2021-02-16 Council agenda packetCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
February 16, 2021 – 6:00 pm
Mendota Heights City Hall
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1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Adopt Agenda
5. Presentations
a. Presentation -- McCarrons Water Plant Project – Saint Paul Regional Water Service
6. Consent Agenda
a. Approve February 2, 2021 City Council Minutes
b. Approve February 9, 2021 City Council Work Session Minutes
c. Acknowledge the January 5, 2021 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
d. Approve Resolution 2021-15 Final Payment, Accept Wesley Neighborhood Improvement
Project
e. Approve Resolution 2021-17 Accepting Work, Approving Final Payment for the Fire Hall
Remodel/Expansion – Schwickert’s Tecta America
f. Approve Purchase of Rescue Boat, Trailer, and Motor, and Approve Resolution 2021-19 Disposal of
Surplus Property
g. Approve Resolution 2021-18 Accept Donation of Grill From Lowe’s and In Turn Donate To
Neighbors Inc.
h. Accept Police Officer Resignation, Authorize Police Officer Recruitment Process
i. Accept Airport Relations Commissioner Selection Process
j. Acknowledge December, 2020 Par 3 Financial Report
k. Approve the Building Activity Report
l. Approval of Claims List
7. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
*See guidelines below
8. Public Hearings - none
9. New and Unfinished Business
a. Consideration of Ordinance 562 Placing a Moratorium on Critical Area Overlay District Development
Activities and Permits - and authorizing summary publication
b. Marie Park Playground Remodel Contract Award
c. Resolution 2021-16 Renew Interim Use Permit For Off-Leash Dog Park, 1360 Acacia Blvd
d. Discussion of 2021-22 City Goals and Priorities
10. Community Announcements
11. Council Comments
12. Adjourn
Guidelines for Citizen Comment Period: “The Citizen Comments section of the agenda
provides an opportunity for the public to address the Council on items which are not on the
agenda. All are welcome to speak.
Comments should be directed to the Mayor. Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per person
and topic; presentations which are longer than five minutes will need to be scheduled with the
City Clerk to appear on a future City Council agenda. Comments should not be repetitious.
Citizen comments may not be used to air personal attacks, to air personality grievances, to
make political endorsements, or for political campaign purposes. Council members will not
enter into a dialogue with citizens, nor will any decisions be made at that presentation.
Questions from the Council will be for clarification only. Citizen comments will not be used as a
time for problem solving or reacting to the comments made, but rather for hearing the citizen
for information only. If appropriate, the Mayor may assign staff for follow up to the issues
raised.”
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, P.E., Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Presentation of the McCarrons Water Treatment Plant Project by Saint Paul
Regional Water Services
COMMENT:
INTRODUCTION
The Council is asked to hear a presentation from Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS)
regarding improvements to the McCarrons Water Treatment Plant.
BACKGROUND
Mendota Heights residents receive their drinking water from St. Paul Regional Water Services.
The City entered into an agreement with SPRWS in 2016 transferring ownership of the water
system.
DISCUSSION
Will Menkhaus from Saint Paul Regional Water Service will present on the proposed
improvements and impacts to its customers. SPRWS will also highlight their outreach efforts.
BUDGET IMPACT
SPRWS bills Mendota Heights residents directly. The city of Mendota Heights is billed per
invoice at $0.29 each. The city is in its final year of the phase-in period for transferring
ownership to SPRWS. Due to deficient mains, Saint Paul Water has charged Mendota Heights
residents 120 percent of the normal water rate for the first 3 years following the sale, 118 percent
for the next 2 years, and 114 percent for the last (current) year.
The 118 percent rate expired on 12/27/2020. Mendota Heights is currently in the final year of
the higher rates (114%) which will expire on 12/27/2021 which will then allow water rates to be
the same as the standard Saint Paul Water rate. In addition, Mendota Heights charges a 5%
surcharge for costs to the water system such as hydrant relocations, valve adjustments, hydrant
markers and painting, etc.
This improvement project is expected to include a rate increase, which will be described by the
SPRWA representative at the February 16th meeting.
ACTION REQUIRED
For informational purposes.
McCarrons
Treatment Plant
Project
Suburban Customers Presentation
Feb. and Mar. 2021
McCarron’s Water
Treatment Plant
•Construction started in mid-1910s
•Backbone of the facility built by 1925
•Additions in the late 1930s and 1950s
•Much of the infrastructure is nearing 100 years
in age
•Facility still produces excellent water quality
Why Now?
•Proactive approach to
infrastructure
•Improve reliability
•Improve capacity to handle
contaminants of emerging
concern
•Reduce footprint and
improve future flexibility
•Current interest rates
Preliminary Project
Scope
•Replace approx. 2/3 of treatment
process
•Reduce site footprint –improve
future flexibility
•Add new, equivalent technology
plus ozone
Public
Relations
Water Quality improvements
Taste changes unlikely to be very
noticeable
General Public –mailers, website, possible
media coverage
Businesses that depend on water quality –
more extensive coordination
Effect on future water rates
Financial
Impacts
•Overall, rates are expected to increase approximately 25% over the duration of the project
•Costs remain less than a penny per gallon of water
•Rates remain below average nationally when compared to similarly sized drinking water providers
•Proactive approach and interest rates help ensure that customers are getting good value for their money.
Average SPRWS Customer (4,200 gal./month)
Year Avg. Monthly Bill
2021 $26.09
2022 $28.43
2023 $30.99
2024 $32.70
Note: These values are projections. Actual rate increases will depend on water
consumption patterns. Also, these projections are conservative as they assume
that fees will increase at the same rate as per unit charges.
Comparison: Bottled Water from Aldi
3.17 Gallons at $3.29
Price Per Gallon = $1.04
Bottled water is 135 times more expensive than projected
2024 rates
Performance
Guaranteed
•Pilot Testing Process
•Design-Build: Performance
Guarantees from Jacobs
Engineering
•“Flip-the-Switch” Approach
Questions?
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
Held Tuesday, February 2, 2021
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 Duggan, Paper, Mazzitello, and Miller,
were also present via WebEx.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council, the audience, and staff recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
AGENDA ADOPTION
Mayor Levine presented the agenda for adoption. Councilor Miller moved adoption of the agenda.
Councilor Duggan seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Paper aye
Councilor Duggan aye
Councilor Mazzitello aye
Councilor Miller aye
Mayor Levine aye
RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COMMISSION MEMBERS
Mayor Levine recognized Pat Hinderscheid for his service on the Parks and Recreation Commission and
Mary Magnuson for her service on the Planning Commission. She noted that both members have served
three full terms for each of the Commissions.
Pat Hinderscheid commented that it has been a rewarding experience and he was fortunate to work with
talented members of the community to bring about positive changes.
Mary Magnuson commented that the ten years went by quickly and were rewarding. She stated that she
has enjoyed getting to know city staff and members of the community during that time.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Levine presented the consent calendar and explained the procedure for discussion and approval.
Councilor Paper moved approval of the consent calendar as presented.
a. Approval of January 19, 2021 City Council Minutes
b. Approval of January 27, 2021 Council Work Session Minutes
c. Approval of January 27, 2021 Council Special Meeting Minutes
d. Approve Transfer of Fire Station Construction Management Responsibilities to CPMI, LLC
e. Authorize Purchase Orders for the Control of Invasive Plant Species and Restoration within Valley
Park, Rogers Lake Park, and Copperfield Ponds Park
f. Approve Final Payment for Pilot Knob Road Improvements with Dakota County
g. Approve an Extension of a Leave of Absence without Pay for Anthony Patton
h. Approve Fire Synopsis Report
i. Approval of December 2020 Treasurer’s Report
j. Approval of Claims List
Councilor Duggan seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Duggan aye
Councilor Mazzitello aye
Councilor Miller aye
Mayor Levine aye
Councilor Paper aye
PUBLIC COMMENTS
No one from the public wished to be heard.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
No items scheduled.
NEW AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A) DISCUSSION OF PHASE 1, NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN – AWARD
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT TO APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES FOR THE
COMPLETION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN, PHASE 2
Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter explained that the Council was being asked to hear a report
on Phase 1 of the Natural Resources Plan and accept a proposal submitted by Applied Ecological Services
(AES) to begin the development of Phase 2 of the update to the Natural Resources Management Plan
(NRMP).
Kim Chapman, AES, reviewed the outline which was included in the original proposal, noting that a
portion of these items have been addressed through Phase 1. He displayed the budget items included in
the original proposal, which had been split into two phases as previously directed by the Council and split
between 2020 and 2021. He provided an overview of the topics that were included in Phase 1 and those
that will be included in the proposed Phase 2. He reviewed the City’s Comprehensive Plan goals related
to natural areas and noted that the NRMP will help to address those goals in a comprehensive manner with
an understanding of the budget implications. He provided a summary of the review that was done of the
City’s Natural Resources and the findings. He identified the current priority natural areas within the City
and reviewed the updated land cover mapping that was completed in 2020 by AES. He explained how
ecological quality ranks are assigned and noted that about one third of the natural areas within the City
could increase by one grade by completing one management activity. He provided details on the tree
canopy analysis, the related findings, and how the data can be used as well as challenges, opportunities
and strategies included in Phase 2. He moved to the Conservation Concept and stated that those 11 areas
were then reviewed and ranked. He provided details on grant opportunities and identified the areas in
which they will be submitting a grant proposal for. He then reviewed the next steps with the Council.
Councilor Miller thanked Mr. Chapman and his staff for drafting this information. He referenced the tree
canopy analysis that was completed and asked how accurate that technology is. Mr. Chapman replied that
it would vary with the amount of information input into the reference and selection. He stated that they
worked within the confines of the budget. He commented that while the sample size was not as large as
he would prefer, he still estimated 80 to 90 percent accuracy for the common species range.
Councilor Duggan commented that there was a previous inventory of water bodies, which was estimated
at 150 acres. He was unsure that water bodies were included in the first phase but would hope that water
bodies would be included in the future. Mr. Chapman replied that AES was not charged with evaluating
water bodies within the proposal. He commented that water resource evaluation and plan development is
an expensive undertaking. He stated that there are steps that can be taken towards that work which would
begin with a Water Management Plan, noting that there are grant dollars available for that work. He
commented that plan would be on a high level and would allow the City to focus in depth on certain tasks.
Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter commented that the City does have a Local Surface Water
Management Plan which is required to be updated every four years.
Councilor Paper thanked Mr. Chapman for the report. He stated that he met with State Representative
Hanson four years ago and was told that the City needed this information. He appreciated that the City
now has this information as a base. He commented that the technology available to survey the tree canopy
is amazing. He referenced the comment that was made that you would want to see three or four layers in
a forest/canopy and asked for more clarification on what a layer would be.
Mr. Chapman replied that a forest has trees up high which is the canopy layer, then has herbs and seedlings
which make up the ground layer. Typical forests have two additional layers between the canopy and
ground levels and provided additional details on the composition of the shrubs and sub canopy levels.
Councilor Paper asked if a controlled burn for Valley Park would be a viable option. Mr. Chapman replied
that he does believe that would be a viable option. He believed that it would be a viable option to begin to
control buckthorn, noting that the ultimate goal would be to have the natural ground layer succeed in
competing against buckthorn.
Councilor Paper thanked Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter for her work on this.
Councilor Mazzitello thanked Mr. Chapman for this work, and said that it was not easily undertaken. He
stated that the Council is being asked to approve a proposal and authorize AES to develop Phase 2. He
asked if that would include approval of Phase 1. Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter commented
that she did not believe that was part of the action tonight.
Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek agreed that this action would not include approval of Phase 1 in its
final form, noting that some of the Phase 1 tasks are still underway. He stated that completion of Phase 1
and Phase 2 would develop the full Natural Resources Management Plan, which would then come forward
in the future for formal consideration and adoption.
Councilor Mazzitello stated that the staff memorandum includes seven tasks for Phase 2 while the proposal
identifies eight and asked for clarification. Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter commented that
additional field work will be needed for Phase 2, therefore the City would pay for the field work done in
Phase 1 and then will consider the field work for Phase 2 separately.
Councilor Duggan commented that this is the first time in his recollection that the Council is being
presented with a product that was developed by qualified consultants. He stated that he is pleased to see
an expert providing recommendations on what the City should proceed on in the next three to five years.
Mayor Levine opened the floor to receive comment from the public.
Beth Pearlman, resident, commented that she is impressed by the report and the work that has been done.
She thanked members of the Council that enabled this work to occur. She stated that it sounds like one of
the biggest obstacles is staffing, not in the quality but that there is not enough. She suggested that a Natural
Resources Commission be created as there are interested citizens in Mendota Heights that would be
willing and happy to serve in that capacity. She commented that she believed that the Commission would
be a way to assist staff in carrying forward the implementation actions from the final report.
Mayor Levine referenced the proximity of the Xcel natural gas line near the area being discussed for a
controlled burn but noted that she would leave those details to the experts. She thanked everyone involved
in this process, which has been a long time coming. She referenced the Steering Committee and recognized
the members that volunteered their time. She recognized the amazing depth of knowledge that members
of the community hold and that are willing to donate their time to benefit the City. She referenced Phase
2 and the proposed deliverables and asked if revising three to five ordinances as mentioned in the report
would be accurate to address the intentions of the plan.
Councilor Mazzitello commented that it would be dependent upon how one writes the ordinance. A large
ordinance could address multiple issues or multiple ordinances could be drafted addressing each item.
Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter agreed and believed that three to five would be a good start.
Mr. Chapman stated that they did a quick review of the City’s ordinances to determine a logical start. He
stated that the tree ordinance would be an obvious start along with the weed and development ordinances.
Mayor Levine stated that there is so little new development in the City and would perhaps the better
opportunity would be redevelopment opportunities. She stated that she is excited about the work.
Councilor Duggan moved to authorize THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO ISSUE A “NOT TO
EXCEED” PURCHASE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,161 TO APPLIED ECOLOGICAL
SERVICES, FOR PHASE 2 OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN.
Councilor Mazzitello seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Mazzitello aye
Councilor Miller aye
Mayor Levine aye
Councilor Paper aye
Councilor Duggan aye
B) RESOLUTION 2021-13 APPOINTMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION AND PARKS
AND RECREATION COMMISSION
City Administrator Mark McNeill explained that the Council is being asked to make appointments for
vacancies on the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission.
Councilor Duggan moved to adopt RESOLUTION 2021-13 APPOINTING RESIDENT JAFFREY
BLANKS TO THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION, AND RESIDENTS CINDY
JOHNSON AND SALLY LORBERBAUM TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
Councilor Miller seconded the motion.
Further discussion: Councilor Paper thanked everyone who applied. He encouraged interested individuals
to continue to apply.
Mayor Levine stated that the City is fortunate that it has a willing and talented population that continues
to step up to serve their community. She stated that this action creates a vacancy on the Airport Relations
Commission, with the appointment of Sally Lorberbaum to the Planning Commission. She encouraged
those who are interested in serving on the ARC to apply.
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Miller aye
Mayor Levine aye
Councilor Paper aye
Councilor Duggan aye
Councilor Mazzitello aye
Mayor Levine welcomed the new members of the Planning Commission and Park and Recreation
Commission.
C) SET DATE FOR JOINT TRAINING MEETING FOR COMMISSIONERS AND CITY COUNCIL
City Administrator Mark McNeill stated that the Council is asked to set a date to hold a meeting to train
and orient members of the Council and the City’s Commissions.
