Loading...
05 05 2026 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Pursuarrt 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, and Mazzitello were also present. Councilor Maczko was absent. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Mazzitello moved adoption of the agenda. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 FIRE DEPARTMENT BADGE PINNING —FIRE CAPTAINS PAT IN OACK AND DANIEL GOLDENSTEIN Fire Chief Dan Johnson provided background information on the Captain's terms. He stated that Pat Noack will be serving his third term and Daniel (DJ) Goldenstein will be serving his first term. Mayor Levine administered the Oath of Office to Captain Goldenstein, and the badge pinning was completed. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jack Evans, 796 Lower Colonial Drive, commented that he felt that the discussion of a cellular tower proposed in Wentworth Park is unfortunate for those who are passionate against the proposal, for those who struggle with poor cellular service, and that the two groups are pitted against each other. He commented that this project is not viable, due diligence was not done, the developer did not consider impacts to the community, and the ordinance was not followed by the developer. He believed that there is an option to move forward without that developer, noting that the agreement with the City is only specific to that piece of land. He stated that if the developer finds a new location, the agreement with the City would need to be renegotiated, and the City would not be obligated to approve that. Gayra Ostgaard, 757 Upper Colonial Drive, stated that there is a proposal for a Conditional Use Permit for a 149-foot cellular tower in Wentworth Park. She noted that would be the equivalent of a 15-story building, proposed to be located in a residential area and within a park. She echoed the comments on how unfortunate this process has been and was concerned as to how the proposal reached the Planning Commission when it did not meet the ordinance requirements. She stated that a private resident caught the ways in which the proposal did not meet City Ordinance and was concerned that City staff did not catch those details. She stated that the Planning Commission expressed concern that if they recommended denial, the proposal could still be approved by the City Council. She asked for information on the weight that a recommendation from the Commission has on the City Council. She noted that the Commission expressed a desire for the City to complete an independent study, but it was stated that approval would be needed by the City Council. She asked the City Council to honor the request and to fund an independent study to determine the problem that exists with cellular coverage and outline options to resolve those problems. 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, pulling item E. a. Approval of April 21, 2026, City Council Minutes b. Approval of April 21, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge Minutes from the March 31, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting d. Approve General Fund Transfer e. Adopt Ordina;;eG 604. N.R- -Pa-d- in o Pelaawffe—ATeflue f. Approve a Grading Permit for 1416 Dodd Road, Somerset Country Club g. Approve Contract to Paint Streetlight Poles h. Approve Contract for Expansion of the Wentworth Basketball Court i. Approve Contract for the Hockey Board Replacement at Wentworth Park j. Adopt Resolution 2026-34 to Defer Street Rehabilitation Assessment at 706 Cheyenne Lane k. Approve Liquor License Renewal for Somerset Country Club 1. Approve a Right -of -Way License Agreement for Ivy Keep II Owners Association m. Approval of Claims List Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS E) ADOPT ORDINANCE 608: NO PARKING ON DELAWARE AVENUE Councilor Lorberbaum stated that she wanted people to know more about this item. She stated that Dakota County, in partnership with West St. Paul and Mendota Heights, plan to reconstruct Delaware Avenue between Marie and Dodd, and parking will be prohibited along the west side. She stated that the County has been in contact with residents in the project area and has hosted multiple open house meetings. May 5, 2026, A9endoia Heights Ciry Coursci[ Page 2 of Il Councilor Lorberbaum moved to adopt ORDINANCE NO. 608, AMENDING TITLE 6, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 3 OF THE CITY CODE NO PARKING DELAWARE AVENUE, Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 A) ZOOMS STEM DESIGN CHALLENGE —VISITATION SCHOOL Students from Visitation School provided brief presentations on their ZOOMS STEM design challenge projects. Hazel Klocke and Erin O'Connell presented their Mars Transit Trash Ejector project, which was part of the NASA HUNCH program. Cowicilor Mazzitello asked the students to demonstrate how the prototype works. The students provided the demonstration. Councilor Lorberbaum asked for more information on G10 material, and the students provided that explanation. She asked the students how this process would impact what they do in future years. The students commented that they learned how to be a team, discipline, how things change as a process evolves, and how to work through failures. Mayor Levine thanked the students for their time, presentation, and for thinking about the future. Paige and Abigail presented their California Sea Lion Enrichment Engineering Challenge project for the Minnesota Zoo, Councilor Paper asked how often the students met to work on the project outside of class. The students replied that they met once a week during flex and also had a lot of class time to work on the project. Mayor Levine asked if the sea lion liked the toy. The students replied that they were able to show the toy, but the sea lion was not able to use the toy. It was explained that the Zoo would review the prototype and then determine if it would be viable. Councilor Lorberbaum asked