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08 18 2026 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY STATE OF MINNESOTA Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held Tuesday, August 18, 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 PRESENTATION OF A CITIZEN'S AWARD OF MERIT Police Chief Kelly McCarthy provided information on an incident that occurred on June 29, 2026, and the actions taken by Michael Mealman. She presented Mr. Mealman with the Citizen's Award of Merit. Mr. Mealman commented that he worked a long, ten-hour day, and when he received the alert, he made the decision to go back to the area where he had seen someone matching that description. He then called the police and stayed with the man until the police arrived. Mayor Levine thanked Mr. Mealman for his efforts. Councilor Maczko thanked Mr. Mealman for not walking away and making the decision to be involved. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mayor Levine commented that many years ago, a group of neighbors came to the City Council to request a dog run at the Marie Park hockey rink. She stated that the chambers were full of people who wanted to be heard and instead, the Mayor held the vote without public input. She remembered feeling frustrated, which is one of the reasons her practice has been to allow public comment, and for almost six years that has happened, until two weeks ago when a vote was taken before the public spoke. She commented that was unintentional, and she recognized that the job of the Council is to listen to residents. She stated that going forward, public comments will be a regular part of the Municipal Campus Project item, after the staff report is provided. She stated that public comments are comments that are not vetted and occur just before discussion and a vote of the Council. She recognized that public comment is not the same as a conversation or input provided through email, where there would be an opportunity to fact -check. 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 items A and F. b. Approve Contracts for the 2026 Street Maintenance and Striping Projects c. Approve Resolution 2026-53 Resolution Formally Authorizing Participation in the 2027 Minnesota Department of Public Safety Traffic Enforcement Grant d. Approve Purchase Order for Main Lift Station Flow Meter e. Authorize a Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County and the City of West St. Paul for Delaware Avenue Reconstruction Improvements f. Approval of�a,. ims List Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A) APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 5, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES Councilor Maczko stated that at the last Council meeting there was a comment made about protocol and that if there was a question about the minutes, that should be presented to the City Clerk, who can then review the recording. He asked what the official record of a meeting is, whether that is the video or the approved minutes. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that the official record of the proceedings is the minutes, as the City is not required to cablecast or record City Council meetings. She referenced Councilor Maczko's request and stated that the approved action was to amend the minutes, noting that the City Clerk would follow that direction to amend the minutes. Councilor Maczko asked if he followed the appropriate protocol or whether he should have brought that concern to the City Clerk ahead of the meeting. He asked where the amended minutes would be found. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson commented that grammatical changes are often sent to her ahead of a meeting and are then made ahead of a meeting where those minutes will be reviewed. City Clerk Nancy Bauer explained the process that she follows for the work session minutes, noting that if there are changes proposed to the regular meetings, she can go back to the notes of the meeting to verify that information. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that minutes can be approved with the amendment proposed. August I8, 202(i, Mendota Heights 0ity Council page 2 of 14 Councilor Lorberbaum stated that she often sends a note to staff and the Mayor with proposed changes ahead of the meeting. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson commented that those are not substantive changes, so the full Council does not need to review those. She stated that substantive changes are presented before the Council for consideration. Councilor Maczko reiterated that grammatical changes can be submitted to staff and substantive changes should be presented at the Council meeting. Councilor Maczko moved to approve THE AUGUST 5, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES AS PRESENTED, Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion. Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 F) APPROVAL OF CLAIMS LIST Councilor Maczko referenced the line item for ICS, noting that to date through July 31s`, the City has spent $1,295,000, which averages about $240,000 per month or $200 per hour. He stated that would average out to 7.5 people per day working five days per week. He commented that there is not a lot of detail and therefore had questions, noting that there was also billing for construction management when they have not yet done any construction. Mayor Levine commented that this is consideration of the claims list and believed that this is a broader question that should occur separately related to the contract with ICS. Councilor Maczko commented that he would like more information on the details of that payment. Mayor Levine commented that would still be a separate item and broader question. She stated that there will be additional follow-up from staff that can be brought back with information on the ICS contract. Councilor Maczko asked for clarification on the action item before the Council and whether it is Council approval to pay these bills, or acknowledgement that these bills have been paid. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson commented that she understands that Councilor Maczko would like a breakdown of billings submitted by ICS and paid by the City, with more detail related to whether the charge is related to people hours or a percentage of the contract. She asked that Councilor Maczko provide staff with additional time to supply that information. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker explained that the claims list is a list of the bills and once approved by the Council, the City runs the checks and mails them out. Councilor Maczko asked if he could request the check to be pulled and held, pending additional information. Finance Director Kristen Schabacker explained that the check would be printed, but she would hold it and/or void it. August /8, 2026, Mendota Heights Ci[y Council Page 3 of/¢ Councilor Maczko moved to approve THE CLAIMS LIST, PULLING THE PAYMENT TO ICS PENDING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUESTED. The motion died for lack of a second. Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve THE CLAIMS LIST. Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion. Ayes: 3 Nays: 1 (Maczko) PRESENTATIONS A) MRPA AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Chelsea Swenhaugen, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Inver Grove Heights, spoke in representation of the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) and presented the 2025 MRPA Award of Excellence to the City of Mendota Heights. Parks and Recreation/Assistant Public Works Director Meredith Lawrence commented that this is an award for the entire community, thanking all those who were involved in making this project successful. She also thanked Ms. Swenhaugen for attending tonight. B) OVERVIEW OF POLICE STAFFING AND OPERATIONS Police Chief Kelly McCarthy provided ahigh-level overview of Police operations, including staffing, staffing models, training, and training expenses. She provided more information on calls for service and call types, other data points, community events, regional partnerships, and public data. She provided an example of the actual scope of a call versus what is publicly shared. She noted that future presentations would be provided on additional Police programs. Councilor Lorberbaum asked for more information on TDZ and street racing. Police Chief Kelly McCarthy replied that TDZ is Towards Zero Deaths, aState-funded grant project that historically brought together multiple agencies to focus on reducing traffic fatalities. She stated that the program is changing this year to be more localized. She commented that there is a street racing task force the department also participates in. The Council thanked Police Chief Kelly McCarthy and the department for the work they do. No items scheduled. PUBLIC HEARING NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) MUNICIPAL CAMPUS BUILDING PROJECT UPDATE Kyle Watler, ICS, provided a project update for the Municipal Campus Building Project. Councilor Lorberbaum asked about the current price of the building as proposed, recognizing the State funding of $4,000,000 towards the project. August 18, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 4 of 14 Mr. Walter stated that the current cost would be $35,251,452, which, after the State funding, would be $31,251,452. Councilor Lorberbaum asked about the current size of the facility and what the reduction was. Mr. Walter stated that the square footage based on the current need was around 48,000 to 49,000 square feet. He stated that the 20-year need was around 51,000 square feet. He noted that any further reduction would reduce the current programming needs. Councilor Maczko asked what the State bonding funds can be used to pay for. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that the grant is for predesign and design. Councilor Maczko asked if that would include construction management. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson replied that the grant was not specifically written for construction or construction management. Councilor Maczko recognized the total contract with ICS is for $3,900,000, which included construction management, and asked if the City would need to request approval from the legislature if it wanted to spend the State funds on other project aspects. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson explained that if the City wanted to add in construction, that would require a change from the legislature. Mayor Levine commented that the City has been allocated $4,000,000 and it was her understanding that the $4,000,000 would be able to be used fully on the predesign and design. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that it is their assumption that they will be close to the $4,000,000 in expenses for the predesign and design services. Councilor Maczko referenced the contract amount with ICS of $3,900,000 and change, which included construction management and some other elements. He noted that some of that cost was incurred prior to the signing of the bill, and it was his understanding that the City would need to cover the costs that were incurred before that time. He commented that it would seem they cannot use all of the $4,000,000 that was allocated. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that is a potential. She stated that they would need to review the billing breakdown to better hone in on that number and predict forward with the design work that remains. Mr. Walter stated that they also need to clarify additional expenses that may be outside of ICS, such as geotechnical work and a test well. Councilor Maczko asked if the ICS contract cost is going to increase because of the B3 requirements. August I8, 2026, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 5 of 14 Mr. Walter replied that the contract is based on the total project cost and, as the cost has changed, there will be an associated cost for the contract. He stated that they want to get a better understanding before ICS presents the updated numbers. Mayor Levine welcomed public input. Sandra Krebsbach, 1230 Culligan Lane, recognized that this is not an easy task for the Council, as it has always been known that there would be work required on this facility. She