2020-08-18 Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Held August 18, 2020
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 3:45 pm. Councilmembers Paper and Petschel were also
present. Councilor Duggan arrived at 3:55 pm. Councilor Miller was absent.
City staff present included Mark McNeill, City Administrator; Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City
Administrator; Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director; Tim Benetti, Community Development Director;
Dave Dreelan, Fire Chief; Dan Johnson representing the Fire Relief Association; Lorri Smith, City Clerk;
and by telephone conferencing Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director.
CONTINUATION OF
DISCUSSION OF FY2020 PROPOSED BUDGET
FROM AUGUST 13, 2020
Fire Department and Fire Relief Association Fire Chief Dave Dreelan explained that the department
worked hard to keep the budget similar to 2020. Significant increases were made to 44268 Snowplowing
of Firefighters Driveways, increased by 71.43% due to contractual changes. Councilor Petschel asked
about the budget for repairing the fire trucks. Chief Dreelan stated those costs are located under #4330
Equipment Repairs.
Chief Dreelan explained the request for the purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) in
the amount of $225,000. The current SCBA cylinders will expire in February 2021.
Dan Johnson explained that the Fire Relief Association is requesting no change to the City's contribution
towards the Relief Association.
Community Development— Tim Benetti, Community Development Director, explained the request for
$20,000 to conduct additional updates to the proposed 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Council members
were in agreement to recommend going ahead with hiring a contractor to complete the needed updating
to the plan, not to exceed $20,000.
It was noted that the building inspector's contract is proposed to increase by 2.5%.
Mayor/Council Salaries — It was noted that there are no changes proposed for the Mayor's or Council
members' salaries.
The budget includes $1,200 for the Halloween Bonfire and $14,000 for the Fireworks Display.
Administration — Mr. McNeill noted no significant changes to the Administration budget. The IT budget
is decreased by 5%, which is due to significant upgrades which were made to the equipment in 2020.
Councilor Paper expressed concern about the city's website and the need to upgrade it for ease of use.
Summary — Mr. McNeill explained that the budget as presented would be a 4.32% increase to the levy.
The Council expressed a desire for further tax relief if possible, and interest was also expressed in
receiving more information regarding the painting of the Public Works building's garage interior as
outlined in a Budget Improvement Package.
It was noted that the budget can be reduced when approved in December, but not increased. The
preliminary budget will be included on the September 15' Council agenda for approval.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Mayor Garlock adjourned the meeting at 4:47 p.m.
Neil Garlock
Mayor
ATTEST:
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Lorri Smith, City Clerk
August 18, 2020 Council Work Session- Budget Page 2