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07 21 2026 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, July 21, 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. MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF OFFICER SCOTT PATRICK, EOW JULY 30, 2014 Council, the audience, and staff observed a moment of silence in memory of Officer Scott Patrick. 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, pulling item E. a. Approval of July 7, 2026, City Council Minutes b. Approve Resolution 2026-42 Proclaiming July 2026 as "Parks and Recreation Month" c. Approve Resolution 2026-43 Accepting a Sponsorship for Music in the Park on July 8, 2026 d. Approve Resolution 2026-44 Accepting a Sponsorship for 2026 Legacy Events £ Acknowledge the May Par 3 Financial Report g. Approve the 2026-2027 Seasonal Compensation Plan h. Approve Purchase Order for Concrete Apron on Mendota Heights Road Approve Resolution 2026-45 Ordering Preparation of a Feasibility Report for the 2027 Street Improvements Project Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS E) APPROVE OUT OF METRO TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION — MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE Councilor Maczko noted the financial impact of the conference. He stated that while he supports staff going to conferences, he questioned the $220 allowance per day for meals. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence stated that staff is given $220 each for the entire week. She stated that the City uses the federal per diem level that is set for that allowance. She noted that two staff members are going from Tuesday to Friday. She stated that $50 per day is set, and if staff exceed that amount, they would pay the difference. Councilor Maczko moved to approve OUT OF METRO TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION — MINNESOTA RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATORS NORTHERN LIGHT AWARDS Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson reported that the City has received awards for communication initiatives for 2025 from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators. The Northern Lights Awards recognize outstanding work in Minnesota's government, education, and nonprofit communications. Councilor Lorberbaum recognized the work of staff and asked if the awards would be on display at City Hall. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson confirmed that the awards would be added to the other past awards the City has received and would be on display at City Hall. Councilor Mazzitello commented that these awards are a testament to how well the City communicates. Mayor Levine commented that videos are done collaboratively with Town Square Television and thanked them for that partnership. She also recognized the work of Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson, who is an important part of communications. .Rdy 21, 2026, d7ewdota Heights City Cotovci] Page 2 oj9 PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT — POLICE STATION AND CITY HALL UPDATE AND PRESENTATION BY THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE NETWORK (CJN) Police Chief Kelly McCarthy provided background information on the project and project need. Mary Cerkvenik, CJN Executive Director, introduced herself and expressed thanks for the long partnership with the City. She reviewed the CJN mission and provided background information on the transition from CHIN to CJN. She highlighted the services provided by CJN today, how the organization has slowly grown, and the benefits and efficiencies provided by CJN services. She also reviewed things that can be expected from CJN in the future and more specific information about a records management system (RMS). She provided additional information on how CJN can benefit Mendota Heights. Councilor Lorberbaum referenced the statement that, "this is a Minnesota solution rather than a national solution" and asked about the difference. Ms. Cerkvenik explained that Minnesota law and practice always adds something unique. She provided examples of things that are required in Minnesota that are not federally required. She provided examples of the different forms that CJN uses, versus the one incident report that a national vendor uses. Councilor Lorberbaum referenced the growth from two to nine employees and asked about the anticipated growth for the future. Ms. Cerkvenik commented that they are currently stable with staffing. She commented that if there was additional growth, she would anticipate one employee in the next three or four years. Councilor Lorberbaum asked about the benefit of the employees working together in the same location, versus working in different locations. Ms. Cerkvenik stated that they have done both and found that it is more efficient and effective to have all employees in one location. She stated that they have found a compromise in allowing some remote work while ensuring employees are all in the office on a set number of days as well. She also commented on the benefit of being able to pull in someone from the Police Department to gain their input on matters when needed. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if the current location in Rosemount is asking CJN to leave. Ms. Cerkvenik confirmed that Rosemount is asking them to find another location. She commented that since CJN has started, they have begged and borrowed for any space they have had. She stated that in Inver Grove Heights, CJN was in the expansion space that was then needed, which moved them to Rosemount. She stated that they are in expansion space in Rosemount and that the city is now needing that space. She commented that it is time for the organization to settle, and they hope it is with Mendota Heights, July 2/, 2026, Meixdota Heights Ciry Co:mcil Page 3 of9 Councilor Paper asked for more information about dynamic validation. He referenced the statement that 'Al is not written to get the results you want' and asked for more information. Ms. Cerkvenik explained that AI can take a lot of information. She explained how AI can be helpful and other areas where Al is not equipped to properly create background links and integration. Josh Otis, Commander with the Inver Grove Heights Police Department and CJN Board Chair, stated that he was tapped in 2005 to be part of the implementation of ON in 2005. He provided additional information on the transition of CJN to Inver Grove Heights in 2015. He stated that they did not just provide office space but received collaboration and more benefits than anticipated, and provided examples. He explained that dynamic validation is a tool used to ensure the information submitted within a report meets the State requirements before the report is submitted. Mayor Levine asked for more information on the financial model of CJN. Ms. Cerkvenik explained the original model that was used when CJN was created and how that has evolved. She stated that when they spun off as a joint powers organization, the County provided $470,000 in support. She stated that when that renews in 2027, the contribution from the County will decrease over time and the cities will pay under one formula based on patrol area and population. She commented that cities outside of the JPA pay for services under a different formula and provided an explanation. Mayor Levine asked the annual budget of the organization. Ms. Cerkvenik replied that the annual budget is $2,200,000. Mayor Levine asked about the contribution paid by Mendota Heights. Ms. Cerkvenik replied that she could follow up with that information. Mayor Levine recognized that some system is required, whether it is CJN or another vendor. She stated that Police Chief Kelly McCarthy has provided input on the value Mendota Heights receives from ON. Councilor Maczko asked for clarification on the number of agencies mentioned, as that did not seem to match the number of participating cities. Ms. Cerkvenik provided additional clarification, noting entities that use one or two services from CJN outside of the member cities. She confirmed that those entities pay for the services used. Councilor Maczko commented that Eagan and Lakeville were not listed on the Board of Directors. Ms. Cerkvenik replied that Eagan, Lakeville, and Apple Valley use a different vendor. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if CJN would have someone in the building 24/7. Ms. Cerkvenik replied that there is a support phone that rotates between employees, and if there is a call at night, it would be answered at their home. Mayor Levine asked if CJN is still in an acquisition phase for clients. July 21, 2026, Mewdota Heights City Council Page 9 of9 Ms. Cerkvenik replied that they are being cautious and provided examples. She stated that they will not move faster than they can handle. She also provided examples of additional fees some departments pay for different systems and software that will all be handled through the RMS system. She noted that in the future they may be able to incorporate additional systems that will help to save their members money. B) AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A REPLACEMENT FIRE DEPARTMENT WATER TENDER Fire Chief Dan Johnson provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to authorize the purchase of a new 2,000-gallon single -axle water tender from OSCO Tank and Truck Sales, Inc. in the amount of $308,780, as the replacement for the Fire Department's current Tender 10. Assistant Fire Chief Scott Goldenstein provided additional explanation on the difficulties experienced in finding a replacement tender. He explained that the difference between the used model and new model was about $20,000 and the used model had 197,000 miles on it. He also explained how a tender is used. Fire Chief Dan Johnson explained that the request before the Council would be to order the truck for 2027 delivery. He expected that the current tender would have value and the sale price of the existing tender can be used to offset the cost of the purchase, noting that the donation funds could also be used to fill the gap. He was hopeful that they would be able to fully recover the purchase price through different methods. Assistant Fire Chief Scott Goldenstein commented that emissions standards are also being tightened at the end of the year, so a new purchase would not have to meet those requirements. Councilor Mazzitello asked if there is an estimated value of the current tender Fire Chief Dan Johnson commented that he believed they could get $30,000 to $40,000 for the current tender, but it is difficult to predict. He commented that when they sold Ladder 11, they got more than double what they expected. Councilor Mazzitello stated that he was concerned with the dent that this gap could put into the donation funds, which is listed as a source to fill that gap. Councilor Maczko referenced the specifications, providing the example of a white truck with a red stripe, which seems to be downgrades to what the department currently has, and asked for clarification. Assistant Fire Chief Scott Goldenstein commented that the truck that would be ordered is red and confirmed that the truck would meet the specifications of the department. He did not believe that this would be a downgrade. Fire Chief Dan Johnson commented that the company does not make tenders with all the options because their market is primarily the smaller, rural market with smaller budget departments. He confirmed