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06 03 2025 Ctiy Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, June 3, 2025 Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the City Council, City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, was held at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota, CALL TO ORDER Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Councilors Lorberbaum, Paper, Mazzitello, and Maczko, were also present. 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 Lorberbaum 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 I and K. a. Approval of May 20, 2025, City Council Minutes b. Acknowledge Minutes from the March 31, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting c. Acknowledge Minutes from the September 18, 2024, Airport Relations Commission Meeting d. Acknowledge Minutes from the November 20, 2024, Airport Relations Commission Joint Meeting with the City of Eagan e. Approve Liquor License Renewals f. Approve Massage Therapist Licenses g. Approve Reciprocal Fire Service Agreement h. Approve a Letter of Interest for Xcel Thermal Energy Network Demonstration Project Approve Reseltil i R B 22 022 5 -q 0 A R R Apting a Ponation !E) the Cliff Timm Neleffiefial Fishing Derby j. Authorize Execution of a Purchase Order for 2025 Street Striping E. A........aye Publie 117Rrk.. T Aaint.......nee D..«l .. T ead IA'Rr]Eef Prom„t:,. 1. Adopt Resolution 2025-31 Supporting a Request to the State of Minnesota Capital Budget for the City of Mendota Heights City Hall and Public Safety Facility Project m. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS I) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-30 ACCEPTING A DONATION TO THE CLIFF TIMM MEMORIAL FISHING DERBY Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the Cliff Timm Memorial Fishing Derby is a wonderful event. She highlighted changes that are being made to the event date, time, and registration. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2025-30 ACCEPTING A DONATION TO THE CLIFF TIMM MEMORIAL FISHING DERBY, Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 K) APPROVE PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE PARKS LEAD WORKER PROMOTION Councilor Paper congratulated Tom Weiss, commenting that he has known him since 1982. He stated that he is the hardest -working person he has ever met, and the City is fortunate to have him as an employee. Councilor Maczko echoed those comments. He noted that he received a tour of the public works facility this morning, and Tom is everything mentioned by Councilor Paper. He agreed that this is a promotion of a very quality employee. Councilor Maczko moved to approve THE PROMOTION OF TOM WEISS FROM PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE WORKER TO PUBLIC WORKS MAINTENANCE PARKS LEAD WORKER. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello commented that this continues a long tradition of promoting from within for the city, which is a great way to continue to provide a high level of service and create a great working environment. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. June 3, 2015, Menda[a Heights City Council page 2 of 7 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) CONCEPT PLAN REVIEW FOR A PROPOSED PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) AMENDMENT TO THE LEXINGTON HEIGHTS PUD LOCATED AT 2320 LEXINGTON AVENUE (PLANNING CASE 2025-06) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the Council was being asked to review the Concept Plan for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment request and provide advisory comments and recommendations to the applicant. John Riley, applicant, stated that his father developed the property 40 years ago, and they are very proud of the property, which has great demand for the units. He commented that they are in the concept stage, but believes that this building would be a great addition to the community. He welcomed the input of the Council. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked Mr. Riley for all he does within the community. She referenced the anticipated deviation from the R-3 dimensions and standards and asked for more information. Mr. Riley commented that he does not yet have those specific details, but would plan to be as close to the requirements as they can be. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the Planning Commission did a great job reviewing this and providing input. She referenced the statement that some of the office space would be removed to increase the unit size on the first floor and asked how the units on the other floors would be made larger. Mr. Riley commented that he would stay within the unit count of the concept and would reconfigure the unit arrangement within the overall floor plan to increase the size of the units. He commented that it is about market demand as well, noting that the residents want larger units. Councilor Maczko asked, and received confirmation, that the building would be fully sprinkled. He noticed the parking is being redone. He stated that the existing parking covered the parking requirements of the existing development and asked if the new parking would meet the requirements for parking. Mr. Riley commented that the development has close to 200 parking stalls at the existing site and currently has 119 registered vehicles. He was confident that the changes to parking would still be more than sufficient for their needs. Councilor Maczko referenced the parking requirements and asked if the parking proposed to be provided would meet the Code requirements. Mr. Riley confirmed that he would still exceed the requirement of City Code, Councilor Maczko