Councilor Paper suggested that the Council not choose the date that interferes with the Skate Park Work
Group, as that group has worked hard to find a date that works for them. He suggested Wednesday,
February 24th.
It was the consensus of the Council to hold the training on February 24th, starting at 7:00 p.m.
D) ORDINANCE 562 PLACING A MORATORIUM FOR DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTIES IN
THE CRITICAL AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT AND APPROVE THE SUMMARY PUBLICATION
Community Development Director Tim Benetti provided a brief background on this item. The Council is
being asked to consider placing a moratorium on the development of properties in the Critical Area
Overlay District. He noted that if desired, staff could notice this as a public hearing and bring it back for
consideration at the February 16th meeting of the Council.
Councilor Paper commented that this came forward several months ago noting that he was not comfortable
at that time as there were three open applications. He stated that there are currently no open applications,
which makes him feel more comfortable but noted that he would still prefer to continue this to the next
meeting to ensure members of the public are notified and the process is transparent and open.
Councilor Miller noted that it is a fair point that the community should be provided notification before a
decision is made by the Council. He stated that he brought this forward to City staff as he believed this
was the right time. He stated that he would support pushing this to the next Council meeting to allow an
additional notice to the public.
Councilor Mazzitello noted that in addition to providing notice, he would also like additional time to
review what would and would not be included in the moratorium. He stated that his concern would be
related to activities such as residing, installation of a fence, or other minor activities and whether those
could continue to be approved outside of the moratorium.
City Administrator Mark McNeill confirmed that staff could provide additional clarification between
minor and major activities at the next meeting.
Councilor Duggan agreed that this should be continued to the next meeting. He referenced the use of the
word irreversible within the draft language and stated that he would not want to see that word used in the
ordinance. City Administrator Mark McNeill confirmed that that word could be removed without
impacting the intent of the language.
Councilor Miller moved to CONSIDER ORDINANCE 562 PLACING A MORATORIUM FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF PROPERTIES IN THE CRITICAL AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT AT THE
FEBRUARY 16, 2021 COUNCIL MEETING.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Mayor Levine aye
Councilor Paper aye
Councilor Duggan aye
Councilor Mazzitello aye
Councilor Miller aye
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Administrator Mark McNeill announced an upcoming hockey camp that will be held on Presidents
Day. He noted that ice rinks are open but will close on days the temperature is below zero. He advised
that updates can be found on the City hotline. He noted that City Hall will be closed on Presidents Day.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Councilor Duggan had no additional comments.
Councilor Miller thanked outgoing Commissioners Magnuson and Hinderscheid for their service. He also
thanked the Natural Resources Steering Committee for their efforts.
Councilor Mazzitello thanked outgoing Commissioners Magnuson and Hinderscheid for their years of
service. He stated that, as a former member of the Planning Commission, he appreciated the outlook and
experience that Mary Magnuson brought to the Commission. He stated that he would support looking at
all the City assets in a long-term range in order to continually assess the condition and develop a plan of
how those assets can be managed over time. He stated that he is excited to dive into the goal setting
session next week to continue that work.
Councilor Paper thanked the outgoing Commissioners noting that he enjoyed working with Pat
Hinderscheid on the Parks and Recreation Commission. He commented on the control and precision in
which Mary Magnuson ran the Planning Commission meetings. He thanked everyone that applied to
serve on the Commissions, acknowledging how difficult it is to make the appointments because of all of
the qualified individuals that apply. He encouraged residents to continue to apply for vacant positions and
continue to volunteer to serve the community. He stated that he is happy that the work on the Natural
Resources Management Plan is coming to fruition and will continue to open additional opportunities for
the City.
Mayor Levine thanked neighbors around the City that continue to clear the fire hydrants, which allows
the Fire Department to be efficient with its time when incidents occur. She welcomed the youngest
learners back to public school as some students have returned to in person learning. She stated that with
decreased case numbers, older learners may be able to return to in person learning later this month. She
encouraged the community to continue to practice social distancing in order to allow for those students to
continue learning in person. She stated that a group of seniors have created a new form of pickleball at
Marie Court which was featured on a recent television newscast.
ADJOURN
Councilor Mazzitello moved to adjourn.
Councilor Paper seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was performed:
Councilor Paper aye
Councilor Duggan aye
Councilor Mazzitello aye
Councilor Miller aye
Mayor Levine aye
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m.
____________________________________
Stephanie Levine
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Lorri Smith
City Clerk
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
Minutes of the Council Work Session
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Mendota Heights City Council was held
virtually via WebEx.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Levine called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m. Councilmembers Duggan, Mazzitello, Miller,
Paper were also present. Staff in attendance included City Administrator Mark McNeill, Assistant City
Administrator Cheryl Jacobson, Finance Director Kristen Schabacker, Public Works Director Ryan
Ruzek, Community Development Director Tim Benetti, Police Chief Kelly McCarthy, Recreation
Coordinator Meredith Lawrence, and City Clerk Lorri Smith.
GOAL SETTING SESSION
Facilitator Mark Nagel directed a goal setting session with the Council and staff. City Administrator
Mark McNeill reviewed the goals and status thereof which were identified in 2019 and 2020.
Remaining Goals Identified in 2020
1. Resolve Bourn property development
2. Establish a Natural Resources Advisory Group
3. Identify and Implement Surface Water Management Plan
4. Construct dugouts at Mendakota Park
5.Update City’s trail system--better mapping, signage, mile markers, emergency call boxes
6.Local and regional planning to prepare for future traffic volumes, bicycle and pedestrian
movement on Dodd and Delaware
7. Identify and prepare for traffic impacts on Dodd caused by Viking Lakes development
8.Negotiate a joint commercial plan and marketing for The Village and Mendota Plaza
Remaining Goals Identified in 2019
1. Consider implementation of a hotel lodging tax for business development
2. Address lack of cell coverage in the City of Mendota Heights
3.Reimagine park space to maximize usage.
4.Create additional athletic fields
5. Explore establishment of a regional sporting venue—include green space
6. Join GreenStep Cities and consider first requirements to achieve status
The Council members then each submitted 5 new goals that they thought were important for the City
accomplish over the next two years. The goals were grouped into categories.
Community Gatherings
~ Support local businesses by holding socialization events, give regular updates on COVID vaccine,
establish a weekly farmers market, establish a community garden space, establish summer and fall
programs including arts, music, dance, to bring community together, establish a winter festival
~Reimagine citizens’ police or civic academy
Parks
~ Move forward with a parks referendum, install lights at Civic Center park, install lights and dugouts
at Mendakota Park
~ Evaluate currently mowed park areas and unused public spaces for suitability as more pollinator
friendly areas
~ Determine a use for the vacant Bourne property
Zoning/Natural Resources/Comp Plan
~ Revise Zoning Code ordinances to create/reflect clear and understandable rules capable of meeting
projected growth and market demands, revise Critical Area Ordinance to DNR standards
~ Retain and secure the special character of Mendota Heights
~ Improve/strengthen the tree policy to preserve existing trees, new tree planting policy
~ Continue to work towards a brine system at public works for snow and ice control
~ Reduce the number of licensed trash haulers in the city for environmental purposes
~ Address infrastructure needs, including parks, trails, facilities, natural resources and provide
resources for execution
~ Commit to property maintenance & code enforcement activities, report to Council quarterly, and
establish the concept of a preservation phase of the city’s older neighborhoods
City Hall
~ Implement space study for police department/city hall, squad cars parked indoors
~ Ambassador program with area cities, better communication between area cities
~ Exercise the Emergency Operations Plan, and utilize the EOC, quarterly or annually, active shooter
training for all staff/council
~ Determine the morale of City employees
The Council members will rank their top ten goals from this list. This will be placed on an upcoming
City Council meeting agenda for additional discussion, and to finalize the goals for this year.
ADJOURN
Mayor Levine adjourned the meeting at 5:20 p.m.
____________________________________
ATTEST: Stephanie Levine, Mayor
_______________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
PARKS AND RECREATION MEETING
JANUARY 5, 2021
The January meeting of the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission was held on
Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
1.Call to Order – Chair Steve Goldade called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call – The following Commissioners were present: Chair Steve Goldade,
Commissioners: Patrick Cotter, Pat Hinderscheid (arrived at 6:44pm), Bob Klepperich,
Stephanie Meyer, Dan Sherer and Amy Smith; absent: none. Staff present: Recreation
Program Coordinator, Meredith Lawrence, Assistant City Administrator, Cheryl Jacobson, Public
Works Director, Ryan Ruzek, Natural Resource Technician, Krista Spreiter.
3.Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
4.Approval of Agenda
Motion Cotter/second Klepperich, to approve the agenda
A roll call vote was performed:
Commissioner Smith aye
Commissioner Hinderscheid absent
Commissioner Cotter aye
Commissioner Sherer aye
Commissioner Meyer aye
Commissioner Klepperich aye
Chair Goldade aye
Motion carried.
5.a Approval of Minutes from December 8, 2020 Regular Meeting
Motion Klepperich/second Cotter to approve the minutes of the December 8, 2020 Parks and
Recreation Commission Regular Meeting.
A roll call vote was performed:
Commissioner Sherer aye
Commissioner Meyer aye
Commissioner Klepperich aye
Chair Goldade aye
Commissioner Smith aye
Commissioner Cotter aye
Commissioner Hinderscheid absent
Motion carried.
6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
Chair Goldade read aloud an email received from a former Commission member who
suggested cost effective options that could be added for winter amenities, such as shoveling a
rink on Rogers Lake.
7. Acknowledgement of Reports
Chair Goldade read the titles of the three updates (Par 3, Recreation, Park Improvement, and
Natural Resources Updates) and polled the Commissioners for questions.
7.a Par 3 Update
Recreation Program Coordinator, Meredith Lawrence, stated that an update was provided but
the financial report was not available prior to tonight’s meeting. She stated that they have
begun planning for the 2021 season.
7.b Recreation Update
Ms. Lawrence reported that skating rinks are open for the season but warming houses have not
been opened per the Governor’s most recent Executive Order. She stated that the lights for the
rinks are set on timers and encouraged residents to call City staff if the lights are not operating
correctly. She stated that the Governor is set to provide an update the following day and if
things change, the City will continue to pivot to follow those guidelines. She stated that the
Quarantine Cup is still underway and encouraged residents to continue to look for Facebook
posts from the City. She stated that she has begun to plan for the summer of 2021,
acknowledging that there are a lot of “what ifs” with COVID-19.
Chair Goldade thanked the staff members who are working to flood the ice rinks.
7.c Parks Improvement Update
Ms. Lawrence noted that the update was included in the packet and included information on the
Marie Park RFP process. She stated that this project is one that staff would like to continue
moving forward for 2021. She noted that there are nine proposals, and she would like the
Playground Subcommittee, along with staff, to review those proposals in order to narrow it down
to three. She stated that those three proposals would then be presented for public input. She
stated that she will contact the members of the subcommittee to schedule that meeting. She
recognized that Commissioner Hinderscheid will leave the Commission at the end of January,
but she would like him to continue to be involved on the Subcommittee because of his
experience with this process.
6:44pm- Commissioner Hinderscheid was able to connect to the meeting with audio after having
technical difficulties.
Commissioner Sherer asked if the funding for the Wentworth improvements is still held up
related to funding and the use of park dedication fees.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that she met with the Finance Director and City staff leadership and
will continue to review those projects. She stated that the Council will soon meet for a goal
setting session at which time they will discuss funding. She stated that after receiving this input
she will bring an update back to the Commission. She confirmed that the Wentworth project is
at the top of the priority list because of the funds available through the DNR grant.
Chair Goldade stated that the funding is an issue for Wentworth along with the increased cost of
the anticipated structure due to increased material costs. He asked for an estimated timeline for
Marie Park.
Ms. Lawrence stated that part of the RFP was a 90-day window for a vendor to be selected, so
the timeline will need to move quickly. She stated that she anticipates bringing this forward to
the Council and Commission in February.
Chair Goldade asked that the Commission be alerted to the date of the community meeting.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the public meeting would be well publicized to the public and she
would include the Commission.
Commissioner Hinderscheid asked if there would be concerns related to Marie Park and it’s
financing.
Ms. Lawrence stated that staff believes there would be adequate funding to complete the project
in 2021 but noted that it would need to be approved by the City Council.
Commissioner Hinderscheid asked if there are any grant possibilities for that project.
Ms. Lawrence noted that it would be difficult to apply for a grant within the 90-day window. She
stated that she is comfortable with the prices received through the RFP.
Commissioner Cotter stated that perhaps there be a priority for the Commission to learn more
about its role in attempting to find other sources of revenue for parks at one of the upcoming
meetings. He commented that the change in how funds can be allocated does not just impact
the Wentworth project, but many projects moving forward.
8. New Business
8.a Valley Park Eagle Scout Service Project Presentation
Chair Goldade thanked Wyatt Cook for his contribution to the parks.
Wyatt Cook, local student, stated that part of being an Eagle Scout is giving back and provided
different examples that his group participates in. He stated that he created this project, which
took a little over one year to develop, plan and complete. He stated that the process began in
November 2019 with discussions on potential projects and then was focused more on February
towards a potential project in Valley Park. He stated that planning took place in July and
August. He stated that on September 12th he met with Natural Resources Technician Spreiter
to mark out areas and complete a demo tree together. He stated that he coordinated with his
group to then dig the holes and plant the trees in Valley Park. He reviewed before and after
pictures of the project.
Chair Goldade congratulated Mr. Cook on earning his Eagle Cook badge.
Commissioner Cotter thanked Mr. Cook for his efforts, noting that this is a good educational
opportunity. He asked the number of trees planted.
Mr. Cook replied that they planted nine trees.
Commissioner Hinderscheid also thanked Mr. Cook. He asked how the trees were acquired.
Mr. Cook replied that the trees and supplies were donated by the City.
Chair Goldade asked if there is signage acknowledging Mr. Cook’s work and his group’s work.
Mr. Cook replied that there was not signage.
Chair Goldade stated that perhaps staff could develop signage as that is a nice way to remind
residents and other groups that the City is interested in partnering in these opportunities.
Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter thanked Mr. Cook. She stated that you never
know how these projects will go but it was amazing to work with him and he did a great job.
She stated that staff has discussed signage and noted that she will follow up with Mr. Cook.
7. Acknowledgement of Reports (Continued)
7.d Natural Resources Update
Natural Resources Technician Krista Spreiter reviewed the natural resources update and
highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects and programs. She provided an update on Emerald
Ash Borer, noting that most ash trees in the City have been infected and the City will continue to
remove diseased trees. She stated that the first phase of the Natural Resources Management
Plan has been completed and a presentation will be provided to the Council at its February 2nd
meeting. She reviewed upcoming events including the resident tree sale and the rain barrel and
compost bin sale.
Chair Goldade thanked Ms. Spreiter for her update and for the work she and her team
complete.
Commissioner Hinderscheid asked if there is something done following buckthorn removal to
prevent it from growing back.
Ms. Spreiter confirmed that they treat the area after cutting to prevent it from resprouting.
Commissioner Hinderscheid stated that he heard there were about 10,000 ash trees in Mendota
Heights and asked if that is correct.
Ms. Spreiter replied that the number is closer to 13,000 and noted that there are about 1,300
municipal/public ash trees. She commented that it is a lot to manage. She noted that not all the
trees are near roads and would not necessarily need to be removed at this point.
Commissioner Hinderscheid commented that he would imagine that it would be difficult to lose
that canopy, environmentally.
Ms. Spreiter confirmed that the loss will be noticeable and could be similar to the removal of the
Dutch Elm trees that were removed in the past.
