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2021-04-06 Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, April 6, 2021 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Councilors Duggan, Paper, Mazzitello, and Miller, were also present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Miller moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Duggan moved approval of the consent calendar as presented, pulling items a. Approval of March 16, 2021 City Council Minutes bI Approval of March 16, 2021 Council Closed Session Minutes c. Acknowledge January 20, 2021 Airport Relations Commission Meeting Minutes d. Approve Out of State Training Request from Police Department e. Approve Police Department Cameras Purchase f. Approve Police Department Purchase of Bolo -Wrap Equipment g. Approve 2021 Workers Comp Insurance Renewal h. Approve Public Works Purchase of Skid -Steer Loader i. Approve MHAA Tournament Fee Waiver j. Approve Resolution 2021-26 Appoint Student Rep to Parks and Recreation Commission k. Award Contract for Somerset Sewer Project 1. Approve Solicitation of Requests for Proposals for Sewer Rate Study In, Approve Final Payment for Delaware Avenue Reconstruction Project n. Approve City Sponsorship of 2021 4ch of July Fireworks o. Approve Fire Synopsis p. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS F) APPROVE POLICE DEPARTMENT PURCHASE OF BOLAWRAP EQUIPMENT Councilor Paper asked for a description of the BolaWrap and how it works. Police Chief Kelly McCarthy stated that the state legislature passed changes to use of force laws. In order to serve the community to the best of their ability and protect the Officers, they continue to look for new methods to assist those that pose a threat to themselves or others. She stated that the BolaWrap is a handheld tethering device used to restrict the movement of arms and legs of those in crisis or those that pose a threat to Officers. A brief video clip was played demonstrating how the BolaWrap works. Councilor Miller moved to approve POLICE DEPARTMENT PURCHASE OF BOLAWRAP EQUIPMENT. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS J) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2021-26 APPOINT STUDENT REP TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Mayor Levine acknowledged the appointment of the student representative to the Parks and Recreation Commission. She stated that the student representative is a key voice for the community. Recreation Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the Commission is excited to have a student representative on the Commission and advised that the Chair and Vice Chair interviewed the candidates. Apri16, 2027 Mendota Heights Ciry Cmmci[ pq�e 2 of�3 Councilor Duggan moved to approve RESOLUTION 2021-26 APPOINT STUDENT REP TO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS N) APPROVE CITY SPONSORSHIP OF 2021 4Tx OF JULY FIREWORKS for City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that funds have been budgeted for this year a fireworks display on July 4th. The vendor is willing to provide a fireworks display on July 4eh but the $14,000 budgeted will not be enough to provide the length and type of show the City has done in the past. They recommend an additional $2,000. He stated that 50 percent of that cost would be required as a down payment. The vendor has offered to provide the show on an alternate date, but staff recommends keeping the show on July 0 Mayor Levine asked for details on limits to event capacity. Recreation Coordinator Meredith Lawrence replied that the Governor has not yet provided guidance on fireworks shows and the related capacity. She stated that additional guidance would be provided from the Governor in the coming weeks. Councilor Mazzitello asked if it would be possible to build in a cancelation clause into the purchase order with the down payment being refundable. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that the down payment is not refundable, but the amount could carry over to the next year if the show has to be canceled. Councilor Duggan moved to approve CITY SPONSORSHIP OF 2021 4Tx OF JULY FIREWORKS AT A COST OF $16,000 AND TO ISSUE 50 PERCENT OF THAT COST AS A DOWN PAYMENT, Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. Page 3 of 13 April 6, 2021 Meizdota Heights Ciry Council PUBLIC HEARING A) RESOLUTION 2021-27 IVY FALLS EAST NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to conduct a public hearing for the proposed Ivy Falls East Neighborhood Improvements. Councilor Mazzitello asked if this contractor would be completing the Saint Paul Regional Water (SPRW) work, or whether that would be done by a separate contractor through that entity. Mr. Ruzek replied that the city's contractor would be completing that work and SPRW would supply an inspector. Councilor Paper asked how that would impact the bid package. Mr. Ruzek replied that it would not impact the City's end of the project. He stated that SPRW will be invoiced for the water related work. Councilor Paper commented that a portion of the watermain project goes into Winston Court and asked if the remainder of the watermain was completed during the previous project for Winston Court, Mr. Ruzek explained that SPRW has criteria on when watermain needs to be