2020-04-16 Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Work Session
Held Tuesday, April 16, 2020
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session 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 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Council
members Duggan, Paper, and Petschel were present via teleconferencing. Councilor Miller joined the
meeting, via teleconferencing, at 2:35 p.m.
Staff in attendance included City Administrator Mark McNeill, Assistant City Administrator Cheryl
Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, and Finance Director Kristen Schabacker. Staff present via
teleconferencing included Police Chief Kelly McCarthy, Community Development Director Tim Benetti,
Recreation Coordinator Meredith Lawrence, and City Clerk Lorri Smith.
DISCUSSION OF COVID 19 IMPACTS ON THE CITY BUDGET
Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director, reviewed with the Council the Marie Avenue reconstruction project
scheduled to be completed this summer. Five bids were received, which all were below the engineer's
estimate. He noted the cost of the total project is estimated to be $3.6 million. He stated that 57 residential
properties are proposed to be assessed and that no negative comments have been received from the
residents. This project is proposed to be approved at the next Council meeting.
Councilor Petschel stated she is concerned about residents being able to pay their assessments during these
hard times. She asked how certain the city is that state aid will be received. Mr. Ruzek stated that state aid
will be received, but he is unsure of the exact amount.
Councilor Paper asked how long the bids are good for. He questioned the unit pricing for the products.
Mr. Ruzek stated the bids are good for 60 days.
Council Duggan asked if the city could receive and extension for accepting the bids and awarding the
project. He asked if St. Paul Water has been notified of this project. Mr. Ruzek stated that an extension of
the bids could be discussed with the vendors and an answer would be known by the Council meeting on
Tuesday, April 21. He stated that St. Paul Water has been notified. Mr. Duggan noted that no negative
comments from the residents to be assessed is a good sign.
Mayor Garlock asked about the proposed completion date of this project. Mr. Ruzek stated it is proposed
to be completed by the end of October 2020.
Council Petschel stated she would be in support of completing this project this year, and stated she would
prefer that next year's budget only include smaller construction projects.
Councilor Paper noted that the city is realizing a significant savings since the bids all came in under the
engineer's estimate. He supports the city moving forward with this project, as long as we remain cautious
for next year.
Councilor Duggan and Mayor Garlock both stated they favor moving forward with this project.
Administrator McNeill noted this project will be included on the April 21' Council agenda.
City Administrator McNeill noted that due to the Covid 19 issues, the city is concerned about the receipt of
tax revenues. He stated that Dakota County has notified the city that they will be paying the City 100% of
the tax revenues collected by May 15. The remaining amount will come at a later date.
Councilor Jay Miller joined the meeting at this point.
Mr. McNeill noted that the city is not dependent on fees collected for permits and licenses issued.
Assistant to the City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson noted that for the Par 3 golf course and recreational
programming, the city is in a holding pattern until the Governor says it is ok to proceed with these
activities. Recreational staff is working on a plan for opening of the Par 3, to maintain social distancing.
She stated the greens are being maintained at this point.
The Council discussed the use of the fields by the user groups, and that there may be a need to adjust the
fees.
Councilor Duggan stated that it is important for the city to keep the golf course maintained.
Councilor Petschel noted that most cities are closing their aquatic centers for the summer due to the Covid
19 virus. She stated that it is important for the City to decide how we want to proceed with the opening up
of the fields and facilities.
Councilor Paper stated that the City should be following the Governor's lead on opening up of the facilities
and fields to public use.
Mayor Garlock stated that he would be in favor of the City keeping all recreational programs, events,
facilities and fields closed to the public through at least July 6th. He would like the City to put a statement
out to this effect, to notify the public.
Councilor Petschel and Miller both stated they are in agreement, and that the Par 3 golf course could open
sooner, if allowed by the Governor.
Councilor Paper stated he would prefer the date be set for June 4.
City Administrator McNeill reviewed with the Council a list of notable general fund expenditures that are
scheduled to be purchased in 2020.
Councilor Petschel stated that during these uncertain times, she would like to see the city pull back on
major expenses for the next two years. She would also like to see the budget and levy remain stable over
the next two years.
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Councilor Paper agreed. He stated that the Natural Resources Plan is important for the city, and he would
like to see that continue to be funded.
Councilor Miller stated he would also like to see the City continue to update the current Natural Resources
Plan.
Councilor Duggan stated that employee morale is important to pay attention to and that the City continue to
maintain our facilities. He feels it is important for the City to participate with the School District in the
reopening of the schools. He suggested the city have representation present at the School District's
meetings in regards to this.
Mayor Garlock feels that capital items that have not been ordered should be put on hold. He would like to
see the City continue with updating of the Natural Resources Plan.
In regards to personnel, it was noted that the Police Department is in the process of hiring one police
officer. The process will be delayed as long as possible.
Ms. Jacobson noted that seasonal positions have been put on hold.
Mr. McNeill noted that a plan is being worked on for the reopening of City Hall to the public.
Final Comments:
Councilor Duggan noted the importance of working with the School District on the reopening up of the
schools. He noted the importance of employee morale.
Councilor Miller noted that communication is key.
Councilor Paper asked about the status of the annual Officer Scott Patrick 5K walk/run and the Parks
Celebration. Mayor Garlock noted these events will be rescheduled for a time after July 6 t
Councilor Petschel thanked Mr. McNeill, staff, and the other Council members for their leadership during
this time.
Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 3:57 pm.
Neil Garlock, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lorri Smith, City Cleric
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