Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Upcoming
City Council
The City Council reviewed the FY2025 audit report and discussed adjustments to the Municipal Campus Building Project. Officials addressed community feedback regarding the scale of the new police station and city hall, noting a shift toward building for current needs rather than future expansion.
- FY2025 Audit Report presentation
- Municipal Campus Building Project update
- Hagstrom-King Park ballfield renovation approval
- MN Native Landscapes contract for Friendly Marsh Park project
- Purchase of new duty handguns for the Police Department
Natural Resources Commission
The Natural Resources Commission will discuss an update on the Municipal Campus Project, including the city’s $12 million bonding request and the $4 million award from the State of Minnesota. Staff will also review the Sustainable Mendota Heights quarterly newsletter, proposed amendments to the Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance, and ways to recognize raingarden volunteers. All agenda items are for discussion only, with no decisions required at this meeting.
- Municipal Campus Project: $12 million bonding request, $4 million state award, design development authorized
- Sustainable Mendota Heights newsletter “The Green Scene” finalized for July distribution; second issue due early October
- Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance (Ordinance 595) amendment proposals: fee changes, heritage‑tree protections, certified arborist requirements
- Raingarden program volunteer recognition discussion for 1,100 plants planted and 18 planned raingardens
- General discussion of project updates and community engagement opportunities
Recent meetings
City Council
The City Council will vote on a consent agenda including liquor license renewals, a grading permit for an apartment complex, new police handguns, and park bleachers. A presentation on a co-op grocery store model will be given. The council will also receive the FY2025 audit report and an update on the Municipal Campus Building Project for the police station and city hall.
- Approve grading permit for 2320 Lexington Avenue (Lexington Heights Apartments)
- Approve purchase of new duty handguns for Police Department
- Approve purchase of bleachers for Hagstrom-King Park ballfield
- Approve on-sale intoxicating/Sunday liquor license for Bricksworth Beer Co.
- Receive update on Municipal Campus Building Project (police station and city hall)
City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to discuss policy-level questions on the Municipal Campus Building Project, which includes a new police station and city hall. Staff are seeking clarification on the Council's long-term vision, project priorities, and whether original objectives remain unchanged. Key topics include defining 'future-ready' and 'right-sized' facilities, service level priorities, and the possibility of a public vote on the project. No formal decisions will be made at this meeting.
- Council asked to revisit and prioritize project pillars: fiscal responsibility, long-term value, efficient services, co-location
- Discussion on defining 'future-ready' and 'right-sized' for the building design
- Council to consider whether service level adjustments or reductions are wanted
- Discussion on whether to submit the project to a public vote under Minnesota law
- No attachments provided for this work session
Natural Resources Commission
The Natural Resources Commission holds a work session to discuss several ongoing projects. Topics include implementation of the Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance, geothermal test drilling at Public Works Facility, curb-cut raingarden program in Friendly Hills neighborhood, Valley Park streambank restoration, and debrief on the 2026 Oak Awards. Also discussed: planning for a Natural Resources Site Tour. No formal decisions are expected; all items are for discussion only.
- Discussion of Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance (Ordinance 595) implementation, covering Forest Alteration Permits and Forest Management Plans
- Update on Geothermal Planning Grant: test bores drilled at Public Works Facility within budget
- Curb-cut Raingarden Program update: 1,100 plants planted in 13 raingardens in Friendly Hills, 19 more planned
- Valley Park Streambank Restoration: volunteer planting of 200 native plants along stabilized streambank
- Debrief of 2026 Oak Awards and planning for Natural Resources Site Tour in Q3/Q4
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission will consider a recommendation for the FY2027 budget, which includes capital projects and park master planning. They will also approve minutes from March and May meetings and receive updates on park improvements, the Par 3 golf course, and recreation programs.
- FY2027 Budget Recommendation – commissioners will discuss and vote on a budget to recommend to the City Council
- Park Improvement Project Update – report on 2026 projects including Wentworth Hockey Board Replacement
- Par 3 Update – seasonal opening and financial dashboard review
- Recreation Update – recent events and summer programming registration
- Approval of minutes from March 10, 2026 regular meeting and May 12, 2026 work session
City Council
The Mendota Heights City Council will consider approving the schematic design for a new police station and city hall, and authorize moving to the design development phase. They will also review a concept plan for a Planned Unit Development amendment for a sign at 750 North Plaza Drive. Routine consent items include hiring, travel authorization, and a minor development permit.