replaced and provided additional details. Councilor Duggan referenced the total bid estimate and the portion related to the watermain. He asked if the watermain cost should be subtracted from the total bid as it will be the responsibility of SPRW. Mr. Ruzek replied that completing this project together will provide a cost savings to both entities. Mayor Levine commented that the curb cut rain gardens installed with other projects have been phenomenal and asked if there is interest for that with this project. Mr. Ruzek stated that eight or nine properties have shown an interest and these would be included in the plans. Mayor Levine asked if there is a goal for the number of rain gardens. Mr. Ruzek replied that there was not a goal and provided additional details on the ground water and elevations in this neighborhood. Councilor Mazzitello moved to open the public hearing. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Michael Weiner, 1027 London Road, asked why the City is rehabilitating the street rather than repaving. He stated that the comment was made that the assessment is meant to benefit the properties. He was unsure how his property would be benefited. He commented that there was a property on Winston Court that was sold but the sale was reversed once the assessment letter was received. He commented that he has a larger property and if the properties are assessed he believed that the cost should be assessed based on front footage rather than the same cost for all properties regardless of size. He commented that five percent interest seems ridiculous. He acknowledged that a project could be delayed by weather but noted that in other projects he has noticed days without work being completed. He commented that he wants to see activity taking place on site each day. Aprdl 6, 2021 �L/endota Heights City Council Page A of 13 Mr. Ruzek commented that the improvements are driven by the poor condition of the streets and SPRW is taking advantage of the project timing. He commented that this project ranges between a rehabilitation and reconstruction as all the pavement will be replaced. He stated that a third -party appraisal report could be completed to show the benefit to the assessed properties. He stated that the City standard has been to use a unit standard for the assessment when the zoning in a project area is equal. He stated that the estimated five percent interest rate would be excessive in the current market, but the City attempts to show the worst -case scenario for interest rates. He stated that the actual interest rate to be charged will be determined once the bonds are sold. He stated that all contractors are not equal and acknowledged that there was an issue with the Victoria Road project contractor. He stated that timelines have been incorporated into the project that require a task to be completed within a specified length of time. Mr. Weiner stated that he does not understand the bond costs and would assume that municipal and state bonds would have the same costs and have interest rates of around 1.4 percent. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that last year the bonds had an interest rate of .9 percent. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker replied that two percent is added to the bond issue percentage in order to account for legal and administrative costs. James Konen, 989 Downing Street, commented that he heard the statement that if there is damage to an underground irrigation system, it would be repaired. He referenced the discussion of rain gardens and commented that he was glad it is optional as he does not want mosquitos in his yard. He asked if the residents would be without water daring the project, whether mailboxes would need to be removed, and how people would access their homes during the project. Mr. Ruzek commented that if the irrigation system is damaged, the contractors will attempt to repair it. If not successful, then the homeowner could select their own contractor to complete the work and the City would reimburse that cost. He stated that the curb cut rain gardens are designed to infiltrate water within 72 hours and do not breed mosquitos. He stated that working hours are limited between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There are times when the contractor may advise residents to get their vehicle out if they will need it for the day. He stated that the road will be made passable by 7:00 p.m. each day. Staff will communicate the project timeline to the residents. There may be short times when residents are without water. He stated that some residents will be put on temporary water service and they will not be charged for water during this time. He noted that SPRW would alert residents to when their water would shut off. Steve Commers, 1066 Silvendale Road, stated that his home is adjacent to the proposed trail to Ivy Hills Park. He asked why the trail is needed now. He referenced the cost of the trail and compared that to the 12 people that use the easement. He stated that the trail will hurt the property values of the adjacent homes. He commented that the trail will bring in more people and an increase in trash. He commented that there are already two entrances to the park. He stated that he moved into his home for the greenspace and felt that this is government interference as this trail will block his view of Ivy Park. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that staff did some calculations on proposed trail which would be constructed in the existing City right-of-way. He stated that multimodal transportation is more important today which is why they are looking to add additional trails. He commented that he is not aware of concerns related to a decrease in property taxes or increase in trash. Page 5 of 13 April 6, 2021 Mendota Heights City Council Mr. Commers commented that he has a direct view out of his window to Ivy Park but if the trail is installed there would be greenery installed to screen the trail which would block his view of the park. He stated that people currently walk on the easement from the road to access the park and he believed that works fine. He stated that adding a trail would add more maintenance responsibility. Jim Conway, 668 Woodridge Drive, commented that he has lived in his home for 26 years and has never seen more than five or six people take the easement to access the park. He commented that it is not feasible to spend $50,000 on a path. He asked if there was input solicited from the residents in that area. He stated that the money would be better spent improving the park. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the Council is being asked to vote on the trail tonight and the project was based on input from the Safety Committee. He stated that a resident spoke about safety concerns and lack of connections between neighborhoods. Bill Mankey, 1017 London Road, stated this is a messy project and asked if there would be a penalty associated with delays of the project. He asked who the contact person for residents is. He stated that he has a stamped concrete driveway and would want that replaced in kind. He stated that he has a lamppost with a brick wall, which is nine to ten feet from the curb. He would not want that removed during construction. He stated that he has an irrigation system and recognizes that there may be damage. He hoped that the contractor is diligent and professional. Mr. Commers commented that the trail will be connected to a parking lot and he would be concerned that people would drive on the trail. He believed that having equipment in the neighborhood was not sufficient support to complete the trail. Mr. Ruzek commented that standard trails have a small sign that states no motorized vehicles. He stated that if vehicles are using the trail, the City would look at additional means to deter them. He commented that he did not believe the contractor would reach into the property to affect the lamppost. He stated that they are marking the special driveways and would attempt to match those. He stated that there are liquidated damages built into the contract for noise, dust control, and delays. He stated that he and Bobby Crane would be the city contacts for the residents. Once the project is awarded to a contractor, a letter would be sent to residents to provide additional information. Don Crane, 676 Arcadia Drive, commented that he supports the trail. He commented that the neighborhood has a mix of young families and older residents. He noted that the easement is difficult for people to use when there is brush on it, or during the winter months. He stated that the trail connection would provide a more visible access to the park. He stated that there is support for this connection in the neighborhood. Being no one further came forward to speak, Councilor Mazzitello moved to close the public hearing. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Apri[ 6, 2021 Mendotn Hedghts City Cou��ei[ Page 6 of 13 Councilor Mazzitello commented that several years ago the City reviewed the trail system City wide and identified gaps. He asked if this was identified as a gap. Mr. Ruzek replied that he is not aware that this was identified as a gap. He noted that the analysis did not look at neighborhood park connections. Councilor Duggan commented that he is not aware of a vehicle using a trail in Mendota Heights. He stated that if the trail is already being used by a limited number of people, would the expenditure provide additional safety. Mr. Ruzek replied that there is not an existing trail and it is not publicly known that there is a 60-foot right -of --way between the homes. He commented that this would be a brand-new trail that would be ADA compliant and would be useable year-round. Councilor Duggan recognized that it is always a challenge when change is proposed. He commented that he supports connecting the community but asked if it is necessary in this instance. He stated that perhaps there is a less intrusive option. He understood that a trail within the right-of-way would allow more people to move through that area. Councilor Paper asked if the budget for the trail includes landscaping to buffer the trail. Mr. Ruzek replied that plantings would be installed in the spring of 2022 and that is not included in the plans. He stated that staff would meet with the homeowners adjacent to the trail and gain their input on the landscaping. He noted that if landscaping is not desired, the City would not install landscaping along that property. Councilor Duggan