Commissioner Cotter thanked Ms. Spreiter for her presentation. He asked the likely timeline for
the removal of the ash trees.
Ms. Spreiter stated that the process typically ramps up in year four, which is where the City is.
She commented that the loss will be significant and noticeable in the next three to four years.
Commissioner Cotter asked what would be likely to grow in the place of ash trees. He
commented that it would not be likely that the City would be able to plant 10,000 trees.
Ms. Spreiter commented that they will encourage residents to plant trees, especially if they are
losing trees on their private property. She stated that something will take the place of the trees
within the natural areas and open space. She stated that some deliberate planting could occur
in attempt to avoid invasive species. She stated that there is also an importance in planting
diverse species to avoid a similar situation where too many of one type of tree are planted and a
disease comes along that takes out that population. She stated that she does have a DNR-
suggested replacement list that could be shared.
Commissioner Hinderscheid asked if the treatment for EAB is a viable way to treat the tree and
avoid further damage.
Ms. Spreiter commented that treatment is good for mitigation but is more of a delay in order to
allow people to save funds to remove the tree and replace it. She confirmed that the program is
still available to residents.
Chair Goldade asked if it would be possible to have someone from Great River Greening come
to make a presentation. He stated that perhaps a Valley Park work group could be formed as a
collaboration between this Commission and the Natural Resources Group. He asked if there
could be a connection formalized between the Pilot Knob Task Force and the Commission/
School District. He commented that he would be happy to help form those connections. He
commented that this amenity is a wonderful asset to both the community and the schools.
Ms. Spreiter commented that those are great suggestions and agreed that the more
connections the better.
Motion Hinderscheid/second Klepperich to acknowledge the staff reports.
A roll call vote was performed:
Commissioner Cotter aye
Commissioner Smith aye
Commissioner Klepperich aye
Chair Goldade aye
Commissioner Hinderscheid aye
Commissioner Sherer aye
Commissioner Meyer aye
Motion carried.
8. New Business (Continued)
8.b Par 3 Vision Discussion
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated at the December meeting it was
requested to continue this discussion on to the January agenda. She stated that she plans to
bring forward the recommendations for the logo to the Council at its January meeting. She
noted that once approved, the logo will be carried on to the Par 3 to refresh the brand. She
welcomed any additional suggestions from the Commission.
Chair Goldade welcomed any ideas from the Commission for the 2021 season of the Par 3.
Commissioner Klepperich commented that there was a record year in 2020, even with COVID-
19 and the procedures that had to be in place. He believed that the influence of COVID-19 will
continue into the 2021 season and therefore careful planning will need to continue. He stated
that the rate structure is right, and the course is in wonderful condition. He stated that new
equipment continues to be added and believes that the course is on the right path for success.
Commissioner Hinderscheid stated that when he types in the Par 3 course, it brings him to the
City website.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that the Par 3 does not have its own website and is instead part of the
City website. She stated that most municipal golf courses do not have their own website and
are part of the City website because it is managed by City staff. She agreed that the page for
the Par 3 course could be updated.
Commissioner Hinderscheid confirmed that he would support updating the Par 3 page on the
City website.
Commissioner Cotter stated that once the rebranding is completed, perhaps a proposed update
for the Par 3 page could be brought forward to the Commission for review.
Commissioner Smith stated that perhaps there could be a kickoff weekend with a scramble,
noting that perhaps the season could end with a scramble as well. She asked commented on
the yardage and placement of the tee boxes.
Chair Goldade asked if there is a family special offered; a time of the week when families
receive a special rate.
Ms. Lawrence replied that they do not currently offer that. She stated that staff is looking into
opportunities to engage families. She stated that currently they utilize the punch card, as that
provides a reduced rate. She stated that the biggest problem was that they were so busy in
2020 that they could not always accommodate the crew that wanted to come out. She stated
that they have done a kickoff event in the past, which has been packed. She stated that in
2020, once the Governor announced that golf courses could be open, it was difficult to find a tee
time because the courses were packed.
Chair Goldade suggested that perhaps on Sundays after 3 p.m. a child plays free with a paid
adult. He stated that he received an idea to increase the number of electric carts from a
resident.
Commissioner Hinderscheid asked if the sign on Dodd Road would be replaced with the new
logo.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she plans to have a new sign on Dodd. She stated that she will not
be replacing the tee markers as those do not have the logo and are in good shape.
Commissioner Hinderscheid stated that perhaps solar lighting could be used for the sign, as that
would catch the eye of passersby.
8.c Park Volunteer/Adopt-A-Park Program Discussion
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence stated that the Commission has discussed
an adopt-a-park program for the past few years and residents and businesses have reached out
wanting to contribute. She stated that staff began to research how an adopt-a-park or volunteer
program could be established. She stated that she has spoken to staff from other cities to
determine how a program of that nature has been implemented. She stated that Mendota
Heights is smaller than many of the surrounding communities and in turn has less staff. She
stated that there are a lot of residents that want to give back to the community and believes this
would be a good time for the Commission to discuss that opportunity. She asked how this
program could be made successful in the City. She stated that she can use the suggestions
tonight to develop a program that could be brought back for consideration/adoption by the
Commission.
Chair Goldade asked if an adopt-a-park program is a national program under a larger umbrella
or whether it is a term passed from city to city.
Ms. Lawrence commented that every city has a different formal name for this type of program.
She stated that there is not a formal nationwide program to follow.
Chair Goldade asked how willing Eagan would be to share its program, noting that it is easier to
start with something and then make it your own.
Ms. Lawrence stated that the programs are public knowledge/information. She stated that she
has researched programs from other communities, but they are all so different. She stated that
she would like guidance on how the program would be most successful within Mendota Heights.
Commissioner Klepperich asked if there would be liability issues. He stated that perhaps a few
of the best practices for this type of program would be a helpful place to start. He asked if the
plan would be to start this in 2021.
Ms. Lawrence stated that in order to protect the City from liability, the groups would sign a
waiver. She stated that there is recreational immunity that can be utilized through the League of
Minnesota Cities. She stated that she would be estimating a start for the program of the end of
2021 or in 2022. She confirmed that she could provide some best practices, noting that she has
started a document with how a program could be run in Mendota Heights. She stated that she
will provide additional information at the next meeting, if desired, but would like feedback this
evening to prepare.
Commissioner Smith asked if the idea for an adopt-a-park program would be to utilize
community groups to clean up litter and assist with other tasks.
Ms. Lawrence stated that she is looking for input from the Commission on what that would be.
She stated that many cities have groups that adopt a park and hold clean-up events three or
four times per year and advise the City of improvements that may be needed. She stated that
this is a large, broad opportunity noting that the intent would be to develop a program tailored to
the desire of the Commission.
Commissioner Sherer asked if this would be for local residents and businesses or whether it
would expand to larger groups/businesses that may be outside the community.
Commissioner Hinderscheid stated that perhaps public works would have suggestions on where
the public could provide assistance.
Ms. Lawrence confirmed that public works has been involved in the discussions and would
continue to provide guidance.
Motion Meyer/second Klepperich to continue to investigate and discuss a volunteer/adopt-a-
park program.
Further discussion: Commissioner Meyer stated that several community members have
approached her on this topic, and this is a great way to get people involved. She noted that a
lot of park projects focus on specific things, such as a playground or other amenity, and do not
look at the park holistically or the areas around the edges. She stated that there is a lot of
interest in Marie and that would be her suggestion to begin as a pilot.
Chair Goldade stated that perhaps the program could be discussed more at the next meeting.
A roll call vote was performed:
Commissioner Hinderscheid aye
Commissioner Klepperich aye
Commissioner Meyer aye
Commissioner Sherer aye
Commissioner Smith aye
Chair Goldade aye
Commissioner Cotter aye
Motion carried.
9. Unfinished Business
9.a Skate Park Work Group Update
Commissioner Klepperich stated that the group met on December 21st and will meet again on
January 25th. The Committee has agreed to have Ms. Lawrence work with the State authorized
contractor to complete a 3D rendering. He noted that the suggestion was made to create the
concrete pad large enough to add additional features in the future. He stated that wood has
been selected as a material for the features, while metal and concrete were also discussed. He
noted that the renderings will be shared with the work group at its January meeting. He stated
that several potential sites were reviewed by the group and highlighted some of the
considerations that were taken into account for each site. He stated that if the park is moved
from Rogers Lake, Mendakota was the other possible location, noting that the other locations
reviewed were not favorable. He stated that once the recommendations of the work group are
complete, it will come forward to the Commission for review and then the City Council.
Commissioner Smith commented that two students were instrumental in creating the
renderings. She stated that while the features would be wooden and quite simple, it would be
an improvement from the current condition of the skate park.
Commissioner Hinderscheid asked how the issue of funding would apply if the skate park were
to stay at Rogers Lake compared to moving it to Mendakota.
Ms. Lawrence replied that this new interpretation by the Attorney is continually reviewed and
discussed. She stated that if the skate park stays at Rogers Lake it would need to be funded
with maintenance funds. She stated that if the size were increased and moved to Mendakota,
some special parks funds could be used. She stated that if the skate park were moved to
Mendakota, but the size remained the same, it would not change the recreational offerings and
therefore would need to be funded through maintenance funds.
Chair Goldade thanked Commissioners Klepperich and Smith, Ms. Lawrence, and the other
members of the work group for their continued contributions to this topic.
10. Staff Announcements
Recreation Program Coordinator Meredith Lawrence shared the following announcements:
• Staff awaits the announcement from the Governor the following day which could possibly
increase the recreational opportunities that could be offered.
• One Student Representative application has been received. She encouraged interested
students to apply on the website.
• Staff is researching new recreational opportunities, as suggested in the email shared
during the open forum tonight.
• Many applications were received for the Commission seat that will be vacant at the end
of the month when Commissioner Hinderscheid’s term expires. A new member will be
appointed and join the Commission in February.
• She thanked Commissioner Hinderscheid for his contributions to the Commission and
community.
• Other events can be found on the city’s website
11. Student Representative Update
None.
12. Commission Comments and Park Updates
Commissioner Klepperich
• Thanked Commissioner Hinderscheid for his work on the Commission
• Mendakota Park had nicely cleaned paths
• It has been a wonderful winter to get outside and use the trails
Commissioner Smith
• Thanked Commissioner Hinderscheid, as he helped her to learn as a new Commissioner
• Friendly Hills has had people skating on the rink each night and the sledding hill is well
used
• The northeast side of the ice rink drains and hits the trail, which causes an icy spot on
the trail
Commissioner Meyer
• Thanked Commissioner Hinderscheid for his help and for making her feel welcome as a
Commissioner when she started
• Marie Park is still very busy, and it is great to see people outside with the nice weather
Commissioner Cotter
• Thanked Commissioner Hinderscheid noting that he has a great sense of humor that
helps to lift the mood. It is clear he has a lot of knowledge on the parks in Mendota
Heights
• He asked if the idea for Rogers Lake skating would be feasible
Commissioner Sherer
• The moderate winter weather has been great to let people get outside and enjoy the
parks
• Thanked Commissioner Hinderscheid noting that it has been a pleasure to work with him
and the legacy that he leaves
Chair Goldade
• Wentworth and Valley parks are both doing great and great places to hike through
• Thanked Commissioner Hinderscheid for the knowledge, expertise, and humor he has
brought to the Commission
Commissioner Hinderscheid
• Thanked the Commission for the kind words. He stated that he has enjoyed working
with Ms. Lawrence and commented that she does an excellent job. He stated that nine
years is a long time, but this has been a rewarding experience.
• Ivy Hills does not have a skating rink, but the sledding hill continues to be used
• The dog park continues to have a lot of use
13. Adjourn
Motion Klepperich/Second Hinderscheid to adjourn the meeting at 8:11 PM
A roll call vote was performed:
Commissioner Cotter aye
Commissioner Meyer aye
Chair Goldade aye
Commissioner Hinderscheid aye
Commissioner Smith aye
Commissioner Klepperich aye
Commissioner Sherer aye
Motion carried.
AYES 7: NAYS 0
Minutes drafted by:
Amanda Staple
TimeSaver Off Site Secretarial, Inc.
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Final Payment and Acceptance of the Wesley Neighborhood Improvement Project #201803
COMMENT:
Introduction
The Council is asked to approve Resolution 2021-15, to accept work and approve the final payment
for the Wesley Neighborhood Improvement project 201803. The contract work for the Wesley
Neighborhood Street Improvements Project has been completed, inspected, and approved. The
project is ready for final payment. This will start the one-year guarantee period. All required
paperwork needed before the final payment can be issued has been submitted.
Background
The City Council awarded the contract to Bituminous Roadways, Inc. at their August 7, 2019, City
Council meeting for their low bid of $1,399,999.41.
Discussion
The final payment for this contract is $12,884.44 including retainage. The final contract amount
is $1,288,444.14 which is $111,555.27 under the original contract. This reduction is due to the
elimination of the pedestrian trail on Dodd Road between Wesley Lane and Mager Court.
Budget Impact
The project costs were funded by assessments on the properties, bonding, state aid and utility
funds. There are sufficient funds in the project account to cover the final payment.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mendota Heights City Council approve the attached Resolution No.
2021-15 “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT FOR
PROJECT 201803, WESLEY NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS”
Action Required
If Council concurs with the staff recommendation, they should pass a motion adopting Resolution
No. 2021-15 “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING FINAL
PAYMENT FOR PROJECT 201803, WESLEY NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS”
by simple majority vote.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-15
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT
FOR PROJECT 201803, WESLEY NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENS
WHEREAS, pursuant to a written contract signed with the City of Mendota
Heights on August 8, 2019, with Bituminous Roadways, Inc. of Mendota Heights,
Minnesota, has satisfactorily completed the improvements for the Wesley Neighborhood
Project -Project #201803, in accordance with such contract.
NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the
City of Mendota Heights that the work completed under said contract is hereby accepted
and approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby
directed to issue a proper order for the final payment on such contract in the amount of
$12,884.45, taking the contractor’s receipt in full.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this sixteenth day of
February, 2021.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
BY___________________________
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
BY____________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
DATE: February 16, 2021 TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator FROM: Dave Dreelan, Fire Chief SUBJECT: Final Payment and Acceptance of Fire Station Addition/Remodel
COMMENT:
Introduction
The Council is asked to approve Resolution 2021-17, to accept work and approve one final
payment for the fire station addition/remodel.
Background
The City Council awarded 21 contracts on March 5, 2019, for the remodel/addition of the fire
station. The City Council approved the final payments for four contracts on December 15, 2020,
and seven contracts on January 19, 2021.
The contract work for one of the components for the project has now been completed, inspected,
and approved. This contract is ready for final payment. This will start the one-year guarantee
period. All required paperwork needed for the final payment has been submitted.
Note that there are still several outstanding contracts for this project, and that this is not the “final”
closeout for the project.
Discussion
The one contract ready for final payment is:
Name Pay Request Original Contract
Amount
Contract
Schwickerts Tecta America $13,048.38 $154,710.00 CP-07 Metal Panels
Total Final Payments $13,048.38
Budget Impact
There are sufficient funds to cover this final payment.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mendota Heights City Council accept the work and approve the final
payment descried herein.
Action Required
If Council concurs with the staff recommendation, they should pass a motion adopting
Resolution No. 2021-17 “RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING FINAL
PAYMENT FOR ONE MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE STATION REMODEL AND
EXPANSION FINAL PAYMENT”. Approval may be by a simple majority vote.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2021-17
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WORK AND APPROVING FINAL PAYMENT
FOR MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE STATION REMODEL & EXPANSION
SCHWICKERT’S TECTA AMERICA
WHEREAS, pursuant to a written contract signed on March 5, 2019, with the
City of Mendota Heights, Schwickert’s Tecta America has satisfactorily completed
component improvements for the fire station expansion/remodel in accordance with its
contract.
