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10 21 2025 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, October 21, 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 The Council, 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 item J. a. Approval of October 7, 2025, City Council Minutes b. Approval of October 7, 2025, City Council Work Session Minutes c. Approval of Minutes from the October 9, 2025, City Council Closed Session d. Acknowledge Minutes from the July 8, 2025, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting e. Adopt Revised Personnel Policies f. Resolution 2025-66 Accepting a Donation from the Mendota Heights Fire Relief Association g. Approve 2025-2026 Insurance Renewal and Elect Not Waive Statutory Limits h. Acknowledge the August Par 3 Financial Report i. Approve Resolution 2025-67 Supporting the Dakota County 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan k. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded Lite motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS i) APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Mayor Levine thanked the two student representatives who will serve for this next term. She stated that there are also student representatives who serve on the Parks and Recreation Commission and recognized the importance of those voices in the community. Mayor Levine moved to approve APPOINTMENT OF STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 No items scheduled. PRESENTATIONS PUBLIC HEARING A) RESOLUTION 2025-68 ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FRIENDLY HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2025-68, adopting and confirming Lite assessments for the Friendly Hills Neighborhood Improvements Project. Councilor Paper asked why residents are being charged for the future work. Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that there is not flexibility to split the assessments into 2025 and 2026. He stated that there is flexibility when an assessment hearing can be done, explaining that cities can assess prior to a project, or upon completion of a project. He stated that if they were to postpone the assessment hearing to 2026, the City would need to carry the $1,000,000 cost from the 2025 project through the next year. He stated that if they were to split the project into two, the City would have had to pay for two bonding procedures, and neighbors could have ended up with different assessments. He explained that this combined process saves money and provides consistency. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to open the public hearing. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 October 2l, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 10 Craig Wanamaker, 2331 Apache Street, asked how the City assumes payments will be made by the residents. He asked if a lump sum payment could be made for the total assessment and whether there would be any cost savings in choosing that method. He asked if there were prepayment penalties. Jeff Domler, 772 Havenview Court, commented that he is within the 2026 portion of the project and has looked forward to the streets being improved. He stated that he was impressed with the quality of the work and proactive communication for the project. He commented that he has no issue with the cost of the project, but could not reconcile that an assessment would be placed against his property in 2025 for work that has not been completed. Bernard Friel, 750 Mohican Lane, provided background information on the Friendly Hills neighborhood. He stated that he has a single-family home on a seven -acre property with a single water line and single access to the street. He stated that the project benefits his property to the same extent that it benefits the other properties within the project area. He commented that they own three tax identification properties which contain 19 lots and a vacated street, but objects to any assessment over $5,086.04. He explained that originally, there was one tax identification parcel number for the property, and at the insistence of Wells Fargo, when they refinanced in 2009, they had to have the mortgage on a single tax identification parcel number. He stated that they then asked the County to create two tax identification parcel numbers. He stated that following a dispute, they received another tax identification parcel number. He stated that they have received assessments for two of their parcels, and he objects to anything above one assessment, as they are only one family living on the property and receive no more benefit than anyone else. He submitted his written notice of appeal to the assessment. Bart Schempp, 739 Keokuk Lane, stated that he will be part of the 2026 project which has decreased by over $2,000 from the originally proposed assessment. He asked if contingency costs were built in during the beginning of the project and whether sufficient funds remain for the 2026 project. He asked if the assessment would be impacted if issues arise during the 2026 project. Gary Fischbach, 2150 Fox Place, commented that the project looks good and the assessment was reduced from the originally proposed amount. He commented on the location of new pipes and asked why new pipes were not placed in Fox Place. He encouraged the residents in the 2026 project area to put pressure on Saint Paul Regional Water Service (SPRWS) to replace pipes. He believed his nice street would be torn up again for SPRWS to repair the pipes once again. There being no one further coming forward to speak, Councilor Maczko moved to close the public hearingI Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie noted an email received from the property owner of 2280 Ocala Court, which he had forwarded to the Council He stated that he spoke with the property owner this morning, and staff will continue to monitor stormwater and drainage within the project area. He explained how payments could be made and that if payment in full is made, the resident would not be charged interest. He recognized that residents may view the project as incomplete if located in the 2026 area, but the project was bid as one in order to obtain better overall pricing. He recognized that while OctoGer 21, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 afl0 Mendota Heights typically holds an assessment hearing following a project, it is allowed, and some cities choose to assess ahead of a project. He referenced the resident who spoke about having two assessments for his two parcels and explained that Dakota County recognizes this property as two separate units with two separate parcel identifications. He stated that the City could choose to leave the assessment as is, could choose to remove an assessment from one of the parcels, which would shift that $5,086.04 to the City portion of the cost, or the resident could defer the cost of the undeveloped parcel. He explained that the reduction in the assessment from the originally proposed assessment amount was due to the completion of the design process and bids received. He stated that if the assessment were adopted tonight and something changed in the 2026 project, the assessment would remain the same, and additional costs would be covered by the City or the related fund if the issue were related to a utility. He stated that a request could be made to SPRWS to add pipe to the project, but noted that the City has had lengthy discussions with SPRWS related to the pipe replacement. He explained that SPRWS has evaluated the system, and he provided additional information on the looping that was done to relieve pressure on that system. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker provided additional details on the opportunity for residents to prepay assessments. She noted that once certified to the County, residents could still pay off the assessment early, but the interest for the year is charged at the beginning of each year. Councilor Maczko explained that once the assessment is certified to the County, it would then be charged to residents with their property taxes which are paid twice per year. Councilor Mazzitello stated that it appears people in the southern portion of the project have an issue with being assessed now but recognized that because the project was bid as one project, paid through one bond, it may be required that the assessment hearing be completed in one action. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker stated that the project was bid and financed as one project over multiple years, with the assessments structured to be assessed at one time, through this hearing. Councilor Mazzitello recognized that if the assessment hearing were completed in 2026, there would be a significant cash drop for the City, as the City runs a lean budget. Councilor Paper referenced the southern part of the project and recognized that while physical work has not been completed, there have been funds spent to develop the project plans and details. Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie confirmed that the City has paid design costs for the 2025 and 2026 project areas, as well as the staff time that has gone into the project. Councilor Paper asked for more information on the watermain looping that was done and how that relieves stress on the system. Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie stated that prior to construction, the project area was one large loop, connected through one single pipe. He noted a connection that was abandoned and the new connections that were added to Dodd Road, October 21, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 10 Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided additional information on the loops that were created to relieve the pressure that previously existed in the northern neighborhood. Councilor Maczko asked how the actual costs for 2025 compared to the proposed design and bid. Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie replied that there were primarily savings received for subgrade work, while the major items came in as anticipated. Councilor Maczko asked who would be responsible for correcting drainage issues if those were not resolved. Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie replied that funds for that type of improvement would come from the storm sewer utility fund. He explained that there was no change in design, noting that the element had been mentioned in the feasibility study but was not included in the final design for the project. Councilor Mazzitello asked for more information on the conditions under which a resident could request a deferral of their assessment. Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie reviewed the conditions under which a resident can request a deferral of their assessment. Councilor Paper moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2025-68 ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FRIENDLY HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaum asked and received confirmation that a resident could request a deferral of their assessment prior to November 24in. Councilor Maczko stated that he spoke with City staff about the process that is typically followed to hold the assessment hearing following substantial completion, but also recognized the better pricing that was received and bond rates that were obtained by this being done as one project. He stated that if there were any overriding costs, those would typically be due to utilities and would not be funded through assessments. He recognized that it may feel unusual to pay for something before the project is completed, but there are benefits in bidding the project as one. He explained that costs typically rise from one year to the next, and therefore, if bid separately, the assessments for 2026 would most likely be higher. He stated that if any streets need to be dug up by SPRWS, that would be at the cost of SPRWS. He referenced the comments from Mr. Friel but was unsure as to the best option for that parcel, recognizing that they would need to be consistent in how similar decisions are made in the future. He was unsure of the precedent that would be set by splitting or not splitting, as there are two tax identification numbers. He asked if there would be additional time to make that decision if the assessment were adopted tonight. Mayor Levine agreed, recognizing the precedent that would be set by the decision. City Attorney Amy Schmidt commented that Mr. Friel would have the