2024 06 18 City Council Meeting MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, June 18, 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 Lorberbamn, 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. Cormcilor Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No one fiom the public wished to be heard.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar
and explained the
procedure for discussion
and approval.
Councilor LorberUaum moved approval of the
consent calendar as
presented, pulling items
E and G.
a. Approval of June 4, 2024, City Council Minutes
b. Acknowledge the May 14, 2024, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
c. Approve Liquor License Renewals
d. Resolution 2024-32 Approving Final Payment and Acceptance of the Rogers Lake Skate Park
Improvements
e. Approve Reappointment of Jay Miller and Hayley Heidelberg as Fire Captains for the Mendota
Heights Fire Department
£ Approve Police Officer Hire
g. Accept Parks and Recreation Commissioner Resignation and Authorize the Advertisement of the
Commission Opening
h. Resolution 2024-33 Approving an Amnimstrative MRCCA Minor Development Permit for 1935
Glenhill Road (Planning Case No. 2024-14)
i. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
E) APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF JAY MILLER AND HAYLEY HEIDELBERG AS FIRE
CAPTAINS FOR THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT
Mayor Levine recognized the leadership of Captains Miller and Heidelberg and thanked therm for their
service.
Mayor Levine moved to approve THE REAPPOINTMENT OF JAY MILLER AND HAYLEY
HEIDELBERG AS FIRE CAPTAINS FOR THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion_
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
G) ACGEPT PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER RESIGNATION AND AUTHORIZE
THE ADVERTISEMENT OF THE COMMISSION OPENING
Mayor Levine recognized Tica Hanson for her service on the Commission. She stated that the City has
not had a vacancy on a Commission in some time and encouraged residents interested in parks and/or
recreation to apply for the vacant position.
Mayor Levine moved to accept PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONER RESIGNATION AND
AUTHORIZE THE ADVERTISEMENT OF THE COMMISSION OPENING.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PRESENTATIONS
A) Patrol Fleet Purchasing Progrann
Police Chief Kelly McCarthy presented background information on this item explaining that the Cormcil
is asked to consider the purchase of seven patrol. vehicles using public safety funds.
Councilor Miller commented that he appreciated the due diligence in this program and expressed thanks
for the guidance of Police Chief Kelly McCarthy. He recognized that it is not just what is done today that
makes a positive impact, but what is done now that has an impact on the future. He stated that this snakes
sense financially and related to the retention of a high -quality police force.
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Councilors Mazzitello and Lorberbamn echoed those thoughts
Police Chief Kelly McCarthy commented that they researched best practices and policies and have also
looked into concerns of public perception of take-home fleet vehicles to address those. She stated that a
fuel surcharge is incorporated based on where the officer lives.
Mayor Levine commented that this is a very large project that has been undertaken with a lot of time. She
provided details on the robust process that has occurred to support this major shift. She stated that when
the City found out that the bonding request for the new police station is on hold, it became clear that this
needs to happen. She provided context related to the inadequate changing room at the station and the
ability this program provides for officers to dress at home and then get into their squad car and be on -duty.
She also recognized that officers do not have a desk and their vehicle is their desk and therefore this at
least provides space for the officers to make it their own rather than resetting that space for every shift.
She thanked Police Chief Kelly McCarthy for her out of the box thinking and the analysis she was able to
provide.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve the purchase of seven 2025 Ford Explorers with 150,000-mile,
eight -year warranties for $347,913.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
No items scheduled.
No items scheduled.
PUBLIC HEARING
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming commm�ity events and activities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Comicilor Paper provided the final numbers from the Scott Patrick Memorial 5k, noting that there will be
a memorial on July 30'I'
Councilor Lorberbaum stated that the lawns to legumes grant process has opened and anyone can apply
to be reimbursed up to $400 for establishment of pollinator habitat in their yards. She commented that it
is a competitive process, and more information can be found on Bluethumb.org.
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Councilor Miller wished everyone the best on Juneteenth and midsummer. He provided details on a recent
electrical fire call and thanked the quick response of the Police department, noting their arrival prior to
the fire and their work to tape off the scene.
Councilor Mazzitello commented that this past Saturday he and Councilor Lotnet baum hosted Coffee
with Council and received input from a few residents. He encouraged residents to attend an upcoming
Coffee with Council to share their thoughts. He commented that it is summer and reminded drivers that
children are playing outside, and speeds should be slowed. He reminded residents to wear sunscreen and
stay hydrated. He stated that the Emerson project is proposed to start next week. He commented that 41
years ago the United States celebrated a milestone when Sally Ride went into space as the first female
astronaut.
Mayor Levine commented on the recently recognized Jmieteenth holiday which recognizes emancipation
of slaves. She reminded the community of the Aspen House open forum next week. She also expressed
condolences to the Minneapolis Police department and to the family of the officer who lost his life in
response to a shooting.
ADJOURN
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 723 p.m.
Stephanie B. evine
Mayor
ATTEST:
J —19s ��
Na cy Bauer
City Cleric
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