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08 05 2026 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Wednesday, August 5, 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, Mazzitello, and Maczko were also present. Councilor Paper was absent. 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: 4 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 C. a. Approval of July 21, 2026, City Council Minutes b. Approval of July 21, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes s. Approval of the July 22 2020 Git.z Coun,.n WME Session ram. d. Acknowledge Minutes from the May 26, 2026, Planning Commission Meeting e. Acknowledge Minutes from the May 20, 2026, Airport Relations Commission Meeting f. Authorize Signer for Solid Waste Abatement Grant from Dakota County g. Approve Temporary On -Sale Liquor License for Holy Family Maronite Catholic Church h. Approve Geotechnical Evaluation Contract for the 2027 Street Improvements Project i. Approval of Claims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS C) APPROVAL OF THE JULY 22, 2026, CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES Councilor Maczko noted that the date should be reflected as Wednesday, July 22"d rather than Tuesday. He referenced page four, where he inquired about the current bond rate. He stated that the consultant noted that there were ways that the project could be funded outside of general obligation bonds, which would be a way to avoid a reverse referendum. He noted that he made a comment that he would be opposed to any funding mechanism that would avoid the option of a reverse referendum. He felt it important that the statement be reflected in the minutes. Councilor Mazzitello commented that typically the Council requests that the City Clerk go back to the video to document the appropriate statement that was made. It was noted that there is no video for a work session. Councilor Maczko moved to approve THE JULY 22, 2026, CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES WITH THE NOTED CHANGES. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A) SWEARING IN CEREMONY FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIREFIGHTERS Fire Chief Dan Johnson recognized the work of the new firefighters and all members of the department who assisted in getting the new firefighters to this point. Captain Becky Johnson introduced Firefighters Chris Jones, Joe Fitzgerald, John Samec, Nick Segl, and Rachel Miller. These firefighters have completed the in-house fire academy, obtained their certifications, and completed their 12-month probationary period. Mayor Levine administered the Oath of Office to the firefighters. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) RESOLUTION 2026-47 DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FORA 149-FOOT WIRELESS MONOPOLE TO BE LOCATED AT 739 WENTWORTH AVENUE (WENTWORTH PARK) (PLANNING CASE NO, 2026-05) August 5, 2026 Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of I � Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the Council was being asked to adopt Resolution 2026-47 Denying a Conditional Use Permit for a 149-foot wireless monopole to be located at Wentworth Avenue, Doug Barker, The Towers LLC, spoke about the need for a tower, which is driven by use. He explained that the City Ordinance provides a hierarchy of properties to review for this type of use, which led to the proposed park location. He stated that the City entered into a lease agreement, which left them with no option other than pursuing this site. He stated that The Towers LLC and Verizon have no interest in being a bad neighbor to the community or its citizens. He commented that the City signed the agreement, which specifies that there are no encumbrances on the property, noting that this has been found to be untrue. He stated that at the last meeting, residents discovered that $305,000 would need to be repaid to the DNR to remove the encumbrances. He explained that they never would have pursued this site if they had known about the encumbrance, and if this were to move forward, the applicant would pay the $305,000 to remove the encumbrances from the property. He explained the time and funds that have been spent on this process and stated that a tower is needed in this area because of the need for coverage. He stated that if this is denied, they will come back with the best location they can find, disregarding the hierarchy in the Ordinance. He commented that this site complies with all portions of the Ordinance and the Comprehensive Plan. He commented that the change to the monopine design does provide the Council with the flexibility to approve the request with the proposed setbacks and asked that the Council approve the request. Councilor Maczko moved to approve RESOLUTION 2026-47 DENYING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A 149-FOOT WIRELESS MONOPOLE TO BE LOCATED AT 739 WENTWORTH AVENUE, Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaumn stated that public safety has always been a priority for her and they need to do something, but it needs to be the right solution for all residents. She stated that she has recently provided information to the City related to alternatives they can look at. She commented that based on the facts presented, she cannot approve the request tonight in this location. Councilor Maczko stated that he was surprised to be making this motion tonight, as when this started, it was a priority for residents to have better cellular coverage in that area. He recognized that cellular communication has become almost the sole means of