03 04 2025 CC Agenda PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
March 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Pledge of Allegiance
4.Approval of the Agenda
The Council, upon majority vote of its members, may make additions or deletions to the
agenda. These items may be submitted after the agenda preparation deadline.
5.Public Comments - for items not on the agenda
Public comments provide an opportunity to address the City Council on items which are not
on the meeting agenda. All are welcome to speak. Individuals should address their
comments to the City Council as a whole, not individual members. Speakers are requested
to come to the podium and must state their name and address. Comments are limited to
three (3) minutes. No action will be taken; however, the Mayor and Council may ask
clarifying questions as needed or request staff to follow up.
6.Consent Agenda
Items on the consent agenda are approved by one motion of the City Council. If a
councilmember requests additional information or wants to make a comment on an item,
the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately. Items
removed from the consent agenda will be taken up as the next order of business.
a.Approve Minutes from the February 18, 2025, City Council Meeting
b.Approve Minutes from the February 18, 2025, City Council Work Session Meeting
c.Acknowledge Minutes from the November 26, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting
d.Acknowledge Minutes from the January 28, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting
e.Authorize the Purchase of Fire Department Turn-Out Gear
f.Approve the Job Description, Pay Classification and Authorize Recruitment of the
Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator Position
Page 1 of 133
g. Award 2025 Street Sweeping Contract
h. Authorize Letter of Approval for Geothermal Planning Grant Application
i. Approve Stormwater Basin Inspection and Maintenance Assessment Request For
Proposals
j. Approve Field Renovation Work at Valley Park Ballfield
k. Authorize Purchase Order for Fuel Tank Repairs
l. Approve Claims List
7. Presentations
a. Mayor for a Day Honorable Mention Recognition-Jaxon Blanks
b. Future City Competition - Friendly Hills Middle School
c. Rogers Lake Water Quality Report Presentation by Saint Thomas Academy
d. Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Year in Review
8. New and Unfinished Business
a. Resolution 2025-12 Approving a Preliminary Plat of Campion Estates at 772-790
Ridge Place - Planning Case 2025-01
b. Consideration of Ordinance No. 597: Cannabis Business Registration
9. Public Hearings
a. Public Hearing - Consideration of Ordinance No. 600, Authorizing an Amendment to
the 2025 Fee Schedule to Incorporate Cannabis Business Registration Fees
10. Community / City Administrator Announcements
11. City Council Comments
12. Adjourn
Next Meeting
March 18, 2025 at 7:00PM
Information is available in alternative formats or with the use of auxiliary aids to individuals
with disabilities upon request by calling city hall at 651-452-1850 or by
emailing cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
Regular meetings of the City Council are cablecast on
NDC4/Town Square Television Cable Channel 18/HD798 and online at
TownSquare.TV/Webstreaming
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
DRAFT Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, February 18, 2025
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, Mazzitello, and Maczko,
were also present. Councilor Paper 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 Maczko seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No one from the public wished to be heard.
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 February 4, 2025, City Council Minutes
b. Approve Massage Therapist License Pending a Successful Background Check
c. Resolution 2025-11 Accepting Donation to the Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course
d. Authorize Great River Greening Cooperative Agreement
e. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
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6.a
February 18, 2025, Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 3
PRESENTATIONS
A) POLICE OFFICER OATH OF OFFICE/SWEARING IN
Police Chief Kelly McCarthy introduced Emmah Thompson, Maddy Spencer, and David Perrault.
Mayor Levine administered the Oath of Office to Officers Thompson, Spencer, and Perrault.
B) MENDOTA HEIGHTS VOLUNTEER PROGRAM ANNUAL REPORT
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson reviewed the volunteer contributions to the Mendota
Heights Volunteer Program and recognized the contributions made by volunteers to the City of Mendota
Heights.
Councilor Lorberbaum thanked staff and the volunteers for the wonderful program.
Councilor Mazzitello asked how staff recruits volunteers for the program.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson explained how staff has reached out to existing groups and
through existing programming to gain volunteers. She stated that volunteer opportunities are also
promoted through multiple City platforms to build awareness of the volunteer program.
Councilor Maczko commented that word of mouth is often the best method to grow a volunteer program.
Mayor Levine asked how residents can join the program.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson stated that all volunteer opportunities are posted on the City
website and, if interested, people can join the program, and the volunteer opportunities will be emailed to
them directly.
Councilor Maczko also commented on the community emergency response team (CERT), as that is often
a time when you need trained volunteers to assist.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson provided additional details on CERT, a joint program
between the Police and Fire Departments where residents are trained to support emergency responders in
times of need. She stated that there is not currently an opening for the CERT program, but more
information can be found on the City website.
PUBLIC HEARING
No items scheduled.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
No items scheduled.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
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February 18, 2025, Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 3
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Maczko stated that today is a day of remembrance as multiple first responders from another
community lost their lives. He stated that is an example of what first responders are willing to do, putting
their lives on the line to protect others. He commented that the Two Rivers dance team recently
participated in the state championship.
Councilor Lorberbaum echoed the words of remembrance of those who were killed one year ago. She
also thanked the new Officers who were sworn in today. She shared two quotes for Black History Month.
She stated that the Mendota Heights Community Foundation is looking for new Board members and
encouraged those interested to reach out to her.
Councilor Mazzitello echoed the excellent comments made by Councilor Maczko related to first
responders. He welcomed the new Police Officers to Mendota Heights, recognizing the service they
provide to the community. He stated that this week is National Engineers Week and provided examples
of the work that engineers do to make people’s lives better.
Mayor Levine echoed the comments welcoming the new Officers to the Police Department, noting that
the Police force is full, which is not something many cities can boast at this time. She commented that
Frozen Fun Fest took place last week, and there were great events and participation. She thanked all the
people who volunteered and attended to make it a success.
ADJOURN
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn.
Councilor Maczko seconded the motion.
Ayes: 4
Nays: 0
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
____________________________________
Stephanie B. Levine
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Nancy Bauer
City Clerk
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February 18, 2025, Mendota Heights City Council Work Session Minutes Page - 1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
DRAFT Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Tuesday, February 18, 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 6:00 pm. Councilors Lorberbaum, Maczko
(arrived 6:06 pm), and Mazzitello. Councilor Paper was absent.
Others present included: City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Kelly Torkelson Assistant City
Administrator, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Natural
Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter, Community Development Manager Sarah Madden, Park
and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence, and City Clerk Nancy Bauer.
Dakota County Principal Planner Lil Leatham, Dakota County Parks Director Niki Geisler, and
Leslie Pilgram were also in the audience.
DAKOTA COUNTY PARKS 2025 VISION PLAN
M. Lawrence reported that the Dakota County Parks 2050 Vision Plan was being presented
tonight by Dakota County staff.
L. Leatham presented a PowerPoint presentation and stated that this 2050 Dakota County Parks
Vision Plan updates the existing 2030 Dakota County Parks Vision Plan. The process began in
the spring of 2024 with research and community engagement. One of the plan strategies is to
improve nature-based recreation access for all Dakota County residents. In the spring of 2025,
Dakota County will begin public review of the draft plan and solicit community engagement
before going to the County Board for adoption.
The previous plan set the foundation for the greenway vision. The 2030 plan vision was “Great
Places, Protected Places, Connected Places” and the new plan proposes an updated vision of
“Nature Protected, Community Reflected, All Are Connected”. “Nature protected” refers to
natural resources management, “community reflected” refers to the people that are being served,
and “all are connected” has a lot of different meanings.
N. Geisler reported that the vision plan is a long-term plan that is meant to be aspirational and
inspire the Dakota County team and community.
Mayor Levine asked how Dakota County and the City of Mendota Heights can work together to
achieve the goals in the plan. L. Leatham responded that goal number 11 is to seek values based
on mission-driven partnerships.
6.b
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February 18, 2025, Mendota Heights City Council Work Session Minutes Page - 2
Dakota County staff emphasized the County’s priority to invest in and maintain existing park
infrastructure before expanding and adding to the park system. They shared that Dakota County
is looking at partnering with cities for parks.
R. Ruzek reported that he is meeting with Dakota County to discuss maintenance (plowing and
mowing) of the Valley Park trail.
L. Leatham stated that goal eight is to locate new park units close to people or to protect
community open space and recreation assets. Strategies for discussion include 1) new search
areas to locate new parks and greenways close to people 2) expand greenway collaborative to
partner with cities for more nature-based recreation along greenways, and 3) community trail
loops. A map showed the park service area gaps and greenway service area gaps.
Three park search areas were shown on a map. One was to fill a park service gap in the
northeast area of Dakota County along the Mississippi River, one was in the west area of Dakota
County in the Lakeville/Burnsville area, and the last one was along the Minnesota River.
The County identified gaps through conversations with cities and identified likely candidates for
improvements. One of the identified areas for improvement is in Mendota Heights along the
bluffs of the Minnesota River in the Fort Snelling area. This area could include a cultural district
because in the area are the Faribault House, Sibley House, Oheyawahi, and Big Rivers Trail
Head.
The County is also looking at greenway search areas with two goals - to make the northern part
of Dakota County greenway network finer and add greenways in the southern part of Dakota
County. Two of the greenway corridors in the plan touch Mendota Heights.
The plan includes a proposed expansion of existing trails in northern Dakota County and is
looking to make regional funding available to cities where there are key gaps. Dakota County
would also include natural resources elements in the projects.
N. Geisler stated that the greenways in the previous Park System Plan shaped the greenway
program for the 200-mile vision of the County Board. Currently, 50 miles of trails have been
constructed. There is support from the Dakota County Board for search areas to add greenway
trails.
Councilor Maczko asked if Dakota County had talked to MnDOT regarding a trail along
Highway 13 when they were working on the slope. N. Geisler responded that they had not.
R. Ruzek stated it would be a challenging corridor and Highway 13 is scoped for a mill and
overlay in 2030.
L. Leatham said if greenways were brought into the system there would be a long-range plan
created, and it would be done in collaboration with the cities and then a feasibility study would
be done.
The second approach to improving the expansion of the greenway collaborative is to partner with
cities for more nature-based activities and facilities in city parks along the greenways. The
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February 18, 2025, Mendota Heights City Council Work Session Minutes Page - 3
County could provide fishing piers, overlooks, and nature play areas. The County would help
fund the facilities, but it would remain in the city’s parks and the city would construct and
maintain.
Mayor Levine suggested the rehabilitation of the picnic shelter in Valley Park. It is in good
condition, but it needs a new roof and paint. It is next to the greenway. N. Geisler said this is a
good time to mention this and would bring it back to the greenway staff to discuss further.
L. Leatham stated that the last strategy is to support community trails. This would be a Dakota
County and city partnership to connect residents to greenways with local trails. The Board
indicated there would be potential for political and technical support through studies and grant
writing from Dakota County.
L. Leatham stated the next steps are February and March will be the development of the draft
vision plan documents, April to May will be the time for public review and in July it is
anticipated the plan will be adopted by the Dakota County Board of Commissioners. If there are
any comments March 7 is the preferred deadline for comments.
Councilor Mazzitello asked if there are opportunities for partnership with Dakota County to add
natural open spaces around redevelopment areas. N. Geisler said that the County would like to
have those conservations.
Councilor Maczko stated he has been impressed with Dakota County, the trail system and being
sensitive to nature. A partnership does make sense. Valley Park could be a trailhead. He
appreciated how Dakota County has done strategic planning. He is looking forward to the tunnel
under Highway 62.
Councilor Lorberbaum said she felt good about what she heard and thanked Dakota County staff.
Mayor Levine stated in the park search area plan that Lilydale, Mendota, and Mendota Heights
have an incredible historical area. This would be a perfect partnership opportunity to make it a
cohesive project.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.
___________________________________
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________
Nancy Bauer, City Clerk
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November 26, 2024 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 1 of 5
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
NOVEMBER 26, 2024
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday,
November 26, 2024, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 P.M.
The following Commissioners were present: Chair Litton Field, Commissioners Patrick Corbett,
Cindy Johnson, Brian Petschel, Jason Stone, and Andrew Katz. Those absent: Commissioner Brian
Udell.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as submitted.
Approval of September 24, 2024 Minutes
COMMISSIONER KATZ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STONE TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2024.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
Hearings
A) PLANNING CASE 2024-21
LAKES LLC, 1912 SOUTH LANE – LOT SPLIT REQUEST
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that Sean Doyle of SD Customer
Homes/Lakes LLC is requesting consideration of a simple lot split on a parcel of land located at
1912 South Lane.
Hearing notices were published and mailed to all properties within 350-ft. of the site; no comments
or objections to this request were received.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a planning staff report and a
presentation on this planning item to the Commission (which is available for viewing through the
City’s website).
Staff recommended approval of this application based on the findings and with conditions.
Commissioner Petschel asked if the City passed the tree removal ordinance.
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6.c
November 26, 2024 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 of 5
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that the City Council adopted that
ordinance to become effective on January 1st.
Chair Field opened the public hearing.
Bobby Schmitz, applicant, stated that he was present to address any questions.
Jeff Nath, 1911 Knob Road, commented that he has no trouble with this because it is a uselessly
large lot. He referenced the permeable/impermeable guidelines the City recently adopted. He
noted that this is an older section of the community and asked if that would impact the request.
Commissioner Corbett commented that the lot sizes seem larger and therefore he does not believe
this is one of those special areas.
Chairperson Field commented that if the new guidelines were adopted, they would apply.
Commissioner Petschel commented that he did not believe there was a carve out any longer and
all lots were treated the same.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that the standard is applied equally
across the R-1 district.
Seeing no one further coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close
the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
COMMISSIONER CORBETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STONE, TO
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE LOT SPLIT REQUEST BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF
FACT SUPPORTING THE REQUEST, WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
1. THE APPLICANT MUST RECORD THE LOT SPLIT (MINOR SUBDIVISION) AT
DAKOTA COUNTY INDICATING THE NEWLY CREATE PARCEL 1 AND PARCEL
2.
2. THE RESOLUTION MUST BE RECORDED AT DAKOTA COUNTY AND MUST BE
OF RECORD ON BOTH CREATED PARCELS.
3. ALL TRANSFER OR DEED DOCUMENTS WHICH CONVEY THE PORTION OF
LANDS UNDER THE LOT SPLIT PROCESS SHALL BE RECORDED WITH
DAKOTA COUNTY.
4. NO SINGLE-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT WILL BE ALLOWED OR APPROVED ON
THE PROPOSED PARCELS UNTIL THE EXISTING SINGLE-FAMILY HOME AND
ALL ACCESSORY STRUCTURES HAVE BEEN DEMOLISHED.
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November 26, 2024 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 of 5
5.THE APPLICANT/DEVELOPER MUST PROVIDE A BEST MANAGEMENT
PRACTICES (STORMWATER MANAGEMENT) AGREEMENT TO THE CITY AS
PART OF THE BUILDING PERMIT SUBMITTAL AND REVIEW PROCESS.
6.ANY GRADING AND/OR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY RELATED TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF THIS LOT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL APPLICABLE
FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REGULATIONS AND CODES, AS WELL AS IN
COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY’S LAND DISTURBANCE GUIDANCE
DOCUMENT.
7.ANY NEW OR EXISTING SANITARY OR WATER SERVICE LINES WILL HAVE
TO BE REVIEWED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR AND/OR ST. PAUL
REGIONAL WATER SERVICES PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF ANY BUILDING
PERMIT.
8.A BUILDING PERMIT MUST BE APPROVED PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT
OF ANY CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE NEW RESIDENTIAL DWELLING.
CONSTRUCTION WORK SHALL OCCUR ONLY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:00
A.M. AND 8:00 P.M. WEEKDAYS; AND 9:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M. WEEKENDS.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its December 3, 2024
meeting.
B)PLANNING CASE 2024-23
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS – ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided background information on the
actions of the Minnesota Legislature related to legalization of adult-use cannabis as well as the
establishment of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), which will establish the
administrative rules and oversight of the adult-use cannabis industry in Minnesota. Once the
administrative rules are in place, licensing of cannabis businesses will commence, and all licensing
will be conducted by the OCM. Local governments may register cannabis businesses and enforce
certain zoning regulations within their jurisdiction, but may not require additional licensing of
cannabis businesses. The City Council is continuing discussions over the business registration
portion of the local control. This item relates to amendment to the Zoning Use Table within Title
12, as established following the Zoning Code Update project. The Table and the full ordinance go
into effect on January 1, 2025. The proposed amendments will be scheduled to also go into effect
on January 1st with the full ordinance update.
A hearing notice was published in the City’s official newspaper, The Pioneer Press; no comments
or objections to this request were received.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a planning staff report and a
presentation on this planning item to the Commission (which is available for viewing through the
City’s website).
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November 26, 2024 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 of 5
Staff recommended approval of this application as presented.
Commissioner Petschel asked if the limitation on cannabis businesses applies to cannabis retailers
and low potency products.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the limit is only on the number of
cannabis retailers and the limitation does not apply to the sale of low potency products or industrial
users.
Commissioner Petschel used a similar business model of a brewery or distillery and asked if that
type of cannabis business could have similar sale of their product at that location. He also asked,
in that scenario, if the manufacturing were the main use and out sale were the accessory use, would
that business need to hold the one retail sales license for the community.
Commissioner Corbett stated that a mezzo business could obtain that type of license similar to a
brew pub.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that there will be 13 different license
types, and it is her understanding that the cap applies to the cannabis retailer license specifically
and therefore she would believe the mezzo license could allow for retail sales as an accessory use
as discussed.
Commissioner Corbett asked if some or all of the buffer would be implemented.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden commented that all of the buffers would be
implemented along with a buffer of 500 feet between cannabis retailers. She stated that even if
they were the strictest on the buffers, measuring from the property line, the majority of the
commercial areas would remain untouched by the buffers.
Commissioner Corbett asked how the registration process would be handled.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden stated that based on feedback from the City
Attorney, the City would be following a first-come, first-serve basis for processing applications
for registration.
Commissioner Stone thanked staff for including comparison information from other cities.
Chair Field opened the public hearing.
Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close the public
hearing.
COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER CORBETT, TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 6
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November 26, 2024 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 5 of 5
NAYS: 0
COMMISSIONER CORBETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL, TO
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF DRAFT ORDINANCE NO. 596 AS PRESENTED.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its December 17, 2024
meeting.
New and Unfinished Business
None.
Staff Announcements / Updates
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided an update on recent actions of the
City Council and other items of interest to the Commission. She commented that she has not
received any planning cases as of yet for December and therefore it is likely that meeting could be
canceled. She noted that there will be one new member joining the Commission in January.
The Commission thanked Commissioner Petschel for his service and expertise on the Commission.
Adjournment
COMMISSIONER CORBETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER PETSCHEL, TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:47 P.M.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
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January 28, 2025 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 1 of 4
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
JANUARY 28, 2025
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, January
28, 2025, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve at 7:00 P.M.
The following Commissioners were present: Acting Chair Patrick Corbett, Commissioners Cindy
Johnson, Brian Udell, Jason Stone, and Andrew Katz. Those absent: Chair Litton Field and
Commissioner Brian Petschel.
Approval of Agenda
The agenda was approved as submitted.
Approval of November 26, 2024, Minutes
COMMISSIONER KATZ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STONE TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DATE NOVEMBER 26, 2024.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
Hearings
A) PLANNING CASE 2025-01
TOM CAMPION, 790 AND 772 RIDGE PLACE – PRELIMINARY AND FINAL
PLAT
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that Tom Campion, the property
owner of 790 Ridge Place is requesting consideration of a Preliminary Plat of his property and the
neighboring property addressed as 772 Ridge Place. The subdivision would consolidate the five
existing parcels into three lots, with one of the proposed lots available as a new vacant lot for
single-family development. The applicant has submitted both Preliminary and Final Plat, however,
this public hearing is exclusively for review of the Preliminary Plat to be known as “Campion
Estates”. If the Preliminary Plat is approved with no changes, the Final Plat will be reviewed at a
later date by the City Council.
Hearing notices were published and mailed to all properties within 350-ft. of the site; no comments
or objections to this request were received.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a planning staff report and a
presentation on this planning item to the Commission (which is available for viewing through the
City’s website).
Page 14 of 133
6.d
January 28, 2025 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 2 of 4
Staff recommended approval of this application based on the findings and with conditions. She
stated that due to the change to park dedication, the applicant has asked for the item to be tabled
tonight in order to continue discussions with his neighbor related to the ten percent land dedication.
Acting Chair Corbett asked who the owner of the new lot would be.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that proposed lot two would be owned
by the applicant who would then decide how the future sale of that property/home would look.
Commissioner Katz asked for more information on lot three, noting that he could not recall a case
where a highway is considered to be part of someone’s lot.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that area is considered to be part of
the lot currently and MnDOT holds an easement over that area. She stated that as part of this plat,
the area would no longer be part of a lot and would be dedicated as right-of-way.