spoke about how this process has moved without real input from the residents. She commented that residents always expected that there would be a referendum and, if this is the right project, that is the path the City should be following. She did not believe the City should continue to spend money on planning when there is opposition in the community. She provided examples of past projects that involved a referendum and commented that the Council has the ability to stop this process and follow a similar process. She recognized that would not be a quick or smooth process, but that is the path that should be followed. Jill Smith, 625 Hampshire Drive, stated that the initial proposal included space beyond what the City actually needs. She asked what would happen if ON no longer finds it necessary to be in this location. She agreed that the Police Department has needs beyond what is currently available and supports addressing those needs. She spoke about the huge cost that is to be borne by the residents, as the proposed amount for this project is the largest to ever be proposed by the City. She was unclear as to what has been included or excluded, as the project scope has changed, and believed that they need much more engagement from the residents. She commented that previous major projects have included more public input and a referendum. She commented that a significant number of former Mayors and Councilmembers have expressed concerns about this project. She stated that a building that would meet the City's current needs, with some flexibility for future needs, would serve the residents for the long-term. She suggested that further thought and time be given to the project with additional input from residents. Scott Van, 1870 Hunter Lane, stated that he is not against including CJN, but he is not in favor of the B3 and geothermal. He commented on the technological sophistication and maintenance that would be required for those elements, along with the additional staffing that would be required to support those needs. He stated that many residents support renovation and expansion of the current facility and would like that option reviewed again. He asked the Council to slow the project down and wait to see what the election brings. He did not want to see this go too far only to start over again. Holly Farber, 1701 James Road, thanked the Council for taking on this difficult situation and considering the complex factors. She commented that this is not a discretionary project as government infrastructure is a need. She commented that the people she has spoken to appreciate that the Council is not just thinking about the needs of today, but also the needs of the future. She disagreed with previous speakers about the way citizens have been informed about the project, noting that a lot of information has been provided by City Hall about the needs and options. She also disagreed with the concept of a remodel, as that would be sending good money after bad, and she would prefer this to be done right. She commented that experts have said that the remodel option is not the way to proceed. She stated that the concept of a referendum is not appropriate for this type of project and should not be confused with community input. She stated that this project is not an amenity but a necessity and therefore did not believe a referendum would be appropriate, although they should continue to receive public input. She recognized that there will be a lot of different perspectives provided and that the Council was elected to make tough decisions. Neil Garlock, 538 W Annapolis Street, referenced the Fire Hall project that was completed in 2017/2018, where a remodel/expansion was completed, and believed that a similar path could be followed for this August 18, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 6 of 14 project in order to reduce costs. He believed that this is a fine building that is salvageable and could be remodeled to save money. He asked that the process slow down to allow them to see who the next Council will be after the election. He thanked the members of the Council for the work they do and encouraged them to listen to the input of the community. Lynn Burow, 1219 Victoria Curve, stated that she has not seen documentation that the existing building is a teardown. She referenced the July 21 City Council meeting, stating that she had asked Mr. Mazzitello whether an assessment or report had been completed regarding the condition of the building and was told that there are four reports and that he would have to ask staff for them. She stated that she wanted to see the four reports that Mr. Mazzitello said existed. She stated that she wanted evidence supporting the decision to tear down the existing building. She stated that, based on her conversations with residents, including those at food felt and while getting signatures for a referendum, many residents do not believe the building is a tear down. She stated that residents are appalled, angry, frustrated and hurt by the proposed demolition and asked the Council to further evaluate the existing building and demonstrate to residents why it should be replaced rather than renovated or expanded. Ms. Burow stated that the existing building was paid for by the community and referenced information indicating that the building could potentially be expanded and refurbished for approximately $20 million. Are you really going to have a wrecking ball come in here and tear this down? It's like tearing down the east wing for no reason at all. She stated that the difference between that amount and the cost of a new building is significant to residents. She expressed her personal attachment to the building and the community, stating that she was born and raised in Mendota Heights, and asked the Council to pause the project and reconsider the proposed demolition. Ms. Burow also expressed concern about the loss of the existing ball field, stating that it has been part of the community for many years. She questioned whether the demolition of the existing building and ball field was necessary and stated that renovating and expanding the existing building could