communication, as fewer people tend to have landlines. He stated that as this process worked through, there were many good points brought forward that they need to listen to. He stated that he is disappointed in the emails that he and other Councilmembers received, about the Council being responsible for causing division in the community and neighbors not getting along. He did not believe that behavior to be accurate to the type of community that Mendota Heights is. He recognized that there are people who experience problems with cellular coverage along with public safety, but acknowledged that this proposal would not solve the problem with coverage throughout the entire community. He agreed that this is not a simple problem with a simple solution and that they need to find a more comprehensive approach to addressing the issues with coverage that exist in the community. He agreed that this application does not meet the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. He commented that the process of public engagement works when people get involved, and this is an example of that. He asked that residents do that respectfully and respect the positions of others. august 5, 2026 A4endota Heights City Co¢rncil Page 3 of l 4 Councilor Mazzitello stated that it is unfortunate that he has to vote on this tonight, as he lives 400 feet from Wentworth Park and has zero cellular coverage in his home. He stated that he was looking forward to this tower, but cannot vote for it as his job as an elected official is to do what is best for the community rather than based on his own personal opinion. He stated that over the past six months he has received many letters, phone calls, and has been called names because this issue pitted people in the subservice area against residents who are not in the subservice area, and that is wrong. He stated that this type of behavior is not of Mendota Heights. He was pleased to hear that this issue will come back, noting that although he is unsure of the exact location, a tower is needed in this vicinity. He commented that cell towers are everywhere, sticking above tree canopies, and visible to others because they have to be. He stated that a typical cellular antenna has ranges from one to three miles in terms of the service provided. He noted the similarity to cellular service and the loss of FM radio when traveling through hills and valleys in more rural areas. He stated that this two- to 2.5 square mile area of Mendota Heights is not a dead zone, but it is an unreliable zone. He noted that there are four towers that surround this area, but because of the topography, a tower will need to be at least 135 feet tall. He commented that he will not be around when this request comes back, as he will not be seeking another term, which is why he is providing these comments tonight. He stated that when this comes back, they need to find a way to make this work. He stated that the towers on buildings are as high as they can be, because they were not allowed to be higher, but noted that the towers on Two Rivers and Deerwood Bank need to be taller to broadcast into the valley. He asked the Council to help his neighborhood after he is gone from the Council. Cowicilor Lorberbaum stated that for people looking at alternatives, besides cell towers, small cells would be an option, as that could be installed into street lights and utility poles. She noted that it is just one solution they can review. Councilor Mazzitello commented that each microcell unit requires an antenna and has a smaller radius; therefore, to cover the entire area with microcells would require a lot of antennas. He stated that he looked into that option. He stated that most of the comments he received were in opposition to the request, but he received one comment encouraging the Council to look into Space Mobile. He stated that he reached out and had conversations with Starlink and Space Mobile, and they are looking into technology that would allow a cell phone to switch from a land tower to a satellite, but that technology does not yet exist. He stated that the timeframe for that was about ten years and perhaps after that time, towers could be removed. He noted that most of the comments received were some of the nastiest that he has received in his 18 years with the City. Mayor Levine thanked the Planning Commission, staff, Buell Consulting, and the community for the work and input that has been provided throughout this process. She stated that the City Council recognizes the need for improved cell service and nothing about this vote changes that. She stated that cellular service is not something that is nice to have, but something that they must have. She appreciated the input received with positive solutions. She stated that this application has gone through the CUP process, which requires a public hearing, and recognized that land use decisions can be long and messy, but the process works. She stated that in this case, there is information they did not have at the beginning of the process, which is a credit to the community. She stated that with the information before her, she will support the recommendation of staff and the Planning Commission to deny the request. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 August 5, 2026 Mendota Heights City Council pag¢ q o, f�q B) RESOLUTION 2026-48 APPROVING A VARIANCE TO ALLOW AN IMPERVIOUS SURFACE COVERAGE OF 39 PERCENT AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1044 BROMPTON PLACE (PLANNING CASE NO, 2026-10) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider Resolution 2026-48 approving a variance to allow an impervious surface coverage of 39 percent at the property located at 1044 Brompton Place, Councilor Lorberbaum moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2026-48 APPROVING A VARIANCE TO ALLOW AN IMPERVIOUS SURFACE COVERAGE OF 39 PERCENT AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1044 BROMPTON PLACE, Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaum wanted to make it clear that this action is being approved due to circumstances unique to the property, not created by the applicant, and that this will not alter the character of the neighborhood. She stated that while she appreciates that the rain garden is going in, that does not set a precedent. Mayor Levine commented that the Code was revised and they were aware that some parts of the revision need to be adjusted. She stated that pervious pavers are allowed, but slatted decking is considered impervious, even though the rain goes through it, so that does not make sense. She asked that slatted decking be considered as a pervious surface in the future when the revisions are next discussed. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 C) RESOLUTION 2026-49 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW AN 8- FOOT SECURITY FENCE AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1500 COMMERCE DRIVE (PLANNING CASE NO, 2026-11) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider Resolution 2026-49 approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow an eight -foot security fence at the property located at 1500 Commerce Drive. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-49 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW AN EIGHT -FOOT SECURITY FENCE AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1500 COMMERCE DRIVE. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she visits the application locations and noticed that there was a tent set up in the parking area where they were doing motorcycle tricks and therefore could see the need for the fence. Mayor Levine welcomed the new business, Chadwell Supply, to Mendota Heights, August 5, 2026 d2etvdota Heights City Council Page 5 of 14 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 D) RESOLUTION 2026-50 APPROVING A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD) AMENDMENT/FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR UPDATES TO FREESTANDING SIGNAGE AND SIGNAGE DESIGN GUIDELINES WITHIN THE MENDOTA PLAZA PUD LOCATED AT 750 NORTH PLAZA DRIVE (PLANNING CASE NO, 2026-12) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider adoption of Resolution 2026-50 approving a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment/Final Development Plan for updates to freestanding signage and signage design guidelines within the Mendota Plaza PUD located at 750 North Plaza Drive, Councilor Lorberbaum appreciated the staff explanation and bulleted list of items that will be included in the Development Agreement. She asked for more information on allowed colors for the sign. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that color is not regulated in the existing City standards for dynamic display. She stated that the applicant did mention at the concept review that the intention is for the sign to be black, brick, and more modern and that they do not intend to use color, but noted that they do not have anything prohibiting the use of color. Councilor Maczko commented that this was developer -written and believed that the PUD requirements should be similar to existing regulations in the city. He asked how consistent the proposal from the developer is with the existing regulations. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden replied that there are areas that are more consistent and areas that are different because the City regulations no not go into the level of detail proposed by the applicant. Councilor Maczko commented that if the applicant is proposing something better, that is great, but was more interested in knowing about the differences. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden commented on the items that would be consistent with the City regulations. She noted that the Sign Ordinance was not included in the Zoning Code update and is on her agenda to review. She believed that the regulations proposed by the applicant would be reasonable to consider adopting into the Sign Ordinance when they do that review. Councilor Mazzitello thanked the owners of the Mendota Plaza, noting that this is the sixth or seventh update to the property to keep it cunent and in good condition. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-50 APPROVING A FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN —AMENDMENT TO THE MENDOTA PLAZA PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 750 NORTH PLAZA DRIVE. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Further discussion: Mayor Levine asked if the applicant would like to add anything. Avgrsl 5, 2026 dlendota Heights City CoUncrl Page 6 oJ74 Mike Sturdivant, Paster Properties, appreciated the comments they have received throughout this process as well as the assistance provided by staff. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 E) RESOLUTION 2026-51 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW TWO ADDITIONS TO THE EXISTING RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1960 LEXINGTON AVENUE (PLANNING CASE NO. 2026-13) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider Resolution 2026-51 approving a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow two additions to the existing religious institution structure located at 1960 Lexington Avenue, Mayor Levine invited the applicant to address the Council if desired. Chris Thielen, Thielen & Green, spoke on behalf of the applicant and explained that they have worked with the church and congregation for the past year in order to support proposed additions to the space. Councilor Mazzitello commented that it is encouraging to see church communities growing within Mendota Heights. Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-51 APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW TWO ADDITIONS TO THE EXISTING STRUCTURE AT 1960 LEXINGTON AVENUE, Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Lorberbaum commented that she looks forward to seeing growth of a religious institution. Mayor Levine recognized that the church was also approved for a temporary liquor license tonight and commented that she enjoys attending the festivities at the church. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 F) RESOLUTION 2026-52 APPROVING A MISSISSIPPI RIVER CORRIDOR CRITICAL AREA (MRCCA) PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ACCESSORY STRUCTURES AT THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1175 ORCHARD PLACE (PLANNING CASE NO, 2026-14) Community Development Manager Sarah Madden provided a brief background on this item. The Council was being asked to consider Resolution 2026-52 approving a Mississippi River Con•idor Critical Area (MRCCA) Permit for construction of two accessory structures at the property located at 1175 Orchard Place, August 5, 2026 dlendota Heig/its CiryCouncil Page 7 of 14 Councilor Mazzitello asked if the hot tub is considered an accessory structure because it is in the ground, as opposed to sitting on pavers. Community Development Manager Sarah Madden explained that the concept of an accessory structure was updated during the zoning update and provided examples of other structures that are now also considered to be accessory structures. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-52 APPROVING A MISSISSIPPI RIVER CORRIDOR CRITICAL AREA (MRCCA) PERMIT FOR A NEW ACCESSORY STRUCTURE AND HOT TUB AT 1175 ORCHARD PLACE. Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 G) MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT —RESOLUTION 2026-46 DIRECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN B SCHEMATIC DESIGN FOR THE POLICE STATION AND CITY HALL MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT Mayor Levine provided brief background information on the resolution presented by Councilor Maczko at the last meeting, which was tabled to allow the work session and discussions with TRAA to occur. She provided a summary of the discussion that occurred at the July 22nd work session, where the city and TRAA came to a solution agreed upon by all parties. She stated that ICS then presented proposed costs associated with the alternative schematic design. Councilor Mazzitello moved to REMOVE RESOLUTION 2026-46 DIRECTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PLAN B SCHEMATIC DESIGN FOR THE POLICE STATION AND CITY HALL MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT FROM THE TABLE, Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence provided a recap of the discussion that occw•red with TRAA related to the ballfield and Municipal Campus project and the work that staff has done following the work session to obtain quotes. She stated that staff continues to work with TRAA on both short-term and long-term solutions, and staff will return to the City Council when quotes are received. She anticipated that quotes would be received within the next 1.5 weeks. Mayor Levine noted the rough estimate that was provided to retrofit an existing field to be of the same standard as Mertensotto Field. Councilor Lorberbaum noted that they would also need to ensure that the smaller field is replaced. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence acknowledged the direction from the Council to keep the same number and quality of fields. Augisr 5, 2026 Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 14 Mayor Levine spoke about the great collaboration that occurred at the work session between the Council, staff, and representatives from TRAA. Kyle Walter, ICS, provided additional background information and presented information that was reviewed at the work session. The Council was being asked to consider Resolution 2026-46 directing the development of a Plan B Schematic Design for the Police Station and City Hall Municipal Campus Building Project, Councilor Mazzitello asked if the projected relocation cost includes the schematic design cost and inflationary adjustment. Mi•. Walter replied that those costs are not included and confirmed that the relocation cost could be near $2,000,000 with those additions. Councilor Maczko referenced the current schedule, where construction would begin in the fall of 2027 to spring of 2028 with completion in the fall of 2028 or spring of 2029. Mr. Walter explained that once the scope is further defined, they would be able to narrow that timeline. Councilor Maczko noted that it would seem there would only be a four -month difference in the timelines. Mr. Walter confirmed that the difference would be four or five months in the timelines. He confirmed the delay would cause an escalation increase in project costs of $250,000 to $750,000. Councilor Maczko stated that when this was approved in December of 2025, he had many questions about moving forward, and it seems that the decision was made to move forward to schematic design and several