Commissioner Stone asked if Public Works has any concerns with this project.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that Public Works does not have any concerns as
utilities and infrastructure are in place and could support the potential connections. He stated that
he is working with MnDOT and Dakota County on the trail options. He stated that any driveways
would go onto Ridge Place and would not connect to Dodd Road.
Acting Chair Corbett asked if the urgency of the potential trail is known, or whether the land would
simply be held for the future.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek commented that the trail construction is planned for 2027.
Commissioner Katz referenced the creek and asked if that is dedicated as wetland.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that is a waterway but would not be
considered wetland.
Acting Chair Corbett commented that there is some marsh around the waterway.
Commissioner Katz stated that he wanted to ensure that there was consideration for that wet area
when the trail is constructed.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the trail project itself will have
stormwater management. She identified the delineated wetland boundaries within the overall
project area for the trail segment and noted that wetland requirements would be managed through
the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA).
Acting Chair Corbett opened the public hearing.
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January 28, 2025 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 3 of 4
Tom Campion, applicant, stated that there was an easement, and it was his understanding that the
City owned that. He explained the discussions he has had with his neighbor about this and the
costs he was going to cover. He stated that the ten percent land dedication came up within the last
day or two and his neighbor had said that he was going to walk away from the deal. He stated that
they plan to meet with staff to determine if they can work something out. He requested that the
item be tabled to allow him additional time to work with his neighbor and staff.
Christina Young, 799 Ridge Place, stated that she hopes that they could find a solution that would
allow an additional home. She hoped that they could work out the details for the ten percent land
dedication as that trail and connection will be important in terms of accessibility for the
neighborhood.
Seeing no one further coming forward wishing to speak, Acting Chair Corbett asked for a motion
to close the public hearing.
COMMISSIONER KATZ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
COMMISSIONER KATZ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STONE, TO TABLE
THE CASE UPON THE REQUEST OF THE APPLICANT.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
New and Unfinished Business
A) APPROVAL OF 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden reviewed the proposed 2025 meeting schedule.
She noted a change to the September meeting.
Commissioner Stone noted a potential conflict with the March meeting because of spring break.
He asked if there was an update on new members.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden stated that two new members have been
appointed and will be joining the Commission at the February meeting. She suggested that the
Commission approve the meeting calendar as presented and noted that she can bring back alternate
options to consider for March at the next meeting.
COMMISSIONER STONE MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER JOHNSON, TO
APPROVE THE 2025 MEETING SCHEDULE.
AYES: 5
Page 16 of 133
January 28, 2025 Mendota Heights Planning Commission Meeting Page 4 of 4
NAYS: 0
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided details on a planned land use training
that is proposed to be held as a worksession at 6 p.m. before the 7 p.m. February meeting.
Staff Announcements / Updates
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden stated that the zoning code update took effect
on January 1, 2025. She provided general updates on land use cases considered by the City Council
since the November meeting and other items of interest to the Commission.
Commissioner Stone and the other members of the Commission expressed appreciation to
Commissioner Katz for his service on the Commission.
Adjournment
COMMISSIONER KATZ MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STONE, TO
ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:37 P.M.
AYES: 5
NAYS: 0
Page 17 of 133
6.e
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Authorize the Purchase of Fire Department Turn-Out Gear
ITEM TYPE: Consent Item
DEPARTMENT: Fire CONTACT: Dan Johnson, Fire Chief
ACTION REQUEST:
Authorize the purchase of seven (7) sets of firefighter turn-out gear at the quoted amount of
$29,092 from Fire Equipment Specialties (FES Inc.).
BACKGROUND:
The 2025 Fire Department operating budget includes funding for the ongoing replacement of
firefighter turn-out gear. The department’s Gear and Uniform Committee continuously
evaluates the age and condition of the turn-out gear worn by the members, the amount of
spare gear available, and plans for providing the department’s most recent rookie class proper
gear.
A recent inspection and evaluation of the turn-out gear found that seven sets of new gear are
needed to meet operational needs. A quote from FES Inc., who is the only local supplier of the
department’s specified turn-out gear, was received in the amount of $4,156 per set.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
The replacement of turn-out gear is a FY2025 budgeted expense.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Premier Public Services & Infrastructure
Page 18 of 133
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6.f
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Approve the Job Description, Pay Classification and Authorize Recruitment
of the Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator Position
ITEM TYPE: Consent Item
DEPARTMENT: Administration CONTACT: Cheryl Jacobson, City
Administrator
Kelly Torkelson, Assistant
City Administrator
ACTION REQUEST:
Approve the job description and pay classification; and authorize the recruitment of the
Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator position.
BACKGROUND:
The City Council approved the addition of an Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator
position as part of the FY2025 budget. The Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator will
work in collaboration with the City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, and
Department Directors to coordinate and complete a wide variety of management projects,
administrative operations, and tasks. This position will report to the City Administrator.
The essential functions of this new position include serving as the initial contact between the
public and the City Administrator, Mayor and City Council, as well as providing support to the
Assistant City Administrator in the area of Human Resources. The position will also support
the City Administrator and Administration staff with special projects, contract administration,
grant writing and tracking, and research and analysis of a variety of topics and issues. The
position will play an active role in serving as the organization's legislative coordinator,
overseeing the city's advisory commission recruitment process, and assisting with city
communications.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
The Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator position is budgeted to begin after April 1.
The position is a full-time, benefitted position, and is ranked at pay grade 9 on the City's
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Compensation Plan. The position's full pay range is $36.95 to $45.42 per hour. For recruitment
purposes, the position will be posted with a hiring range of $36.95 to $40.97 per hour, which is
step one to step four (or midpoint) of the assigned pay grade.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator Job Description
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Premier Public Services & Infrastructure, Inclusive and Responsive Government
Page 20 of 133
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS ADMINISTRATIVE/SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR
Department: Administration
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
General Definition of Work
The Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator works in collaboration with the City Administrator, Assistant City
Administrator and Department Directors to coordinate a wide variety of management projects, administrative operations
and tasks. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Administrator and provides executive-level support
to the City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, and Department Directors.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The
requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Essential Functions
1. Serve as an initial contact between the public and the City Administrator, Mayor and City Council. Screen calls, emails,
and visitors; offer assistance, provide information, and respond to resident inquiries and complaints.
2. Provide support to the Assistant City Administrator in the area of Human Resources including benefits administration
and coordination and completion of the annual open enrollment process. Perform confidential support duties for all
City departments and personnel as needed.
3. Support the City Administrator and Administration staff with special projects including researching, compiling, and
summarizing information, developing recommendations, and presenting information. Provide project and contract
management support by tracking activities and progress, and reporting status updates to relevant stakeholders;
ensure that project-related information is properly documented and shared. Represent the city on special project
groups.
4. Conduct research, maintain statistics, and perform analysis on a variety of topics. Identify and research grant funding
opportunities and partnerships. Prepare grant applications, proposals, and presentations. Perform a variety of
technical support and administrative duties in the preparation, maintenance, tracking, and reporting of grants and
loans.
5. Serve as legislative coordinator assisting the City Administrator in researching metropolitan, state, and national issues.
Attends state legislative meetings and hearings; tracks and reports on city-relevant bills and legislation; writes position
papers and correspondence. Monitor legislative activity and advise city leadership on actions that benefit or adversely
impact established policies, programs, or strategic priorities.
6. Oversee the city advisory commission recruitment process and maintain commission member information and term
schedule. Assist commission staff liaisons with commission meetings as needed. Provide support as required to the
City Administrator on airport noise and policy matters including support with the city Airport Relations Commission
and MSP Airport Noise Oversight Committee.
7. Assist with city communications including writing and designing publications, website management and editing, and
social media management. Prepare presentations, documents, and spreadsheets. coordinates special events as
assigned.
8. Represent the city at various meetings and events. Attend city council workshops and meetings; and meetings of
advisory bodies as requested.
9. Perform other duties as assigned.
Page 21 of 133
Adopted: X/2025
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, human resources, political science, business administration or closely related
field. One or more years of experience in a same or similar position. Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite. Exceptional
customer service experience to both internal and external customers. Valid Driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience working for a municipal/local government. Experience working on federal, state and local legislative issues.
EXPECTED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Broad understanding and appreciation of the functions and responsibilities of municipal government. Knowledge of City Code,
and related regulations. Knowledge of project management and business process analysis techniques. Knowledge of
human resources management principles and practices in a government agency. Knowledge of state and federal laws,
statutes, and regulations pertaining to records management, including the MN Government Data Practices Act. Ability to
establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to competently handle several different projects in
a brief period of time. Ability to courteously handle a variety of public and internal inquiries. Ability to perform all essential
position functions under the working conditions as described.
WORK HOURS:
FLSA non-exempt position. The typical work week is Monday through Friday, with the following office hours: 9.5-hour
workdays on Monday and Thursday (including a 30-minute unpaid lunch break) and a 4-hour workday on Friday. From
time to time, night and evening work hours may be required.
Page 22 of 133
6.g
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Award 2025 Street Sweeping Contract
ITEM TYPE: Consent Item
DEPARTMENT: Public Works CONTACT: John Boland, Public Works
Superintendent
ACTION REQUEST:
Award a contract for the sweeping of streets for the spring and fall of 2025.
BACKGROUND:
Requests for bids were sent out for spring and fall street sweeping. Two bids were received:
Mike McPhillips, Inc. $135/hour
Pearson Brothers $135/hour
McPhillips, Inc. has swept the city streets in the past with very positive results. They will be
providing four to six sweeps a day to sweep the streets. Weather permitting, streets can
generally be swept in the spring in four days, while fall sweeping takes a few more days
because of the fallen leaves. Scheduling will be based on weather and availability, with the
hope of a start date sometime in April for the spring street sweeping.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
There is $70,000 in the 2025 budget for street sweeping and striping.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Premier Public Services & Infrastructure
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6.h
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Authorize Letter of Approval for Geothermal Planning Grant Application
ITEM TYPE: Consent Item
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources CONTACT: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Coordinator
ACTION REQUEST:
Authorize signing of letter of approval for the pursuit of a Geothermal Planning Grant.
BACKGROUND:
The Minnesota Department of Commerce is seeking proposals from local government units
for geothermal project planning throughout Minnesota for the Geothermal Planning Grant
Program. The intent of the program is to provide financial assistance to local government units
to examine the technical and economic feasibility for installation of geothermal energy
systems.
The Sustainability Committee of the City's Natural Resources Commission recently began
conversations regarding the program and how it fits with their goal of achieving sustainable
initiatives for the city. The city is in the process of implementing its Energy Action Plan as part
of its partnership with Xcel Energy through the Partners in Energy program. The Energy Action
Plan was developed in partnership with Xcel Energy and the city's Energy Action Team,
consisting of residents, business owners, students, Natural Resources Commission members,
and city staff. Exploring the possibility of implementing a geothermal system at one or more
of the city's public facilities fits well with the goals of the city's recently adopted Energy Action
Plan. The city is requesting $130,000 from the MN Department of Commerce as part of its
geothermal planning grant application.
City staff met with Darcy Solutions, a geothermal system installer, to learn more about
geothermal energy and details of installation. Darcy Solutions completed a preliminary
assessment of the city's Public Works facility, and determined that a geothermal project would
be feasible at this facility. The city has also reached out to other municipalities and
government agencies that have had experience with installing geothermal systems. If accepted
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into the grant program, project implementation would be assessed after findings of the
investigation are reported to, and discussed with City Council.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
The city will not offer grant match funds as part of the application unless the council wishes to
include matching funds. Matching funds are not included in the 2025 city budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Letter of Authorization
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship
Page 25 of 133
March 4, 2025
MN Department of Commerce
RE: Letter of Authorization – Geothermal Planning Grant Program Application
The City of Mendota Heights authorizes the Primary Contact, Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Coordinator to pursue the Geothermal Planning Grant Program Application.
The Sustainability Committee of the city's Natural Resources Commission has recently
begun conversations regarding the Geothermal Planning Grant program and how it can
work towards their goal of achieving sustainable initiatives for the city. The city is in the
process of implementing its Energy Action Plan as part of its partnership with Xcel
Energy through the Partners in Energy program. The Energy Action Plan was
developed in partnership with Xcel Energy and the city's Energy Action Team,
consisting of residents, business owners, students, Natural Resources Commission
members, and staff. Exploring the possibility of implementing a geothermal system at
one or more of the city's public facilities fits well with the goals of the city's recently
adopted Energy Action Plan.
This grant opportunity would allow the city to explore the possibility of installing a
geothermal energy system and therefore continue to work towards its goal of
implementing sustainable energy practices whenever feasible.
Thank you for your consideration. The City of Mendota Heights is excited about the
opportunity to partner with your efforts and is confident in our ability to meet its energy
goals.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Levine
Mayor
Page 26 of 133
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6.i
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Approve Stormwater Basin Inspection and Maintenance Assessment
Request For Proposals
ITEM TYPE: Consent Item
DEPARTMENT: Natural Resources CONTACT: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Coordinator
Lucas Ritchie, Assistant City
Engineer
ACTION REQUEST:
Approve the Request for Proposals for the Stormwater Basin Inspection and Maintenance
Assessment project.
BACKGROUND:
To comply with the city's small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit under
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/State Disposal System (SDS)
Program, the city must inspect and assess the maintenance needs of all its stormwater basins
within the five-year permit cycle. The city's current MS4 permit expires November 15, 2025.
The city has approximately 56 stormwater ponds within its stormwater conveyance system that
it is responsible for inspecting and maintaining. In-house inspection and assessment of all 56
basins is currently infeasible due to a lack of equipment and staffing resources. Staff have
completed simple inspections with the resources available for 14 stromwater basins within the
current permit cycle. However, the data collected is minimal due to a lack of necessary
equipment. These 14 basins may be added to the final contract as an addendum, dependent
on the chosen consultant's bid pricing.
Proposals will be solicited from consulting firms familiar with the requirements of the permit
and that are able to provide GIS, inspection, modeling and reporting services for the
remaining 42 basins. The consulting firm will have the staff expertise and capability to provide
complete, comprehensive, and serviceable data to fulfill this requirement of the city's MS4
permit. Project deliverables include:
Page 27 of 133
Deliverable 1 – Sedimentation Survey
The awarded consultant will visually inspect and perform a bathymetric survey for each basin
in the provided inventory. The inspection and survey of all basins will be performed in the
summer of 2025. The information gathered will be utilized to determine if maintenance is
required.
Visual inspection includes:
• Review GIS data, grading and utility plan as available for each basin prior to field
evaluation. If available, these plans will be taken into the field with the inspector.
• High quality photographs of all basin features including inlet and outlet locations and
any other pertinent features.
• Identification and reporting of any maintenance needs (erosion, sediment
accumulation, damaged stormwater structures, drainage impairments, etc.).
• Estimation of the percentage of the basin’s surface covered by vegetation.
Sedimentation inspection will include:
• Survey of the basin’s substrate using GPS survey equipment, bathymetric survey
methods, or equivalent that can be easily incorporated into the city’s GIS stormwater
mapping and software.
• Elevations for inlets and outlets, water surface elevation, and ground shots above the
water surface elevation surrounding the basin. GPS data provided shall be of the NAD
83 datum and include a clear point reference name, directional coordinates, and
elevation for each GPS point provided.
• Measurement of sediment depth throughout the basin as well as water depth.
Deliverable 2 – Basin Analysis
Deliverable 2 will be included in the project at the city’s discretion, based on cost analysis and
available funding. Deliverable 2 may not be included in the final project. The determination for
inclusion will be made by city staff following the proposal review process. This deliverable
includes analyzing the data collected from Deliverable 1 to determine sedimentation rate,
pollutant removal effectiveness, and categorizing what, if any, sediment removal or other
maintenance is needed for each basin.
Deliverable 3 – Final Report
Upon completion of Deliverables 1 and 2 (if included), the awarded consultant will complete a
final technical memorandum to summarize methods, findings, and recommendations for
maintenance.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
The city has allotted $100,000 within the Stormwater Utility of the 2025 Budget for the project.
Page 28 of 133
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Stormwater Basin Inspection & Maintenance Assessment RFP
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship, Premier Public Services & Infrastructure
Page 29 of 133
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Stormwater Basin Inspection and Maintenance Assessment
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
March 5, 2025
PROPOSAL DEADLINE: March 27, 2025 5:00pm
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Page 30 of 133
CONTENTS
A. Purpose of Request
B. Background
C. Project Description
D. Project Deliverables
E. Project Management
F. Sharing of Information
G. Project Schedule
H. Selection Criteria
I. Proposals
K. Other Terms and Conditions
L. Proposal Submittal
L. Attachments
A. PURPOSE OF REQUEST
The City of Mendota Heights hereby solicits and requests proposals for the inspection, data collection,
and maintenance assessment of all stormwater basins within the city that are city-owned or for which the
city has obtained a drainage and utility easement for the purpose of inspecting and maintaining in order
to comply with the small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit under the National
Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/State Disposal System (SDS) Program.
Proposals are being solicited from consulting firms familiar with the requirements of the permit and that
are able to complete the requirements of MCM 6 within the permit. The consulting firm should have the
staff expertise and capability to provide complete, comprehensive, and serviceable data to fulfill this
requirement of the MS4 permit for the City of Mendota Heights.
B. BACKGROUND
The City of Mendota Heights began developing in the 1950s as a Village and was established as a city in
1974. Much of the existing development occurred before stormwater treatment requirements were
established. Many of the stormwater ponds within its stormwater conveyance system were naturally
occurring wetlands converted or used for flood control and continue to be used for both stormwater
treatment and flood control. Many of these basins therefore do not have corresponding as -builts as a
result.
The city has approximately 56 stormwater ponds within its stormwater conveyance system. The majority
of the area within the city drains to the Mississippi River, with small portions draining to the Minnesota
River and Lake Augusta (land-locked basin). All known stormwater ponds were inspected and modeled in
2018, as part of the City’s Surface Water Management Plan update. Since that update, stormwater
ponds have been inspected in-house as feasible.
C. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Overview
The City of Mendota Heights is seeking stormwater basins data on all public stormwater basins within its
stormwater conveyance system that it is responsible for inspecting and maintaining and have not already
been inspected within the current inspection cycle. The city is seeking an experienced firm to provide
Page 31 of 133
GIS, inspection, modeling, and reporting services necessary to fulfill its MS4 requirements for the
remaining 42 stormwater basins within this inspection cycle.
Basins have been identified for inspection and assessment, and a detailed inventory will be provided and
is attached to this RFP. The area, depth, number of features, locations, and access routes varies for each
specific stormwater basin. The awarded consultant will work with city staff to determine or verify access
routes and locations as identified on the available mapping.
D. PROJECT DELIVERABLES
Project deliverables must comply with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s 2020 Small Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) General Permit.
Deliverable 1 – Sedimentation Survey
The awarded consultant will visually inspect and perform a bathymetric survey for each basin in the
provided inventory (attached). The inspection and survey of all basins will be performed in the summer of
2025. The information gathered will be utilized to determine if maintenance is required.
Visual inspection should include:
• Review GIS data, grading and utility plan as available for each basin prior to field evaluation. If
available, these plans should be taken into the field with the inspector.
• High quality photographs of all basin features including inlet and outlet locations and any other
pertinent features. There are no pixel per inch (PPI) requirements for the photographs; however,
content within the photos must be clear and legible to accurately convey the necessary imagery
without distortion or blurriness.
• Identification and reporting of any maintenance needs (erosion, sediment accumulation,
damaged stormwater structures, drainage impairments, etc.).
• Estimation of the percentage of the basin’s surface covered by vegetation.
Sedimentation inspection should include:
• Survey of the basin’s substrate using GPS survey equipment, bathymetric survey methods, or
equivalent that can be easily incorporated into the city’s GIS stormwater mapping and software.
• Elevations for inlets and outlets, water surface elevation, and ground shots above the water
surface elevation surrounding the basin. GPS data provided shall be of the NAD 83 datum and
include a clear point reference name, northing, easting, and elevation for each GPS point
provided.
• Measurement of sediment depth throughout the basin as well as water depth.
Deliverable 2 – Basin Analysis
Deliverable 2 will be included in the project at the city’s discretion, based on cost analysis and available
funding. Deliverable 2 may not be included in the final project and the determination for inclusion will be
made by city staff following the proposal review process. This deliverable includes analyzing the data
collected from Task 1 to determine sedimentation rate, pollutant removal effectiveness, and categorizing
what, if any, sediment removal or other maintenance is needed for each basin.
Deliverable 3 – Final Report
Upon completion of Deliverables 1 and 2 (if included), the awarded consultant will complete a final
technical memorandum to summarize methods, findings, and recommendations for maintenance.
E. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Page 32 of 133
The project manager is Lucas Ritchie, Assistant Engineer for the City of Mendota Heights. All direction to
the consultant will be delivered through the project manager. The awarded consultant may also work with
Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator for the city, as needed.
F.SHARING OF INFORMATION
The consultant shall host a permanent file sharing site to allow the project management team to share
and receive files.
