2022-08-23 City Council Minutes - Work SessionCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Held August 23, 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 6:16pm. Councilors Mazzitello and Paper were also
present. Councilors Duggan and Miller were absent.
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.
PROPOSED BUDGETS
Parks (continued)
Civic center foul ball fencing recommendation was $10,000 plus field work for $30,000
allocating a project total budget of $40,000. Wentworth tennis court resurfacing could be eligible
for grant funding of $10-20,000 from USTA that will go towards two courts, fencing, nets, a
complete replacement with a project budget of $90,000. Wentworth warming house budget was
reduced to $100,000 from a previously approved $500,000. Other projects include Rogers Lake
picnic shelter, skate park improvements, and Valley View Heights playground. Members also
discussed the differences between daily/routine maintenance, mid-range/replacement, and larger
capital projects.
Par 3
Revenue summary includes increased green fees, concessions, and rec program. Budget increase
for seasonal pay scale, which a one dollar increase to rounds will support. Rental costs for carts
and portable restrooms are up. Notable budget improvements packages include a fence for fall
protection which is an OSHA standard, ADA compliance work for sidewalk safety concerns,
window replacement at clubhouse, HVAC replacement, replacement of the patio tables and
chairs, and clubhouse carpet replacement. Reservation software was also suggested, although the
city administrator is not recommending at this time, requesting additional research and
evaluation. Irrigation is on the radar as a future large maintenance item. All budget
improvements were move forward except the reservation software.
Recycling
Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence reviewed the proposed recycling budget.
The budget improvement package included an increase in hours from 10 to 14 for the shared
Recycling Coordinator position. The additional hours would be to make the position more
sustainability focused in addition to the existing recycling and solid waste responsibilities.
Administration
City Administrator Jacobson noted no significant changes to the Administration budget, other
than funding of a compensation study for all positions including union and codification and
zoning updates reflecting an increase.
Information Technology
Dakota broadband dissolving is leaving an unknown. A decrease will be reflected in Microsoft
licenses with a shift away from standard licensing and the conversion to Office 365. Other items
include the addition of a security switch, and video surveillance.
City Council
The city council's proposed budget includes funds for communications training, which will
prepare the group for strategic planning. Direction to keep fireworks at $13,000 was provided
and with the suggestion to obtain a multiple quotes if possible.
Elections
Nothing notable as 2023 is an off year. The following year 2024 will see an increase with three
electionsI
City Hall
One budget improvement package for the replacement of boilers was reviewed and
recommended to move forward.
Paper was excused at 8:45.
General Fund- Fund Balance
Finance Director provided overview of updated numbers to include levy for the new position of
assistant city engineer. Rogers lake picnic shelter was moved to 2024 and funding for additional
tree removal and replacement will be held for a future policy discussion. Levine expressed
concern with maintaining a large fund balance.
Finance Director Schabacker updated the council on the use and balance of ARPA funds.
Members discussed the best use of ARPA funds would be for street improvements. Mazzitello
suggested reducing or eliminating the need to bond or assess by instituting franchise fees and
members will set as goal in 2023 for 2024 in consideration of Friendly Hills,
ADJOURN
Mayor Levine adjourned thework session at 9:06pm.
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StephaniE Levine, fAsyor
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Christine Lusi City Clerk