2024 10 15 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, October 15, 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
The 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
Carol Mulvihill, 1154 Orchard Place, expressed concern about the upcoming elections. She stated that
she serves as an Election Judge and has noticed that the city does not have a good voter turnout. She
stated that she started asking people if they vote and was surprised that people did not think their vote
mattered and were concerned with voter fraud. She suggested that the City complete a post -election audit,
hand -counting the votes after to ensure voters that the results were accurate.
Mayor Levine commented that Mendota Heights has one of the highest election turnout rates in the state.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Levine presented the consent agenda and explained the procedure for discussion and approval.
Councilor Lorberbaum moved approval of the consent agenda as presented.
a. Approval of October I, 2024, City Council Minutes
bI Acknowledge the August 14, 2024, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
c. Acknowledge July 2024 and August 2024 Fire Synopses
d. Approve Contract to Install LED Streetlight Fixtures
e. Approve 2024-2025 Insurance Renewal and Elect to Not Waive Statutory Limits
f. Resolution 2024-57 Accepting Project and Approving Final Payment for the Marie Avenue Bridge
Improvements
g. Acknowledge the August Par 3 Financial Report
h. Resolution 2024-60 Accepting a Park Bench Donation
i. Approval of Claims List
j. Resolution 2024-61 Approving Joint Powers Agreement Amendment with Dakota County for
Operation of a Residential Organics Drop -Off Site
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PRESENTATIONS
A) RESOLUTION 2024-59 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND AWARDING THE SALE
OF $2,755,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2024A
PLEDGING FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND LEVYING A
Keith Dahl, with Ehlers, presented background information and explained that the Council is being asked
to consider a resolution authorizing issuance and awarding the sale of $2,755,000 General Obligation
Improvement Bonds, Series 2024A, pledging for the security thereof special assessments and levying a
tax for the payment thereof. He presented the results of the bond sale and noted that this does show a
reduction from the original amount of $3,085,000.
Mayor Levine thanked Mr. Dahl and Ehlers for their assistance.
Councilor Paper referenced the comment that receiving seven bids for a bond like this was a lot and asked
for clarification on the type of bond or what made that unusual.
Mr. Dahl replied that when you get around $3,00,000 that becomes more amactive for bidders and the
AAA rating of the City also attracts more bidders. He stated that generally, they are happy with three to
five bids.
Councilor Miller moved to adopt RESOLUTION N0.2024-59 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND
AWARDING THE SALE OF $2,755,000 GENERAI, OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS,
SERIES 2024A PLEDGING FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND
LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Further discussion: Councilor Paper noted that this bond sale was $300,000 lower than anticipated, in the
favor of the City, and asked for clarification.
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Mr. Dahl replied that when a City receives a premium bid that is going to the secondary market with the
underwriter selling the bonds, therefore, they anticipate future market conditions. He stated that lowering
the par amount of the bonds is less interest paid in the long run. He noted that the other option would
have been to accept the higher amount, in case there were additional costs to cover. He stated that the
assessments would not be reduced as assessments only cover 20 percent of the project cost.
Councilor Mazzitello explained that the principal amount of the bond is less, which means the debt service
is less, as the is the property tax levy impact.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PUBLIC HEARING
A) RESOLUTION 2024-58 ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
BRIDGEVIEW SHORES STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution
2024-58 adopting and confirming assessments for the Bridgeview Shores Street Improvements.
Councilor Lorberbaum noticed different assessments for different zoning districts and asked if that is
comrnon practice.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that when a project includes multiple zoning districts, it is
common practice to split out those zones. He confirmed that the City would continue to follow that
practice going forward.
Councilor Mazzitello asked how the interest rate was estimated.
Finance Director Kristen Schabacker explained that the true interest rate of the bonds that were sold for
the project is used, plus two percent for administrative, legal, and miscellaneous costs.
Councilor Paper asked how the project turned out in terms of timelines and meeting expectations.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie replied that the project went well, finishing substantial completion
about one month ahead of time. He noted some additional items that are still being completed, such as
striping. He stated that the pavement and replaced curb and gutter were well done.
Councilor Miller commented that he lives in the neighborhood and the contractor was highly professional,
always watching for the young children in the area. He stated that the contractors also cleaned up after
themselves and finished ahead of schedule.
Councilor Miller moved to open the public hearing.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
October I5, 2024, Mendota Heights City Coanci/ Page 3 of S
Dave Koziol, 2535 Arbor Court, stated that he supported the project because of the poor conditions of
the road and thanked the City for completing this project. He agreed with Councilor Miller that the
project went well. He referenced the comment that R-I has more frontage than R-2 lots, which supports
the difference in the assessment cost, and noted that there are some R-I lots with just driveways and no
other frontage. He read language from the assessment notice and believed that everyone was going to be
assessed equally, noting that the townhomes have values in the $600,OOOs which is similar to the homes.
He commented that all homes benefit equally and should be charged equally.
Linda Schlasner, 806 Monet Court, thanked the Council for the project and addressing their concerns
related to the difference between R-I and R-2 properties. She commented that there are distinct
differences in the size of the lots. She stated that the townhomes also have lower values than the homes.
She agreed that the contractor did a great job, and they have a nice road. She asked the Council to leave
the assessments as they are.
There being no one further coming forward to speak, Councilor Paper moved to close the public hearing.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that R-1 and R-2 aze proposed to have different
assessments, noting that lot frontage was not used in the calculation. He explained that they used access
and zoning to determine the assessment. He explained that even though there are two lots without
frontage, they do still benefit from the project with driveway access to the road.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2024-58 ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE BRIDGEVIEW SHORES STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion.
Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello commented that the property values he looked at during the last
meeting were shown on the GIS from Dakota County and noted that he is unsure of the prices those homes
would have sold at. He stated that units in R-1 and R-2 do have different assessment rates.
Councilor Paper commented that it was great to hear how well the contractor did as he did not receive one
negative email about the project. He wished that every project would go this smoothly.
Mayor Levine also expressed appreciation to the contractor and to the residents for their patience during
the project.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No items scheduled.
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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Mazzitello recognized Indigenous Peoples Day, which was celebrated the previous day. He
stated that the previous day also honored Italian American immigrants.
Councilor Miller recognized the Two Rivers Cross Comrtry Teams, noting wins by both the boys and girls
teams. He commented that elections are very important, and the Election Judges take their role seriously.
He encouraged everyone to go out and vote.
Councilor Lorberbaum encouraged residents to vote on Election Day or vote early. She also recognized
Indigenous Peoples Day and borrowed words from the Gutherie theater with a slight modification as a
common statement prior to performances.
Councilor Paper wished the fall sports teams luck as they progressed through playoffs and tournaments.
Mayor Levine stated that the Council held a productive budget work session today. She stated that
residents can vote early during City Hall business hours and encouraged residents to vote early. She noted
that City Clerk Nancy Bauer is the longest -standing employee for the city, who has been with the City for
36 years and expressed confidence in the abilities of City staff.
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Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:49 p.m.
Step%anie4B. Levine
Mayor
ATTEST:
Nan y Bauer
City Clerk
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