NOW THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the
City of Mendota Heights that the work completed under said contract is hereby accepted
and approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk are hereby
directed to issue a proper order for the final payment on such contract in the amount of
$13,048.38, taking the contractor’s receipt in full.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this sixteenth day of
February 2021.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
___________________________
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dave Dreelan, Fire Chief.
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Rescue Boat Purchase/ Disposal of Old Equipment
Comment:
INTRODUCTION
The City Council is asked to approve the purchase of new rescue boat, motor and trailer for the
Fire Department, and the disposal of the equipment which the new purchase is replacing.
BACKGROUND
The fire department’s fleet includes a 14’ Zodiac-style rescue boat. The boat is designed and sized
to effectively assist with water and ice rescue emergencies that occur on the lakes and ponds that
are found throughout our city and in neighboring communities. In addition to working well on
smaller and medium sized bodies of water the boat is also capable of operating safely on the river
under most conditions. When river conditions or the type or location of the incident makes it unsafe
or impractical to use our boat on the river, we work in conjunction with our mutual aid partners
who operate larger boats with expanded capabilities.
Our current boat was built in 2007. Unfortunately, it nearly sank during a training exercise this
past fall when a seam separated in the floor of the boat, which resulted in a large hole below the
water line. It’s not practical or prudent to try and fix the damage on the boat given its age and the
location of the damage.
Over the last few months a committee has reviewed the MHFD’s water rescue plan as well as
researched the various types of boats and water rescue devices that are commercially available.
The committee focused on ensuring that our water rescue plan meets current best practices, and
any equipment we purchase meets the needs of our city and doesn’t duplicate the resources that
our mutual aid partners can provide.
The committed visited Great American Marine in Bloomington which is a boat dealership that
specializes rescue boats and stocks three prominent brands of rescue boats, which are Zodiac,
Highfield and AB. After reviewing the different capabilities and options associated with each
boat brand the committee determined that a 14’ rescue boat manufactured by AB Boats best
meets the department’s needs.
Rescue boats are very specialized type of equipment. Great American Marine is the only
authorized regional dealer in the Dakotas, Minnesota, and most of Wisconsin which sells,
services, and warranties the boats made by Zodiac, Highfield and AB. This relationship between
the builders and dealers make it difficult to receive comparable quotations, and so this is the only
quote which was received. Seeking quotes from dealers outside of the upper Midwest would add
significant delivery costs. However, research has confirmed the cost of this boat and related
equipment is very comparable to similar packages sold throughout the region. The City
Attorney has confirmed that the purchase of the boat may be done without competitive bidding
through M.S. 471.3455 or 471.36.
The current boat has no value; however, the current trailer and outboard motor may be sold at
auction or by other means to offset some of the expense. We have checked, and found that neither
the Police Department, nor Public Works have a need for them. We therefore ask for authorization
to dispose of these items by newspaper advertisement, which would also list them on either Craig’s
List, or Facebook Marketplace, and perhaps both. The Council is asked to approve the disposal
of these items via resolution.
BUDGET IMPACT
Funding for the $25,545 is recommended to come from the Equipment Reserve Fund, which has
a current balance of $541,000.
If the Council wants to ensure a healthy future to the Equipment Reserve Fund, it should consider
and implement a practice which would provide for a budgeted “depreciation” for major pieces of
equipment being acquired. Such a practice would divide the expected life of the acquired
equipment by the purchase amount. For example, in this case, the life expectancy of the rescue
boat might be 10 years. Dividing the $25,545 by that ten years would mean that the Council should
levy an additional $2555 in the FY 2022 budget, and place that in the Equipment Reserve Fund.
Doing this annually will mean that when it was time to replace this boat, bonds wouldn’t have to
be sold, or the levy be increased by the whole amount. Depending on how detailed Council wanted
to get, inflation could also be factored in.
The Council can discuss this in more detail during the FY 22 budget discussions.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approve the purchase of AB Fire Rescue Boat, motor and
trailer at the cost of $25,545.
ACTION REQUIRED
If the Council concurs, it should by motion authorize the purchase of the boat and associated
equipment from Great American Marine in the amount of $25,545, and authorize the disposal of
the old boat and related equipment, by approving the following resolution:
RESOLUTION 2021-19
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A RESCUE BOAT, TRAILER,
AND MOTOR, AND DECLARING CERTAIN MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT TO BE SURPLUS, AND AUTHORIZE ITS SALE OR
DISPOSAL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2021-19
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF A RESCUE BOAT, TRAILER,
AND MOTOR, AND DECLARING CERTAIN MENDOTA HEIGHTS FIRE
DEPARTMENT EQUIPMENT TO BE SURPLUS, AND AUTHORIZE ITS SALE OR
DISPOSAL
WHEREAS, The Fire Department of the City of Mendota Heights has need of the
purchase of a boat to replace a Zodiac-brand rescue boat which is no longer functional, and
WHEREAS, after careful research, the Fire Chief has recommended the purchase of an
AB-brand boat, along with a trailer and outboard motor, from Great American Marine for
$25,545; and
WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights also follows the requirements in State Law and
City Code for the appropriate disposition of unused or unneeded property; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief recommends that following pieces of equipment which are
currently owned by the City should be considered surplus property:
• Zodiac Rescue Boat
• Trailer Used to Transport the Rescue Boat
• Outboard Motor for Rescue Boat; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights has duly considered this
matter and declares the afore listed pieces of equipment to be surplus, and of no further need or
value to the City; and
WHEREAS, any of the equipment has a market value shall be listed for sale, and offers
be sought through Craig’s List and/or Facebook Marketplace, and that which has no value may be
otherwise properly scrapped.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mendota Heights City Council hereby
authorizes the purchase of a new rescue boat, trailer, and outboard Motor from Great American
Marine in the amount of $25,545.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council declares the listed boat, trailer, and
motor to be surplus, and authorizes the Mendota Heights Fire Department to dispose or sell the
material as authorized by law.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 16th day of February, 2021.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
ATTEST
___________________________
_______________________ Stephanie Levine, Mayor
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor, Council and City Administrator
FROM: Wayne Wegener, Police Captain
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 2021-18 FORMALLY ACCEPTING THE
DONATION OF A GRILL FROM LOWE’S AND IN TURN
DONATING IT TO NEIGHBORS INC.
INTRODUCTION
The City Council is asked to formally accept the donation of a grill to the Police Department
BACKGROUND
The City Auditor has advised that Minnesota State Statute 465.03 “Gifts to municipalities”
requires all donations be acknowledged by Resolution. This memo meets Minnesota State
Statutory requirements by having the City Council formally accept the gift and recognizing the
donor.
Lowe’s in West St. Paul wishes to facilitate the donation of a Weber Grill to the police department.
Seeing the value of this item would have a greater benefit to others outside of the organization, the
police department would like to accept the donation and in turn donate the grill to Neighbors Inc.
Neighbors Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization located is South St. Paul that provides emergency
assistance and supportive assistance programs to low-income community members in Northern
Dakota County, including Mendota Heights, Mendota, and Lilydale.
BUDGET IMPACT
There is no budget impact.
RECOMMENDATION
If Council desires to implement the recommendation, a motion will need to be passed adopting
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-18 FORMALLY ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A GRILL
FROM LOWE’S AND IN TURN DONATING IT TO NEIGHBORS INC.
City of Mendota Heights
Dakota County, Minnesota
RESOLUTION 2021-18
A RESOLUTION FORMALLY ACCEPTING THE DONATION OF A GRILL FROM
LOWE’S AND IN TURN DONATING IT TO NEIGHBORS INC.
WHEREAS, Minnesota State Statute 465.03 “Gifts to Municipalities” requires a resolution to be
approved by the governing body to accept gifts to municipalities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights has previously acknowledged gifts by resolution as
required by law; and
WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights encourages and supports citizens and organizations
who wish to participate in government; and
WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights follows the requirements in State Law and City Code
for the appropriate disposition of unused or unneeded property; and
WHEREAS, Lowe’s in West St. Paul, Minnesota wishes to donate a Weber Grill to the police
department; and
WHEREAS, the Neighbors Inc., based in South St. Paul, MN, is a 501c.3 organization nonprofit
organization located in South St. Paul that provides emergency assistance and supportive assistance
programs to low-income community members in Northern Dakota County, including Mendota Heights,
Mendota, and Lilydale; and
WHEREAS, the donation of the grill from the Mendota Heights Police Department to Neighbors
Inc. would benefit the charitable organization; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights have duly considered this matter
and wish to officially recognize the donation of a grill from Lowe’s and in turn wishes to donate it to
Neighbors Inc.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Mendota Heights hereby gratefully accepts the donation of a grill from Lowe’s, and in turn donates it to
Neighbors Inc.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this 16th day of February, 2021.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
_________________________________
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
Kelly McCarthy, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Police Officer Resignation and Position Recruitment
INTRODUCTION
The Council is asked to accept the resignation of Police Officer Anthony Patton and authorize
staff to begin the Police Officer recruitment process.
BACKGROUND
Anthony Patton has resigned his position as a Police Officer effective February 15, 2021. The
City Council should take action to accept that action.
To fill the resulting vacancy, staff requests authorization to begin the Police Officer recruitment
process. The recruitment process will start with a position posting/advertisement. It is anticipated
that the application period will run from approximately February 22 to March 23. Interested
applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, city application and application supplement.
Applications will be evaluated and ranked, and interviews and testing conducted. After the initial
posting period, the hiring process is anticipated to take four to six weeks.
BUDGET IMPACT
Funding for the position is provided for in the 2021 budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the resignation of Police Officer Anthony Patton
effective February 15, 2021 and authorize staff to begin the Police Officer recruitment process.
ACTION REQUESTED
If the City Council concurs, it should, by motion, accept the resignation of Officer Anthony
Patton effective February 15, 2021 and authorize staff to begin the Police Officer recruitment
process.
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: ARC Candidate Selection Process
Comment:
Introduction:
The City Council is asked to affirm the process by which a finalist candidate will be recommended to the
City Council for appointment to the Airports Relations Commission (ARC).
Background:
The appointment of Sally Lorberbaum to the City Planning Commission has created a vacancy on the
Airport Relations Commission. Because of the learning curve needed to get proficient about the subject of
airport noise, previous City Councils have exempted ARC members from the three term service limit that
is in place for the Planning, and Parks and Recreation Commissions.
Posting of the ARC vacancy was done on February 10th, with an application due date of March 3rd. The
intent is for the Council to make its appointment at the March 16th Council meeting, so that the new
Commissioner could be seated in time for the March 17th ARC Meeting.
Because of the somewhat specialized nature of the Commission, it is likely to generate fewer applicants
than had been seen for the other Commissions.
Unless the Council would prefer to have the full Council interview the applicants, I recommend that a
smaller panel conduct the interviews, and make its selection and recommendation to the full Council. That
would allow for the quickest turnaround. Such a panel might consist of the Mayor, Councilor Miller (who
is the City’s NOC representative), Assistant City Administrator Jacobson (who staffs the ARC) and the
City Administrator (who attends most ARC meetings).
In the event that only a single applicant emerges, the panel, or even a subgroup of the panel, would interview
the applicant to determine whether that individual is a good fit.
Recommendation:
I recommend that a panel consisting of Mayor Levine, Councilor Miller, ACA Jacobson, and City
Administrator McNeill be appointed to interview the ARC applicants and make a recommendation to the
Council as to a finalist for the vacant ARC position.
Action Required:
If the Council concurs, it should appoint the recommended persons to a panel to interview candidates, which
would then make a recommendation to the Council for the candidate to fill the vacant position on the Airport
Relations Commission.
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
SUBJECT: December Par 3 Financial Report
INTRODUCTION
The City Council is asked to acknowledge the December Par 3 Financial Report.
BACKGROUND
Attached is the December Par 3 Financial Report. Throughout 2020 the course had a total of 14,283
rounds of golf played. Including the month of December, the Par 3 had a year-to-date revenue total
of $173,509.
The course’s December expenditures totaled $8,583. The year-to-date expenditure total is
$144,916. Although the numbers are not final until the audit is complete, the course is projecting
positive operating revenues over expenses for 2020 in the amount of $28,593.
Staff is working on the 2020 Annual Report for Parks and Recreation and the Golf Course. This
report will be presented to the City Council at a future meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Mendota Heights City Council acknowledge the December Par 3
Financial Report.
ACTION REQUIRED
If the Council concurs, it should, by motion acknowledge the December Par 3 Financial Report.
MONTHLY EXPENDITURE REPORT
DECEMBER 2020
MENDOTA HEIGHTS PAR 3
BUDGET TO ACTUAL REPORT
December 2020 (100.0% OF YEAR)
December
REVENUES December YTD YTD YTD
BUDGET 2020 2020 %2019
GREENS, LEAGUE & TOURN FEES $100,000 $0 $150,063 150.06%$93,078
RECREATION PROGRAMS $40,000 $0 $23,251 58.13%$33,454
CONCESSIONS $19,000 $0 $0 0.00%$19,538
SUNDRY REVENUE $0 $0 $195 0.00%$280
INTEREST $450 $0 $0 0.00%$0
CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS $0 $0 $0 0.00%$0
PAR 3 FUND REVENUE TOTAL $159,450 $0 $173,509 108.82%$146,350
EXPENDITURES December YTD YTD YTD
BUDGET 2020 2020 %2019
CLUBHOUSE SALARIES $34,300 $0 $20,528 59.85%$27,146
ADMINISTRATIVE SALARIES $23,601 $1,280 $22,000 93.21%$18,442
FICA/PERA $10,433 $183 $6,914 66.27%$6,862
MEDICAL INSURANCE $6,653 $554 $6,653 100.00%$6,653
U/E & W/C INSURANCE $2,500 $0 $3,302 132.09%$3,218
RENTALS $4,750 $699 $2,486 52.33%$3,832
UTILITIES $15,130 $1,080 $10,441 69.01%$11,871
PROFESSIONAL FEES - AUDIT $2,850 $0 $2,866 100.56%$2,776
PROF FEES - CONSULTING FEES $1,100 $0 $0 0.00%$531
PROF FEES - GROUNDS MGMT $3,000 $0 $0 0.00%$0
PROF FEES - GROUNDS WAGES $22,000 $0 $18,129 82.41%$17,164
PROF FEES - TREE MAINTENANCE $1,500 $0 $0 0.00%$0
ADVERTISING/NEWSLETTER $400 $0 $0 0.00%$235
LIABILITY/AUTO INSURANCE $4,200 -$186 $4,459 106.18%$4,739
OPERATING COSTS/SUPPLIES $7,650 $27 $3,122 40.81%$5,056
FUEL $1,750 $0 $965 55.17%$1,491
REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE $35,350 $3,145 $33,180 93.86%$28,851