G.PROJECT SCHEDULE
1.RFP Issued March 5, 2025
2.Question Period March 6 – March 24, 2025
3.Proposals received by City of Mendota Heights at 5PM on March 27, 2025
4.Review of proposals upon submittal – March 27- April 4, 2025
5.Execution of Contract April 15, 2025 (City Council meeting)
6.Project Start May 1, 2025 (weather permitting)
7.Final content delivered November 1, 2025
H. SELECTION CRITERIA
Submitted proposals will be rated on how well a firm has demonstrated:
1.Understanding of project requirements and proposed approach.
2.Familiarity with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s 2020 Small Municipal Separate Storm
Sewer Systems (MS4) General Permit and its requirements.
3.Experience in stormwater inspections associated with the MS4 permit.
4.Experience in stormwater data collection.
5.Qualifications of project staff.
6.Ability to meet the timeline.
7.Proposed fee for each of the final deliverables and total project fee.
I. PROPOSALS
Proposals provided shall include:
1.Statement of understanding stating the requirements of the project and a description of services
to be provided.
2.Description of your firm’s familiarity with the work required as part of the MS4 permit as described
within this RFP.
3.Relevant project experience, and list of any comparable projects or services that the consultant
has recently completed as well as any provided references and how they may be viewed.
4.Identification of Staff to be utilized throughout the project and their specific roles, as well as
related experience and qualifications.
5.Identification any outside firms, contractors, or subcontractors that your firm may utilize
throughout the process.
6.Description of your proposed strategy, work plan, and budget for achieving the project objectives .
7.Timeline and schedule of work for your firm’s proposal, including periodic progress review.
8.Detailed, proposed cost estimate for completing the project, including any time and materials.
Proposals shall include proposed compensation for the work with proposed hourly rates and total
costs for each specific deliverable identified within this RFP.
J.OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1.All proposals and related materials become the property of the City upon receipt and shall not be
returned to the proposer.
Page 33 of 133
2. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. The City also specifically reserves the
right to negotiate with proposers to modify the scope of the work .
3. All materials submitted in response to this RFP shall ultimately become public record .
4. Work is not to begin until Notice to Proceed has been given by the City’s Public Works Director .
5. Upon contract finalization, assignment of the work to others beyond those identified must be
approved by the City in writing.
6. Any and all potential conflicts of interest shall be identified.
7. All work will be compensated at hourly rates subject to a not-to-exceed-without-prior
authorization limit proposed by the consultant.
8. No compensation is provided for development or submission of the proposal.
9. Contract will be executed between Mendota Heights and a prime consultant firm. In the case of a
project team of multiple consultants, a prime consultant firm shall be responsible for
subcontracting with other consultant firms. There will be no legal relati onship with Mendota
Height sand the subcontracting consultant firms.
10. Parties to the Contract: A contract will be executed between Mendota Heights and a prime
consultant firm. In the case of a project team of multiple consultants, a prime consultant firm
shall be responsible for subcontracting with the other consultant firms. There will be no legal
relationship with Mendota Heights and the subcontracting consultant firms. The prime and
subcontracting consultant firms shall be responsible in providing the required submission
information via a single proposal.
11. Reimbursable Expenses: Reimbursable expenses are expenses attributed directly to the project
and will be billed at actual costs up to, but not exceeding the estimate given in your Fee Proposal.
No mark-up is allowed on these costs. Internal printing costs and local transportation/travel are to
be included in the fee proposal and are not reimbursable expenses.
12. Payments: Billing for completed services shall be based upon a monthly invoice submitted by the
Consultant.
13. Addenda/Clarifications: Any changes to this RFP will be made by the City through a written
addendum. No verbal modification will be binding.
14. Contract Award: Issuance of this RFP and receipt of proposals do not commit the City to the
awarding of the contract. The City reserves the right to postpone opening for its own convenience,
to accept or reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP, to negotiate with other
than the selected Consultant should negotiations with the selected Consultant be terminated, to
negotiate with more than one Consultant simultaneously, or to cancel all or part of this RFP.
15. City Rights: The City may investigate the qualifications of any consultant under consideration,
require confirmation of information furnished by the consultant, and require additional evidence
of qualifications, to perform the work described in this RFP. The City reserves the right to:
a. Reject any or all proposals if such action is in the public interest;
b. Cancel the entire Request for Proposals;
c. Issue a subsequent Request for Proposals;
d. Remedy technical errors in a Request for Proposal process;
e. Appoint evaluation committees to review the proposals;
f. Establish a short list of consultants eligible for interview after evaluation of proposals;
g. Negotiate with any, all, or none of the RFP consultants; and
h. Reject and replace one or more subconsultants.
16. Independent Price Determination: Applicants are held legally responsible for their information
and fees. Applicants are not to collaborate, for the purpose of restricting competition, with other
applicants or competitors in developing proposals and fees.
17. Independent Contractor Status: The Consultant will be an independent consultant, and nothing
contained in any contract awarded shall be construed to create the relationship of employer and
Page 34 of 133
employee between the City and the Consultant. The Consultant is not eligible for workers’ or
unemployment compensation benefits. The Consultant understands that no withholding or
deduction for state or federal income taxes, FICA, FUTA, or otherwise, will be made from
payments due the Consultant and that it is the Consultant’s sole obligation to comply with the
applicable provisions of all federal and state tax laws.
18. Public Records and Requests for Confidentiality: Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data
Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Section 13.591, the names of all entities that submitted a
timely bid/proposal to Mendota Heights will be public once opened. All other information remains
private until Mendota Heights has completed negotiating a contract with the selected Responder.
After a contract has been negotiated, all information received is public information except “trade
secret” information as defined in Minnesota Statutes Section 13.37. All information submitted by
a Responder therefore shall be treated as public information by Mendota Heights unless the
Responder properly requests that information be treated as a confidential trade secret at the time
of submitting the bid/proposal.
Any request for confidential treatment of trade secret information in a Responder’s proposal must
sufficiently describe the facts that support the classification of information as confidential trade
secret. The request must include the name, address, and telephone number of the person
authorized by the Responder to answer any inquiries by Mendota Heights concerning the request
for confidentiality.
The envelope or mailing container of any documents submitted with the proposal that the
Responder believes contain confidential trade secret information must be clearly marked as
containing confidential trade secret information. Each page upon which trade secret information
appears must be marked as containing confidential trade secret information.
In addition to marking the documents as confidential, the Responder must submit one paper and
one digital copy of the proposal from which the confidential trade secret information has been
excised. The confidential trade secret information must be excised in such a way as to allow the
public to determine the general nature of the information removed while retaining as much of the
document as possible.
Requests by the public for the release of information held by Mendota Heights are subject to the
provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13.
Responders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these provisions prior to submitting a
proposal.
By submitting this bid or proposal, Responder agrees to indemnify and hold the City, its agents
and employees, harmless from any claims or causes of action relating to the City’s withholding of
data based upon reliance on the representations that the information is a trade secret as defined
in Minnesota Statutes Section 13.37 and therefore is not public, including the payment of all costs
and attorney fees incurred by the City in defending such an action.
K. PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL
This Request for Proposals (RFP) document is available upon request to respondents in hard copy and/or
PDF formats. Submittals and requests for the RFP documents should be made to:
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Lucas Ritchie, Assistant City Engineer
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
(651) 255-1132
LRitchie@Mendotaheightsmn.gov
Any questions regarding the proposal may be directed to Lucas Ritchie, Assistant City Engineer
using the contact information provided above.
Proposals documents should be submitted as one (1) digital copy and must not exceed twenty (20) pages
(font size 11).
Work guaranties will be in the form of a signed contract between the awarded consultant and the City of
Mendota Heights. Certificate(s) of Insurance must be furnished as a part of the final contract
negotiations.
PROPOSAL SUBMITTALS ARE DUE BY March 27, 2025, AT 5:00 PM.
L.ATTACHMENTS
A. Map of each Stormwater Basin to be inspected
B.Inventory pdf and Excel spreadsheet of Stormwater Ponds to be inspected with
pertinent corresponding information
Page 36 of 133
6.j
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Approve Field Renovation Work at Valley Park Ballfield
ITEM TYPE: Consent Item
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation CONTACT: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
John Boland, Public Works
Superintendent
ACTION REQUEST:
Approve the Field Renovation Work at Valley Park by Minnesota Sodding Company (MSC) in
the amount of $9,475.79.
BACKGROUND:
The Two Rivers Athletic Association (TRAA) has brought forth concerns regarding the infield
surface and lips that have developed over the years at the Valley Park ballfield. Staff worked to
develop the scope of the renovation work needed and included the following:
•Laser survey of the existing surface and prescription build for grading purposes
•Edging of outside arc using 57' dimension
•Grading of the infield to drain from pitching rubber toward back arc
•Installation of new base anchors and home plate
•Machine grade surface to 1/8" tolerance
•Excess aglime hauled out by the City
•Any additional material supplied by the City if necessary (not anticipated)
This project is anticipated to be completed by mid-May. The field will need to be shut down for
usage for a few days during the process. Staff will work with the field users to coordinate
moving activities to a different location temporarily.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
Included in the FY2025 Public Works-Parks Maintenance budget was $10,000 for this project.
Page 37 of 133
Staff has received the following bids for this project:
• Minnesota Sodding Company (MSC): $9,475.79
• Magic Turf: $10,655.00
MSC has done work for the City of Mendota Heights in the past and staff feel they do a great
job.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Premier Public Services & Infrastructure, Economic Vitality & Community Vibrancy, Inclusive
and Responsive Government
Page 38 of 133
6.k
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Authorize Purchase Order for Fuel Tank Repairs
ITEM TYPE: Consent Item
DEPARTMENT: Public Works CONTACT: John Boland, Public Works
Superintendent
Ryan Ruzek, Public Works
Director
ACTION REQUEST:
Authorize Purchase Order for Fuel Tank Repairs
BACKGROUND:
In conjunction with the expansion of the Public Works Facility in the mid 1990's, the fuel tanks
were replaced, which provide fuel for the city fleet. In 2011, the pumps and computer system
were also replaced.
The underground storage tanks consist of dual-walled fiberglass tanks with a monitoring
sensor to alert to any fluids within between the tanks. The monitor of this void has recently
been triggered. Upon investigating, it was determined that this fluid is water coming from the
surface from deteriorated iron piping. Quotes were received to repair the deteriorated venting,
overfill, and fill piping. Due to the deterioration of these pipes, pressure testing of the
underground tanks is not able to be performed. Staff are proposing that all six piping
connections be replaced as a complete tank replacement is estimated to exceed $300,000.
Upon completion of replacing the pipes, a pressure test will be done to assess the condition of
the underground tanks.
Three quotes were received for this repair. Zahl-Petroleum Maintenance Co,. submitted the
low quote of $25,450 for this work. Zahl has been servicing this system for many years and
staff are satisfied with their work. The two other quotes were $25,480 and $28,703.33.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
The repair of the gas tank piping is not a budgeted item. The administration budget contains a
Page 39 of 133
contingency of $40,000 for emergency items that may arise. As the tanks support the fleet of
Police, Fire, Public Works, Administration vehicles, it is imperative that the system be repaired.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Premier Public Services & Infrastructure, Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship
Page 40 of 133
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7.a
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Mayor for a Day Honorable Mention Recognition-Jaxon Blanks
ITEM TYPE: Presentation
DEPARTMENT: Administration CONTACT: Cheryl Jacobson, City
Administrator
ACTION REQUEST:
Recognize Jaxon Blanks for his honorable mention award in the 2024 Mayor for a Day essay
competition sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities.
BACKGROUND:
The League of Minnesota Cities hosts its annual Mayor for Day essay competition, allowing
fourth, fifth, and sixth graders to answer the question, "What would you do if you were mayor
for a day?" Jaxon received honorable mention recognition for the following entry:
If I were mayor I would learn about city projects like the ones in park and rec. I would suggest we
create a park that is all inclusive. I would lead city council meetings to help the public understand
what the city does. I would help people listen to each other. And tell them to be respectful even if
they disagree. I might have to make hard decisions. I might say “yes” or “no.” If I don’t know what
to say, I would choose what makes more sense for the city. Some ideas that have never been tried
I might try. We might not have enough money and I would say “no.” I would do all of this to help
the city. I would help meet the city’s goals and work to make the city the best it can be.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Inclusive and Responsive Government
Page 53 of 133
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7.b
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Future City Competition - Friendly Hills Middle School
ITEM TYPE: Presentation
DEPARTMENT: Administration CONTACT: Cheryl Jacobson, City
Administrator
ACTION REQUEST:
Recognize students from Friendly Hills Middle School and their participation in the Future City
Competition. Students will be presenting their entry.
BACKGROUND:
The Future City Competition is a project-based learning activity that introduces middle school
students to project management and the engineering design process. Participating students
research, design and create a city that exists 100 years into the future. The theme for 2025 was
"Above the Current". Students designed a floating city and provided two innovative examples
of how their floating city functions to keep its citizens healthy and safe. As part of the
competition, students work on completing a 1500-word city essay, a scale model of their city
built from recycled materials, a four-part project plan, a 7-minute team presentation, and a
Q&A session with completion judges.
The Future City Competition was first offered in Minnesota during the 2000-2001 school year
and each year 25-40 schools participate. Teams from Friendly Hills Middle School have
participated in the Future City Competition since 2008. Guided by educator/teacher Crystal
Mielke and engineering mentor John Mazzitello, students participate in teams of at least three
students and spend approximately five months creating cities that could exist at least 100 years
in the future.
At the January 18 competition, the Friendly Hills team received a special award for the Most
Innovative Power System. This award goes to the city with an innovative power system that
addresses critical requirements, including reliability, disaster planning, environmental impact
and cost-effectiveness.
Page 54 of 133
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Inclusive and Responsive Government
Page 55 of 133
7.c
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Rogers Lake Water Quality Report Presentation by Saint Thomas Academy
ITEM TYPE: Presentation
DEPARTMENT: Engineering CONTACT: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works
Director
ACTION REQUEST:
The Council will hear a presentation from students at Saint Thomas Academy regarding the
water quality of Rogers Lake.
BACKGROUND:
Since the early 1990’s, Saint Thomas Academy Environmental Science Classes have been
monitoring several aspects of the water quality present in Rogers Lake. The City Council hears
an annual update from the students. Mr. Tony Kinzley is the Advanced Placement
Environmental Sciences Instructor. He has a group of students who have conducted the
research and prepared a presentation for the Council. Attached is a summary sheet the
students prepared, which will be presented at the Council meeting.
The attached historical data on the lakes’ water quality shows a trend of the water quality of
Rogers Lake declining in recent years. In 2023, the overall rating increased slightly over the
preceding year. The 2024 data continues to show a slight rebound.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
1.APES City Council Pre-info Packet 24
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship
Page 56 of 133
Fall 2024 Chemical Assessment of Rogers Lake
Performed by Saint Thomas Academy
A. P. and General Environmental Science Program
Page 57 of 133
Thank you for allowing us the time to share our findings with the
Mendota Heights City Council. Sixty students from 4 class periods
participated in the program this year and were required to prepare a
formal group presentation on Rogers Lake to their class. The winning
group will present on Tuesday, March 4. This is a genuine learning
opportunity for all of these students, especially the winning group.
This document gives an overview of the chemical water quality
monitoring program used by the A.P. Environmental Science students
at Saint Thomas Academy for the Mayor, Council Members, and
Staff.
Some points to consider: This year, the students were again able to
collect data from all 9 testing sites and were able to perform the
complete battery of 9 tests and an overall rating on most testing dates.
It should be noted that students began using a more precise nitrate
testing method which seems to have raised the results a marginal
amount over previous years. Also, students used pH testing strips for
the third year and again found low pH values. This may be an
indicator that the previous testing method for pH should be brought
back. The actual data, analysis of the data, areas in need of
improvement, and possible solutions will be further discussed at the
council meeting.
Please direct any questions to Mr. Tony Kinzley, A.P. Environmental
Science Teacher, at tkinzley@cadets.com.
Page 58 of 133
Which chemical
tests were
performed?
What does each
test for?
What factors
affect the
readings?
What is an
acceptable
reading?
What were the
Fall 2024
readings?
Dissolved Oxygen
(D.O.)
The amount of
oxygen dissolved in
the water.
Plant life increases
D.O., organic waste
inputs (pet waste,
grass clippings,
leaves) lowers D.O.
5-12 ppm 8.3 ppm
(8.8 in 2023)
Acceptable
Fecal Coliform Levels of bacteria
associated with
pathogenic bacteria
and viruses
Goose and pet
waste. Faulty
septic systems and
sewer lines.
0 colonies/100ml is
safe to drink.
200 colonies/100ml
or less = swimming
3.7 col/100ml
(0.0 in 2023)
Acceptable
pH The acidity or
basicity of the
water
Acid rain is the
typical cause of
acidification of
lakes
6.5-8.5 pH units
(slightly basic) 6.2 units
(6.2 in 2023)
Unacceptable
Biochemical
Oxygen Demand
(BOD5)
How much oxygen
is being used by
bacteria in the lake
that decompose
organic waste put
into the water.
Organic waste
inputs (leaves,
grass clippings, or
animal waste) and
algal blooms from
fertilizer runoff
0-3 ppm 2.9 ppm
(2.8 in 2023)
Acceptable
∆ Temperature
(Change In
Temp.)
The difference in
temperature
between 2 testing
sites on the lake
Sun/shade
differences,
industrial thermal
pollution, removal
of trees/shade
0-1 °C 1.0 °C
(0.8 in 2023)
Acceptable
Nitrate Measure of the
amount of Nitrates
in the water
Animal waste,
grass clippings,
leaves, fertilizers.
Faulty septic
systems and sewer
lines
0.1-3 ppm
(Low levels needed
for proper aquatic
plant growth)
0.6 ppm
(0.1 in 2023)
Acceptable
Total Phosphates Measure of the
amount of various
phosphates in the
water
Soil runoff, animal
waste, grass
clippings, leaves,
some fertilizers.
Faulty sewer lines
and septic systems.
0.1-1 ppm
(Low levels needed
for proper aquatic
plant growth)
0.5 ppm
(1.3 in 2023)
Acceptable
Turbidity Amount of
suspended solids in
the water. Measure
of water clarity
Soil erosion,
organic waste input
1-40 JTU 6.4 JTU
(7.1 in 2023)
(Near Hist. Record)
Acceptable
Total Solids Amount of
suspended and
dissolved solids in
water
Road salt, soil
erosion, organic
waste input.
1-300 mg/L 285.5 mg/L
(339.4 in 2023)
Acceptable
Overall Rating A composite score
of all 9 chemical
tests.
The 9 chemical
tests
Excellent: 90-100
Good: 70-89.9
Medium: 50-69.9
80.3
(77.4 in 2023)
Acceptable
Page 59 of 133
7.d
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Year in Review
ITEM TYPE: Presentation
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation CONTACT: Meredith Lawrence, Parks
and Recreation/Assistant
Public Works Director
ACTION REQUEST:
Informational--no action required. The City Council is welcome to ask questions.
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting on March 4, the City Council will view the 2024 Year in Review video, which
illustrates the City's accomplishments in relation to Parks, Recreation, Recycling and the
Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course in addition to outlining the team's plans for
2025.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
None.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Economic Vitality & Community Vibrancy, Premier Public Services & Infrastructure,
Environmental Sustainability & Stewardship, Inclusive and Responsive Government
Page 60 of 133
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8.a
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Resolution 2025-12 Approving a Preliminary Plat of Campion Estates at 772-
790 Ridge Place - Planning Case 2025-01
ITEM TYPE: New and Unfinished Business
DEPARTMENT: Community Development CONTACT: Sarah Madden, Community
Development Manager
ACTION REQUEST:
Adopt Resolution 2025-12, Approving a Preliminary Plat of Campion Estates
BACKGROUND:
Tom Campion, the property owner of 790 Ridge Place is requesting consideration of a
Preliminary Plat of his 790 Ridge Place property and the neighboring property addressed as
772 Ridge Place. The subdivision would consolidate the five (5) existing parcels into three lots,
with one of the proposed lots available as a new vacant lot for single-family development. The
applicant has submitted both the Preliminary and Final Plat, however this item is exclusively for
review of the Preliminary Plat, to be known as ‘Campion Estates’. If the Preliminary Plat is
approved, the Final Plat will be reviewed at a later date by the City Council, following any
required revisions to the Final Plat and compliance with applicable conditions of approval.
The subject site is located in a residential neighborhood at the northwest corner of Dodd Road
and Minnesota Highway 62. The 790 Ridge Place parcel is 1.44 acres in size and contains an
existing single-family home. The existing 772 Ridge Place property is .31 acres in size and also
contains an existing single-family home. Just south of the 772 Ridge Place parcel are three
vacant parcels included in the original subdivision of Summerset Place which were never
developed. In total these vacant parcels amount to 2.88 acres of land, however much of the
southern portion of the southernmost lot contains Highway 62 as well as an adjacent trail
system which is not available for private development.
