $50 /flat fee
Right-Of-Way Usage license $350 $350
Vacation - ROW or Easement $250 $250
Note: Staff time is computed on the basis of 250% of the employee’s
hourly rate for the above services
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2018 2017
ENGINEERING - MAPS,
PLANS AND DRAWINGS FEE
CD of Data or Maps $10 plus map fee $5 plus map fee
Maps/Plans/Drawings:
Comprehensive Plan
Critical Area
GIS
Land Use
Plats
Sanitary Sewer
Storm Sewer Street Asbuilts Wetlands
Zoning
Up to 11 x 17
Black and White
$3 $3
Maps/Plans/Drawings:
Comprehensive Plan
Critical Area
GIS
Land Use
Plats
Sanitary Sewer Storm Sewer Street
Asbuilts Wetlands Zoning
Up to 11 x 17
Color
$10 $10
Maps/Plans/Drawings:
Comprehensive Plan
Critical Area
GIS
Land Use
Plats
Sanitary Sewer
Storm Sewer
Street Asbuilts
Wetlands
Zoning
Greater than 11 x 17
Black and White
$6 $6
Maps/Plans/Drawings:
Comprehensive Plan
Critical Area
GIS
Land Use
Plats
Sanitary Sewer
Storm Sewer
Street Asbuilts
Wetlands
Zoning
Greater than 11 x 17
Color
$20 $20
page 17
2018 2017
PARKS AND RECREATION
FEE SCHEDULE
Concessions Building Reservation Must provide proof of Food/Beverage
License if selling
$25/event $25/event
Field Reservation
Baseball/Softball/Soccer
$35 for two hours + $25 application fee
(once per application)
$35/day
Field Reservation Soccer $50 /day
Field Preparation 3 or more fields only Actual Cost or $100 minimum Actual Cost or $100 minimum
Field Preparation Weekend Actual Cost Incurred
Field Preparation Weekday $35
Field Chalk $10 / bag $10 / bag
Field Drying Agent $15 / bag $15 / bag
Ice Rink Reservation $35/hour for two hours + $25 application
fee (once per application)
$35 / hour
Ice Rink Warming House Key Damage Deposit $100 $100
Par 3 Footgolf Fees $8 / round
Par 3 Greens Fees Juniors/Seniors-Weekday $11 / round $10 / round
Par 3 Greens Fees Juniors/Seniors-Weekend $13 / round $12 / round
Par 3 Greens Fees Weekday or Holiday $12 / round $11 / round
Par 3 Greens Fees Weekend or Holiday $14 / round $13 / round
Par 3 10-Round Pass $90 $90
Par 3 Pull Cart Rental $3/ round $3/ round
Par 3 Power Cart Rental $10 / round $10 / round
Picnic Area/Shelter Resident - Private $50 $25 usage fee per day + $25
application fee
Picnic Area/Shelter Non-Resident - Private $75 $50 usage fee per day + $25
application fee
Picnic Area/Shelter Resident - Business $75 $50/day + $25/application fee
Picnic Area/Shelter Non-Resident - Business $125 $100/day + $25/app fee
Picnic Area Shelter Damage Deposit Waived for nonprofit youth service
organizations and neighborhood groups
reserving neighborhood park
$100 / event $100 / event
Picnic Area Cancellation 7 days advance notice 100% refund 100% refund
Picnic Area Cancellation Less than 7 days notice Not refundable Not refundable
NOTE: Mendota Heights schools, city events, and non-profit civic organizations are fee
exempt for Picnic Area/Shelter rental fees.
