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04 15 2025 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, April 15, 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, Paper, Mazzitello, and Maczko, were also present. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. AGENDA ADOPTION Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS 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, pulling items F, G, K, and L. a. Approval of April 1, 2025, City Council Minutes b. Approval of March ] 8, 2025, Council Work Session Minutes c. Minutes from the February 25, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting d. Authorize Renewal of Workers Comp Insurance Policy 5/l/2025-5/l/2026 e. Approve Liquor License Renewal €. Approve of Te. pe 4i=j=; quef Lieense h. Approve Police Cadet Hire i. Approve Resolution 2025-19 a Resolution Proclaiming Arbor Day j. Approve Grading Permit for the Visitation School Tennis Court Improvements f • Approvalfdef &r- Solar Panel Removal en Fire Station Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS F) APPROVE TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE Councilor Lorberbaum stated that she would like to amend the proposed action to read, "approve temporary liquor license, contingent upon completion of application materials and with no negative findings in those materials". Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE WITH THE AMENDED LANGUAGE. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilor Mazzitello commented that he understands the thinking of Councilor Lorberbaum, but believed the proposed language is sufficient without the additional language. Mayor Levine commented that completion of the application is the required action and explained that the license would not be issued unless the application is complete. She noted that the additional language would be redundant and has never been included in past approvals. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve TEMPORARY LIQUOR LICENSE FOR BETH JACOB CONGREGATION. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: I (Lorberbaum) Councilor Lorberbaum commented that her opposition is because she wanted to see the additional language to ensure the application materials were received and complete. G) APPROVE HIRE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE/SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR Councilor Maczko stated that this would be a significant hire and, therefore, he asked the City Administrator for more information on the salary and benefits cost. He acknowledged that this position was included in the budget, and there was a robust pool of applicants. He asked the City Administrator to provide more information. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that the candidate was one of 64 applicants in a very talented pool. She provided information on the interview panel involved in the process and how the candidate stood out. She stated that this position was included in the budget and further explained its roles and responsibilities. Apri115, 2025, Mendota Heights City Cowncil Page 2 of7 Councilor Maczko moved to approve HIRE OF NOEL MILLS FORD AS THE CITY'S ADMINISTRATIVE/SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello commented that he worked with Noel at Ramsey County on a public engagement process and noted the excellent job that she did. He believed that she would do great in this multifaceted position. Councilor Paper asked the start date for the candidate. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that she would begin on May 5, 2025. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the City received so many applicants because of the reputation that the City has as a good place to work. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson confirmed that was accurate. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 K) APPROVE PROPOSAL FOR THE 2025 STORMWATER BASIN INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT PROJECT Councilor Maczko stated that he did not notice the bidding information in the typical staff memorandum with the recommendation and therefore asked for additional information. He stated that in a follow-up discussion with staff, he found out that WSB was the lowest and most qualified bidder. Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter replied that the formal bid process was not required, and therefore, she did not list the bids. She provided more information on the project, WSB and its proposal, as well as other proposals received. Councilor Maczko stated that he wanted to ensure that the public understood the process behind the scenes, recognizing that this appears to be the best value and cost. He stated that he likes that the maintenance recommendations and priorities would include cost estimates, as that will assist with budgeting. Councilor Maczko moved to approve the PROPOSAL FROM WSB FOR THE 2025 STORMWATER BASIN INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT PROJECT. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Paper asked what a stormwater basin is. Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter replied that it is basically a storm pond and provided additional explanation. Mayor Levine asked staff to provide a brief explanation of stormwater management. Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter provided a brief explanation on stormwater management and the role that stormwater ponds play in treating and managing stormwater. Apri115, 2025, Mendota Heights Crty Councl7 Page 3 of7 Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 L) APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER FOR SOLAR PANEL REMOVAL ON FIRE STATION Councilor Maczko commented there was an update to the cost of this item. He stated that there are two arrays on the roof, and therefore the cost has doubled from the original amount shown in the memorandum. He asked the original budget amount for the roof replacement and related amenities. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the City is undergoing replacement of part of the roof for the fire station. He stated that the existing roof was not replaced as part of the addition that was constructed, and therefore the original roof is proposed for replacement. He stated that one whole solar system will need to be removed, and part of the second system will need to be removed for the project. He stated that the total cost for the removal of the solar elements would be $23,228. He provided information on the original project estimate and the bids received. Councilor Maczko asked where the additional funds would come from. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek noted that he can follow up with finance to provide those details and noted possible sources. Councilor Maczko asked when the solar installations were placed on the roof. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided additional information on the solar installation timeline. Councilor Maczko commented that it is disappointing that the roof was not replaced as part of the addition when the panels were taken off, as he recalled the roof leaking in 2017. