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2024 06 04 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, June 4, 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 Lorberbaum 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 Paper moved approval of the consent calendar as presented. a. Approval of May 21, 2024, City Council Minutes b. Approval of May 21, 2024, Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge Minutes from the April 30, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting d. Resolution 2024-28 Ordering Preparation of the Feasibility Report and Approve Amendment to the Professional Services Contract for the Friendly Hills Neighborhood Improvements e. Award Professional Services Contract for the Bridgeview Shores Street Improvements f. Resolution 2024-27 Accepting a Donation to the Roger's Lake Skate Park Ribbon Cutting g. Resolution 2024-29 Accepting a Tree Donation h. Approve Wetland Delineation Report and Authorize Issuance of a Notice of Decision for 670 Hidden Creek Trail i. Resolution 2024-30 Approving a MRCCA Permit for Minor Development at 1149 Orchard Circle (Planning Case 2024-09) j. Acknowledge February, March and iipni Luz4 Fire Synopses k. Approve Restructure of Community Service Officer Position to Police Officer Cadet and Authorize Posting 1. Approve Liquor License Renewal m. Approve Massage Licenses n. Approve February, March and April 2024 Treasurer's Reports o. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) OHEYAWAHI INTERPRETIVE PLAN — FULL CIRCLE INDIGENOUS PLANNING + DESIGN AND OHEYAWAHI/PILOT KNOB TASK FORCE Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter provided background information stating that with City Council authorization, the Oheyawahi/Pilot Knob Task Force and Dakota County applied for and received a Heritage Partnership Program grant from the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) for the development of Phase II of the interpretation plan for the Oheyawahi/Pilot Knob Preservation Site. An Interpretive Concept Plan has been developed focusing on engagement with the Indigenous community, and furthering collaboration with the City, County, and Pilot Knob Preservation Association, in order to provide a thorough and comprehensive interpretation and educational experience for school groups, tour groups and members of the public. Gail Lewellan, Task Force Member, commented that this is phase two of a four phased process. She commented on the engagement from the Native American community that has occurred thus far. Juanita Espinoza, Task Force Member, commented that the Native community played a huge role in this phase and has helped to build trust. She commented that the next phase will continue with design and building, and they are excited about that next step. She appreciated the support of the City and the consultant throughout this process. Sam Olekson, Full Circle Indigenous Planning and Design, commented on the unique opportunity to have this resource as part of the Mendota community and continue to preserve it. He commented on the outreach they were able to complete with the Native community. Regine Kennedy stated that the comments from the Native community were that they continue to hear that the land should speak for herself, provide an overview of the site character, and how that should remain a focus in healing the land. She shared comments they received from the outreach completed that helped to guide this process. She provided information on highlighting the land, accessibility, key locations for imerpretation, themes, design guiding principles, and key onsite messages. Councilor Miller appreciated the wonderful presentation and the passion to preserve this resource for future generations. June 4, 20?4 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 2 of 11 Councilor Lorberbaum thanked the Task Force for the work they are doing which will make a difference for years to come. She noted the intention of using QR codes to communicate information and stated that she shared that with someone who stated that they did not want to bring their phone to find information. Mr. Olekson commented that everyone has a different way of knowing and seeing the world, noting that the younger generation tends to always have their phones. He stated that they will be having multiple ways for people to find information and enjoy the site. He stated that this will create opportunities for storytelling within the space. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the website would allow people to find out about tours. Mr. Olekson commented that they will have opportunities for Indigenous people to tell their own story and the tours will evolve as they go forward. He commented that this is one place within a much broader community of Indigenous people. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she has heard the comment that this was a sacred burial site and asked if there are locations on the site that people should not go to in order to honor that. Mr. Olekson commented that they do not propose to have burials on the site, but they do share burial cultures with the cemetery on the site. He stated that allowing Dakota people to connect with their ancestors on the site in the way they choose is what is important. Councilor Paper commented that they are lucky to be a community that has supported this work, because this work is incredible. He stated that he feels fortunate to have supported this, as this will be a benefit for generations to come. Councilor Mazzitello commented that this was an outstanding report and asked for details on the implementation schedule over the next several years. Ms. Lewellan commented that implementation is split into two parts, the interpretation plan (which