- Resolution 2026-37 approving schematic design for Police Station and City Hall Municipal Campus Building Project
- Planned Unit Development Concept Plan Review for Indigo Signs at 750 North Plaza Drive (Case 2025-08)
- Presentation on Gun Violence Awareness Month by 2020 Project
- Out-of-state travel authorization for Parks and Recreation Director to attend NRPA conference
- Administrative MRCCA Minor Development Permit for 1296 Aspen Way
The City Council approved the schematic design for the Police/City Hall Municipal Campus and authorized proceeding with the design development phase. The Council also approved the consent agenda and out-of-state travel authorization for the Parks and Recreation Director.
- Approved consent agenda (5-0)
- Approved out-of-state travel authorization for Parks Director (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2026-37 for Police/City Hall schematic design
- Authorized proceeding with design development phase for Police/City Hall project
Planning Commission
The Mendota Heights Planning Commission will elect a chair and vice chair for 2026, approve prior meeting minutes, and conduct a concept plan review for a Planned Unit Development amendment by Indigo Signs at 750 N. Plaza Drive. No public hearings are scheduled. The commission will discuss the concept PUD and may provide direction.
- Concept PUD review (Case No. 2025-08) for Indigo Signs at 750 N. Plaza Drive
City Council
The City Council will hold a work session to review and discuss the schematic design plans for the Municipal Campus Project. No formal votes or decisions are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and feedback.
- Review of schematic design for Municipal Campus Project
At a May 26 work session, the Mendota Heights City Council discussed the Municipal Campus Project, reviewing schematic design plans and community feedback. The council provided direction to the project team to bring the schematic design approval to the June 2 city council meeting. No formal votes were taken; this was a discussion and direction only.
- Directed project team to bring schematic design approval to June 2 city council meeting
Airport Relations Commission
The Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission will discuss increased noise complaints from the city, review a public education initiative, and elect a vice chair at its May 20 meeting. The consent agenda includes acknowledging airport operational statistics and complaint reports.
- Election of Vice Chair (previously tabled from March 2026 meeting)
- Discussion of noise complaints: Mendota Heights reported 22 complaints in March and 25 in April 2026
- Review of public education and information initiative to inform residents about airport operations
- Acknowledge airport operational statistics including runway use and complaint data
City Council
The Mendota Heights City Council is holding a work session to review the FY2027 budget planning process, key financial considerations, and upcoming priorities. Staff will also discuss the use of city-owned properties like Bourne Lane and share updates on state budget and bonding bill outcomes to inform future capital projects and long-range financial strategies. Preliminary budget recommendations will be presented in summer workshops before a September adoption.
- FY2027 budget planning process and key financial considerations
- Use of city-owned properties, including Bourne Lane
- Updates on state budget and bonding bill outcomes
- Planning considerations for the Municipal Campus Project
- Preliminary levy and expenditure recommendations for summer workshops
The City Council held a work session to review the FY2027 budget process, including the property tax levy and capital improvement plan. Staff presented information on revenue sources and the impact of the Par 3 debt service payment. No formal decisions were made.
- Council agreed to hold budget work session in August
- Council discussed potential use of Bourne Lane property
- Council discussed potential approval of charitable gambling
- Council discussed municipal campus financing options
- Council discussed naming rights for ballfields
- Council discussed revenue from cell towers
City Council
The Mendota Heights City Council will consider resolutions to adjust sanitary sewer and storm sewer utility rates. They will also receive an update on the Municipal Campus Project and hear a presentation from Dakota County on the Delaware Avenue Reconstruction project. Several consent items include liquor license renewals for Mendakota Country Club and Teresa's Mexican Restaurant, and a professional services contract for a fiber optic installation project.
- Consider Resolution 2026-26 to adjust sanitary sewer utility rates
- Consider Resolution 2026-24 to adjust storm sewer utility rates
- Municipal Campus Project update
- Presentation on Delaware Avenue Reconstruction by Dakota County
- Consent agenda includes award of fiber optic installation contract and liquor license renewals
The City Council approved new billing rates for both sanitary and storm sewer utilities for 2026. The council also approved a series of license renewals and a professional services contract for fiber optic installation via the consent agenda.
- Approved Resolution 2026-26 for sanitary sewer usage rates beginning in 2026 (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2026-24 for storm water utility rates beginning in 2026 (5-0)
- Adopted Resolution 2026-35 recognizing National Public Works Week (5-0)
- Accepted the resignation of firefighter Joe Fabiano (5-0)
- Approved May 5, 2026, City Council Minutes (5-0)
- Approved massage therapy business and therapist license renewals (5-0)
- Approved liquor license renewals for Mendakota Country Club and Teresa’s Mexican Restaurant (5-0)
- Approved Joint Powers Agreement with Dakota County for post-election reviews (5-0)
Natural Resources Commission
The Natural Resources Commission will consider approving the 2027 budget recommendations, recognize 2025 Oak Award recipients, and recap the 2026 Earth and Arbor Week celebration. The commission will also receive an update on the geothermal assessment project at the Public Works facility. Public comment is invited for items not on the agenda.
