2018-04-03 Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Held April 3, 2018
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the City Council, City of Mendota
Heights, Minnesota was held at the City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. Councilmembers Miller, Paper, Petschel
were also present. Councilor Duggan was absent.
Others present included Mark McNeill, City Administrator; Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director;
Tim Benetti, Community Development Director; Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director; Lorri
Smith, City Clerk.
FLAVORED TOBACCO DISCUSSION
The Council discussed an amendment to the current tobacco sales code regulations. Elyse Less and
Melissa Mady, representing MN Tobacco Free Alliance, were present to answer the Council's
questions. The proposed ordinance would restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products with the
exception of mint, menthol, and wintergreen flavors. The prohibition would be for all locations in
Mendota Heights,.
The Council agreed to bring this code amendment forward to the Council on May 15, 2018. A
meeting with the licensees will be held on April 24th, to present the changes to them, answer
questions, and hear any concerns.
FUND BALANCE POLICY UPDATE
Finance Director Kristen Schabacker explained the City's Fund Balance policy for minimum fund
balances. The General Fund, Water Revenue Fund, Special Parks Fund, Civil Defense Fund, and the
Street Light District Fund are covered under this policy.
The Council was in agreement to amend the current policy as follows:
General Fund — set at 75% of the current expenditures
Water Revenue Fund — fund balance to be reduced to $100,000
Special Parks Fund — no change to the $200,000 recommended fund balance
Civil Defense Fund — no change to the $100,000 recommended fund balance
Street Light District — decrease to 25% of current expenditures
DISCUSSION OF CITY OWNED PARCELS AT THE VILLAGE
City Administrator Mark McNeill and Community Development Director Tim Benetti discussed with
the Council the future of the city -owned vacant parcels located in the Village development. They said
that City staff has received multiple inquiries from interested parties on the use of this property.
Discussion was held on the traffic study that was conducted and the possibility of relocating Maple
Street to the north. The Council members expressed interest in exploring the relocation of Maple
Street to the north, and meeting with the business owners at The Village to get feedback on how they
would like to see the lots developed. In addition, Councilor Paper suggested having a meeting with
the neighbors.
Councilor Miller stated that this is a city asset and there is no need to sell this property, unless it will
satisfy a long-term need for the city. He suggested setting a date for a future meeting with the
business owners to give them time to prepare their thoughts and ideas on the future use of this
property.
Councilor Petschel suggested having a table set up at the June 2nd 5K and Parks Celebration, to
survey the residents on how they would like to see this land developed.
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 6:27 pm.
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
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Neil Garlock, Mayor
Apr 3, 2018 Council Work Session page 2 of 2