2022-08-17 City Council Minutes - Work SessionCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of tihe City Council Work Session
Held August 17, 2022
Pursuant to due
call
and notice thereof, a work session
of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights,
Minnesota was
held
at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve,
Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 3:OOpm. Councilors Duggan, Mazzitello, Miller, and Paper
were also present.
Staff in attendance included City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek,
Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson, Parks and
Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence, and City Clerk Christine Lusian,
DISCUSSION OF THE FY2023 PROPOSED BUDGET
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
City Administrator Jacobson provided an introduction of work session goals reviewing the community
population, composition, operating budget, notables, capital improvement plan, fund balance, budget
improvement packages, proposed tax rate and levy, and the adoption Timeline.
Members discussed the impacts of inflation at 9% and the proposed cost of living adjustment for
employee wages. The group discussed pay equity requirements, compensation study history, CPI, and
comparable cities. Duggan asked for clarification on the tax levy summary, general fund expenditure
summary, and the licensing fees for Microsoft 365.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED BUDGETS
Streets
Notable increases include fuel, training, sweeping, and removal of ash trees. Group members reviewed
the etnergency snow removal and ice control methods, including recently implemented brine making
equipment that could result in financial and environmental benefits to the community. Paper stressed the
importance and value of continued staff training and development.
Members discussed vehicle/equipment values and fuel/alternative energy options with the majority in
support of alternative options, such as electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Duggan raised
concern with safety and reliability while Mazzitello noted the importance of the purpose and function of
each vehicle/equipment. Group members expressed initiative to make connections with resources
available to cities in the form of rebates and grants.
Parks
Notable increases include rentals, fuel, Mendota Height Athletic Association maintenance requests,
invasive control, native plantings, and Natural Resources Management Plan. Mazzitello offered to assist
with securing state funding support. Staff work includes searching for grant funding and Dakota County
is also supportive to the Natural Resources Management Plan. Duggan requested detail on water service
expenses, which is irrigation, and the guidelines of USTA grant. Paper asked for further detail on the
landscaping at Towne Centre and whether the proposed amount for tree removal is enough. Levine
pointed out the importance of providing staff the resources needed to get the job done.
Miller was excused 4:SOpm.
Sewer Utilities
Notable changes include training, fuel, lift station, and sewer camera. The lift station equipment life cycle
has been exceeded. The sewer camera is critical to operations and a technology update is necessary. Met
Council fees do not reflect a change and are expected to drop in 2023. Public Works Director Ruzek
reminded members that sewer utilities is not a levied budget item.
Concluding
Finance Director Schabacker will follow up on ARPA guidelines and offered the option to direct funding
towards street projects, which would result in reduced bonding obligation. Members expressed interest in
reviewing new project plans, such as Wentworth warming house, in a future discussion of the Special
Parks Fund. Councilmember Mazzitello requested staff present alternatives when a new project is being
proposed.
Mazzitello was excused at 5:1 Opm.
Members were in consensus that councilors and staffwork hard to getthe most value in service for the
money noting that growth is a good economic sign. Remaining members wrapped up the work session
completing review of the first agenda item (B.a Streets/Parks/Sewer Utilities).
ADJOURN
Mayor Levine adjourned the work session at 5:19pm to August 22 at 6:1 Spm.
ATTEST:
city