Within the R-1 District, all new lots must have a minimum of 15,000-sf. of lot area and 100-ft
of frontage, or lot width, along a City-approved street. All proposed lots within the
subdivision significantly exceed the size minimum requirement ranging between .57 acres –
Page 61 of 133
1.74 acres in size, and meet the minimum dimension of lot frontage on Ridge Place as well.
The subdivision is immediately adjacent to MnDOT right-of-way, and the southern existing
parcel contains roadway easement for Highway 62, as well as an adjacent trail system. The Plat
request will dedicate 1.23 acres as right-of-way for trunk Highway 62 to reflect this area. The
existing trail service has been discussed as an opportunity for future realignment or other
adjustments. An official alignment has not yet been selected, however the City, State, and
Dakota County continue to hold discussions on this segment of trail and are moving forward
with project planning.
The Dakota County River to River Greenway Master Plan calls for a grade separated crossing at
Dodd Road as a long-term plan that would be achieved as opportunities arise. In addition to
this segment's improvements, the City completed a Feasibility Report and Plans for a Dodd
Road trail project in 2007 that included a segment from Dodd Road to Ridge Place, which has
not yet been constructed. Based on these existing approved plans for trail improvements
within the plat's gross land area, City Staff is recommending that the City require land
dedication with this subdivision request. The condition calls for a combination of a cash in-lieu
fee as well as land dedication, which would be revised on the Plat to be shown as an Outlot
dedicated to the City for public park and trail system purposes. Subsequent approval of
features and requirements specified in the conditions of approval and in the City Subdivision
Code would need to be indicated in the Final Plat prior to its approval by the City Council.
A public hearing on this application was held at the January 28, 2025, Planning Commission
meeting following the presentation of the staff report. One resident spoke at the public
hearing, and the applicant requested the application to be tabled to the next available
Planning Commission meeting to continue the discussion on the dedication of land for park
dedication. Following the meeting, one written comment was received (which is attached to
this report). The second public hearing was held on February 25, 2025. Four residents spoke at
this public hearing, as well as the applicant and Tim Minea, the property owner of 772 Ridge
Place within the Plat area. The general consensus of the residents who spoke at the public
hearing was the desire to see the land dedication for trail purposes happen, as the trail
connection along Dodd Road from Ridge Place to Highway 62 was a priority for the
neighborhood. The Planning Commissioners discussed the ability of the proposed Lot 3 to be
further subdivided, the status of the trail projects, and the Plat requirements for the
subdivision.
A copy of the 2/25/2025 planning report is attached to this memo. As noted in the
attachment, staff recommended approval of the Preliminary Plat with conditions. Following
their discussion, the Planning Commission voted unanimously (6-0) in support of the
subdivision request for a Preliminary Plat, with findings-of-fact and certain conditions, as
outlined in the attached [draft] Resolution.
The City Council may affirm the recommendation from the Planning Commission by adopting
Resolution No. 2025-12.
Page 62 of 133
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
Condition #5 of Resolution 2025-12 calls for a park dedication fee payment of $8,000. This fee
is to be provided into the Special Parks Fund.
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Resolution 2025-12 - Res. Approving a Preliminary Plat of Campion Estates at 772 Ridge
Place and 790 Ridge Place
2.Planning Commission Meeting Report 2-25-25
3.Unapproved Planning Commission Minutes 2-25-25
4.Jeff Wilke E-mail - Public Comment 2-5-25
5.MnDOT Review Letter - Campion Estates 2-26-25
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Economic Vitality & Community Vibrancy
Page 63 of 133
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2025-12
RESOLUTION APPROVING A PRELIMINARY PLAT OF CAMPION ESTATES AT 772
AND 790 RIDGE PLACE
[PLANNING CASE NO. 2025-01]
WHEREAS, Tom Campion (the “Applicant”) submitted under Planning Application Case No.
2025-01, a request of a new Preliminary Plat of the property located at 790 and 772 Ridge Place (the
“Subject Property”), and legally described in attached Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the subject property is guided LR-Low Density Residential in the 2040
Comprehensive Plan and is situated in the R-1 One Family Residential district; and
WHEREAS, Title 11-1-1 of the City Code (Subdivision Regulations) allows the subdivision of
properties, provided the resulting lots are compliant with the requirements of the applicable zoning
district; and
WHEREAS, the requested subdivision would combine five (5) existing parcels of land from the
two existing and adjacent Plats to create three (3) single family lots on the Subject Property, resulting in
one (1) new buildable single-family lot; and
WHEREAS, on January 28, 2025, the Mendota Heights Planning Commission held a public
hearing on the application request at their regular meeting, and whereupon closing the hearing and
follow-up discussion on this item, the Planning Commission voted to table the item to their next regular
meeting at the request of the applicant; and
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2025, the Mendota Heights Planning Commission held a second
public hearing on the application request, and whereupon closing the hearing and follow-up discussion
on this item, the Planning Commission recommended 6-0 to approve the requested Preliminary Plat of
the Subject Property; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mendota Heights City Council that the
recommendation from the Planning Commission on Planning Case No. 2025-01 is hereby affirmed, and
the proposed Preliminary Plat of 772 and 790 Ridge Place may be approved based on the following
findings-of-fact:
1. The proposed plat meets the purpose and intent of the Subdivision Code.
2. The proposed plat request meets the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance and is
consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
3. The proposed lots will meet the minimum standards required under the R-1 One Family
Residential District.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Mendota Heights City Council that the Preliminary
Plat request is hereby approved, with the following conditions:
Page 64 of 133
Mendota Heights Res. 2025-01 Page 2 of 4
1. The preliminary plans presented under this plat request do not represent or provide
approval of building pad sites, setbacks, accessory structures, or driveway alignments.
Final layouts must meet R-1 Zone standards and shall be approved under separate
building permits for each lot.
2. A building permit, including all new grading and drainage work, must be approved by
the City prior to any new construction work.
3. The Developer/Applicant shall submit final grading and utility plans and a dimensioned
site plan with associated easements, subject to review and approval by the Planning
Department and Engineering Department as part of any building permit application.
4. All new construction and grading activities throughout this development site and on
each new buildable lot shall be in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and
local regulations and codes, as well as in compliance with the City’s Land Disturbance
Guidance Document.
5. The Developer/Applicant shall provide park dedication as a combination of an in-lieu
fee and land dedication. The Final Plat shall be revised to dedication 10% of the
proposed Lot 3 as an Outlot for park dedication, and pay a park dedication fee in the
amount of $4,000 per unit (Proposed Lots 1 and 2 at (2 x $4,000/unit), or $8,000) is to
be collected after City Council approval and before the Final Plat is released for
recording with Dakota County, and before the issuance of any permits.
6. Any new or existing sanitary or water service lines will have to be reviewed by the
Public Works Director and/or St. Paul Regional Water Services prior to issuance of any
building permit.
7. The Applicant/Developer must provide a Best Management Practices (Stormwater
Management) Agreement to the City as part of the building permit submittal and review
process for each new home and new impervious surface.
8. The applicant must submit tree removal information to be evaluated for compliance
with the Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance requirements prior to or in conjunction
with the building permit submittal.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights on this 4th day of March, 2025.
Page 65 of 133
Mendota Heights Res. 2025-01 Page 3 of 4
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
________________________________
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Nancy Bauer, City Clerk
Drafted by: City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Page 66 of 133
Mendota Heights Res. 2025-01 Page 4 of 4
EXHIBIT A
Lots 17, 18 and 19, Block 3, Summerset Place, Dakota County, Minnesota
AND
Lots 20, 21, 22 and the easterly 253 feet of Lot 23, Block 3, Summerset Place, Dakota County,
Minnesota. (Abstract)
AND
Lot Twenty-five (25) in Somerset Hills according to the plat on file and of record with the Register of
Deeds in and for Dakota County, Minnesota EXCEPT that part of Lot 25 beginning at the Northwest
corner of said Lot 25; thence Easterly along the North line of said lot 130.0 feet; thence Southwesterly
to a point on the North line of the South 100 feet of said Lot 25, which point is 110 feet East of the
intersection of the North line of said South 100 feet and the West line of said Lot 25; thence Westerly
along the North line of said South 100 feet, to the West line of said Lot 25; thence North along said
West line to the beginning. (Torrens)
Page 67 of 133
Planning Commission
Meeting Date: February 25, 2025
Agenda Item: CASE No. 2025-01 Preliminary Plat Application of Tom Campion for a
Preliminary Plat of five (5) existing parcels into three (3) single-family
residential parcels located at the northwest corner of Dodd Road and MN
Highway 62, and the existing 790 and 772 Ridge Place. (Tabled from Jan.
28, 2025 meeting)
Department: Community
Development
Contact: Sarah Madden,
Community Development
Manager
Introduction:
Tom Campion, the property owner of 790 Ridge Place is requesting consideration of a
Preliminary Plat of his 790 Ridge Place property and the neighboring property addressed as
772 Ridge Place. The subdivision would consolidate the five (5) existing parcels into three
lots, with one of the proposed lots available as a new vacant lot for single-family development.
The applicant has submitted both the Preliminary and Final Plat, however this public hearing is
exclusively for review of the Preliminary Plat, to be known as ‘Campion Estates’. If the
Preliminary Plat is approved with no changes, the Final Plat will be reviewed at a later date by
the City Council.
A public hearing on this application was held at the January 28, 2025 Planning Commission
meeting following the presentation of the staff report. The applicant requested the application
to be tabled to the next available Planning Commission meeting to continue the discussion on
the dedication of land for park dedication. Staff has noticed this item as an additional public
hearing on the application. A public hearing notice for this planning item was published in the
Pioneer Press and notice letters were mailed to all properties within 350-feet of the subject
property. As of the date of this report, the City has not received any written public comments
relating to this application request.
Background:
The subject site is located in a residential neighborhood at the northwest corner of Dodd Road
and Minnesota Highway 62. The property included in this resubdivision request consists of five
(5) existing parcels, from two separate residential subdivisions dating back to the 1920’s,
Somerset Hills and Summerset Place. The 790 Ridge Place parcel is 1.44 acres in size and
contains an existing single-family home. The existing 772 Ridge Place property is .31 acres in
size and also contains an existing single-family home. Just south of the 772 Ridge Place
parcel are three vacant parcels included in the original subdivision of Summerset Place which
were never developed. In total these vacant parcels amount to 2.88 acres of land, however
much of the southern portion of the southernmost contains Highway 62 as well as an adjacent
trail system which is not available for private development. The applicant, Tom Campion,
Page 68 of 133
owns 790 Ridge Place and has coordinated with the neighboring property owner to combine
the five lots into 3 lots of record, while adjusting the common lot line between their land in
order to create a buildable residential lot in between their two existing homes.
The subdivision creates three residential lots, with the existing 790 Ridge Place parcel to be
the proposed Lot 1, Block 1, Campion Estates at 42,963 s.f. and 107.52 ft of frontage on
Ridge Place; a proposed Lot 2 at 24,705 s.f. and 100.00 ft of frontage; and the proposed Lot
3 with 75,831 s.f. of land area and 309.24 ft of frontage on Ridge Place, with additional lot
width facing Dodd Road to the east. The proposed Lot 2 will later be developed with a single
family home, which will be required to be reviewed by the City through the administrative
building permit process.
Analysis:
Under Title 11, Subdivision Regulations, the intent and purpose of this section is to “safeguard
the best interests of the city, and to assist the subdivider in harmonizing [their] interests with
those of the city at large, this title is adopted in order that adherence to same will bring results
beneficial to both parties. It is the purpose of this title to make certain regulations and
requirements for the platting of land within the city pursuant to the authority contained in
Minnesota statutes, which regulations the city council deems necessary for the health, safety
and general welfare of this community.”
City Subdivision Code Section 11-3-2 allows the subdivision of parcels, provided that the
resulting lots are compliant with the requirements of the applicable zoning district, and meets
the following standards:
A. Lot Area, Width and Depth: The minimum lot area, width and depth shall not be less than
that established by the zoning ordinance in effect at the time of adoption of the final plat.
B. Corner Lots: Corner lots for residential use shall have additional width to permit
appropriate building setback from both streets as required in the zoning ordinance.
C. Side Lot Lines: Side lines of lots shall be approximately at right angles to street lines or
radial to curved street lines.
D. Lot Frontage: Every lot must have the minimum frontage as required in the zoning
ordinance on a city approved street other than an alley.
E. Building Setback: Setback or building lines shall be shown on all lots intended for
residential use and shall not be less than the setback required by the Mendota Heights zoning
ordinance. On those lots which are intended for business use, the setback shall be at least
that required by the zoning ordinance.
For the R-1 District, all new lots must have a minimum of 15,000-sf. of lot area and 100-ft of
frontage, or lot width, along a City-approved street. All proposed lots within the subdivision
Page 69 of 133
significantly exceed the size minimum requirement ranging between .57 acres – 1.74 acres in
size. The new single-family parcel of proposed Lot 2 will have frontage on Ridge Place
measuring 100-ft in width, and the existing single-family homes will have new lot area
boundaries which will exceed these City Code requirements.
The subdivision is immediately adjacent to MnDoT right-of-way, and the southern existing
parcel contains roadway easement for Highway 62, as well as an adjacent trail system as part
of the Dakota County regional trail system. The Plat request will dedicate 1.23 acres as right-
of-way for trunk Highway 62 to reflect this area. The existing trail service has been discussed
as an opportunity for future realignment or other adjustments. An official alignment has not yet
been selected, however the City, State, and Dakota County continue to hold discussions on
this segment of trail and are moving forward with project planning. The Dakota County River to
River Greenway Master Plan calls for a grade separated crossing at Dodd Road as a long-
term plan that would be achieved as opportunities arise. In addition to this segment's
improvements, the City completed a Feasibility Report and Plans for a Dodd Road trail project
in 2007 that included a segment from Dodd Road to Ridge Plan, which has not yet been
constructed. Based on these existing approved plans for trail improvements within the plat's
gross land area, City Staff is recommending that the City require land dedication with this
subdivision request.
Per current City Subdivision Code Section 11-5-1: The City Council shall require all
developers requesting platting or replatting of land in the City to contribute ten percent (10%)
of final plat gross area to be dedicated to the public for their uses as either parks,
playgrounds, public open space, trail systems, or to contribute cash in lieu of land in amount
established in the fee schedule.
City Staff has included a condition in the recommendation section of this report that calls for a
combination of a cash in-lieu fee as well as land dedication, which would be platted as an
Outlot within the proposed subdivision and dedication to the City for public park and trail
systems purposes. The addition of an Outlot to the subdivision can be provided with the Final
Plat. If the preliminary plat is approved, such approval does not constitute final acceptance of
the layout. Subsequent approval of features and requirements specified in the conditions of
approval and in the City Subdivision Code would need to be indicated in the Final Plat prior to
its approval by the City Council.
The proposed Preliminary Plat provided by the applicant illustrates an outline of a potential
building area for a new single-family home on the proposed Lot 2. In reviewing this potential
layout, setbacks to front, side, and rear lot lines can be met based on the preliminary building
pad area shown. A condition has been added that the Preliminary layout presented under this
plat request does not represent or provide approval of the building pad site, setbacks, or
driveway alignments. The final layout must meet R-1 Zone standards and will need to be
approved under a separate administrative building permit.
Per current City Subdivision Code Section 11-3-3 Streets and Alleys:
(A) 3. When a tract is subdivided into larger than normal building lots or parcels, such lots or
parcels shall be so arranged as to permit the logical location and openings of future streets
and appropriate resubdivision, with provision for adequate utility connections for such
resubdivision.
The proposed lots greatly exceed the minimum lot size requirements of 15,000 sq.ft., however
the existing lot shape and availability of access does impact the site plan design of the
Page 70 of 133
proposed subdivision. The subdivision’s close proximity to Dodd Road and Highway 62 would
require MnDoT approval for new access points onto these roadways, which based on
preliminary discussions with the DoT would not be advisable. The proposed Lot 3 is the
portion of the plat which consolidates three existing parcels and combines them with the 772
Ridge Place property. While the lot does contain an existing single family home, its lot size
and availability of frontage on Ridge Place may be conducive to a further lot split in the future,
if the property owner was interested in the full redevelopment of this piece. However, that is
not currently proposed and not an element of this subdivision request. With the existing
conditions of the adjacent state right-of-ways, staff does not have concerns with the layout of
the parcels within this re-plat or its ability to be further subdivided.
The City has shared the Preliminary and Final Plat provided by the applicant with Dakota
County and MnDoT. As of the submittal of this report, a formal comment letter has not been
submitted by MnDoT, however an update will be provided to the Commission during the
meeting. This application request and public hearing includes only the Preliminary Plat of this
subdivision. If there is a need for changes or revisions based on staff, Commission, City
Council, or MnDoT comments they can be reflected in the conditions section of this report and
accommodated prior to the City Council’s consideration of the Final Plat.
This proposed subdivision meets the current requirements for the R-1 Zoning District and is
consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Staff finds that the request will have minimal or
no impact upon the neighboring properties, and it will not impede the normal use, enjoyment
and purpose of the Ridge Place area neighborhood and is supportive of the application
request.
Tree Removal
The Preliminary Plat indicates the location of a proposed building pad site for the proposed Lot
2 for a new single-family home. Noted on the plat are two existing trees in the footprint of this
building pad location, a 7” cherry and a 14” pine, which would be removed if the applicant or a
future property owner moves forward with a building with the boundaries of the potential
building pad site. The City Council approved an Urban Forest Preservation ordinance in
November 2024 which went into effect January 1, 2025. The ordinance would require a Forest
Management Plan on projects that have required a planning application, including a
subdivision request. The two trees do not meet the size requirements of a ‘heritage tree’
based on the definitions with the tree ordinance, however would be considered ‘significant
trees’ as they measure wider in diameter than 6”. The existing lot area is heavily wooded and
the removals do not constitute the removal of 33% or more of significant and/or heritage trees
on the lot. A condition has been added that any proposed tree removals are submitted and
evaluated for compliance with Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance requirements prior to
building permit submittal.
Alternatives:
1. Recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat, based on the attached findings-of-fact and
based on certain conditions; or
2. Recommend denial of the Preliminary Plat, based on the revised findings-of-fact that the
proposed adjustment is not consistent with the City Code or Comprehensive Plan and may
have a negative impact on the surrounding neighborhood and/or properties; or
3. Table the request; and request more information from the Applicant or city staff to be
Page 71 of 133
presented back to the Planning Commission at the next regular meeting. Staff will extend the
application review period.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Preliminary Plat request based on the attached findings of
fact supporting the request, with conditions noted as follows:
1) The preliminary plans presented under this plat request do not represent or provide
approval of building pad sites, setbacks, accessory structures, or driveway alignments. Final
layouts must meet R-1 Zone standards and shall be approved under separate building permits
for each lot.
2) A building permit, including all new grading and drainage work, must be approved by the
City prior to any new construction work.
3) The Developer/Applicant shall submit final grading and utility plans and a dimensioned
site plan with associated easements, subject to review and approval by the Planning
Department and Engineering Department as part of any building permit application.
4) All new construction and grading activities throughout this development site and on each
new buildable lot shall be in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
and codes, as well as in compliance with the City’s Land Disturbance Guidance Document.
5) The Developer/Applicant shall provide park dedication as a combination of an in-lieu fee
and land dedication. The Final Plat shall be revised to dedication 10% of the proposed Lot 3
as an Outlot for park dedication, and pay a park dedication fee in the amount of $4,000 per
unit (Proposed Lots 1 and 2 at (2 x $4,000/unit), or $8,000) is to be collected after City Council
approval and before the Final Plat is released for recording with Dakota County, and before
the issuance of any permits.
6) Any new or existing sanitary or water service lines will have to be reviewed by the Public
Works Director and/or St. Paul Regional Water Services prior to issuance of any building
permit.
7) The Applicant/Developer must provide a Best Management Practices (Stormwater
Management) Agreement to the City as part of the building permit submittal and review
process for each new home and new impervious surface.
8) The applicant must submit tree removal information to be evaluated for compliance with
the Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance requirements prior to or in conjunction with the
building permit submittal.
Attachments:
1. Findings of Fact for Approval
2. Site Locator Map
3. Applicant Letter of Intent
4. Preliminary Plat
5. Final Plat
6. Existing and Proposed Graphic
Page 72 of 133
Page 73 of 133
This page is intentionally left blank
FINDINGS OF FACT FOR APPROVAL
Preliminary Plat
Campion Estates
The following Findings of Fact are made in support of approval of the proposed requests:
1. The proposed plat meets the purpose and intent of the Subdivision Code.
2. The proposed plat request meets the purpose and intent of the Zoning Ordinance and is consistent
with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
3. The proposed lots will meet the minimum standards required under the R-1 One Family
Residential District.
