Loading...
2023-03-07 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota was held at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota, CALL TO ORDER Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilors Lorberbaum, Paper, Mazzitello, and Miller, were also present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 CONSENT CALENDAR Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Lorberbaum moved approval of the consent calendar as presented pulling item B and Councilor Paper pulling item J. a. Approval of February 21, 2023 City Council Minutes c. Approve March 2, 2023 City Council Closed Session Meeting Minutes d. Acknowledge February 8, 2023 Planning Commission Workshop Notes e. Authorize 2022 Auditing Services with BerganKDV f Approve Purchase and Installation of Welding Fume Arm for Public Works g. Approve 2023 Street Sweeping Bid and Contract h. Approval of Window Replacement for the Par 3 Community Clubhouse i. Resolution 20234 5 Entering into an Agreement with the Metropolitan Council for the 2020 Inflow and Infiltration Grant k. Resolution 2023-16 Accepting a Donation to the Police Department 1. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS B) APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she was not at the meeting and will be abstaining from the vote. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve FEBRUARY 21, 2023 CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Abstain: 1 (Lorberbaum) J) AUTHORIZE ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICER FTE AND APPROVE THE HIRING OF POLICE OFFICERS Councilor Paper stated that it will be great to add an officer and asked for input from staff. Police Chief Kelly McCarthy stated that they are requesting the hiring of three police officers as the department has been understaffed since May of 2014. She stated that once these three positions are added, this would be the first time the department has been fully staffed in 10 years. Councilor Paper moved to authorize ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICER FTE AND APPROVE THE HIRING OF POLICE OFFICERS. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Bob Zick commented that he is not from Mendota Heights but attends many meetings in different communities and noted the quiet sound of the microphones in the Council Chambers. He urged the Council to accommodate people with hearing loss who want to attend public meetings. Craig Williams, 2259 Fieldstone Drive, stated that he has been working with the skate park subcommittee for about three years. He noted that in 2021 they were made aware of a skate park grant option, which was exciting. He provided an update on recent activity in HF670 by the legislature that could increase funding to the agency that administers that grant. He stated that the City is in the position to double its funding for that skate park project. He felt that the City should apply for the additional funding noting that Mendota Heights is well positioned for approval. March 7, 2023 Mendota Heights City Coconcil Page 2 of 5 Mayor Levine appreciated the work of Mr. Williams for many years on skate parks. She asked that the information be left with staff and noted that staff would follow up. PRESENTATIONS A) ROGERS LAKE WATER QUALITY REPORT —SAINT THOMAS ACADEMY Tony Kinsley, Saint Thomas Academy, introduced himself and noted that this is their annual presentation of water quality reporting for Rogers Lake. He noted that for a number of years the water quality was on an upward trend but in most recent years there have been some downward trends. He provided details on some of the challenges the students have encountered that could be playing into those results. Andrew Azman provided background information on the sampling that was completed to collect data, identifying the sites where samples were collected and reviewing the data averages. Leo Wencl presented information on dissolved oxygen, fecal coliform, pH, B.O.D.S, temperature, nitrate, total phosphate, turbidity, and total solids. Cade Caruso reviewed the overall rating for the lake based on the results of all nine tests. He noted the downward trend of the results and reviewed items of note that could have impacted the results. He highlighted the positives noticed from the testing as well as the areas of improvement. He provided some solutions that are within their control that could improve the water quality and accuracy of the testing. Mayor Levine thanked the students for the presentation, noting that the Council looks forward to this every year. Councilor Paper noted the drought conditions that lowered the level of the lake by one foot. He asked if that would impact the nitrate results. Mr. Caruso commented that with the water level decreasing, he would believe there would be more nitrates in the lake and therefore it was good that the level of nitrates remained low. Councilor Paper asked a similar question related to the total solids and asked if that would be impacted by the lower water. Mr. Caruso confirmed that could be a reason the total solids were increased. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that as a former teacher she has a list of items she was looking for in the presentation and noted that the students provided all of those items within their presentation. She appreciated the work of the students and the way the information was presented. Councilor Miller commented that this was a great presentation, thanking both the students and teacher. B) FUTURE CITIES PRESENTATION —FRIENDLY HILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL Mauch 7, 2023 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 5 Crystal Mielke, Friendly Hills Middle School, provided background information on the program her students have been working on and will be presenting tonight. She thanked Councilor Mazzitello for the assistance he provides to the program. The students introduced themselves and provided details on the Futures Cities Program, where the students identify a program and explain how their created city addresses that issue. The issue they had to address this year was climate change. One of the teams focused on food loss and they provided details on how their created city addressed that issue. The other team focused on the issue of flooding and provided details on how their created city addressed that issue. The students also provided information on the process they followed throughout the program to develop different elements of their cities. Councilor Mazzitello thanked the students for the presentation, providing more details on how the program teaches middle school students about how cities function. He thanked the teacher as well. Councilor Miller commented that it was a great presentation, and he appreciated the passion of the students. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she enjoyed the presentation and learned from it. She asked what the students will do with the knowledge going forward. The students stated that they learned a lot about cities, scientists, and GMOs. They added that they learned a lot that will impact their lives and help them understand more about the government and science. Another student noted that perhaps they can use this information as they go forward into high school studies as well. Councilor Paper commented that he liked that the students are eager to speak and share their information. He commented that it appears the students really enjoyed the program and working together. Councilor Mazzitello commented that this program is an extracurricular activity in the school and does not receive a lot of funding. He stated that materials are needed for building scale models and would be appreciated if residents wished to donate. Ms. Mielke provided examples of different materials that would be helpful. She stated that it is an honor to teach these kids and run this program. Mayor Levine commented that the Council appreciates the work and vision of the students and teacher as well as the support of the parents. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS No items scheduled. March 7, 2023 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 5 CK�1uluIILI YWERUWNUMBUQ[01NOI_PCIrk] City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming events and activities. She noted that the City is still looking for seasonal help including tennis and golf instructors. [K�111�(MI/[K�)uhL_I�Ir;�K9 Councilor Mazzitell0 thanked the students that presented tonight. He stated that it is great to seethe great educational opportunities in the community. He stated that for the second consecutive year, MSP Airport has been named the best airport in North America. He acknowledged the work of the Airport Relations Commission that works with other entities relating to the airport. Councilor Lorberbaum also noted the airport award, providing more details from the recent article. She noted the upcoming Chips with the Council tentatively scheduled for Thursday, March 16'. She noted that last Friday was employee appreciation day and thanked all the city employees that do a wonderful job for the community. Councilor Miller thanked all the young presenters tonight who spoke knowledgably about the topics at hand. Councilor Paper thanked the students and teachers for the presentations. He noted that the Rogers Lake results are a highlight of the year, and he continues to be amazed by their dedication. He noted that the middle school presentation was a very fun presentation, and it was clear to see how much those students enjoyed the process. He thanked Councilor Mazzitello for the time he dedicates to that program. Mayor Levine agreed that this was a fun meeting, and it was great to see so many people from the community in attendance. ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:58 p.m. b Stephame Levine Mayor City Clerk March 7, 2023 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of 5