2022-09-20 City Council Minutes - Work SessionCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council
Work Session
Held Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. Councilmembers Duggan, Mazzitello, and
Paper were also present. Councilor Miller was absent.
Staff in attendance included City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan
Ruzek, Community Development Director Tim Benetti, Assistant City Administrator Kelly
Torkelson, and City Clerk Christine Lusian.
CITY -OWNED LOT ON LAKEVIEW AVENUE
Public Work Director Ryan Ruzek provided an overview of the Perron family's request to buy a
city owned parcel located on Lakeview Avenue. Some of the property was originally owned by
the Perron family. MnDOT acquired the land from original owners for the construction of the
Mendota interchange, Highway 55 and Lemay Lake Road. MnDOT released a parcel and
portions of right-of-way to the city in 2010 and 2013.
Spencer and Steve Perron were present and discussed the history of the parcel and the family's
desire to bring the land back into family ownership for the construction of a single-family home
on the site.
Staff and council discussed the options available to the city including retaining ownership for use
as open space or a pocket park. Levine suggested hearing from community members and
neighbors. Mazzitello would like to know the complete process to return the property to the
family as the prior owner and questioned the city's responsibility to offer the property to the
original owner.
Mazzitello suggested getting quote for an appraisal Mazzitello would like to know what the state
paid the Perron family for the property. Council directed staff to work with the city attorney to
understand the legal and real estate process for the request.
BIKE /PEDESTRIAN PLAN PRESENTATION
Public Works Director an Ruzek stated that the City has initiated acity-wide bike pedestrian
(ped) plan and is working with a consultant on that project.
Gabrielle Grinde with HKGi, the city consultant, reviewed the project process and explained
that this plan is being funded through a grant the City received. She noted that the plan looks at
existing facilities, issues, and opportunities. She reviewed the plan purpose and goals, the
importance and value of a connected bicycle and pedestrian system, and plan strategies and
organization. She identified existing facilities and reviewed the phase one input received. She
reviewed the system components, issues and opportunities, and phase two engagement. She
stated that community engagement will continue through the end of September.
Phase one gathered input and approximately 300 responses were received. Most open-ended
comments mentioned Dodd Road and safety. System components recommended include
greenways, bituminous trail, wide shoulders, sidewalks, grade separated crossings, and at -grade
crossings. Bike boulevards is another tool that can be explored.
Council discussed options for Dodd Road and what can be done to improve access and use by
pedestrian and bikers on this state highway. Levine suggested finding a solution, that though
may not be perfect, would at least be an improvement over what is available now. Paper and
Levine asked that staff reach out to Two Rivers High School again for additional student input.
ADJOURN
Mayor Levine adjourned the work session at 5:19 pm.
ATTEST:
Christine Lusi , City Clerk