[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6455992,"mediaKeyId","5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d","parentId",5708018,"title","Council approves MRCA permit for new home at 1867 Hunter Lane; building‑height review to follow","audioSeconds",877,"startMs",4714000,"endMs",5591000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d&start=4714&end=5591","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d/thumbnail_4714000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6455992/Inver-Grove-Heights/Dakota-County/Minnesota/Council-approves-MRCA-permit-for-new-home-at-1867-Hunter-Lane-buildingheight-review-to-follow","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455992-ed126454fa33adde6d95855bb5e73f21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173910&Signature=NuFp8mEmtM2YfDEsWkJ1EGsaU3k7V5N1cmuH6vE0fgrPUltVn06nk-8dF0rVuhUQnG5vQoSuSIUhoTxZz9YbAq1rb-MIJpJ0SRW1PKlwBTOLTAyFELNvqSiMrzoECI8fZdDLr6LIzJAXXY56fBFCszGnT5kJfN22bRRCnLOPp2FU26nuxzCitY4HJ8n4G-1j7Gg~Dnj8H~ht3BgmKII9XzI-5Sp1zsjbBGS2Fo5CW8wILQ3CBDY9n74ck4zot6GKi1rzhBnLnirhPflSr9l7D-cGXdPxdNsTDIDovIY33VOW106R3GgIR~3ANSDxiGE-AwYNSaY7sFI5IT1RQMetaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Inver Grove Heights","date","2025-09-02T00:00:00Z","article","The Mendota Heights City Council adopted Resolution 2025‑57 on Sept. 2 approving a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCA) permit for construction of a new single‑family home at 1867 Hunter Lane.

Community Development Manager Sarah Madden presented the application and told council the property is a vacant lot where a previous home was demolished in 2023. The proposal includes a new house footprint, retaining walls, landscaping and two engineered infiltration basins; the site lies outside the primary conservation areas but within the bluff‑impact zone mapped by the DNR. Madden said the proposed improvements are roughly 100 feet from the bluff impact boundary and that the planning commission reviewed the application at a public hearing (July 22; continued and closed Aug. 26) and unanimously recommended approval with standard conditions.

Councilors asked several clarifying questions. Councilor Paper asked what “low intensity” meant in the staff report; Madden replied the term referenced the distance of work from primary conservation areas, not the scale of construction. Paper also pressed about retaining wall heights; Madden said no wall exceeded about 4 feet and that staff requested walls be kept under 4 feet to avoid engineered wall submittal requirements. Madden noted a conditional use permit for building height will be filed and is scheduled for the next planning commission meeting; she said the height standard was not caught during the initial MRCA civil‑plan review and that the applicant will submit the height materials for the planning commission’s Sept. hearing.

Councilor Paper observed the proposed house footprint in the packet appeared large (the packet referenced roughly 9,000 square feet) and said the council would review height and roof‑pitch standards during the pending conditional use permit and staff’s upcoming zoning‑update work session. Madden said the applicant is revising architectural materials for the building‑permit packet, including roof pitch and height details.

Councilor Motzko moved to approve Resolution 2025‑57; the motion included an amendment to the findings to omit one clause referencing compliance with the zoning ordinance to avoid predicating later decisions on findings already to be considered in the pending conditional use permit for building height. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The MRCA permit approval carries standard conditions listed in the resolution and staff will continue processing the building‑height conditional use permit and building‑permit documents.