commented that the other buildings are three-story, and this would include a fourth story. He asked for more information on the reason behind the additional level. Nh•. Riley commented that he wants to fit more units to allow more people to come to Mendota Heights. He stated that four stories is the typical height nowadays. June 3, 2025, Mendota Heights City Council f'nSe 3 oj7 Councilor Maczko asked if there would be any anticipated issues with traffic and circulation. Mr. Riley commented that the additional traffic generated would be minimal to Lexington Avenue, a county road. He stated that he has spoken with the neighbors to the north, and they support the project, while the other neighbors are the freeway and the cemetery. He commented that the fourth floor would have great views of Mendakota Country Club and Rogers Lake, Councilor Maczko suggested landscaping and screening to the north to help buffer the neighboring properties. Mr. Riley confirmed that he would keep that in mind Councilor Mazzitello asked for additional information on the requested units per acre, what would be allowed under City Code, and what was originally approved for the PUD. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the original approval in 1983 allowed 12.36 units per acre, but the density today is closer to 13.9 units per acre as a result of the road being widened. She stated that, as proposed, there would be a density of 18.1 units per acre, which is above the R-3 density range. She reviewed language found within the Comprehensive Plan related to redevelopment and the use of a PUD to modify density as needed. She stated that this is an area where the Council would have the discretion to approve the density of 18.1. Councilor Maczko asked about the density that would be allowed in the current City Code. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided the range she believed to be accurate, but noted that she would need to follow up with that information as it was not included in her presentation. Councilor Maczko recognized the time that was put into the development of that standard, and therefore, he would want to be cognizant of that. Councilor Mazzitello commented that there was also a lot of time put into the development of the Comprehensive Plan. He stated that in 2020, at the last minute, the Council changed the density ranges for medium and high density, significantly lowering them from the recommendations of the Planning Commission. He believed that the current maximum for high density is nine units per acre, whereas the Planning Commission recommended a maximum of 26 units per acre. Mayor Levine asked, and received confirmation that the building would be within the 6046ot height limit. She asked if the applicant would meet the landscaping and impervious surface standards. Mr. Riley replied that he would. Mayor Levine asked, and received confirmation that these would be market -rate apartments. She recognized that the City is getting close to the next version of the Comprehensive Plan. She commented that the demand for housing is coming from the younger and older population, both of which are trending towards apartment living. She stated that at some point, the City will be expected to increase its density in the Comprehensive Plan by the Metropolitan Council. She recognized that the City will need to look for these opportunities as it goes forward. June 3, 2025, Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 7 Community Development Manager Sarah Madden confirmed that the City will begin the Comprehensive Plan update process later this year and into next year. She did anticipate that density and housing would continue to be large issues for cities with the requirements from the Metropolitan Council. She did anticipate that the next rendition of the Comprehensive Plan would be more of an update based on the forecasts from the Metropolitan Council rather than a complete overhaul of the Plan. Councilor Maczko commented that the Metropolitan Council provides targets but cannot require the City to increase its zoning, as it is a developed community. He commented that it is a good thing that people want to be here, and there will always be demand to be in Mendota Heights. He stated that if too much supply is added, that can also reduce the demand. He stated that another neighboring community has built many apartments and is now having trouble filling those apartments. He commented that this is a spot of development, but wanted to inform the applicant of the potential discussion to come related to density. Mayor Levine commented that it is not clear to her what the correct path for density is, and wanted to be transparent that this is a discussion that is not settled on the Council. She stated that at The Reserve, the density was within the range of the Comprehensive Plan, and they did not ask for a variation. She believed that the Council would struggle if the density range is outside of the density range within the Comprehensive Plan. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden thanked the Council for their input, noting that this is the purpose of the concept plan review. She stated that the current Comprehensive Plan does state that the City can use a PUD to support a deviation in density. She stated that the Council is being asked whether there would be support for a PUD amendment to support the density within this range. Mr. Riley stated that he intended to gather input from the Council on the concept and whether they believe that this would be a good fit for the community. He stated that if they go ahead with the process, they will go into much more detail. He appreciated the feedback that has been provided thus far. Councilor Paper commented that this would fit the character of the neighborhood and would provide a product that is in demand, which would be provided by a trusted partner in the community who keeps impeccable grounds for their property. He stated that Mr. Riley has proven, over decades, that he takes good care of the property. He commented that this would be a taller building, but it would be tucked back behind the other buildings. He stated that he supports the concept. Councilor Lorberbaum referenced the comment from the Planning Commission relating to the placement of the driveway and asked if Mr. Riley has considered that comment thus far. Mr. Riley stated that the engineering has not yet been done for that, and believed it could be possible to do that. He stated that if he were building this development today, he would only have one driveway. He believed that the addition of the driveway to the north would help, but is not necessary. Councilor Maczko asked if it would make sense to flip the building and have the entrance to the garage on the south end, which would allow them to maintain just one driveway with a loop. Mr. Riley commented that perhaps may be possible, as he would love not to put that road in. He stated that when the property was first built, there was an entrance and exit for the underground parking, which was required, but that it is no longer required. He commented that he will ask those questions as they go June 3, 2025, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 5 of 7 further along in the design, but noted that it will depend upon the elements of the building and fire code being met. Mayor Levine commented that she has visited the property before, noting that there are many young residents at the property. She stated that there is a beautiful community space, pool, and tennis courts, and asked if Mr. Riley has considered a playground. Mr. Riley stated that they do have playgrounds at a number of his other properties. He stated that this property does have a basketball court, tennis court, and pool, and he has not heard a demand for a playground. He noted the proximity of Rogers Lake Park. He noted that if the residents requested it, he would consider it, but he has not heard that demand as of yet. Councilor Mazzitello referenced the report that was received one month ago, demonstrating the need for this type of housing. He acknowledged that Mendota Heights has very little land left for development, particularly for housing, and this is an opportunity with a known, quality, and willing partner. He recognized that this is a concept review and there are many more details to follow, and would support moving to the next step. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that Mr. Riley plans and delivers well with a great product that already exists. She stated that there have been some questions and things to consider, but believes there is support to move forward. Councilor Maczko agreed that the property is well maintained and noted that he was providing input. He stated that the concept of putting another building on the property does not bother him, but he does have questions related to the additional story. He stated that they did not know the density of R3 and therefore asked the question. He agreed that this would be a good location for something like this, compared to past decisions for new development. He stated that he has a firm belief that there is a point where development can change the reasons why people like the community. Mayor Levine asked if there would be any additional buildings beyond the proposed or would this be the final building for the development. Mr. Riley commented that perhaps they could build another building closer to Lexington, but believed that this would be the best place for the building. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Mazzitello commented that June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, noting a required screening he participated in after returning from deployment. He learned that it is okay to ask for help and to struggle. He encouraged people to reach out if they are struggling. He noted the upcoming anniversary of D-Day. June 3, 2025, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 6 of 7 Councilor Lorberbaum acknowledged that June is Pride Month, congratulated upcoming Fire Department graduates, and shared a quote encouraging people to be kind. Councilor Maczko stated that his neighbor on Apache was informed that Apache was going to be dug up next week. He commented that it is outside of the communicated schedule and asked staff to provide an update if that is the case. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek noted the city's infrastructure update that residents can sign up for and reviewed the recent announcements. He noted that the work on Apache is scheduled to begin on June 16th. He noted that the contractor is ahead of schedule and looking to complete the project about one month early. Councilor Maczko encouraged residents to sign up for the project updates to ensure they stay up to date. He stated that he enjoyed the tour of public works earlier today and appreciated staff taking that time. He commented that Public Works staff are cramped within the space and could benefit from additional space. Councilor Paper congratulated all recent graduates and is looking forward to the Officer Scott Patrick Memorial 5K. Mayor Levine thanked the Council for their comments. Councilor Paper moved to adjourn. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m. Ste fi6nic & Levine Mayor ATTEST: Na y Ba r City Clerk June 3, 2025, Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 oJ7