that the information provided is indicative of the truck that they would receive, and they would work with the vendor to receive the options they need within the proposed cost. Councilor Maczko asked if approving the action tonight would lock them into the specification that was provided in the packet, or whether there would be room for the changes necessary to be made. Jade 21, 202G, Afendota Heights Cil)Council Page 5 of 9 City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that the dollar amount would be the important part and the specifications of the truck could be negotiated within that dollar amount. City Attorney Amy Schmidt confirmed that is accurate. Fire Chief Dan Johnson commented that this came along quickly as a solution to something they have been working on for the past year, which is reflected in not all options being accurate in the specification (such as color), but confirmed that the dollar amount is accurate. Councilor Paper asked how long it would take to spray 2,000 gallons at the end of a long driveway. Fire Chief Dan Johnson replied that it would be dependent on the hose line or appliance being used to spray the water and provided examples. He explained that if they show up with a 2,000-gallon tender and Engine 10, which has 750 gallons, that equates to 2,700 gallons. He stated that they can put out an amazing amount of fire and take out an amazing amount of energy of a fire with that amount of water. He stated that a lot of fires are put out with just tank water from an engine. Councilor Paper stated that one year ago they tasked the department to find a used tender with that set amount of money and recognized that the department has spent the last year trying to do that. He stated that in the end they were not able to find something that met their needs but found a solution that is a little over that price, but not anywhere as high as they anticipated it could be. He commended the Chiefs for their great work. Mayor Levine recognized the work of the on -staff mechanic, Nick, in the Public Works Department, who assists in keeping all the City vehicles in good working order. Councilor Mazzitello agreed that Nick is one of the best mechanics and the City is lucky to have him. Assistant Fire Chief Scott Goldenstein commented on the amount of time and money that Nick has saved the fire department by completing repairs. Councilor Maczko stated that he asked the City Administrator for the ISO rating completed late last year and congratulated the Fire Chief on the Class Three rating. He explained that an insurance rating of three or less ensures that a residential property would not pay anything additional for their insurance. Councilor Mazzitello moved to AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A NEW 2,000-GALLON SINGLE - AXLE TENDER FROM OSCO TANK & TRUCK SALES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $308,780, AS THE REPLACEMENT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT'S CURRENT TENDER 10, Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Jacobson yielded her time during community announcements time to municipal campus project consultants to provide a project update. Kyle Walter, ICS, provided an update on the timeline for the soil borings and the process to reduce the size of the proposed building. July 21, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of Councilor Maczko commented that he would like to see a true schematic design of a building footprint that could save the ballfield in its current location. He agreed that they need to do something, but he does not believe there has been a solid look at a building that could accomplish those needs in the current location. He believed that they should have an honest look at the cost differences and the tradeoffs. He recognized that if they build in the same location, staff would need to be relocated during construction. He stated that he would rather invest money upfront to ensure people clearly understand what they would get, or not get, and even suggested investigating a two-story option. He stated that if they do not clearly explain things and explore these options up front, he believes the residents will find 430 signatures for a reverse referendum, which will lengthen the process. Councilor Maczko moved to DIRECT BKV AND ICS TO CREATE A FULL SCHEMATIC DESIGN ON THE SITE THAT WOULD PROTECT THE BALLFIELD IN ITS EXISTENCE, ALONG WITH THE TRADEOFFS, Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaun commented that they have seen a very lovely plan, which has moved west. She stated that she would like to see what is possible without touching the field. Councilor Paper referenced the statement that ICS is going to create a block schematic and asked for more information. Mr. Walter explained what a block schematic is and explained that it would not include the inside floor plan of offices and other spaces. He stated that part of the presentation tomorrow will also discuss the associated costs, such as relocation costs for staff and efficiencies with soils. He commented that additional dollars have been shown for building on the west, which would include creating a new ballfield. He stated that the potential costs will also include the cost to complete another schematic design. He stated that they will bring that information to the work session tomorrow for the Council to make a choice. Councilor Mazzitello asked if they could also include the schedule impact for creating another schematic design. Mr. Walter confirmed that schedule impact would be included. Councilor Maczko commented that he would like to see a full schematic design that would compare to the current design, recognizing that there will be a cost for that. He stated that perhaps they can also include information on the schedule impact that would occur if there is a reverse referendum. He stated that he wants as many people as possible to feel that the Council is making the best decision on this project. He stated that he wants this to move forward as quickly as it can, but they need to make sure they are doing things correctly in a manner that could be supported. Councilor Mazzitello moved to TABLE THE MOTION ON THE FLOOR UNTIL AFTER THE PRESENTATION THE FOLLOWING NIGHT TO ENSURE A MORE INFORMED DECISION. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Maczko commented that if this is tabled tonight, the next time action could occur is on August 51h, which is a delay. J:dy 21, 2026, dJeradota !!eights CiryCouwcil page 7 of9 Councilor Mazzitello commented that the motion could also be voted down tonight. He stated that he believes that the presentation the following night will provide the information Councilor Maczko is looking for. Councilor Maczko commented that he is unsure that block drawings will be enough. Councilor Lorberbaum asked for more information on what a block diagram is. Mr. Walter explained what is included in a block diagram and related feasibility study. He stated that if the Council chose to proceed with that option, they would then proceed with another level of detail and follow a similar process to the last design. He stated that tomorrow night they will show if the option is feasible and they will present the additional information that will help the Council decide if that is an option they want to proceed further with. He noted that he will also have information on the reduced square footage for the current design. Councilor Paper stated that tomorrow they will not receive the details of the inside of the building, but they will find out if the building could be sited in a different position and the financial impact that would have, if it could be done. He stated that if it is a possibility, they can move forward to the next phase of design rather than waiting until the next meeting to decide if they should move forward. He agreed that they owe it to the community to find out if this is apossibility, and they do not need to know where offices will be located. Mr. Walter commented that two block concepts will be presented at the meeting the following night. Councilor Lorberbaum appreciated that, as that is something she had been wanting for the last few weeks. Councilor Maczko stated that he wants to leave his motion but would support tabling it. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Paper noted a memorial for Scott Patrick at Smith AD on July 30rh at 12:15 p.m., which will be 30 to 40 minutes. He commented that the public is welcome and encouraged to join. Councilor Maczko congratulated the TRAA girls' softball teams that did great in the tournament. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that last year there was a speed camera on Marie. She stated that a new speed camera is up around Delaware and Emerson, which is collecting data for about one month, and provided a summary of that data. She commented that today is the start of the 30-day warning period. She commented that the speed camera takes a picture of the rear license plate when a vehicle is traveling over 41 mph. She stated that after those 30 days, a $40 citation can be issued. She commented that the purpose is not to issue tickets but to have vehicles slow to the legally posted speed of the road. Councilor Mazzitello commented on the asset that Officer Scott Patrick was to the community, as well as his love for Mendota Heights. He stated that the community will not forget the sacrifice that he made for July 21, 2026, Mendota Heights Cit); Council Page 8 of the community. He shared a historical fact from July 19, 1969, when Neil Armstrong and Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin walked on the moon. He commented that if that was possible that many years ago with less technology than exists in a cell phone today, they should be able to come to consensus on silly issues of today. He stated that 18 years ago this month, a young man walked into City Hall to ask questions about a property he was thinking of purchasing and spoke to staff to better understand the property and community. He commented on how times have changed over the past 18 years, including the need for security. He stated that the young man stopped to thank the receptionist, who then stated that people usually do not ask those types of questions and asked what the man did for work. He commented that the man replied that he was a civil engineer and the receptionist handed him an application for employment because their Public Works Director/City Engineer had just resigned. He commented on the interview process that occurred and how he was appointed to the position of Public Works Director/City Engineer, and that is how his experience in Mendota Heights started. He was pleased to see that a member of the interview panel, Ultan Duggan, was in the audience tonight. He commented that today is the 2,383,d birthday of Alexander the Great. Mayor Levine thanked TRAA, noting an earlier work session to discuss alternatives to Mertensotto Field. She noted that it was a great opportunity for them to all sit around the table and have discussion back and forth in a natural way. She expressed thanks for the services to the community provided by TRAA and the collaboration they were able to have together. ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Paper seconded the motion. Ayes: 5 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:47 p.m. ATTEST: wwr LwZ Naficy Bauer City Clerk �f la b Step anie A. Levine Mayor July 21, 2026, Mendota Heights City Comicil Pnge 9 of9