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek noted a decision by the previous Fire Chief to delay the replacement of the roof due to the additional costs for the fire station addition. Councilor Maczko asked about the revenue that is made from the solar panels. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the City currently receives one quarter of the revenue through the lease. He estimated on $7,000 in revenue since 2017, noting the expansion of the system that occurred in 2019, Councilor Maczko commented that with the array, they are covering their costs or breaking even at best. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek noted that the panels also assist in sustainability and the use of green energy by City facilities. Councilor Maczko commented that the roof needs to be replaced, and in order to do that the panels need to come off and go back on. He stated that perhaps they can look more closely at how they spend funds in the future, as this project is now costing them more. Councilor Maczko moved to approve PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE REMOVAL AND REINSTALLATION OF A PORTION OF THE SOLAR PANELS FOR THE FIRE STATION ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT, 1 pri715, 2025, Mendota Heights Crry Council Page 4 of Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Finance Director Kristen Schabacker commented that $300,000 was budgeted for the roof, and an additional $100,000 was included in the most recent budget as an update, therefore, there are sufficient funds that have been identified in advance for this project. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING A) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 601, AUTHORIZING AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 FEE SCHEDULE AND APPROVAL OF THE SUMMARY PUBLICATION Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence explained that the Council was being asked to hold a public hearing to consider approval of Ordinance No. 601, authorizing amendments to the 2025 Fee Schedule and approval of the summary publication. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to open the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 There being no one coming forward to speak, Councilor Mazzitello moved to close the public heating. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Maczko asked if any written comments were received prior to tonight. Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence replied that no comments have been received on this topic. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve ORDINANCE N0.601, AUTHORIZING AMENDMENTS TO THE 2025 FEE SCHEDULE. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine commented that the City Council discussed this in depth during a workshop, which included stakeholders from the major user groups. She thanked the user groups for attending that workshop and providing their insight. She thanked staff for providing context and comparisons to other communities in the area to ensure fair and adequate usage of the fields. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 April 75, 2025, Mendota Heig/vts City Council Page 5 of 7 Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve SUMMARY PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE NO. 601. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2025-20 APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT — PLANNING CASE 2025-02 Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the Council was being asked to consider adoption of Resolution 2025-20, approving a Comprehensive Plan amendment from I -Industrial to B- Business and corresponding changes to Chapter 2: Land Use and Growth of the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Levine commented that the change was approved in the zoning code and asked if an applicant could come forward with an allowed use or whether the applicant would need to wait for the change to the Comprehensive Plan to become effective. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden stated that in that example, the zoning use was not compatible with the Comprehensive Plan, even though it is consistent with the zoning. She stated that in that case, the applicant would have had to submit a Comprehensive Plan amendment with their application. She stated that typically the Comprehensive Plan is adopted and then the zoning code is changed, but explained that in this case, it was determined during the zoning update that the zoning should be changed to match the existing uses, and therefore, the zoning was changed first. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve RESOLUTION 2025-20, APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FROM I4NDUSTRIAL (I) TO B-BUSINESS (B) AND CORRESPONDING CHANGES TO CHAPTER 2: LAND USE AND GROWTH OF THE CITY'S 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN (PLANNING CASE NO, 2025-02), Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine thanked the Planning Commission for its thorough review. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Paper reminded residents to register for the Scott Patrick Memorial SK. Councilor Maczko commented that it is nice to be back after being absent on a recent family trip. He stated that the Friendly Hills project will be starting soon, noting the upcoming open house on April 29rn He asked his neighbors to be patient during construction. He referenced comments made at a recent City Council meeting related to a nuisance property and acknowledged that Police Chief Kelly McCarthy did Apri! I5, 2025, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 6 of 7 respond to residents in that area. He provided an update on the actions of the police against that property in recent years, noting that the City is working to address the issue while working within property rights. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she and Mayor Levine hosted the most recent session of Coffee with the Council, which provides an informal opportunity for residents to ask questions and provide input. She encouraged residents to attend future sessions. She stated that today is National Tax Day and provided historical context. She wished everyone who celebrates a happy Easter. Councilor Mazzitello stated that earlier today, the Council discussed a number of topics during the workshop. He stated that the Council hosts a standing workshop before the second meeting of the month and commented that residents can attend and receive agendas and minutes if desired. He reminded residents to file their taxes if they have not done so. He also wished residents a happy Easter. Mayor Levine reminded residents of street sweeping and asked them to ensure vehicles and trash receptacles are off the streets while this is occurring. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m. v Stej5hameIB. Levine Mayor ATTEST: NlN y Ba r Ci Clerk Apri! I5, 2015, Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 7