SUNDRY/DUES/MILEAGE/CLOTHING $4,150 $1,778 $2,616 63.05%$3,303
CONTINGENCY $0 $0 $0 0.00%$0
ONLINE REG & CREDIT CARD FEES $4,275 $22 $7,254 169.68%$3,734
PAR 3 EXPENDITURES TOTAL $185,592 $8,583 $144,916 78.08%$145,904
***These numbers are not yet final and may be adjusted in completing the 2020 audit.
2/10/2021
1/31/2021 Mendota Heights Building Activity Report Mike Andrejka, Building Official
January 1, 2021 thru January 31, 2021 January 1, 2021 thru January 31, 2021 January 1, 2020 thru January 31, 2020 January 1, 2019 thru January 31, 2019
Building Permit No.Valuation Fee Collected Building Permit No.Valuation Fee Collected Building Permit No.Valuation Fee Collected Building Permit No.Valuation Fee Collected
SFD 1 685,250.00$ $7,238.14 SFD 1 685,250.00$ $7,238.14 SFD 0 -$ $0.00 SFD 0 -$ -$
Apartment 0 -$ $0.00 Apartment 0 -$ $0.00 Apartment 0 -$ $0.00 Apartment 0 -$ -$
Townhouse 0 -$ $0.00 Townhouse 0 -$ $0.00 Townhouse 0 -$ $0.00 Townhouse 0 -$ -$
Condo 0 -$ $0.00 Condo 0 -$ $0.00 Condo 0 -$ $0.00 Condo 0 -$ -$
Misc 35 575,394.00$ 7,733.84$ Misc 35 575,394.00$ 7,733.84$ Misc 32 513,736.57$ 7,054.53$ Misc 32 655,787.00$ 7,767.62$
Commercial 0 -$ $0.00 Commercial 0 -$ $0.00 Commercial 1 10,000.00$ $191.75 Commercial 0 -$ -$
Sub Total 36 1,260,644.00$ 14,971.98$ Sub Total 36 1,260,644.00$ 14,971.98$ Sub Total 33 523,736.57$ 7,246.28$ Sub Total 32 655,787.00$ 7,767.62$
Trade Permit No.Valuation Fee Collected Trade Permit No.Valuation Fee Collected Trade Permit No.Valuation Fee Collected Trade Permit No.Valuation Fee Collected
Plumbing 14 $1,095.00 Plumbing 14 $1,095.00 Plumbing 25 $2,242.30 Plumbing 21 1,575.00$
Water 0 $0.00 Water 0 $0.00 Water 0 $0.00 Water 0 -$
Sewer 3 $225.00 Sewer 3 $225.00 Sewer 0 $0.00 Sewer 0 -$
Mechanical 23 $2,580.92 Mechanical 23 397.00$ $2,580.92 Mechanical 32 $2,654.63 Mechanical 22 2,030.26$
Sub Total 40 3,900.92$ Sub Total 40 3,900.92$ Sub Total 57 $4,896.93 Sub Total 43 3,605.26$
License No.Valuation Fee Collected Licenses No.Valuation Fee Collected Licenses No.Valuation Fee Collected Licenses No.Valuation Fee Collected
Contractor 0 $0.00 Contractor 0 $0.00 Contractor 0 $0.00 Contractor 146 7,300.00$
Total 76 1,260,644.00$ 18,872.90$ Total 76 1,260,644.00$ 18,872.90$ Total 90 523,736.57$ 12,143.21$ Total 221 655,787.00$ 18,672.88$
NOTE: All fee amounts exclude SAC, WAC and State Surcharge. Amounts shown will reflect only permit, plan review fee and valuation totals
Request for City Council Action
MEETING DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor Levine and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
Tim Benetti, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 562 - An Interim Ordinance Placing a Moratorium on Proposed
Development, Subdivision or Certain Construction and Building Activity Requiring a
Permit for Properties Situated in the Critical Area Overlay District
Introduction
The City Council is asked to consider adopting Ordinance No. 562, which establishes a temporary moratorium
on any proposed or requested land use applications and certain building permit requests for those properties
situated in the Critical Area Overlay District.
Background
Under Minnesota State Statute 426.355, Subd. 4, local governments have the authority to enact moratoriums
on development in order to protect the planning process, and to allow cities time to conduct and complete a
study (if needed), for the purpose of considering adoption or amendment of a comprehensive plan or official
controls as defined in section 462.352, Subdivision 15, to-wit:
"Official controls" or "controls" means ordinances and regulations which control the physical
development of a city, county or town or any part thereof or any detail thereof and implement the general
objectives of the comprehensive plan. Official controls may include ordinances establishing zoning,
subdivision controls, site plan regulations, sanitary codes, building codes and official maps.
The governing body of the municipality may adopt an interim ordinance applicable to all or part of its
jurisdiction for the purpose of protecting the planning process and the health, safety and welfare of its citizens.
The interim ordinance may regulate, restrict, or prohibit any use, development, or subdivision within the
jurisdiction or a portion thereof for a period not to exceed one year from the date it is effective.
Discussion
The moratorium temporarily halts any new permits for single-family or multi-family dwellings; new business
or industrial developments; new subdivision plats; or major grading and land disturbance projects. Exempted
from this moratorium will be any minor development or construction activities, such as small building
additions (144-sf. or less), decks, fences, sheds, patios, or landscaping projects. This moratorium applies to
all properties situated in the Critical Area Overlay District (attached map).
As part of the city’s recent 2040 Comprehensive Plan project, the amended plan includes a chapter specifically
related to the Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area (MRCCA), which essentially is the same limits
established by the Critical Area Overlay district. In 2016, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) revised the rules and regulations governing development within the MRCCA for all those communities
that contain a MRCCA boundary. Local communities within the corridor are required to complete a MRCCA
plan as a separate chapter of their Comprehensive Plan Update; and complete an official zoning ordinance
update (amendment) by end of 2021. The City was notified in January that the DNR has given its approval
for the City’s proposed MRCCA plan; final approval is now up to the Metropolitan Council
During this 12-month moratorium period, city staff will be able to research and present information to the
planning commission and City Council as soon as it becomes available; and intends to have a final zoning
ordinance amendment presented in the future for adoption.
Per Minn. Stat. 462.355, a public hearing is only required on interim ordinances [moratorium] if there is a
pending request for a housing proposal or if it affects livestock operations. Neither of those apply in this case.
City Code does not require the holding of a public hearing or provide any specific notice for an interim
moratorium; however, the city council has the choice to consider this matter under a public hearing, or allow
for general public comments in this matter. Notices have been published in the local paper (Pioneer Press),
posted on the city’s website and city’s social media sites, and weekly newsletter. If the Council wishes to hold
a public hearing, they may do so by a motion and simple majority vote.
Recommendation
A statutory or home rule charter city may adopt an interim ordinance that regulates, restricts, or prohibits a
housing proposal or certain development activities, only if the ordinance is approved by majority vote of all
members of the City Council.
This proposed ordinance documents have been reviewed by the City Attorney’s office for compliance with
state statutes and rules on local government enacted moratoriums, and have been approved for content.
Action Required
Upon the conclusion of a public hearing and/or general public comments, the City Council may adopt
Ordinance No. 562 as presented. This action requires a simple-majority vote of the council.
If the Council adopts said ordinance, it may also adopt the secondary Summary Ordinance 562 (shortened
version) for publication purposes. This Summary Ordinance must be adopted by super-majority (4 / 5) vote.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 562
AN INTERIM ORDINANCE PLACING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT, SUBDIVISION OR CERTAIN CONSTRUCTION AND
BUILDING ACTIVITIES REQUIRING A PERMIT FOR PROPERTIES SITUATED IN
THE CRITICAL AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT AND CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
The City Council of the City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, Minnesota (the “City”)
does hereby ordain as follows:
WHEREAS, under Chapter 3 Critical Area Overlay District of the Mendota Heights City
Code, the City of Mendota Heights finds that the Mississippi River corridor within the
metropolitan area and the city is a unique and valuable local, state, regional and national resource;
the river is an essential element in the local, regional, state and national transportation, sewer and
water and recreational system and serves important biological and ecological functions; and the
prevention and mitigation of damage to this resource and the preservation and enhancement of its
natural, aesthetic, cultural and historic values is in furtherance of the health, safety and general
welfare of the city; and
WHEREAS, the City of Mendota Heights has determined that certain development
activities in the current Critical Area Overlay District may pose a threat to surrounding properties
and may be detrimental to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the City
of Mendota Heights; and,
WHEREAS, the City’s comprehensive plan, zoning, and development regulations may
not adequately address various impacts to the public health, safety, and general welfare that
potential uses or new developments may present to the overlay district; and,
WHEREAS, in order to provide adequate time for study, analysis, and consider
finalization of potential city code or comprehensive plan amendments related to any new
development in the Critical Area Overlay District and/or Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area
(“MRCCA”), the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, does hereby ordain the
following:
SECTION 1. AUTHORITY.
1.1 The City of Mendota Heights is authorized under Minnesota Statutes Section
462.355, Subd. 4, to regulate, restrict or prohibit any use, development, or subdivision within the
jurisdiction or a portion thereof while the City is conducting studies, or has authorized a study to
be conducted or has scheduled a hearing to consider adoption or amendment of the comprehensive
plan or official zoning controls.
SECTION 2. PURPOSE
2.1 The purpose of this interim ordinance is to protect the planning process and to
ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Mendota Heights by placing a temporary
moratorium on the submittal and consideration of critical area permit applications needed to
authorize and approve any proposed building permit, zoning approval, subdivision approval, or
certificate needed for any action or development on properties situated in the Critical Area Overlay
District within the City.
2.2 The ordinance will allow the City to complete a study and consider adoption of
comprehensive land use and zoning regulations and/or amendments.
2.3 The City Council is concerned that the City’s current zoning regulations, especially
Chapter 3 – Critical Area Overlay District, may not adequately address specific land use standards
and regulations needed to protect the properties in and around the critical area district.
2.4 In addition to the proper zoning classifications and development standards of such
uses, there are a number of significant planning and land use issues pertaining to the regulation of
such uses in this overlay district.
2.5 Minnesota Statutes, Section 462.355, sub. 4, permit the adoption of an interim
ordinance to regulate, restrict, or prohibit any use, development, or subdivision within the
jurisdiction or a portion thereof for a period not to exceed one year from the date it is effective.
SECTION 3. PLANNING AND ZONING STUDY; MORATORIUM.
3.1 A study is authorized to be conducted by City staff or a contracted consultant in
order to determine and new land use standards and regulations to be adopted and implemented into
an updated Critical Area Overlay District chapter or a new MRCCA chapter. The scope of the
study should include, but is not limited to the following:
a) The statutory authorization and policies of the city;
b) General provisions and definitions of the district;
c) Administration of the district;
d) Special land use provisions, including structure standards such as height, placement
(setbacks) and lot sizes;
e) Performance standards for private and public facilities;
f) Vegetation and woodland management standards;
g) Land alteration standards;
h) Stormwater management standards; and
i) Subdivision and land development standards.
3.2 Upon completion of the study, the matter is to be considered by the Planning
Commission for its review and recommendation to the City Council.
3.3 Pending completion of the study and adoption of any amendments to the City’s
official controls, a moratorium is established on the issuance of any development and land-use
approvals, including but not limited to critical area permits, preliminary plats, re-zonings,
variances, conditional use permits, site plans, and/or building permits and licenses.
3.4 Exempted from this moratorium will be any development or construction activity
that meets the requirements of City Code Section 12-3-5(D) as a minor development; or any
development or construction activity that does not expand the outer footprint of a building or
attached structure.
4.4 This ordinance will be effective for a period of twelve (12) months after its effective
date.
SECTION 4. ENFORCEMENT
4.1 Violation of any portion of this ordinance shall be a misdemeanor punishable by
imprisonment for up to 90 days and a fine of $1,000.00 or both, plus the costs of prosecution. Each
day that a violation occurs shall be considered a separate offense.
4.2 The City may enforce any provision of this ordinance by mandamus, injunction or
any other appropriate civil remedy in any court of competent jurisdiction.
SECTION 5. SEPARABILITY
5.1 Every section, provision or part of this ordinance is declared separable from every
other section, provision or part of this ordinance. If any section, provision, or part of this ordinance
is adjudged to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not invalidate
any other section, provision, or part of this ordinance.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon passage and shall remain in effect until the date of
the adoption of the official controls contemplated hereunder, the repeal of this ordinance, or February
16, 2022, whichever occurs first.
Adopted and ordained into an ordinance this 16th day of February, 2021.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
___________________________________
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
ATTEST
___________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
SUMMARY ORDINANCE NO. 562
AN INTERIM ORDINANCE PLACING A TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT, SUBDIVISION OR CERTAIN CONSTRUCTION AND
BUILDING ACTIVITIES REQUIRING A PERMIT FOR PROPERTIES SITUATED IN
THE CRITICAL AREA OVERLAY DISTRICT AND CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, on February 16, 2021, Ordinance No. 562 was
adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, because of the lengthy nature of Ordinance No.
562, the following summary of the ordinance has been prepared for publication.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the ordinance adopted by the City Council exercises
the City of Mendota Heights’s authority under Minn. Stat. § 462.355, Subd. 4 to place a temporary
moratorium on proposed development, subdivision, and certain construction and building
activities, including the submittal and consideration of critical area permit applications needed to
authorize and approve any proposed building permit, zoning approval, subdivision approval, or
certificate needed for any action or development on properties situated in the Critical Area Overlay
District within the City.
A printed copy of the whole ordinance is available for inspection by any person during the
City’s regular office hours at the office of the City Administrator/City Clerk or on the City’s
website.
PASSED, ADOPTED and APPROVED FOR PUBLICATION by the City Council
of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, this 16th day of February, 2021.
CITY COUNCIL OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
/s/Stephanie Levine, Mayor
Attest:
/s/ Lorri Smith, City Clerk
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February 12, 2021
Tim Benetti
Community Development Director
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights , MN 55118
Re: Ordinance 562 -Interim OrdinancePlacing a Moratorium on Proposeddevelopment
Dear Mr. Benetti:
I am the owner of the property located at 1680 Lexington Avenue in Mendota Heights.
The City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, 2021 will consider the proposed
Interim Ordinance referenced above, which, as proposed, could have the effect of preventing the
issuance of any building permit or development activity on my property until February 16, 2022.
I have reviewed the language of the proposed interim ordinance, including its purposeand
effect. I believe that my property should not be subject to the moratorium because it does not
serve any stated purpose for which the moratorium is needed.
Specifically, the interim ordinance states that the moratorium is needed because:
The City of Mendota Heights has determined that certain development activities in the
current Critical Area Overlay District may pose a threat to surrounding property and may
be detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City
of Mendota Heights.
Section 3.4 of the proposed ordinance would exempt “development or constructionactivity that
doesn’t expand the footprint of a building or attached structure.”
My property consists of approximately 2.3 acres of land and a house which has been
substantially damaged by fire. The buildable area of the land is flat and the remainder lies
below the bluff line.
I bought the property with the intention of demolishing the fire damaged house and rebuilding a
modern house on a building pad that would be in full compliance with all setback requirements
supported by both current city ordinances and the model ordinance of the Department of Natural
Resources for Critical Area Overlay Districts. (Of course, the house would also meet all other
city ordinances and regulations).
Tim Benetti
February 12, 2021
Page Two
The house on the propertyis more than sixty years old and there has never been any impact on
surrounding properties, and the setback requirements from the bluff would prevent any risk of
such damage in the future.
The house I will build will also feature an improved engineering design that was not known
when the existing house was first built.
My property was part of a subdivision that was recently approved by the City, and I purchased
the property with the expectation that I could build on the property within the approved setbacks,
as shown on the attached maps showing the approved building area. (I also attach a copy of the
minutes of the City Council meeting held on December 1, 2020, approving the Critical Area
Permit for 1680 Lexington Avenue).
