2024 09 17 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, September 17, 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, were
also present. Councilor Miller was absent.
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: 4
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Zach Miller, 988 Kay Avenue, presented a petition to the City Council requesting that the City undertake
the soundwall application process through MnDOT. The petition is signed by 50 residents in the
neighborhood adjacent to 35E south, where it exits to 62. He stated that the residents are asking that the
City submit an application, as the window for applications is currently open. He believed that the noise
level from those two roadways is considerably higher than it was two or three years ago when the last
study was completed. He recognized that it may not be approved this year, but perhaps it would move up
on the list and the improvement could be awarded in a future year.
Valerie Namen, 964 Kay Avenue, also spoke about her desire for the City to pursue a soundwall. She
stated that she is a lifelong Mendota Heights resident and explained that she can see 11 lanes of traffic
from her property and spoke about the increase in traffic and noise that has occurred in the 30 years she
has lived at her current home. She commented on the impact the noise has on the enjoyment of her
property and noted that the natural screening that has been removed only increased the impact on residents.
She believed that anew sound study would provide additional details as the impact has increased in recent
years.
Joe Foley, 1975 Walsh Lane, also spoke in favor of the noise wall, He stated that they moved to Mendota
Heights one year ago and have noticed an increase in the impacts after the natural screening was removed.
He stated that he is an engineer and provided three suggestions that the City could pursue: to submit a new
project proposal to MnDOT with a wall starting at Victoria Road to Marie Avenue; to keep in mind that
the soundwall could be made of wood rather than concrete, as wood has a lower cost; and to consider that
the height of the wall does not need to be 20 feet, noting that a ten foot wall would be appropriate for most
of the span. He believed that those ideas would provide a barrier that is also cost efficient.
Andrew Katz, 1960 Walsh Lane, stated that he also supports reviewing the issue of a sound wall He
stated that he and his neighbors have also been in contact with MnDOT. He stated that there are three
walls proposed that are being reviewed for Mendota Heights and the two walls that would be adjacent to
this area are ranked 97 and 103 on the MnDOT list of priorities. He stated that after speaking with MnDOT
the sound walls are designed for the type of housing products and a wall that long would not be feasible
as an access gap would be needed for maintenance. He stated that perhaps this could be one project with
a shorter distance. He stated that if chosen, the City would be responsible for ten percent of the cost and
hoped that the Council could begin to budget for that cost should the project be chosen to move forward.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Levine presented the consent agenda and explained the procedure for discussion and approval.
Councilor Lorberbaum moved approval of the consent calendar as presented.
a. Approval of September 3, 2024, City Council Minutes
b, Approval of September 10, 2024, Council Work Session Minutes
c. Acknowledge the Minutes of the July 23, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting
d. Approve Police Department Out of Metro Travel Request
e, Approve Wetland Exemption Application for the IV Creek Stabilization and BMP Project Wetland
Weir
f. Approve Professional Services Change Order for the Victoria Curve Street Improvements
g. Resolution 2024-54 Providing for the Sale of $3,085,000 in General Obligation Improvement
Bonds, Series 2024A
h. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
No items scheduled.
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC HEARING
September 17, 2024 Mendota Heights Crty Council page 2 oJl¢
A) RESOLUTION 2024-49 ORDERING OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FRIENDLY HILLS
NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie explained that the Council was being asked to consider adoption of
Resolution 2024-49 ordering Street Improvement Project for the Friendly Hills Neighborhood,
Luke Moren, Kimley-Horn, provided a brief background on the project area and details and then reviewed
the resident input that has been received through the public engagement process.
Councilor Paper asked for more details on sacrificial anode.
Mr. Moren explained that soils can corrode the iron pipe over time. He stated that they use large sacks of
magnesium and those chemicals that would typically react with the pipe will instead react with those
sacks. He confirmed that it is external of the pipe.
Councilor Paper asked if there is a cost estimate for the Decorah trail construction if there was one built.
Mr. Moren confirmed that was included in the feasibility study.
Councilor Paper asked if the trails within Friendly Hills Park will be replaced as part of the project.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie confiimed that those trails are included, as well as to the south to
the Apache neighborhood.
Councilor Paper asked if the parking lot is being included in the project.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie confirmed that the parking bays along Decorah are included.
Councilor Mazzitello referenced the Decorah trail section that is not included as presented tonight and
asked if that connects two existing trail segments and whether there is another route around Decorah for
those trails to take.
