2023-08-15 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, August 15, 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.
a. Approval of August 2, 2023 City Council Minutes
b. Acknowledge June 13, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
c. Acknowledge July 11, 2023 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session Minutes
d. Approve Purchase Order for Installation of Two Overhead Garage Doors for Public Works
e. Reappointment of Student Representatives to Commission and Authorization for Posting
f. Approve June 2023 Treasurer's Report
g. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No one from the public wished to be heard.
PRESENTATIONS
A) FIREFIGHTER SWEARING IN
Fire Chief Dave Dreelan stated that the Council is asked to do a ceremonial swearing in of firefighters
Alex Lauth and TJ Samec. He noted that this is the first rookie class that received all training in-house,
as that was previously conducted off -site.
Mayor Levine acknowledged the large number of firefighters in attendance and thanked them for their
service.
Councilor Miller congratulated TJ and Alex, noting that he has spent a tremendous amount of time with
them during training and in response to calls. He commented that these are two very good and adept
firefighters.
Councilor Lorberbaum echoed thanks to all the firefighters for their service.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
NEW BUSINESS
A) RESOLUTION 2023-47 SUPPORTING A CLEAN WATER FUNDING GRANT APPLICATION
FOR INTERSTATE VALLEY CREEK
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution
2023-47 supporting a Clean Water Funding grant application for implementing streambank stabilization
and stormwater best management practices along Interstate Valley Creek from Marie Avenue to the
Mississippi River.
C�ancilor Lorberbawn commented tnat she supports the work and asked how the City would approve an
application that is still in draft form. She noted that in certain spots there is still language that states need
more information.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that would be refined before the August 24 grant deadline. He
noted that a number of those spots have already been filled in but there is not a final draft yet prepared.
Councilor Lorberbaum stated that perhaps this could be approved contingent upon the review of the City
Administrator.
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that if that is the desire of the Council, the resolution could be
amended to include that language.
Councilor Miller commented that if anyone has traversed this area, they would see the erosion mentioned
by Public Works Director Ruzek and it continues to be an issue. He believed that this project could help
to stabilize a critical area that would help to mitigate pollution downstream.
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Councilor Paper commented that he likes the idea of sweetening the deal, offering additional matching
resources.
Councilor Mazzitello commented that this has been a long time in the making.
Mayor Levine acknowledged that Dakota County is working with the City to include Lite path through
Valley Park as part of the greenway and therefore it would make sense to complete this project before the
hail work is done. She acknowledged the different groups coming together to protect the river.
Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2023-47 SUPPORTING A CLEAN
WATER FUNDING GRANT APPLICATION FOR INTERSTATE VALLEY CREEK, CONTINGENT
UPON APPROVAL OF THE FINAL DRAFT BY THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
B) RESOLUTION 2023-48 ACCEPTING BIDS AND AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE
WENTWORTH PARK TENNIS COURT IMPROVEMENTS
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being
asked to accept bids and award a contract for the Wentworth Park Tennis Court Improvement Project,
Councilor Paper asked why the fencing and mesh needs to be replaced.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the rust is starting to show, noting that similar replacement
was done at Marie Park.
Councilor Paper asked if the poles could be straightened as well.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek confitimed they could ask the contractor to do that.
Councilor Mazzitello asked if the City has a successful track record of obtaining this type of grant.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the City has only applied for this type of grant once before
at Marie Park and was successful. He stated that the current indication is that the City would receive this
grant.
Councilor Paper asked if a grant was received at Ivy Hills.
Mayor Levine confirmed that a grant was received for that project. She stated that the City has been
successful in receiving this type of grant.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2023-48 ACCEPTING BIDS AND
AWARDING CONTRACT FOR THE WENTWORTH PARK TENNIS COURT REHABILITATION
PROJECT (PROJECT #202106),
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Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming events and activities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Paper welcomed Alex and TJ to the Fire Department, wishing them a long and fulfilling career.
He expressed appreciation for their willingness to give back to their community.
Councilor Lorberbaum echoed those comments. She thanked the residents that attended the most recent
Coffee with the Council and encouraged more residents to attend the next session to share their input.
Councilor
Miller commented
that the fall
high school sport season has begun and asked drivers to use
caution as
the athletes will be
out running
on the trails and roads.
Councilor Mazzitello commented that days are getting shorter, but people are still out walking in the
evenings. He asked pedestrians to wear light and/or reflective clothing to ensure drivers can see them.
He commented that this is the anniversary of the end of the second world war. He wished his mother a
happy 80' birthday.
Mayor Levine welcomed the new members of the Fire Department. She stated that the Northern Dakota
County Beyond the Yellow Ribbon chapter will be receiving recognition at the State Fair and thanked all
the volunteers for their continued hard work. She invited residents to attend and show their support. She
thanked all that participated in the Parks Celebration events, despite the bad weather on Friday night.
ADJOi 1RN
Councilor Paper moved to adjourn.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
Steph 'e B. Levine v/
Mayor
City Clerk
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