2024 10 15 CC Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Mendota Heights City Council was
held at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Levine called the work session to order at 5:01 p.m. Council members Lorberbaum,
Mazzitello, Miller, and Paper were also present.
Others present included City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek,
Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Park and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director
Meredith Lawrence, Community Development Manager Sarah Madden, Police Chief Kelly
McCarthy, and City Clerk Nancy Bauer.
VICTORIA ROAD NOISE BARRIER
Public Works Director Ruzek stated that this topic had been discussed in the past by the city
council. After MnDOT clear-cut vegetation in the right-of-way along 35E, the city received
several complaint calls from the residents. The council had directed staff to apply to MnDOT for
the roadside community planting program. Staff submitted the application on July 3 and have not
heard back from MnDOT regarding the application. Staff does not anticipate any plantings in
2024.
At the September 17, 2024, city council meeting, residents spoke and submitted a petition
requesting a noise barrier wall. MnDOT does have a noise barrier wall program, and a map was
shown of the homeowners who had signed the petition. Another map showed where residents
would like a noise barrier wall installed.
Public Works Director Ruzek continued that MnDOT does have four study areas in Mendota
Heights and there are three segments in the area being discussed. These three areas rank within
the benefit of a noise barrier wall that MnDOT has studied. The rankings for the wall in this area
are ranked 97. 101. and 103 metro -wide.
Ruzek stated that if an application was submitted, the city would need to commit 10% of the funds
as a local match. Depending on the type of wall, either concrete or wood the match would range
anywhere from an estimated $453,000 to $756,000. Special assessments could be used for the
affected properties to help offset the cost of the wall.
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He noted that applications submitted and selected in this funding round would be for installation
in 2030. It is a highly competitive process for MnDOT to build a noise barrier wall. For the
application to be considered, the city would need to apply every year.
Council member Mazziteno asked about the criteria when MnDOT scored the applications for
selection. Public Works Director Ruzek responded that a potential need for a noise wall had been
shown.
Public
Works Director Ruzek
stated that if the city did apply for a noise barrier
wall, MnDOT
would
conduct a noise study,
rank the applications based on existing noise level,
the length and
height
of the wall, the number
of benefitted homes, and cost-effectiveness of the barrier wall.
Council member Paper asked who would maintain the wall if one was built. Public Works Director
Ruzek responded that the city would maintain the city side of the wall.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES AND FY2025 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
Mayor Levine stated that the council held four work sessions regarding the 2025 preliminary
budget, and it had been passed at a council meeting. Included in the preliminary budget were two
new staff positions among other funded budget requests. The mayor expressed concern over the
general fund balance and asked the council to review its priorities to determine if any budget
adjustments were needed.
A spreadsheet was handed out with scenarios to reduce the preliminary budget amount
City Administrator Jacobson reported on the salary adjustments that would be implemented
retroactively to October 1. She reminded the council that staff compensation is reviewed annually
and that adjustments are needed for pay equity compliance and market competitiveness. She
sought clarification on the council's acceptance of the recommended adjustments that had been
discussed at a previous work session. It was the consensus to implement the 2024 salary
adjustments.
City Administrator Jacobson stated that overtime for public works staff and staff working weekend
park events should be discussed in early 2025.
The Par 3/Parks and Recreation position was discussed. City Administrator Jacobson reviewed
the anticipated salary. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker stated that 60 percent of the salary
was budgeted to come out of the Par 3 budget and 40 percent would come out of the Parks and
Recreation budget. The qualifications sought for the position were outlined.
The city's fund balance policy and the city's bond rating were discussed. It was suggested that the
fund balance policy and the special parks fund be discussed at a future work session. Finance
Director Schabacker stated that the staff budgeted for a health insurance rate increase for 2025.
The health insurance rates did not go up as anticipated by staff.
Staff items requested for the 2025 preliminary budget that could be removed were discussed
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Council member Paper asked if the administrative position could start on April 1, 2025, City
Administrator Jacobson stated yes and the pay grade for the position would also be reduced from
the original amount.
The council was in support of the two new positions requested with the administrative position to
be hired April 1, 2025, and the purchase of a new engineering truck be delayed for another year.
It was the consensus of the council that the capital improvement plan be discussed at a future work
session.
CANNABIS ORDINANCE PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION
This cannabis ordinance preliminary discussion was not discussed due to lack of time.
� • 1. ►lul ► 1
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
v
Ste ame . Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
N cy Bauer, City Clerk
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