options would be presented. He stated that one of those included schematic design for the current location and schematic design for the changed location, with a check -in to occur for the Council to review those. He commented that in June, he again had concerns moving out of schematic design into detailed design as he did not feel they had done adequate work to move out of schematic design and was told that they would figure that out as they continued to move forward. He stated that they still do not have the results from the soil borings, and he feels railroaded that this continues to move forward without changing anything, which is why he made the motion at the last meeting. He commented that his motion was tabled and he was disappointed that the work session revolved around new computer renditions of what the building in the field location would look like, with a five-minute discussion and a couple brief options showing that a building could fit in the current location without impacts to the field and the additional costs that would be associated with that option. He noted that Councilor Paper commented at the last meeting that the citizens deserve to have another option to look at, if they can prove it can be done. He stated that he would like to be in the range of the low to mid $20,000,000s, and the response from the consultant was that for that price they would receive a building of similar square footage to the current building. He stated that it has been mentioned that renovating the existing building to meet the current needs would have a cost of 60 to 70 percent of a new building, whereas previously it was stated that the existing building could be renovated for $6,000,000, which is 20 to 30 percent of the cost. He asked for more information on the discrepancy between those figures. August 5, 2@6 iLlendota Heights CigCotmcil Page 9 of 14 Mr. Walter stated that he has had conversations with Councilor Maczko and City Administrator Jacobson; he cannot take direction from one member of the Council and can only take direction from the full Council, which was to proceed with a dig once option for a new facility in the ballfield location. He stated that prior to that, all options were presented to the Council. He stated that if there is direction from the full Council, they can go back to review other options. He stated that the programming discussions did indicate that additional square footage would be necessary, and ultimately direction was provided to reduce to the 20-year plan. He stated that after schematic design, the Council asked the square footage to be reduced to the immediate need for programming, which is what was presented. Councilor Maczko commented that if they can invest $6,OOQ000 into the current building, that would seem to be a savings of $14,000,000 that could be put towards the expansion to meet the other needs. He stated that nothing he has seen at the work session did a lot to move the marker on the cost. He stated that he is even more convinced that they need to relook at that option. He stated that he asked if there was a mold and water issue but was told that it has been remediated and the issues within the garage could be dealt with during a remodel. He noted that option would also be more sustainable as they would not be tearing something down and starting anew, recognizing that option would still involve relocation costs. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that there is a lot she does not know and there have been a lot of changes. She stated that they keep hearing the figure $33,100,000, but changes have been made to reduce the size and cost. She asked for the current reduced size and cost. Mr. Walter commented that three options were presented at the work session with associated costs that included the needs of today, the ten-year solution, and the 20-year solution. He stated that he did not have those exact numbers with him but noted that the reduction in size from today's need to the 20-year need is 2,000 square feet. He stated that a reduction of 2,000 square feet would not result in savings of millions of dollars. Councilor Maczko believed that the size reduction resulted in a cost estimate of $30,000,000 or $31,000,000. Mr. Walter provided additional explanation on the proposed budget, noting that the State funds for CJN were included in that budget, confirming that the total cost was projected at $35,000,OOQ but was reduced by $4,000,000 that was allocated by the State. He confirmed that reducing the size of the building by 2,000 square feet will not reduce the cost to $20,000,000. He asked for direction from the Council on whether they are looking to meet the programming needs or a certain budget amount. He stated that they can review the option of renovating and expanding the current facility if that is the desire of the Council. Mayor Levine stated that there is a motion on the table and that is not what is being discussed. Councilor Lorberbaum recapped some of the things that have been said related to estimated project cost, whether or not there is an issue with mold that exists, and is unsure of the truth, which makes it difficult to make a decision. She stated that she is very uncomfortable and recognizes there is a cost of nearly $400,000 for a new schematic design. She asked if there is any room for negotiation in that cost. Mr. Walter commented that they are willing to negotiate depending upon the detail desired for the schematic design. August 5, 2026 �ldendota Heights Cite Council Page 10 of 74 Councilor Lorberbaum stated that with the other unknowns- they