2020-02-19 Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Work Session
Held Tuesday, February 19, 2020
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 4:17 p.m. Council members Miller, Paper, and Petschel were
also present. Council member Duggan participated via a video conference call from the Sun City Public
Library, Sun City, Arizona. Staff in attendance included City Administrator Mark McNeill, Assistant City
Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Community Development Director Tim Benetti, Public Works Director
Ryan Ruzek, Recreation Coordinator Meredith Lawrence, and City Clerk Lorri Smith.
DISCUSSION OF WENTWORTH WARMING HOUSE RECONSTRUCTION
The City Council discussed the replacement of the warming house at Wentworth Park. Quotes had been
received for a pole frame constructed building, 30 feet by 40 feet, with an 8 foot overhang. The low quote
was received from Structural Buildings, at a price range of between $164,000 and $169,000. A
representative from Structural Buildings was present to discuss the features proposed, which includes three
restrooms and in floor heat.
The Council asked that the building be built to support solar panels on the roof. Soil conditions were also
discussed. There may be a need to do a soil boring test.
It was noted that the building is estimated at $164,000. The cost of utilities to the site is estimated at
$50,000, electric to the site is estimated at $6,000, and gas to the site is estimated at $3,000. The outside
concrete work could be included in the parking lot improvement project. All of the ancillary work would
be done by others.
SPECIAL PARKS FUND STATUS
Cheryl Jacobson discussed with the Council the current status of the Special Parks Fund. A list of the
proposed projects for 2020 was discussed. If all projects were completed, the fund would be left with a
balance of $250,466. The Council discussed maintaining a balance of $360,000 in the fund.
Councilor Petschel stated that this fund has a limited amount of money available. She suggested that when
the Par 3 bonds are paid in full, then those dollars could be directed to this fund. She stated that she would
like to see the Parks and Recreation Commission work similar to the way the Planning Commission works,
where they make recommendations to the City Council for official action.
Councilor Paper suggested that the list of projects for 2020 is extensive and some of the suggested projects
could be delayed.
Councilor Miller suggested that the dog park feasibility study, the dedicated pickle ball courts, and the Ivy
Hills basketball court expansion be postponed to a future project. With those projects removed, the fund
would maintain a $360,000 fund balance. The other Councilors were in agreement.
UPDATE ON MARIE AVENUE REHABILITATION
Ryan Ruzek gave the Council an update on the Marie Avenue reconstruction project. He stated the
proposed trail improvements to Lexington Avenue have been removed due to costs and the impact to the
trees. Bump -outs would be constructed at Eagle Ridge Drive and Walsh/Lilac, along with a new trail from
Victoria Road to Marie Park on the north. Due to cost increases, the underpass will remain for walkers.
An at -grade crossing for bikers is proposed near the tennis courts. The Council was in agreement with the
proposed changes.
DISCUSSION OF CITY COUNCIL GOALS
Mark McNeill presented the 15 goals which had been identified by the City Council at a workshop meeting
which had been held on January 2"d. He said that periodic updates would be provided to the City Council
in the future.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR ANNUAL REVIEW
The Council discussed the procedure for the City Administrator's annual review. It was decided that the
Councilors will each complete a written evaluation form, which will be returned to the Assistant City
Administrator. A committee of Mayor Garlock and Councilor Petschel will then review the results with the
City Administrator.
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 5:20 pm.
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Neil Garlock, Mayor 111
ATTEST:
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Lorri Smith, City Clerk
February 19, 2020 Mendota Heights Council Workshop Page 2