option to defer the assessment, and the Council would have the authority to modify the assessment roll. She stated that Mr. Friel has submitted his objection, which would preserve his right to appeal or proceed with a deferment. October 21, 2025 Mendota Fleights City Council Page 5 of 10 Councilor Maczko asked if the Council would need to make the decision tonight as to whether the parcel should be assessed as one or two. City Attorney Amy Schmidt recommended that the Council adopt the assessment to,, as that would preserve the options for Mr. Friel to proceed with his appeal. She commented that the Council would still have the ability to amend the assessment roll in the future, related to the two property identification parcel numbers, if that were desired. Mayor Levine asked if the allocation between the properties for the assessment would change if the assessment were removed for one of Mr. Friel's parcels. City Attomey Amy Schmidt explained that the overall amount of the assessment would not change; the removed parcel assessment would then fall into the City's portion of the cost for the project. Mayor Levine recognized that the City has a consistent method for assessing properties, based on property identification parcel numbers, and there could be other similar claims that could be made. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek clarified that Mr. Friel does have three property identification parcel numbers, but one is not considered developable and therefore only two assessments were proposed for Mr. Friel's parcels. Mayor Levine recognized that this would be a change in policy if the Council were to divert from the method of assessing parcels based on developable property identification parcel numbers. Councilor Maczko commented that he would be interested in the details that were in the letter from the City Administrator in 2009, when Mr. Friel refinanced his property. He stated that Mr. Friel has always treated his parcels as one property, and he would not want to make a decision without having all the information and additional time to review the precedent that could be created in making the decision. City Attorney Amy Schmidt stated that Mr. Friel did provide a copy of the letter that she was able to review and noted the details of the letter, which appears to be information on the administrative lot split. She stated that if the Council were to treat this as a single unit rather than two units, it would be an exception to the policy, rather than a change, but agreed that it would set a precedent. She noted that there are multiple platted lots within the two property identification numbers owned by Mr. Friel. Councilor Mazzitello commented that since 2008, there have been multiple times where there is an undeveloped parcel next to a developed lot, and the property owner has chosen to defer the assessment on the undeveloped lot until the time of development. He stated that if Mr. Friel were interested, he could choose to defer the second assessment. Councilor Lorberbaum asked and received confirmation that once the assessment roll is adopted, the Council would still have the ability to review the Friel properties. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 October 21, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of ]0 NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) IVY HILLS PLAYGROUND REPLACEMENT APPROVAL Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence explained that the Council was being asked to consider approval of a proposal for the replacement of the playground at Ivy Hills Park, Councilor Paper commented that this looks like a terrific project that meets the desires expressed earlier this summer. He also appreciated that the company would be repurposing the current equipment in some way. He referenced the rocks shown in the sketch and asked if those would be part of the project. Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence confirmed that the rocks are part of the project and do serve a purpose. Councilor Paper commented that this proposal seems to provide the best value for the price and noted that the slide looks like a great feature that will be popular. He asked about the type of maintenance required for the spinner. He noted that part of the spinner would be at -grade, while the mechanism would be underground, and commented on how kids like to put rocks and sticks into spaces like that. Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence replied that the spinner would be on poured -in -place surfacing, which reduces woodchips from coming into contact with the spinner, but recognized that contact could still occur. She noted that parks staff do a visual inspection of items on a playground. She was unsure of the exact maintenance needs, but noted that the City has great experience with this vendor and their warranty. She commented that there are features on the playgrounds that break and need repair throughout the park system, and this would be no different. Councilor Paper commented that he would prefer the musical feature, as it looked like a fun option for kids who do not want to use the other equipment. He stated that in terms of color, he prefers vibrant colors and would prefer primary colors. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the poured -in -place surface would extend to the sidewalk or the entrance to the park. She asked if someone could go from the parking lot to the playground in a wheelchair. Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence replied that the poured -in -place surfacing would meet the asphalt pad for the playground, which connects to the existing trail, which connects to the parking lot. Mayor Levine confirmed the consensus of the Council to proceed with the proposal recommended by the Parks and Recreation Commission and asked for input on the color and preference of the musical element versus the spinner. Councilor Maczko commented on the importance of a light-colored slide and therefore could support the color recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Commission. October 21, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of 70 Councilor Lorberbaum commented that the Parks and Recreation Commission also chose the cool blue colors because of the likelihood of a light-colored slide. She stated that while she would prefer primary colors, she could support either option. Councilor MaZZltelIn commented that he would prefer the forest colors, as those are the colors typically chosen by the County, but he does not have a strong preference. Mayor Levine commented that she would defer to the choice of the Parks and Recreation Commission for the color choice. She confirmed the consensus of the Council in support of the cool blue color choice. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that in the discussion of her grandkids, they felt that while the musical feature would be fun and they may try it, they would spend more time on the spinner. She stated that she spoke with a few residents her age who echoed the comments of her grandchildren. She stated that she spoke with a Park Commissioner who was not present at the meeting, who also echoed the comment that the musical feature would be fun, and more time would be spent on the spinner. She stated that she visited the park and spoke with a family with three small children, one of whom has some limitations based on needs, and they were unanimous in their choice of the spinner. She commented that it seems that everyone she spoke with provided the same preference for the spinner. Councilor Maczko commented that his wife takes the grandkids to the parks a lot, and they had the same response in that the kids may use the musical elements for a few minutes, but more time is spent on the spinner. He stated that, based on the input he and Councilor Lorberbaum received, he would also support the spinner. Councilor Mazzitello stated that he preferred the musical feature as he is someone who loves music, noting that this would be an opportunity for kids to learn. He commented that he also believed that one of the reasons the first proposals were rejected was that the accessible feature was a spinner. Mayor Levine commented that the original bids were rejected because there was no poured -in -place surfacing around the spinner and, therefore, it was not accessible. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the neighbors would hear the noise from the musical feature and whether they would object to hearing that. Parks and Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence replied that she did not have that answer. She commented that there is no home abutting the playground, but was not comfortable answering that question tonight. Councilor Maczko commented that he appreciated the bid alternative as that clearly shows the cost for the accessible swing, which is a high cost for one feature. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that the member of the Parks and Recreation Commission, whom she spoke with, has a child in a wheelchair, and she even acknowledged that, as nice as the feature would be, the price is too high. October 21, 2025 Mendota Heiglils City Council Page 8 of 10 Mayor Levine commented that her choice would be the spinner. She stated that she has even seen teens using the spinner at another park in the community. She noted that the spinner is true to what they asked all vendors to provide, and in an online search, she found that spinners were more popular than the musical features. She noted that the Somerset playground has both the spinner and musical features, and while she enjoyed both elements, she believes the spinner will be the more popular option. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve THE PROPOSAL FROM NORTHLAND RECREATION FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PLAYGROUND AT IVY HILLS PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,000 IN THE COOL BLUE COLOR SCHEME AS RECOMMENDED BY THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, WITH THE ACCESSIBLE SPINNER WITH THE ASSURANCE THAT THERE IS POURED -IN -PLACE SURFACING FOR A WHEELCHAIR TO GET FROM THE PARKING LOT DOWN THE SIDEWALK TO THE PARK. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine commented that she is pleased with the outcome, recognizing the longer process. She believed that this playground better reflects the desire of the community while also being mindful of residents with mobility issues. She thanked the residents who were involved in this process, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the task force, the vendors, and City staff for their input and patience throughout this process. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Lorberbaum thanked Parks and Recreation staff and the firefighters, as it has been a busy October between the fire station open house and parks and recreation events. Councilor Maczko echoed the comments that October has been busy for staff. He stated that the upcoming municipal campus open house on October 2& 2025, is important as the City Council will need to make decisions to address space issues, particularly for the police. He recognized the high cost and explained that transparency and resident input will be an important part of that process, encouraging residents to attend the open house. Councilor Paper wished all the fall sports teams' good luck with their playoffs and tournaments. Councilor Mazzitello also asked residents to attend the open house on October 28, 2025, to find out information about the project for themselves and provide their input. He also wished the local sports teams' good luck in their tournaments. He stated that this month is Italian American Heritage Month, and Indigenous Peoples Day was also last week. He stated that day is to welcome all people and to celebrate and commemorate on that day all who have felt persecution, discrimination, or, in some cases, violence. October 21, 2025 Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 oj10 Mayor Levine provided input on the recent trick -or -teeing event and thanked all who participated. She also thanked those who attended the fire open house. She commented on what a great community Mendota Heights is and thanked everyone who attended the meeting tonight to provide their input. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m. Step ani B. Levine Mayor ATTEST: d- Nty cy Bau r C Clerk October 2!, 1015 Mendota Heights City Counsel Page 10 of IO