The council’s action does not waive subsequent approvals: staff and the applicant will complete the conditional use permit for building height and submit final architecture and engineered site plans before building permits are issued.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Inver Grove Heights - Mendota Heights City Council","oneSentenceSummary","The Mendota Heights City Council on Sept. 2 approved Resolution 2025‑57 granting a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area permit for a new single‑family home at 1867 Hunter Lane.","taxTitle","Inver Grove Heights, Dakota County, Minnesota","taxId",55939,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455997,"Council supports Dorset Road cul‑de‑sac, backing Dakota County’s Delaware Avenue reconstruction plan",2872,1862000,4734000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d&start=1862&end=4734","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d/thumbnail_1862000.jpg","/articles/6455997/Inver-Grove-Heights/Dakota-County/Minnesota/Council-supports-Dorset-Road-culdesac-backing-Dakota-Countys-Delaware-Avenue-reconstruction-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455997-43fc9bc48bdc53d9fb4313f7b04473e0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173910&Signature=V3HqZso-cIatvHkbtT4w-JbPyPQ-1kGbsrpEhsOixCZR64ySdz3oxRp~vG1kHPZjilbPNKPP9lI2~gfijI0BgENd5Fj4~UMNhDOGoN7b9~aiJqQg5K5tSYEcdJmr~MoUeHEGMTgmxCNcVI4GO58oOL6ipohYFLDXoHiv8vF3vvT-EJ9WJaYSduIPE~QfuN0sZmSe7FzUeOlOIQxxI0UsZ36U9AweA25KLVbni95XCc92tTyputH6rtopQSrcecGjAbKYae3Ra7oDwf8RuENm~DftHXpCNoVxDaCcz8kKFTl7kwMi6XajDBsu3m7xvm-5Qm3PryFObQG6T5z-A7Mm-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mendota Heights City Council voted Sept. 2 to support Dakota County’s planned reconstruction of Delaware Avenue that would remove the Dorset Road connection and replace it with a cul‑de‑sac on Dorset Road.

Assistant City Engineer Ritchie told council Dakota County plans to reconstruct Delaware Avenue in 2027; during that work the county’s design team identified the Dorset‑Delaware intersection as a candidate for removal. Ritchie said the existing Dorset approach has a 13.5% grade, well above the city’s usual 6% maximum except where topography warrants it, and that winter plowing and stopping at the intersection are operational challenges for public works. He said the county has acquired a vacant parcel on the northwest corner that may be demolished to improve sight lines and that the cul‑de‑sac would create a gentler 3–4% slope within the terminus area.

Ritchie summarized public outreach: mailed notices to nearby residents in June produced mixed responses (about four in favor, two opposed and two effectively 'no' responses); a planning‑commission hearing Aug. 26 drew four residents who spoke in favor; the planning commission then unanimously recommended council approval of the cul‑de‑sac alternative. Ritchie said both cul‑de‑sac and intersection‑rehabilitation alternatives would be funded through municipal state aid (MSA) funds and that property‑acquisition tasks are underway, led by Dakota County.

Residents, emergency responders and councilors asked detailed questions. Mary Kirby, who with her husband owns 3 Dorset Road, told council, “We are in favor of this proposal,” and expressed concern that stormwater runoff and the disposition of the vacated Dorset Road right‑of‑way be handled with a natural, easily maintained turf or landscape solution. Chief Kelly McCarty described why the city avoids speed bumps and similar traffic calming on its streets, saying, “Speed bumps, they don't go over very well” with plows; he and fire officials said they did not anticipate a meaningful emergency‑response access problem from the cul‑de‑sac but noted winter routing could vary.

Council debate was robust. Councilor Motzko opposed the resolution, arguing the city has a long-standing preference for through streets and that the record showed no documented crash history at the intersection over several decades; he said, “I cannot support this because I don't like long cul‑de‑sacs.” Mayor Levine and other councilors said the combination of steep grade, the county project, trail opportunity and improved sight lines made the cul‑de‑sac the preferable option. Councilors asked about length (Ritchie estimated about 600–620 feet), the affected number of homes (approximately 11 on Dorset Road), right‑of‑way impacts and the city’s expected share of local costs (Ritchie said the county-led JPA anticipates a roughly 15% local share split with West St. Paul, so Mendota Heights’ share would be approximately 7.5%).

Councilor Paper moved and the council seconded the resolution; the council approved Resolution 2025‑56 by voice vote. The resolution expresses support for removing the Dorset‑Delaware intersection, constructing a cul‑de‑sac on Dorset Road, and building a multi‑use trail along Delaware Avenue. Final design, bidding and construction are scheduled to follow: 30% plans reviewed, right‑of‑way acquisition in progress, final design in early 2026, bidding in summer 2026 and construction in 2027.

