2022-01-18 Council Minutes CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, January 18, 2022
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 Paper and Miller were also present.
Councilors Duggan and Mazzitello were absent.
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.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
PRESENTATIONS
A) MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson commented that members of the Mendota Heights Community
Foundation Board are present to provide information on the newly formed foundation.
Sandra Krebsbach stated that they have been working on the creation of this foundation for the past three
years. There has been a need for more in Mendota Heights that brings people together with the intention
of hosting one-time events or installations. She reviewed the members of the Board, the purpose, and
details on how the foundation was formed.
Mary Magnuson commented that the foundation has received a tax-exempt status from the IRS, along
with a 5O1-3C classification which means that any donations to the foundation are tax deductible for the
donor. She noted that donations could be for a specific project or purpose.
Steve Norton commented that there is a sense of community in Mendota Heights and hoped that this
foundation would help to build upon that. He acknowledged that the City's budget is run tightly which
allows for lower taxes but it means there are programs that cannot be offered by the City. He provided
his phone number for any residents that may have questions.
Liz Petschel commented that they are dreaming big as to how the foundation funds could be used to bring
different events or programs to the community. She stated that the foundation is willing to work with
other groups as well. They are excited to begin fundraising this spring with perhaps a kickoff event.
Councilor Miller commented that this is something the community has been lacking. He thanked those
that worked to form the foundation.
Councilor Paper acknowledged this has been a long time coming and believed this would be a tremendous
benefit to the community. He asked if the foundation website could be linked to the City website.
Sandra Krebsbach thanked City Administrator Jacobson and Council members and stated she looks
forward to how they will celebrate the community in many ways going forward.
Mayor Levine commented it is great to see this come forward as this has been a dream for some time. She
thanked the members for their work.
B)DAKOTA COUNTY—YOUTH EMERGENCY AND SUPPORTIVE HOUSING
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that representatives from Dakota County are present to provide
information on their interest in the property located at 2031 Victoria Road South for the purpose of
providing emergency housing for youth ages 12 to 17. She stated the property is currently owned by
Living Well who operates a 12-bed residential services facility for adults with intellectual and
developmental disabilities. She noted the property owner is interested in selling the property. The City
Attorney has reviewed the plans from Dakota County and determined the proposed use would be allowed.
Julia Wallis Holmoe, Dakota County Social Worker, stated that Dakota County is pursuing the purchase
of this facility with the intention to contract with a vendor to license the facility and provide "shelter care
services"to youth experiencing a personal or family crisis. She provided examples of shelter care services
and why this service is needed,noting that Harbor Shelter in Hastings previously provided this service but
closed in 2019. Those who would use this shelter would be in need of a temporary safe place to stay while
the family and professionals work towards reunification. She stated that Dakota County is in negotiations
with Nexus Family Services that has operated in Minnesota for nearly 50 years. There will be a community
conversation meeting on February 15'h and representatives from Nexus will be at the meeting. She stated
there would be 24-hour supervision and provided additional details on how the facility would be operated.
Jay Biedny, Capital Projects Manager for Dakota County, stated that the property is two acres in size and
accessed from the church parking lot and a dedicated driveway off Victoria Road. The building was built
for the current use. He stated that the County takes property ownership seriously and continually invests
in its properties. He highlighted some of the maintenance activities that would be proposed for the
property. He also reviewed the existing floorplan of the building and identified areas that would be
renovated or updated.
Ms. Holmoe provided details on the actions that have occurred in the past six to nine months for this
project as well as the timeline moving forward.
January 1$2022 Akndota Heights City Council Page 2 of 12
Councilor Miller stated that it was mentioned that the limit would be a 90 day stay, but typically the stay
is much shorter. He asked what would happen if someone would need a stay beyond 90 days. Ms. Holmoe
replied that licensure is through the Minnesota Department of Human Services. An extended stay would
need to have a specific plan in place and be approved through that agency and the County.
Councilor Miller asked if the one staff member to four youth residents would be the minimum ratio. Ms.
Holmoe confirmed that would be the minimum,noting that requirement would be part of the contract with
the vendor.
