03 17 2023 CC Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Mendota Heights City Council was
held at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Levine called the work
session to
order at 5:02
p.m. Councilors Lorberbaum, Mazzitello
and Paper were in attendance.
Councilor
Maczko was
absent.
Others present included: City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator Kelly
Torkelson, Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, Parks &
Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence, Community
Development Manager Sarah Madden, Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie,
Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator Noel Mills Ford, City Attorney Amy Schmidt, and
City Clerk Nancy Bauer.
Also in attendance from LOGIS were Patty Hartwig, Client Services Group Supervisor, and Mike
McCauley, IT Security Operations Manager,
CITIES FOR SAFE AND STABLE COMMUNITIES COALITION
City Administrator Jacobson stated that the Cities for Safe and Stable Communities Coalition
established during Operation Metro Surge has shifted to operating more as a legislative advocacy
organization since the draw down of federal agents. Staff will continue to monitor the coalition
and track related bills in the legislature.
Mayor Levine stated she is connected with other Mayors, and they are discussing the coalition as
it is evolving.
After a brief discussion, it was the consensus of the Council not to join the Cities for Safe and
Stable Communities Coalition at this time.
CYBERSECURITY SERVICES — LOGIS SECURITY AS ASER VICE OFFERINGS
Patty Hartwig, Client Services Group Supervisor, and Mike McCauley IT Security Operations
Manager, from LOGIS introduced themselves.
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Assistant City Administrator Torkelson reported that cybersecurity is a growing concern, and
claims are on the rise. In response, LOGIS has developed new cybersecurity services which were
outlined by staff and LOGIS representatives.
One option presented was Security as a Service, a reactive incident response program. This
service would provide access to cybersecurity experts at LOGIS, assist in responding to
cybersecurity incidents and help reduce the overall impact of incidents. The program includes
specialized software designed to detect potential cyberattacks or data breaches. The annual cost
for this service is $48,500 and would be in addition to the technical services that are already being
provided by LOGIS.
The second option presented was Vulnerability Management, a proactive service focused on
incident prevention. This program includes software and staffing to scan the City's system for
vulnerabilities. The annual cost for this service is $24,750 to $32,750,
Staff noted that the Council will need to consider whether to continue with current practices,
contract for additional LOGIS services, or explore hiring an in-house IT employee. This
conversation will lead into the 2027 budget discussions.
P. Hartwig, LOGIS Client
Services Group
Supervisor,
stated that
the proposed services would add
another defensive layer to
reduce risk, but
noted that no system can provide absolute
guarantees.
M. McCauley, LOGIS IT Security Operations Manager, explained that the Vulnerability
Management service is a reactive service and capable of detecting a breach or cyberattack in real
time.
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson clarified that the $24,750 to $32,750 reflects LOGIS staff
working one to two hours per week to address identified vulnerabilities.
The costs of adding LOGIS services versus hiring a new IT employee were discussed.
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson emphasized that without the services offered by LOGIS a
cyberattack could be devastating "Ald costly. In such a scenario, the City would also need to
secure emergency contract services to assist with the City's response. LOGIS services would
provide faster response capability, specialized expertise, and established systems.
Councilor Mazzitello inquired about the City's insurance coverage. Assistant City Administrator
Torkelson noted that the city is insured through the League of Minnesota Cities.
Councilor Paper inquired about the amount of insurance coverage. Assistant City Administrator
Torkelson replied that the current coverage provides $500,000 of coverage which is an enhanced
insurance coverage amount.
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It was the consensus of the Council to continue with the current LOGIS service model while
pursuing both new service offerings.
STATE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator Mills Ford reported that the Minnesota Legislature is
in the second year of the 2025-2026 biennium. She noted that there have been approximately
4,400 bills introduced into the House and 4,500 bills introduced into the Senate. It is a short
session, and the legislature is nearly halfway through the 12-week session.
PrioriTy bills include gun violence &prevention, immigration/civil/humannghts, fraud and
affordability.
City Administrator Jacobson noted that included in the work session packet was the proposed bill
and the House summary for the Starter Homes Act (BF3895/SF4123). The League of Minnesota
Cities negotiated concessions for some parts of the bill. The proposed bill would apply to the city.
The bill has strong bipartisan support, and if enacted, would take effect on January 1, 2028. Staff
will continue to monitor the bill's progress.
Administrative/Special Projects Coordinator Mills Ford noted the other bills of CiTy interest
including Property Tax Task Force (Iff' 3657/SF4262), and Sales Tax Exemption on Construction
Materials (HF 1248/SF 1724).
City Administrator Jacobson noted that Representative Angie Craig's office had contacted staff
regarding available Federal funding and applying for the municipal campus project.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilor Mazzitello made a motion to adjourn the work session, and the motion was seconded by
Mayor Levine. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m.
Stephanie B. Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
c.Jr�
IT ncy Nauer, City Clerk
March 17, 2026, City Council Work Sasslon Minutes Page- 3