what the students learned from this process. The students replied that they had struggles and learned to keep going, even though things may not go as expected the first time. Mayor Levine thanked the students. Lucy and Elsa presented their Sea Lion Enrichment Engineering Challenge project for the Minnesota Zoo. May 5, 1026, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 3 of I7 Councilor Lorberbaum asked what the students learned through the process. The students replied that things no not always go as planned and that you have to be okay with restarting or thinking of another way. Grace and Izumi presented their Sea on Enrichment Engineering Challenge project for the M1nneSOta Zoo, Councilor Paper asked the students' favorite part of the project. The students comrented that they enjoyed learning about the two sea lions, and even though it was more work, they got to make two separate things. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the sea lions liked the same item or different items. The students replied that the sea lions have different personalities, and they developed items that would be more likely to attract their attention. Councilor Lorberbaum asked what the students learned through this process. The students replied that they learned how to use the software and 3D print materials. They also acknowledged the importance of working slowly and double-checking to ensure they do not make mistakes. Councilor Lorberbaum acknowledged that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and the Council thanked the teaching staff present at the meeting. B) METRO TRANSIT UPDATE Cindy Harper and Ben Picone from Metro Transit presented information on the Network Now Concept Plan, including an update on the establishment of Metro Transit Micro, which is an affordable and accessible type of multi -passenger public transit that delivers app-based on -demand services to improve connections to existing transit service. Mayor Levine thanked the representatives for their presentation and looked forward to enhanced transportation options. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she is excited about the micro service, noting an upcoming opening of a library in West St. Paul, and suggested that also be a potential location for service. Councilor Paper referenced the app-based service that could bring someone to another residence within the zone and asked for the anticipated cost. Ms. Harper commented that the cost for that service is the same as the current service, which would be $3.25 during peak times or $2.50 during off-peak times. She stated that Metro Transit is considering fare Mcry 5, 2026, Mendota Heights Ciry Cowuil Page d ojll changes, which would make changes to the fare structure. She encouraged people to review the anticipated fare changes. Councilor Paper asked if Luydale and Mendota would be included in the micro zone. Ms. Harper provided additional details on the must -have connections, but noted that the zone boundaries are flexible and they can work with the City to determine those boundaries. Councilor Paper noted the business corridor along Highway 13 to the Mendota bridge would be helpful to include. Mr. Picone commented that they try not to overlap with fixed route areas for the micro zone. [��1311[1�:�N ►[e7 No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) FRIENDLY HILLS PARK TEMPORARY OUTFIELD FENCE Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence explained that the Council was being asked to approve the annual installation of a temporary fence by City staff at the Friendly Hills Park ball field for use seasonally from April 15 to July 31. She stated that after the packet was released for the meeting, four comments were received in favor of the request and have been provided to the Council. Councilor Lorberbaum asked where the fencing is stored when not in use. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence replied that Two Rivers Athletic Association kTRAA) would store them in the facility which is shared with Public Works. Councilor Paper thanked staff for recognizing the issue of timing and not following the typical protocol, as following the typical protocol would have placed them well into the season. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence asked the Council to provide an opportunity for public comment, as the letter sent to residents advertised that opportunity. Mayor Levine welcomed resident input. Adam Crepeau, President of TRAA, thanked Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence for expediting this process. He stated that there were games last night and tonight and commented on the importance of the fence, as that creates an appropriate field size. He stated that at a recent game in another community, children from the playground wandered into the field area without knowing a game was being played. He commented on the safety provided by the fence. He stated that they would do whatever they need to do to store the fence and can continue to work with staff. Mayor Levine asked why this field was not requested within the typical timeline. May 5, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 ojll Mr. Crepeau commented on the increased participation numbers they have seen this year for baseball, which has created a necessity to have a fence at that location to use that field for games. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked TRAA and its members for their work, noting that the high participation mnnbers show that they are doing things right. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve THE ANNUAL INSTALLATION OF A TEMPORARY FENCE BY CITY STAFF AT THE FRIENDLY HILLS PARK BALL FIELD FOR USE SEASONALLY FROM APRIL 15 — JULY 31, 2026. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Paper commented that TRAA is a volunteer group, rmi by volunteers who do an exceptional job. He noted a recent community event at Mendakota Park and commented on the great job done by TRAA. He stated that the fact that TRAA is able to grow its baseball program when other program participation is declining shows what a great organization it is. Mayor Levine asked if the fence would be automatically installed each year or whether it would be installed based on the need for the field. She stated that if there is no need for the fence in the future, she would prefer it not be installed. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence replied that staff work with TRAA to determine their needs annually. She confirmed that if there is no need for a fence at that location, it would not be requested to be installed that year. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 B) PAR 3 GOLF COURSE TREE SPADING PROJECT Recreation Facilities Coordinator Trey Carlson provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being as to approve the spading -in of nine trees at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course for a not -to -exceed amount of $20,000. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if multiple pricing estimates were obtained. Recreation Facilities Coordinator Trey Carlson replied that staff worked 117 different companies, but one has ceased operations, and this is the only quote available at this time. He noted that if desired, staff could look for another quote. He stated that the City has been happy with the work that the contractor has done in the community in the past. Councilor Paper asked about the guarantee that is being offered by the contractor. Recreation Facilities Coordinator Trey Carlson replied that if approved, the project would be spaded in during the fall and would have asix-month guarantee. May 5, 2026, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 6 of 11 Councilor Paper stated that he would like to see that extended to one year, as six months would not do much if the trees were spaded in during September. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence stated that she would hope they would be installed before December. She commented that trees have been taken out by deer and golf carts, which is obviously not going to be covered by warranty. She stated that the trees will most likely be spaded in before September, but noted that she could work with the contractor to extend the warranty period. Councilor Mazzitello stated that typically, landscaping has aone-year warranty, and therefore, it should not be a big deal to extend that to one year to ensure the trees survive the winter. Mayor Levine asked if there is a landscaping plan for the Par 3. She stated that it seems that trees are frequently removed because they die or are hit. She stated that small trees could be spaded in by Public Works regularly in an attempt to proactively address the gaps that exist. Recreation Facilities Coordinator Trey Carlson stated that there is not currently a landscaping plan, but staff could work on creating a landscaping plan to ensure that this type of request is not a common request. Councilor Paper moved to approve THE SPADING IN FOR NINE TREES AT THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS PAR 3 COMMUNITY GOLF COURSE FOR A NOT -TO -EXCEED AMOUNT OF $20,000. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaum asked if Councilor Paper would be open to adding a requirement for a one-year warranty. Councilor Paper stated that he would be open to adding that clause. He also believed that staff should look at pricing from other vendors, to have a minimum of three bids, as there is not a tight timeline for this project. He clarified that the motion could include a requirement of three bids and a one-year guarantee. Councilor Mazzitello stated that they could leave the action as an approval, and staff could be directed to obtain two more quotes. Councilor Paper agreed that this would not need to come back to the Council, and staff could simply obtain and review the other quotes. It was confirmed that the approval is not specific to one vendor, and staff can work within that approved amount to select the best vendor. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 C) RESOLUTION 2026-31 APPROVING A VARIANCE TO THE FRONT -YARD SETBACK FOR AN ACCESSIBILITY RAMP AT 537 JUNCTION LANE (PLANNING CASE NO. 2026-02) May 5, 2026, Mendota Herglus City Council Page 7 of L Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider Resolution 2026-31 approving a variance to the front -yard setback for an accessibility ramp at 537 Junction Lane, Councilor Paper asked and received confirmation that the ramp on the property would be removed and a new ramp would be constructed, if approved. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden stated that there is a condition of approval that would require the existing ramp to be removed. She noted that although it is not a condition of approval, the applicant has agreed that wood could be used to construct the ramp. Councilor Paper asked if this is a private home or a business. Comrunity Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that it is a private home that operates as a group home. Councilor Paper asked what would happen to the retaining wall. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that there would be an opening for the ramp to connect to. Councilor Lorberbaum asked how long a wood struchue lasts in Minnesota, with the winter conditions, and whether the replacement of the ramp would require the applicant to come back. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that she cannot speak to the finishes that would be applied to extend the longevity of materials. She explained that reconstruction within the same footprint would be allowed within the approval, but if that placement were to change, they would need to come back. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-31, APPROVING A VARIANCE TO THE FRONT -YARD SETBACK FOR AN ACCESSIBILITY RAMP AT 537 JUNCTION LANE. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Air azzitello complimented the applicant on the layout of the ramp. He commented on the mathematics used to determine ADA compliance and stated that the applicant did so within the nummum length needed. Mayor Levine thanked staff and the Planning Commission for their work on this case. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 D) RESOLUTION 2026-32 APPROVING A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT FOR 1603 DODD ROAD AND 688 WENTWORTH AVENUE May 5. 1026, Mendota Heights Crty Council Page 8 of L Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2026-32, approving a lot line adjustment application by Paul Linnell for 1603 Dodd Road and 688 Wentworth Avenue (Planning Case No. 2026-06). Councilor Mazzitello asked if the Planning Commission discussed that this adjustment would make one of the lots splitable. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that the question was asked at the meeting and is something that has been acknowledged by the applicant. She stated that staff would anticipate that a or split would come forward in the future, and staff have made the applicant aware of the subdivision requirements as recently updated. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2026-32, APPROVING A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION BY PAUL LINNELL FOR 1603 DODD ROAD AND 688 WENTWORTH AVENUE (PLANNING CASE NO.2026-06). Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine commented that it would appear the lot was already splitable before the adjustment. Councilor Mazzitello noted that the lot would be un-splitable in its current condition as it lacks the necessary square footage. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 E) RESOLUTION 2026-33 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN ATTACHED GARAGE SIZE OF 1,499 SQUARE FEET AT 1961 GLENHILL ROAD (PLANNING CASE NO, 2026-0'7) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider Resolution 2026-33 approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application for Homes by Tradition, LLC to allow for an attached garage size of 1,499 square feet for the new single- family home proposed at 1961 Glenhill Road. Councilor Lorberbaum referenced the previous application for this property and asked if new In had been received showing the pool location. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden stated that the Site Plan had ah•eady been adjusted when that plan was previously reviewed. She noted that the civil plans had also been adjusted to comply with the conditions of approval for that request. Councilor Lorberbaum recognized that this request would remain raider the allowable impervious surface coverage for the lot. She noted previous comments from neighbors on the placement of the driveway and asked if there was any feedback received on that item. May 5, 2026, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 9 of71 Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that staff were not concerned with the proposed alignment of the driveway. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the driveway is on the north half of the lot, which is as far as it can be from the S-curve. He stated that there is nothing in the City Code that would restrict that location for the driveway, and staff approved it as it was presented. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-33 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN ATTACHED GARAGE SIZE OF 15499 SQUARE FEET AT 1961 GLENHILL ROAD (PLANNING CASE NO, 2026-07), Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine thanked staff acid the Planning Commission for their review of this request. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 F) MUNICIPAL CAMPUS PROJECT UPDATE City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided an update on the Municipal Campus Project. Councilor Lorberbamn recognized that this is the first design process and that things will evolve as they continue to move forward and receive input. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson atmounced upcoming conummity events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Mazzitello recognized that Corrununity Development Manager Sarah Madden has been handling a lot of requests and cases lately and commended her excellent work and packet nnation. He provided information on the Shepard Road bridge reconstruction project. He commented on the great job that Mayor Levine did at the State of the City Address earlier today. He wished those celebrating a happy Cinco de Mayo. He shared a statement from the Constitution related to the Fourth Amendment. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that the City is proud of the engagement of its citizens and the high voter turnout. She congratulated the Fire Captains and reminded residents that the Wentworth Library grand reopening will take place the following day. She reminded residents that April 301h was National Mahjong Day and encouraged interested residents to join the City's mahjong programming, which is a free experience. Councilor Paper stated that the Scott Patrick Memorial Sk is on June 6ih. He thanked the Planning Commission for the heavy lifting they have been doing during the last few meetings, acknowledging that they have been long meetings with tough topics. He stated that the Commission has been having May S, 2026, A4endota Heights City Council Page 10 of 11 thoughtful discussions, asking great questions, and has been handling those meetings well. He also thanked the residents who had attended for sharing their comments and wanted them to know that they are being heard. ADJOURN Councilor Paper moved to adjourn. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m. Step hame B. Levine Mayor gA/�TTEST: 1IaN ` Q?Pz� Nancy Planer City Clerk May 5, 2026, D4endota Heights Ciry Council Page 11 of 1 /