Councilor Miller asked the average age of a youth resident at this type of facility. Ms. Holmoe referenced
data from Harbor Shelter, noting that 50 percent of the kids were aged 12 to 15, and 50 percent were 16
to 18. She provided additional demographic information on the youth residents that used Harbor Shelter
noting an average stay of 16 days.
Councilor Paper asked if that staffing ratio would be in effect 24 hours or only during business hours. Ms.
Holmoe confirmed that those would be staffing ratios 24 hours per day.
Councilor Paper asked who would be responsible for the oversight of the facility. Ms. Holmoe replied
that the license is issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and the common source of
referrals would come from child protection,juvenile corrections, and crisis response.
Councilor Paper asked the level of offense for children that would be placed in this facility. Sarah Reetz,
Dakota County Community Corrections,replied that it is not about the offense but the risk level to public
safety that is considered. She stated that all kids corning from community corrections would first be
screened and assessed at a secured facility. The most common offense for this type of facility would be a
result of a conflict at home between a child and parent and she provided details on that process.
Councilor Paper asked if juvenile court would also assign youth to this facility. Ms. Reetz stated that the
court could order the youth back to the shelter pending a crisis plan or psychological evaluation before
returning home or going to another facility.
Councilor Paper asked if corrections would have oversight of the facility as well. Ms. Reetz commented
that community corrections does not have oversight of the actual facility, they are simply one of the
referral sources.
Councilor Paper asked who would provide for security, for both the residents in the facility and those that
live around the facility. Ms. Reetz replied that would be provided by the contracted vendor who would
supply the staff for the facility.
Councilor Paper asked for additional details on security. He noted that the teenagers that would be at the
facility would not be experiencing the best of times in their lives. Ms. Reetz commented the vendor will
have a security system and 24-hour supervision. She noted that there will be regular checks to ensure
safety of the residents. The vendor has experience working with children with complex mental health
issues and they would be trained in de-escalation and working with youth.
Ms. Holmoe commented that the vendors that operate these facilities have experience and deal with these
situations on a day-to-day basis. She encouraged Councilor Paper to attend the community conversation
with Nexus.
January 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 12
Councilor Paper stated that ultimately this would be a County facility. Ms. Holmoe commented that the
County would have a contract with the vendor and if they felt that the vendor was not fulfilling that
contract to provide quality services, that contract could be ended.
Councilor Paper asked why referrals would be accepted from Washington County. Ms. Holmoe replied
that Washington County has been a partner from the very beginning, noting that Dakota and Washington
counties were the two biggest referrals to Harbor Shelter. She stated that Washington County would be
contributing to the purchase of the property. She noted that the vendor would be able to accept referrals
from other counties, but Washington and Dakota would have first chance.
Councilor Paper asked how the occupancy would be capped at 12 residents. Ms. Holmoe stated that it
would be part of the contract negotiations, as to whether one bed is kept open for emergency night
placement. She stated that if the 12 beds were filled, they would look at other resources.
Councilor Paper noted that the Hastings facility had a fair number of police calls each year. He stated that
Mendota Heights would be responsible to respond to calls for service which could put demand on services.
Ms. Holmoe stated they spoke about wanting to enhance the services and support to the youth residents
and they believe this vendor would provide better services and support which would result in a lower
number of calls. She noted that most of the calls were in response to elopement or children walking away
from the site.
Ms. Reetz stated if the behavior of the residents escalates or if they walk out the door,they do not receive
the opportunity to come back to the facility and would go to a secured center. She stated that this type of
facility would be used for children that do not have criminal history and have a low risk to public safety.
Councilor Paper commented that there is not a lot around the site within walking distance.He asked which
school district would be responsible for the children. Ms. Holmoe commented that all the children placed
at this location would qualify for special education services and noted that there are a variety of ways in
which education services can be setup. She noted that they are in discussions with ISD 197 and Nexus as
to how the services would be provided.
Councilor Paper asked how this would work with the district when there is a constant flux of ten to 12
children that are constantly turning over. Ms. Holmoe stated that it is her understanding that the district
would enroll the kids and provide them with educational services. She stated there are more online
educational service options following COVID.
Councilor Paper asked how visitors are addressed, both wanted and unwanted. Ms. Holmoe stated that
would be a question for Nexus and noted there are typically scheduled visiting hours.