- Recognition of 2025 Oak Awards recipients
- Recap of 2026 Earth and Arbor Week events
- Approve 2027 Natural Resources Budget Recommendations
- Update on Public Works Facility Geothermal Assessment Project
- Approval of minutes from February, March, and April meetings
Parks & Recreation Commission
The Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a work session to develop a cost recovery and subsidy policy for park services, based on the 2025 Park System Master Plan. They will also review the ten-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for parks and the Par 3 Golf Course, and make budget recommendations for 2027 to the City Council.
- Commission will participate in an exercise to rank cost recovery categories for park services
- Discussion on which services should receive the highest subsidy, if any
- Review of Parks CIP and Par 3 Golf Course CIP for 2027 budget recommendations
- Goal for Par 3 Golf Course to be self-sufficient; projects must be feasible based on 2026 revenues/expenses
- Timeline: PRC recommendations to City Council in June, preliminary budget in September, final in December
The Parks and Recreation Commission held a work session to discuss cost recovery policies and the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan. Staff will compile results from a strategic subsidy exercise for a future policy discussion. Commissioners were directed to rank 2027 projects by May 22 to prepare a formal recommendation for the City Council.
- Staff to compile results from subsidy management exercise for future policy discussion
- Commissioners directed to rank 2027 CIP projects by Friday, May 22
- Commission to review ranked data at June meeting to make formal recommendation to City Council
- Commissioners to notify staff of additional projects for estimates prior to June meeting
City Council
The City Council will host a State of the City Address. No city business will be conducted during this meeting.
City Council
The City Council will vote on a consent agenda that includes adopting Ordinance 608 to prohibit parking on Delaware Avenue, approving contracts for painting streetlight poles, expanding the Wentworth basketball court, and replacing hockey boards at Wentworth Park. Other consent items include a grading permit for 1416 Dodd Road and deferring a street rehabilitation assessment at 706 Cheyenne Lane. Under new business, the Council will consider a variance for an accessibility ramp at 537 Junction Lane, a lot line adjustment for 1603 Dodd Road and 688 Wentworth Avenue, and a conditional use permit for a 1,499-square-foot attached garage at 1961 Glenhill Road. Presentations will cover the ZOOMS STEM Design Challenge and a Metro Transit update.
- Adopt Ordinance 608: No Parking on Delaware Avenue
- Approve contract to paint streetlight poles
- Approve contract for expansion of Wentworth basketball court
- Approve contract for hockey board replacement at Wentworth Park
- Approve variance for accessibility ramp at 537 Junction Lane
The City Council adopted the meeting agenda and the consent agenda, approving multiple routine items. Councilors voted 4‑0 to adopt Ordinance No. 608, prohibiting parking on Delaware Avenue. Councilors also voted 4‑0 to approve the annual installation of a temporary fence at the Friendly Hills Park ball field for the 2026 season.
- Adopted meeting agenda (4‑0)
- Approved consent agenda items including General Fund Transfer and streetlight painting contract (4‑0)
- Adopted Ordinance No. 608 – No parking on Delaware Avenue (4‑0)
- Approved annual temporary fence at Friendly Hills Park ball field (April 15–July 31, 2026) (4‑0)
Planning Commission
The commission will hold public hearings on a lot line adjustment at 1603 Dodd Road/688 Wentworth Avenue, a conditional use permit for a 1,499-square-foot attached garage at 1961 Glenhill Road, and a tabled conditional use permit for a new freestanding wireless monopole tower at 739 Wentworth Avenue (Wentworth Park). They will also revisit a tabled variance request for an accessibility ramp at 537 Junction Lane.
- Tabled CUP for new freestanding wireless monopole tower at 739 Wentworth Avenue (Wentworth Park)
- CUP for 1,499 sq ft attached garage at 1961 Glenhill Road
- Lot line adjustment for properties at 1603 Dodd Road and 688 Wentworth Avenue
- Tabled variance for accessibility ramp at 537 Junction Lane
- Approval of minutes from March 31, 2026 meeting
The Planning Commission recommended approval of three items to the City Council: a variance for an accessibility ramp at 537 Junction Lane, a lot line adjustment for properties at 1603 Dodd Road and 688 Wentworth Avenue, and a conditional use permit for a 1,499-square-foot attached garage at 1961 Glenhill Road. All recommendations passed unanimously (7-0). A tabled conditional use permit for a wireless telecommunications tower at 739 Wentworth Avenue was discussed but no vote was taken; staff recommended further tabling pending revised plans.
