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2024 02 20 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, February 20, 2024 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. Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Councilors Lorberbaum, Paper, and Mazzitello, were also present. Councilor Miller was absent. 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: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS No one from the public wished to be heard. 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 L. a. Approval of February 6, 2024 City Council Minutes b. Approval of February 6, 2024 Special City Council Minutes c. Acknowledge Minutes from the January 16, 2024 Parks and Recreation Meeting d. Authorize Purchase of Agenda Management and Website Accessibility Software e. Approve Public Works Superintendent Out of State Travel Request £ Accept Bids and Award Contract for the 2024 Street Sweeping g. Authority 2023 Audit Services with BerganKDV h. Authorize Purchase Order for Covered Dugouts, Additional Fencing and Concrete Work at Marie Park i. Approve Soil Boring Quotation for the Bridgeview Shores Street Improvements j. Acknowledge the November and December Par 3 Financial Reports k. Approve December 2023 Treasurer's Report 1 Appreve Te :- era«• I i"or, Lieense €er Beth IAeeh Eery a atiert .ppx p .�-a qao gr g in. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS L) APPROVE TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR BETH JACOB CONGREGATION Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she will be recusing herself as she is a member of the congregation. Councilor Paper moved to approve TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR BETH JACOB CONGREGATION. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine commented that while she is also a member of the congregation, she has chosen not to recuse herself. Ayes: 3 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) POLICE OFFICER SWEARING IN/OATH OF OFFICE Police Chief Kelly McCarthy introduced Officers Mark McKernon and Logan Welter who are present to take their Oath of Office. She stated that they had debated delaying this item given the recent incident in Burnsville, but decided that it would be appropriate to continue recognizing the sacrifice that Officers and First Responders make to serve their communities. Mayor Levine administered the Oath of Office to Officer Mark McKernon and Officer Logan Welter. B) CITIZEN AND OFFICER AWARD OF MERIT Police Chief Kelly McCarthy presented an Award of Merit for Mendota Heights resident Chad Greeley and Officer Weston Raberge in response to an incident that occurred on December 24, 2023. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. February 1Q 2024 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 2 of 6 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) REQUEST FOR PORTABLE PITCHING MOUNDS Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence explained that the Council was being asked to consider a request from the Two Rivers Athletic Association (TRAA) for the City to purchase portable pitching mounds. Adam Crepeau, TRAA, stated that the association has been funding the portable mounds which are available to all residents and some of those now need replacement. He referenced previous partnership with the City at Victoria Highlands. He stated that TRAA reached out to other entities and the manufacturer in order to lower the ask of the City from $8,500 to $100 Councilor Paper referenced the anticipated lifespan of five years for the portable mounds and asked how often TRAA can apply for the grant. Mr. Crepeau replied that they would not be able to apply each year, but they would be able to make another grant request in two years or more. He stated that he would also be willing to increase fundraising activity in anticipation of future replacement. He stated that although five years is listed as the lifespan, some last longer than that. Councilor Paper asked if there would be a benefit in limiting cleats to plastic or rubber only. Mr. Crepeau commented that he intends to put a rule in place for the 13U tournament to ban metal cleats. He noted that the other ages do not use metal cleats. He stated that he would also work with Saint Thomas to find a solution to keep the mounds in good shape. Councilor Paper thanked TRAA for their effort in raising funds for this use. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked TRAA for looking for donations and for the work they do in the community. She asked if there are other sources of funding the association could seek as the special park funds are limited. She stated that the Mendota Heights Community Foundation is willing to consider meeting to consider providing those funds. She asked if a decision needs to be made tonight or whether this could be tabled to see if additional donations could be obtained. Mr. Crepeau stated that these youth activities bring families together and these four mounds would be used at Mendakota, which is used for tournaments and brings in families from outside the area who spend money at local businesses. He commented that it has taken some effort to raise the funds they have gotten thus far and believed that they could build upon that moving forward. He thanked the Parks and Recreation Commission for its recommendation of approval. He stated that they will continue to engage stakeholders and will explore opportunities with the Mendota Heights Foundation as well. He was unsure of how tabling this could impact the timeline, noting that he would like to have the mounds in place before May when the baseball season starts. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence noted that this would be a Council decision going forward and therefore could come back at a meeting in March or April. She stated that staff could work with Mr. Crepeau before then and bring it back to the Council once that additional information is known. February 20, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 6 Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she would be willing to provide a donation and believed that others would be willing to do so as well, along with the Foundation. She preferred to table this item tonight to explore those opportunities. Councilor Mazzitello commented that it seems that the five-year life expectancy is not steadfast and perhaps one or two are replaced per year so that costs can be spread out in the budget through the equipment replacement farad. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence commented that if that path is chosen, these would be incorporated into the asset management plan and the expense could be staggered. Councilor Mazzitello commented that for future replacement he would recommend staggering replacement. He stated that because the City would own the mounds, residents would be able to use the mounds for practice with their children as the equipment would not be exclusive to games or certain users. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence confirmed that the mounds would be housed at Mendakota, and any user would have access, as would residents when the fields are available. She confirmed that the mounds would not be able to leave Mendakota. Councilor Mazzitello asked for information on the time or delivery after ordering and whether tabling this would impact that ability to receive the equipment before the season. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence commented that even if this were approved, staff did not intend on ordering them immediately as there is not a place for indoor storage at this time. She believed that one month would be adequate in terms of ordering and receiving. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to table the CONSIDERATION OF THE REQUEST FOR PORTABLE PITCHING MOi7NDS TO THE MARCH 6, 2024 MEETING. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Fruther discussion: Councilor Paper asked if Mr. Crepeau would need to attend the next meeting, noting that he has a job and four children above the time he provides to TRAA. Mayor Levine commented that he would not need to attend. Councilor Mazzitello clarified that the purpose of tabling this item is to determine if additional donations could be received by TRAA. Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence commented that during the next two weeks staff will work with TRAA to determine if there are additional funding sources that could provide the $1,800, or a portion of that amount. She stated that staff will then make a presentation at the next Council meeting with an update on the funding and remaining ask if necessary. Mayor Levine provided details on how residents could provide donations for this purpose. February 10, 2024 Mendota Heights Clty Council Page 4 of 6 Parks and Recreation Manager Meredith Lawrence clarified that donations should be made directly to TRAA for this purpose or they could contact her at city hall for more information. Councilor Paper asked if this could be placed on the Consent Agenda for the next meeting. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson commented that because of the small amount it does not need to be on the Consent Agenda, as the amount is within her discretion to approve administratively. She stated that because the request was tabled, she would recommend placing it on the Consent Agenda however. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Mazzitello commented that hearing of the tragic incidents of Sunday morning brought back the tragedy Mendota Heights experienced on July 30, 2014 when Officer Patrick was killed in the line of duty. He stated that they should not wait for these events to say this, but thanked all of those that serve as first responders and put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of the community. He thanked all that serve as first responders and willfully agree to the potential sacrifice that could include their lives. Councilor Lorberbaum echoed the comments of Councilor Mazzitello and expressed appreciation for all first responders. She commented that you do not have to give your life to be a hero. She thanked everyone that attended and enjoyed the activities of Frozen Fun Fest, along with staff. Councilor Paper commented that his heart goes out to the City of Burnsville, agreeing that it brought him back to the incident ten years ago. He expressed appreciation to those involved in public safety and was deeply sorry for the losses. Mayor Levine commented that the City of Burnsville is accepting donations to help support those families. She acknowledged and thanked the new Officers and those that serve on the Mendota Heights Police force. She also acknowledged the Officer and resident that assisted a resident in need, which was discussed earlier tonight. I\�7fiIi17►i Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m. Febraary 3Q 2014 Mendota Heights City Caunci7 Page 5 of 6 O Steph a B.Le�wo& 4 evine Mayor A�T%TEST: NAncy B er City Clerk February 2Q 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 6