Councilor Paper asked if there would be a bus or van for transportation. Ms. Holmoe was unsure of the
plan for transportation.
Councilor Paper asked for details on services that would be offered for recreation. Ms. Holmoe noted that
the property has a large yard for activities and the children would also have meetings and appointments to
setup their plans for moving forward.
January 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 12
Councilor Paper asked for details on property values and how it can be assumed that the change in use
would not impact property values of adjacent properties. Ms. Holmoe stated that there is no hard data that
says these facilities lower property values. She spoke with a realtor who stated that because the property
is already licensed as a group facility, the change is use would not have an impact. She noted that the
County Assessor also could not provide any data showing an impact to property values.
Councilor Paper referenced a letter from Commissioner Halverson which referenced onsite services and
asked for more details. Ms. Holmoe commented that those are enrichment activities and support groups
that would be held, such as skill building, counseling, and family remediation. She noted the goal is to
work towards family reunification and the provider would help to facilitate that.
Councilor Paper asked who would be responsible for items such as roof replacement. Mr. Biedny
commented that the lease would allow the County to have capital costs built into the per diem which would
cover long-term maintenance. He stated that the County would always be the backstop as they would not
allow the property to degrade.
Councilor Paper asked who would be responsible for outdoor maintenance. Mr. Bieney confirmed that
would be completed by the vendor.
Councilor Paper stated that the notification letters that are mailed only go to a small area around the
property and he wanted to ensure the information is shared with a larger base of the community.
Mayor Levine asked the average number of beds that are typically needed. Ms. Holmoe replied that
Washington.County is a partner and therefore numbers fluctuate. She stated that they are talking with the
provider with the intention of using ten beds.
Mayor Levine asked what would happen to a child when there is not a bed available. Suzanne Tuttle,
Deputy Director of Human Services, stated that the plan is always to try to return the child to the home,
but they also want to ensure the home would be safe. She stated that the child could go to a foster care
home or with another family member. She noted that another option would be placement at an out of area
location but noted that is not the preferred choice.
Mayor Levine asked how the current operations would be funded. Ms. Holmoe stated that Dakota County
is still finalizing how to fund this purchase. She noted that Washington County plans to use ARP funds
for its portion of the cost. Once the site is purchased, they would enter into a low-cost lease with the
vendor. Each resident placed at the facility would come with a per diem.
Mr. Biedny stated that part of every per diem includes capital costs. He commented that this will be
cheaper for the County in the long run as the County will own the building.
Mayor Levine commented that she has heard from many residents on this topic and asked how the
community would continue to be updated. Ms. Holmoe replied that they have discussed creating a
neighborhood advisory board which would meet regularly. This would be discussed further once the
negotiations with Nexus are completed.
Mayor Levine asked how the community could be involved with the residents, if there are volunteer
opportunities, and how the community can be a good neighbor. Ms. Holmoe commented that would be a
discussion with the neighborhood advisory group. Nexus is a nonprofit and perhaps they offer volunteer
opportunities.
January 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of J2
Mayor Levine invited the public to speak.
Denise Quinlan, 1939 Twin Circle Drive, commented that this shelter would be in her backyard. She
stated that Harbor Shelter had 60 to 70 police calls per year, which would be a disruption. She thanked
the County for holding the neighborhood meetings and stated that safety is important.
Father Emmanuel, Holy Family Maronite Catholic Church, stated the church believes this is a noble
endeavor. He provided information on the church which moved to Mendota Heights 15 years ago to gain
safety and stability. He stated they hope this use would not impact the safety of the congregation.
Steve Helmstetter, 1248 Culligan Lane,asked the average cost per child for services. He noted that several
hundred different children could be housed at the facility within a 90-day period. He asked the cost to the
families of the children in the facility. He asked if this would be a burden on the school district and the
police department. He asked if the City would receive reimbursement for the police services provided.
Ms. Holmoe estimated that the average placement for a child at this type of facility would be from $250
to $450 per day depending on the level of support provided.
Ms. Tuttle commented there is a recapture department at the County and families are assessed a portion
of the cost for services. She explained how that cost is determined.