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2018 2017
Picnic Area Cancellation Due to inclement weather Not refundable but may be rescheduled at
no additional charge
Not refundable but may be
rescheduled at no add'l charge
Picnic Table Additional On-site $15 / each table per day $15 / each per day
Canoe Rack Rental Canoe Storage @Rogers Lake Park
during summer months
$50 / summer + $25 application fee $50 for the summer
Park Bench Donation $1,000 per bench
page 19
2018 2017
PARKS AND RECREATION
FEE SCHEDULE
Tournament Field Reservation
Baseball/Softball/Soccer
Two-day tournament $400 + $25 application fee (once per
application)
$500/weekend
Tournament Field Reservation
Baseball/Softball/Soccer
One-day tournament $200 + $25 application fee (once per
application)
$250/day
Tournament Additional Day(s)$45/per field $45/per field
Tournament Fee Softball or Soccer City Recreation No Charge No Charge
Tournament Fee Softball or Soccer MHAA To Be Determined
Tournament Additional
Day(s)
City Recreation No Charge No Charge
Tournament Additional
Day(s)
MHAA To Be Determined
Tournament
Damage Deposit Fee
$300 $300
Trash Pick-up Following Large Event, taken from
damage deposit
$100/event $100/event
Tournament
Cancellation Fee
One month notice 100 % refundable 100 % refundable
Tournament
Cancellation Fee
15 to 30 advance notice 50 % refundable 50 % refundable
Tournament
Cancellation Fee
1 to 14 advance notice Not refundable Not refundable
Tennis Courts $25 application fee
page 20
2018 2017
PLANNING FEE SCHEDULE
Accessory Structure Permit For structures not requiring a building
permit
$25 $25
After-the-Fact Permit For actions undertaken without
appropriate zoning permits
Double fee, or $250, whichever is greater Double fee, or $250, whichever is
greater
Appeal to Board of Zoning Appeals $250 + $500 escrow $250 + $500 escrow
Comprehensive Plan
Amendment
$750 + $500 escrow $750 + $500 escrow
Concept Plan Review for PUD/Plat $250 + $500 escrow $250 + $500 escrow
Conditional Use Permit / Interim Use
Permit
Residential $350 + $500 escrow $350 + $500 escrow
Conditional Use Permit / Interim Use
Permit
Commercial/Industrial $500 + $500 escrow $500 + $500 escrow
Critical Area Permit $500 + $500 escrow +
Security deposit determined by staff
$100 + $500 escrow
Critical Area Permit-Administrative Per City Code 12-3-5. D.$200 + Security deposit determined by
staff
CUP for PUD $500 + $500 escrow $500 + $500 escrow
Fence Permit $25 $25
Lot Split / Lot Line Adjustment $500 + $500 escrow $500 + $500 escrow
Mining Permit $350 + $500 escrow $350 + $500 escrow
Park Dedication Fee Single and Multi-Family Residential $ 4,000/ dwelling unit $ 4,000/ dwelling unit
Park Dedication Fee New Commercial / Industrial Lot 10% of assessed value of unimproved land
as determined by the County Assessor
10% of assessed value of unimproved
land as determined by the County
Assessor
Rezoning $500 + $500 escrow $500 + $500 escrow
Preliminary/Final Plat $750 + escrow amount $750 + escrow amount
Escrow Table
Residential districts - 0 to 10 units $100/unit, $250 minimum $100/unit, $250 minimum
Res Districts, MR-PUD, HR-PUD
districts-over 10 units
$50/unit $50/unit
Commerical/Industrial Districts, MU-
PUD
$1,500 $1,500
Expenses billed to the city will be charged
against the escrow accounts. Any remaining
escrow will be returned to applicant.
Applicants will be billed for any city incurred
expenses exceeding the escrow amount.
Sign Permit Triple fee charged if sign is erected w/o
permit
P C d 12 1D 15 B 2
Per Attachment A Per Attachment A
Temporary Sign Permit $25 $25
Variance Residential $300 + $500 escrow $300 + $500 escrow
Variance Commercial or Industrial $500 + $500 escrow $500 + $500 escrow
Wetlands Permit Residential $150 + $500 escrow and/or
Security deposit determined by staff
$150 + $500 escrow
page 21
2018 2017
Wetlands Permit Commercial or Industrial $200 + $500 escrow and/or
Security deposit determined by staff
$200 + $500 escrow
Wetlands Permit-Administrative Per City Code 12-2-6. C.$100 + Security deposit determined by
staff
Zoning Letter $50 $50
Zoning Ordinance Amendment $250 + $500 escrow $250 + $500 escrow
page 22
2018 2017
PUBLIC SAFETY FEE
SCHEDULE
Fingerprints Must be a resident or an employee of a
business located in the Mendota Heights
service area
$10.00 per card $10.00 per card
Car Seat Rental Residents Only $50 Deposit; check held for one month;
upon return, $25 refund. If seat not
returned within one month, deposit is non-
refundable.
$50 Deposit; check held for one
month; upon return, $25 refund. If
seat not returned within one month,
deposit is non-refundable.
Clearance Letter $5 $5
Copy of Incident Per IPAD/MSS 13.82 $.25/page up to 100 pages $.25/page up to 100 pages
Copy of Accident
Report
In person, involved party request $.25/page up to 100 pages $.25/page up to 100 pages
Copy of Accident
Report
Request from insurance or attorney Self-addressed, stamped envelope with
signed release. If over 4 pgs, contact
requestor for alternate payment.