Page 74 of 133
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Nearmap US Inc, Dakota County, MN
Site Location/Aerial MapCampion Estates (Ridge Place)
Date: 1/24/2025
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SCALE IN FEET
GIS Map Disclaimer:This data is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for a true title search, property appraisal, plat,survey, or for zoning verification. The City of Mendota Heights assumes no legal responsibility for the information containedin this data. The City of Mendota Heights, or any other entity from which data was obtained, assumes no liability for any errorsor omissions herein. If discrepancies are found, please contact the City of Mendota Heights.
Contact "Gopher State One Call" at 651-454-0002 for utility locations, 48 hours prior to any excavation.
Page 75 of 133
Tom Campion
790 Ridge Place
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
January 16, 2025
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Dear Planning Commission,
I am writing to submit my formal letter of intent regarding the proposed platting of 790 Ridge Place. As the applicant
and property owner, I would like to provide a detailed narrative of the property and outline the expected outcomes
and benefits that an approved plat will provide to the community.
Description of the Property
The property in question is located at 790 Ridge Place, encompassing approximately 1/3 Acre of land. The site is
currently undeveloped. The surrounding area includes a residential neighborhoods, which highlights the property’s
central location and potential for development.
Proposal for Platting
The intent of the proposed plat is to subdivide the land into a residential lot. The platting will ensure compliance with
local zoning and land-use regulations, improve infrastructure alignment, and prepare the property for its intended
development.
Expected Outcomes and Community Benefits
An approved plat will generate positive outcomes for the community, including:
1. Supporting Long-Term Growth
a. The proposed plat aligns with the community’s comprehensive plan and growth goals by revitalizing
an underutilized area, or supporting population growth.
2. Preserving Community Character
a. The design and layout of the plat will prioritize compatibility with the surrounding area, ensuring that
the development enhances rather than disrupts the existing character of the neighborhood.
Commitment to Collaboration
I am committed to working closely with city officials to address any concerns and adhere to all applicable regulations
and requirements. I value the opportunity to contribute positively to our community and believe that this project will
bring meaningful benefits to residents and stakeholders.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me at Cell 651-387-5704 or
tcampion4210@gmail.com. if you require further details or have any questions regarding this proposal.
Sincerely,
Tom Campion
Property Owner
790 Ridge Place
Page 76 of 133
SITE2562DODD RD.149MARIE AVE.DELAWARE AVE.63CAMPION ESTATESPreliminary Plat11202316Tom Campion790 Ridge PlaceMendota Heights, MN 55118651-387-5704OWNERS/DEVELOPERSENGINEER/SURVEYORLEGAL DESCRIPTIONPRELIMINARY PLATPLAT AREASLand Surveying& Engineering2580 Christian Dr.Chaska, MN 55318612-418-6828CAMPION ESTATESMendota Heights, MNWETLANDSWETLAND DELINEATORUTILITIESSTORMWATERLEGENDTREE PRESERVATION101055LOCATION MAPZONINGSETBACKSPage 77 of 133
KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS: That Timothy P. Minea, a single person, and Tom Campion, a single person, fee owners of the following described property: Lots 17, 18 and 19, Block 3, Summerset Place, Dakota County, Minnesota. AND Lots 20, 21, 22 and the Easterly 253 feet of Lot 23, Block 3, Summerset Place, Dakota County, Minnesota. (Abstract) AND Lot Twenty-five (25) in Somerset Hills according to the plat on file and of record with the Register of Deeds in and for Dakota County, Minnesota EXCEPT that part of Lot 25 beginning at the Northwest corner of said Lot 25; thence Easterly along the North line of said lot 130.0 feet; thence Southwesterly to a point on the North line of the South 100 feet of said Lot 25, which point is 110 feet East of the intersection of the North line of said South 100 feet and the West line of said Lot 25; thence Westerly along the North line of said South 100 feet, to the West line of said Lot 25; thence North along said West line to the beginning. (Torrens) have caused the same to be surveyed and platted as CAMPION ESTATES and do hereby dedicate to the public for public use the public way and the drainage and utility easements as created by this plat. In witness whereof said Timothy P. Minea, a single person, has hereunto set his hands this day of , 20 . Timothy P. Minea STATE OF COUNTY OF This instrument was acknowledged before me on by Timothy P. Minea. Signature Printed Name Notary Public, County, Minnesota My Commission Expires CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, STATE OF MINNESOTA This plat was approved and accepted by the City Council of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, at a regular meeting thereof held this day of , 20 , and said plat is in compliance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 505.03, Subd. 2. Signed Attest Mayor Clerk COUNTY SURVEYOR, COUNTY OF DAKOTA, STATE OF MINNESOTA I hereby certify that in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, Section 505.021, Subd. 11, this plat has been reviewed and approved this day of , 20 . By Todd B. Tollefson, Dakota County Surveyor DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY TAXATION AND RECORDS, COUNTY OF DAKOTA, STATE OF MINNESOTA Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 505.021, Subd. 9, taxes payable in the year 20 on the land hereinbefore described have been paid. Also, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Section 272.12, there are no delinquent taxes and transfer entered this day of , 20 . , Amy A. Koethe, Director Department of Property Taxation and Records In witness whereof said Tom Campion, a single person, has hereunto set his hands this day of , 20 . Tom Campion STATE OF COUNTY OF This instrument was acknowledged before me on by Tom Campion. Signature Printed Name Notary Public, County, Minnesota My Commission Expires I Curtiss Kallio do hereby certify that this plat was prepared by me or under my direct supervision; that I am a duly Licensed Land Surveyor in the State of Minnesota; that this plat is a correct representation of the boundary survey; that all mathematical data and labels are correctly designated on this plat; that all monuments depicted on this plat have been, or will be correctly set within one year; that all water boundaries and wet lands, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 505.01, Subd. 3, as of the date of this certificate are shown and labeled on this plat; and all public ways are shown and labeled on this plat. Dated this day of , 20 . Curtiss Kallio, Licensed Land Surveyor, Minnesota License No. 26909 STATE OF COUNTY OF This instrument was acknowledged before me on by Curtiss Kallio. Signature Printed Name Notary Public, County, Minnesota My Commission Expires COUNTY RECORDER, COUNTY OF DAKOTA, STATE OF MINNESOTA I hereby certify that this plat of CAMPION ESTATES, was filed in the office of the County Recorder for public record on this day of , 20 at o’clock M., and was duly filed in Book of Plats, Page , as Document Number . , Amy A. Koethe, County Recorder REGISTRAR OF TITLES, COUNTY OF DAKOTA, STATE OF MINNESOTA I hereby certify that this plat of CAMPION ESTATES, was filed in the office of the Registrar of Titles for public record on this day of , 20 at o’clock M., and was duly filed in Book of Plats, Page , as Document Number . , Amy A. Koethe, Registrar of Titles Page 78 of 133
Page 79 of 133
DRAFT/UNAPPROVED MINUTES
EXCERPT FROM DRAFT/UNAPPROVED 2/25/25 PLANNING
COMMISSION MINUTES
A) PLANNING CASE 2025-01
TOM CAMPION, NORTHWEST CORNER OF DODD ROAD AND MN HIGHWAY 62 AND 790
AND 772 RIDGE PLACE – PRELIMINARY PLAT
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that Tom Campion, the property
owner of 790 Ridge Place, is requesting consideration of a Preliminary Plat of his 790
Ridge Place property and the neighboring property addressed as 772 Ridge Place. The
subdivision would consolidate the five existing parcels into three lots, with one of the
proposed lots available as a new vacant lot for single-family development. The application
has submitted both the Preliminary and Final Plat, however, this public hearing is
exclusively for review of the Preliminary Plat, to be known as “Campion Estates”. If the
Preliminary Plat is approved with no changes, the Final Plat will be reviewed at a later
date by the City Council. A public hearing was held at the January 28, 2025 Planning
Commission meeting and the applicant requested the application to be tabled to the next
meeting to continue discussion related to park dedication.
Hearing notices were published and mailed to all properties within 350-ft. of the site; details were
provided on input received from residents in the neighborhood expressing a desire for the
trail connection.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a planning staff report and a
presentation on this planning item to the Commission (which is available for viewing
through the City’s website).
Staff recommended approval of this application based on the findings and with conditions.
Commissioner Johnson stated that this application deals with two properties separately owned,
but they have only heard from one property owner and asked staff to address that issue.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that Tom Campion is bringing
forward the application, the owner of 790 Ridge Place. She stated that the other property
owner, of 772 Ridge Place, has been involved. She noted that both property owners are
present tonight and would like to move forward.
Commissioner Stone referenced the statement that there is enough land to split. He recognized
the drop-off in elevation and asked if there would be enough land to build on the proposed
lot two in the future.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the minimum lot dimensions are
met for lot size.
Commissioner Goldade asked if the change to the recommended condition five would still allow
for the walking path from Ridge Place to Dodd/62.
Page 80 of 133
DRAFT/UNAPPROVED MINUTES
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that they do not have the survey of the
proposed outlot, but the applicant does have the proposed sketch of what the City would
be asking for that would provide the space for the path and landing area for the grade-
separated crossing.
Commissioner Goldade asked and received confirmation that even with the path, lot three could
be subdivided in the future.
Chair Field recognized that the City has a vision for the path and asked what would happen if the
applicant were to place it elsewhere.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that in that instance the Final Plat
would not match the conditions of the Preliminary Plat and therefore it would most likely
not be approved.
Chair Field asked if the surveyor is presently working on the dedicated land.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that is correct.
Chair Field opened the public hearing.
Tom Campion, applicant, stated that he and his neighbor started this process a few years ago with
the easement vacation. He stated that he wanted to build but did not have enough land and
therefore began working with his neighbor. He stated that he and his neighbor are in
agreement with their request.
Commissioner Corbett stated that the path was the unknown that was added prior to the last
meeting which caused the request to be tabled. He asked if the condition was found to be
acceptable to both property owners.
Mr. Campion stated that they did agree.
Jeff Wilke, 781 Ridge Place, stated that he agreed with the easement vacation that occurred in the
past. He commented that people have to walk on the street to get to the path and the
demographics of the neighborhood have changed, adding more families and children. He
stated that the neighborhood agrees with the proposal in return for the walking path.
Commissioner Johnson asked and received confirmation that the resident is requesting the trail
connection.
Maureen Wilke, 781 Ridge Place, asked for clarification on the lots shown in yellow.
Commissioner Corbett noted that the yellow shows the old lots that will be combined into the lots
shown in blue.
Page 81 of 133
DRAFT/UNAPPROVED MINUTES
Christina Young, 799 Ridge Place, stated that it is important for the neighbors to maintain a tree
buffer between yards and a path to ensure that the area is not too exposed to 62.
Chair Field noted that is not a matter of the Preliminary Plat.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that Dakota County will be subject to the City’s tree
ordinance.
Chris Strom, 1910 Walkler Avenue, echoed the safety concerns of crossing over the roads with
young children. He advocated for the pathway to connect the neighborhood.
Tim Minea, 772 Ridge Place, stated that when all is done Mr. Campion will split the lot to create
one additional lot. He asked why this is simply not a lot line adjustment between the two
properties. He stated that a house on South Lane was recently subdivided and was a quick
process before the City Council, whereas this item has come to two Planning Commission
meetings. He stated that it was his understanding that this request would not qualify for
the lot line adjustment because the two properties belong to different plats.
Commissioner Corbett stated that the existing yellow lots are not clean, and it would make more
sense to clean those up as proposed in this application.
Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that because the lots are within two
different plats, the simple lot line adjustment was not an option. She stated that this also
involves more than two lots and therefore would also not qualify for a lot line adjustment.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the Campion property is large enough to subdivide,
however, the existing home is too wide and therefore would have had to be demolished in
order to subdivide, and therefore the replat option was chosen.
Seeing no one coming forward wishing to speak, Chair Field asked for a motion to close the public
hearing.
COMMISSIONER CORBETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STONE, TO CLOSE
THE PUBLIC HEARING.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
COMMISSIONER CORBETT MOVED, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STONE, TO
RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE PRELIMINARY PLAT REQUEST BASED ON THE
FINDINGS OF FACT SUPPORTING THE REQUEST, WITH THE FOLLOWING
CONDITIONS:
1. THE PRELIMINARY PLANS PRESENTED UNDER THIS PLAT REQUEST DO NOT
REPRESENT OR PROVIDE APPROVAL OF BUILDING PAD SITES, SETBACKS,
ACCESSORY STRUCTURES, OR DRIVEWAY ALIGNMENTS. FINAL LAYOUTS MUST
Page 82 of 133
DRAFT/UNAPPROVED MINUTES
MEET R-1 ZONE STANDARDS AND SHALL BE APPROVED UNDER SEPARATE
BUILDING PERMITS FOR EACH LOT.
2. A BUILDING PERMIT, INCLUDING ALL NEW GRADING AND DRAINAGE WORK,
MUST BE APPROVED BY THE CITY PRIOR TO ANY NEW CONSTRUCTION WORK.
3. THE DEVELOPER/APPLICANT SHALL SUBMIT FINAL GRADING AND UTILITY
PLANS AND A DIMENSIONED SITE PLAN WITH ASSOCIATED EASEMENTS,
SUBJECT TO REVIEW NAD APPROVAL BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AND
ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AS PART OF ANY BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION.
4. ALL NEW CONSTRUCTION AND GRADING ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THIS
DEVELOPMENT SITE AND ON EACH NEW BUILDABLE LOT SHALL BE IN
COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL
REGULATIONS AND CODES, AS WELL AS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CITY’S
LAND DISTURBANCE GUIDANCE DOCUMENT.
5. THE DEVELOPER/APPLICANT SHALL PROVIDE PARK DEDICATION AS A
COMBINATION OF AN IN-LEIU FEE AND LAND DEDICATION. THE FINAL PLAT
SHALL BE REVISED TO DEDICATE 10 PERCENT OF THE PROPOSED LOT 3 AS AN
OUTLOT FOR PARK DEDICATION, AND PAY A PARK DEDICATION FEE IN THE
AMOUNT OF $4,000 PER UNIT (PROPOSED LOTS 1 AND 2 AT (2 X $4,000/UNIT), OR
$8,000) IS TO BE COLLECTED AFTER CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL AND BEFORE
THE FINAL PLAT IS RELEASED FOR RECORDING WITH DAKOTA COUNTY, AND
BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OF ANY PERMITS.
6. ANY NEW OR EXISTING SANITARY OR WATER SERVICE LINES WILL HAVE TO BE
REVIEWED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR AND/OR ST. PAUL REGIONAL
WATER SERVICES PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF ANY BUILDING PERMIT.
7. THE APPLICANT/DEVELOPER MUST PROVIDE A BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
(STORMWATER MANAGEMENT) AGREEMENT TO THE CITY AS PART OF THE
BUILDING PERMIT SUBMITTAL AND REVIEW PROCESS FOR EACH NEW HOME
AND NEW IMPERVIOUS SURFACE.
8. THE APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT TREE REMOVAL INFORMATION TO BE
EVALUATED FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE URBAN FOREST PRESERVATION
ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS PRIOR TO OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE
BUILDING PERMIT SUBMITTAL.
Further discussion: Commissioner Stone asked if the pathway would be of the City or the County.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the path from Ridge to 62 would be City-owned
and the area for the crossing would become part of the County project, which is proposed
for 2027.
AYES: 6
NAYS: 0
Chair Field advised the City Council would consider this application at its March 4, 2025 meeting.
Page 83 of 133
Page 84 of 133
m, DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION
February 26, 2025
Sarah Madden
Community Development Manager
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
SUBJECT: Campion Estates
MnDOT Review #P25-001
NW quadrant of MN 62 and MN 149
Mendota Heights, Dakota County
Dear Ms. Madden,
Metropolitan District
1500 County Road B-2 West
Roseville, MN 55113
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has reviewed the preliminary/final plat for Campion
Estates, in compliance with Minnesota Statute 505.03, subdivision 2, Plats. The Minnesota Department of
Transportation (MnDOT) has reviewed the documents and has the following comments:
Noise
MnDOT's policy is to assist local governments in promoting compatibility between land use and highways.
Residential uses adjacent to highways often result in complaints about traffic noise. Traffic noise from this
highway could exceed noise standards established by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Minnesota Rule
7030.0030 states that municipalities with the authority to regulate land use shall take all reasonable measures
to prevent the establishment of land use activities, listed in the MPCA's Noise Area Classification (NAC),
anywhere that the establishment of the land use would result in immediate violations of established State noise
standards.
Mn DOT policy regarding development adjacent to existing highways prohibits the expenditure of highway funds
for noise mitigation measures in such developed areas. The project proposer is required to assess the existing
noise situation and take the action deemed necessary to minimize the impact to the proposed development
from any highway noise.
If you have any questions regarding MnDOT's noise policy, please contact Natalie Ries in Metro District's Noise
and Air Quality Unit at 651-234-7681 or natalie.ries@state.mn.us.
Review Submittal Options
MnDOT's goal is to complete reviews within 30 calendar days. Review materials received electronically can be
processed more rapidly. Do not submit files via a cloud service or SharePoint link. In order of preference, review
materials may be submitted as:
Page 1 of 2
Page 85 of 133
1.Email documents and plans to metrodevreviews.dot@state.mn.us. Attachments may not exceed 20 MB
(megabytes) per email. Documents can be zipped as well. If multiple emails are necessary, number each email.
2.Files over 20 MB can also be uploaded to MnDOT's Web Transfer Client site:
https:/ /mft.dot.state.mn.us. Contact metrodevreviews.dot@state.mn.us, and staff will create a shared folder in
which files can be uploaded to. Please send an accompanying email with a narrative for the development.
You are welcome to contact me at scott.shaffer@state.mn.us with any questions.
Sincerely,
Scott Shaffer
Senior Planner
Copy sent via email:
Jason Swenson, Water Resources
Buck Craig, Permits
Mark Lundquist, Right of Way
Almin Ramie, Traffic
Michael Kowski, Maintenance
Robert Jones, Area Engineer
Bryant Ficek, Area Manager
Michael Kruse, Design
Lance Schowalter, Design
Michael D. Nelson, Surveys
Suzy Scotty, Ped/Bike/ ADA Planning
Amrish Patel, Transit
Natalie Ries, Noise
Tod Sherman, Planning
Cameron Muhic, Planning
Joseph Widing, Metropolitan Council
Page 2 of 2
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8.b
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Consideration of Ordinance No. 597: Cannabis Business Registration
ITEM TYPE: Ordinance
DEPARTMENT: Community Development CONTACT: Sarah Madden, Community
Development Manager
ACTION REQUEST:
Adopt Ordinance No. 597: Cannabis Business Registration; Authorize Publication of Summary
Ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The Minnesota State Legislature adopted a new statute that legalized adult-use cannabis in
2023. This statute limited the regulations a city can place on the use, sale and production of
cannabis and cannabis products, and established the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM)
to oversee the licensing of these businesses. Local governments may not prohibit the use or
sale of adult-use cannabis, but there are some regulatory actions that the City can pursue to
establish performance standards for businesses operating within our bounds, such as zoning
and registration requirements.
The state law creates 13 license types which will be issued by the OCM. The City’s zoning
ordinance was adopted on December 17, 2024, and incorporated the land uses into the City’s
zoning ordinance and districts to accommodate the language of the state law. Other local
control options that the City can enact are the retail registration ordinance, as well as
associated performance standards. The City Council reviewed draft versions of the cannabis
business registration ordinance in late 2024 and provided comments on registration
application requirements, buffers between retail facilities, hours of operation, and fees. The
City Council then met again at their January 21, 2025, regular meeting to review a final draft of
the ordinance and provide direction to staff regarding a 'first-come, first-serve' approach to
the business registration component.
The attached Ordinance No. 597 establishes the registration ordinance, which would require a
cannabis microbusiness, cannabis mezzobusiness, cannabis retailer, medical cannabis
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combination business, or lower-potency hemp edible retailer with a license from OCM to
initially and annually register with the city. The proposed ordinance also establishes the
renewal, suspension, and compliance check provisions, performance standards for cannabis
businesses that locate within Mendota Heights, and provisions on temporary cannabis events
in accordance with state statute.
The City Council is asked to consider adoption of Ordinance No. 597, as well as authorize the
publication of a Summary Ordinance.
The Ordinance is slated to go into immediate effect, however licenses have not yet began to
be issued by the OCM. The first zoning compliance checks and business registration
applications are anticipated to be received later in the year. Next steps in the City's process for
establishing the cannabis retail business registration program are to establish the fees, which
will occur later on this meeting's agenda.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
Fee Schedule Amendment
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance No. 597 - Cannabis Business Registration, dated 2/21/25
2. City Council Work Session Agenda Report, 11/19/24
3. OCM Local Governments Guide, updated 1/6/25
4. Excerpt from the Minutes of the Jan. 21, 2025, Meeting
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Inclusive and Responsive Government
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 597
AMENDING TITLE 3: BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS TO REGULATE
CANNABIS AND LOWER-POTENCY HEMP BUSINESSES
The City Council of the City of Mendota Heights does ordain:
Section 1. City Code Title 3 – BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS is hereby amended to add
Chapter 8: CANNABIS AND LOWER-POTENCY HEMP RETAIL REGISTRATION as follows:
3-8-1: PURPOSE AND SCOPE:
The purpose of this chapter is to implement the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 342, which
authorizes the City of Mendota Heights to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of Mendota
Heights residents by regulating cannabis and lower-potency hemp retail businesses within the legal
boundaries of Mendota Heights.
