2024 04 16 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, April 16, 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,
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
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 J.
a. Approval of Apri12, 2024, City Council Minutes
b. Resolution 2024-15, Adopting an Updated Capital Asset Policy
c. Resolution 2024-16, Adopting a Lease and Subscription Based Information Technology
Arrangement Policy
d. Approve 2024 Workers Comp Insurance Policy Renewal
e. Resolution 2024-14, Designating Election Polling Locations
f. Resolution 2024-13, Authorizing the Disposal of Surplus Equipment through Public Auction
g. Approve Fire Marshal Out of Metro Travel Request
h. Approve City Administrator and Assistant City Administrator Out of Metro Travel Request
i. Approve Administrative Assistant/Deputy City Clerk Out of Metro Travel Request
Aeeeptthe Resignation of Police Offieer WestonRaberge and Authorize the Position Reemitme
k. Resolution 2024-17, Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract for the Emerson Avenue Street
Improvements
1. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
J) ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF POLICE OFFICER WESTON RABERGE AND AUTHORIZE
THE POSITION RECRUITMENT
Police Chief, Kelly McCarthy commented that it is hard to say how much Officer Raberge will be missed
as he has been with the department since 2016 and was integral to changing the culture of the department.
She commented that his family is moving east, which is the reason for his resignation.
Mayor Levine moved to accept with regret THE RESIGNATION OF POLICE OFFICER WESTON
RABERGE AND AUTHORIZE THE POSITION RECRUITMENT.
Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PRESENTATIONS
No items scheduled.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ENTER INTO COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT WITH TREE TRUST
LANDSCAPING SERVICES
Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter explained that the Council was being asked to authorize
staff to enter into an agreement with Tree Trust Landscaping Services for the 2024 Mendota Heights Tree
Canopy Program for the not -to -exceed amount of $25,000.
Councilor Miller encouraged residents to take part in the program as it is an investment in both today and
the future.
Councilor Lorberbaum asked the typical price of a tree.
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Natural Resources Coordinator Knsta Spreiter stated that the cost to the City is $370, and the resident (or
nonprofit) rate would be subsidized at 50 percent while the commercial rate would be subsidized at 30
percent.
Councilor Lorberbaum referenced the contract language and asked if the date would need to be changed
as it states March 25th.
Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter commented that if this was approved by the Council
tonight, the website could go live tomorrow. She did not believe that begin date would need to be changed
in the contract.
Councilor Miller moved to authorize STAFF TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH TREE TRUST
LANDSCAPING SERVICES FOR THE 2024 MENDOTA HEIGHTS TREE CANOPY PROGRAM IN
THE NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF $253000,
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
B) RESOLUTION 2024-18 APPROVING SANITARY SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENT
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being
asked to consider adoption of Resolution 2024-18, providing for a new sanitary sewer utility billing rate
for 2024,
Mayor Levine asked if the reserves are being built to handle the repair/replacement that will be necessary
for portions of the sanitary sewer.
Public Works Director Ruzek commented that a lot of the sanitary sewer is old clay pipes and the city has
begun to install cast in -place liners in the existing pipes. This should increase the lifespan by 75 to 100
years. He noted that a portion of the interceptor will be replaced with a road project. He stated that the
system is televised and cleaned every six years. He commented that a home does own the lateral
connection from the home to the center of the street, so even if the City addresses its issues, there can still
be issues with the private property lines. He noted that some cities require televising of the private lines
and can even require lining. He stated that will be a policy decision the Council would need to consider.
Councilor Paper asked how the private line is kept open when the main line is lined.
Public Works Director, Ryan Ruzek explained that process.
Councilor Paper moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2024-18 AUTHORIZING SANITARY SEWER
USAGE RATES BEGINNING IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2024.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
C) RESOLUTION 202449 APPROVING STORM SEWER RATE ADJUSTMENT
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Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being
asked to consider adoption of Resolution 2024-19 providing for a new storm sewer utility billing rate for
2024.
Councilor Mazzitello commented that this is an area of infrastructure that has been overlooked for along
time and is something that should not be ignored. He commented that this is a modest increase considering
there has not been an increase recently.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2024-19 AUTHORIZING STORM
WATER UTILITY RATES BEGINNING IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 2024,
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Paper noted that registration is open for the Scott Patrick Memorial SK. He also recognized the
youth sports teams that are out cleaning up the parks.
Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she likes the new activity of finding Lilly the Frog. She wished
those celebrating a happy Passover and others a happy spring.
Councilor Miller comrented that he will attend the Athena Awards ceremony the following day,
recognizing a Two Rivers female athlete who will be attending UW River Falls. He wished everyone a
peaceful and safe Passover.
Councilor Mazzitello encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Coffee with the Council this weekend.
He stated that he will also be attending the Fire Department's Recognon Banquet. He stated that 159
years ago last week the confederate army surrendered and noted that there is still a long path forward in
treating everyone equally.
Mayor Levine wished Officer Raberge happiness in his new ventures. She stated that the City is looking
for people willing to serve both the Police and Fire Departments.
ADJOURN
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
April 16, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 5
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
Stephanie . Levine
Mayor
ATTEST:
N cy Efauer
C ty Clerk
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