For these reasons, I would request that my property be exempt from the moratorium imposed by
the interim ordinance either by a change in the language of Section 3.4 of the proposed
ordinance or by a “grandfather “ clause that exempts properties approved by the Council prior to
the effective date of the moratorium.
Thank you for your consideration.
Robert L Brackey
273 Salem Church Road
Sunfish Lake, MN 55118
February 16, 2021
Letter of Understanding for Big Rivers Regional Trail Mendota Trailhead Project in
Mendota Heights, MN
To: Tim Benetti
Community Development Director
City of Mendota Heights
1101 Victoria Curve
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Direct: 651-255-1142
Mr. Benetti,
As we have discussed Dakota County appreciates and the City of Mendota Heights
continued support and partnership regarding the Big Rivers Regional Trail Mendota
Trailhead project in Mendota Heights.
Background:
The Project site is the primary access point to the Big Rivers Regional Trail (BRRT)
segment of the Minnesota River Greenway located at 1498 Mendota Heights Road in
Mendota Heights. Despite its high use, an estimated 158,900 visitors in 2018, the
Project site lacks essential features such as drinking water, permanent restrooms,
and enough parking.
In addition to correcting these deficiencies, the site’s unique historical characteristics
provide numerous opportunities to enhance the visitor experience and promote
natural and cultural resource stewardship at and near the Project site. The Minnesota
River Greenway Cultural Resources Interpretive Plan was adopted by the Dakota
County Board of Commissioners via Resolution No. 17-400 (August 1, 2017)
establishing the framework for interpretation for the Project.
Process:
The project work to date has been designed to meet or exceed the purpose and
intent of the Critical Area Overlay District, causes no impacts to the river corridor,
bluff area, adjacent waterways or surrounding properties, and meets the goals of and
is supported by the City’s own 2030 Comprehensive Plan and the upcoming 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
Per the prior approval via Resolution 2021-02 (January 12, 2021) it has been
determined that:
- the proposed improvements are minimal and reasonable within the intent of the
Critical Area regulations; and
- the project occurs in an area that is already developed and does not cause damage
to the bluff or surrounding critical resources; and
- the project is in keeping with the existing development and character of the park
and trailhead area; and
- the projects proposed shelter/restroom facility and other improvements are allowed
under the City zoning ordinance, and will comply with all standard regulations of the
State of Minnesota Building Code and all other applicable standards; and
- the County has been working toward a project in this location since 2012;
- State Parks and trail Legacy funding in the amount of $1,241,008 has been
received allowing for project completion between 2019 and 2021.
Parks, Facilities,
and Fleet Management
Dakota County
Administration Center
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
651.438.4388
Fax: 651.438.8455
www.co.dakota.mn.uss
Per the Projects prior approval via Resolution 2021-02 (January 12, 2021) the
following conditions will be met:
- the project grading plan and storm water details will be submitted for approval to the
City of Mendota Heights Public Works Director for permit prior to any land alteration
activities; and
- all grading and construction activities will follow all applicable Federal, State, and
Local regulations and codes, as well as the City’s Land Disturbance Guidance
Document; and
- all disturbance will be restored with permanent ground cover immediately upon
project completion; and
- the project building permit will be approved by the City of Mendota Heights prior to
commencement of building shelter/restroom construction activities; and
- sewer and water connection charges will be paid by the County prior to any
construction activities; and
- full erosion control plans and proposed measures will be in place prior to
construction activities and maintained throughout the project duration; and
- the plans for the new parking lot will be reviewed and approved by the City of
Mendota Heights Public Works Director prior to any land disturbance activities; and
- a Storm Water Prevention Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will be developed for
the project including a requirement for a double silt fence ensuring additional
protection to the nearby bluff and river resources; and
- the project will apply for and receive a National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) and Minnesota Department of Transportation drainage permit; and
- the project will not include hard surface or tree removal within 40 of the bluff impact
zones; and
- all work to replace or improve the existing entry monument sign will be reviewed
and approved under a separate permit.
The County understands that the City anticipates some upcoming changes to the
Critical Area, Building, and Earthwork permitting in the City of Mendota Heights. In
response to the proposed changes and their potential impact on the current project,
the County respectfully requests an exemption to these new rules base on the
project’s prior approval via Resolution 2021-02 (January 12, 2021).
Please review the above and let me know if you have additional questions I can help
to answer. As always, the County appreciates the City’s continued support of this
important project.
Sincerely,
Josh Kinney, PLA, ASLA
Senior Project Manager
Capital Projects Management
P 952-891-7016
W www.dakotacounty.us
A 1590 Highway 55, Hastings MN 55033
Lorri Smith
From:Mark&Julie Hunt <markjuliemn@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, February 12, 2021 4:35 PM
To:Lorri Smith; Tim Benetti
Subject:Moratorium in the Critical Area Overlay District
Dear Ms. Smith and Mr. Benetti:
We would like to express our gratitude to the City Council for their consideration in adopting an interim ordinance
that will establish a temporary moratorium on any new/proposed land use application or building permits for the
properties in the Critical Area Overlay District.
We wholeheartedly support this action as we have personally experienced how the lack of regulatory protection by
the City Codes, that contradicted the DNR/State regulations and the Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan
could have allowed a development that could have had a significant geological and environmental impact to us, our
neighbors in Mendota Heights and the City of Mendota. In 2017, the DNR had put these protective regulations in
place for a reason. Much work and research from expert engineers and geologists, that are familiar with the
landscape of the Mississippi River Corridor, as well as the slope slide events that have occurred in the past 10
years, necessitated the DNR to act.
Thank you again for being proactive and we encourage the Council to vote for this temporary moratorium.
Sincerely,
Mark and Julie Hunt
1224 Culligan Lane
.
1
Request for City Council Action
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council, City Administrator, and Assistant City
Administrator
FROM: Meredith Lawrence, Recreation Program Coordinator
Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Approval of Playground Replacement at Marie Park
INTRODUCTION
The City Council is asked to approve the vendor and contract for the replacement of the playground
at Marie Park.
BACKGROUND
Based on age and current condition, the Marie Park playground is in need of replacement. The
majority of the existing playground was built in 2005, although some pieces were existing from a
prior remodel and were not replaced in 2005. The standard life expectancy for playgrounds is
typically between 15-20 years of service.
The Parks and Recreation Commission established a work group in 2020 that met with staff and
developed criteria for a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals to remodel the playground
site. The Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the RFP at their October 13 meeting and
recommended approval. The City Council formally approved the RFP at their October 20 meeting.
Features that were requested to be included in all proposals for reconstruction included:
•At least two vinyl coated steel benches with backs anchored in the ground within the
container area
•Two diggers
•One spring rider
•Swings (Example: parent child swing, baby swing, standard swings)
•At least three slides
•Covered canopy over the deck area (a bid alternate)
All proposals were required to include demolition and disposal of the existing playground
equipment, any necessary site work, a new container, playground equipment, engineered wood
fiber surfacing, and installation of the playground equipment. The RFP also requested a color pallet
of earth tones be utilized on the new playground equipment.
The RFP included a not to exceed budget of $125,000 for the project that included all costs
associated with the project, including all demolition of existing equipment, a new container,
surfacing, structures, delivery, installation, construction permits, taxes and other service charges.
Not included in the budget amount is the cost of removing an existing dead ash tree near the
container. This will cost approximately $2,000 for removal of the tree and stump work. Once a
new playground is constructed staff will work to plant a new tree near the playground to replace
the existing tree.
Included in the RFP was a map that outlined the maximum container space available for the
playground. The existing playground’s exterior container has an irregular shape that the Public
Works Superintendent requested be changed in order to ensure safety and to ease maintenance
protocols for staff.
Staff invited playground contractors to submit responses and use their professional expertise and
creativity to develop a unique play structure plan within the budget. The City received proposals
from nine qualified vendors. The Parks and Recreation Commission directed staff to work with
the playground subcommittee to review the proposals and provide the top three proposals to
engage the community for their feedback.
The subcommittee ranked the top three proposals from the following vendors: Finnegan
Playground Adventures (Playground A), Midwest Playscapes (Playground B), and Northland
Recreation (Playground C).
In order to receive community input, staff provided three opportunities to obtain feedback from
residents. A virtual open house was hosted by staff on Tuesday, January 26. There were five
residents in attendance. The results from this engagement session are provided below:
• Virtual Open House Playground Preference Votes:
o Playground A (Finnegan Playground Adventures): 0
o Playground B (Midwest Playscapes): 2
o Playground C (Northland Recreation): 3
Staff also hosted an in-person open house to solicit feedback on Thursday, January 28. There were
11 residents who voted at this event. The results from this engagement session are provided below:
• In Person Open House Playground Preference Votes:
o Playground A (Finnegan Playground Adventures): 4
o Playground B (Midwest Playscapes): 2
o Playground C (Northland Recreation): 5
Lastly, staff posted a survey on Polco, the city’s online community engagement platform. The
survey was promoted on the City’s website, Friday News, and on Facebook. The survey results
are provided below:
• Polco Survey Playground Preference Votes:
o Playground Design A (Finnegan Playground Adventures): 18
o Playground Design B (Midwest Playscapes): 28
o Playground Design C (Northland Recreation): 91
The original proposal from Northland Recreation did not fit into the topography of the location.
In addition, staff had some safety concerns based on the layout and location of the existing swings.
Staff worked with the contractor to rearrange the same pieces of equipment originally provided in
a way that would better utilize the space available at the park. Still, with the updated layout the
Northland Recreation playground footprint encroaches further into the Marie Park baseball field
than staff had originally planned. This is something the commission discussed and took into
consideration when making their recommendation to the City Council at their February 9 meeting.
The Parks and Recreation commission is recommending the City Council approve the proposal
from Northland Recreation including the bid alternate with the shade structures, with the
understanding staff will work with the vendor to finalize the layout.
The Northland Recreation Playground (Little Tikes) features a 2-5 year old play structure and a 5-
12 year old play structure, two sand diggers, a two person grasshopper spring rider, a revolution
spinner, track ride, five swings, climbers, slides, and two benches. The total cost for this proposal
is $125,000. The shade structures were provided in a bid alternate that is an additional $8,004 cost.
The total for this proposal including the shade structures is $133,004.
This playground had the most community support and provides a wide variety of playground
features for all ages of children.
Staff has met with the vendor and will conduct a site visit to ensure the final layout of the
playground does not encroach on the baseball field more than the current playground container
which is 200 feet from home plate.
If approved, the installation of the playground structure at Marie Park is scheduled to be completed
by June 1, 2021.
Attachments:
• Northland Recreation Playground and Shade Proposal
• Renderings of Northland Recreation Playground Proposal
• Polco Results
BUDGET
The proposed playground replacement is approximately double the size of the existing playground
at Marie Park (7,184 square feet, versus 3,945 square feet). Based on the expanded size and
additional features (spinner, zip track), staff is proposing that the Special Parks fund be utilized
for 50 percent ($62,500) of the playground improvements. The remaining 50 percent ($62,500),
is proposed to be funded through proceeds from the sale of the Village Lots.
If Council chooses to add the shade structures for the bid alternate of $8,004, this can also be
funded from the Special Parks fund, as shade structures had not been included previously.
The City Attorney is currently reviewing the contract documents. If there are changes needed, the
Council will be advised at the February16th meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommends that the City Council award the Marie Park
Playground Remodel contract to Northland Recreation, including the shade structure as a bid
alternate for $133,004.
ACTION REQUIRED
If the City Council concurs, it should, by motion, approve and award the playground remodel
contract to Northland Recreation for a not-to-exceed amount of $133,004. This action requires a
simple majority vote.
2/10/2021 Page 1 of 4
PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.
878 E. US Hwy 60
Monett, MO 65708
1-800-325-8828
Northland Recreation LLC
10085 Bridgewater Bay
Woodbury, MN 55129
(651) 815-4097 (phone)
(414) 395-8538 (fax)
Bill To: City of Mendota Heights Project Name & Location: Ship To Address:
1101 Victoria Curve Marie Park Same
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
1780 Lilac Lane
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Quote Date: 2/10/21
Valid For: 90 Days
Part
Number
Description Qty Unit
Price
Total
1 5-12 Year Old Play Area
Little Tikes Custom Kid Builder Play Structure
$49,322.65
Includes swings, bench and sign
1 2-5 Year Old Play Area $15,880.80
Little Tikes Custom Play Builder Play Structure
Includes sand diggers, whirl, spring rider and bench
1 Site Work –Includes, removal of existing play equipment, $12,147.40
timbers, sand, wood fiber, excess dirt and final grading.
1 Installation of play equipment $25,178.15
363 l/f 6” x 12” Wood Timber Border - Installed $9,805.00
310 cy Wood fiber resilient surfacing installed. Includes, $12,666.00
10 rubber swing and slide mats and sand for digger area
Totals:
Equipment List: $65,203.45
Products Subtotal: $9,805.00
Products by Other: $12,666.00
Installation: $37,325.55
Estimated Sales Tax*: $
Freight: $included
Grand Total: $125,000.00
Notes:
2/10/2021 Page 2 of 4
Make Purchase Orders Out To: Make Checks Payable To:
PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc. PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.
Remit Purchase Orders To: Remit Checks To:
PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.
Attention: Sales Administration
878 E US Hwy 60
Monett, Missouri, USA 65708
1-800-325-8828
PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.
P.O. Box 204713
Dallas, TX 75320-4713
NOTE:
* Applicable sales taxes will be confirmed once order and any tax certificates are received
† Denotes drop ship item.
Unloading, storage, installation, surfacing and site work are not included unless specifically noted on quotation.
Not responsible for filter cloth, irrigation rerouting, grass damage, or checking for underground utilities.
If installation is quoted, it is assumed that the site has been prepared and that any grade slope in any direction
does not exceed 2%. In the event that unexpected soil conditions, such as subsurface rock, are encountered
during installation, additional costs to the customer will be applicable.
The acceptance signature below serves as authorization to order the items quoted and indicates acceptance of
the prices listed. All terms are subject to credit approval.
COMMENTS:
This playground contains 96.69% recycled content
This playground qualifies for 2 LEED point(s)
This Quote shall not become a binding contract until signed and delivered by both Customer and PlayPower LT
Farmington Inc (“PPLT”). Sales Representative is not authorized to sign this Quote on behalf of PPLT or Customer, and
signed Quotes cannot be accepted from Sales Representative. To submit this offer, please sign below and forward a
complete signed copy of this Quote directly to “PPLT Sales Administration” via fax (417)354-2273 or email
outdoordes@LTCPS.com. Upon acceptance, PPLT will return a fully-signed copy of the Quote to Customer (with copy to
Sales Representative) via fax or e mail.
THIS QUOTE IS LIMITED TO AND GOVERNED BY THE TERMS CONTAINED HEREIN. PPLT objects to any other
terms proposed by Customer, in writing or otherwise, as material alterations, and all such proposed terms shall be void.
Customer authorizes PPLT to ship the Equipment and agrees to pay PPLT the total amount specified. Shipping terms are
FOB the place of shipment via common carrier designated by PPLT. Payment terms are Net-30 days from invoice date
with approved credit and all charges are due and payable in full at PO Box 204713, Dallas, TX 75320-4713, unless
notified otherwise by PPLT in writing. Customer agrees to pay all additional service charges for past due invoices.
Customer must provide proper tax exemption certificates to PPLT, and shall promptly pay and discharge all otherwise
applicable taxes, license fees, levies and other impositions on the Equipment at its own expense.
CUSTOMER HEREBY SUBMITS ITS OFFER TO PURCHASE THE EQUIPMENT ACCORDING TO THE TERMS
STATED IN THIS QUOTE AND SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL BY PPLT.
