2019-11-19 Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Held November 19, 2019
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Mendota Heights City Council was
held at the City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Councilmembers Miller, Paper and
Petschel were present. Councilor Duggan arrived at 5:07 p.m.
City staff present included Mark McNeil, City Administrator; Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City
Administrator; Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator; Ryan Ruzek, Public Works
Director; Kelly McCarthy, Police Chief, Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director; Tim Benetti,
Community Development Director; and Lorri Smith, City Clerk.
PARK AND RECREATION ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
FIELD AND FACILITY USE FEES; SPECIAL EVENTS
Cheryl Jacobson reviewed the current Field and Facility Use Policy. She presented statistical
data relating to the population breakdown in Mendota Heights. She stated that the Field and
Facility Use Policy formalizes the permitting process, establishes consistent guidelines, outlines
the process for allocating fields and facilities, and establishes user group categories. She stated
there continues to be high demand for the fields and facilities by multiple user groups. The
spaces are limited and there is competition for the preferred fields. Blanket permitting has
continued, leaving very little time for the public to use the fields and facilities.
Ms. Jacobson reviewed the current use fees in place. Councilor Petschel noted that the use fees
that were approved were recommended by the user groups. They recommended a `per
participant' fee and not a `per hour of use' fee because it would be easiest for them.
Options and recommendations for 2020 include leaving the current policy in place, but also:
- to issue permits three times per year to work with the sports seasons
- to include a statement to be signed by the user groups to reflect that all coaches have the proper
certifications for training and background screening has been completed
- to require the name of the team when assigning specific fields to discourage blanket
permitting and allow for more public use time
- to allow for a refund of special event fees for weather related cancellations by a user, if the city
is notified within two business days
Councilor Miller asked if the policy is similar to other area cities. Ms. Lawrence replied that the
language is similar, although our fees are lower.
Councilor Paper questioned why games cannot start after 6:30 p.m. and he recommended that be
changed to 7:30 p.m.
Councilor Paper recommended that the field and facility use fees and concessions stand fees for
in house tournaments be eliminated, which mostly involves the younger players during the Parks
Celebration. Fees for invitational tournaments would still be collected.
Comments from the public included:
Scott Karlen, representing MHAA Youth Baseball — suggested the Council stay with the current
fees.
Lisa Wolf, representing SALVO — suggested the rates remain the same for 2020.
Paul Berg, representing MHAA — stated the fees take a toll on their budget and that their
association serves a region and not only Mendota Heights' residents.
Kaan Cercioglu, representing MHAA Youth Football — stated their scholarship fund is a large
part of their budget.
Jackie VanDiver, Athletic Director for St. Joseph's School — stated that the current policy does
not allow their teams to have a dedicated home field, like they used to have. They have had
problems finding a field to use and have witnessed fields not being used.
Councilor Petschel reminded the user groups that the City's fees are lower than other area cities,
and that they are in place to cover the wear and tear on the facilities and to cover staff time. It is
the cost of doing business. She asked the user groups if they would be receptive to the idea of
the city allowing their users to apply for the city's scholarship fund that is available. The groups
in attendance welcomed that idea.
The user groups complimented city staff on the condition of the fields that were available for
their use in 2019.
The Council discussed the possibility of not allow teams to blanket reserve the preferred fields.
WARMING HOUSE STAFFING
Ms. Jacobson stated that, to date, only four temporary staff have been hired to staff the warming
houses at the ice rinks. Options were discussed for how best to staff the warming houses and run
the ice rinks. It was noted that the warming houses could be opened and left unstaffed, or
opened and staffed for shorter hours. The Council suggested that staff organize the ice rink
schedules to include both of those options.
BUDGET 2020 UPDATE
Kristen Schabacker gave an update on the proposed 2020 budget which will be going to the
Council on December 3rd for approval. She outlined changes being made which include:
- Employee health insurance costs will be decreasing, so the City's contribution can remain
the same as 2019, which will result in a $103,000 savings
- Property Casualty Insurance costs have increased. $20,000 will be added to the line item.
- Refunding bond costs will increase by $11,000
These changes will result in a net $73,062 savings, which will lower the levy increase to 6.5%.
November 19, 2019 City Council Work Session page 2 of 3
POLICE OFFICER HEALTH and WELLNESS PROPOSAL
Chief McCarthy briefly outlined a proposal for a policy change for Mendota Heights Police
Officers to combat the stresses and health hazards that come with policing. If officers choose to
participate, they will be responsible to complete steps to improve their physical and mental
health, which will result in an additional half hour of paid time per day of work.
The Council was receptive to this proposal. Chief McCarthy will bring forward a proposed
policy change to a future Council meeting.
The meeting was adj ourned at 6:3 0 pm.
TULew t.LJ c�
Neil Garlock, Mayor
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
November 19, 2019 City Council Work Session page 3 of 3