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07 07 2026 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, July 7, 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 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. a. Approval of June 16, 2026, City Council Minutes b. Approval of June 16, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes c. Approve Field Renovation Work at the Hagstrom-King Park Ballfield d. Approve Resolution 2026-41 Accepting a Donation for a Property Valuation Appraisal e. Approve a New Massage Therapist License f. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) MENDOTA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Ansis Viksnins, Mendota Heights Community Foundation, provided information on the nonprofit organization, its goals and vision, and its recent actions and activities. He also provided options for those who would want to donate to the foundation and/or provided suggestions. He stated that the foundation is also looking at expanding its sources of revenue, including the option of charitable gambling. Councilor Maczko asked if a link to the foundation website could be placed on the City website. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson confirmed that a link to the new website could be added to the City website. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that there is also a contact portion on the Foundation website for those who may be interested in joining the foundation Board. Mayor Levine stated that Board members will also be present at the Summer Concert the following night, for those residents who may want to speak with members of the foundation. Councilor Paper stated that he has the fortune of knowing a student who received a scholarship and agreed that it was a great choice. B) OHEYAWAHI INTERPRETIVE DESIGN (PHASE III) Natural Resources Manager Krista Spreiter stated that tonight, there will be a presentation for the final design of the project and provided background information. Regine Kennedy, Full Circle, presented an introduction and provided information on the site experience, design guidelines, and assumptions. She presented the proposed design and interpretive items for different places on the site. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that they are making great progress, recognizing that a lot of people have an interest in the project, and asked if there would be options for a guided tour again this year or other public engagement. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that residents with questions can reach out to City staff. He stated that the tour was par[ of Heights Fest last year, and unfortunately, members of the Task Force are not available for it this year. Gail Lewellan stated that if they received a request, they would try to accommodate that. Councilor Maczko commented that it is great to see how this is moving forward. He commented that the concept of parking bikes is great but asked if there would be additional deten•ents that would prevent bikes from going on the trail, as some people may not read the sign. Duty 7, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of ]0 Ms. Kennedy stated that there would be signage at the entry, and the hail would then narrow, with a sharp turn, before someone went up the hill. Councilor Paper asked for information on the Dakota Advisory Council and its membership. Ms. Kennedy reviewed the different members of the Council with whom they worked. Juanita Espinosa commented that they are also mentoring others to increase the membership of the Council. Mayor Levine commented on the great storytelling and knowledge of the history of the site possessed by Ms. Espinosa. She asked for more information on the seven council fires and asked if the stones are being moved. Sam Olbekson, Full Circle, replied that there would be changes to how that is approached and options for shade to better highlight that area. Ms. Espinosa commented that it is wonderful that people want to go to the site, but there are concerns with safety and erosion right now. She commented that it would be addressed as part of this phase. Mayor Levine acknowledged and thanked all members of the Task Force who have been involved in this process. She asked how the structures that will be funded with the bond funding would be integrated into the plan/process. Gail Lewellan commented that the capital improvements would be integrated into a separate phase, noting that Full Circle is working with the contractor on those structures and trail design. She hoped that they would be able to work on capital improvements next year. Councilor Maczko referenced an item on the Consent Agenda related to a donation for a property valuation appraisal, explaining that a donation was received to fund an appraisal for if/when that property comes up for sale, so that it could be combined with the site. He recognized the work that has gone into this process, which is important for the property, Mendota Heights, and the entire region. Gail Lewellan agreed that there would be a benefit in adding that property to the overall site. Mayor Levine recognized that this is a unique treasure that happens to be located in Mendota Heights and thanked the members present for their hard work and presentation. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT— POLICE STATION AND CITY HALL UPDATE AND AWARDING GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES CONTRACT AND PROJECT UPDATE Tuly 7, 2026, rYfendom Heights City Council Page 3 of JO Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided an update on the project status and stated that the City Council is asked to award a contract for geotechnical services for the Municipal Campus Building Project, Councilor Maczko stated that both companies are reputable. He asked and received confirmation that although Braun would complete deeper borings, that would be at an additional cost to the City. He acknowledged that there is not a large cost difference between the two proposals. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that if suitable material is not reached at 30 feet, the contractor would contact the City to receive authorization to go deeper. He stated that Braun provided more detail in its proposal; therefore, staff felt that it was a higher -quality and more thorough response. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the proposal was sent out more broadly, and only two responses were received. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek was not aware of the number of vendors the bid was sent to but noted that these are the two big firms that do this type of work. Councilor Maczko stated that the packet states that the bid was sent to three firms, and these were the two that replied. Mayor Levine asked for clarification on the action before the Council tonight. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that authorization is requested to award the professional services contract. Councilor Paper asked for information on the timeline and when the determination will be made if additional borings are needed. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek explained that the rig and borings would all be done within that first span of days, and the contractor would know if they need to go deeper while they are on site. Councilor Maczko stated that the AET proposal stated that they would not be completing an environmental review of groundwater and asked if that would be needed. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that the groundwater would not be tested as part of this process. He explained that in previous reports, there may be timbers from previous railroad ties, which is what they would be interested in, and that was detailed in the Braun proposal. He stated that if additional environmental investigative work is desired, that would be done separately. Councilor Mazzitello moved to award A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO BRAUN INTERTEC FOR MUNICIPAL CAMPUS GEOTECHNICAL SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $22,200, Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 J¢¢ty 7, 2026, Hlendota Heights City Council Page 4 of IO City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided an update on the Municipal Campus project and stated staff have been working with the architects with the new direction provided by the Council to reduce the size and cost of the building. Councilor Maczko recognized the desire to reduce the size of the project and as if the scope is limited to reducing the square footage or whether other options are also being considered that may reduce the cost. He stated that constructing at another location on the property could also result in cost savings. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson confirmed that all options are on the table and noted that she has forwarded all the comments submitted to the architects. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if other shapes for the building are being considered that could reduce the impact on the ballfield. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that different shapes have not been looked at. She commented that a t-ball field could fit onto the green space, but there will be additional discussion with the Two Rivers Athletic Association (TRAA) at the next work session to determine their needs. Mayor Levine welcomed comments from the public Shane Wright, 1908 Glenhill Road, commented that he is very familiar with this site and has experience as a real estate developer. He stated that most city halls are two stories, as it is less costly to build and maintain. He believed that adding an additional story to the existing building would reduce the cost. He did not believe the plans had much thought given to the ballfield and believed the City should consider adding a second story rather than building as proposed. He stated that he would like to see soil borings on the east side, as he believed there may be stronger soils on that side. He commented on the hours families spend on the ballfield and believed that there should be more thought given to that. He stated that if the field cannot be maintained, there needs to be a solid plan to replace that field, as there are no other options for fields north of 62. John Nides, 2094 Patricia Street, referenced the statement that everything is on the table and disagreed. He stated that he has spoken to hundreds of residents, and 368 names were submitted to the City, and the purpose of that was engagement and to inform residents. He thought the City should have done the borings earlier in the process, which would have allowed better discussion as to what could be built on the site. He believed that they should also be considering the renovation and potential expansion of the current facility, relocation of the Police station to another City -owned property, and preservation of the ballfield. Steve Boley, 975 Caren Road, stated that he agrees with the statements of the previous speaker. He stated that he has been disappointed by the process, and when he speaks to his neighbors, they are concerned with the potential increases to property taxes that would result from this project as proposed. He stated that they are equally concerned about losing a historic ballfield and building. He would like to see the