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06 17 2025 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, June 17, 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 Paper, Mazzitello, and Maczko, were also present. Councilor Lorberbaum 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 Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Sean Fahnhorst, 1767 Ridgewood Drive, presented a petition signed by himself and 18 neighbors supporting better pedestrian cyclist options for Delaware Avenue and Dodd Road. He recognized the upcoming road projects for those roadways and hoped that safer pedestrian options could be included. Mayor Levine commented that the Council just held a workshop on that topic and noted that staff will accept the petition and can follow up with him. Joe Nunez, 2058 Acacia Drive, commented that he is the President of the Augusta Shores Townhome Association and shared concerns with the impaired water designation of Lake Augusta. He commented that people years ago swam and fished in the lake and noted the changes that have occurred, which have impaired the water quality. He stated that because the lake does not have an outlet, there is no way for the pollutants to be washed out. He referenced a study completed on the lake by Barr Engineering on behalf of the Lower Mississippi Water Management Organization (LMWMO) and reviewed some of the options included, which could improve the lake's water quality. Phil Frosh, 2358 Lemay Shores Drive, commented that he is the President of the Lemay Shores HOA and is speaking on behalf of his neighbors as well. He shared the concerns about the water quality of Lake Augusta. He also referenced the Barr Engineering study and encouraged the City to move forward with the implementation of the recommendations from the study. He recognized that the actions would have a cost, but wanted to ensure that the natural resources in the community were maintained and protected. Rodney Chena, 580 Sibley Memorial Highway, commented that he is requesting the support of the Council to remove the no -parking signs posted on Garden Lane. He stated that the signs cause unnecessary inconvenience to guests and neighbors. He stated that he obtained signatures from the two residents on Garden Lane. He stated that this would allow for additional parking options for residents and guests, noting that this street is the only street off the highway that does not allow parking. He submitted the petition to staff. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Levine presented the consent agenda and explained the procedure for discussion and approval. Councilor Mazzitello moved approval of the consent agenda as presented. a. Approval of June 3, 2025, City Council Minutes b. Acknowledge the February and March 2025 Fire Synopses c. Acknowledge the April Par 3 Financial Report d. Approve Liquor License Renewals e. Approve Massage License Renewal f. Appoint City Representatives to the Metropolitan Airports Commission Noise Oversight Committee g. Adopt Resolution 2025-32 to Approve Plans and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for the Kensington East Street Improvements h. Approve Purchase Order for Replacement of Pumps at St. Thomas and Culligan Lift Stations i. Approval of Claims List Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) BADGE PINNING FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT TRAINING OFFICER BECKY JOHNSON Fire Chief Dan Johnson explained that a badge pinning is a momentous occasion in the career of a firefighter. He introduced the Assistant Chief. Assistant Fire Chief Goldenstein introduced Becky Johnson and provided background information on her career with the Fire Department. Mayor Levine administered the Oath of Office, and Fire Chief Dan Johnson pinned the badge for Training Officer Becky Johnson. PUBLIC HEARING June /7, 2025 Mewdaa Heights Crty Council page 2 off A) RESOLUTION 2025-33 PUBLIC HEARING ON EASEMENT VACATION FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS INDUSTRIAL PARK Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to hold a public hearing and consider approval of an easement vacation commenced by petition for Lots 6 and 7, Block 1 of the Mendota Heights Industrial Park. He noted that he did receive calls from three property owners, and he was able to answer their questions, and they were happy to see something being done with the property. Councilor Mazzitello moved to open the public hearing. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 There being no one coming forward to speak, Councilor Paper moved to close the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2025-33 APPROVING AN EASEMENT VACATION COMMENCED BY PETITION. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) 2040 PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence explained that the Council was being asked to review and accept the 2040 Park System Master Plan. She provided information on the process that was followed and public input that was received throughout the process to create the plan. She explained that accepting the plan is a procedural step and does not approve any of the projects or programming within. She acknowledged that a large number of the comments received from residents were related to a potential increase in the park user fees and explained that action is not before the Council at this time and will be part of a future discussion. Brad Aldrich and Mo Convery of Confluence and Leon Younger of PROS Consulting presented the 2040 Park System Master Plan. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence explained the next steps and how the plan will be implemented in a phased approach. Mayor Levine thanked the consultants and staff for their hard work. She also recognized the work of the Park and Recreation Commission. Councilor Maczko echoed the comments of praise for the work that has been done. He commented that because he is new to the Council, he was not fully involved in the process, although he is a park user. He June 17, 2015 Mendafa Heights City Cauncrl pnge g Of 7 asked how broad the study was on the programming, noting the local athletic association that handles the youth sports programs. Mr. Younger explained that typically, the parks system provides the facilities, and youth sports govern themselves and the programming. He explained the review that was done for programming and explained that, because there are limited staff, that is a large burden for programming. He provided examples of different types of programming found in parks departments. He stated that programming activates the spaces within the park system. Councilor Maczko commented that the parks staff does a great job and offers numerous programming opportunities, noting that Mendota Heights provides more programming than any of the other benchmark cities used for comparison. He stated that the City has community partnerships with the athletic association and others, which ease the burden on the City. He stated that the report provides great information, although it may not all be implemented. Parks and Recreation/AssistantPublrc Works Director Meredith Lawrence stated that the benchmark cities used for comparison also do not provide youth sports and have similar partnerships with associations that provide sports programming. Mr. Younger commented that the programs suggested came out of the survey results. Mr. Aldrich stated that they looked more broadly at programming outside of youth athletics. He explained that if staff had more time, they could work with Dakota County and other partners to find additional opportunities. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence commented that the school district and community ed are also involved to ensure they are not duplicating programs. Councilor Paper asked why Green River, Wyoming, was chosen. Mr. Younger replied that is a gold medal city through the National Park and Recreation Association (NPRA), which is similarly sized to Mendota Heights. Councilor Paper commented that there was a robust group interviewed, but noticed a hole in the age group of 12 to 15 and asked for more information. Ms. Con very stated that historically, that is a tricky group to include in community engagement. She stated that staff did a tremendous job of going to the schools to have sessions in the classrooms to obtain information. She commented that it is unique for a staff person to be able to go into the school like that. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence commented that she did go to the elementary school, and the students completed a handwritten survey. She stated that they also engaged with students at the middle and high schools and through after -school programming. She noted that some of the input was survey -based based while additional information was obtained through discussion. Ms. Convery provided additional information on community engagement with youth. Jmae 17, 2025 Mewdota Heigh[s City Council Page 4 of 7 Councilor Paper stated that adult sports and softball were mentioned, and asked how softball is separated from sports. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence commented that adult softball is one of the most common adult sports offered and is currently offered by the City. She stated that softball is the only adult sport offered by the City. Mr. Younger commented that the numbers in adult sports have decreased since the 1990s. Mayor Levine commented that there are a lot of adults who engage in sports throughout the community, recognizing the popularity of pickleball with adults. She stated that the infrastructure within the community allows for informal sports, aside from organized sports. She stated that when they make decisions going forward, they will continue to make the best decision for Mendota Heights. Councilor Paper asked if Mendakota Park was being considered for an accessible park. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence commented that staff are working on an ADA plan for parks and facilities. She agreed that Mendakota would make the most sense for a fully accessible park because of its location, it has the most parking spaces, it has bathrooms with running water, and has accessible elements. Mayor Levine commented that when Mendakota Park was constructed, it was considered accessible and acknowledged that what may be considered accessible is not always accessible in practice. Councilor Paper stated that two out of three people who responded supported more funding for the parks system and asked if that could be correlated to a majority of residents. Ms. Convery stated that it was outside of the scope to do a statistically valid survey, but 67 percent of the respondents did support some additional funding. She encouraged that a funding study be done to find additional park funding. Councilor Paper asked if kids were responding to the