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05 19 2026 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, May 19, 2026 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 Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Deb Gagnon, 751 Upper Colonial Drive, commented that her kitchen window overlooks the tennis courts at Wentworth Park. She stated that the proposed 149-foot tower would go beyond the trees that exist in the park and hoped that the City could at least request a three-dimensional rendering of what the tower would look like in the park. She was opposed to the tower. Gayra Ostgaard, 757 Upper Colonial Drive, stated that she spoke at the last meeting about the proposed tower at Wentworth Park. She asked how the City is reconciling the proposed 149-foot tower with the identified 49-foot height restriction, why the Planning Commission expressed concern that the Council may approve the request even though it did not meet City Ordinance, and what support the City is providing for the Planning Commission's request for an independent study. She commented that the City has since stated that an independent analysis is being conducted, but noted the unanswered questions that still exist related to the study. She stated that it is unknown who is going to conduct the study and what would be studied. She asked that the information be shared publicly when it is available. She also asked why the City Code was rewritten in January 2025 to allow for freestanding towers in residential areas and parks, and what experts were brought in to assist with that change. She commented that it was a private resident who discovered the 49-foot height restriction, not the City. She stated that the question is whether a tower belongs in this park, noting that this park is the second -highest equity - ranked park in the city. Prior to January 2025, freestanding wireless towers were prohibited in Mendota Heights and then the Zoning Code was changed. It was rewritten to allow for a pathway for freestanding towers in R- residential areas and parks, and specifically up to 150 feet. She asked members of the Council if they would like to live next to a 150-foot tower. She noted that what happens in Wentworth Park will set the precedent for all other parks. Residents deserve to know whether this was policy direction was truly driven by independent planning, or if it was industry interests and internal staff discussions. She commented on the length of time the applicant has to prepare updated plans, as they have agreed to an extension through August, but noted that residents will only be notified about seven days before the meeting. She commented on the impact this process has had on the trust of residents. 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 E and H. a. Approval of May 5, 2026, City Council Minutes b. Approve a License Renewal for a Massage Therapy Business and License Renewals for Massage Therapists c. Approve Liquor License Renewals for Mendakota Country Club and Teresa's Mexican Restaurant d. Approve a Joint Powers Agreement Between Dakota County and the City of Mendota Heights for Conducting Post -Election Reviews Approve rove Resolution 2026 25 ne,.,.,.iizing National Publi xxt t Wee! f. Approve March 2026 Treasurer's Report g. Award a Professional Services Contract for a Fiber Optic Installation Project 1. A eeept the Resignation of Firefighter iee Fabiane i. Approval of Claims List Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS E) RESOLUTION 2026-35 RECOGNIZING NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK Councilor Mazzitello honored all the individuals who work in and around Mendota Heights in the Public Works Department, highlighting the different jobs that they do. He noted that often, the public does not recognize the many jobs that public works does to improve the quality of life for people they do not even know or see. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-35 RECOGNIZING NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. May 19, 2026, Alendota Heights Ciry Cowicil Page 2 oj6 Further discussion: Councilor Maczko commented that the first thing you notice when you come into a community is things like streets and lights, which are handled by public works. He agreed that public works are first responders as they need to clear the streets for anything else to function properly. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 H) ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF FIREFIGHTER JOE FABIANO Councilor Maczko recognized the service that Mr. Fabiano provided over the last two years as a Mendota Heights firefighter and wished him the best in his future endeavors. Councilor Maczko moved to accept THE RESIGNATION OF FIREFIGHTER JOE FABIANO. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine also expressed thanks for Mr. Fabiano's service. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) DELAWARE AVENUE RECONSTRUCTION —DAKOTA COUNTY Joe Morneau, Dakota County, presented an overview of the design considerations, highlighted key features, and discussed anticipated impacts to adjacent properties, roadway detours, and the project schedule. Councilor Lorberbaum shared positive feedback she has received from a resident along Delaware related to the communication about the project. Councilor Maczko noted questions he had related to the width of the curb radii. He stated that vehicles tend to go faster around wider radii and asked why the low -volume residential streets are proposed to have those radii. Mr. Morneau provided additional information about the proposed radii. He compared the street widths in West St. Paul compared to Mendota Heights and the related planning process. He stated that they used a standard -length school bus and what it needs to make a turn onto a narrower street. He also commented on the improvements proposed that would assist pedestrians. He recognized that there is a trade-off when considering multiple safety needs. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that he can share the turning radius information for the school buses. He noted that the Marie intersection is proposed to match existing conditions and is a controlled intersection where vehicles are expected to come to a complete stop. Councilor Maczko asked if there was crash history on Delaware where the turn lane was added. May /9, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 6 Nh. Morneau replied that there were nine crashes over the four-year period that was reviewed. He commented on the benefit they believe will be provided by separating the right turn movements. Councilor Paper asked now many of the 20 properties left for right -of --way acquisition are in Mendota Heights, Mr. Morneau replied that he was unsure of the properly locations. Councilor Mazzitello commented that the County has outdone itself with this project. Mayor Levine thanked Mr. Morneau for his presentation and for the great communication and outreach the County has had for this project. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2026-26 SANITARY SEWER UTILITY RATE ADJUSTMENT Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2026-26, providing a new sanitary sewer utility billing rate for 2026. Councilor Maczko commented that treatment is the highest cost for sanitary sewer. He noted that if infiltration can be reduced, the flow can be reduced, and asked what could be done to reduce infiltration. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided information on the improvements that were made to the Pipes as part of the Friendly Hills road project last year. He stated that areas with high infiltration are identified and improved when appropriate and noted other proactive measures the City takes to address the issue. Councilor Lorberbaum asked for clarification on the resolution number, and it was confirmed to be 2026- 26. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to approve RESOLUTION 2026-26 AUTHORIZING SANITARY SEWER USAGE RATES BEGINNING IN 2026. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Mayor Levine asked if there is an ideal fund balance. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that they are headed in the right direction and the fund is on a healthy trend. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Ma�+79, 2026, Mewdota Heights Ciry Comvcil Page 4 of 6 B) RESOLUTION 2026-24 STORM SEWER UTILITY RATE ADJUSTMENT Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider adoption of Resolution 2026-24, providing a new storm sewer utility billing rate for 2026. Councilor Maczko asked if the funds within this account are also used to install new pipe. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek noted surveys are sent to residents as part of road projects, which ask them to identify drainage issues. He stated that each road project typically includes the installation of additional pipe to assist with those drainage issues. Councilor Maczko commented that these funds help to cover those costs that would otherwise be assessed to residents. He stated that pond maintenance is also a necessary action that is funded by this account. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to adopt RESOLUTION N0. 2026-24 AUTHORIZING STORM WATER UTILITY RATES BEGINNING IN 2026. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello stated that this action and the previous action raise the sewer rates to spread the necessary costs across the community, including the City. He stated that 17 years ago, the City was in a position where it had not adjusted utility funds for 15 years, and the fund balances were in deficit. He commented that the rates had to be raised by over 40 percent to get out of that deficit, and these incremental increases, based on analysis, ensure that the City has the necessary funds and avoids that situation where drastic increases are needed. Mayor Levine commented that the planned expenditures will improve the environment, increase sustamability, and improve water quality. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 C) MUNICIPAL CAMPUS PROJECT UPDATE City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided an update on the municipal campus project and the input received through recent community engagement. She also provided an update on the funds allocated to the project within the bonding bill from the legislature. Councilor Maczko encouraged residents to attend the upcoming Council workshop on this topic. He asked that the residents on the committee also be invited. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS May 19, 2026, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 5 oj6 Councilor Paper noted the upcoming Scott Patrick Memorial 5k is scheduled for June 61h. He also congratulated all upcoming high school graduates. Councilor Maczko commented on the passing of a resident and 2-year member of the Fire Department, John Lepakko, and his service to the community both locally and abroad. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that this is National EMS Week and recognized the high -stress jobs that make a significant difference in the community. She stated that it is also National Mental Health Awareness Month and recognized that achieving mental health is a daily process. Councilor Mazzitello agreed that mental health is one of the most important aspects and encouraged residents to get to know their neighbors. He thanked the CDH students for attending the meeting tonight. He shared a historical fact from May 19, 1776, related to the Battle of the Cedars. He recognized the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, which commemorates those who have given their lives in service of this country. Mayor Levine acknowledged the Oak Awards that were given out by the Natural Resources Commission and recognized the award recipients. She also recognized the efforts of City staff who were critical in obtaining the State bonding dollars, highlighting the work of City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson and Police Chief Kelly McCarthy, as well as the legislative representatives who supported the request from Mendota Heights. She stated that she recently spoke with residents about the municipal campus project at the Touch a Truck event and was surprised that many residents were unaware of the project. ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:22 p.m. Stephanie B. Levine Mayor ATTEST: G - % cr,)r/` N ncy B uer C ty Clerk May 19, 2026, d�endam Fleigh[s City Council Page 6 oj6