existing building renovated. He believed that it was economically and environmentally irresponsible to tear down the building to build new. He commented that if this continues to move forward, he will work to push for a referendum. Jule 7, 2026, h4endota Heights CiqCouncil Page 5 of 10 Janine Joseph, 1915 Walsh Lane, commented on the updates she has made to her own home, which was built in the 1950s. She commented that this is a beautiful building, but was perplexed that this continues to move forward, as no one appears to be in favor of this. She asked the Council to take a step back to think about this, as people are unhappy about this. Bernard Friel, 750 Mohican Lane, commented on the changes that have occurred in the last 70 years, during which he and his wife have been members of the community. He stated that this City Hall was built in the 1980s and was projected to last 50 to 60 years. He stated that the Council has a history of conservative spending, but this Council has increased the budget by 35 percent over the past five years. He commented on the impact of those increases on residents, along with special assessments, increases implemented by the County, and general inflation. He did not believe that the City Council was being considerate of those increases when considering the design and cost of the municipal campus. He noted that this project would be the largest undertaking the City has ever had and is proposed to occur without a referendum. He commented that there is no compelling reason or justification to build a new City Hall, as the current facility is working well. He believed that with some updates and additional space, the building could fulfill the project lifespan of 50 to 60 years. Jerry Slayer, 738 Medora Court, commented that he likes the community and believes that the elected officials have done a good job up to now. He commented that the problem with the project is that a significant percentage of voters are not aware of the project or the justification behind the largest expenditure that the City has ever made. He recognized that this is not for lack of effort on the City's part in trying to spread the message. He stated that the voters are now receiving the message and backlash of the large project cost and growth in the City budget over the past five years, which impacts property taxes. He encouraged the City to present the backstory and need for the project and to follow the path of a referendum. He asked what benefit that taxpayers would receive in return for their contribution to the project. He commented that he is satisfied with the services provided by the City and could not imagine that the City would need additional services that would require an expenditure of this magnitude. Holly Farber, 1701 James Road, stated that she is not surprised or disappointed, as she has been following this process for along time. She stated that the City has been doing an excellent job communicating, and it is the responsibility of residents to follow along and pay attention. She stated that at the last meeting, Police Chief Kelly McCarthy did an outstanding job explaining the need for the project and the reason behind collocating. She commented that residents have a personal benefit in the building because they need the Police to be in a safe and secure building. She stated that she feels a strong stake in paying her share to provide the Police and City staff a safe working place. She commented that residents receive outstanding value for the taxes they pay to the City. She recognized that this is an investment for the future, and the City has done an excellent job. She stated that while it is a beautiful concept to renovate an existing building, because she has paid attention, she knows that the building experts do not think that it is a wise move for a number of technical reasons. She recognized that renovation of the building was the first step, but it was considered unwise, a poor financial decision, and not recommended for the long- term. She stated that the City is doing a great job listening to the professionals to build for the future. She commented that there are negative comments in this room, but there are many, many residents not in this room who support the project. Jennifer Faulkner, 1681 Lilac Lane, stated that in the last four or five months, she has been completing her own poll of property values and taxes paid by those property owners. She commented that she has July $ 2026, Mervdo(a Heights City Council Page 6 oj10 asked similar questions in previous places she has lived, and by far, Mendota Heights has the lowest taxes. She stated that as a resident, she receives excellent City services and commented on the great parks and work done by the maintenance staff. She commented that she believed the reduced project scope would be around $22,000,000, which would equate to $30 a month for her in taxes. She commented that the increase would still not compare to the high cost of taxes paid in other communities. She stated that cost keeps the Police Department in Mendota Heights and keeps the community safe, and believed that to be worth $30 a month. She commented that no one has thanked the City for the services it provides within the tight City budget. She stated that Mendota Heights is a great place to live, and she supports the project. She commented that she and her husband have spoken with many other residents who also support the project. She was glad that the City Council was listening to the Police Chief and responding to their needs. John Farber, 1701 James Road, commented that in the past 13 years, the value of his home has increased by $200,000 to $300,000. He stated that