Ms. Holmoe stated the goal is reunification with the family. The County assesses needs and community
resources to get the child back home or to another type of placement. Data from Harbor Shelter showed
that 60 percent of the children returned to their home, 20 percent went to a relative or foster care, and ten
percent went to a more intensive service facility. She stated the County would hold the contract. If the
vendor under delivers on services or if there were issues, the County would address those issues.
Mayor Levine asked whom the City would call if there were an issue that is not resolved with Nexus. Ms.
Holmoe confirmed that there is a contract manager at the County. She stated that a concern could also
come to any of the County staff and they would ensure it was properly addressed.
Mayor Levine noted the police department would be handling the calls for service. She asked for input
from the Police Chief as to whether 60 to 70 calls for services would be significant. Police Chief Kelly
McCarthy replied that is not a large number of calls. She estimated the department responds to 6,000 to
10,000 calls for service per year, and the current site is responsible for 40 to 50 calls for service each year.
Councilor Miller asked how long Dakota County has been working in partnership with Washington
County. Ms. Holmoe replied that Dakota and Washington counties were the two highest referrals to
Harbor Shelter and therefore the highest in need when that facility closed. She stated that the County often
cooperates with neighboring communities/counties on programs to be efficient. They have been working
together on this since 2019 when Harbor Shelter closed. She confirmed that they reviewed properties in
both counties. Living Well has been working with the County to relocate its residents and expressed an
interest in selling for this purpose.
Councilor Miller asked if the need for this type of service were to grow,would the County look at a second
building in another location,perhaps in Washington County. Ms. Holmoe stated that if the referrals were
not growing for Dakota County but were growing for Washington County,Dakota County would not look
to house that additional need in Dakota County.
January 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 12
Mayor Levine thanked the Dakota County staff for attending. She commented that this item was
informational only.
Mr. Biedny commented that the church previously mentioned came to Mendota Heights for safety and
security and the children that would use this facility would be coming for that same reason.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval.
She noted that item g. Approving Teamsters Labor Agreement for 2022-2023 would be removed from the
agenda and brought back to a future meeting.
Councilor Miller moved approval of the consent calendar as presented, pulling items C, E, G, and I.
a. Approval of January 4, 2022 City Council Minutes
b. Acknowledge the December 14, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
e. Approve joint Powers AgreemefA(YR 2022 2023) for Open to Business Program through Daket
d. Approve Year 2022 Contract for Building Official Services with A to Z Home Inspection, LLC
(Michael Andrejka)
e. Resolution 2022 07 Approve joiTA -Powers AgreemefA with Dakota Gounty for a Pedest-Fian an
1T;eyele Plan
f. Approve 2022-2023 IUOE Union Labor Agreement
g. Approve 2022 2023 Minnesota Teamsters Publie and Law EnfarcefneiA Employee's 14nion Loeal
h. Approve Purchase Order for Northland Drive Lift Station Pump Replacement
j. Acknowledge November 2021 Par 3 Financial Report
k. Approval of the December 2021 Building Activity Report
1. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
C) APPROVE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (YR 2022-2023) FOR OPEN TO BUSINESS
PROGRAM THROUGH DAKOTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Mayor Levine commented that this is an important program that provides a lot of benefit for low cost.
She asked staff to provide a brief overview on the program and how residents could use the program.
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained this program is for residents who are looking
to start a business or who are trying to seek business assistance from an expert. He stated that any resident
or business owner in Mendota Heights would be eligible to use the program free of charge. He commented
that there has been limited activity for the program,but they want the program to be eligible for use.
January 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 12
Councilor Paper moved to approve the JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT (YR 2022-2023) FOR OPEN
TO BUSINESS PROGRAM THROUGH DAKOTA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
AGENCY.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
E) RESOLUTION 2022-07 APPROVE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT WITH DAKOTA
COUNTY FOR A PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PLAN
Mayor Levine highlighted that the City received a$30,000 grant from the County to map out a pedestrian
and bicycle plan for the city,which is a big win for the community. She asked staff to provide information.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the County administers a grant for this purpose and
the City was awarded $30,000 to develop a city-wide pedestrian and bicycle master plan. He stated they
will look to see how the trails can provide benefit and connectivity, identify trail gaps and areas where
trail improvements could improve mobility. The City has submitted an RFP to several consultants with a
deadline of February 4th. The City is required to provide a$5,000 match for the grant.
