2021-03-23 Planning Commission Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
MINUTES
PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
MARCH 23, 2021
A workshop training session of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday,
March 23, 2021. Because of the ongoing pandemic, the training session was held virtually.
The following Commissioners were in attendance: Commissioners Patrick Corbett, Litton Field,
Sally Lorberbaum, Cindy Johnson, Michael Toth, Andrew Katz and Brian Petschel. Those absent:
None.
The following staff members were in attendance: Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, City
Administrator Mark McNeill. Community Development Director Tim Benetti joined at 7:20 PM.
Also in attendance: City Councilor John Mazzitello, and City Attorneys Elliot Knetsch and Joel
Jamnik with Campbell-Knutson Law.
Discussion Items:
City Administrator McNeill introduced Attorneys Knetsch and Jamnik from the law firm of
Campbell Knutson. The attorneys discussed several common land use issues which come before
Planning Commissions, and spent a significant amount of time on variances.
The city attorneys also reviewed a number of court case studies where variances and zoning
decision-making by other municipalities were either upheld or reversed by the courts for specific
reasons. The city attorneys explained the rationale for such court decisions, and answered a
number of questions from the commissioners.
This was not an official meeting of the Commission, and no votes were taken or decisions were
made.
Adjourn:
Upon no additional questions or comments from the commissioners, city attorneys and city staff,
the workshop session officially adjourned at 8:54 PM.
Minutes taken by:
Mark McNeill
City Administrator
03/23/2021