- Recommended approval of variance for accessibility ramp at 537 Junction Lane (7-0)
- Recommended approval of lot line adjustment at 1603 Dodd Road and 688 Wentworth Avenue (7-0)
- Recommended approval of conditional use permit for 1,499 sq ft attached garage at 1961 Glenhill Road (7-0)
City Council
The City Council will consider adopting Ordinance No. 607 to repeal and replace Title 11, the city's subdivision regulations. They will also decide on the Lexington Heights Planned Unit Development amendment, which was tabled from the previous meeting. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as Hampshire Estates street improvements contracts and a geothermal assessment contract.
- Adopt Ordinance 607 to repeal and replace Title 11: Subdivision Regulations
- Resolution 2026-22 approving Lexington Heights PUD amendment and zoning amendment (tabled from April 7)
- Award contract for Hampshire Estates street improvements (consent items k & l)
- Award professional services contract for test bore drilling for Public Works geothermal assessment (consent m)
- Approve temporary liquor license for Beth Jacob Congregation and liquor license renewals
The City Council adopted Ordinance No. 607 to repeal and replace the city's subdivision regulations. Council also approved a final development plan and zoning amendment for the Lexington Heights Planned Unit Development. Additionally, a consent agenda was passed covering various administrative approvals and contracts.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 607 to repeal and replace Title 11 Subdivision Regulations (5-0)
- Authorized publication of a summary ordinance for Ordinance No. 607 (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 2026-22 for Lexington Heights PUD Final Development Plan (4-0-1)
- Adopted Ordinance No. 606 for Lexington Heights PUD zoning amendment (5-0-1)
- Approved temporary liquor license for Beth Jacob Congregation (4-0)
- Approved consent agenda including Hampshire Estates street improvement contracts (5-0)
- Approved appointment of Fire Captains Pat Noack and Daniel Goldenstein (5-0)
- Accepted resignation of Katie Bengtson and authorized Communications Coordinator recruitment (5-0)
City Council
This is a work session, so no formal decisions will be made. The council will discuss installing 12 new radar feedback speed limit signs along MSA routes, review a performance measure report, and get an update on the Independence Day/250th Anniversary event.
- Discussion on 12 new radar feedback speed limit signs for Emerson Ave near Somerset Elementary, Lake Dr near Saint Thomas Academy/Visitation School, Huber Dr/Mendota Heights Rd near Friendly Hills Middle School, Victoria Rd, and Wachtler Ave
- Review of a Performance Measure Report
- Update on Independence Day/250th Anniversary event planning
The City Council held a work session to review proposals for radar speed signs and the 2025 Strategic Priorities Performance Measures Report. No formal votes were taken; items were discussed for future agenda placement or staff refinement.
- Tabled purchase of 12 radar feedback speed signs for a future agenda
- Discussed 2025 Strategic Priorities Performance Measures Report for staff refinement
- Proposed installation of a holiday banner at Mendakota Park for July 4th weekend
Natural Resources Commission
The Natural Resources Commission will hold a work session to discuss the preliminary 2027 budget recommendations, a draft Shoreland Management Ordinance, a recycling and sustainability update, and the possibility of paperless meetings. All items are for discussion only, with no formal actions scheduled.
- Preliminary 2027 Natural Resources budget of $347,010 discussed, including $110,000 for tree removal and $18,040 for Rogers Lake savanna and shoreline enhancement
- Draft Shoreland Management Ordinance discussed, focusing on buffer standards, vegetation clearing limits, and setbacks for Lake Augusta
- Recycling and sustainability update on GreenSteps program; city currently at Step 3 of 5
- Discussion on switching to paperless meetings to save an estimated 1,800 sheets of paper per year
The Natural Resources Commission held a work session discussing recycling updates, the 2027 budget, the Shoreland Management Ordinance, and paperless meetings. They reached consensus to remove a density determination section from the Lake Augusta shoreland ordinance if allowed by the DNR, and agreed to a trial period for paperless meetings. No formal votes were taken; budget discussions were preliminary.
- Reached consensus to remove density determination section from Shoreland Management Ordinance pending DNR approval
- Agreed to trial paperless meetings for the commission
- Discussed preliminary 2027 budget but took no formal action
- Discussed request for $20,000 for Valley Park Natural Resources Management Plan but did not approve