Mr. Moren stated that there is not a direct route around and confirmed that the segment would connect
two existing segments. He stated that pedestrians are currently walking on the shoulder for that segment
of Decorah.
Mayor Levine referenced the definition of unit and asked for clarification on lots that are smaller.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie replied that applies specifically to City owned parcels, such as
Friendly Hills Park. He stated that residential properties would each have the same assessment amount,
regardless of the size of the parcel or property value.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to open the public hearing.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
September 17, 2024 Mendota Heights Cfty Council Page 3 of 14
Dave Jacobson,
728 Mohican Court, asked
if the $7,700 assessment would
be due at once or spread over
multiple years.
He asked what the red dots
on the map mean.
Mayor Levine commented that those are spots where digging will occur for the magnesium drops that
were just discussed.
John Maczko, 751 Cheyenne Lane, stated that he agrees that the streets require maintenance, noting that
at 20 years an overlay is recommended rather than a full depth reclamation. He stated that the roadways
were reconstructed in 1995, therefore they are beyond the 20 years, but typically streets last longer than
the estimates of engineers. He stated that the pavement ratings were stated at 25 to 50 but believed that
the streets within the Friendly Hills area are not within that range. He did not disagree that improvement
is needed, but believed that an overlay could achieve that desired goal. He stated that catch basin repairs
are a standard process during an overlay as well. He stated that for pavement conditions of 35 to 55
local maintenance and an overlay is recommended. He stated that the cost savings would be significant
if the overlay method were chosen, reducing the cost by over $2,000,000. He asked that the Council
consider the overlay rather than the full depth reclamation. He recognized that the reclamation may be
needed where watermain work is required, but most of the project area could benefit from just an
overlay.
Kelly Veazie, 2142 Fox, agreed with the previous speaker that while the roads need fixing, they are not
that bad. She commented that there are areas where the water pipes are being redone but a majority of
the project area will not have that work done and would therefore not require the same level of work.
She commented that it does not make sense to put a new road down when the pipes underneath need
work and suggested that the City better coordinate with Saint Paul Regional Water Supply (SPRWS).
Stacy Styles, 2188 Aztec Lane, asked for logistical information on parking during the project. She
asked if there would be concern of foundations shifting or dirty water coming into homes with the
watermain work being done.
Steve Waters, 747 Decorah Lane, stated that he has spoken with a number of neighbors on the street,
and they do not want the trail bike lane and would prefer to keep the off-street parking for their homes.
Allen Olson, 2153 Fox Place, also asked why a new road would be placed over bad watermains. He
referenced the sacrificial anodes, stating that they are not a fix or a repair. He stated that this may
provide a delay but there is not a fix. He stated that there have been blowouts, and they cannot reverse
the problem and instead need to address it. He stated that the value of the anodes is limited and would
prefer to wait for the water pipes to be replaced before there is a new road.
Anna Argent, 752 Cheyenne Lane, asked if the residents would receive updates on the project progress
and water shutoffs to allow the residents to plan for those things.
Michele Kadrie, 697 Decorah
Lane,
asked about
the anticipated
length of the project segments
(2025/2026) if approved. She
asked
if there is a
cost for just the
overlay.
September 17, 2024 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 14
Eric Kruger, 720 Decorah Lane, thanked the Council for hearing the residents on Decorah and their
desire to not have a trail segment.
There being no one further coming forward to speak, Councilor Mazzitello moved to close the public
hearing.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Mayor Levine thanked all the residents for their input tonight.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that each phase of the project would be completed within
the project year, during the May to October timeframe. He stated that they will look at alternative
detours as some of the work will limit access to homes. He stated that they would phase replacement
efforts to ensure there would still be access during construction. He stated that the watermain method of
replacement will be a bursting method, which will not require open trench. He stated that they will work
with property owners when they work on service connections which may require alternate parking
within one block or so.
Mr. Moren commented that the limited access would be during the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., which
would allow residents to leave their home prior to the start of work that day and get back into their
driveways after work has completed for the day. He stated that they will have their traffic management
plan at the spring open house for the public.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that a project page is created for each street project and
reviewed the details that would be posted daily. He believed that SPRWS also has an automated service
that makes residents aware of water shutoffs or temporary water connections. He stated that he has not
been involved in any projects which have involved foundation shifting or anything of those concerns.
He stated that the service connections are two to three feet off the property line and the vibration would
be limited to the road itself and within the right-of-way.