3-8-2: DEFINTIONS
Unless otherwise noted in this section, words and phrases contained in Minn. Stat. 342.01 and the rules
promulgated pursuant to Minn. Stat. ch. 342 , shall have the same meanings in this chapter.
CANNABIS BUSINESS: A business licensed by the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) as defined
by Minn. Stat 342.01 Subd. 14.
CANNABIS CULTIVATION or CULTIVATE CANNABIS: Growing cannabis plants from seed or
immature plant to mature plant, harvest cannabis flower from mature plant, package and label immature
plants and seedlings and cannabis flower for sale to other cannabis businesses, transport cannabis flower
to a cannabis manufacturer located on the same premises, and perform other actions approved by the
OCM.
CANNABIS CULTIVATOR: A cannabis business licensed to cultivate cannabis and packages cannabis
for sale to another cannabis business.
CANNABIS EVENT: A temporary cannabis event lasting no more than four days operating pursuant to
Minn. Stat. 342.39.
CANNABIS MANUFACTURER: A cannabis business that makes cannabis and/or hemp concentrate,
manufactures artificially derived cannabinoids, adult-use cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles,
and/or hemp-derived consumer products, and sells cannabis concentrate, hemp concentrate, artificially
derived cannabinoids, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, hemp-derived consumer products
to other cannabis businesses pursuant to Minn. Stat. 342.31.
CANNABIS MEZZOBUSINESS: A cannabis business that grows cannabis plants from seed or immature
plant to mature plant, harvests the cannabis flower from a mature plant, makes cannabis and/or hemp
concentrate, manufactures artificially derived cannabinoids, adult-use cannabis products, lower-potency
hemp edibles, and/or hemp-derived consumer products, and sells immature cannabis plants and seedlings,
adult-use cannabis flower, adult-use cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, hemp-derived
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consumer products, and other products authorized by law to other cannabis businesses and to consumers
pursuant to Minn. Stat. 342.29.
CANNABIS MICROBUSINESS: A cannabis business that grows cannabis plants from seed or immature
plant to mature plant, harvests the cannabis flower from a mature plant, makes cannabis and/or hemp
concentrate, manufactures artificially derived cannabinoids, adult-use cannabis products, lower-potency
hemp edibles, and/or hemp-derived consumer products, and sells immature cannabis plants and seedlings,
adult-use cannabis flower, adult-use cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, hemp-derived
consumer products, and other products authorized by law to other cannabis businesses and to consumers,
including on-site consumption, pursuant to Minn. Stat. 342.28.
CANNABIS RETAIL BUSINESSES: A retail location and the retail location(s) of a mezzobusinesses
with a retail operations endorsement, microbusinesses with a retail operations endorsement, medical
combination businesses operating a retail location, and lower-potency hemp edible retailers.
CANNABIS RETAILER: Any person, partnership, firm, corporation, or association, foreign or domestic,
selling cannabis product to a consumer and not for the purpose of resale in any form.
CANNABIS TESTING FACILITY: A cannabis business that obtains and tests immature cannabis plants
and seedlings, cannabis flower, cannabis products, hemp plant parts, hemp concentrate, artificially
derived cannabinoids, lower-potency hemp edibles, and hemp-derived consumer products from cannabis
microbusinesses, cannabis mezzobusinesses, cannabis cultivators, cannabis manufacturers, cannabis
wholesalers, lower-potency hemp edible manufacturers, and industrial hemp growers pursuant to Minn.
Stat. 342.37.
CANNABIS WHOLESALER: A cannabis business that sells immature cannabis plants and seedlings,
cannabis flower, cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, and hemp-derived consumer products to
cannabis microbusinesses, cannabis mezzobusinesses, cannabis manufacturers, and cannabis retailers
pursuant to Minn. Stat. 342.33.
DAYCARE: A location licensed with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to provide the care
of a child in a residence outside the child's own home for gain or otherwise, on a regular basis, for any
part of a 24-hour day.
LOWER-POTENCY HEMP EDIBLE MANUFACTURER: A business that manufactures and packages
lower-potency hemp edibles for consumer sale, and/or sells hemp concentrate and lower-potency hemp
edibles to other cannabis businesses and hemp businesses.
LOWER-POTENCY HEMP EDIBLE RETAILER: A business that sells lower-potency hemp edibles to
customers.
OFFICE OF CANNABIS MANAGEMENT: Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management, referred to as
“OCM” in this ordinance.
RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITY: As defined under Minn. Stat. 245.462 subd. 23.
RETAIL REGISTRATION: An approved registration issued by the City of Mendota Heights to a state
licensed cannabis or lower-potency hemp retail business.
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SCHOOL: A public school as defined under Minn. Stat. 120A.05 or a nonpublic school that must meet
the reporting requirements under Minn. Stat. 120A.24.
STATE LICENSE: An approved license issued by the State of Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis
Management to a cannabis retail business.
3-8-3: ADMINISTRATION
The City Administrator or their designee is responsible for the administration and enforcement of this
ordinance. Any violation of the provisions of this ordinance or failure to comply with any of its
requirements constitutes a misdemeanor and is punishable as defined by law. Violations of this ordinance
can occur regardless of whether or not a permit is required for a regulated activity listed in this ordinance.
Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the City from enforcing any other applicable remedy including but
not limited to injunctive relief.
3-8-4: REGISTRATION OF A CANNABIS OR LOWER=POTENCY HEMP RETAIL BUSINESS
A. Requirement to register a Cannabis or Lower-Potency Hemp Retail Business
1. No individual or entity may operate a cannabis or lower-potency hemp retail business within
Mendota Heights without first registering with the City of Mendota Heights.
2. Any cannabis or lower-potency hemp retail business that sells to a customer or patient
without valid retail registration shall incur a civil penalty of $2,000 for each violation.
3. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the state shall not issue a license to any
cannabis business to operate in Indian country, as defined in United States Code, title 18,
section 1151, of a Minnesota Tribal government without the consent of the Tribal
government.
B. Compliance Checks Prior to Retail Registration
1. Prior to issuance of a retail registration, Mendota Heights shall conduct a preliminary
compliance check to ensure compliance with local ordinances.
2. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 342, within 30 days of receiving a copy of a state license application
from OCM, the City of Mendota Heights shall certify on a form provided by OCM whether a
proposed retail location complies with zoning ordinances and, if applicable, whether the
proposed business complies with the state fire code and building code.
C. Registration and Application Procedure
1. Fees
a) The City of Mendota Heights shall not charge an application fee.
b) A registration fee, as established in the City of Mendota Height’s fee schedule, shall
be charged to applicants depending on the type of retail business license applied for.
c) An initial registration fee shall not exceed $500 or half the amount of an initial state
license fee under Minn. Stat. 342.11, whichever is less. The initial registration fee
shall include the initial retail registration fee and the first annual renewal fee.
d) Any renewal retail registration fee imposed by the City shall be charged at the time of
the second renewal and each subsequent renewal thereafter.
e) A renewal retail registration fee shall not exceed $1,000 or half the amount of a
renewal state license fee under Minn. Stat. 342.11, whichever is less.
f) A medical combination business operating an adult-use retail location may only be
charged a single registration fee, not to exceed the lesser of a single retail registration
fee, defined under this section, of the adult-use retail business.
2. Application Submittal
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The City shall issue a retail registration to a state-licensed retail business that adheres to the
requirements of Minn. Stat. 342.22
a) An applicant for a retail registration shall fill out an application form, as provided by
the City. Said form shall include, but is not limited to:
i. Full name of the property owner and applicant;
ii. Mailing address, email address, and telephone number of the applicant;
iii. Name of the cannabis or lower-potency hemp retail business to be registered;
iv. The address, legal description and parcel ID for the property which the retail
registration is sought;
v. If the applicant does not own the business premises, a true and complete
copy of the executed lease for the premises, if applicable.
vi. Certification that the applicant complies with the requirements of local
ordinances established pursuant to Minn. Stat. 342.13.
vii. Signature of the applicant or the authorized agency of the legal entity
applicant;
viii. If the registrant is a legal entity, the following information shall be provided
for the person designated as the general or primary manager on site: the full
name, date of birth, mailing address, contact telephone number, email
address;
ix. Any additional information the City deems necessary.
b) The applicant shall include with the form:
i. the registration fee as required in [Section 2.3.1];
ii. a copy of a valid state license or written notice of OCM license preapproval;
c) Once an application is considered complete, the City Administrator or their designee
shall inform the applicant as such, process the application fees, and forward the
application to the City Clerk for approval or denial.
d) The registration fee shall be non-refundable once processed.
3. Application Approval
a) Registration of a cannabis or lower-potency edible hemp retail business will be in
effect and only so long as the following requirements are met:
i. The applicant holds a valid license of license preapproval issued to the retail
business by the Office of Cannabis Management;
ii. The applicant paid the total sum of the initial registration fee and first year
renewal fee in the amounts required by the city’s fee schedule;
iii. During a preliminary compliance check, the retail business is found to be in
compliance with the zoning and performance standards for cannabis or hemp
businesses established in Chapter 11 of this Code; and
iv. The retail business is current on all property taxes and assessments for the
property on which the business is located;
b) A state-licensed cannabis retail business application shall not be approved if the
cannabis retail business would exceed the maximum number of registered cannabis
retail businesses permitted under Section 3-8-4(F)1 of this ordinance.
c) Applications for registration will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis on
the City receiving a complete application and payment of all fees. Applications will
be considered complete when all materials and information required herein are
received by the City.
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d) A retail registration application shall not be approved or renewed if the applicant is
unable to meet the requirements of this ordinance.
e) A retail registration application that meets the requirements of this ordinance shall be
approved.
4. Annual Compliance Checks
a) The City shall complete at minimum one compliance check for each registered
business per calendar year to assess if the business meets age verification
requirements, as required under [Minn. Stat. 342.22 Subd. 4(b) and Minn. Stat.
342.24] and this chapter.
b) Age verification compliance checks shall involve persons at least 17 years of age but
under the age of 21 who, with the prior written consent of a parent or guardian if the
person is under the age of 18, attempt to purchase adult-use cannabis flower, adult-
use cannabis products, lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer
products under the direct supervision of a law enforcement officer or an employee of
the local unit of government.
c) Any failures under this section must be reported to the Office of Cannabis
Management.
5. Location Change
A state-licensed cannabis retail business shall be required to submit a new application for
registration under Section 2.3.2 if it seeks to move to a new location still within the legal
boundaries of the City of Mendota Heights.
D. Renewal of Registration
1. Renewal Process
a) The City shall renew an annual registration of a state-licensed retail business at the same
time OCM renews the retail business’ license.
b) A registered business shall apply to renew registration on a form established by the City.
c) A retail registration issued under this ordinance shall not be transferred.
2. Renewal Fees
a) The Citymay charge a renewal fee for the registration starting at the second renewal, as
established in its fee schedule.
3. Renewal Application
a) The application for renewal of a retail registration shall include, but is not limited to
i. Items required under Section 3-8-4(C)2 of this chapter.
E. Suspension of Registration
1. When Suspension is Warranted
a) The City of Mendota Heights may suspend a registration if it violates this chapter or
poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of the public. The City shall
immediately notify the business in writing the grounds for the suspension.
2. Notification to OCM
a) The City shall immediately notify the OCM in writing the grounds for the suspension.
OCM will provide the City and business a response to the complaint within seven
calendar days and perform any necessary inspections within 30 calendar days.
3. Length of Suspension
a) The suspension of a retail registration may be for up to 30 calendar days, unless OCM
suspends the license for a longer period. The business may not make sales to customers if
their registration is suspended.
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4. Civil Penalties
a) Subject to Minn. Stat. 342.22, subd. 5(e) the City may impose a civil penalty, as specified
in the City of Mendota Heights’s Fee Schedule, for registration violations, not to exceed
$2,000.
F. Registration Mistakenly Issued or Renewed. If a registration is mistakenly issued or renewed to
any person or entity, for any reason, including but not limited to the submission of false or
misleading information by the license holder or applicant, the registration will be suspended upon
the discovery of ineligibility for registration under this chapter or state or other local law,
ordinance or other regulation. Any suspension will comply with the requirements of Minn. Stat.
§ 342.22, Subd. 5.
G. License Holder Responsibility. Every retail registration holder is responsible for conduct on the
registered premises and any sale of cannabis, hemp, or products containing cannabis or hemp by
an employee is the act of the Registration Holder for the purposes of all provisions of this chapter.
H. Limiting of Registrations
1. The City shall limit the number of cannabis retail businesses to no fewer than one registration
for every 12,500 residents within the City of Mendota Heights.
2. If Dakota County has one active cannabis retail registration for every 12,500 residents then
the City shall not be required to register additional businesses.
3-8-5: REQUIREMENTS FOR A CANNABIS BUSINESS
A. Minimum Buffer Requirements
1. No cannabis business shall be located or operated within 500 feet of an existing lawful
cannabis business.
2. No cannabis business shall be located or operated within 500 feet of an existing daycare,
residential treatment facility, or an attraction within a public park that is regularly used by
minors, including a playground or athletic field.
3. No cannabis business shall be located or operated within 1000 feet of a school.
4. Pursuant to Minn. Stat. 462.357 subd. 1e, nothing in Section 3-8-5(A) shall prohibit an active
cannabis business or a cannabis business seeking registration from continuing operation at the
same site if a daycare, residential treatment facility, attraction within a public park that is
regularly used by minors, or school moves within the minimum buffer zone.
B. Zoning and Land Use
1. A cannabis or lower-potency hemp business licensed or endorsed by the OCM must be in
compliance with the City’s Zoning Code including Title 12: Zoning, Chapter 3: Allowed
Uses, Table 12-3B-1.1 Table of Uses
C. Hours of Operation
1. Cannabis businesses are limited to retail sale of cannabis, cannabis flower, cannabis products,
lower-potency hemp edibles, or hemp-derived consumer products between the hours of 8:00
a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Monday-Saturday; and between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
on Sundays.
3-8-6 TEMPORARY CANNABIS EVENTS
A. License or Permit Required for Temporary Cannabis Events
1. License Required: A license or permit is required to be issued and approved by the City prior
to holding a Temporary Cannabis Event.
2. Registration and Application Procedure: A registration fee, as established in the City’s fee
schedule, shall be charged to applicants for Temporary Cannabis Events.
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3. Application Submittal and Review: The City shall require an application for Temporary
Cannabis Events.
a) An applicant for a retail registration shall fill out an application form, as provided by the
City. Said form shall include, but is not limited to:
i. Full name of the property owner and applicant;
ii. Address, email address, and telephone number of the applicant;
b) The applicant shall include with the form:
i. The application fee as required in Section 3-8-6(A)2;
ii. A copy of the OCM cannabis event license application, submitted pursuant to
Minn. Stat. 342.39 subd. 2.
c) The application shall be submitted to the City Administrator or their designee for review.
If the designee determines that a submitted application is incomplete, they shall return the
application to the applicant with the notice of deficiencies.
d) Once an application is considered complete, the designee shall inform the applicant as
such, process the application fees, and forward the application to the (insert
staff/department, or elected body that will approve or deny the request) for approval or
denial.
e) The application fee shall be non-refundable once processed.
f) The application for a license for a Temporary Cannabis Event shall meet the following
standards:
i. Outdoor consumption or use of cannabis at or on the property of a temporary
cannabis event is prohibited.
ii. The setback from any property line of any residential use or residential zoned
property shall be no less than 350 feet.
iii. All buffers identified in Sec. 3-8-5 also apply to Temporary Cannabis Events.
iv. The event may last no longer than four (4) days (96 hours)
v. The event shall operate in accordance with all applicable requirements for
temporary cannabis events under Minn. Stat., Chapter 342.
g) A request for a Temporary Cannabis Event that meets the requirements of this Section
shall be approved.
h) A request for a Temporary Cannabis Event that does not meet the requirements of this
Section shall be denied. The City shall notify the applicant of the standards not met and
basis for denial
3-8-7: SEVERABILITY
In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction adjudges any part of this chapter to be invalid, such
judgement shall not affect any other provision of this chapter not specifically included within the
judgement.
Section 2. Effective date.
This ordinance shall be effective immediately following adoption and publication according to law.
Section 3. Summary Publication.
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ADOPTED this 4th day of March, 2025 by the City Council for the City of Mendota Heights.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
___________________________________
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Nancy Bauer, City Clerk
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_____________________________________________________City Council Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: November 19, 2024
TO:Mayor, City Council and City Administrator
FROM: Sarah Madden, Community
Development Manager
SUBJECT: Continued Cannabis Ordinance Discussion
ACTION REQUEST:
No formal action is required. Staff is seeking further direction from the City Council on the Cannabis
Ordinance.
BACKGROUND:
The Minnesota Legislature enacted new State Law at the end of the 2023 legislative session, amended in 2024,
that legalizes the possession, use, manufacturing, and sale of certain cannabis products within the State. The
Law also establishes the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) to oversee the implementation and regulation
of the adult-use cannabis market, the medical cannabis market, and the consumer hemp industry. The statute
limited the regulations a city can place on the use, sale and production of cannabis and cannabis products. In
mid-June, the OCM released “A Guide for Local Governments on Adult-Use Cannabis”, which includes a model
ordinance used as a basis for the proposed draft of Mendota Heights’ Cannabis Business Ordinance.
The new law limits a City’s ability to regulate cannabis and hemp businesses. In the areas of the statute where
local governments are permitted to incorporate regulations of cannabis businesses, the scope of that
regulation is restrictive and highly specific.
The City Council was provided a copy of the OCM’s guide for local governments as part of the October 15th
City Council work session agenda packet, and the Council held a discussion over the topic and model
ordinance standards at the October 30th City Council regular meeting.
Title 3: Business and License Regulations – Registration Ordinance and Regulatory Standards
As the City Council is aware, local governments have the authority to adopt a registration ordinance requiring a
cannabis microbusiness, cannabis mezzobusiness, cannabis retailer, medical cannabis combination business, or
lower-potency hemp edible retailer with a license from OCM to initially and annually register with the city. To
obtain a registration from the city, the ordinance may require: payment of a fee (half of the license fee
established by Statute 342.11 up to $500 initially and $1000 annually), compliance with the requirements of
Minn. Stat. Ch. 342, and to be current on all property taxes and assessments. If a city adopts a registration
ordinance, the city may limit the number of licensed cannabis retailers, cannabis mezzobusinesses and cannabis
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microbusinesses to no fewer than one registration for every 12,500 residents. This is based on the Minnesota
State Demographer numbers. Staff had recommended that the City Council adopt a registration ordinance in
line with the OCM’s model ordinance. This registration is not a licensing function of the City. Licensing of
cannabis businesses will be conducted by the OCM. Once the administrative rules are in effect, currently
anticipated mid-2025, licensing of cannabis businesses will commence.
A draft ordinance has been prepared which is consistent with the OCM model ordinance which was discussed
at the October 30th meeting. It is included as an attachment to this report. In this draft ordinance, the
registration, administration, buffer standards, and public event regulations have all been placed into Title 3:
Business and License Regulations. As currently proposed, the only amendments to the Zoning Title (Title 12)
will be updates to the use chart.
The State Law allows Mendota Heights to prohibit a cannabis business within 1,000 feet of a school or 500 feet
of a day care, residential treatment facility, or an attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors,
including playgrounds and athletic fields. The City may also impose a prohibition on a cannabis business within
500 feet of another cannabis business. These are the maximum specified buffers, a lessor or no buffer is also
allowed. Based on the discussion on October 30th, the proposed draft imposes the maximum buffers.
The City will need to decide what registration fee, if any, it will charge. Staff recommends imposing the
maximum fee amount given the uncertainty of staff work associated with the registration. Fees can be adjusted
in the future once there is more familiarity with the process. The table below shows the maximum amount for
an initial registration fee and renewal registration fee for retail businesses and includes the amount the state
charges for a license, for reference.