do not know the results of the soil borings, they do not know the costs related to the ballfield, the Summit building is no longer an option for relocation, and yet she continues to feel pushed to move forward to avoid inflation costs. She stated that there is an election in 90 days and the people who sit on the Council after that time may be different. She stated that they could spend the money on a new schematic design, and whoever is elected and sitting on the Council in January may reject both of those designs. She asked if they should take a pause to ensure they spend the money the right way rather than having to redo things because members of the Council may change. Mayor Levine encouraged the Council to speak to the motion before them. Councilor Mazzitello stayed that he has absolutely nothing to gain by speaking on this issue as he is not running for reelection, but he is compelled to speak the truth to the people he represents. He stated that he does not support moving with Plan B because, for over one year, they discussed different options to discuss the issues that exist with the Police Department and City Hall, which included renovations, demolition, and building a new building on this site. He stated that he is a 34-year-degree civil engineer and the first two-thirds of his career were spent working for the United States Air Force in land development, building buildings. He stated that they unanimously chose the build -once option because this current building was not built to be expanded. He stated that while it may have been the intent and design plan for the building to be expanded to the west, that is not what was built. He noted that it is consistent with other things that were constructed in the 1980s, such as roads that showed appropriate plans but that were not constructed to that standard. He stated that this building was built as cheaply as possible in the 1980s, and all corners that were cut were cut. He stated that while the finishes are nice, every piece of material is as cheap as you can make it, and there have been water issues in the basement since the late 90s due to stormwater intrusion and rising groundwater levels. He commented that there is condensation from humidity in the lower level because ofthe second-rate HVAC system that was installed. He stated that to touch or renovate this building is to tear it down. He stated that the foundation walls are not capable of the load that would be placed upon them from an expansion. He stated that, unbeknownst to ICS or anyone else, he took the concept plan to a friend of his and showed him the schematic design after the reduction and asked him to evaluate it for the needs of a modern 2026 Police Department and City Hall for a 12,000-population community that employs 20 people. He stated that there is another narrative that only eight people are employed at City Hall, which is inaccurate, and noted that showing 20 to 24 workstations within City Hall is appropriate. He stated that the current building was not maintained and explained that when something is built cheaply and not maintained, it really does not last. He commented that mechanical systems needed to be updated, water issues needed to be resolved, and a new roof was needed, but the roof trusses were not strong enough to hold a second layer of shingles. He provided additional examples of cheap shortcuts that were taken in lieu of real improvements and/or repairs. He stated that the requirements for a government building and Police Department are vastly different than they were in 1986, and while he wishes that a City Hall and Police Department could be safe and secure in a shoddily built building, they are not. He commented that people working in and visiting City Hall and the Police Department should feel safe. He explained that because of those reasons, they unanimously decided that the City needs a new building, so it does not make sense to spend additional time and money reviewing an option that is not feasible and has already been reviewed. He stated that the Council moved forward in the right direction in December of 2025 and believed they needed to keep August 5, 2026 A2endo/a Heights Cr1)Council Page 7! of74 moving in that direction. He commented that at the next meeting they would speak about how they could fund this project. Mayor Levine stated that she is going to focus on the resolution at hand, directing development of a Plan B schematic design for the Police Station and City Hall Municipal Campus project. She commented on the input that has been received and community engagement that has occurred, not just this project, but throughout her time on the Council. She stated that one constant has been the need to improve the Police Station. She recognized that residents support the Police Department and commented that something needs to be done and they cannot continue to kick the can down the road. She stated that over the past 12 months they have looked at multiple options and nothing has been off the table, and over time, they landed on the build -once -future option for an estimated cost of $33,000,000, which was unanimously supported in December of 2025. She stated that since that time she has heard both support and concerns from the public. She recognized the concerns related to cost and the desire to build in the current location to avoid impacts to the field. She stated that at the last meeting Councilor Maczko proposed the resolution being considered today. She stated that the direct costs to move the field are around $160,000, acknowledging that does not count