Mayor Levine commented that she wanted to be clear that the Decorah trail segment has not been
included in the project as the Council heard the comments from the residents along that path of the road
stating that they did not want that. She referenced the comments received about the sacrificial anode,
recognizing that is a delay but that it should last for 20 years.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that a member of SPRWS is present that can provide more
details on the sacrificial anode. He stated that they targeted the area with the highest break rate for that
treatment. He stated that section is proposed to be abandoned.
Luke Sandstrom, SPRWS, stated that 20 years is the industry standards for sacrificial anodes. He agreed
that this will not fix the pipe but buys more time for a future project. He stated that Fox Place has a
lower risk than Aztec and three of the breaks have occurred on a section of line that will be completely
removed with this project.
September U, 2024 Mendota Heights Ciry Covncdl Page 5 oJ14
Councilor Mazzitello asked if it would be worthwhile to complete a mill and overlay on the streets not
being excavated for utility replacement.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie replied that would be an option. He stated that the City tries to
focus on doing a complete neighborhood when doing repairs. He stated that if they do different repairs
on different segments in a neighborhood that will change the maintenance cycle. He stated that they
prefer to have the streets within a neighborhood on the same maintenance cycle and if an overlay were
done in a section of the neighborhood, those streets would be due again for repair in about 10 years. He
stated that the sacrificial anodes are placed at 200-foot increments and will also require excavation,
which would also allow for moisture to seep in and cause additional cracking with just an overlay. He
stated that the pavement lifecycle is roughly 20 years for this type of improvement and at that time they
would reassess the watermain system as well.
Mayor Levine used the scenario that a new sewer is needed on Fox in 20 years and asked the type of
road repair that would be needed with that improvement.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie replied that typically when you replace utilities to that caliber,
they would not be looking at an overlay because of the amount of pavement that would need to be
removed. He stated that it does not make sense to have an overlay when utility replacement is being
completed.
Mayor Levine asked staff to reply to the ratings of the roads provided by staff versus the opinion of Mr.
Maczko.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that every person will have their own opinion on the
pavement condition index (PCI). He stated that they are proposing a project at the 30-year lifecycle and
the threshold for an overlay is PCI of 60 to 70. He stated that although the condition may not be as low
as 25, he would argue that it is also not 60. He provided details on the options residents have for
assessment payment, noting that the assessment would go onto the tax rolls for 2027 with a ten-year
repayment period. He stated that there would be an assessment hearing in October of 2026 for both
project areas and residents could then make a full payment within 30 days to avoid paying interest and
avoid the assessment from going onto the tax roll. He confirmed that a partial payment could also be
made to reduce the amount that goes onto the tax roll.
Mayor Levine asked the cost of an overlay versus the full reclamation.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that full cost has not been estimated. He stated that while
generally an overlay is cheaper, that cost does not take into account the utility work that is needed. He
explained that would also only buy ten years.
Mr. Maczko disagreed with the PCI rating suggested an overlay, noting that the rating could go as low
as 35 to still receive benefit from a mill and overlay.
Councilor Paper asked if there is a metric that is used to determine the number of watermain breaks that
would trigger full replacement.
September 17, 2024 Mendota Heights City Coanacil Page 6 of 19
Mr. Sandstorm replied that there is a calculation used, noting that while breaks are a factor they are not
the only element used in that determination. He explained that the pipe is not always bad when there is
a break and provided some examples of other things that cause those breaks.
Councilor Paper asked if there was any discussion about a realignment of Decorah and Wagon Wheel.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie replied that was not considered for this project but is shown in the
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for 2030. He stated that project will have a different set of
ramifications, and they will need to work with the State on that project.
Councilor Mazzitello stated that this was the first subdivision done in 1995 under the current street
maintenance system. He stated that at that time it was decided that the watermain would not be
replaced. He stated that part of the reason the street ratings in some sections of this project are so low is
because of the watermain issues and breaks that have occurred. He asked for and received information
on sections of road that would not have utility work completed. He stated that in 1995 the decision was
made not to replace the watermain which is causing the road to fail and need replacement earlier than
typical. He stated that in 20 years they will come back and replace the watermain and asked if they are
making the same mistake that was made previously and putting too much money into the road repair
when they know it will be dug up in 20 years. He stated that in the sections where watermain is being
replaced, the reclamation does make sense.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie commented that is a possibility and there is also a possibility that
SPRWS does not have the funds to complete that replacement in 20 years.
