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06 16 2026 City Council MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, June 16, 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 Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENTS Andrew Katz, 1960 Walsh Lane, thanked Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek for keeping residents who desire a sound wall along Victoria at I-35E and Highway 62 well informed about the status of the MnDOT application. He was disappointed that the City was not chosen, but believed that a sound study would help for the next application. He asked if the nearby construction would impact the results. He spoke about the safety of the intersections of Victoria Road and Walsh and Victoria Road and Kay Avenue, noting a large retaining wall and vegetation that impacts the view of the walking path. He proposed adding traffic mirrors at the double arrow signs, estimating a cost of $120 for the signs. He referenced the compost enclosure at Mendakota Park, noting that they love the program but have concerns with the location, size, and entrance. He suggested relocating the compost to the west side of the park, where the berm is. He asked that another compost location be added to the new Municipal Campus project site. He referenced the intersection of Dodd Road and South Plaza Drive, noting that intersection improvements were part of the agreement with the developer, and the apartment project is nearing completion. He asked for more information on when those improvements would be considered. 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. a. Approval of June 2, 2026, City Council Minutes bI Approval of May 26, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes c. Acknowledge Minutes from the March 10, 2026, Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting d. Acknowledge Minutes from the May 12, 2026, Parks and Recreation Commission Work Session e. Acknowledge January, February, March, April, and May 2026 Fire Synopses f. Approve Resolution 2026-40 Appointing Election Judges for the 2026 State Primary and General Election g. Approve Liquor License Renewals h. Approve On -Sale Intoxicating/Sunday Liquor License for Bricksworth Beer Co. LLC., 752 North Plaza Drive i. Grading Permit for 2320 Lexington Avenue, Lexington Heights Apartments j. Approve the Planned Unit Development Agreement for First Amendment to Lexington Heights Apartments Planned Unit Development k. Approve the Proposal Submitted by MN Native Landscapes (MNL) and Authorize Staff to Enter into a Contract with MNL for the Friendly Marsh Park Turf -to -Prairie Project 1. Approve Resolution 2026-38 Accepting a Donation to the Ivy Hills Playground Ribbon Cutting m. Approve Resolution 2026-39 Accepting a Donation to the Cops and Bobbers Derby Day in Honor of Cliff Timm n. Approve Purchase of Bleachers for the Hagstrom-King Park Ballfield o. Approve Purchase of New Duty Handguns for the Police Department p. Approve May 2026 Treasurer's Report q. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) A CO-OP GROCERY STORE'S MODEL AND HOW IT BENEFITS MENDOTA HEIGHTS William Boland introduced himself, providing information on the current food landscape and how things continue to deteriorate. He reviewed the results of a study that compared processed food to non -processed food. He provided additional information on the benefits of a co-op grocery store and community, providing resources on how a co-op can be started. He believed that creating a co-op in Mendota Heights would fill a gap and provide benefits to the community and surrounding communities. Mayor Levine thanked Mr. Boland for his presentation. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) CITY OF MBNDOTA HEIGHTS FY2025 AUDIT REPORT Kristen Schabacker explained that the Council was being asked to listen to the audit report results and ask any questions. June 76, 2026, Mendota Heights City Conncrl Page 2 of5 Caroline Stustman, BerganKDV, presented the results of the FY2025 Audit, reporting a clean, or unmodified opinion. She noted one internal control finding, which is very common for smaller cities, related to the lack of segregation of accounting duties. She reported no issues of legal non-compliance. She also provided an overview of different City funds. Councilor Maczko noted that it shows a deficit fund balance for the Pilot Knob improvement of $85,000 and asked for more information. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the City was awarded $1,850,000 in State bonding for the project, and the City is funding that project with reimbursement from the State. He stated that the City is currently incurring those costs. He noted that the project is currently paused. Councilor Maczko asked for more information on the statement related to investment risk Ms. Stustman explained that statement is related to the insurance the City covers versus its portfolio. Councilor Maczko referenced the leases receivable mentioned in the report and asked for more information on the reference to principal and interest. Ms. Stustman replied that GASB requires the lease payment to be split between principal and interest. She confirmed that these are leases for cellular providers on the water tower. Councilor Maczko asked and received confirmation that the $7,000,000 in general obligation bonds is related to the Fire Station. Councilor Paper thanked the Finance Director for her work. He asked for clarification on whether the City essentially has $29,000,000 in cash and investments. Ms. Stustman replied that those are the investments the City is currently holding. Councilor Mazzitello stated that the City has the best Finance Director, and they are very lucky to have her. Mayor Levine echoed that statement Councilor Lorberbaum reminded residents that the City has an AAA bond rating because