Councilor Miller moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2022-07 APPROVE JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
WITH DAKOTA COUNTY FOR A PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE PLAN.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
G) APPROVE 2022-2023 MINNESOTA TEAMSTERS PUBLIC AND LAW
ENFORCEMENT EMPLOYEE'S UNION LOCAL NO. 320 LABOR AGREEMENT
Mayor Levine noted that this item has been removed to continue negotiations.
I) APPROVE AMENDMENT TO THE PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATION POLICY
Mayor Levine stated that the city has great picnic shelters, and she would like the opportunity to publicize
that. She asked how residents can reserve a picnic shelter.
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence reported that reservations will begin to be accepted
March I". She stated there are six parks with picnic shelters. Those interested can complete a form on
the website or receive a paper form at City Hall. The fee for shelters is $50 for residents per shelter per
day, or $75 for nonresidents.
Mayor Levine commented there is a new shelter being built at the Dakota County Big Rivers Regional
Trailhead,near Sibley Memorial Highway and Mendota Heights Road. This is a Dakota County Park with
bathrooms and electricity. She stated the City will work to determine how residents could reserve that
shelter. Ms. Lawrence commented that because that is not a City facility, reservations will be handled by
the County for that amenity.
January 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 12
Councilor Paper asked if the website specifies the number of picnic tables at each shelter. Ms. Lawrence
confirmed that four tables will be provided per shelter and additional tables could be requested for a fee.
Councilor Paper noted that the Park Commission recommended reducing the recommendation of
turnaround time from seven days to five business days. Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the recommendation
from the Commission was for a response time of five total days, not business days. She stated that staff
does a great job issuing the permit and often responds in less than five days. The request to extend the
deadline requirement is to allow additional time to review and process the reservation request.
Councilor Paper moved to approve AMENDMENT TO PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATION POLICY.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No one from the public wished to be heard.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) RESOLUTION 2022-08 APPROVING A MISSISSIPPI RIVER CORRIDOR CRITICAL AREA
(MRCCA) PERMIT FOR 796 SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY (MICHAEL AND THERESA
SWIGGUM)
Community Development Director Tim Benetti explained that the Council was being asked to adopt a
resolution approving a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA) Permit to construct a new
single-family dwelling on land situated in the MRCCA Overlay District.
Theresa Swiggum stated that they love the property and want to build their forever home here. She stated
that they are committed to planting with native species.
Michael Swiggum commented on some issues on the property that would be addressed to mitigate damage
done to adjacent properties.They look forward to working with their neighbors to remedy those situations.
Mayor Levine asked if the adjacent property to the south is vacant. Mr. Benetti stated the lot to the south
is owned by the neighbor to the south of it.
Mayor Levine commented that she listened to the Planning Commission meeting and noted that it appears
that perhaps there are issues in the process the City needs to respond to.
Councilor Paper noted that the landscaping plan has been submitted and it appears this new home would
fit in well.
January 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 of 12
Mayor Levine recognized that there is a fluidness in developing a landscaping plan at this early stage in
the process. She encouraged the residents to reach out to the available resources that can provide input
on landscaping and natural resources.
Councilor Paper moved to approve RESOLUTION 2022-08 APPROVING A MISSISSIPPI RIVER
CORRIDOR CRITICAL AREA (MRCCA) PERMIT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 796
SIBLEY MEMORIAL HIGHWAY.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
B)PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT ORGANIZATION
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Dumais presented information on the job description and pay
classification for the new position of Park and Recreation. Manager; the revised job description for the
Recreation Program Coordinator; and job description for the seasonal positions of Pickleball Instructor
and Pickleball Assistant.
Councilor Miller commented that he is appreciative of the efforts on this topic.
Councilor Paper commented that this would hire a new Park and Recreation Manager which results in the
Recreation Program Coordinator no longer being responsible for the Par 3. He asked if a reduction to the
pay for that position would occur. Ms. Dumais replied that a salary reduction is not part of this action,
noting that the Recreation Program Coordinator would continue in its same pay grade classification with
additional programming duties.