Submitted By Printed Name and Title Date
THE FOREGOING QUOTE AND OFFER ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ACCEPTED BY PLAYPOWER LT
FARMINGTON INC.
By: ___________________________ Date:___________________
________________________
________________________
2/10/2021 Page 3 of 4
ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE
1. Use & Maintenance. Customer agrees to regularly inspect and maintain the Equipment, and to provide, inspect and
maintain appropriate safety surfacing under and around the Equipment, in accordance with PPLT’s product literature and the
most current Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground Safety.
2. Default, Remedies & Delinquency Charges. Customer’s failure to pay any invoice when due, or its failure to
otherwise comply with the terms of this Quote, shall constitute a default under all unsatisfied invoices ("Event of Default").
Upon an Event of Default, PPLT shall have all remedies available to it at law or equity, including, without limitation, all
remedies afforded a secured creditor under the Uniform Commercial Code. Customer agrees to assist and cooperate with
PPLT to accomplish its filing and enforcement of mechanic’s or other liens with respect to the Equipment or its location or its
repossession of the Equipment, and Customer expressly waives all rights to possess the Equipment after an Event of
Default. All remedies are cumulative and not alternative, and no exercise by PPLT of a remedy will prohibit or waive the
exercise of any other remedy. Customer shall pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees plus any costs of collection incurred by
PPLT in enforcing its rights hereunder. Subject to any limitations under law, Customer shall pay to PPLT as liquidated
damages, and not as a penalty, an amount equal to 1.5% per month of any payment that is delinquent in such month and is
not received by PPLT within ten (10) days after the date on which due.
3. Limitation of Warranty/ Indemnity. PPLT MAKES NO EQUIPMENT WARRANTIES EXCEPT FOR THOSE
STANDARD WARRANTIES ISSUED WITH THE EQUIPMENT, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS
REFERENCE. PPLT SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ANY LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
CUSTOMER AGREES TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND SAVE PPLT HARMLESS FROM ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND FOR
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF CUSTOMER’S ALTERATION OF THE EQUIPMENT, ITS FAILURE TO
MAINTAIN THE EQUIPMENT, ITS FAILURE TO PROPERLY SUPERVISE EQUIPMENT USE, OR ITS FAILURE TO
PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE TYPES AND DEPTHS OF SAFETY SURFACING BENEATH AND AROUND
THE EQUIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH PPLT’S INSTALLATION AND OWNER’S MANUALS AND THE MOST
CURRENT CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION HANDBOOK FOR PUBLIC PLAYGROUND SAFETY.
4. Restrictions. Until all amounts due hereunder are paid in full, Customer shall not: (i) permit the Equipment to be
levied upon or attached under any legal process; (ii) transfer title to the Equipment or any of Customer's rights therein; or (iii)
remove or permit the removal of the Equipment to any location not specified in this Quote.
5. Purchase Money Security Interest. Customer hereby grants, pledges and assigns to PPLT, and PPLT hereby
reserves a purchase money security interest in, the Equipment in order to secure the payment and performance in full of all
of Customer’s obligations hereunder. Customer agrees that PPLT may file one or more financing statements, in order to
allow it to perfect, acquire and maintain a superior security interest in the Equipment.
6. Choice of Law and Jurisdiction. All agreements between Customer and PPLT shall be interpreted, and the parties'
obligations shall be governed, by the laws of the State of Missouri without reference to its choice of law provisions.
Customer hereby consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the city and county of St.
Louis, Missouri.
7. Title; Risk of Loss; Insurance. PPLT Retains full title to all Equipment until full payment is received by PPLT.
Customer assumes all risk of loss or destruction of or damage to the Equipment by reason of theft, fire, water, or any other
cause, and the occurrence of any such casualty shall not relieve the Customer from its obligations hereunder and under any
invoices. Until all amounts due hereunder are paid in full, Customer shall insure the Equipment against all such losses and
casualties.
8. Waiver; Invalidity. PPLT may waive a default hereunder, or under any invoice or other agreement between
Customer and PPLT, or cure such a default at Customer's expense, but shall have no obligation to do either. No waiver
shall be deemed to have taken place unless it is in writing, signed by PPLT. Any one waiver shall not constitute a waiver of
other defaults or the same kind of default at another time, or a forfeiture of any rights provided to PPLT hereunder or under
any invoice. The invalidity of any portion of this Quote shall not affect the force and effect of the remaining valid portions
hereof.
9. Entire Agreement; Amendment; Binding Nature. This fully-executed Quote, as supplemented by Change Orders
and invoices containing exact amounts of estimates provided herein, constitutes the complete and exclusive agreement
between the parties. A Change Order is a written instrument signed by the Customer and PPLT stating their agreement as
to any amendment in the terms of this Quote. Customer acknowledges that Change Orders may result in delays and
additional costs. The parties agree that all Change Orders shall include appropriate adjustments in price and time frames
relating to any requested amendments. Upon full execution, this Quote shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties and their successors and assigns.
10. Counterparts; Electronic Transmission. This Quote, any invoice, and any other agreement between the parties,
may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original. The facsimile or other electronic transmission of
any signed original document, and retransmission of any signed facsimile or other electronic transmission, shall be the same
2/10/2021 Page 4 of 4
as the transmission of an original. At the request of either party, the parties will confirm facsimile or other electronically
transmitted signatures by signing an original document.
2/10/2021 Page 1 of 3
PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.
878 E. US Hwy 60
Monett, MO 65708
1-800-325-8828
Northland Recreation LLC
10085 Bridgewater Bay
Woodbury, MN 55129
(651) 815-4097 (phone)
(414) 395-8538 (fax)
Bill To: City of Mendota Heights Project Name & Location: Ship To Address:
1101 Victoria Curve Marie Park same
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
1780 Lilac Lane
Mendota Heights, MN 55118
Quote Date:2/10/21
Valid For: 90 Days
Part
Number
Description Qty Unit
Price
Total
Alternate Bid
3 Little Tikes Sunshade Umbrellas for $8,004.00
the 5-12 Play Area and 2-5 Play Area
Colors TBD
Totals:
Equipment List: $8,004.00
Products Subtotal: $
Products by Other: $
Installation: $included
Estimated Sales Tax*: $
Freight: $included
Grand Total: $8,004.00
Notes:
2/10/2021 Page 2 of 3
Make Purchase Orders Out To: Make Checks Payable To:
PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc. PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.
Remit Purchase Orders To: Remit Checks To:
PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.
Attention: Sales Administration
878 E US Hwy 60
Monett, Missouri, USA 65708
1-800-325-8828
PlayPower LT Farmington, Inc.
P.O. Box 204713
Dallas, TX 75320-4713
NOTE:
* Applicable sales taxes will be confirmed once order and any tax certificates are received
† Denotes drop ship item.
Unloading, storage, installation, surfacing and site work are not included unless specifically noted on quotation.
Not responsible for filter cloth, irrigation rerouting, grass damage, or checking for underground utilities.
If installation is quoted, it is assumed that the site has been prepared and that any grade slope in any direction
does not exceed 2%. In the event that unexpected soil conditions, such as subsurface rock, are encountered
during installation, additional costs to the customer will be applicable.
The acceptance signature below serves as authorization to order the items quoted and indicates acceptance of
the prices listed. All terms are subject to credit approval.
COMMENTS:
This playground contains 96.69% recycled content
This playground qualifies for 2 LEED point(s)
This Quote shall not become a binding contract until signed and delivered by both Customer and PlayPower LT
Farmington Inc (“PPLT”). Sales Representative is not authorized to sign this Quote on behalf of PPLT or Customer, and
signed Quotes cannot be accepted from Sales Representative. To submit this offer, please sign below and forward a
complete signed copy of this Quote directly to “PPLT Sales Administration” via fax (417)354-2273 or email
outdoordes@LTCPS.com. Upon acceptance, PPLT will return a fully-signed copy of the Quote to Customer (with copy to
Sales Representative) via fax or e mail.
THIS QUOTE IS LIMITED TO AND GOVERNED BY THE TERMS CONTAINED HEREIN. PPLT objects to any other
terms proposed by Customer, in writing or otherwise, as material alterations, and all such proposed terms shall be void.
Customer authorizes PPLT to ship the Equipment and agrees to pay PPLT the total amount specified. Shipping terms are
FOB the place of shipment via common carrier designated by PPLT. Payment terms are Net-30 days from invoice date
with approved credit and all charges are due and payable in full at PO Box 204713, Dallas, TX 75320-4713, unless
notified otherwise by PPLT in writing. Customer agrees to pay all additional service charges for past due invoices.
Customer must provide proper tax exemption certificates to PPLT, and shall promptly pay and discharge all otherwise
applicable taxes, license fees, levies and other impositions on the Equipment at its own expense.
CUSTOMER HEREBY SUBMITS ITS OFFER TO PURCHASE THE EQUIPMENT ACCORDING TO THE TERMS
STATED IN THIS QUOTE AND SUBJECT TO FINAL APPROVAL BY PPLT.
Submitted By Printed Name and Title Date
THE FOREGOING QUOTE AND OFFER ARE HEREBY APPROVED AND ACCEPTED BY PLAYPOWER LT
FARMINGTON INC.
By: ___________________________ Date:___________________
________________________
________________________
2/10/2021 Page 3 of 3
ADDITIONAL TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE
1. Use & Maintenance. Customer agrees to regularly inspect and maintain the Equipment, and to provide, inspect and
maintain appropriate safety surfacing under and around the Equipment, in accordance with PPLT’s product literature and the
most current Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground Safety.
2. Default, Remedies & Delinquency Charges. Customer’s failure to pay any invoice when due, or its failure to
otherwise comply with the terms of this Quote, shall constitute a default under all unsatisfied invoices ("Event of Default").
Upon an Event of Default, PPLT shall have all remedies available to it at law or equity, including, without limitation, all
remedies afforded a secured creditor under the Uniform Commercial Code. Customer agrees to assist and cooperate with
PPLT to accomplish its filing and enforcement of mechanic’s or other liens with respect to the Equipment or its location or its
repossession of the Equipment, and Customer expressly waives all rights to possess the Equipment after an Event of
Default. All remedies are cumulative and not alternative, and no exercise by PPLT of a remedy will prohibit or waive the
exercise of any other remedy. Customer shall pay all reasonable attorneys’ fees plus any costs of collection incurred by
PPLT in enforcing its rights hereunder. Subject to any limitations under law, Customer shall pay to PPLT as liquidated
damages, and not as a penalty, an amount equal to 1.5% per month of any payment that is delinquent in such month and is
not received by PPLT within ten (10) days after the date on which due.
3. Limitation of Warranty/ Indemnity. PPLT MAKES NO EQUIPMENT WARRANTIES EXCEPT FOR THOSE
STANDARD WARRANTIES ISSUED WITH THE EQUIPMENT, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS
REFERENCE. PPLT SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ANY LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
CUSTOMER AGREES TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY AND SAVE PPLT HARMLESS FROM ALL CLAIMS OF ANY KIND FOR
DAMAGES OF ANY KIND ARISING OUT OF CUSTOMER’S ALTERATION OF THE EQUIPMENT, ITS FAILURE TO
MAINTAIN THE EQUIPMENT, ITS FAILURE TO PROPERLY SUPERVISE EQUIPMENT USE, OR ITS FAILURE TO
PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN APPROPRIATE TYPES AND DEPTHS OF SAFETY SURFACING BENEATH AND AROUND
THE EQUIPMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH PPLT’S INSTALLATION AND OWNER’S MANUALS AND THE MOST
CURRENT CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION HANDBOOK FOR PUBLIC PLAYGROUND SAFETY.
4. Restrictions. Until all amounts due hereunder are paid in full, Customer shall not: (i) permit the Equipment to be
levied upon or attached under any legal process; (ii) transfer title to the Equipment or any of Customer's rights therein; or (iii)
remove or permit the removal of the Equipment to any location not specified in this Quote.
5. Purchase Money Security Interest. Customer hereby grants, pledges and assigns to PPLT, and PPLT hereby
reserves a purchase money security interest in, the Equipment in order to secure the payment and performance in full of all
of Customer’s obligations hereunder. Customer agrees that PPLT may file one or more financing statements, in order to
allow it to perfect, acquire and maintain a superior security interest in the Equipment.
6. Choice of Law and Jurisdiction. All agreements between Customer and PPLT shall be interpreted, and the parties'
obligations shall be governed, by the laws of the State of Missouri without reference to its choice of law provisions.
Customer hereby consents to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in the city and county of St.
Louis, Missouri.
7. Title; Risk of Loss; Insurance. PPLT Retains full title to all Equipment until full payment is received by PPLT.
Customer assumes all risk of loss or destruction of or damage to the Equipment by reason of theft, fire, water, or any other
cause, and the occurrence of any such casualty shall not relieve the Customer from its obligations hereunder and under any
invoices. Until all amounts due hereunder are paid in full, Customer shall insure the Equipment against all such losses and
casualties.
8. Waiver; Invalidity. PPLT may waive a default hereunder, or under any invoice or other agreement between
Customer and PPLT, or cure such a default at Customer's expense, but shall have no obligation to do either. No waiver
shall be deemed to have taken place unless it is in writing, signed by PPLT. Any one waiver shall not constitute a waiver of
other defaults or the same kind of default at another time, or a forfeiture of any rights provided to PPLT hereunder or under
any invoice. The invalidity of any portion of this Quote shall not affect the force and effect of the remaining valid portions
hereof.
9. Entire Agreement; Amendment; Binding Nature. This fully-executed Quote, as supplemented by Change Orders
and invoices containing exact amounts of estimates provided herein, constitutes the complete and exclusive agreement
between the parties. A Change Order is a written instrument signed by the Customer and PPLT stating their agreement as
to any amendment in the terms of this Quote. Customer acknowledges that Change Orders may result in delays and
additional costs. The parties agree that all Change Orders shall include appropriate adjustments in price and time frames
relating to any requested amendments. Upon full execution, this Quote shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties and their successors and assigns.
10. Counterparts; Electronic Transmission. This Quote, any invoice, and any other agreement between the parties,
may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original. The facsimile or other electronic transmission of
any signed original document, and retransmission of any signed facsimile or other electronic transmission, shall be the same
as the transmission of an original. At the request of either party, the parties will confirm facsimile or other electronically
transmitted signatures by signing an original document.
2/2/2021 Polco
https://polco.us/n/admin/content/ef724db2-a098-4926-8fdc-4c76d4100556/report 1/7
Marie Park Playground
Replacement
Survey Results
FINAL
02/02/2021
2/2/2021 Polco
https://polco.us/n/admin/content/ef724db2-a098-4926-8fdc-4c76d4100556/report 2/7
Which playground design is your favorite?
13% (18)
20% (28)
66% (91)
Do you have children 12 or under living in your household?
72% (99)
28% (39)
A Playground Design A is my favorite
B Playground Design B is my favorite
C Playground Design C is my favorite
A Yes
B No
2/2/2021 Polco
https://polco.us/n/admin/content/ef724db2-a098-4926-8fdc-4c76d4100556/report 3/7
Which playground design is your favorite?
Overview
13% (18)
20% (28)
66% (91)
Breakdowns
Gender
Responses broken down by the gender of the respondent. Currently, most public data only supports
male, female, and unknown.
8% (5)
20% (12)
72% (44)
Female
23% (8)
9% (3)
69% (24)
Male
12% (5)
32% (13)
56% (23)
unknown
Age Range
Responses broken down by age of the respondent. Respondents for whom age are unknown are not
included in these breakdowns.