Mr. Moren stated that there are segments of the project area that does not have the red dots because they
do not have the same types of pipe.
Councilor Mazzitello asked that an estimated cost savings be shown in the final design that would
provide overlay services in the areas of the project that do not require extensive utility work.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie confirmed that could be provided.
Mayor Levine asked if cost could also be shown for the replacement of the pipes and whether that is a
cost the City could absorb.
Councilor Mazzitello commented that the City's water system was deeded to SPRWS in 2016 for this
very purpose. He stated that they spent years developing the details of that agreement, and one of those
details was to sync the replacement of infrastructure with SPRWS. He stated that this is a very large
area and SPRWS is aware of the condition of the infrastructure, noting that while the sacrificial anodes
will buy time, that repair will be needed in the future. He stated that he would not want to spend
unnecessary funds and resources on something they know will need to be excavated in the future. He
stated that is why he requested to see the cost details for a mill and overlay on the sections of the project
that do not require digging to depth.
Mayor Levine recognized the comment that they do not want to spend more money than necessary when
future repairs will be needed.
September /7, 2024 Mendota HetgPots City Council Page 7 of 14
Councilor Lorberbaum asked what the Council is being asked to do tonight.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie explained that the Council is being asked to order the
improvement project, which would move staff into the design phase of the project with actual costs
based on engineer's estimates. He stated that they would then come back in late January/early February
to receive approval of the plans and specifications and receive authorization to go out for bid. He stated
that there will be extra design time needed in order to provide both scenarios, but also recognized that
there is not much of a difference between the plan set for the project as proposed and with the method
proposed by Councilor Mazzitello.
Councilor Lorberbaum summarized that this is simply taking the next step to move forward with
designing the project and those plans would still be reviewed and approved by the City Council,
Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve RESOLUTION 2024-49 ORDERING OF IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT FOR THE FRIENDLY HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (PROJECT
#202407), WITH DIRECTION FOR STAFF TO PROVIDE COMPARATIVE COST ESTIMATES OF
THE FULL RECLAMATION AND MILL AND OVERLAY FOR THE PROJECT AREAS NOT
RECEIVING EXTENSIVE UTILITY WORK/EXCAVATION.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 592, AMENDING TITLE 12: ZONING OF THE
CITY CODE (ZONING CODE UPDATE PROJECT); AND CONSIDER APPROVAL OF
ORDINANCE NO. 593, CREATING TITLE 15: ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS OF THE CITY
CODE; AUTHORIZE PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY ORDINANCES
Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp explained that the Council was being asked to consider approval
of Ordinance 592, amending Title 12: Zoning of the City Code (Zoning Code Update Project); and
consider approval of Ordinance No. 593, creating Title 15: Environmental Standards of the City Code and
to authorize publication of summary ordinances.
Councilor Paper referenced a section of Chapter 12 related to wireless antennas and asked if this would
help to support the coverage that is needed.
Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp replied that the goal with the revised language is to state that there
are preferred locations, but the City would entertain secondary locations. She stated that the provider
would need to demonstrate that colocation is not possible and if a new tower is built, colocation would
need to be an option.
Councilor Mazzitello
referenced
the section related
to PUDs, specifically amendments to the final
development plan and
asked if the
zoning amendment
process would include the concept review.
Seytember l7, 2024 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 8 of 14
Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp stated that the zoning would be amended, as the PUD wouk
function as a zoning district. She stated that the PUD process would still be followed for an amendment.
Councilor Mazzitello referenced the definitions, noting the definitions for public street, private street, and
street. He asked if the third definition is needed.
Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp replied that the definition for street is not needed.
Councilor Mazzitello referenced the definition of public street and asked if developed should be used
instead be constructed.
Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp agreed with that change.
Councilor Mazzitello referenced the R-] standards table, noting recent requests for patio or deck
expansions. He stated that none of those requests exceeded 35 percent and therefore did not believe the
allowance for up to 50 percent with best management practices (BMP) is needed. He suggested that
remain for R-2 or above and leave R-1 at 35 percent or a variance.
Mayor Levine recalled that the Council had this discussion and believed that Councilor Lorberbaum also
agreed with Councilor Mazzitello. She used the scenario that a homeowner is already at 40 percent and
wants to put in a new driveway and asked what would happen.
Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp commented that replacing in kind would be allowed but if there
were any expansion, a variance would be needed.