save money and be a more environmentally responsible approach. She stated that residents feel they have been shut out of the process and questioned whether residents were adequately informed through Height Highlights, which she characterized as "junk mail to most people." Ms. Burow asked the Council to pause the project in anticipation of the upcoming election and stated that not all residents are wealthy. She expressed concern about increases in property taxes, including anticipated increases in Dakota County taxes, and stated her view that the proposed project is a want rather than a necessity because the existing building could be improved through additions and renovations. She stated that she believes the existing building is beautiful and that a new building would be more expensive and would not provide the same character. She thanked the Council for its time and consideration. Dewy Smith, ] 088 William Court, commented on his discussions with his neighbors, noting that they have all questioned what is wrong with the existing building. He stated that a list and photos of what is specifically wrong with the building need to be provided to residents. He asked that a short video be made to identify the elements that cannot effectively be remediated through renovation. He explained that residents see a beautiful building, inside and out, and they need to know what is wrong with the building. He stated that perhaps a new Police Station is built on the existing campus to address the needs. John Farber, 1701 James Road, commented that the Council needs to be straight or truthful that it is not the new building or nothing. He stated that the Council voted based on their unanimous vote to move forward with a new building on the opinions of experts related to whether the existing building could/should be renovated. He recognized that there are options related to size and cost, and they need to be truthful and fair, noting that all the information has been provided on the City website. He asked that residents go to the website and read all those documents that are available. He stated that this is a tough decision and because of shortcuts that were taken on the existing building, they need to make sure that this decision is done right. He stated that this is not a time when they can do nothing. He stated that if Augest /8, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 7 of[q they do not move forward with the project, they will need to contract for Police services through another department. Jessica Larson, 850 Cheri Lane, commented that she has appreciated the Coffee with the Council events as that has allowed her to have conversations with Councilmembers about the project. She stated that when she first saw the price for the project her thought was that they were being fleeced and that they are being milked for their money by the consultant. She stated that this is a needed project and there are needs for the Police Department, but the price tag is concerning. Jane SkjervenI 691 Cheyenne Lane, commented that it has been interesting looking at the different social media opinions and topics. She stated that sometimes people speak about defending the Police Department, but she has not heard anywhere that the Police Department is going to be defended. She stated that has not been addressed, and she did not see a plan for that. She wanted to clearly note that everyone means for the Police to get what they need, whether that is in a new building or adding onto this building. She stated that mold is often mentioned and acknowledged that mold happens and there are different kinds, recognizing that black mold is the type that poses health risks. She asked for results of the testing that was done on the mold. She stated that many people are not ready for the new building because they do not feel it is necessary and because of the cost in an uncertain economy. Joe Nides, 2094 Patricia Street, recognized that this is a large task before the Council with people on all sides of the aisle. He stated that this item continues to be the last item on the agenda and was disappointed that public comments were not allowed at the last meeting. He stated that last month he suggested that the City Council host a table at the food truck festival to engage the members of the community on this topic and was happy to see the Council accept his suggestion. He stated that a group of residents also attended to spread their message and information about the project cost. He urged fiscal responsibility and asked the Council to look at renovating and expanding the current building. He recognized that there would be a cost to that type of project, but it would be less than the proposed project. He recognized that they need to address the wants and needs of the Police Station. He also commented on the ballfreld, which has been talked about for the last three months. He believed that the cost for renovation and expansion could occur for under $20,000,000. He asked for a comparison of the renovation and addition versus the project proposed today. He asked that every resident attend the meeting on September I" to speak their mind. Cathleen Helmstetter, 1248 Culligan Lane, reminded everyone that the residents already carry over $2010005000 in debt in this city, and if they add another $35,OOQ000, that is a lot of debt to carry. She asked what would happen to the other projects the City needs to complete when they already have that much debt. Ms. Krebsbach stated that she would like to see this go to referendum rather than a reverse referendum. She stated that people support the Mendota Heights Police Department and are very satisfied with the services they provide. She commented that this is not an issue about the Police Department because everyone understands there are needs that need to be addressed. Mr. Van clarified that the mold issue has been talked about on social media, but that is a past issue that was remediated. Mayor Levine expressed thanks for those residents who provided input tonight and closed the public input process. She welcomed input from the Council. Augeest 18, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 