Municipal Campus Project Dominates Council Agenda as State Bonding Funds Shape Design Talks
The Municipal Campus Building Project — including a new police station and city hall — drew the most attention across Mendota Heights meetings this month, with the City Council and Natural Resources Commission both reviewing design updates and the impact of $4 million in state bonding funds. Minutes from the July 7 and July 8 meetings have not yet been published, so outcomes listed on those agendas cannot be confirmed as final decisions.
City Council — July 7
The Council's July 7 agenda included a presentation of the FY2025 audit report and an update on the Municipal Campus Building Project. Officials addressed community feedback on the scale of the new police station and city hall, with the agenda noting a shift toward building for current needs rather than future expansion.
The agenda also listed several items for action, though minutes are not yet available to confirm the results:
- Hagstrom-King Park ballfield renovation approval
- MN Native Landscapes contract for the Friendly Marsh Park project
- Purchase of new duty handguns for the Police Department
Natural Resources Commission — July 8
The Commission discussed the Municipal Campus Project, including the city's $12 million bonding request and a $4 million award from the State of Minnesota. The agenda states that design development was authorized. All items at this meeting were for discussion only, with no decisions required.
Other agenda items included:
- The Sustainable Mendota Heights newsletter "The Green Scene," finalized for July distribution, with a second issue due in early October
- Proposed amendments to the Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance (Ordinance 595), covering fee changes, heritage-tree protections, and certified arborist requirements
- Recognition of raingarden program volunteers, with 1,100 plants planted and 18 raingardens planned
Natural Resources Commission — July 15
The Commission conducted a site visit and park tour at Copperfield Ponds Park, located at 650 Huber Drive. The agenda consisted of a call to order followed by the tour.
Airport Relations Commission — July 15
The Commission's agenda included an election for a new Vice Chair and a review of the May 2026 Airport Operational Statistics Reports. Members were also set to discuss an increase in noise complaints submitted through the MAC Environment Complaint process, including potential software issues affecting complaint trends. Minutes are not yet published.
Coming Up
Three City Council meetings are scheduled in the coming week, all focused heavily on the Municipal Campus Building Project:
- **July 21, City Council:** Consent agenda items include a concrete apron purchase on Mendota Heights Road, Resolution 2026-45 for a feasibility report on the 2027 Street Improvements Project, the 2026-2027 Seasonal Compensation Plan, out-of-metro travel authorization for the Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Conference, and authorization to purchase a replacement Fire Department Water Tender.
- **July 21, City Council:** Discussion of whether the new municipal campus building should be built on the existing Civic Center Park/Mertensotto Field site. The Two Rivers Athletic Association will present field replacement options, including standards for an equivalent field. A potential new field site at the city-owned Bourne Lane property (~507,000 sq ft) will be presented. No binding decision is indicated; the agenda item is for discussion only.
- **July 22, City Council Work Session:** Staff will present updates on building design, site layout, park space, and the status of Mertensotto Field replacement planning. Financial advisors will review the current cost estimate, the impact of the $4 million in state bonding funds, and possible financing options including bond issuance. No formal action is requested.