Mayor Levine commented that she now recalls that there was discussion about a swimming pool, which
would exceed the 35 percent.
Councilor Mazzitello stated that his rnind was changed by a recent swimming pool request, where the lot
stayed under the 35 percent by using pervious pavers around the pool. He stated that at the worksession
they had discussed allowing this provision for one year and then reviewing to see how it goes.
Councilor Lorberbaum commented that if the BMP option is included, that is providing residents
flexibility, and the Council needs to instead decide what it wants. She stated that they can still review
after one year and would prefer to stay stricter.
Mayor Levine confirmed the consensus of the Council to make the change to remove the BMP provision.
Councilor Lorberbaum thanked Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp noting that these have been a long
two years and acknowledged her work.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 592, APPROVING THE PROPOSED
AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 12: ZONING AND CORRESPONDING AMENDMENTS TO THE
ZONING MAP, TO BE PLACED INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2024 AND TO AUTHORIZE
PUBLICATION OF A SUMMARY ORDINANCE AND TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 593,
APPROVING THE CREATION OF TITLE 15: ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS, TO BE PLACED
Septeneber 17, 2024 Mendota Hetglats Ciry Coaencil Page 9 of 14
INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2025, AND TO AUTHORIZE A PUBLICATION OF A SUMMARY
ORDINANCE.
Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion.
Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello stated that the motion is made incorporating the verbal changes
that were discussed prior to the motion.
Mayor Levine acknowledged the work of the Planning Commission, members of the public, members of
staff, and Planning Consultant Jennifer Haskamp who were all involved in this long process.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
B) CONSIDER APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 591, AMENDING TITLE 3: BUSINESS AND
LICENSE REGULATIONS TO CREATE A SHORT TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE AND LICENSE
PROCESS; AUTHORIZE PUBLICATION OF SUMMARY ORDINANCE; AND, CONSIDER
APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 594, AMENDING THE CITY'S FEE SCHEDULE
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council
was being asked to consider Ordinance No. 591, amending Title 3: Business and License regulations to
add a new Chapter 5A: Short Term Rentals; authorizing publication of a summary ordinance to adopt
Ordinance No. 594, amending the City's Fee Schedule by establishing a Short Term Rental License fee.
Councilor Lorberbaum acknowledged the intent to remove the maximum allowed number of days. She
noted the requirement for the owner to reside onsite for at least half the year and asked if the property
could only be rented while the owner is at the property.
Corrrmmrity Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the owner would not need to be on the
property while renting it for a short-term basis.
Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the property could then be rented 100 percent of the time.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that could be done as long as all the other
performance standards are met.
Mayor Levine commented that there was a family that came forward who has a unit in their home that
they rent out.
Councilor Lorberbaum asked and received confirmation that all existing rentals would not be
grandfathered in and would need to apply and meet the standards. She asked if the City is prepared to
enforce these rules.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the City has prepared an application form,
and the City is prepared to begin accepting rental applications. She stated that enforcement would be
handled on a case -by -case basis, and they would work with the City Attorney if there were additional
September 19, 2024 Mendota Ffeights City Conaactl Page 10 of ]4
efforts needed after the application process. She confirmed that there is an established process for
enforcement, should that be necessary.
Councilor raper asked if there would be a home inspection after application.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that there would be an initial inspection to
verify compliance with the ordinance. She stated that the cost for that service would be covered by the
$200 annual fee.
Councilor Papei asked if that $200 fee would cover the cost of the inspection and any related staff time.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden noted the items that would be inspected at the home,
noting that it is not a full home inspection.
Councilor Paper asked if there were other violations noted during that inspection or whether they were
only looking at the number of habitable rooms and smoke/CO2 detectors.
Comrunity Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the inspection would only focus on the
terms within the ordinance.
Councilor Paper commented that he would want the inspection to verify that there is in fact a fire
extinguisher onsite.
David Epstein, 2234 Swan, stated that he is a real estate broker and renovates properties as well. He stated
that sometimes the highest and best use of a property is as a short term rental. He stated that this is a good
ordinance if the City does not want to allow short term rentals. He stated that he does not live in any
properties that he is renting out. He stated that requiring properties to be homesteaded in order to rent for
short term rentals would eliminate the possibility of people earning revenue on their property. He stated
that he moved to Mendota Heights for the safety that comes with it and because the local government does
not overreach. He believed that this could be written in a way that allows for homes that are not
homesteaded to be rented.