8 of 14 Councilor Maczko stated that he has a question about a referendum, as statements have been made that a referendum would not be allowed for this type of project, and asked for clarification from legal counsel. City Attorney Amy Schmidt explained that a referendum on the question of whether to no a project is not allowed under State Statute, as that is a decision of the City Council. She stated that if the City were to put a question on the ballot, it would be a yes -or -no question and would be considered to be an advisory election, which is not allowed under State Statute for a statutory city. Councilor Maczko recognized that the decision whether to proceed with a project is the decision of the Council. He asked for more information on the financing tools the City could utilize and whether a referendum would be allowed on whether to bond for the project. City Attorney Amy Schmidt reviewed the financing options available for this type of project. She provided more information on general obligation bonds versus general obligation bonds for a capital improvement project. She stated that CIP general obligation bonds are subject to a reverse referendum. She described the process that would be followed if CIP general obligation bonds are used for the project and the reverse referendum opportunity that exists following the required public hearing. She stated that if the question is then placed on the ballot and is not approved by voters, the Council would need to decide whether to abandon the project, find another way to finance the project, or wait one year to place the question on the ballot again. Councilor Maczko asked if there is anything that prevents the City Council from taking this to referendum if they wanted to. City Attorney Amy Schmidt provided further clarification on the Statute for general obligation bonds and stated that it would not prohibit the Council from putting a question on the ballot related to CIP general obligation bonds, but is unsure if that has ever been done. Councilor Maczko stated that he could not find anything that would prohibit the Council from putting that question on a referendum, even though this type of project is listed as an exception. He noted that there would be another type of financing that could be chosen for the project that would not provide a path for a referendum or reverse referendum. City Attorney Amy Schmidt confirmed there are financing options that are not subject to referendum or reverse referendum. Councilor Maczko asked and received confirmation that the decision related to the issuance of the debt could go forward to a referendum, although that is not required. He hoped that would clear things up, that the Council could choose the path of a referendum relating to how it is funded. City Attorney Amy Schmidt reiterated that a referendum could not be done on whether or not to do the project, but that it could be possible to do a referendum related to the general obligation debt that would be used for the project. She explained that CIP debt is an exception and therefore does not require a referendum but would be subject to a reverse referendum if a petition is received. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that the question was posed at the last meeting as to whether they wanted to spend $397,000 for schematics to be designed for Plan B, which would look at a different shape for a new building that would allow the ballfield to remain in the same place. She commented that while she would like to preserve the field, she did not want to spend an additional $397,000 for those schematics, as she August 18, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 9 of 14 believed it could be done for less. She stated that in a few months, there will be different people sitting at the dais, and the project details could be changed. She stated that they began the budgeting process tonight and they can do a lot with $400,000 in this city. She commented on the fluctuations in the price and size of the building but noted that has been frustrating, as she has not been receiving detailed information. She understood that the price will continue to evolve as they continue forward. She stated that there are renovation plans that were around $25,000,000 and did not believe $31,000,000 to be that much of a difference, while recognizing that it is a higher cost. She stated that there is a lot of information they do not know, such as the results of the soil borings and the cost of the ballfield relocation. She stated that every month, ICS bills the City for $240,000 to $250,000 per month, which is a lot of money. She acknowledged that they may go in a different direction after the election, and if they keep going this way, they will continue to be billed by ICS. Councilor Lorberbaum moved to PAUSE THE MUNICIPAL CAMPUS PROJECT UNTIL ESTIMATES ARE PROVIDED FROM STAFF ON THE BORINGS, BALLFIELDS, AND RELOCATION COSTS, AND UNTIL THE NEW MEMBERS ARE SITTING ON THE COUNCIL. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. Further discussion: Councilor Mazzitello stated that when the Council started this process, they plotted a course that included a timeline to avoid additional inflation, to bid the project this winter. He stated that if the bid is extending into the spring or summer, the bids will be higher as contractors will have their workloads set and prices will increase. He stated that they would then wait until next winter, which will have additional inflation costs. He did not believe they should pause the process but should continue to receive the requested information, noting that the soil borings are going to occur later this week. He stated that soil corrections have been included in the cost estimate and therefore if corrections are needed, that is already included in the project budget, and if corrections are not needed, that would reduce the project cost. Councilor Maczko commented that they do not know what the future will be, and he has been involved in projects that bid in the spring that have been favorable and unfavorable. He supported slowing down because he thinks it is the right thing to do. He commented