one reason properties maintain their values is because of the services and safety the City provides its residents. He recognized the conservative fiscal management of the City and stated that they need to continue to keep the community desirable to buyers and residents by continuing to provide great City services. Lynn Burrow, 1219 Victoria Curve, stated that they need to save the ballpark. She commented on the changing demographics of her neighborhood, with more children, and stated that they love the ballfield. She stated that removing the ballfield would change the character of the area. She also believed that the people need a voice in this process because this is a lot of money for 11,000 people to pay. She did not believe that the building was a teardown. She commented that people work in the building for eight hours a day, and they should fix and maintain it, as people do not live in the building. She stated that these are hard times for people, and this is a lot of money. She stated that if they do not reduce the cost to $15,000,000 or $20,000,000, she will go get the signatures to force this to a referendum. Dewy Smith, 1088 William Court, commented on the history and age of the hospital buildings in which he has worked. He asked the City to compile a list and video of things that are deficient in the existing building and to share that information with residents. He suggested that the old gymnastics building be purchased and used for the Police Department. Tom Clifford, 1792 Sutton Lane, asked if there would be a referendum on this, as he believes that there should be a voice for residents. He stated that he is not currently in a position to support his share of a $33,000,000 project. Scott Van, 1870 Hunter Lane, thanked the Council for taking the direction to reduce the scale of the project, but recognized that many people, including himself, were still not happy about that. He asked the City to consider a lower -scale plan, which would be the renovation of the existing facility. He stated that while communication has been better in recent months, he believed that it was lacking in the beginning. He stated that no one disputes that the Police Department needs more space, but it does not need to be luxurious, and the 18 staff members at City Hall can work within the confines of the smaller scope project. He referenced language from the report on the existing facility, which appears to reflect that some of the issues occurred in the past and others could be improved or resolved for a much lower cost. He stated that he has more concern for the 11,000 residents than the 18 staff members, as most residents will not set foot in the building for years at a time. July 7, 2026, Mendota Freights Ci✓)Coanvci] Page 7 of 10 Kathleen Strombeck, 1872 Summit Lane, commented that she does not believe that this project has been presented to residents in the right way. She stated that while she would hate to see it go to a referendum, at this point, she would not be opposed to that. Jill Smith, 625 Hampshire Drive, stated that she was a previous City Council member from 1991 to 1999, which was a time of tremendous growth for the city. She stated that she is not opposed to the improvement of the facilities that they have, acknowledging the needs of the Police Department. She realized that City staff have also grown and would like more information on the anticipated growth of City staff, as the population is not anticipated to grow much more. She believed that the wrong focus is being put on this, as this is not an all -or -nothing decision. She commented that the proposed solution is going down the wrong path, as they should look more at what can be done with the existing building. She commented on the low property taxes of the community and believed that they should continue to review how they solve the problems. Scott Van stated that he has spoken with two former mayors of Mendota Heights who believe that the project is too costly and needs to be scaled down. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Maczko thanked everyone who attended tonight and provided their input, recognizing the importance of community engagement. He stated that to him, it is clear that they need to put things in a format that answers questions that appear to be unanswered as the project moves forward. He recognized that people agree that there is a need, but the difference lies in what the solution may be. He stated that he would like to save the ballfield, but he is unsure whether the existing building can be reused. He stated that he does not support a referendum because it raises the price of the project. He felt that if they could do their job in communicating the need for the project and the proposed solution, a referendum would not be needed. He stated that from what he has heard from residents, it seems people agree there is a problem, but perhaps there is a lower -cost solution. He recognized the time committed by those who are elected and stated that no one on the Council is doing something in an attempt to hurt the community and is trying to make decisions for the betterment of the community. He hoped that everyone had a great holiday and that they continue to enjoy the rest of the summer. Councilor Paper asked staff to provide an update on the Valley Park project. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that the Valley Park trail has been closed for the past year for streambank improvements. He stated that the trail was scheduled to open on July Yd� but there was a water main break on June 26th that caused extensive damage to the trail and bridge. He stated that repairs are underway, and some modifications will be necessary for the trail design. He anticipated that the trail would now open in mid -August. Councilor Paper thanked those who attended and the people who spoke tonight. He stated that the topic of a referendum continues to come up. He explained that a referendum is not a menu of choices and would July 7, 2026, Mendota Heights CihCouncil Page 8 ofl0 be a yes -or -no question, which causes further delays and cost increases. He stated that Council and staff have spent many hours and meetings discussing the remodel option because they recognize that you do not just tear things down, but the Council determined that it would be irresponsible to spend the money remodeling something with all the unknowns they would run into. He stated that they are here and continue to listen to the people. He commented that this is not a legacy project, as the members of the Council are here to represent the community and do what is best for the community. He recognized that it is a complex task, trying to thread the needle and find the solution that is best for everyone. He commented that there is a small segment of the community present tonight and a segment of the community they have not heard from, who recognize that they are doing this for now and the future. He stated that they will have to continue to work hard to find the solution, as the people who are coming in now are not happy with what they are presenting. He encouraged residents to tour the facility and better understand the conditions of the current facility. He stated that they have put themselves in a spot where they have to do something because there are no other options, and they are trying to move forward in the most reasonable and fiscally responsible manner they can. Councilor Lorberbaum hoped everyone had a wonderful holiday and thanked the staff members who were involved in the fireworks, recognizing that it takes most of the day to set up and prepare for the event, as well as clean up after. She stated that this Fourth of July celebrated the 2501h anniversary of the country. She recognized that they had gone through tough times as a country recently, but they will get through them, as they have done in the past. She recognized that democracy takes participation and thanked those who attended tonight to provide their input. She commented that she would like to save the ballfield and initiated a meeting between staff and TRAA, and they continue to look at options. She stated that the Mendota Heights Community Foundation is also being brought into the discussion to assist with the relocation cost. She encouraged residents to share additional ideas they may have. She asked the City Attorney to explain when a referendum can occur. City Attorney Amy Schmidt stated that a referendum that was proposed on the petition circulated would be an advisory election, which the City Council is not authorized to do. She stated that a referendum related to the funding would be the only thing that would be allowed by statute, which would be a reverse referendum that could occur if the Council moves forward and holds a public hearing on the issuance of capital improvement bonds, and would only relate to the funding mechanism. Councilor Maczko asked and received confirmation from the City Attorney that the decision to move forward with the project is not subject to a referendum. He stated that the decision of how the project is funded is what could be subject to a reverse referendum and asked if the Council could make the decision to put the question about the funding out to a referendum. City Attorney Amy Schmidt stated that it would depend upon the type of debt the City is issuing. She stated that if capital improvement bonds were to be used, that would not be a question that could go to a referendum and would only be subject to a reverse referendum if applicable. She stated that if a different type of bonding were to be used, that would be a different process. Councilor Maczko asked for more information on the referendums the School District puts out. City Attorney Amy Schmidt stated that she cannot comment on what type of debt the School District uses Ju/y 7, 2026, iLlendota Heights Ciry Cou�acil Page 9 of 10 Councilor Lorberbaum stated that some people have made comments that the Police do not need certain elements because those types of crime do not happen in Mendota Heights. She likened that to the Fire Department, which does training for events and fires that may happen rather than only those that have happened. She thanked the residents who continue to be engaged as they continue to find the right solution. Councilor Mazzitello echoed the comments of the previous members of the Council and also thanked those who have provided input tonight. He recognized the challenge that had been put to the Council to look at things through a different lens and challenged that to the residents. He asked the residents to look into the history of the existing building, noting that this building has not been properly maintained, which is part of the reason it reached the end of its life so quickly. He stated that he will meet with any residents interested in explaining the history of the building and why it cannot be saved. He shared his last historical fact about the 250a' anniversary of the birth of the nation. He recognized the accomplishments that the nation has been able to accomplish together, based on the wager that was taken by those who committed treason to declare the country a free nation. ADJOiJRN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:18 p.m. StepW� ie 9 Levine Mayor ATTEST: GJP/ a cy B er Ci Clerk July 7, 2026, Mendota Heights Clty Council Page 10 of IO