08 20 2026 City Council Work Session MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the City Council Work Session
Thursday, August 20, 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, Police Sergeant Wayne Wegener, and City Clerk Nancy Bauer.
Present for the Fire Department portion of the budget discussion was Fire Chief Dan Johnson,
Assistant Fire Chief Scott Goldenstein, and Firefighters Tom Mattini and T.J. Samec,
FY2027 PROPOSED PRELIMINARY BUDGET REVIEW
City Administrator Jacobson began with the Fire Department and Fire Relief Association
budgets.
The Council reviewed the proposed Fire Department budget, which reflects an overall increase
of 8.34 percent for FY 2027. Staff explained that a portion m the increase is related to higher
information technology service costs, including the addition of cybersecurity services. The
Council discussed a significant increase in the Fire Department's IT services budget. Staff
explained that the Fire Department maintains a separate IT services line item and that the
proposed amount includes the additional costs associated with cybersecurity services.
Fire Chief Johnson also reviewed the proposed increase in the miscellaneous operating supplies
budget. The increase includes $4,000 toward the potential purchase of a rescue boat, for which
the city received a quote of approximately $7,500 from a vendor. The miscellaneous operating
supplies line item is also used for the purchase of other operational equipment and supplies, such
as fans and AEDs.
The Council discussed the Fire Department's budget request for an administrative structure
study. Fire Chief Johnson explained that the proposed study would engage a consultant to
conduct an objective assessment of the Department's administrative structure and provide
recommendations for an administrative model that would support the long-term sustainability of
the paid -on -call Fire Department model.
In response to a Council inquiry, Chief Johnson stated that the purpose of the study is to position
the Fire Department for long-term success, continue to support the Department as it moves
forward, and ensure that required responsibilities and administrative functions are being
effectively fulfilled.
Mayor Levine as if the goal was to keep the fire deparhnent as a paid -on -call staffing model.
Fire Chief Johnson stated that is the goal; however, due to significant administrative and
operational responsibilities associated with the Fire Chief position; there may be a need for a
full-time Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Johnson reported another budget request is for the replacement ofhigh-pressure
rescue lifting air bag system. The current air bag system is aging and approaching the end of its
useful service life.
The Council discussed alast-minute budget request to replace the audiovisual equipment at the
Fire Station. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson reported that the existing system had
malfunctioned and was no longer operational. Staff are pursuing repair options; however,
replacement parts are difficult to obtain and there are limited local technicians available to
service the system. The equipment is used for firefighter training and Emergency Operations
Center activities and was installed as part of the Fire Station remodel approximately six years
ago.
The Council also discussed whether a funding source was available to allow for the replacement
of the equipment in 2026. City Administrator Jacobson suggested that the Cable Fund could be
used to fund the purchase this year. Councilmembers discussed whether or not the Emergency
Preparedness Fund could be used and whether funds used for the purchase in 2026 could be
reimbursed in next year's budget.
The Council discussed the proposed 7 percent increase to the firefighter retirement contribution,
as requested by the Fire Relief Association. Firefighter Mattami reported that the increase would
equate to approximately $560 annually per firefighter and would help support firefighter
retention. In response to a Council question, he explained that the proposed increase was
developed after reviewing pension and PERA benefit increases among other fire departments.
The Council reviewed the Storm Water Utility budget, which operates as aself-supporting fund.
Staff noted that the Council approved a storm water utility rate increase in July 2026. Funds
support programs and improvements including curb -cut rain gardens, surface water treatment,
storm sewer improvements, and pond maintenance.
Public Works Director Ruzek reviewed proposed expenditures, including the required 10-year
update to the City's Surface Water Management Plan, with the current plan having been adopted
in 2018. Staff also presented a request to hire a consultant to develop a plan for addressing Lake
Augusta and to evaluate options for establishing a lake outlet and maintaining a normal lake
level. The study would also identify potential grant funding opportunities.
The Council discussed the Storm Water Utility Fund balance and a reduction in the professional
services budget resulting from the completion of a five-year pond inspection program and recent
pond improvement projects.
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The Council and residents discussed
ongoing concerns regarding
Lake Augusta, including
elevated water levels, water quality,
odor, dead trees,
cormorants,
and phosphorus levels.
Barbara Kauffman, 2126 Lake Augusta Drive, noted she has been a resident of Mendota Heights
for 50 years. A report was recently done by Catholic Cemeteries as they are concerned about
grave sites being under water and she quoted from the report. She also stated that the stench is
unbearable and the cormorants are back. She hopes a solution can be found to correct the lake
issues.
Mary Beth Schueller, 2094 Acacia Drive, noted the lake was named after Henry Sibley's
daughter. There were studies that showed the construction of the highways disturbed the natural
flow of the lake.