Self-addressed, stamped envelope with
signed release. If over 4 pgs, contact
requestor for alternate payment.
Request for Public Data Per IPAD/MSS 13.82 $.00 if information is only reviewed at city
hall.
$.00 if information is only reviewed at
city hall.
CD with
Photos/Audio/Video
Per IPAD/MSS 13.82 $10 $10
DATA REQUESTS: Data released by the City adheres to IPAD guidelines and
MN Statutes Chapter 13.
Per IPAD/MSS 13.82: Must prove involvement in/relationship to accident
and either present ID or a signed release
page 23
2018 2017
OTHER PUBLIC SAFETY FEES
Dog Impound Fee $ 67.00 for 1st Day
$ 16.00 each day thereafter
$ 67.00 for 1st Day
$ 16.00 each day thereafter
Vehicle Impound Current Tow Rate + Tax Current Tow Rate + Tax
Vehicle Storage MHPD Indoor storage $ 35 per day $ 35 per day
Basic Property Storage Stored at or by MHPD Small(2ftX4ft): $1/day
Medium(5ftX7ft): $3/day
Large(8ftX10ft): $5/day
Off-Site: Actual costs
Small(2ftX4ft): $1/day
Medium(5ftX7ft): $3/day
Large(8ftX10ft): $5/day
Off-Site: Actual costs
False Alarm, Police Per calendar year First three no charge, 4th-$50; 5th-$75; 6th-
$100; ea add'l-add $25
First three no charge, 4th-$50; 5th-
$75; 6th-$100; ea add'l-add $25
False Alarm, Fire Per calendar year First two no charge, third and each
additional - $150/ea
First two no charge, third and each
additional - $150/ea
Fire Alarm Permit Commercial Per Attachment A Per Attachment A
Removal of Underground Fuel Tanks Residential/Commercial $50 minimum $50 minimum
Plan Check Fee Per Attachment A Per Attachment A
Fire Sprinkler
Alteration
Per Attachment A Per Attachment A
Day Care Fire Inspection Per MN Statutes 299F.011 $50 $50
page 24
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
DATE: January 2, 2018
TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, P.E. – Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Sanitary Sewer Utility Rate Adjustment/Billing Format
COMMENT:
INTRODUCTION
The Council is asked to discuss sanitary and storm sewer rates for 2018.
BACKGROUND
The City of Mendota Heights has made a policy that the sanitary sewer rates would be looked at
on an annual basis and adjusted periodically to account for increases in costs. Specifically, this
would be for the charges billed to the City from the Metropolitan Council Environmental
Services (MCES) division, which goes to fund the maintenance and operations of the sewage
treatment plants. In addition, the annual costs of maintaining the City’s sanitary sewer system
would be reviewed and the annual budget adjusted accordingly.
City Staff has developed a five-year Sanitary Sewer Improvement and Maintenance Plan
(SSIMP) which projects future costs for the ongoing maintenance of the City’s sanitary sewer
infrastructure.
The City’s single family residential bill rate for sanitary sewer is based upon the non-summer (1st
quarter) water usage quantity. The current base rate is $68.35 for the first 15,000 gallons of
water consumed per quarter. For every 750 gallons used above the 15,000, single family
residences are billed an additional $2.45. The commercial rate ranges from $114.10 to $1,403.15
per quarter based on the size of the water meter and are summarized in the tables in this memo.
The current tiered billing schedule for commercial properties could be revised to match the
format used on residential properties which appears to be more common than a tiered schedule.
A commercial usage charge would better reflect actual flows.
Staff is also aware of a number of communities that can have a lower minimum billing rate and
senior discounts; most complaints from sewer rate increases come from these two types of
accounts. Staff would need to analyze the current account revenues before new billing format
rates can be compared.
MCES invoices the City based on flow volumes contributed to the metro-wide wastewater
treatment system. MCES has given indications that rate increases of 3%-5% per year should be
anticipated for several years to come. The proposed MCES rate in Mendota Heights for 2018 is
calculated to increase 9.89%, which results in a total charge of $1,343,228.98.
page 25
Flow quantities from the City to MCES vary greatly from year to year. In the past, Mendota
Heights has had a high rate of inflow and infiltration into our sanitary sewer system. This is
storm water runoff that finds its way into the sanitary sewer system through cracks in the sewer
pipe, unsealed manholes, roots penetrating the sewer pipe, and basement sump pumps connected
to the sanitary sewer, just to name a few. This is one of the reasons that the City has embarked
on a sump pump inspection program.