Business Initial Renewal
Cannabis Retailer City (optional) - $500; State - $2,500 City (Optional) - $1,000; State - $5,000
Lower Potency Hemp Retailer City (Optional) $125; State - $250 City (Optional) - $125; State - $250
Medical Cannabis Combination
Business
City (Optional) - $500; State - $20,000 City (Optional) - $1,000; State - $70,000
Cannabis Mezzobusiness City (Optional) - $500; State - $5,000 City (Optional) - $1,000; State - $10,000
Cannabis Microbusiness City (Optional) - $0; State - $0 City (Optional) - $1,000; State - $2,000
One performance standard discussed at the October 30th meeting is the hours of operation for cannabis
retailers. The State Law establishes that retail sales are prohibited between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday
through Saturday and between 2:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. The City may prohibit retail sales of
cannabis between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. the following day and/or between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Monday
Page 98 of 133
through Saturday. In other words, the most restrictive hours of sales could be 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday
through Sunday. For comparison, Off-sale Liquor sales are allowed on Sundays, between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00
p.m.; Monday-Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; and not on Thanksgiving or Christmas Day; and only
between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve. The City should decide the allowable hours of cannabis
retail sales. It was directed at the October 30th meeting that the hours of operation be consistent with liquor or
tobacco sales. This has been reflected in the draft ordinance.
One area where the City may institute regulations for cannabis businesses is in the context of a temporary
cannabis event. A temporary cannabis event is a gathering organized by a licensed cannabis event organizer
that may last for no more than four days. The process for these event should generally follow the normal
process for handling similar events, but the City could choose to require additional standards for temporary
cannabis events, such as prohibiting on-site consumption, limiting the hours or the events, etc. In general, the
City only conducts a permitting process for special events when they are conducted within parks. Consumption
of cannabis is prohibited within parks, in addition to all forms of smoking. This ordinance is already in effect.
The model ordinance provisions for temporary cannabis events have been included in the proposed draft, with
some performance standards imposed, such as a setback from Residentially zoned property and a prohibition
on on-site consumption. If the City follows this model ordinance, an additional event permit application will
need to be created.
Title 12: Zoning Ordinance – Use Chart
The state law creates license types which will be issued by the OCM. The City should incorporate the land uses
into their current zoning to accommodate the language of the state law. The City may not prohibit the
establishment or operation of a licensed cannabis business. There will be 13 license types, however they can be
generalized into the following categories:
• Retail Sales – Sales of cannabis and cannabis products directly to consumers.
• Cultivation – The planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, or trimming of cannabis plants,
cannabis flower, hemp plants, or hemp plant parts.
• Wholesale – Purchases from a business growing or manufacturing cannabis or cannabis products and sells to
a cannabis business engaged in retail.
• Manufacturing – Turns raw, dried cannabis and cannabis parts into other types of cannabis products, e.g.
edibles or topicals.
• Testing - Obtains and tests immature cannabis plants and seedlings, cannabis, cannabis products, and hemp
products.
• Transportation – Transports products from one license type to another.
• Delivery – Transports products to the end consumer.
• Events – A business that organizes temporary events (lasting no longer than four days).
Note: Certain license types enable multiple activity types, for example, Micro and Mezzo businesses may include
cultivation, manufacturing, and/or retail sales.
The City must decide which zones cannabis and hemp businesses will be allowed to operate in. This was
discussed at the October 30th meeting. The staff recommendation is to allow cannabis-based retail businesses
to be allowed in similar zoning categories as those of tobacco sales or liquor stores. The City Council discussed
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the option of allowing cannabis retailers to be a listed use in business and commercial zoning districts, but to
omit the use within the Mixed Use zoning district. This is an option available to the City and can be revised if
the Council would like to make that determination. As currently drafted, the proposed ordinance would allow
retail-based cannabis businesses within all commercial zoning districts, including Mixed Use, as a Conditional
Use.
Use Type Cannabis Business Type Proposed Zoning District
Warehouse or Manufacturing •Cannabis microbusiness
•Cannabis mezzobusiness
•Cannabis cultivator
•Cannabis manufacturer
•Cannabis wholesaler
•Cannabis testing facility
•Lower-Potency Hemp
Edible Manufacturer
•I – Industrial as a
Conditional Use
Retail •Cannabis retailer
•Lower-potency hemp
edible retailer
•B-1 General Business, B-2
Neighborhood Business,
MU-Mixed Use; as a
Conditional Use
•B-1 General business, B-2
Neighborhood Business,
MU-Mixed Use; as
Permitted Use
The City Council will hear a brief presentation on the proposed ordinance at the November 19th Work Session.
Staff is seeking direction on any suggested revisions to the ordinance as presented. The Planning Commission
will hold a public hearing at their November 26th regular meeting on the zoning use chart portion of the
drafted ordinance. Following the public hearing, the City Council will be presented the ordinance again at their
December 3rd regular meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Proposed Cannabis Ordinance, dated 11/14/24
Page 100 of 133
Page 1
A Guide for Local Governments
on Adult-Use Cannabis
Version 2.1 | Updated January 6, 2025
Page 101 of 133
Page 2
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................ 3
About OCM ................................................................................................. 4
Cannabis License Types ................................................................................ 5
Adult-Use Cannabis Law .............................................................................. 7
Cannabis Licensing Process .......................................................................... 8
General Authorities ................................................................................... 11
Zoning and Land Use .................................................................................. 13
Local Approval Process .............................................................................. 16
Inspections and Compliance Checks ........................................................... 21
Municipal Cannabis Stores ......................................................................... 22
Creating Your Local Ordinance ................................................................... 23
Additional Information – Tobacco Sales ....................................................... 24
Additional Resources ................................................................................. 25
Page 102 of 133
Page 3
Introduction
This guide serves as a general overview of Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis law, and
how local governments can expect to be involved. The guide also provides important
information about Minnesota’s new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), and the
office’s structure, roles, and responsibilities. While medical cannabis continues to play an
important role in the state’s cannabis environment, this guide is primarily focused on the
adult-use cannabis law and marketplace.
The following pages outline the variety of cannabis business licenses that will be issued,
provide a broad summary of important aspects of the adult-use cannabis law, and cover
a wide range of expectations and authorities that relate to local governments. This guide
also provides best practices and important requirements for developing a local
cannabis ordinance.
Chapter 342 of Minnesota law was established by the
State Legislature in 2023 and was updated in 2024.
Mentions of “adult-use cannabis law” or “the law”
throughout this guide refer to Chapter 342 and the
changes made to it.
As of this guide's date of publication, final state
regulations governing the adult-use cannabis market
have not yet been published. A draft of the rules is
available on our Rulemaking webpage
(https://mn.gov/ocm/laws/rulemaking.jsp).
The first draft of rules is based on substantial input OCM has received through surveys,
meetings, and conversations that took place since fall 2023, as well as OCM’s review of
Minnesota’s cannabis statute and cannabis rules in other states.
OCM will publish in the State Register a notice of intent to adopt rules, which will prompt
a 30-day formal comment period. Watch the OCM website for updates.
This guide is not a substitute for legal advice, nor does it seek to provide legal advice. Local governments and
municipal officials seeking legal advice should consult an attorney.
Page 103 of 133
Page 4
About OCM
Minnesota’s Office of Cannabis Management is the state regulatory office created to
oversee the implementation and regulation of the adult-use cannabis market, the medical
cannabis market, and the consumer hemp industry. Housed within OCM are the Division
of Medical Cannabis (effective July 1, 2024), which operates the medical cannabis
program, and the Division of Social Equity, which promotes development, stability, and
safety in communities that have experienced a disproportionate, negative impact from
cannabis prohibition and usage.
OCM, through Chapter 342, is tasked with establishing rules and policy and exercising its
regulatory authority over the Minnesota cannabis industry. In its duties, OCM is
mandated to:
•Promote public health and welfare.
•Protect public safety.
•Eliminate the illicit market for cannabis flower and cannabis products.
•Meet the market demand for cannabis flower and cannabis products.
•Promote a craft industry for cannabis flower and cannabis products.
•Prioritize growth and recovery in communities that have experienced a
disproportionate, negative impact from cannabis prohibition.
OCM governs the application and licensing process for cannabis and hemp businesses,
specific requirements for each type of license and their respective business activities
and conducts enforcement and inspection activities across the Minnesota cannabis and
hemp industries.
Page 104 of 133
Page 5
License Types
Minnesota law allows for 13 different types of business licenses, each fulfilling a unique
role in the cannabis and hemp supply chain. In addition to license types below, OCM will
also issue endorsements to license holders to engage in specific activities, including
producing, manufacturing, and sale of medical cannabis for patients.
Microbusiness
Microbusinesses may cultivate cannabis and manufacture cannabis products and hemp
products, and package such products for sale to customers or another licensed cannabis
business. Microbusiness may also operate a single retail location.
Mezzobusiness
Mezzobusinesses may cultivate cannabis and manufacture cannabis products and hemp
products, and package such products for sale to customers or another licensed cannabis
business. Mezzobusiness may also operate up to three retail locations.
Cultivator
Cultivators may cultivate cannabis and package such cannabis for sale to another licensed
cannabis business.
Manufacturer
Manufacturers may manufacture cannabis products and hemp products, and package
such products for sale to a licensed cannabis retailer.
Retailer
Retailers may sell immature cannabis plants and seedlings, cannabis, cannabis products,
hemp products, and other products authorized by law to customers and patients.
Wholesaler
Wholesalers may purchase and/or sell immature cannabis plants and seedlings,
cannabis, cannabis products, and hemp products from another licensed cannabis
business. Wholesalers may also import hemp-derived consumer products and lower-
potency hemp edibles.
Page 105 of 133
Page 6
License Types (continued)
Transporter
Transporters may transport immature cannabis plants and seedlings, cannabis, cannabis
products, and hemp products to licensed cannabis businesses.
Testing Facility
Testing facilities may obtain and test immature cannabis plants and seedlings, cannabis,
cannabis products, and hemp products from licensed cannabis businesses.
Event Organizer
Event organizers may organize a temporary cannabis event lasting no more than four days.
Delivery Service
Delivery services may purchase cannabis, cannabis products, and hemp products from
retailers or cannabis business with retail endorsements for transport and delivery to
customers.
Medical Cannabis Combination Business
Medical cannabis combination businesses may cultivate cannabis and manufacture
cannabis and hemp products, and package such products for sale to customers, patients,
or another licensed cannabis business. Medical cannabis combination businesses may
operate up to one retail location in each congressional district.
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Manufacturer
Lower-potency hemp edible manufacturers may manufacture and package lower-potency
hemp edibles for consumer sale, and sell hemp concentrate and lower-potency hemp
edibles to other cannabis and hemp businesses.
Lower-Potency Hemp Edible Retailer
Lower-potency hemp edible retailers may sell lower-potency hemp edibles to customers.
Each license is subject to further restrictions on allowable activities. Maximum cultivation area and manufacturing
allowances vary by license type. Allowable product purchase, transfer, and sale between licensees are subject to
restrictions in the law.
Page 106 of 133
Page 7
The Adult-Use Cannabis Law
Minnesota’s new adult-use cannabis law permits the personal use, possession, and
transportation of cannabis by those 21 years of age and older, and allows licensed
businesses to conduct cultivation, manufacturing, transport, delivery, and sale of cannabis
and cannabis products.
For Individuals
• Possession limits:
o Flower - 2 oz. in public, 2 lbs. in private residence
o Concentrate - 8 g
o Edibles (including lower-potency hemp) - 800 mg THC
• Consumption only allowed on private property or at licensed
businesses with on-site consumption endorsements.
Consumption not allowed in public.
• Gifting cannabis to another individual over 21 years old is
allowed, subject to possession limits.
• Home cultivation is limited to four mature and four
immature plants (eight total) in a single residence. Plants must be in an enclosed
and locked space.
• Home extraction using volatile substances (e.g., butane, ethanol) is not allowed.
• Unlicensed sales are not allowed.
For Businesses
• Advertising:
o May not include or appeal to those under 21 years old.
o Must include proper warning statements.
o May not include misleading claims or false statements.
o Billboards are not allowed.
• The flow of all products through the supply chain must be
tracked by the state-authorized tracking system.
• All products sold to consumers and patients must be tested
for contaminants.
• Home delivery is allowed by licensed businesses.
Page 107 of 133
Page 8
The Cannabis Licensing Process
The general licensing process will align with the adoption of rules and OCM will share
more information about the timing of general licensing process. The general licensing
process includes social equity applicants and non-social equity applicants.
General Licensing: Cultivator, Manufacturer, Retailer,
Mezzobusiness
1. Applicant completes application and submit application fees. If applicable, an
applicant’s social equity applicant status may be verified.
2. Application vetted for minimum requirements by OCM.
3. Application (if qualified) entered into lottery drawing.
4. If selected in lottery, applicant completes background check process and submits
attestation of labor-peace agreement.
5. If applicant successfully completes Step 5, OCM issues preliminary approval to
applicant.
6. Once prepared for final licensure, applicant with preliminary approval submits
business location and updates application accordingly.
7. OCM forwards completed application to local government.
8. Local government completes zoning certification of whether a proposed cannabis
business complies with local zoning ordinances, and if applicable, whether the
proposed business complies with state fire code and building code. (This is distinct
from the retail registration approval process.)
9. OCM conducts site inspection.
10. If applicant successfully passes site inspection, OCM issues license, operations may
commence except for retail activity.*
Continued High-Level Pathway for Licensees Seeking to Conduct Retail Sales: Process for
Required Local Retail Registration from Local Governments (Retailer, Mezzobusiness)
11. Licensed business seeks local retail registration from local government.
12. Local government approves applicant for retail registration through means
determined by ordinance (see Page 19 for more information about the retail
registration process).
Page 108 of 133
Page 9
The Cannabis Licensing Process (cont.)
13. Applicant pays retail registration fee to the local government (see appendix for
relevant fees in accordance with Minn. Stat., section 342.22).
14. Local government conducts compliance check for any applicable local ordinance
established pursuant to Minn. Stat., section 342.13, if desired.
15. Local government ensures tax compliance, if applicable.
16. Local government issues retail registration to licensee.
17. Licensee is able to conduct retail sales now that they have received a state license
and a local retail registration.
*For businesses seeking a retail endorsement (microbusiness, mezzobusiness, and retailer), a valid local retail
registration is required prior to the business commencing any retail sales. See Page 19 for information on the local
retail registration process.
General Licensing: Microbusiness, Wholesaler, Transporter, Testing
Facility, Medical Cannabis Combination Business
1. Applicant complete application and submit application fees. If applicable, an
applicant’s social equity applicant status may be verified.
2. Application vetted for minimum requirements by OCM.
3. For qualified applicants, applicant completes background check process and submits
attestation of labor-peace agreement.
4. If applicant successfully completes Step 3, OCM issues preliminary approval to
applicant.
5. Once prepared for final licensure, selected applicant submits business location and
amends application accordingly.
6. OCM forwards completed application to local government.
7. Local government completes zoning certification of whether a proposed cannabis
business complies with local zoning ordinances, and if applicable, whether the
proposed business complies with state fire code and building code. (This is distinct
from the retail registration approval process.)
8. OCM conducts site inspection.
9. If applicant successfully passes site inspection, OCM issues license, operations may
commence except for retail activity.*
Page 109 of 133
Page 10
The Cannabis Licensing Process (cont.)
Continued High-Level Pathway for Licensees Seeking to Conduct Retail Sales: Process for
Required Local Retail Registration from Local Governments (Microbusiness, Medical
Cannabis Combination Businesses)
10. Licensed business seeks local retail registration from local government.
11. Local government approves applicant for retail registration through means
determined by ordinance (see Page 19 for more information about the retail
registration process).
12. Applicant pays retail registration fee to the local government (see appendix for
relevant fees in accordance with Minn. Stat., section 342.22).
13. Local government conducts compliance check for any applicable local ordinance
established pursuant to Minn. Stat., section 342.13, if desired.
14. Local government ensures tax compliance, if applicable.
15. Local government issues retail registration to licensee.
16. Licensee is able to conduct retail sales now that they have received a state license
and a local retail registration.
*For businesses seeking a retail endorsement (microbusiness, mezzobusiness, and retailer), a valid local retail
registration is required prior to the business commencing any retail sales. See Page 19 for information on the local
retail registration process.
Applicant Responsibility
All applicants and licensees are responsible for working with their local government to
ensure their success in the zoning certification and, if applicable based on license type,
the local retail registration process. This includes reviewing local ordinances and
understanding how the local government will be selecting applicants for a retail
registration (including if retail registrations will be limited). Local units of government
have the statutory authority to limit retail registrations if they desire, and applicants
should understand this prior to making decisions about site locations.
OCM will not facilitate communication between applicants and units of local government,
nor can it mediate disputes as they relate to local zoning compliance or retail registration.
OCM is required to ask each local unit of government where an applicant intends to
locate a business if that business has met all zoning and use requirements.
Page 110 of 133
Page 11
General Authorities
Local governments in Minnesota have various means of oversight over the cannabis
market, as provided by the adult-use cannabis law. Local governments may not issue
outright bans on cannabis business, or limit operations in a manner beyond what is
provided by state law.
Cannabis Retail Restrictions (342.13)
Local governments may limit the number of retailers and microbusiness/mezzobusinesses
with retail endorsements allowed within their locality, as long as there is at least one
retail location per 12,500 residents. Local units of government are not obligated to seek
out a business to register as cannabis business if they have not been approached by any
potential applicants but cannot prohibit the establishment of a business if this population
requirement is not met. Local units of government may also issue more than the
minimum number of registrations. Per statutory direction, a municipal cannabis store
(Page 24) cannot be included in the minimum number of registrations required. For
population counts, the state demographer estimates will likely be utilized.
Tribal Governments (342.13)
OCM is prohibited from and will not issue state licenses to businesses in Indian Country
without consent from a tribal nation. Tribal nations hold the authority to license tribal
cannabis businesses on tribal lands – this process is separate than OCM’s licensing
process and authority. Subject to compacting, Tribal nations may operate cannabis
businesses off tribal lands. There will be more information available once the compacting
processes are complete.
Taxes (295.81; 295.82)
Retail sales of taxable cannabis products are subject to the state and local sales and use
tax and a 10% gross receipts tax. Cannabis gross receipts tax proceeds are allocated as
follows: 20% to the local government cannabis aid account and 80% to the state general
fund. Local taxes imposed solely on sale of cannabis products are prohibited.
Cannabis retailers will be subject to the same real property tax classification as all other
retail businesses. Real property used for raising, cultivating, processing, or storing
cannabis plants, cannabis flower, or cannabis products for sale will be classified as
commercial and industrial property.
Page 111 of 133
Page 12
General Authorities (cont.)
Retail Timing Restrictions (342.13)
Local governments may prohibit retail sales of cannabis between the hours of 8 a.m. and
10 a.m. Monday-Saturday, and 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. the following day.
Operating Multiple Locations with One License
Certain cannabis licenses allow for multiple retail locations to be operated under a single
license, with the following limitations:
•Retailers: up to five retail locations.
•Mezzobusinesses: up to three retail locations.
•Microbusinesses: up to one retail location.
•Medical cannabis combination businesses: one retail location per congressional
district. Additionally, medical cannabis combination businesses may cultivate at
more than one location within other limitations on cultivation.
For all other license types, one license permits the operation of one location. Each retail
location requires local certification and/or registration.
Page 112 of 133
Page 13
Zoning and Land Use
Buffer Guidelines (342.13)
State law does not restrict how a local government conducts its zoning designations for
cannabis businesses, except that they may prohibit the operation of a cannabis business
within 1,000 feet of a school, or 500 feet of a day care, residential treatment facility, or an
attraction within a public park that is regularly used by minors, including playgrounds and
athletic fields.
Zoning Guidelines
While each locality conducts its zoning differently, a few themes have emerged across the
country. For example, cannabis manufacturing facilities are often placed in industrial
zones, while cannabis retailers are typically found in commercial/retail zones. Cannabis
retail facilities align with general retail establishments and are prohibited from allowing
consumption or use onsite and are also required to have plans to prevent the visibility of
cannabis and hemp-derived products to individuals outside the retail location. Industrial
hemp is an agricultural product and should be zoned as such.
Cannabis businesses should be zoned under existing zoning ordinances in accordance
with the license type or endorsed activities held by the cannabis business. Note that
certain types of licenses may be able to perform multiple activities which may have
different zoning analogues. In the same way municipalities may zone a microbrewery that
predominately sells directly to onsite consumers differently than a microbrewery that
sells packaged beer to retailers and restaurants, so too might a municipality wish to zone
two microbusinesses based on the actual activities that each business is undertaking.
Table 1, included on Pages 16 and 17, explains the types of activities that cannabis
businesses might undertake, as well as some recommended existing zoning categories.
Page 113 of 133
Page 14
Zoning and Land Use (cont.)
Table 1: Cannabis and Hemp Business Activities
Endorsed
Activity
License Type
Eligible to Do
Endorsed Activity
Description of Activity Comparable
Districts
Municipal
Considerations
Cultivation
•Cultivator
•Mezzobusiness
•Microbusiness
•Medical
Cannabis
•Combination
“Cultivation” means any
activity involving the
planting, growing,
harvesting, drying,
curing, grading, or
trimming of cannabis
plants, cannabis flower,
hemp plants, or hemp
plant parts.