Councilor Paper referenced the pickleball positions and asked for details. Ms. Dumais stated there would
be a lead instructor along with an assistant, similar to a tennis instructor and tennis assistant. She noted
these are seasonal positions that would handle that program.
Mayor Levine asked what that programming would entail. Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith
Lawrence stated that the pickleball program would be similar to tennis lessons. She noted that the lead
would handle lesson plan development while the assistant would help run the program. She stated that
this would be a small pilot program and if it does well, they could expand upon the program.
Councilor Paper asked if the City would be able to fill those seasonal positions. Ms. Lawrence commented
that will not be known until they post the positions. She stated that there are a lot of residents in the
community that may want to be a part of this program. She stated that they have planned to hold the
program at Marie Park and it could be expanded to the other court location if successful.
Councilor Paper asked why Marie Park was chosen rather than friendly Hills. Ms. Lawrence replied that
Marie Park was chosen because that is where tennis lessons have been successful. She noted that the
location could be changed if desired.
Councilor Paper commented that Marie Park is a busy park and that was his consideration.
January 18,2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 10 of'12
Councilor Paper commented that this is a lot of money for the job and asked how they got to this point.
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that this was a part of the budget discussion. She stated that
she identified a gap to sync parks and public works together. She stated that there is also a need for park
project management as that floats between staff and does not have an actual home. She stated that creating
this position would fill that gap and allow the Recreation Program Coordinator to better focus on
programming.
Councilor Paper asked how the pay was determined. Administrator Jacobson explained how the City's
pay evaluation method is used for determining position pay.
Mayor Levine moved to approve JOB DESCRIPTION, PAY CLASSIFICATION AND AUTHORIZE
RECRUITMENT FOR THE NEW POSITION OF PARK AND RECREATION MANAGER;
APPROVE THE REVISED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE RECREATION PROGRAM
COORDINATOR;AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE SEASONAL POSITIONS OF PICKLEBALL
INSTRUCTOR AND PICKLEBALL ASSISTANT.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
C) QUARTER 4 UPDATE FOR 2021-22 CITY COUNCIL STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided the strategic priorities progress report for the fourth quarter.
Councilor Paper referenced an item that has been parked and asked for details on when that would return.
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that a tabletop exercise was held this past September.
Police Chief Kelly McCarthy confirmed that the tabletop exercise was completed with City staff and stated
there has been discussion on further training of the City Council. She stated that training could be tailored
to their needs, but they are not getting together in groups any time soon.
Councilor Paper asked for an update on the Citizens on Patrol Program. Chief McCarthy clarified that it
was the CERT program and noted that everyone in the program has graduated and is available if needed.
Mayor Levine stated that funding has been allocated to review the security of the city hall building. She
commented that there is a lot of detail in the plan that will be further discussed in worksession settings.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Jacobson thanked the Mendota Heights Community Foundation for the introduction
tonight. She stated that if residents are interested in engaging through participation or donation, they can
reach out to City Hall. She announced upcoming events.
January 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 11 of 12
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Paper thanked the Mendota Heights Community Foundation for its presentation tonight and
believed that organization will bring a lot of value to the community. He thanked Steve Goldade for his
time on the Park and Recreation Commission. He also recognized that the previous day was Martin Luther
King Jr. Day which is a reminder to do better.
Councilor Miller concurred with those statements.
Mayor Levine welcomed and thanked the individuals responsible for the Mendota Heights Community
Foundation. She stated that on Martin Luther King Jr. Day they celebrate a man that contributed so much
to make the country a better place. She stated that earlier today there was the first ever Senate bonding
tour stop in Mendota Heights as the City is looking for funding for Pilot Knob to enhance the site. She
commented that the City has never made a request of this nature of the State, and it is an exciting
opportunity. She welcomed residents to send letters of support to their legislators.
ADJOURN
Councilor Paper moved to adjourn.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 0
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.
Stephani Levine
Mayor
ATTEST:
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Lorri Smith
City Clerk
danumy 18, 2022 Mendota Heights City Council Page 12 of 12