Although inflow and infiltration can never be eliminated, ongoing annual projects to televise,
clean, and line the sanitary sewer pipe greatly reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration into
the system, thus helping to create a more predictable sanitary sewer flow rate from year to year.
Because the City of Mendota Heights does not have a sewage treatment plant, MCES controls
approximately 64% of the City’s sewer utility expenses through their sewer rate charge. As a
result of the MCES fees increasing, an increase to the City’s sanitary sewer billing rate is
necessary. The MCES rate for 2018 represents a 9.89% increase to the MCES charge over
2017.
DISCUSSION
City Staff is proposing an increase to the City sanitary sewer utility rate. Staff recommends that
the new base rate be raised by 5% over the MCES increase, which will mean a total of 14.9%, to
$78.45 per quarter. The second tier usage rate, currently set at $2.45 is proposed to increase by
the same 14.9% rate to $2.80. The proposed rate for commercial usage would also increase by
14.9%.
Commercial Sewer Rate With 9.9% Increases (per Quarter)
Minimum Per Meter Size Existing Rate Proposed Rate
¾ Inch $114.10 $125.40
1 Inch $131.40 $144.41
1 ¼ Inch $177.30 $194.85
1 ½ Inch $350.85 $350.85*
2 Inch $701.75 $701.75*
3 Inch $1,403.15 $1,403.15*
Commercial Well Sewer Rate With 9.9% Increases (per Quarter)
Minimum Per Meter Size Existing Rate Proposed Rate
¾ Inch $235.65 $258.98
1 Inch $319.55 $351.18
1 ¼ Inch $401.70 $441.47
1 ½ Inch $545.55 $545.55*
2 Inch $1,110.90 $1,110.90*
3 Inch $2,221.80 $2,221.80*
• Meters 1 ½ Inch and greater and proposed to remain flat
The City of Mendota Heights has been monitoring the financial health of the sanitary sewer
utility account since the last rate increase. The increase in charges from MCES is driving the
necessity for a City-wide rate increase. By increasing the billed rate 14.9%, and by adjusting the
schedule of capital improvement projects within the forecast, the Sanitary Sewer Utility Fund
remains viable and out of deficit. Even after the proposed 14.9% sanitary sewer rate increase,
the City of Mendota Heights will remain as one of the lowest base sanitary sewer rate in northern
Dakota County, see attached list.
page 26
A five-year outlook for the Sanitary Sewer Utility Fund is provided below starting balance in
2017 was $212,000):
2017 (5%) 2018 (14.8%) 2019 (10%) 2020 (5%) 2021 (5%) 2022 (5%)
Revenue $ 1,815,509 $ 2,084,204 $ 2,292,625 $ 2,407,256 $ 2,527,619 $ 2,654,000
MCES Grant for I/I
$ 90,000
Total Revenue $ 1,961,009 $ 2,229,704 $ 2,528,125 $ 2,552,756 $ 2,673,119 $ 2,799,500
Annual Maintenance & Operations $ 503,078 $ 521,997 $ 537,657 $ 553,787 $ 570,400 $ 587,512
MCES Fees $ 1,232,320 $ 1,343,229 $ 1,410,390 $ 1,480,910 $ 1,554,955 $ 1,632,703
Annual Sewer Cleaning $ 63,471 $ 62,000 $ 62,000 $ 62,000 $ 62,000 $ 62,000
Annual Sewer Lining $ 268,253 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 200,000 $ 250,000 $ 250,000
Lift Station Rehabilitation $ 29,360
Trunk Main Sewer Recon
$ 315,000
1 Ton Truck
$ 54,000
Jet Truck
$ 120,000
Salt Storage Facility
$ 40,000
Fence (Public Works)
$ 9,000
Total Expenses $ 2,096,482 $ 2,181,226
$
2,574,047 $ 2,416,697 $ 2,437,356 $ 2,532,215
Account Balance $ 76,527 $ 125,005 $ 79,083 $ 215,142 $ 450,905 $ 718,190
Storm Sewer Rates: In addition to the sanitary sewer bills paid by Mendota Heights’ residents
and businesses, there is also a flat-rate storm sewer utility fee applied to all the sewer bills sent
out by the City. The storm sewer utility fee is $10.00 per quarter, or $40.00 per year. This fee
creates the Storm Sewer Utility Fund, which is utilized for maintenance and upkeep of our storm
sewer pipes, catch basins, and pond inlets and outlets. Additionally, this fund has been utilized
to provide funding for street reconstruction projects that include the installation of new storm
sewers, and has been used for stream bank erosion projects.