asked if a gravel trail was considered. Mr. Ruzek replied that the City only owns eight - foot -wide asphalt trails. He noted that the only gravel trails that exist are within the nature area. Councilor Miller commented that while he appreciates the reluctance of the homeowner adjacent to the trail, he sees the safety of residents as more important. He commented that walking along a roadway without pathways is not the safest and using this right-of-way would be the shortest and safest route. He commented that most residents in that area would assumed this property to be private. He commented that it is important to have connectivity between neighborhoods and public properties, such as parks. He believed that making the park more usable and accessible to neighbors is a good use of City dollars. Councilor Mazzitello echoed the comments of Councilor Miller. He commented that this is right-of-way, not easement, that is 60 feet wide. He stated that there is space to accommodate a trail and the landscaping should be done in accordance with the pollinator friendly policy. He stated that he lives to the south of this area and his neighborhood has four connections that run between private homes. He commented that he could not think of a single incident where a vehicle drove on the trails or where there was trash or a disturbance to the neighborhood. He stated that he supports the project inclusive of the trail. Mayor Levine stated that she has been through a street reconstruction and knows the inconvenience. She commented that it is worth it to have the repaired road and maintain infrastructure. She stated that she fully supports the recommendation of staff. She stated that she has trail connections near her home and accessibility is critical to ensure families have safe paths to use. She stated that the asphalt would allow people with strollers to use the trail. She commented that the connection would save time for residents with young children to access the park. She commented that the rain gardens are beautiful and do not hold water. She noted that a resident would select their own plants to put into the rain gardens and would be involved in the process, along with volunteers. Page 7 of 13 April 6, 2021 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2021-27 ORDERING OF IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR IVY FALLS EAST NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT #201906, Councilor Miller seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) CONSIDER PARTICIPATION IN "OPEN TO BUSINESS" PROGRAM Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the Council was being asked to consider approving a Joint Powers Agreement with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) as part of the "Open to Business" program, which was sponsored by the CDA and Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD). Natalie Mouilso, Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developments (MCCD), provided information on MCCD and the programs available to help build strong and stable communities through economic and community development. She stated that the Open to Business program provides free support to small businesses and entrepreneurs through one-on-one advising, access to capital and direct financing and provided additional information. She provided information on the different types of clients that Open to Business has served and the types of support provided. She highlighted some of the 2021 activities including a three-part webinar series, student success day, business boot camp, group learning initiative, resource library day, and more to come. Councilor Miller asked how aloes -income business would be defined. Ms. Mouilso stated that they collect basic demographic information from each business and they track that based on household size and the income for the household. Mayor Levine asked if the City has participated in this program in the past. Mr. Benetti commented that this would be the third contract for the City and is a one-year contract. Mayor Levine commented that it appears four Mendota Heights businesses were helped this past year. Ms. Mouilso commented that there were four businesses and five residents that have businesses in other communities. Lisa Alfson, Dakota County Community and Economic Development Director, thanked the City for the partnership. She stated that the County attempts to use an economy of scale to provide different services. She commented that CDA pays for half of the time for the program and the cities pay for the other half. April 6, 2021 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 13 Councilor Duggan moved to approve JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE DAKOTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY AND THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE 2021 OPEN TO BUSINESS PROGRAM; AUTHORIZE SHARED FUNDING OF NOT MORE THAN $2,500 FOR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THIS BUSINESS PROGRAM; AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO THE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH DAKOTA COUNTY, Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye B) DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR OLD SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY TURNBACK Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated the Council was being asked to provide staff with direction on the future of Old Sibley Memorial Highway, Councilor Mazzitello asked who would own the cul-de-sac if option one was chosen. Mr. Ruzek commented that has not been addressed. Councilor Mazzitello stated that it is his understanding that MnDOT does not own cul-de-sacs. He stated that in the past there was discussion of installing a cul-de-sac on the end and leaving the road in place for a trail. Mr. Ruzek replied that the County has a trail not far from this location. Councilor Mazzitello commented that would be challenging to utilize assessments for future rehabilitation or repair of this road. The addition to the MSA fund would be about $40,000 per year and those funds should be held to ensure future repairs could be paid. He asked the existing pavement section for this roadway. Mr. Ruzek replied that MnDOT provided that information and he was satisfied. Councilor Duggan asked for information on the storage site. Mr. Ruzek stated the site is currently used by MnDOT maintenance and holds black dirt that has been excavated from other sites. He commented that it has been used as a material storage site and the City could continue to use it in that manner. Councilor Duggan asked if MnDOT would be willing to contribute to future maintenance costs. Mr. Ruzek replied that MnDOT has stated that this would be their maximum offer. He stated that if the City chose not to rehabilitate the roadway in 30 years, it could review the cul-de-sac option at that time. He stated that the roadway and right-of-way would become the property of the City. Councilor Paper commented that it would appear that there would be nothing that says the City cannot find a different purpose for the roadway in the future. He referenced the MSA funds and asked if a separate account would be created for those funds. Mr. Ruzek commented that the City does have an MSA account but was unaware if a subaccount could be created. He stated that staff could set the funds aside annually. He commented that the MSA system benefits cities that spend the money and penalizes cities that maintain a high balance, and therefore the City would not want to keep a high balance in the MSA account. Page 9 of 13 Apri16, 2021 Mendota Heights City Caunci[ Councilor Mazzitello commented that because this is a tumback, the City should have the option to sequester a portion of the MSA funds without being penalized. Councilor Paper commented that the only benefit that he sees is the transfer station that the City could use to store material. He commented that while the road is nice to have, it is not needed. Councilor Mazzitello commented that this is a strong piece of road and the City should not have to do a reconstruction because of the thickness of the pavement. He stated that if the City projects into the future for pavement maintenance, the road should last. Councilor Duggan commented he believes that this parcel falls within the Critical Area and therefore ditch work and ravine stabilization would have more stringent requirements. Mayor Levine commented that when a dog park location was discussed, a parcel along this road was reviewed. Councilor Mazzitello confirmed that on the riverside of Old Sibley Memorial Highway, north of the businesses, there is a City owned parcel that was briefly considered for a dog park, but the challenge was the topography of the site. Mayor Levine asked if this road provides access to the Big River Trail. Mr. Ruzek confirmed that section would remain open in any of the three options as the trail is located near the business section. Councilor Mazzitello moved to DIRECT STAFF TO NOTIFY MNDOT THAT THE CITY WILL ACCEPT OPTION #3 — REHABILITATE THE ROAD WITH NEW ASPHALT AND A RIBBON CURB AT MNDOT'S COST, AND THAT THE MATERIALS STORAGE SITE ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE TURN BACK TO THE CITY. Councilor Duggan seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye B) PRESENTATION OF QUARTERLY UPDATE FOR 2021-22 CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided the Council with the strategic priorities progress report for the first quarter. Councilor Mazzitello asked for an update on the item related to clear and understandable zoning code and the plan once the Comprehensive Plan is approved. Community Development Director Tim Benetti replied that as part of the Comprehensive Plan process, there is a timeline to update the ordinances. He noted that there are a number of ordinances that are required to be updated. Staff will work with the Planning Commission to update ordinances as needed. He stated that he is also working with the City Attorney's office on the language and advised that the final approval would come before the Council. April 6, 202L Mwzdata Heights Ciry Cou»ci7 Page 10 of 13 Councilor Mazzitello commented that he would prefer that a holistic review is done of the zoning code chapters to address issues that may exist outside of the Comprehensive Plan items. Mayor Levine thanked staff for the work they are doing to keep these items moving forward. She commented that she likes the review document as it is easy to read. Councilor Duggan referenced