2024 08 20 CC Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes ofthe City Council Work Session
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a workshop of the Mendota Height City Council was
held at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota,
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m. Councilmembers Lorberbaum,
Mazzitello, Miller and Paper were also present.
Others present included City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
Kelly Torkelson, Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence, Finance
Director Kristen Schabacker, Community Development Manager Sara Madden, Fire Chief
Dave Dreelan, Assistant Fire Chief Scott Goldenstein, Fire Training Officer Dan Johnson,
Relief Association President Tom Mattaini, Police Chief Kelly McCarthy, and City Clerk
Nancy Bauer. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek and Assistant City Engineer Lucas
Ritchie arrived at 5:38 pm
FY2025 PROPOSED BUDGET REVIEW CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 12, 2024
Fire/Fire Relief— Fire Chief Dreelan provided an overview of the department's operational
budget for 2025 and noted that there were three capital outlay items requested including
replacement of the Chief 1 vehicle, fire station parking lot, and brush 10 vehicle replacement.
Chief Dreelan discussed that the professional services line item increased by 800% because of
the mandate of having the boots, bunker pants, and coats professionally cleaned by a third party.
Chief Dreelan provided additional background information on the department's three budget
requests noting that the request to purchase a new pickup truck with a water tank fire pump and
emergency lighting is to replace the existing brush fire truck that is 15 years old. This
replacement was recommended by staff and was included in the 2025 capital improvement plan.
Fire Chief Dreelan provided background on the fire station parking lot replacement. The parking
lot replacement was not done with the fire station remodel and was put in the capital
improvement plan. This item was not recommended for approval by staff.
Fire Chief Dreelan stated that the Chief 1 vehicle replacement could be pushed out to another
year and had not been recommended for approval by staff.
The costs of the 2024 fire station roof was discussed. Total costs of the project have increased
due to the need for additional consulting services
to support the
project as
well as unanticipated
costs associated with removing and replacing the
existing solar
panels.
Relief Association President Tom Mattaini stated that the city's contribution to the Fire
Relief Association is the number one retention tool for firefighters. He noted that the
Department is unique because they are one of the few defined contribution plan
departments. They appreciate the support that has been shown in the past.
Police/Emergency Preparedness- Police Chief McCarthy reported that the police department
budget had some changes noticeably with the new fleet program. The postage line item was also
increased because of the speed camera program which will start in August 2025. The council
and Chief McCarthy discussed how the speed camera program would work and its impact on
staff time.
Police Chief McCarthy stated that the emergency preparedness budget is for siren maintenance
and other emergency preparedness items.
City Council —Mayor Levine stated that there was no compensation increases planned for
city council members. The training line item had been increased due to the anticipated
change in council for 2025.
Administration —City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson reported that in the administration
base budget safety training, training, and credit card line items were increased and noted
that overall the department had five budget requests including an Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan estimated to cost $35,000; redesign and
replacement of existing city hall cubicles estimated to cost $27,500; the replacement of city
hall doorknobs for ADA compliance estimated at $25,000 which were recommended by
staff. She stated that the budget request for the replacement of city hall boilers is not being
recommended due to the pending building discussion and direction.
Ciry Administrator Jacobson stated that the Assistant to the Ciry Administrator position is
being brought back from as year to discuss. Assistant Public Works/Parks and Recreation
Director Meredith Lawrence joined the conversation to also discuss the proposed Recreation
Facilities Coordinator position.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson noted that staff has reviewed staff
compensation as directed by the council in 2024 and is recommending adjustments to
comply with pay equity and to be competitive. She discussed the importance of the
three human resources requests including the public works overtime and the two
proposed positions. She clarified that there would be additional costs beyond the costs
to public works for the overtime request to ensure equity across positions within the
city.
The two additional employee requests and their duties were discussed. City Administrator
Jacobson and the Council discussed either the need to add the requested positions or reduce
programs and services. City staff reviewed the impacts of investment as improving
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organizational resilience through succession planning, supporting a healthy work culture,
and addressing employee burnout.
The city council discussed strategies for addressing the concerns. Council directed staff to
bring back updated costs for the public works overtime which included additional non-
exempt overtime costs as well as additional details on market adjustments for the 2024
compensation market adjustment.
It was the consensus that another meeting would be needed to discuss the 2025 preliminary
budget.
Councilor Mazzitello made a motion to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded by Councilor
Paper, and unanimously carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
m,7
Ifncy Ihauer, City Clerk
Ste ani . Levine, Mayor \
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