Accounting for anticipated revenue into the fund at the current $10.00 per quarter rate, the fund
will not be able to support upcoming capital improvement projects. The following table
illustrates the account balance but reflects an inadequate amount of funding for impending pond
maintenance and streambank stabilization. More realistic funding would quickly show a deficit
in the fund balance.
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Revenue $ 446,000 $ 446,000 $ 446,000 $ 446,000 $ 446,000 $ 446,000
Total Revenue $ 482,850 $ 478,000 $ 478,000 $ 478,000 $ 478,000 $ 478,000
Annual O&M $ 187,742 $ 193,374 $ 199,175 $ 205,151 $ 211,305 $ 217,644
Mendota Heights Road Rehabilitation $ 50,000
Kensington Rehabilitation $ 50,000
Marie Avenue Rehabilitiation 2
$ 25,000
Wesley Neighborhood Rehabilitation
$ 25,000
CenterPoint/Commerce Rehabiltation
$ 72,000
Sylvandale Rehabilitation
$ 25,000
Brompton/London Rehabiltation
$ 25,000
South Plaza Drive/Mendakota Court
$ 25,000
Avanti/Twin Circle Rehabilitation
$ 25,000
Victoria Curve Reconstruction
$ 50,000
page 27
Friendly Hills Rehabilitation
Lake Augusta Alum Treatment $ 35,000
Somerset Creek Repair $ 55,000
Hwy 13 Drainage Imp
$ 27,840
541 Marie Ave - Outlet Repair
$ 20,000
Revise Surface Water Mgt Plan $ 57,000
Marie Avenue Storm Improvement
IVC Streambank Repairs
$ 120,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000 $ 50,000
Cherokee Heights Culvert Repair
$ 100,000
Storm Sewer Improvements $ 100,000
Pond Maintenance
$ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 100,000 $ 100,000
Total Expenses $ 534,742 $ 391,214 $ 469,175 $ 427,151 $ 411,305 $ 417,644
Account Balance $ 47,377 $ 134,163 $ 142,987 $ 193,836 $ 260,531 $ 320,887
Staff is proposing to review the storm water utility rate upon completion of the Surface Water
Management Plan update later in 2018. The Council may be asked to make a mid-year
adjustment in storm sewer rates.
BUDGET IMPACT
Without additional revenues, the Sanitary Sewer Utility fund will eventually deplete its reserve
balances and the City will lose capability and flexibility in maintaining and improving its
sanitary sewer infrastructure. Staff is therefore proposing the sanitary sewer utility rate increase
be implemented for the 1st quarter (January - March) billing cycle of 2018.
RECOMMENDATION
The proposed increase is required to maintain the revenue stream necessary to fund a self-
sustaining utility and to defray sanitary sewer related costs.
ACTION REQUIRED
If a consensus is received from the Council as to an increase for 2018, formal action to approve
that will be brought back to the January 16th City Council meeting.
page 28
Sewer Storm Total
Cost Cost Cost
Minnetonka (2017)$97.46 $20.01 $117.47
West St. Paul (2018)$86.51 $22.86 $109.37
St Louis Park (2018)$89.22 $23.14 $112.36
New Hope (2017)$82.86 $10.84 $93.70
Brooklyn Center (2017)$82.42 $14.48 $96.90
Champlin (2017)$81.81 $10.51 $92.32
South St. Paul (2017)$80.53 $10.51 $91.04
Mendota Heights (2018, 14.8%)$78.45 $10.00 $88.45
Minneapolis (2017)$77.81 $12.71 $90.52
Mendota Heights (2018, 9.8%) $75.15 $10.00 $85.15
Edina (2017)$74.40 $28.42 $102.82
Plymouth (2017)$71.76 $17.88 $89.64
Inver Grove Heights (2017) $70.08 $24.09 $94.17
Richfield (2016)$69.75 $16.31 $86.06
Bloomington (2017)$69.60 $20.43 $90.03
Mendota Heights (2017) $68.35 $10.00 $78.35
Burnsville (2017)$67.72 $20.55 $88.27
City
page 29