a comment within the report related to pretreating salt prior to the 2021- 2022 season and asked for additional details. He stated that he would be curious to see the progress and process through a memorandum related to the zoning code update for the Comprehensive Plan. ))APPROVE FIELD AND FACILITY USE POLICY AMENDMENT -TENNIS Recreation Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated the Council was being asked to approve an amendment to the Field and Facility Use Policy in regard to tennis court reservations and institute an hourly use fee on a trial basis for 2021. Councilor Paper commented that this seems to be a reasonable solution. He thanked staff for the time they put into this reasonable solution. ilMiller echoed the comments and noted that this seems to be the right solution. Councor Mayor Levine asked what will happen to existing reservations. Ms. Lawrence stated that the permit icy, if approved. She provided clarification on the amount applicants will be informed of the changed pol of court time that could be reserved per week and the associated cost. Mayor Levine commented that this would be a very reasonable rate and believed that this should be for a one-year trial period. Councilor Duggan moved to approve THE FIELD AND FACILITY USE POLICY AMENDMENT IN REGARD TO TENNIS COURT RESERVATIONS, AND DIRECT STAFF TO POST NOTICE ON THE CHANGE IN FEES TO $5 PER HOUR, Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye E) APPROVE PROPOSAL FOR PARKS STRATEGIC PLANNING FACILITATION City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that the Council was being asked to consider the hiring Huelife to assist the City in conducting strategic planning for the City's parks system. Pagell of73 Apri16, 2021 Mendota Heights City Cotutcil Councilor Paper stated that if the planning session is 12 hours, he would prefer to cap each meeting at three hours. Longer meetings become unproductive. He would like the athletic association involved. Councilor Mazzitello commented that one of the questions that needs to be answered is whether the initial meeting should be virtual or face to face. Mr. McNeill commented that if a face-to-face meeting is desired, that may be the most productive. He stated that if the meeting is held in mid -May that may provide the best opportunity for everyone to attend. Social distancing could be provided within the Council Chambers. He stated that the meeting could occur from 3:15 to 9:15 with dinner provided. He believed that dividing the meeting into two sessions would provide a better product in the end. Councilor Paper commented that he did not think about the starting and stopping and now that would impact productivity. He stated that perhaps three sessions, at four hours each, would be a better approach. He commented that the Fire Hall space would work well. He stated that if staff believes two six -hour sessions are better, he would support that. Councilor Duggan suggested that three hours be the baseline and the time could be extended if people are still engaged, but would be hesitant to go past four hours as people lose interest. Mayor Levine stated she would be willing to do the six -hour sessions if recommended. She felt that the sessions should be held in person as it is easier to focus. City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that if approved he would move forward and plan for the in - person sessions. Councilor Paper asked the timeline between the sessions. City Administrator Mark McNeill commented that it would be preferred to hold the sessions as close together as possible. Councilor Duggan moved to accept THE PROPOSAL OF HUELIFE TO PROVIDE STRATEGIC PARKS AND RECREATION PLANNING SERVICES. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye F) SET DATE FOR COUNCIL WORK SESSION City Administrator Mark McNeill stated the Council was being asked to establish a date to meet to discuss the results of a space needs study for the Police Department and City Hall, and other topics. It was the consensus of the Council to hold the work session on Wednesday Apri128th at 4:00 p.m. Apri16, 2021 Mendota Heights City Counczl Page 12 of 13 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Mark McNeill announced that Wentworth Park will have limited use this Friday due to tree removal. The new playground installation at Marie Park will begin Monday and should be ready for use by early June. cVUNCIJ. COMME1vTs Councilor Miller commented that as long as the date for the training session does not conflict with the Fire Station training, the Fire Station room could be used for the Parks Strategic Planning meeting. Councilor Paper commented that he is looking forward to the planning sessions as they will provide valuable information. Councilor Mazzitello thanked staff for the work that went into putting the Council packet together. He expressed appreciation to the staff. ADJOURN Councilor Duggan moved to adjourn. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. A roll call vote was performed: Councilor Paper aye Mayor Levine aye Councilor Duggan aye Councilor Mazzitello aye Councilor Miller aye Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m. Ste anie evine Mayor ATTEST: Lorri Smith City Clerk April 6, 2021 rlendota Heights City Caancii Page 13 of 13