that it is troubling that this has become divisive, not in the need for something but in what that something is. He stated that it is obvious that the public has noI been brought along for this. He stated that he did vote to move forward to schematic design, noting that he was being a team player in that vote as he provided additional parameters that he wanted included in the process. He stated that he disagrees with the quality of the building and the statements that costs were being cut during that process, noting the high -quality finishes that are provided in the building. He recognized that the Building Code has changed between then and now and there would be a cost of $6,000,000 to bring the existing building up to Code. He stated that the building was estimated at a value of $10,000,000, and he was told by ICS that the cost today would be $20,000,000 to get the same -sized building they have today. He stated that he wants the residents to have a good feeling when they pass by the building in the future and not feel like this was something that was forced on them. He commented that Councilor Mazzitello is not running again, so there will be at least one new member of the Council. He believed that they need to follow the path of a referendum and work with the community to find a solution that will be supported by the public. Mayor Levine stated that her thinking is slightly different, noting that she does support bringing the community along. She stated that it has been frustrating as they have tried to engage the community from the beginning, noting the communications plan that was developed and implemented. She commented on different community events they have attended to talk about this project and to involve the community. She stated that at the Touch a Truck event, people she spoke with were unaware of the project, but when August 18, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 10 of 14 she asked them how they learned about the event, they replied that they read about it in Heights Highlights, noting that in that same edition there was information about the Municipal Campus project. She stated that she was not involved in general City business when the Fire Station was built, as she voted to elect people to make those decisions. She recognized that not all people have the time and bandwidth to be involved in City business. She commented that there are nearly 12,000 people in the community who enjoy the services provided by the City but are not thinking about or spending time dealing with City business. She commented that those are the decisions tasked to the City Council, and the Council needs to come up with a plan to renovate or build new rather than putting that on the public. She stated that the Council went through all the possibilities and made the decision to build new. She commented that when they began this process one year ago, they considered all possibilities and options, and the bulk of the work was done at the Council level because of the time necessary to do so. She stated that the Council and Oversight Committee have done the work, and while they started off believing that they could renovate, it became clear that was not the path to follow; not because of the Council Chambers, which is beautiful, but because of the conditions below in the Police Department. She encouraged residents to tour the Police Department and asked them which wall they would keep. She stated that this building is sick, is not safe, is not secure, and is far too small for the Police. She commented that when they looked at the difference between renovating and building new, it became clear that they needed to build new. She commented that you do not renovate a building when the cost is 78 percent of building new. She explained that this is a long-term decision they are making for the future of the City, and they need to follow the advice of the experts and not throw good money after bad. She stated that building new was the harder decision to choose because they knew it would be a heavier lift to explain to the community that they are going to take down a beloved building to build a new one. She stated that it would be so much easier to renovate, but that is not the right decision. She commented that once they knew they were building new, they decided to scale for future needs but heard the input of the community and therefore scaled back down to the current needs, but with the ability to expand in the future. She stated that when she has had conversations with people who are on the other side of the issue, they often end up on the same side once she provides them with additional information. She commented that stopping would be the easy decision, but if they do nothing, they would lose the Police, as they cannot continue to be in that basement. She stated that delaying the project will also increase the cost and push these hard decisions onto another Council. She stated that this decision has been delayed and they cannot continue to delay because they need to obtain the best construction bids to ensure taxpayers are getting the best value for their dollars. She recognized that it is unknown as to what will happen in the election, but she will go down knowing that she did the right thing for the community to ensure there is a right -sized, safe, and secure building for the Police Department and City Hall. Councilor Lorberbaum stated that she is not changing the plan, but would give people who are voted in and remain in after the election a chance to weigh in without ICS continuing to bill them $240,000 a month. She stated that this would also provide time to provide the documentation that has been requested. Mayor Levine commented that they can do two things at once, answering questions and providing information while continuing to move forward. She noted the request for a video to be created and stated that there is a video that has already been made and is readily available for residents to watch. She encouraged residents not to judge the building from what it looks like outside and in the Council Chambers, but from the basement because that is what is unsafe. She stated that