0%
0%
100% (2)
18-29
6% (2)
12% (4)
82% (27)
30-39
12% (4)
21% (7)
67% (22)
40-49
14% (1)
0%
86% (6)
50-59
A Playground Design A is my favorite
B Playground Design B is my favorite
C Playground Design C is my favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
2/2/2021 Polco
https://polco.us/n/admin/content/ef724db2-a098-4926-8fdc-4c76d4100556/report 4/7
25% (3)
17% (2)
58% (7)
60-69
25% (2)
25% (2)
50% (4)
70-79
100% (1)
0%
0%
80-89
12% (5)
32% (13)
56% (23)
unknown
Precinct
The geographic area in which the respondent lives. This is determined by the location of the reported
household.
0%
0%
100% (1)
BLOOMINGTON W-4 P-04
0%
0%
100% (1)
COTTAGE GROVE P-10
0%
0%
100% (1)
EAGAN P-06A
0%
0%
100% (1)
EAGAN P-14
0%
100% (1)
0%
MENDOTA CITY
30% (3)
20% (2)
50% (5)
MENDOTA HTS P-1
25% (3)
0%
75% (9)
MENDOTA HTS P-2
7% (3)
16% (7)
77% (33)
MENDOTA HTS P-3
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
2/2/2021 Polco
https://polco.us/n/admin/content/ef724db2-a098-4926-8fdc-4c76d4100556/report 5/7
0%
40% (4)
60% (6)
MENDOTA HTS P-4
21% (3)
7% (1)
71% (10)
MENDOTA HTS P-5
100% (1)
0%
0%
WEST ST PAUL W-1 P-2
0%
0%
100% (1)
WEST ST PAUL W-3 P-1
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
A Playground Design A is my
favorite
B Playground Design B is my
favorite
C Playground Design C is my
favorite
2/2/2021 Polco
https://polco.us/n/admin/content/ef724db2-a098-4926-8fdc-4c76d4100556/report 6/7
Do you have children 12 or under living in your household?
Overview
72% (99)
28% (39)
Breakdowns
Gender
Responses broken down by the gender of the respondent. Currently, most public data only supports
male, female, and unknown.
77% (47)
23% (14)
Female
67% (24)
33% (12)
Male
68% (28)
32% (13)
unknown
Age Range
Responses broken down by age of the respondent. Respondents for whom age are unknown are not
included in these breakdowns.
100% (2)
0%
18-29
91% (30)
9% (3)
30-39
88% (29)
12% (4)
40-49
63% (5)
38% (3)
50-59
25% (3)
75% (9)
60-69
25% (2)
75% (6)
70-79
0%
100% (1)
80-89
68% (28)
32% (13)
unknown
Precinct
The geographic area in which the respondent lives. This is determined by the location of the reported
household.
0%
100% (1)
BLOOMINGTON W-4 P-04
100% (1)
0%
COTTAGE GROVE P-10
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
2/2/2021 Polco
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0%
100% (1)
EAGAN P-06A
0%
100% (1)
EAGAN P-14
100% (1)
0%
MENDOTA CITY
73% (8)
27% (3)
MENDOTA HTS P-1
83% (10)
17% (2)
MENDOTA HTS P-2
81% (35)
19% (8)
MENDOTA HTS P-3
50% (5)
50% (5)
MENDOTA HTS P-4
71% (10)
29% (4)
MENDOTA HTS P-5
0%
100% (1)
WEST ST PAUL W-1 P-2
100% (1)
0%
WEST ST PAUL W-3 P-1
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
A Yes
B No
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, P.E., Public Works Director
SUBJECT: Resolution 2021-16 Mendota Heights Off-leash Dog Park Interim Use
COMMENT:
INTRODUCTION
The Council is asked to extend the expired interim use permit for the Mendota Heights Off-leash
Dog Park.
BACKGROUND
Mendota Heights City Council adopted Resolution 2015-60 on August 4, 2015 which allowed for a
5-year interim use for an off-leash dog park at city owned property on Acacia Boulevard.
DISCUSSION
The current interim use permit for the off-leash dog park expired on December 31, 2020. This park
has become a popular attraction for dog owners in the area. Discussions during the 2040
Comprehensive Plan process alluded that this interim use may be reviewed to assess making it a
permanent park.
Due to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan not having final approval from the Metropolitan Council, the
city is not able to proceed with a permanent land use change at the site.
It is proposed that the existing interim use permit be extended for a period not to exceed 5 years to
allow for its current use as an off-leash dog park
BUDGET IMPACT
Mendota Heights provides minimal funding for the upkeep at the off-leash dog park. Improvements
are funded through Capital Improvement requests and the Parks Department Budget.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that City Council discuss the Off-leash Dog Park interim use and if desired to
renew the permit, recommend a timeframe for the new permit. The recommended timeframe should
be between one and five years.
ACTION REQUIRED
If the City Council desires to implement the five year recommendation, it should pass a motion
adopting RESOLUTION 2021-16 RENWING AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR AN OFF-
LEASH DOG PARK AT 1360 ACACIA BOULEVARD. This action requires a simple majority
vote.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2021-16
RESOLUTION RENEWING AN INTERIM USE PERMIT FOR AN OFF-LEASH
DOG PARK AT 1360 ACACIA BOULEVARD
WHEREAS, The City of Mendota Heights desires to renew an interim use permit
for an Off-leash dog park at 1360 Acacia Boulevard; and
WHEREAS, The City of Mendota Heights, has applied for an interim use permit for
an off-leash dog area as proposed in Planning Case 2015-30 and described in Exhibit A; and
WHEREAS, the Mendota Heights Planning Commission held a public hearing on
this matter at their regular meeting on July 28, 2015.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mendota Heights City Council
that the interim use permit request as proposed in Planning Case 2015-30 is hereby
approved based on the findings of fact that the proposed project complies with the policies
and standards of the City Code and is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, by the Mendota Heights City Council that the
interim use permit request as proposed in Planning Case 2015-30 is hereby approved with
the following conditions:
1. The interim use shall be terminated by December 31, 2025, or upon the properties
being sold by the City, whichever comes first, but may be renewed as provided for
by the City Code.
2. The interim use permit is periodically reviewed to ensure compliance with the
applicable codes and policies and, if necessary, amended or revoked accordingly.
3. A fence permit is obtained.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this sixteenth day of February,
2021.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
_____________________________
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
Legal Descriptions
PID: 27-57000-02-020
Perrons Place, Lot 2, Block 2
PID: 27-57000-02-030
Perrons Place, Lot 3, Block 2
PID: 27-57000-02-031
Perrons Place, Lot 3, Block 2
PID: 27-57000-02-040
Perrons Place, Lot 4, Block 2
PID: 27-57000-02-050
Perrons Place, Lot 5, Block 2
PID: 27-57000-02-051
Perrons Place, Lot 5, Block 2
PID: 27-57000-02-071
Perrons Place, Lot 7, Block 2
PID: 27-57000-02-131
Perrons Place, Lot 13, Block 2
PID: 27-57000-02-081
Perrons Place, Lot 8, Block 2
DATE: February 16, 2021
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, Assistant City Administrator
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Strategic Goal Setting Follow-up
Comment:
Introduction:
At the February 16 meeting, the City Council will consider a follow-up to the discussions which
took place at its February 9 Goal Setting work session.
Background:
The City Council met in the work session to establish goals for the City organization to pursue over the
next two years. Each Councilor was asked to provide five goals, and the City Council was also asked to
give direction on several unrealized goals which had been identified in 2019 and 2020.
At the end of the February 9 meeting, the Council was informed that it would be given an opportunity to
prioritize the stated goals, in advance of the February 16 City Council meeting. However, because of the
varying scope of the Councilors’ stated goals, staff determined that the final product would be easier to
follow and solutions implemented if the stated goals could be grouped into a number of similar Strategic
Priority Areas.
The five priority areas determined by staff are:
•Enhance City Governance and Services
•Create a Vision for City Development and Redevelopment Areas
•Maintain and Improve City Infrastructure and Assets
•Encourage & Support Park Opportunities and Improvements
•Conserve, Protect, and Enhance Natural Resources
Staff assigned the 25-plus goals identified by Council into the priority areas. Then, rather than have the
City Council prioritize the individual goals within the entire group, staff instead has assigned those
strategy goals into those which might be accomplished in 2021; those which can wait to be done in 2022;
which goals might take both years; and finally, which goals need to be “parked” until other related
decisions can be made.
For example, several of the parks goals are interrelated. The goals of developing the Bourne Lane
property into a regional sporting venue, or installing lights at the field at Civic Center Park will depend on
a source of funding, and whether the Council wants to develop the Bourne Lane parcel for recreation, or
instead develop it as a property tax producing residential or commercial property. If the decision is
made to proceed with it as a recreation opportunity, how it will that be financed—through a referendum, a
levy, or a redirecting of a current levy—must be decided. For these reasons, several of the parks and
recreation items have been placed in the “Parked” column.
Other goals can’t be adequately addressed until the City is in a “post-pandemic” world.
Goals which are currently underway, or were identified by staff in a separate goal exercise, are not
assigned to the Priority Areas, but instead are listed at the end of the draft document.
The document showing staff’s suggested allocation of the goals, and recommended dates of
implementation is attached.
Staff will present this document at the February 16 meeting, and invite more City Council discussion and
direction. Once the Council has agreed to the priorities, staff will then assign the individual tasks to the
appropriate staff member, identify target dates, and recommended action steps by which to achieve the
goals. That plan would then be returned for review and adoption by the Council at a future meeting.
Action Required:
The Council should review, discuss, and provide staff with direction.
Cheryl Jacobson, Mark McNeill
Assistant City Administrator City Administrator
Proposed Priority: Enhance City Governance and Services
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority
2021 2022 Parked
Enhance connections with community
partners, businesses and residents
• Offer and/or support community social events and programming such as summer and
winter festivals, additional concerts, etc. ONGOING
• Continue to inform residents about COVID-19 and the city’s response to the “new normal”
post pandemic ONGOING
• Encourage and partner on programs to support local businesses (e.g. Takeout Tuesdays)
• Create a City Ambassador Program
Cultivate civic engagement and
participation • Establish a resident Civics Academy
Attract, retain and develop a qualified
workforce
• Assess the morale of employees by conducting an employee survey
• Conduct a “table top” exercise practicing emergency management operations and test the
functionality of the Mendota Heights Emergency Operations Center (Fire Station training
room)
Promote recognition of Mendota
Heights through area brand
development
• Work with the Northern Dakota County Chamber of Commerce and area businesses to
study costs/benefits of implementing a city hotel lodging tax
Proposed Priority: Create a Vision for City Development and Redevelopment Areas
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority
2021 2022 Parked
Analyze options and decide
development of Bourne Lane property • Determine desired use of the property (i.e. park, regional sporting venue, tax base).
Create a clear and understandable
Zoning Code in order to meet
projected growth and market demands
• Conduct a comprehensive review and revise, as needed, Zoning Code Ordinances to
reflect changes made in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan (e.g. MRCCA, Institutional Zoning,
general text revisions)
Support worker mobility and resident
technology use by addressing the lack
of cellular capacity in the city
• Investigate the feasibility and benefits of cellular network providers installing small cell
network coverage nodes within Mendota Heights
Proposed Priority: Maintain and Improve City Infrastructure and Assets
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority
2021 2022 Parked
Address City Hall and Police
Department Building Safety and
Functionality Improvements
• Decide timing of recommended improvements from the City Hall/Police Department
building/space needs assessment
Revise long range infrastructure
management and improvement plan
• Update City Capital Improvement Plan to expand sections on equipment, facilities, parks
and Public Works (e.g. rolling 5-year plan)
Manage traffic congestion and improve
high use roadways
• Continue to participate in regional discussions and solutions for Dodd Road, Delaware
Avenue and the Viking Lakes development impacts
Proposed Priority: Encourage & Support Park Opportunities and Improvements
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority
2021 2022 Parked
Determine dedicated funding source(s)
to support Mendota Heights parks
• Research and develop a proposal for resident consideration of a Parks Referendum
• Determine future use of Par 3 bond payment dollars and plan for 2023 availability
Upgrade existing park and recreation
facilities
• Replace Wentworth Warming House
• Add lights to Civic Center Park
• Add dugouts to baseball/softball fields at Mendakota Park
• Add lights to baseball/softball fields at Mendakota Park
• Add markers and other signage to the city trail system
Reimagine Park/Public space to
maximize use
• Create use plan for vacant Friendly Hills Tot Lot (e.g. as community garden)
• Consider feasibility of Bourne Lane property as future park space/regional sporting venue
Proposed Priority: Conserve, Protect and Enhance Natural Resources
Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority
2021 2022 Parked
Establish a Natural Resources Advisory
Commission
• Formally approve the creation and develop new commission bylaws and structure;
advertise and appoint commission members
Determine dedicated funding sources
to support Natural Resources policies
and activities
• Establish annual city budget for natural resources for FY22
• Determine future use of Par 3 bond payment dollars and plan for 2023 availability
Join Minnesota GreenStep City
Program
• Determine city process and take actions needed to complete organizing steps to becoming
a recognized GreenStep City
Develop seasonal maintenance
strategies and policies that support the
environment
• Continue to implement road salt reduction practices including maximized use of a brine
system for snow and ice control ONGOING
Retain and reclaim natural sites
throughout the city
• Evaluate mowing standards within Park Maintenance and develop natural areas plan and
standards to further promote pollinator friendly habitat
Continue to assess City tree/shade
canopy and re-evaluate/revise
response strategies
• Reevaluate and update Emerald Ash Borer Tree Replacement and Treatment Policy
• Establish standards/specifications to continue to diversify tree species used in tree
inventory replacements
Protect Surface Water Quality • Implement priorities identified in the existing plan
(remaining page left intentionally blank)
Personnel/Governing
Comprehensive Update to Personnel Policies Admin
Update Employee Safety Program Admin/Police
(including conducting regular Active Shooter Training)
Public Safety Issues
Evaluate Police Calls for Service Response Police
Technology
Research replacement of City Finance Software (accounting, payroll, etc.) Finance
Research cost/benefit of implementing Building Permit software CD/Admin
Establish RFP for Comprehensive Website Redesign Admin
Improve Efficiency of Police Technology Police
Address Building Issues
Present City Hall/Police Department Space Needs Recommendations Admin/Police
Improve Police Building Security Police
Development
Present Options for Bourne Site development CD
Adopt and implement final 2040 Comp Plan Update CD
Parks Improvement Needs
Identify and Prioritize CIP for Post-Par 3 Bond Payoff Admin/Finance
Research Volunteer Opportunities for Trails/Parks Admin/Police/PW
Additional city staff priorities planned or in progress for 2021-2022:
Orientation & Training for Boards and Commissions/ Council Admin
Improve and increase use Electronic Storage/Document Imaging Admin
Develop key position Succession Plan process with Council Admin
Update Council Chambers A/V (depends on space needs study) Admin
Improve Physical and Mental Employee Wellness Opportunities Police/Admin
Update Service Contracts with Neighboring Cities Police/Fire
Automate Fire Attendance Sheets Fire
Develop and Utilize New Training Opportunities for EOC Fire
Make Permanent Dog Park Designation CD/PW
Estimate PW Physical Improvements (Parking Lot, Salt Storage) PW
Research Green Step Cities PW
Acronym Key:
CD = Community Development
Admin = Administration
PW = Public Works
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