they are doing very well. Mayor Levine referenced the net change in fund balance, noting that the fund balance increased by $62,000. She reviewed the amount the City spent on capital projects, noting that the City was able to add to its fund balance while making significant improvements. Finance Director Kristen Schabacher reviewed the projects included in the $1,200,000 in capital projects line item. Mayor Levine noted the equipment reserve fund, which began five years ago, with the goal of having that fund sufficiently cover the cost of equipment purchases. She noted that the fund balance could be drawn down by $3,000,000 to assist with the cost of the Municipal Campus project. She recognized Finance Director Kristen Schabacher and all the staff involved in the audit. June 16, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 3 of 5 B) MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT — POLICE STATION AND CITY HALL UPDATE City Administrator Jacobson provided an update on the progress of the Municipal Campus Building Project, Councilor Maczko stated that the people who came and provided input have made a difference. He stated that the Council had a discussion today that the building is too big and the costs need to be reduced. He commented that the grant has been awarded, but the City has not yet made the decision as to whether to accept the grant. He explained that the intent of the grant is supposed to decrease the cost of the project, but more information is needed to determine if that would actually happen because of the requirements that would come along with the grant funds. He commented that when people say something, they need to acknowledge that they have heard them. He was disappointed that they would not be looking at a scheme that would place the building in the same location on the property. He appreciated that TRAA is open to removing that ballfield and moving it to another location. Mayor Levine stated that the Council has heard the community and responded to that input. She commented that initially, they had directed the architects to build once, future -ready, to fulfill the needs for the next 20 years. She stated that direction was given today to build to the current need, with the potential to expand should more space be needed in the future. She commented that they continue to work with the legislators and the State to determine if the bonding money will be accepted to draw down the cost for the community. She stated that there will be green space adjacent to City Hall, and they are committed to including a baseball field of similar quality to be constructed in another location. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that the Council received a copy of the petition, and it was clear that the residents believe that the building was too large. She stated that they have heard those comments and they are responding. City Attorney Amy Schmidt stated that during the work session, discussion was held regarding the decision to build a building and now the building would be financed. She reviewed the authority of the City Council, and the legislature has not provided the ability to delegate that decision. She explained that residents would have an ability to weigh in on financing of the building, noting that capital improvement bonds are subject to a reverse referendum. Councilor Mazzitello reminded the group of the four pillars they are committed to with respect to this project, which include being fiscally responsible with transparent scope and costs, providing long-term value to residents, efficient and effective public safety and municipal services, and that the facility be co - located to maximize efficiency, safety, security, and convenience to the public. He stated that the City is also committed to maintaining the services of the Mendota Heights Police Department. He stated that he is also committed to replacing the baseball field somewhere else in the community, noting that he has already found four potential locations where the field could be relocated. He believed they could have a temporary field in place by this fall. He stated that he would be happy to spearhead that with staff. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. June 16, 2026, Mendota Heights Ciry Cotmcil Page 4 of 5 COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Paper congratulated former Mayor Garlock on a successful Officer Scott Patrick Memorial Sk, noting that the weather was spectacular with a great turnout. He thanked the volunteers, City staff, and those who participated. He stated that Gateway Bank has been an amazing sponsor since the beginning and also recognized Goodfellas Landscaping for its sponsorship. He took a moment to remember Officer Scott Patrick. Councilor Maczko asked if staff could formally report back on public comments to the Council, as others in the community may also be interested in those responses. He complimented the Ivy Hills playground grand opening, noting the large turnout and positive comments that have been received. Councilor Lorberbaum agreed that the park's grand opening was wonderful. She encouraged residents to continue to provide input on the Municipal Campus project. She noted recent missing dogs and was impressed by the outreach of the community to find those dogs. Councilor Mazzitello stated that Friday is the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the end of an evil period in American history. He stated that on June 121k Women's Veterans Day was celebrated. He stated that on the 41h of July, they will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of America and shared a historical fact from June 7, 1776, ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m. v Step ame Bt./Levine Mayor ATTEST: N ncy BQer City Clerk June /6, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 5 oj5