2018-08-15 Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Held August 15, 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 1:30 pm. Councilmembers Duggan, Miller, Petschel, and
Paper were present.
Also present were: Mark McNeill, City Administrator; Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator;
Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director; Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director; Terry Blum, Public Works
Supervisor; Kelly McCarthy, Police Chief; Wayne Wegener, Police Captain; and Meredith Lawrence,
Recreation Program Coordinator.
CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION OF FY2019 PROPOSED BUDGET
City Administrator McNeill opened the meeting by reviewing the adjustments made to the budget. With
the current adjustments, the budget increase to the general fund levy is proposed at 3.63 percent and just
under 9.7 percent overall.
A. Financial Impacts from Monday Discussion
Public Safety Police and Fire Funding Formulas- City Administrator McNeill and Police Chief McCarthy
explained the current way of billing for police services to the Cities of Mendota, Lilydale and Sunfish
Lake. McCarthy stated that each city has a different billing formula, and that would be easier for budgeting
purposes to use the formula used for Lilydale.
Finance Director Schabacker explained that Lilydale is a flat percentage rate, 7.4 percent, which is based
on population and calls.
McNeill noted that the fire station bonds will impact the cities of Sunfish, Lilydale and Mendota. Current
billings to each city are based on different formulas.
Schabacker explained each city's current billings, and potential increases due to bonds which would be
sold to fund the new fire station. Discussion was had regarding a 30 year payment schedule for the cities.
McNeill noted that the City of Mendota Heights has not talked with the other cities at this time, and that
the bond calculations were not factored to include payments by the other cities. Mendota Heights' term is
15 years.
McCarthy proposed that a meeting with the cities be held to discuss a flat percentage fee formula based
on population. Once decided a written agreement with each city would be signed. McNeill summarized
that that cities would be notified of the billing structure proposal based on population, instead of call
counts. Mayor Garlock noted that the information should go out immediately.
Animal Control Contract - McCarthy summarized the current animal control agreement with 4Paws,
which is located in Shakopee. McCarthy stated that due to a number of resident complaints about animal
control services, an RFP was issued for animal control. However, little interest in responding was
received. As a result, the department directly solicited providers; South St. Paul Animal Hospital then
responded.
McCarthy noted that the new arrangement with South St. Paul included a flat $25 impound fee, a $21 per
day boarding fee and a $60 to $80 disposal fee depending on the size of the dog. The City would stop
using 4Paws, and switch to South St. Paul Animal Hospital on September 1. The switch would result in
the animal control budget decreasing from $8,000 to $4,500, and would be closer for Mendota heights
residents.
McCarthy noted that a chip scanner had been purchased by the Department making it easier and quicker
to identify animals
Councilor Paper asked if South St. Paul Animal Hospital is available 24 hours a day? McCarthy replied
that they are not but the Police Department would have 24 hour access to drop animals off.
Public Works - McNeill reviewed leasing or buying mower equipment, and noted that leasing is almost
the same cost as is buying it outright. He said that this year, the City is trying to reduce the fund balance,
and outright purchasing is one way to do that. The alternative of leasing mowing equipment would
increase the levy for the next four years by about $20,730. The group consensus was to purchase the
mowing equipment.
Councilor Duggan asked about capping reserves at 80 percent, instead of 75 percent. McNeill stated that
with adjustments to the proposed budget, reserves will be well above the 75 percent level. Discussion by
the group was held, and a consensus was reached. Councilor Miller confirmed that reserves would not
drop to 75 percent, but instead be above 80 percent. Schabacker stated that reserve balances are
determined at the end of the year.
Parks and Recreation - Assistant City Administrator Jacobson provided an overview of a proposed field
use fees for the 2019 season. She said that an increased demand for fields and the prepping of fields have
had an impact on staffing and maintenance costs. Staff recommended a fee structure for fields and user
priority categories.
The group discussed adding a half time person in Public Works in response to the increased demand for
fields and the associated work. It was suggested that the position be full-time, April through November.
McNeill stated that staff would need to look at a number of factors including discussion with the union.
Councilor Paper suggested looking at a Tuesday through Saturday schedule in order to address weekend
field prep.
August 15, 2018 City Council Work Session- Budget Page 2
McNeil stated that the field use fees could be a funding source for the new position. Councilor Paper
added that parks workload has expanded, but labor has not. Staff is stretched further and further and things
aren't getting done. Public Works Supervisor Blum added that staff are doing extra things, such as
pollinator friendly work and workload has increased.
Discussion continued regarding field usage fees to support a full-time employee. Staff suggested that
there is enough work to support year round work. The budget includes the addition of one seasonal worker
at a cost of $10,000. Staff suggested that for 2019, fund a new full time position for nine months, minus
$10,000.
Council members directed staff to look at adding a full-time Public Works employee starting April 1, with
possible work days of Tuesday through Saturday.
McNeill noted that the number of users of Kensington Park has increased for soccer, and that parking on
evenings and weekends may be an issue. As such, the Council may see an increase in complaints.
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 3:22 p.m.
Neil Garlock
Mayor
ATTEST:
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
August 15, 2018 City Council Work Session- Budget Page 3