John Maczko, 750 Cheyenne Lane, stated that this is a residential community and short-term rentals are
differentI He did not believe people want businesses conducted in their neighborhood with a new family
showing up every seven days. He commented that the rotating cast of people does not allow you to form
a sense of community. He believed that the community is more suited for long term rentals. He did like
the homestead clause and believed that proof would need to be provided during the application process.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden commented that the license requirements speak of
primary residence requirements and noted that could be clarified in the ordinance itself if desired.
Councilor Mazzitello confirmed that it is a bit confusing and that could be cleaned up within the ordinance.
Mayor Levine confirmed the consensus of the Council for that language to be cleaned up. She thanked
Mr. Epstein for coming, but noted that they have been talking about this for one year and the decision to
require a homesteaded property was not taken lightly by this Council.
September 17, 2024 Mendoza Heights City Comvcil Page 11 of 14
Councilor Mazzitello stated that he would like the City Attorney to review Mr. Bellville's submission.
City Attorney Amy Schmidt stated that she did review some of the citations listed in the letter but has not
done an exhaustive legal review. She stated that a lot of the cases that were cited relate more to the zoning
authority of the city. She stated that in this ordinance the Council would be exercising its licensing
authority.
Councilor Mazzitello asked when the moratorium expires.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the moratorium expires on Thursday,
September 19`h
Councilor Paper asked if the Council could review this after one year, similar to many other• changes the
City has made.
Mayor Levine commented that she does not see any problem passing the ordinance today, as there is
nothing in this ordinance that is not included in the ordinances of other cities.
City Attorney Amy Schmidt commented that even if adopted tonight, the ordinance would not take effect
until it is published and therefore there will be a period of time where the moratorium expires, and the
ordinance is not in effect.
Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the moratorium could be extended.
City Attorney Amy Schmidt replied that she did not believe that the moratorium falls into the category of
that which could be extended.
Councilor Mazzitello commented that there is no grandfathering in, once the ordinance is adopted, all
short term rentals would need to fall under the ordinance. He stated that at the October 1`t meeting he
would like to see the revisions and the opinion of the City Attorney on the letter submitted by Mr. Bellville.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to TABLE CONSIDERATION OF THIS ITEM TO THE OCTOBER 1,
2024 MEETING.
Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion.
Ayes: 3
Nays: 1 (Paper)
C) RESOLUTION 2024-50 CALLING FOR AN ASSESSMENT HEARING ON THE BRIDGEVIEW
SHORES STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being
asked to consider Resolution 2024-50 calling for an assessment hearing on the Bridgeview Shores Street
Improvement Project.
September 17, 2024 A4endota Heights City Council Page 12 oJ14
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2024-50 CALLING FOR AN ASSESSMENT
HEARING ON THE BRIDGEVIEW SHORES STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
D) ADOPT FISCAL YEAR 2025 PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND LEVY
Finance Director Kristen Schabacker explained that the Council was being asked to adopt a preliminary
budget and proposed levy for Fiscal Year 2025,
Councilor Mazzitello acknowledged how lucky the City is to have Finance Director Kristen Schabacker.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2024-51 APPROVING PROPOSED 2025
LEVY COLLECTIBLE IN 2025, RESOLUTION NO, 2024-52 ADOPTING 2025 PRELIMINARY
BUDGET, AND RESOLUTION NO. 2024-53 APPROVING THE FINAL 2024 TAX LEVY FOR
SPECIAL TAX DISTRICT NO. 1 COLLECTIBLE IN 2025,
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Paper commented that many topics tonight involved a lot of cornrnunity engagement and
thanked everyone that was engaged and involved. He also wished the City Clerk a happy birthday.
Councilor Lorberbaum stated that the community is lucky to have NDC4, which has put together
vidual videos for each of the communities they serve. She noted eight recent awards received by that
organization. She stated that the previous day was Respect for Your Elder Day, which is a national holiday
in Japan spent with elderly friends and relatives. She stated that today is Constitution Day, which
commemorates the day the Constitution was signed. She encouraged all residents who legally can vote to
register and vote.
Councilor Mazzitello read a portion of the Constitution, which was signed on September 17, 1787.
ADJOURN
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
September 77, 2024 r4endota Neiglvts Czry Council Page /3 of /4
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 10:19 p.m.
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Mayor
ATTEST:
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Ci Clerk
September l7, 2024 Me�adota Heights City Ca:mci7 Page 14 oj14