Indoor:
Industrial,
Commercial,
Production
Outdoor:
Agricultural
•Odor
•Potential need for
transportation from
facility
•Waste, water, and
energy usage
•Security
Cannabis
Manufacturing,
Processing,
Extraction
•Manufacturer
•Mezzobusiness
•Medical
Cannabis
•Combination
This group of endorsed
activities turn raw, dried
cannabis and cannabis
parts into other types of
cannabis products, e.g.
edibles or topicals.
Indoor:
Industrial,
Commercial,
Production
•Odor
•Potential need for
transportation from
facility
•Waste, water, and
energy usage
•Security
Hemp
Manufacturing
•Lower-Potency
Hemp Edible
(LPHE)
Manufacturing
These businesses
convert hemp into LPHE
edible products.
Indoor:
Industrial,
Commercial,
Production
•Odor
•Waste, water, and
energy
Wholesale
•Wholesale
•Cultivator
•Manufacturer
•Mezzobusiness
•Microbusiness
•Medical
Cannabis
•Combination
This activity and license
type allows a business
to purchase from a
business growing or
manufacturing cannabis
or cannabis products
and sell to a cannabis
business engaged in
retail.
Indoor:
Industrial,
Commercial,
Production
•Need for
transportation from
facility
•Security
Page 114 of 133
Page 15
Zoning and Land Use (cont.)
Table 1: Cannabis and Hemp Business Activities (continued)
Endorsed
Activity
License Type
Eligible to Do
Endorsed Activity
Description of
Activity
Comparable
Districts
Municipal
Considerations
Cannabis Retail
• Retailer
• Mezzobusiness
• Microbusiness
• Medical
Cannabis
• Combination
This endorsed
activity and
license type
allow a business
to sell cannabis
products directly
to consumers.
Indoor: Retail,
Neighborhood
Shopping Districts,
Light Industrial,
Existing districts
where off-sale
liquor or tobacco
sales are allowed.
• Micros may offer
onsite consumption,
similar to breweries.
• Micros and Mezzos
may include multiple
activities: cultivation,
manufacture, and/or
retail.
Transportation • Cannabis
Transporter
This license type
allows a
company to
transport
products from
one license type
to another.
-
• Fleet based
businesses that will
own multiple
vehicles, but not
necessarily hold a
substantial amount
of cannabis or
cannabis products.
Delivery • Cannabis
Delivery
This license type
allows for
transportation to
the end
consumer.
-
• Fleet based business
that will own
multiple vehicles,
but not necessarily
hold a substantial
amount of cannabis
or cannabis
products.
Events • Event Organizer
This license
entitles license
holder to
organize a
temporary event
lasting no more
than four days.
Anywhere that the
city permits events
to occur, subject to
other restrictions
related to cannabis
use.
• On site
consumption.
• Retail sales by a
licensed or endorsed
retail business
possible.
Page 115 of 133
Page 16
Local Approval Process
Local governments play a critical role in the licensing process,
serving as a near-final approval check on cannabis businesses
nearing the awarding of a state license for operations. Once an
applicant has been vetted by OCM and is selected for
proceeding in the verification process, they are then required to
receive the local government’s certification of zoning
compliance and/or local retail registration before operations
may commence.
Local Certification of Zoning Compliance (342.13; 342.14)
Following OCM’s vetting process, local governments must certify that the applicant with
preliminary approval has achieved compliance with local zoning ordinances prior to the
licensee receiving final approval from OCM to commence operations.
During the application and licensing process for cannabis businesses, OCM will notify a
local government when an applicant intends to operate within their jurisdiction and
request a certification as to whether a proposed cannabis business complies with local
zoning ordinances, and if applicable, whether the proposed business complies with state
fire code and building code.
According to Minnesota’s cannabis law, a local unit of government has 30 days to respond
to this request for certification of compliance. If a local government does not respond to
OCM’s request for certification of compliance within the 30 days, the cannabis law allows
OCM to issue a license. OCM may not issue the final approval for a license if the local
government has indicated they are not in compliance.
OCM will work with local governments to access the licensing software system to
complete this zoning certification process.
Page 116 of 133
Page 17
Local Approval Process (cont.)
Local Retail Registration Process (342.22)
Once the licensing process begins, local government registration applies to licensed
cannabis retailers or other cannabis/hemp businesses seeking to conduct retail sales.
Several license types are authorized to conduct retail sales if they receive a retail
endorsement from OCM. Prior to conducting retail sales under their business license,
state law also requires the business receive a local retail registration.
There are five license types that are eligible to conduct cannabis retail activity and will
seek a retail registration from local governments:
• Cannabis retailers
• Microbusinesses
• Mezzobusinesses
• Medical cannabis combination businesses
• Lower-potency hemp edible retailers
Local governments must issue a retail registration after verifying that:
• The business has a valid license issued by OCM.
• The business has paid a registration fee or renewal fee to the local government.
o Initial registration fees collected by a local government may be $500 or half
the amount of the applicable initial license fee, whichever is less, and
renewal registration fees may be $1,000 or half the amount of the applicable
renewal license fee, whichever is less.
• The business is found to be in compliance with Chapter 342 and local ordinances.
• If applicable, the business is current on all property taxes and assessments for the
proposed retail location.
Local registrations may also be issued by counties if the respective local government
transfers such authorities to the county.
Page 117 of 133
Page 18
Local Approval Process (cont.)
Option to Limit Retail Registrations for Cannabis Businesses:
Determining a Process
State law allows the option for a local government to place a limitation on the number of
cannabis retailers, microbusiness, and mezzobusinesses with retail endorsements allowed
within their locality via ordinance, as long as there is at least one retail location per 12,500
residents. Please see Page 13. Retail registrations for lower-potency hemp edible retailers
and medical cannabis combination businesses are required but may NOT be limited in
number by a local government.
If a local government wishes to limit the number of cannabis retailers, microbusinesses,
or mezzobusinesses via ordinance, state law does not define the process for a local
government’s selection if there are more applicants than registrations available.
Local units of government issuing retail registrations should consider how they will issue
retail registrations. Local units of government may wish to consider whether they will
accept applications during a specified application window or on a rolling basis. Local
governments may wish to consider how to accommodate to the timing of accepting
applications for retail registration as to not allocate all registrations at once. This may also
include timelines that coincide with state licensing timelines as to limit bottlenecks.
Additionally, local units of government should consider the process by which they will
determine who gets a registration, e.g., through the use of a lottery, on a first-come/first-
serve model, through a merit-based scoring system, etc. It is highly recommended that
local governments work with an attorney to determine their specific process for selection
if they wish to limit the number of retail registrations per section 342.13.
It is also important to note that local governments are not required to limit the number of
licensed cannabis retailers, microbusinesses, or mezzobusinesses, and instead local
governments can determine a process that reviews requests/applications for retail
registrations as they are received.
Page 118 of 133
Page 19
Local Approval Process (cont.)
Other Considerations
Existing retail locations. Retailers in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program and lower-
potency hemp edible program may currently be operating in a local government’s
jurisdiction under active registrations. In the future, these active businesses will be
required to obtain a license from OCM and will need a local retail registration to continue
their operations. Local governments may wish to consider how businesses currently
operating will be issued retail registrations when determining if and how to limit retail
registrations.
Local zoning approval does not guarantee retail registration. Zoning certification from
local governments does not guarantee a local retail registration. This is a distinctly
separate approval process. All applicants seeking retail activity will be required to obtain a
zoning certification from the local government to be issued a state license. Local
governments may wish to monitor the number of zoning certifications they provide to
OCM to inform the likely volume of retail registration applicants.
Page 119 of 133
Page 20
Local Approval Process (cont.)
Local governments are permitted specific authorities for registration refusal and
registration suspension, in addition to—and not in conflict with—OCM authorities.
Registration and Renewal Refusals
Local governments may refuse the registration and/or
certification of a license renewal if the license is associated
with an individual or business who no longer holds a valid
license, has failed to pay the local registration or renewal
fee, or has been found in noncompliance in connection with
a preliminary or renewal compliance check.
Local Registration Suspension (342.22)
Local governments may suspend the local retail registration of a cannabis business or
hemp business if the business is determined to not be operating in compliance with a
local ordinance authorized by section 342.13 or if the operation of the business poses an
immediate threat to the health and safety of the public. The local government must
immediately notify OCM of the suspension if it occurs. OCM will review the suspension
and may reinstate the registration or take enforcement action.
Expedited Complaint Process (342.13)
Per state law, OCM will establish an expedited complaint process during the rulemaking
process to receive, review, read, and respond to complaints made by a local unit of
government about a cannabis business. Upon promulgation of rules, OCM will publish the
complaint process.
At a minimum, the expedited complaint process shall require the office to provide an
initial response to the complaint within seven days and perform any necessary
inspections within 30 days. Within this process, if a local government notifies OCM that a
cannabis business poses an immediate threat to the health or safety of the public, the
office must respond within one business day.
Page 120 of 133
Page 21
Inspections & Compliance Checks
Local governments are permitted specific business inspection and compliance check
authorities, in addition to—and not in conflict with—OCM authorities.
Inspections and Compliance Checks (342.22)
Local governments must conduct compliance
checks for cannabis and hemp businesses holding
retail registration at least once per calendar year.
These compliance checks must verify compliance
with age verification procedures and compliance
with any applicable local ordinance established
pursuant to section 342.13. OCM maintains
inspection authorities for all cannabis licenses to
verify compliance with operation requirements,
product limits, and other applicable requirements
of Chapter 342.
Page 121 of 133
Page 22
Municipal Cannabis Stores
As authorized in section 342.32, local governments are
permitted to apply for a cannabis retail license to establish
and operate a municipal cannabis store.
State law requires OCM issue a license to a city or county
seeking to operate a single municipal cannabis store if the
city or county:
•Submits required application information to OCM,
•Meets minimum requirements for licensure, and
•Pays applicable application and license fee.
A municipal cannabis store will not be included in the total count of retail licenses issued
by the state under Chapter 342.
A municipal cannabis store cannot be counted as retail registration for purposes of
determining whether a municipality’s cap on retail registrations imposed by ordinance.
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Page 23
Creating Your Local Ordinance
As authorized in section 342.13, a local government may adopt a local ordinance
regarding cannabis businesses. Establishing local governments’ ordinances on cannabis
businesses in a timely manner is critical for the ability for local cities or towns to establish
local control as described in the law and is necessary for the success of the statewide
industry and the ability of local governments to protect public health and safety. The
cannabis market’s potential to create jobs, generate revenue, and contribute to economic
development at the local and state level is supported through local ordinance work. The
issuance of local certifications and registrations to prospective cannabis businesses is also
dependent on local ordinances.
•Local governments may not prohibit the possession,
transportation, or use of cannabis, or the establishment or
operation of a cannabis business licensed under state law.
•Local governments may adopt reasonable restrictions on the
time, place, and manner of cannabis business operations (see
Page 14).
•Local governments may adopt interim ordinances to protect
public safety and welfare, as any studies and/or further
considerations on local cannabis activities are being
conducted, until January 1, 2025. A public hearing must be
held prior to adoption of an interim ordinance.
•If your local government wishes to operate a municipal
cannabis store, the establishment and operation of such a
facility must be considered in a local ordinance.
Model Ordinance
For additional guidance regarding the creation of a cannabis related ordinance, please
reference the additional resources on page 27.
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Page 24
Additional Information – Tobacco Sales
Penalties Related to a Revocation or
Suspension of Tobacco License
A cannabis or hemp business license holder may also hold a
tobacco license under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 461.
However, tobacco cannot be sold in the cannabis retail
location. Under section 461.12, Minnesota law allows a
licensee’s authority to sell tobacco and related products
under the section to be suspended and possibly revoked if
the licensee also holds a cannabis or hemp business license
under Chapter 342 or is a registrant under section 151.72
and that license or registration is revoked. This penalty also
applies if the license holder is convicted of an offense under
section 151.72 or has been convicted under any other
statute for illegal sale of cannabis products.
Clarifying Cannabis Businesses Authority
Cannabis businesses will be able to sell vaporizers without
a tobacco license. Under Minnesota Statutes, section
342.27, subd. 3(a), retail licensees are permitted to sell
cannabis paraphernalia. Cannabis paraphernalia includes
“all equipment, products, and materials of any kind that
are knowingly or intentionally used primarily in ...
ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing cannabis
products into the human body” [Minnesota Statutes,
section 342.01, subd. 18(2)]. Therefore, Minnesota
Statutes, section 342.27, subd. 3(a) specifically authorizes
retail licensees to sell cannabis paraphernalia, which in
this instance includes vaporizers.
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Page 25
Additional Resources
OCM Toolkit for Local Partners
Please visit the OCM webpage (mn.gov/ocm/local-governments/) for additional
information, including a toolkit of resources developed specifically for local government
partners. The webpage will be updated as additional information becomes available and
as state regulations are adopted.
Toolkit resources include:
•Appendix A: Cannabis Model Ordinance (mn.gov/ocm/lgg-appendix-a)
•Appendix B: Retail Registration Form and Checklist (mn.gov/ocm/lgg-appendix-b)
•Appendix C: Cannabis Flower and Hemp-Derived Cannabinoid Products
Inspection Checklist (mn.gov/ocm/lgg-appendix-c)
•Appendix D: Enforcement Notice from the Office of Cannabis Management
(mn.gov/ocm/lgg-appendix-d)
•Appendix E: Notice to Unlawful Cannabis Sellers (mn.gov/ocm/lgg-appendix-e)
•Appendix F: Model Guidelines on Age Verification Compliance Checks Policy and
Procedures (mn.gov/ocm/lgg-appendix-f)
•Appendix G: Cannabis and Hemp Age Compliance Check Form (mn.gov/ocm/lgg-
appendix-g)
•Appendix H: Local Unit of Government Cannabis Licensing Contact, Delegation
Form, and Accela Registration Instructions Guide (mn.gov/ocm/local-
governments/contactform.jsp)
•Appendix J: Local Approval for Early Cultivation (mn.gov/ocm/lgg-appendix-j)
Local Organizations
There are several organizations who also have developed resources to support local
governments regarding the cannabis industry. Please feel free to contact the following for
additional resources:
•League of Minnesota Cities
•Association of Minnesota Counties
•Minnesota Public Health Law Center
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9.a
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
MEETING DATE: March 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM: Public Hearing - Consideration of Ordinance No. 600, Authorizing an
Amendment to the 2025 Fee Schedule to Incorporate Cannabis Business
Registration Fees
ITEM TYPE: Public Hearing
DEPARTMENT: Administration CONTACT: Sarah Madden, Community
Development Manager
ACTION REQUEST:
Hold a Public Hearing to consider approval of Ordinance No. 600 to Authorize an Amendment
to the 2025 Fee Scheule to incorporate Cannabis Business Registration Fees
BACKGROUND:
The Minnesota Legislature enacted new State Law at the end of the 2023 legislative session,
amended in 2024, that legalizes the possession, use, manufacturing, and sale of certain
cannabis products within the State. The Law also establishes the Office of Cannabis
Management (OCM) to oversee the implementation and regulation of the adult-use cannabis
market, the medical cannabis market, and the consumer hemp industry.
The law limits a City’s ability to regulate cannabis and hemp businesses. In the areas of the
statute where local governments are permitted to incorporate regulations of cannabis
businesses, the scope of that regulation is restrictive and highly specific.
The City Council began discussion of establishing zoning controls and a retail registration
ordinance in the Fall of 2024.The state statute establishes maximum fee amounts that a City
may charge for initial and renewal registration of a retail business registration application, and
the model ordinance introduced by the OCM guides a maximum violation fee amount of
$2,000. When the City Council reviewed the fee information at the November 21, 2024
meeting, the staff recommendation was to establish the City's fees at the maximum permitted
amount, as the amount of staff work for implementation was uncertain. The City Council
agreed with the staff recommendation at that time.
Page 130 of 133
The table below shows the maximum amount for an initial registration fee and renewal
registration fee for retail businesses and includes the amount the state charges for a license,
for reference.
Business Initial Renewal
Cannabis Retailer City (optional) - $500;
State - $2,500
City (Optional) - $1,000;
State - $5,000
Lower Potency
Hemp Retailer
City (Optional) $125; State
- $250
City (Optional) - $125;
State - $250
Medical Cannabis
Combination
Business
City (Optional) - $500;
State - $20,000
City (Optional) - $1,000;
State - $70,000
Cannabis
Mezzobusiness
City (Optional) - $500;
State - $5,000
City (Optional) - $1,000;
State - $10,000
Cannabis
Microbusiness
City (Optional) - $0; State
- $0
City (Optional) - $1,000;
State - $2,000
Ordinance No. 597 is also proposed for adoption earlier in the agenda, as item 8.b. That
ordinance indicates both registration fees, as well as civil penalties for violations. Excerpts are
provided below:
3-8-4(C)1. Fees
a) The City of Mendota Heights shall not charge an application fee.
b) A registration fee, as established in the City of Mendota Height’s fee schedule, shall be
charged to applicants depending on the type of retail business license applied for.
c) An initial registration fee shall not exceed $500 or half the amount of an initial state
license fee under Minn. Stat. 342.11, whichever is less. The initial registration fee shall include
the initial retail registration fee and the first annual renewal fee.
d) Any renewal retail registration fee imposed by the City shall be charged at the time of the
second renewal and each subsequent renewal thereafter.
e) A renewal retail registration fee shall not exceed $1,000 or half the amount of a renewal
state license fee under Minn. Stat. 342.11, whichever is less.
f) A medical combination business operating an adult-use retail location may only be
charged a single registration fee, not to exceed the lesser of a single retail registration fee,
defined under this section, of the adult-use retail business.
3-8-4(E)4. - Civil Penalties
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a) Subject to Minn. Stat. 342.22, subd. 5(e) the City may impose a civil penalty, as specified
in the City of Mendota Heights’s Fee Schedule, for registration violations, not to exceed
$2,000.
The proposed Ordinance No. 600 is attached, which amends the 2025 Fee Schedule to
establish the Cannabis Retail Business Registration fees, as well as the civil penalty for
registration violations. The violation fees are proposed to scale with the number of repeat
violations, resulting in a maximum fee of $2,000 as established in the Retail Registration
ordinance and in state law.
The City Council is asked to consider adopting Ordinance No. 600, authorizing the amended
2025 Fee Schedule and incorporating Cannabis Business Registration fees.
FISCAL AND RESOURCE IMPACT:
The City's 2025 Fee Schedule is proposed to be amended to establish the fees as indicated in
the excerpt from Ordinance No. 600 below:
Cannabis Retail Business Fees
Cannabis Retail Business Registration
Initial Registration (includes first renewal).
$500 Sec. 3-8-
4C.1
Renewal Registration (beginning with second
renewal)
$1,000 Sec. 3-8-
4C.1
Lower-potency Hemp Edible Retail Business
Registration
$125 Sec. 3-8-
4C.1
Cannabis Retail Business Penalties
First Violation $1,000
Sec. 3-8-
4E.4a)
Second Violation at same location within five
years of the first violation
$1,250 Sec. 3-8-
4E.4a)
Third violation at same location within five
years of the first violation
$2,000 Sec. 3-8-
4E.4a)
Fourth violation at same location within five
years of the first violation
$2,000 Sec. 3-8-
4E.4a)
Retail sale without a retail registration $2,000 Sec. 3-8-
4A.2
ATTACHMENTS:
1.Ordinance 600 - Cannabis Retail Fees
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITY:
Inclusive and Responsive Government, Premier Public Services & Infrastructure
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 600
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FEE SCHEDULE TO ADD A REGISTRATION
FEE FOR CANNABIS OR LOWER-POTENCY HEMP RETAIL BUSINESSES
WHEREAS, the City has adopted the City Fee Schedule and desires to amend the City
Code and the current Fee Schedule to reflect the addition of a Cannabis and Lower-Potency
Hemp Retail Business Registration Fee; and
WHEREAS, the amendments to the City’s fee schedule for 2025 is set forth in the table
included herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MENDOTA
HEIGHTS ORDAINS:
Section 1. The City Fee Schedule, Administration Section, is amended by the addition of the
following language:
Cannabis Retail Business Fees
Cannabis Retail Business Registration
Initial Registration (includes first renewal).
$500 Sec. 3-8-4C.1
Renewal Registration (beginning with second renewal)$1,000 Sec. 3-8-4C.1
Lower-potency Hemp Edible Retail Business Registration $125 Sec. 3-8-4C.1
Cannabis Retail Business Penalties
First Violation
$1,000 Sec. 3-8-4E.4a)
Second Violation at same location within five years of the
first violation
$1,250 Sec. 3-8-4E.4a)
Third violation at same location within five years of the first
violation
$2,000 Sec. 3-8-4E.4a)
Fourth violation at same location within five years of the
first violation
$2,000 Sec. 3-8-4E.4a)
Retail sale without a retail registration $2,000 Sec. 3-8-4A.2
Section 2. Effective date. This ordinance shall be effective upon adoption and publication
according to law.
ADOPTED this 4th day of March, 2025 by the Mendota Heights City Council.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
ATTEST:
__________________________
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
___________________________
Nancy Bauer, City Clerk
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