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09 01 2026 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, September 1, 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, and Maczko were also present. Councilor Mazzitello 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 Paper 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 Paper moved approval of the consent agenda as presented, pulling items A and J. a.ApproYal of August 18, 2026, City Council Minutes b.Approval of August 18, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes c.Approval of August 18, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes d.Acknowledge the June and July Par 3 Financial Reports e.Approve Resolution 2026-54 Approving an Administrative MRCCA Minor Development Permit for 1143 Orchard Circle (Planning Case No. 2026-16) f.Adopt Resolution 2026-55 Providing for the Issuance and Sale of$ I ,010,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds, Series 2026A g.Approve June 2026 and July 2026 Treasurer's Report h.Approve Purchase Order for Lift Station Security Improvements 1.Approve Out-of-Metro Travel Request J.Aeknov;ledge IQ & 2Q Finaneial and Building Aetivity Reports k.Approval of Claims List Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A)APPROVAL OF AUGUST 18, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Councilor Maczko stated that a resident spoke at the last meeting and sent in comments that she wanted added to the minutes. He stated that the City Clerk stated that she had listened to the meeting recording and that the minutes substantially reflect what was said, but the resident felt strongly that she wanted all of her comments detailed. He asked for clarity and whether those statements could be added to the minutes. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that the Council could choose to add the verbatim comments as specified by the resident, but then also suggested that the Council provide direction on how it would like the minutes prepared in the future so that it is consistent from public commenter to public commenter. She stated that if verbatim comments are going to be allowed for one commenter, it should be done for all. Councilor Maczko agreed, but noted that he has not had a problem with the minutes as they have been prepared. He stated that if someone took the time to read the minutes and wanted their comments reinforced, he does not see a problem doing that, but also did not see a need to make verbatim comments a policy going forward. He commented that the things the resident brought up seem impo1iant to them and did not see a problem making the changes as requested for this instance. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson confirmed that it is a choice of the Council as to whether they would like to allow a transcript of the one resident's comments if they so choose. Councilor Maczko summarized the proposed changes suggested by the resident, which were provided in writing to the Council. Mayor Levine asked if the proposed action would be to provide a transcript of one resident's comments within the minutes. Councilor Lorberbaum believed that it is different than a transcript in that if the City Clerk verifies that the comments requested by the resident were said at the meeting, they could be added in the minutes as requested rather than a full transcript. Councilor Maczko agreed. Councilor Maczko moved to approve the AUGUST 18, 2026, CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WITH THE NOTED ADDITION OF THE SUMMARY OF COMMENTS PROVIDED BY LYNN BURROW. September 1, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 2 of 14 Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 J)ACKNOWLEDGE IQ & 2Q FINANCIAL AND BUILDING ACTIVITY REPORTS Councilor Lorberbaum referenced page 64 and asked for clarification on the statement that property tax revenues are not received until July 2026. She asked about the purpose of that statement when the repmi is dated September 1, 2026. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker explained that the property tax revenue shows zero percent for the first two qumiers, so that statement was added to provide clarity, as the property tax revenue is shown in the third quarter report. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to acknowledge IQ & 2Q FINANCIAL AND BUILDING ACTIVITY REPORTS. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PRESENTATIONS A)POLICE DEPARTMENT SQUAD PROGRAM UPDATE Police Captain Wayne Wegener provided an overview and update on the squad program. Councilor Lorberbaum asked for more information about shore power. Police Captain Wayne Wegener provided additional explanation on the charging system and the gas that is saved by using shore power. He reviewed the outcomes and benefits of the progrmn as well as sustainability. Councilor Maczko commented that the progrmn seems to be successful and asked about the total number of squads. Police Captain Wegener replied that for patrol and administration, there are 22 squads. Councilor Maczko asked when an Officer's shift starts if they take the vehicle home. Police Captain Wegener replied that the shift does not begin until the Officer anives at the department for roll call, unless there is a priority call. Councilor Maczko asked the mnount of time that would be spent here with the car idling versus being in the car or somewhere else. Police Captain Wegener replied that it would be call-dependent. He noted that processing evidence or receiving victim statements would require a car to idle longer. September 1, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page3 of 14 Councilor Maczko noted another department toured and the comment that was made that Officers prefer to park outside because it is more convenient than parking in a garage. He noted that should be considered as they are looking to invest in a building and ensure it is right-sized. He stated that he has received questions from residents related to the fuel usage to and from home and whether additional maintenance costs are also considered. He also made reference to a fee that is set by the Police Chief and believed that the City Council sets the fees, or should at least be ratifying that. Police Captain Wayne Wegener stated that when the program was designed, they looked to recoup the costs for fuel, recognizing that there would be some expense for maintenance. Police Chief Kelly McCarthy stated that, as they have discussed with the Council, she does not set the fee, and that is based on a rolling five-year average of fuel costs in Minnesota, based on the highest number. She stated that the IRS is not used for mileage because other things are built into that formula. She stated that the type of driving Officers do on shift is nothing like routine driving. She commented that because of the wear and tear on a vehicle during shifts, it would be unfair to say driving the vehicle home places more maintenance costs on the vehicle. She noted that all those factors were considered when the fees were set. Councilor Lorberbaum asked why some people choose not to take a vehicle home. Police Captain Wayne Wegener stated that not everyone qualifies because of the program requirements for the vehicle to be parked indoors or under security surveillance. He stated that 75 percent of Officers take the vehicle home. Councilor Paper used the scenario that an Officer is on their way to or from work and observes an incident. He asked the level of involvement that Officer would need to have because they are in a squad car. Police Captain Wayne Wegener replied that if there was something happening that rose to the level of criminal activity that created a need to be involved, he would anticipate that the Officer would become involved. He noted that similarly, if he were in his personal vehicle and there were an accident, he would still stop. He stated that if the matter is traffic enforcement, the Officer would not stop as they are not on duty. Mayor Levine thanked Police Captain Wayne Wegener for the presentation, noting that over time the program will have a lower cost than the lease program. She noted additional benefits of the program, noting that Officers are allowed to be fully dressed at home rather than having to change at the department, which helps to mitigate the shortcomings of the building. PUBLIC HEARING No items scheduled. NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A)MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT -PETITION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET September 1, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 14 September 1, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Councilor Paper moved to adopt THE RESOLUTION ORDERING AN OPTIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET PURSUANT TO CITY CODE SECTION 12-SD- 1 FOR PROPOSED MUNICIPAL CAMPUS PROJECT. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Paper commented that 190 residents spoke through the petition. He stated that the City has been clear about the project and there has been transparency throughout that the project is being built to the high standard that the City holds others to. He stated that they are completing this process over a turf grass ballfield, but that is what the community is asking for. He recognized that this is not something the City has to do, recognizing that they will be spending $25,000 to $40,000 to feel good about what they do at a time when they are working diligently within the budget workshops to trim and cut whatever they can to hold costs as low as possible while continuing to provide the best level of service to the residents in this community. He stated that this is a lot of money and every time they spend money, he hopes that it is justified. He stated that 190 people have asked for this, and if they do not do this, it will create more problems and delays. He stated that the transparent report will be provided and hoped that this will not increase costs any further. He stated that the Council is working hard to keep costs low to residents, recognizing that the County has left them in a terrible position with their proposed levy increases along with the rising costs of the economy. He stated that the City is working within B3 standards and believed that these are not the best-guided dollars, but they are responding to what 190 people have requested. Councilor Maczko stated that he will also be supporting this. He commented that it may seem like something extra, but they are accountable to residents, and some residents have requested an EA W. He commented that the EA W sets guidelines for things to follow to address the issues. He stated that he did not know that they made the decision to accept the grant and the B3 requirements, so that is news to him. He stated that if the EA W follows the same questions/comments required under B3, it would not be wasted work, as he believed the EA W would follow the same requirements as what would be required under B3. He recognized that there would be impacts to the timing and agreed that the consequences of not doing this are riskier than not doing it. Councilor Lorberbaum echoed the comments of the other members of the Council, recognizing that this is something requested by the residents and will provide necessary information to move forward. She asked Councilor Paper if his motion includes who would complete the EA W. Councilor Paper replied that he would not alter the motion and asked for input from staff on how a consultant would be selected. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek has worked with the engineering consultants and they would probably ask them to submit a proposal. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that professional services are not required to be competitively bid and he would ask the two consulting firms he spoke with to submit proposals, and the Council would be asked to award a contract at its next meeting. He confirmed that ICS would not be involved in the EA W. He stated that there may be some costs through ICS to support the EA W process, as the consultant will need information from ICS. September 1, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 14 Councilor Lorberbaum stated that it is her understanding that ICS would stop working on the project during this time but would provide the consultant with any requested information. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek confinned that is accurate. Councilor Lorberbaum asked when the results from the borings would be known. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek was unsure. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that Braun Intertec has stated that it would be available one to two weeks after the completion of the borings, which took place on Friday, August 21 st . Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 B)MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson provided a brief update on the Municipal Campus Building Project process, noting that all work has been paused since the filing of the EA W petition. Councilor Maczko asked if the work to analyze whether the grant funds will be accepted will also be stopped, and whether the POC meeting will still take place on September 8th . City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that the POC meeting will be canceled and the work on the State grant will also be paused. Parks and Recreation and Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence provided more specific details about the ballfield realignment and associated costs, noting no loss in quantity or quality of fields. She confirmed that she has not done any work on an anticipated cost for a new field at the Municipal Campus location. Councilor Lorberbaum asked if that infonnation could be ready for the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. Parks and Recreation and Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence replied that unless ICS has that information, she could not gather it within one week. Councilor Maczko commented that it would not be her responsibility and believed that a cost was mentioned in a previous ICS report that could be used. Parks and Recreation and Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence provided information on community engagement, noting that a public comment opportunity will be provided at the September 8 th Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. She commented that staff was planning to bring final quotes to the Council at the next meeting in an attempt to avoid any conflicts with TRAA, but that will no longer be the case with the previous action. September 1, 2026, Mendota Heights City Coundl Page 9 af 14 Councilor Maczko echoed those comments and noted that Bricksworth is another great new business in the community. He noted that school will begin in the next week and urged drivers to stay alert for pedestrians. Councilor Paper thanked everyone who came tonight. He wished everyone a happy upcoming New Year for those who celebrate. Mayor Levine thanked all the residents who attended and provided input tonight. She believed that there is follow-up that can be done to make things clearer for the public. She welcomed everyone to the first day of meteorological fall and also urged residents to be alert for pedestrians as school begins. She noted that Happy Joe's has a scoop of ice cream for 99 cents. Councilor Paper moved to adjourn. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 ADJOURN Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m. ATTEST: {lr::;1, �GW V City Clerk September 1, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 14 of 14