2020-12-08 Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session Meeting
December 8, 2020
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Work Session of the City Council Meeting was held at
3:15 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Mayor Garlock called the meeting to order at 3:17 p.m. Councilors Duggan, Miller and Paper
were also present via teleconference. Mayor Elect Stephanie Levine was also in attendance via
teleconference. Staff in attendance included City Administrator Mark McNeill, Assistant City
Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, Community Development
Director Tim Benetti, and City Clerk Lorri Smith.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR OPEN COUNCIL SEAT
The Council discussed the open position on the City Council and when the new Council
member would take their seat at table. City Administrator McNeill stated the Council could
make the appointment effective at the beginning of the December 15th regular Council meeting,
or the new member's appointment could begin on January 1, 2021. The Council members
discussed the current issues before the Council and whether the new member would have the
necessary background information to make an informed decision at the meeting on December
15, 2020.
The Council members were in agreement to send a complete Council packet to all candidates
who are selected for an interview, and the new member would be appointed and sworn in after
being appointed on December 15, 2020.
It was noted that the interviews have been set for Monday, December 14th, starting at 5:00 pm.
The Council members discussed the interview process. City Administrator Mark McNeill
informed the members that one candidate, if selected for an interview, has requested to be
interviewed remotely, due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus. The Council members were
in agreement that one candidate could be interviewed remotely, but all others should be present
at City Hall.
City Administrator McNeill asked the Council members to forward any interview questions to
him by 9:00 am Monday morning, and he will compile the questions for the interviews.
City Administrator McNeill showed the Council the compiled results of the candidate rankings.
After discussion, the Council members agreed that the top four candidates would be
interviewed. The candidates to be interviewed include John Mazzitello, Sally Lorberbaum,
Patrick Corbett, and John Maczko. City Administrator McNeill will contact the applicants and
schedule the interviews for December 14, starting at 5:00 pm.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Jennifer Haskamp, representing Swanson Haskamp Consulting, was present to discuss the
revisions made to Land Use chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. On January 17, 2020, the
City received word from the Metropolitan Council that the 2040 Comp Plan as submitted to
them was incomplete. The Met Council identified several inconsistencies within the Plan.
Swanson Haskamp Consulting was hired by the City to review the Plan and revise it so a draft
can be resubmitted for Met Council review and eventual approval.
The inconsistencies within the Plan were related to the city's forecasted household and
employment projections for the Planning Period and the Future Land Use Plan. After analyzing
the Future Land Use for the city's Focus Areas, the consultant determined that the forecasted
Households should be increased by approximately 100 households, and that the projected
employment should be reduced by approximately 50% based on the identified land use and
market trends. The reason for the increase in households is due to the available acres identified
in the Focus Areas, as well as the needed density to meet the Met Council's requirement that all
new development in Mendota Heights achieve a minimum of five dwelling units per acre.
The consultant also recommends other minor changes to the Land Use and Growth chapter, to
update the chapter and make it easier to read. Ms. Haskamp stated that the Met Council has
reviewed these proposed amendments, and it is in agreement that the Plan would now meet the
Met Council's guidelines.
Councilor Duggan questioned how the 50% reduction in projected employment was arrived at.
Ms. Haskamp stated that Table 2-5 explains how this projection was arrived at. She reminded
the Council that the City will not be held to this projection.
Councilor Duggan questioned the density range being adequate to meet the affordable housing
allocation as required by the Met Council. Ms. Haskamp reminded the Council that the Met
Council cannot mandate affordable housing development.
Ms. Haskamp stated that the zoning in the City must be consistent with the future Land Use
Plan, and that the five dwelling units per acre is an average across all development in the city.
Council member Miller questioned the designation of the property located at 340 D Street as
Industrial. He questioned if this is accurate. Mr. Benetti reminded the Council that the
Planning Commission recommended this property remain designated as Industrial, and that the
Council can change that designation.
The Council members were in agreement that the revised forecasts and all revisions be
incorporated into Chapter 2. Land Use and Growth, as proposed, and also incorporated into the
remaining Chapters of the Draft 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The Draft will be brought before
the Council for final approval on December 30, 2020, at the Council's Special Council Meeting.
December 8, 2020 Mendota Heights Council Work Session Page 2 of 3
ADJOURN
Mayor Garlock moved to adjourn the meeting. Council member Duggan seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Neil Garlock, Mayor
ATTEST
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
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