2022-06-21 City Council Minutes - Work SessionCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Worlc Session
Held Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Mendota Heights City Council was held at City
Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota,
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. Councilors Duggan, Mazzitello and Paper were also
present. Councilor Miller was absent.
Staff in attendance included City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek,
Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson, Parks and
Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence, and City Clerk Christine Lusian.
PRESENTATION FROM ROOTS IN THE GROUND
Roots in the Ground is a local volunteer initiative. Roots in the Ground asked that the city become a Tree
City USA city and recommended the city allocate a line item in the budget specifically for tree planting and
maintenance in accordance with the city vision already in place by council. Roots noted that the Green Step
City designation is already a comprehensive plan task the city has committed to and requires meeting the
Tree City USA requirements. Tree canopy benefits to the community include cooler temperatures,
increased property values, slower speeds, reduced stress, improved surface water drainage, and more.
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
Council reviewed the Nahu-al Resom-ce Management Plan, discussed questions and concerns in preparation
for adopting the plan. Council has extensively reviewed the plan, formed a steering committee, held public
hearing, and allowed sufficient time for feedback. Natural Resources is a priority to council and the city.
Consultant RES will make minor updates and submit by July 14. The plan will be included in the consent
agenda Judy 19.
RETAINING WALL-1912 SOUTH LANE
Ruzek requested council direction on a retaining wall in the public right of way at 1912 South Lane
originally installed by the city in 1987. The property owner requests replacement of the wall due to
deterioration in areas. Council discussed concerns and options and directed Ruzek to solicit contractor
opinions on the structural integrity of the wall.
ADJOURN
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 5:19 pm.
. ev.�
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
Christ usian, ' Clerk
June 21, 2022 Mendota Heigh[s Council Workthop Page 2