2021-08-17 Council Work Session minutes CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Held August 17, 2021
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 Levine called the meeting to order at 3.00 pm. Councilmembers Mazzitello,Miller,and Paper were
also present. Councilor Duggan arrived at 3:25 pm.
City staff present included Mark McNeill, City Administrator; Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City
Administrator; Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director; Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program
Coordinator; Kristen Schabacker, Finance Director; John Boland, Public Works Superintendent; Dave
Dreelan, Fire Chief; Tom Mattini, President of the Fire Relief Association; and Lorri Smith, City Clerk.
CONTINUATION OF
DISCUSSION OF FY2021 PROPOSED BUDGET
FROM AUGUST 16, 2021
Public Works Department— Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek and Public Works Superintendent John
Boland explained the proposed budget for 2022. Mr. Ruzek mentioned the tree removal budget has been
increased. This line item includes the purchase of new trees.
Budget improvement packages include a plow truck with brine capabilities, a salt storage bin, and a gated
parking area on the back side of the public works facility.
Parks Department— Mr. Ruzek stated the Parks department proposed budget will see an increase in the
port-a-patty budget since they are now being rented year-round.
Budget improvement packages include replacement of the Wentworth warming house,replacement of the
Wentworth parking lot (along with paving the Wentworth hockey rink which would be paid for with
Special Park Funds), Roger's Lake skatepark redesign and renovations-partially paid for using Special
Parks Funds,Wentworth tennis court reconstruction,replacement of the Valley View Heights playground,
resurfacing the Friendly Hills tennis courts, purchasing two UTV machines-including one with a dump
box.
Utilities-Server—This is an enterprise fund. A rate study is being completed to ensure rates are accurately
set. Projects being proposed for 2022 include Ridge Place.
Budget improvement packages include the replacement of the generator at the main lift station.
Utilities-Storm Water Mr. Ruzek noted that the balance in this fund is approximately $200,000. Mayor
Levine noted that she would prefer that the rates be increased incrementally a small amount each year,
rather than larger increases every few years.
Utilities-Street Lights — Mr. Ruzek noted that the City may be looking at upgrading the street lights to
LED at some point in the future.
Special Parks Fund— Mr. Ruzek noted the budget improvement packages to be paid for using Special
Parks Funds. These include covered dugouts for Mendakota and other parks, a dog park shade table, the
possibility of adding trees to the dog park area, and trail markers and mapping of the city trails.
Fire ReliefAssociation—Fire Chief Dave Dreelan and Firefighter Tom Mattaini explained the request for
an additional $500 contribution per firefighter to the firefighter's retirement fund, for a total increase of
$18,000. Councilor Duggan suggested increasing the contribution by $750 per firefighter, to attract and
retain younger members to the group.
Fire Department—Chief Dreelan explained the request from the Fire Department. He stated that most of
the increases are due to inflation costs and having a larger building to maintain.
Budget improvement packages included a ladder truck to replace the Ladder 10 truck, replacement of an
ATV machine, replacement of three thermal imaging cameras, replacement of all mobile radios, utility
vehicle upgrades, and computers for a new training lab being proposed.
ADJOURNMENT
The Council set the next budget meeting date for Wednesday, August 25, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 5:45 p.m.
Stephanie Levine
Mayor
ATTEST:
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
August 17,2021 Council Work Session-Budget Page 2