10 20 2026 CC MinutesCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, October 20, 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, Mazzitello, and
Maczko were also present.
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 Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cathy Helmstetter, 1248 Culligan Lane, stated that she is present to speak about the proposed changes to
the claims list. She commented that the claims list has been available to residents for years and allows
them to see how their tax dollars are being spent. She believed that it is important for residents to continue
to see this information, especially with the Municipal Campus Project. She believed that this decision
should be made in the open rather than presenting it as an informational item because of the change in
policy.
City Administrator Cheryl
Jacobson noted that
this was a
work session
topic, and the item will be
presented at the November
4, 2026, City Council
meeting for
discussion and
decision.
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 D.
a. Approval of October 6, 2026, City Council Minutes
b. Approval of September 9, 2026, City Council Work Session Minutes
c. Approve Certificate of Completion of Development Improvements for Developer's Agreement
between the City of Mendota Heights and Cobalt Business Center, LLC
d. Approve Resolution 2026 67 Supporting the Dakota 2027 2031 Capital Improvement
Nan
e. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PULLED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
D) APPROVE RESOLUTION 2026-67 SUPPORTING THE DAKOTA COUNTY 2027 — 2031
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Councilor Maczko stated that this is the Capital Improvement Plan for County roads within Mendota
Heights and highlighted projects that he believed residents would like to be aware of. He noted the Dodd
Road underpass, which has been mentioned for some time but does not appear to be within the plan.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek replied that staff reached out to Dakota County. He explained that
the funding for the underpass and trail was included in the County's 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, so
it is the assumption that the funding was provided in 2026 and set aside.
Councilor Maczko asked staff to keep the pressure on the County because of the need for the project. He
noted a roundabout that was proposed at Wachtler and Highway 13 and asked for an update.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that staff was working with MnDOT, which was proposing an
urban roundabout, but MnDOT traffic opposed that design and commented that a full roundabout would
be needed. He stated that the roundabout is proposed to be included in the Highway 13 project slated for
2031.
Councilor Maczko moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2026-67 SUPPORTING THE DAKOTA
COUNTY 2027 —2031 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
PRESENTATIONS
No items scheduled.
PUBLIC HEARING
A) RESOLUTION 2026-65 ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING ASSESSMENTS FOR THE
HAMPSHIRE ESTATES STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution
2026-65, adopting and confirming assessments for the Hampshire Estates Street hmprovements.
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Councilor Lorberbaum moved to open the public hearing.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Jill Smith, 625 Hampshire Drive, commented that this is the first reconstruction of the road since their
home was built 37 years ago. She complimented the City and its contractors for a great project. She
stated that a portion of the project is funded by the City and is spread over multiple years, which reduces
the burden on residents, noting that the assessment program was started in the 1990s.
Dan Gray, 542 Abby Way, stated that he had an estimated assessment last year for $6,700 and asked if
this would be a replacement or addition. Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that in the original
feasibility report, the assessments were estimated in that range, but because of cost savings, the
assessments were reduced to this amount, which is around $4,200. Mr. Gray asked why this is not
funded through property taxes.
Assistant City Engineer Lucas Ritchie reiterated the reduction that was made to the proposed
assessment. He provided additional information on the ability to assess for street projects, which helps
to spread the burden of cost.
There being no one further coming forward to speak, Councilor Paper moved to close the public hearing.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek stated that in the 1990s the City adopted a policy stating that the
City will assess for road projects. He stated that the policy could be reviewed and revised, but a new
funding source would need to be secured, whether that is done through increases to property taxes or
franchise fees.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-65 ADOPTING AND CONFIRMING
ASSESSMENTS FOR THE HAMPSHIRE ESTATES STREET IMPROVEMENTS.
Councilor Lorberbaum seconded the motion.
Further discussion:
Councilor
Paper commented that this is the
lowest Yhat he has seen an assessment drop
from the beginning
to the end
of a project.
Mayor Levine echoed those comments and was pleased to see the reduction in the assessment.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) RESOLUTION 2026-66 AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND AWARDING THE SALE OF
$1,010,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2026A, PLEDGING FOR
October 20, 2026, Mendota Heights Ciry Council Page 3 oj5
THE SECURITY THEREOF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE
PAYMENT THEREOF
Keith Dahl, Ehlers, explained that the Council was being asked to approve Resolution 2026-66,
authorizing the issuance and awarding the sale of $1,010,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A,
pledging for the security thereof special assessments and levying a tax for the payment thereof. He
presented the results of the bond sale, noting four bids received. He stated that the lowest bidder did offer
a premium bond, which means that the amount of $1,010,000 was reduced to $970,000. He recommended
approval as presented.
Councilor Paper asked what would make it a decent sale.
Mr. Dahl replied that in August, interest rates were around 3.5 percent. He stated that rates are not the
same now, so the 3.8 percent is a decent rate with all things in the market considered.
Councilor Mazzitello moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2026-66, AUTHORIZING THE
ISSUANCE AND AWARDING THE SALE OF $970,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT
BONDS, SERIES 2026A, PLEDGING FOR THE SECURITY THEREOF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS
AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF,
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Further discussion: Mayor Levine commended the City for its continued AAA bond rating.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
B) CITY HALL AND POLICE DEPARTMENT EXISTING BUILDING CONDITIONS — MOLD
REMEDIATION AND REPAIR
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek provided a brief background on this item. An update was provided on
mold remediation and repairs within the existing City Hall and Police Department building.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson announced upcoming community events and activities.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Paper wished all the local schools well with fall playoffs.
Councilor Maczko echoed the comments of Councilor Paper.
Councilor Lorberbaum stated that Town Square TV continues to excel, noting a recent Upper Midwest
Emmy° award received.
October 20, 2026, Me�adota Heights City Council Page A of 5
Councilor Mazzitello commented that last Monday, Indigenous Peoples' Day was celebrated. He stated
that day also commemorates the contributions and welcoming of Italian American immigrants to this
country. He provided historical context to Columbus Day and its meaning. He shared two great things
from his top ten list, the establishment of the Natural Resources Commission and the creation of the Parks
Master Plan,
Mayor Levine commended City staff for their assistance in the Trick or Teeing event, which was also well
attended by the public. She stated that the Par 3 is still open and the parks and trails are in amazing shape
with the great fall weather. She encouraged residents to get out and enjoy the fall weather.
ADJOURN
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
Ayes: 5
Nays: 0
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 6:5'7 p.m.
Stephanic'B. Levine
Mayor
ATTEST:
Na cy Ban
Cit Clerk
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