the improvements that will be made to the other fields but noted that those are nominal costs. She stated that, on the other hand, the costs for a new schematic design, related delays, and relocation costs would be over $2,000,000. She asked if the public would rather include the cost of the project by $2,000,000, noting that cost is unrecoverable whereas the funds to put into ballfields would result in better fields. She stated that TRAA has been part of this discussion and they have been satisfied. She stated that after receiving feedback from the community, the Council provided direction to shrink the plan from the build -once -future -ready option. She noted that the intention was to build to suit future needs now, when it will be cheaper, and save another Council and additional staff from having to expand in the future. She stated that Mendota Heights is the only city in the state to receive a grant of $4,000,000 for this type of project. She spoke about the poor condition of the Police Department and the environment that Officers are working in. She stated that she does not want to run up costs in this process, and any delay will increase costs, which is not fiscally responsible. She urged the other members of the Council not to support the Resolution as proposed. Councilor Mazzitello stated that they have to live with the decision that was made u1 the past to save taxpayer funds in return for the shortened lifespan of the facility. He called the question on the Resolution. Ayes: 1 (Maczko) Nays: 3 COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Maczko commented that there were 38 Night to Unite parties last night and thanked those who planned and participated in parties. He noted the recent community education catalog that has been released with upcoming programming. He recognized the new firefighters and their families for the contributions they provide to the community. He stated that when people get engaged and you listen to them, sometimes you need to change what you are thinking and refocus. He stated that there seems to be August 5, 2026 d4endota Heights CiryCourvcil Page 12 of 14 a disconnect between what they are thinking and what residents want. He stated that there are good opportunities to visit and network with local businesses that are opening. Councilor Lorberbaum thanked all the residents who participated in Night to Unite, noting that it was a great opportunity to speak with residents and see residents having fun. She stated that she spoke with residents who are working two jobs and cannot afford the property tax increase for the new building, noting that the residents trust and respect the decision -making process. She stated that she is supportive of leaving Mertensotto Field untouched, but she is not willing to spend $400,000 for another schematic design. She believed that could be done for a lower cost. She was worried about putting band -aids on the existing building and the future costs that would bring. She likened the process to the decision whether to continue to fix a vehicle that continues to break down or purchase a new vehicle. She stated that there is a need for a safe, secure, and accessible building for the lowest cost. She stated that they need to do something, and she is concerned that in 90 days, new people may be elected who may change the direction they are going. She recommended a pause until 2027, as it is important to make sure they go in the right direction. She also noted the two upcoming business openings. She stated that she read the 934-page packet for this meeting and shared a statement that was provided by a resident, and believed that is what they need to keep in mind. Councilor Mazzitello stated that he provided a lot of information and research tonight and explained that the Council is elected to make decisions for the residents. He noted that if residents do not like that, they should take the opportunity to vote every two years but asked that those decisions be made based on fact. He stated that last week they somberly commemorated the day Officer Patrick was murdered on Dodd Road, noting that it is also a joyous experience because of the love and sacrifices that Officer Patrick had and made for the community. He stated that it was great to see five new firefighters sworn in and pinned tonight and stated that the community cannot lose its sense of community. He also recognized the work of Community Development Manager Sarah Madden, who did an outstanding job presenting many cases tonight. He shared number nine on his top nine list of the things Mendota Heights has done in the last 18 years that he has served the city. Mayor Levine commented that in her time as Mayor, she has always allowed public comments to be made on items on the agenda, even when it is not required by law. She stated that she honestly did not know that people wanted to speak tonight and asked that in the future, residents alert her that they would like to speak on an item on the agenda. She also reviewed other ways that residents can communicate with members of the City Council outside of a formal meeting. She commented that it was fantastic to visit resident parties last night for Night to Unite, thanking the members of the community, Police, and Fire who participated in the parties. She stated that the people are what make Mendota Heights a great community. ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. August 5, 2026 Meivdom Heights CigCoinvcil Page 13 oj14 Step ie 11, Levine Mayor ATTEST: �'l Sri Natcy Ba r City Clerk August 5, 2026 Mendota Heights City Council Page 14 0(!4