still has two additional phases) and the capital improvements plan. She stated that towards the end of the summer they will solicit bids for proposals. She commented that they will continue to have brochures available for people that do not wish to use QR codes. Ms. Espinoza commented that she has been involved in tours with Saint Paul public schools. Chris Soutter commented that some of the capital improvements are in response to requests from the public schools, to have bathrooms and surfaces that allow for ADA access. She commented that there are a range of students that come to the site. Mayor Levine asked how Oheyawahi fits into the other sites around the area, which was addressed in the presentation. She commented that she has participated in an interpretive walk, which was amazing and encouraged others to enjoy the site too. She thanked Dakota County, the Task Force members, and the community for making this possible. B) ASPEN HOUSE — DAKOTA COUNTY AND NEXUS FAMILY HEALING June 4, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of H Suzanne Tuttle, Dakota County Deputy Director of Children and Family Services and Social Services, introduced the members from Dakota County social services and corrections that were present with her including Karen Sanas (Dakota County Director of Social Services), Marry Fischbach (Dakota County Human Services Director), Lawarence Dickins (Dakota County Deputy Director of Children and Family Services), Suwana Kirkland (Dakota County Director of Community Corrections) Sarah Reetz (Dakota County Community Corrections Deputy Director), Matt Bauer (Dakota County Community Corrections Deputy Director), Roy Adams (Dakota County Corrections), and Lori Halverson (Dakota County Commissioner). She stated that the City of Mendota Heights and its residents are also partners in this program. She referenced the incidents that occurred this spring and noted that once Dakota County was made aware, they were in communication with Nexus. She stated that two of the Dakota County leadership members will be visiting the site regularly to emphasize the partnership and attempt to address any issues before they become problems. Margaret Vimont, Nexus Family Healing, introduced another member present from Nexus, Nicole Mucheck, She commented that they are deeply committed to the mission of Aspen House to provide needs for youth where gaps exist. She recognized that this service needs to work not only for the youth they serve but also for the larger community. She understood that concerns have been raised and noted that they attempted to create a presentation that would address those concerns. She provided background information on the facility, which began service in October of 2022, and the youth that are served. She reviewed data on the youth that were served during 2023. Nicole Mucheck, Nexus Family Healing, commented that Aspen House was created to fill a gap in services for youth in need and reviewed the services that they provide. She reviewed the program outcomes to date and admission criteria noting that they continue to revamp and tighten the admissions process. She provided details on the needs and behaviors of the youth served and how they manage those behaviors. She provided information on the use of law enforcement, including more information on the incident reports from April of 2024 and additional actions that have been taken since that time. She also highlighted areas of continued improvement. Councilor Paper thanked everyone for coming tonight. He stated that he cannot imagine or appreciate what the youth served at this facility have gone through and is supportive of the facility. He asked if Aspen House is performing to Dakota County standards. Ms. Tuttle commented that the biggest concern is that the facility is not taking enough of the youth from Dakota County. She commented that they have a few other concerns, noting that recently three children eloped, were in the community and had to go to the hospital. She stated that they have been talking with Nexus in attempt to resolve issues so that they do not become police or EMS calls. She stated that there are many youth that are doing well and feel appreciated at the facility. Councilor Paper commented that the facility has been open for 20 months with 133 users, nine of whom came back a second time. He stated that there were 188 police calls during that time, which is approaching the number of calls Mendota Motel had before it was torn down. He referenced the high calls for service in April and May and asked why there was such an increase in April and how that would be remedied. He stated that originally the Council was told that if a client left the facility, they would not come back. He asked how many of the youth that left were allowed to come back to the facility. He reviewed some of the different calls for service and asked how this would be fixed. He referenced the statement that beds were underutilized and therefore made available to other counties for a premium, but at the same time Dakota County is expressing a need for those beds. June 4, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 11 Ms. Vimont commented that some of the beds are held to ensure that Dakota County will have availability when needed. She commented that they attempt to balance the admission conundrtun, noting that they have skewed the admission criteria to ensure this would be an accurate placement as this facility does not use manual restraint. She commented that they need accurate information at admission and sometimes that information is only partially accurate from other counties. She stated that when it is clear that the facility is not a good match, they do discharge. She commented that these kids have difficulties when