survey. Ms. Convery replied that the age of the respondent was not asked, but because of the topic, she did not anticipate that many children had completed the survey. Councilor Maczko commented that the survey was very open-ended, which could have led to a positive response. He acknowledged that there was good interaction from people on both sides of the issues. Ms. Convery commented that they were surprised to get such a positive response when they were not providing them with much detail. She noted that sometimes they include beautiful photos, and that could lead to more support, but they were cautious not to include that type of detail. She stated that when there are detailed plans or a potential project, that will bring more responses from residents as well. Councilor Mazzitello stated that the support for additional funding does not define what the additional funding would look like, and recognized that will be a debate for the Council. He referenced goal six, to June 17, 2025 Mendota Heights CigCozmcil Page 5 of 7 develop a long-term sustainable funding model has been on his list as a member of the Council. He appreciated that the plan refers to the parks as infrastructure and that they should be managed as such. He referenced the scope provided to the consultants and believed that this plan provides the information that will help guide future decisions. He explained that this information will help them to improve the park system in the future. He commented that the answers to open-ended questions seem to show that the public trusts them. Mr. Younger confirmed that this community does have a strong trust in the City and its elected officials. Councilor Mazzitello referenced the statement that typical capital investment in parks is three to five percent of the total asset value. He asked if the total asset value was known. Mr. Younger replied that they did have that discussion, but the answer was not known. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence commented on the work that she has been doing to create an inventory and noted that staff will be bringing forward a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). She noted that part of that process would be to identify the value of the park system. Councilor Mazzitello commented that number will be important as they move forward and plan for needed funding. He stated that missing piece will help staff to create the CIP. He stated that the Council must find a sustained funding source for the park system. He thanked the people who sent in comments related to the plan and hoped they reviewed the entire plan and not just the fee schedule. He explained that adoption of the plan does not commit the City to any specific fee structure. He stated that TRAA will be part of the discussion as they find something that works for both parties. Mr. Younger commented on the importance of transparency in what the cost is to provide the service and/or infrastructure. He stated that it is also important for an athletic association to share what they do with its funds to provide the same level of transparency. Councilor Maczko stated that he was surprised to see that the parkland and trails possessed by the community are lower than the NPRA average. He stated that outside of Golden Valley, the City has double the assets of the other benchmark communities. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence explained that the NPRA is based on the national level of service, where the benchmarks are local communities. Mayor Levine recognized that this is a lot of information to digest and gives information and data to have additional couversations. Councilor Mazzitello moved to accept THE 2040 PARK SYSTEM MASTER PLAN. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS June 17, 2025 Mendota Heights Crty Couacfl Page 6 oj7 City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Mazzitello offered deepest sympathies and condolences to the Hoffman anortman families. He encouraged people not to become divided but instead find a way to come together. He stated that Saturday was the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army and recognized the founding of the US Air Force. Councilor Maczko echoed the comments of sympathy and condolences. He thanked Police Chief Kelly McCarthy, her team, and law enforcement as a whole for their ability to act quickly, protect others, and bring the person to justice. He recognized the great work that law enforcement can accomplish in split- second scenarios. Councilor Paper thanked former Mayor Garlock for another successful Scott Patrick Memorial SK, which is a terrific community event. He commented that there was a robust turnout for the most recent session of Coffee with the Council that he attended. He thanked everyone who participated in the engagement for the Park System Master Plan, as that provides them with much -needed information. He also congratulated Two Rivers graduate, Taylor Taurinkskas, for winning the State girls' high jump. Councilor Mazzitello also congratulated the Cretin-Derham baseball team for winning the state championship for the first time since 2007. Mayor Levine congratulated Training Officer Becky Johnson on her new positioi. ADJOURN Councilor Paper moved to adjourn. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:46 p.m. Ste Ka ie . Levine Mayor ATTEST: 1.✓' a N ncy 2ituer City Clerk June /7, 2025 Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 7 of7