an elevator shaft with water at the bottom is disgusting and needs to be replaced. She stated that they have met with TRAA to discuss the ballfield, and it did not take long to develop a plan for relocation of the field without losing field quality or quantity. She suggested that residents review the space study that was completed by ICS, which shows it is better to build new. August 1$ 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 11 of14 Councilor Maczko asked about the Public Works building. Mayor Levine commented that building is in good condition and has been renovated as it needed to be over time. Councilor Maczko commented that Lite locker rooms in that facility are in worse shape than the Police Department. Councilor Maczko asked how Mendakota Park will be renovated, in addition to other needs. Mayor Levine commented that this is a bigger priority and they will renovate parks over time and incrementally. She commented that if they wait and delay, the needs will not change and the project will only become more expensive. Councilor Maczko referenced the costs identified in the ICS study, noting that the $6,000,000 would renovate the existing building to Code while dealing with major issues, recognizing that would not provide additional space. Mayor Levine referenced the ratio of renovation to building new and stated that the 78 percent shows that it would not be a fiscally responsible decision to renovate. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson asked for clarification on the motion. Councilor Lorberbaum clarified that the motion is for a pause in the project, so ICS will not do anything, with exceptions for staff to receive boring information, ballfield relocation costs, and information on mold or teardown. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson asked for clarification on the relocation cost Councilor Lorberbaum replied that the relocation cost would show what it would cost to relocate existing staff in a renovation plan. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson stated that there is no Plan B at this point. Councilor Maczko commented that he would like to pause the whole thing right now, with the exception of the borings that are underway. He stated that staff would need help to get those answers and could not do it alone. Mayor Levine asked and received confirmation that ICS is under contract, so she was unsure that could be paused. City Attorney Amy Schmidt stated that she would need to check the contract to know the impact and whether that could be deemed a breach. Mayor Levine stated that this motion could then put the City in a position to breach a contract. Councilor Lorberbaum restated the motion that if allowed by contract, the City would place a pause on the Municipal Campus project activity with the exception of the soil borings. August I8, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 12 of l-0 Councilor Maczko agreed to the change. Ayes: 2 (Lorberbaum and Maczko) Nays: 2 (Levine and Mazzitello) The motion failed. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilor Maczko thanked the citizen who was recognized tonight for taking the time to become involved, as getting involved is not always appreciated and/or easy, but it makes a difference. He stated that the discussion and time being put into the campus project is worth the effort, and the difference of opinions is good as well. He cautioned against saying the Police Department will go away if the project does not go as planned, as the majority of the department does not spend much time in the building. He stated that does not mean they do not need anything and should not be taken care of, but he does not believe the building is unsafe. He believed there were solutions to move forward. He stated that getting rid of the Police Department would take five votes from the Council and did not believe that would happen. He believed they could find a solution that fits what everyone needs, and they have to be willing to listen to input they have asked for. Councilor Lorberbaum commented that new information will come and at least one new person will join the Council. She stated that she would like to pause and not continue to be billed by ICS. She stated that Bricksworth Beer Company opened and has had lots of happy customers. She stated that Happy Joe's is opening Monday, August 24`h. She encouraged residents to visit the new businesses. She commented that today is Never Give Up Day and encouraged residents to celebrate small victories and continue to push towards their goals. She stated that next week is National Park Week, with entrance free fee days on August 25`h for the National Park Service's 110" birthday. Councilor Mazzitello commented that there is a budget work session on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. which is open to the public. He reemphasized hiso r for anyone to speak with him about the Municipal Campus project, noting that he would buy them a cup of coffee and they could sit and talk rather than people posting things on social media. He stated that a long time ago, when this process started, the Council decided there is no way they were going to give up the Police Department because that is part of what makes the community what it is. He stated that he will be ending his 18-year service to the City at the end of the year and continued to share some of the best things that have occurred during that time. He also shared a historical quote. Mayor Levine clarified that the driving force behind the Municipal Campus plan is to preserve the Police Department. She stated that if they do nothing with this building, the eventual result will be the loss of the Police Department, as they need to address the space, security, and safety needs of the building. ADJOURN Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn. Councilor Maczko seconded the motion. August 18, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council page 13 of 14 Ayes: 4 Nays: 0 Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 8:53 p.m. Stephanie B. Levme Mayor ATTEST: cy Ba r ty, Clerk August I8, 2026, Mendota Heights City Council Page 14 of 14