2024 08 20 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, August 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,
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
Joe Nunez, Augusta Shores resident, commented on the poor condition of Lake Augusta, noting that it is
in the top five for the worst lakes in Minnesota. Hes c at the Lower Mississippi Water Management
Organization engaged Barr Engineering to complete a study of the lake, and its condition, and provide
recommendations on how to improve the water quality. He asked the City to support the recommendations
within the Barr Engineering report. He recognized that there would be a cost of about $4,000,000 to
complete all of the recommended strategies but noted that some of those could be completed
incrementally.
Joseph Lennartson Treasurer of the Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Community, commented that their
ancestors are buried at Pilot Knob and noted that there were no native or indigenous organizations that
were involved in the planned improvement of the site and hoped they could form a partnership with the
City related to this site.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that there is Indigenous representation through the Pilot
Knob Preservation Association but noted that he could bring this concern forward to the next Task Force
meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
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 7, 2024, City Council Minutes
b. Approval of July 16, 2024, Council Work Session Minutes
c. Acknowledge July 9, 2024, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
d. Acknowledge the June Par 3 Financial Report
e. Approve 2024-2025 Seasonal Compensation Pay Matrix Effective December 1, 2024
f. Approve Police Chief Out of Metro Travel Request
g. Approve Recreation Program Coordinator Out of State Travel Request
h. Resolution 202446 Appointing Jennifer Weichert to the Parks and Recreation Commission
i. Authorize Purchase of Loftness Flail Mower
j. Resolution 2024-47 Accepting Bids and Awarding Contract for the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Cleaning
and Televising Project
k. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PRESENTATIONS
A) Firefighter Swearing In
Fire Chief Dave Dreelan stated that tonight they will complete the swearing in of new Firefighters who
have completed their training and probationary period.
Fire Department Training Officer Becky Johnson introduced Firefighters Ricky Chodek, Gretchen
Connor, Christian Douah, Emily Mahon, and Anna Molinaro and provided details on their training journey
over the last year.
Mayor Levine completed the swearing in of the firefighters. She also expressed appreciation for the work
done by public safety, both Police and Fire. She also thanked the families that provide support for those
who choose to serve.
Councilor Miller stated that he is proud of the time, effort, and energy that each of the new members has
put in over the past year and looked forward to serving with them.
The Council expressed appreciation for all that the Firefighters and their families do to serve the
community.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
August 20, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council pag¢ 2 of 4
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) TABLED —APPLICATION OF SPENCER MCMILLAN FORA PRELIMINARY AND FINAL
PLAT OF MCMILLAN ESTATES (PLANNING CASE 2024-01)
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the Council was being asked to consider
Resolution 2024-38 approving a Preliminary and Final Plat of a three -lot residential subdivision to be
known as McMillan Estates located at 1707 Delaware Avenue, two vacant parcels owned in common and
generally located at the north end of Ridgewood Drive. She stated that the previous day, staff received
the plans for the reconstruction of the street and construction of the cul-de-sac, and therefore staff and the
applicant agreed to an additional 60-day extension to review those additional plans. She asked that the
Council table the application tonight to allow for a proper review of the revised plans.
City Attorney Amy Schmidt stated that the Council does not need to un-table the request and can instead
continue the matter on the table up to 60 days from August 21st
Councilor Paper moved to continue TABLING OF PLANNING CASE #2024-01 FOR UP TO 60 DAYS
FROM AUGUST 21, 2024,
Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion.
Further discussion: Councilor Miller asked how the revised plans differ from the plan that was going to
be voted on tonight.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the construction boundaries of the cul-de-
sac are shown as well as showing how the existing cul-de-sac would be removed and converted to a typical
public street. She stated that the contours on the plan have also been updated. She noted that the applicant
has also been coordinating the easements mentioned in the previous discussion along with the stormwater
management that would be required.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 2 (Miller and Mazzitello)
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Paper congratulated the new Firefighters and thanked their families for committing the time
that is needed to further the betterment of the community.
Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the case tabled tonight has gone on for a number of months and
stated that even though people want different things, everyone wants what is best for the community and
acts with respect.
August 20, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 4
Councilor Miller requested that the City Council discuss how they can address the issues mentioned earlier
by the resident related to Lake Augusta. He stated that at one point that lake was cleaner than it is today,
and people enjoyed swimming and fishing in the lake, but the lake is no longer safe to host those activities.
He stated that the fall sports seasons have begun and there will be kids running on the trails and streets.
He encouraged drivers to be cautious and mindful.
Councilor Mazzitello congratulated the new Firefighters. He stated that earlier tonight on the Consent
Agenda the City approved a contract for sewer televising and cleaning, which has been done for many
years and noted that this program has helped to keep the system functioning properly. He stated that
August 19u was National Aviation Day, noting that the community benefits from the number one airport
and thanked MSP for everything that it does for the state and community.
Mayor Levine stated that the City Council and staff have been busy working on the budget and
commended staff for the work that they put into the budget process to ensure that the City can continue to
provide the desired and expected services at an extremely high level.
ADJOURN
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Stephanie Pr Levine
Mayor
A T:
N cy Bauer
Ci Clerk
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