Councilor Maczko raised concerns about whether cormorant activity and associated waste may
be contributing to water quality issues in Lake Augusta. It was noted that cormorants are
attracted to the lake in part by the presence of dead trees and that the lake's lack of an outlet
limits natural circulation and flushing. Staff also noted elevated phosphorus levels in the lake and
that a previous phosphorus treatment had not been effective.
Public Works Director Ruzek explained that the proposed study is focused on establishing and
controlling a normal lake level and is not intended to directly address water pollution or
cormorant -related issues. He added that an outlet could potentially improve water quality by
allowing some water to be pumped from the lake, creating a flushing effect. If a lower normal
lake level is established, shoreline restoration may also be necessary.
Kitty Haight, noted she has lived in Augusta Shores since 2001, stated the lake was clear when
she moved into Augusta Shores. There have been studies done on cormorants and there are
multiple problems with Laka Augusta that would need to be addressed.
Councilor Lorberbaum inquired if there is any responsibility that Resurrection Cemetery would
have regarding their private property along Lake Augusta.
Public Works Director Ruzek explained that Lake Augusta is a natural landlocked basin and that
increased rainfall intensity and development within the watershed have contributed to higher lake
levels. Potential funding options for a future outlet project could include grants, property owner
assessments where permitted, contributions or easements from surrounding property owners, or
City funding. The Council noted that the requested funding would support a design and
feasibility study and identify potential grant opportunities, with the understanding that grant
funding could require a local match.
The Council reviewed the Natural Resources budget, which shows a 3.42 percent decrease from
the prior year. Public Works Director Ruzek highlighted the primary changes and discussed
several proposed initiatives, including funding for the development of a potential landscape
ordinance.
The Council discussed the purpose of a landscape ordinance, including establishing standards for
vegetation and landscaping associated with new development. Staff also noted that a shoreline
management ordinance is currently being developed. Public Works Director Ruzek noted that
August 20, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes Page - 3
funds were proposed
in the
budget
for the climate
action and resiliency plan as part of the 2050
Comprehensive Plan.
This
is a top
priority of the
Natural Resources Commission.
The budget request to develop a Valley Park Natural Resource Master Plan was discussed.
Public Works Director Ruzek noted in the budget is a request for a forestry mower mulching
head that would support Natural Resources activities.
The Council then moved to review the Administration budget. City Administrator Jacobson
noted that the Administration budget supports a broad range of City services and highlighted
proposed increases for required safety training, employee training, and professional membership
dues.
Public Works Director Ruzek reviewed a budget request for a cellular signal coverage study.
Councilor Macko noted that Eagan had done a similar study.
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson reviewed a proposed national community survey to
obtain statistically significant information regarding residents' experiences living in the city. The
survey would provide reliable data to help inform future decision -making. The Council discussed
potential methods for residents to participate, including mail, email, and online responses.
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson reviewed the budget request for Microsoft Copilot
licenses for designated office staff which would integrate generative artificial intelligence (Al)
into Microsoft 365 applications. This would allow management over the data for security,
compliance and data protection.
The Council also discussed employee and organizational memberships, with Councilor Maczko
requesting a list of memberships and associated costs.
Staff also presented a budget request for digital asset management software that would provide a
centralized and secure system for storing, organizing, searching, and sharing City photographs
and videos. Staff noted that the system would improve coordination among departments, support
the City's identity and branding, document copyright ownership, assist with ADA compliance,
and help manage risk.
City Administrator Jacobson noted that the election -related budget was reduced because 2027 is
not a regularly scheduled election year, although a special election could occur.
Councilor Maczko inquired about the 46 days of absentee voting and asked directing residents to
vote at a Dakota County service center. City Administrator Jacobson noted that staff had
decided to continue offering absentee voting at city hall for the full 46 days. Finance Director
Schabacker noted that absentee voting at city hall had not been done for an election cycle in the
past and residents wanted to be able to vote absentee at city hall.
Community Development Manager Madden reviewed proposed changes to Community
Development fees, including consideration of new fees for over-the-counter pertnits such as
window replacements. She noted that the proposed fees would be brought forward for Council
discussion at a future work session.
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Mayor Levine asked about the contractual services for code enforcement.
Finance Director Schabacker explained that the related contract costs are tied to building permit
revenues, which were budgeted at a flat level for 2027. Community Development Manager
Madden also reviewed a budget request to contract with a vendor to digitize the City's
permanent large -format building plans.
City Administrator Jacobson stated that the next work session meeting is Wednesday, August 26
at 3:30 pm.
Councilor Maczko inquired about the Engineering Capital Improvement Plan.
Public Works Director Ruzek noted that the asset management program has not gone live yet and
should be ready in mid -September.
ADJOiJRNMENT
A motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Mazzitello, seconded by Councilor Lorberbaum,
and unanimously carried. The meeting ended at approximately 6:35 pm.
Stbohanie B. Levine, ayor
ATTEST:
Nfincy B er, City Clerk
LI
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