08 18 2026 City Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Mendota Heights City Council was
held at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights, Minnesota,
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Levine called the work session to order at 4:30 p.m. Councilors Lorberbaum, Mazzitello
and Maczko were in attendance. Councilor Paper was absent.
Others present included: City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator Kelly
Torkelson, Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek, Parks &
Recreation Director/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence, Community
Development Manager Sarah Madden, Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie, Police Chief Kelly
McCarthy, and City Clerk Nancy Bauer,
2050 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE —STAFF CHECK IN
Community Development Manager Madden requested City Council direction regarding the
preparation of a Request for Proposals for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update. She identified
three topics for Council consideration: (1) whether the RFP should include the creation of an ad -
hoc advisory committee or whether the Planning Commission should serve as the primary
advisory body for the update; (2) whether there are specific public engagement initiatives or
strategies the Council would like incorporated into the process; (3) whether there are any special
topic areas the Council would like to include in the 2050 Comprehensive Plan in addition to the
required elements.
Councilor Mazzitello asked if the RFP included a complete rewrite or an update of the plan.
Community Development Manager Madden clarified that the 2050 Plan would be an update
rather than a complete rewrite. She noted that the update would address the minimum required
elements, provide additional opportunities for public engagement, and potentially include
additional areas of focus. She also expressed support for strengthening the Economic
Development strategy within the plan.
Councilor Mazzitello agreed with Community Development Manager Madden's comments. He
noted that there was an error in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan regarding the density of houses.
The code does not match the comprehensive plan which needs to be corrected.
Mayor Levine inquired about the Metropolitan Council plan for changes to density.
Community Development Manager Madden said there are new requirements and goals for the
2050 Comprehensive Plan, and they would be discussed at a future time.
Community Development Manager Madden questioned whether specialized expertise may be
needed for certain topics within the plan, and noted that the Natural Resources Commission
could assist with the climate section. The Bourne site was also identified as a topic that may
require discussion regarding redevelopment strategies.
Councilor Mazzitello as what an ad -hoc advisory committee would look like.
Community Development Manager Madden stated it would be a short-term advisory group and
look similar to the Natural Resources Commission,
Councilor Maczko agreed with the update rather than a rewrite of the plan. He stated Yhat an ad -
hoc advisory committee could be beneficial in supporting the Planning Commission and in
encouraging broader community engagement. He suggested that the Planning Commission
should take the lead in the process and noted that the need for an ad hoc committee may depend
on the extent of the changes in the proposed plan.
Councilor Lorberbaum expressed support for involving the Planning and Natural Resources
Commissions. She agreed that the plan should be updated and include input from others.
The City Council generally agreed that the Planning Commission should serve as the lead
advisory body for the 2050 Comprehensive Plan Update and that an ad hoc committee would not
be necessary. Council members emphasized the importance of public engagement, including
reaching residents where they are and using targeted focus groups similar to those used during
the Parks Master Plan process. The Council also discussed concerns related to Metropolitan
Council requirements, strengthening the Economic Development component of the plan, and
reaching out to individuals and stakeholders who were involved in the development of the 2040
Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission would play a primary role in guiding public
engagement throughout the update process.
FY202'7 PROPOSED PRELIMINARY BUDGET REVIEW
City Administrator Jacobson and Finance Director Schabacker presented an overview of the
proposed FY 2027 budget and preliminary property tax levy. Staff reported that department
budget requests had been reviewed and that the preliminary budget and levy would be presented
for approval at the September 15 City Council meeting.
The Council reviewed property valuation information provided by Dakota County, including
changes in residential, commercial, and overall property values. Finance Director Schabacker
also reviewed the City's tax rate in comparison with other Dakota County communities and the
anticipated impact on Mendota Heights taxpayers. The proposed overall tax levy represents a
3.56 percent increase over 2026, while the General Fund budget reflects a 4.81 percent increase.
Staff reviewed major budget assumptions and cost drivers, including proposed cost -of -living
adjustments, health insurance contributions, the Minnesota Paid Leave Program, and anticipated
workers' compensation costs. The results of the annual compensation study were also discussed,
including proposed market adjustments for three positions. Staff also reviewed the City's seven -
step pay scale. Labor and benefit costs were reported to comprise approximately 65 percent of
the General Fund budget.
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The Council reviewed several General Fund revenue sources and assumptions, including
licensing fees, building and heating permits, right -of --way permits, forestry fees, park and field
use fees, and revenues associated with police and fire service contracts. Staff explained that some
revenue estimates were conservative and that certain revenues fluctuate based on development
activity, utility work, and other factors. The Council also discussed the methodology used to
calculate contract revenues from neighboring communities for police and fire services.
The Council discussed the City Council budget, including the proposed funding of community
fireworks. Staff noted that $25,000 was included for fireworks. The Council discussed the
possibility of outside funding through the Mendota Heights Community Foundation. Councilor
Lorberbaum stated that the Foundation would like to pay for the AED's installed in city parks
first but that they have not raised enough money for those costs and that it would be unlikely that
the Foundation would be able to contribute to funding fireworks.
Councilor Maczko stated that a list should be created of items being considered for removal from
the budget.
Staff reviewed proposed City Council budget requests, including the installation of Council
Chamber microphones to provide audio recordings of Council work sessions and the purchase of
City -issued iPads for Council members to facilitate a transition to electronic meeting packets.
The Council discussed the benefits and challenges of moving to paperless packets, including
potential cost and time savings, note -taking, device security, and public records considerations.
Staff noted that several City commissions have already transitioned to paperless meeting
materials.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Mazzitello, seconded by Councilor Lorberbaum,
and unanimously carried. The meeting ended at approximately 6:46 pm.
Stephan e B. Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
G t
ancy BAder, Cit Clerk
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