they enter the facility, and they continue to look at methods to reduce aggression and runs. She commented on the different things they have done with staffing and practices to reduce aggression and runs. Councilor Paper asked if the increase of police calls was due to a mix of the wrong customers. Ms. Vimont commented that incident arose from five youth that ran together, which was unprecedented. Councilor Paper commented that it was mentioned that there were ten incidents but there were 30 police calls. Ms. Mucheck commented that the facility views an incident from start to finish, while there may be multiple calls from the one incident. She used the example of one incident, which involved five youth, and there were multiple calls communicating with the police during that time. Councilor Paper asked the number of youth that were allowed to return to the facility following the incidents where they ran. Ms. Vimont commented that running is not an automatic discharge. Councilor Paper referenced the statement that there are now supervisors on duty for every shift and asked what it entails to be a supervisor. Ms. Mucheck commented on the de-escalation methods and training that a supervisor receives along with training that all staff receive. Councilor Paper asked if the four to one staffing ratio is accurate. Ms. Mucheck commented that they do staff at a ratio of four to one, even though the shelter requirement is eight to one. Councilor Paper asked for details on security and the statement that this is not a locked facility. He asked if anyone could just walk in the facility. Ms. Vimont replied that people cannot just walk in, but the doors cannot be locked to keep youth inside. Councilor Paper asked the type of outreach that is done with the neighbors, as those are the residents that have the most as stake when kids can walk through their yards. Ms. Mucheck commented that initially there was extensive outreach with the community but that kind of dropped off and they have been discussing options to reengage with the community. Jvne 4, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 of II Councilor Paper commented that it is very important that neighbors are engaged and encouraged to be engaged. He noted that this customer is very different than the customers they have been used to for 40 years. He asked who is included in the quarterly partner meetings. Ms. Mucheck replied that the clinical director, a staff person from Aspen House, and some community members typically attend. She reviewed some of the typical items on the agenda. Councilor Paper asked how the data spun so quickly out of control without it being recognized. Ms. Vimont commented that internally when there are a cluster of behaviors, that triggers internal review of processes. Ms. Mucheck commented that there is a team debrief after each incident, along with risk meetings after a high -risk incident. She stated that action steps are then implemented. She stated that they had been discussing elopements prior to the incident in April and had been working to put different measures in place. She commented that they had a very difficult week in April and immediately following those incidents, they were in communication with the County on the next steps. Councilor Paper asked if there was one week in April that skewed the numbers. Ms. Mucheck commented that they had already been initiating some changes, such as staffing prior to that time and had decided to look more strenuously at their ejection process, which was implemented around the time of those incidents. Ms. Vimont commented that the spring upsurge is something that every facility deals with and is something they continue to attempt to address. Councilor Paper asked how the teacher from 197 is funded. Ms. Mucheck replied that is provided through the school district. Councilor Paper asked who completes the intake assessment. Ms. Mucheck replied that the program manager completes the intake assessment, and the clinical director reviews those assessments to create the treatment plans. Councilor Paper thanked the representatives for answering his questions. He asked the number of beds and/or facilities that Nexus manages or operates. Ms. Vimont replied that they have 12 agencies in five states. She commented that they also operate state- wide foster care and community -based services in addition to residential treatment. Councilor Miller asked for details on the unreturned elopement category. Ms. Mucheck replied that those would be youth that did not return to Aspen House and the ultimate placement was unknown given the response from law enforcement. She clarified that it was not communicated to them as to where the youth were transported. June 4, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of11 Councilor Miller commented that he works as a high school special education teacher and therefore understands that incidents do arise at times. He recognized that there are things that can never be planned for and asked for input on two or three things that would really help if funding were not an option. Ms. Vimont replied that strong environmental support can help. She stated that if the youth were not able to leave the facility, if it were locked, that would be a tremendous support as it would provide more time for intervention. Ms. Mucheck stated that if there was a need for youth with increased needs, they could increase the youth from Dakota and Washington County, which would in turn decrease the number of youth served. She recognized that would be a financial struggle. She stated that a smaller, more intimate setting serving youth with higher needs, with environmental support, would be a benefit. Councilor Lorberbaum referenced the quarterly community meetings and asked when the last meeting was held. Ms. Mucheck replied that was held in April. Councilor Lorberbaum asked where the meetings are held. Ms. Mucheck replied that they are typically held in this room at City Hall. She stated that they have reviewed the option to hold the meeting in an alternate space for the next meeting. Ms. Mucheck commented that is an additional meeting, not the typical quarterly meeting, to address the concerns that have arisen. She noted that the alternate setting would allow for larger attendance. It was noted that the next quarterly meeting will be held in July and stated that the agenda is sent to their email list. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she attended the open house and provided her email but never received an email invite. Ms. Mucheck stated that the open house list is not included, and they instead utilize the initial advisory committee meeting lists. Ms. Vimont commented that they understand that they need to blanket the area for engagement and perhaps mail postcards to residents nearby. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the Council could also attend and the representatives from Aspen House confirmed that they could. Councilor Mazzitello commented that all his questions have been asked. He expressed gratitude for Aspen House taking on the issue of mental health in youth. He recognized that mental health is a critical care function. He commented that it is critical to have the community network and engagement, noting that the residents want this facility to succeed. He stressed that communication is very important, trying to communicate what occurs before the perceived response. June 4, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of ]I Mayor Levine stated that most of her questions have also been addressed. She asked how people can get on the email list, along with the meeting dates and times. She recognized the increase in average needs identified at intake, noting that something has changed as that number has doubled. Ms. Vimont commented that this would be speculative as to what is creating youth with more needs as it is a larger social issue. Mayor Levine commented that Aspen House may need something different today because the youth have more needs or needs have changed. She stated that everyone is here because they care about kids and asked how the increased trend is being addressed. She asked if the same data is being received through the intake process from other counties and how that is being addressed. Ms. Mucheck replied that they have revamped the intake process and updated their referral forms, ensuring follow-up conversations with the person making the referral to ensure completed information is being provided. She stated that they are also asking more direct questions to rule out clients that they cannot accommodate. Ms. Vimont commented that they can also commit to debriefing when there is an inappropriate placement of a youth to determine if it was an error, or whether the county worker intentionally provided inaccurate information in order to place the youth. She explained that Aspen House has the choice of whether or not to accept a youth from another county and if there is a problem identified, they can deny those referrals. Mayor Levine agreed that could help mitigate some of the issues, ensuring that the admissions are appropriate for the facility. Ms. Reetz commented that the larger community meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 261 at 6:00 p.m. and all residents within 1,000 feet of Aspen House will receive a mailing regarding the meeting. She stated that the next quarterly meeting is July 171h at 4:30 p.m. Councilor Paper stated that in January of 2022 the Council was told that if the behavior escalates or the client walks out the door, they would not be granted readmission as the facility is not for clients with criminal history and that have a low risk to community safety. Ms. Reetz commented that youth that are social services referred cannot be placed in a locked facility. She stated that statement was made by the community corrections department. She stated that if a client goes to Aspen House and has aggression or other behaviors of that nature, they would not go back to Aspen House and would be placed at a secured facility. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked everyone that attended tonight from Dakota County and Aspen House. She asked that the residents in attendance be allowed to speak if wanted. Cindy Borup, 1084 Vail Drive, commented that when this first started there was no mention of the mental health challenge being the primary focus. She stated that this was presented as a shelter for children that were taken from abusive situations or that were homeless. She stated that she comes from a family of strong social service and supports children receiving the best treatment, but given all of these incidents and the number of police calls, this does not feel good. She stated that she does not feel like a partner and has not received a mailing for the June 26th meeting. June 4, 2024 Mendota Heights 0ry Council Page 8 of I ! Tom Strassener, 1859 Faro Lane, provided details on an incident that occurred with a young lady from the facility. He stated that he spent about 20 minutes speaking with the young woman who did not want to go back to the facility and stated that she had hickeys on her breasts. He stated that the young woman stated that she would rather go to the police than to the facility. He stated that those sexual occurrences should not be occurring in a facility of that nature. He asked for the contents of the police incidents. He stated that if a young person is in an environment where they cannot survive, then something is wrong. He asked if the youth have an outlet where they can go to someone to report something that is occurring in the facility. He commented that this facility takes in kids from other areas and when they leave the facility they are lost and do not know where to go. He stated that if a kid tries to break in somewhere to find shelter, they could get hurt, which would create a larger problem. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2024-31 APPROVING A PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF FRITZ ADDITION (PLANNING CASE 2024-08) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2024-31 approving a Preliminary and Final Plat of two outlots to be known as Fritz Addition located at the vacant parcel identified as RID 927-02700-09-014. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if there is any time requirement for the outlets to be consolidated with existing lots. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden commented that there is no time constraint on the combination with other lots. Councilor Mazzitello asked if the lot combination would need to occur before a subsequent development application could be submitted. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden stated that if there were any combination, the City process would need to be followed. She stated that the property to the south is vacant as the home was demolished and if the overall square footage were desired to be taken into account, the lot and outlet would need to be combined before the development application were submitted. Councilor Mazzitello referenced outlot B and confirmed that ultimately that would be transferred to the LLC and combined with the property fronting on Hunter Drive while outlot A would remain in the ownership of Mr. Katz. He asked if the owner of the property is accepting outlot B is present. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden believed that the property owner was in attendance. Councilor Mazzitello commented that this is an odd situation. He stated that perhaps an additional condition be added to the resolution, pertaining to outlot B, stating that this resolution does not predicate the approval of any future application to include future development or building on the lot, or any vegetative clearing of outlet B. He wanted to ensure that the applicant would need to come in for proper .hme 4, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council - Page 9 of 11 permitting as this is a very sensitive area and he does not want anyone to have the idea that clearing of the slope would be allowed. Mayor Levine commented that basically someone would not be able to touch that an then. Councilor Mazzitello confirmed that would be his intent and that any activity on that lot would require proper permitting. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden commented that if and when the lot consolidation occurs, a plat would need to be requested and would be separate from the MRCCA permit that would address any improvements that may be proposed for the addressed lot. Councilor Mazzitello clarified that what he is stating is already explicit, but he wanted to make it very clear. The Council agreed. Councilor Miller moved to approve RESOLUTION 2024-31 APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY AND FINAL PLAT OF FRITZ ADDITION LOCATED AT PARCEL ID:27-02700-09-014, WITH THE ADDITIONAL CONDITION AS RECOMMENDED BY COUNCILOR MAZZITELLO. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the applicant has anything further to add. Paul Katz, 185 Hunter Lane, stated that he has lived in the community for decades and recognizes that there have been times where people have done things to the land and ask for forgiveness after the fact, therefore he supports the additional layer of protection added by the Council. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 B) 2024 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION UPDATE City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided a recap of the 2024 State Legislative Session, which began on February 12�' and adjourned on May 20�'. Mayor Levine thanked City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson for the thorough update. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Mazzitello asked that drivers pay attention to road construction and speed restriction signs. He commented that he was impressed with the Oheyawahi presentation and the long-term vision. He stated on Thursday, June 61", it will have been 80 years since the invasion of Normandy and encouraged people to honor any veterans of that war that may still be living. June 4, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council page 10 of 11 Councilor Miller commented that they are in the last few days of the school year, which means children will be out in the streets, neighborhoods and parks and encouraged drivers to travel slower and be aware. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked former Mayor Garlock for another successful ScottPatrick Memorial Sk, which was well organized with music, drinks and many participants. She noted that the next Coffee with Council event will be on June 151h at 10:00 am and encouraged residents to attend and share their thoughts with herself and Councilor Mazzitello at the Par 3. Councilor Paper wished all local athletes luck at their spring tournaments. Mayor Levine thanked the Parks and Recreation staff for a wonderful music in the parks event last week. She also noted the recently published report from the Fire Department and encouraged residents to read it. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 9:33 p.m. Ste anie & Levine Mayor ATTEST: 2 / tiLcw cy Ifauer ity Clerk June 4, 10?4 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 11 of 11