Staff and county leaders will continue right‑of‑way acquisition discussions and finalize trail alignment, storm‑sewer adjustments and other utility considerations before construction.","The Mendota Heights City Council adopted Resolution 2025‑56 on Sept. 2 supporting removal of the Dorset Road connection to Delaware Avenue and construction of a cul‑de‑sac, citing steep existing grades, sight-line and plowing concerns and a planning commission recommendation.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6456002,"Council approves traffic revision at 750 Main Street to allow Happy Joe’s pickup window",832,1048000,1880000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d&start=1048&end=1880","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d/thumbnail_1048000.jpg","/articles/6456002/Inver-Grove-Heights/Dakota-County/Minnesota/Council-approves-traffic-revision-at-750-Main-Street-to-allow-Happy-Joes-pickup-window","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6456002-dee7c80abb2359ea523e76f4f07a483b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173910&Signature=gjFchyGn3A5~LbpDJQteDaD9JHXZ98xSJPBAURqM2wNpoHr3LzSIc1aKLWKDpW1o7EWyBQ0xIMCWWLvVrOsZ23B16-YSs9tkKs-7auvsL4zHJ9vdz~U0kfe~w-JHsCY-Lx62z4PG4soj2q2gwiQbH7GQiSZ5ujKQ-mqIxEcUEeuZWI2CldnHatXY6q5XoPlJCIMGY0BxnH0vW6TJTTPY0kZ5UvYDHV5csgFuv42vUCwHmZ-8VVYJLdIkA2vAJ-rMufI4NaLD1mfKW3kCuk6ynEyS6BIrDsnuB27Ws3ntJ2nDESbYm8BBni0dKDZ5MI65hKsp7iamREtLXpMGjnJTBA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mendota Heights City Council on Sept. 2 approved a traffic revision at 750 Main Street that converts both under-building tunnels to northbound-only access to accommodate a pickup window for Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream.

City staff and the applicant told council the change is intended to support a new Happy Joe’s location in the village and to use an underused tunnel for customer pickup. The city asked the applicant to provide a traffic analysis before changing the site circulation; SRF Consulting monitored both tunnels for 48 hours and reported the southern tunnel averaged about 12 vehicles per day with a maximum of three vehicles observed during that period.

Director Ruzek described the physical changes: reversing painted pavement arrows, relocating or adding “Do Not Enter” signage on the north side of the building, and removing a curb section so vehicles can approach the pickup window. He said the east tunnel already functions primarily as a northbound access and will remain so. Ryan Smith, the applicant and area director for Happy Joe’s, told council the pickup window is intended to let customers collect prepaid orders without having to get out of their vehicles during adverse weather.

Council members asked about the existing pharmacy pickup window in the same building and whether that structure would be removed; staff said the medicine shop window is not proposed to be taken down and that the space is currently vacant. Councilors also asked about timing; the applicant estimated a seven-to-eight month build-out, with a potential spring opening.

Councilor Paper moved approval of the traffic revision; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The council’s action authorizes the signage and re-striping changes described by staff and allows the applicant to proceed with the interior build-out that will include the pickup window.

The applicant and staff said the pickup window is not a drive-up ordering facility (no payments or on-site ordering) but a pickup point for preordered items. Staff said the site’s Planned Unit Development previously allowed a pickup window for the eastern tenant, and the proposed change would use existing site access while adjusting the traffic pattern to serve the new tenant.

If implemented, the reconfiguration includes temporary and permanent signage to minimize wrong-way movements; staff noted that vehicles already occasionally used the tunnels in both directions during the observation period. Council did not attach further conditions beyond the traffic revision approval and related site-work permits and building permits that will follow.","Mendota Heights City Council on Sept. 2 approved a traffic revision at 750 Main Street to reconfigure two tunnels as northbound-only and permit a pickup window for Happy Joe’s Pizza and Ice Cream, following a 48-hour traffic study and staff recommendation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6455988,"Votes at a glance: Mendota Heights City Council actions, Sept. 2, 2025",0,217000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d&start=217&end=217","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708018-6e9dcf06f51392e87d21db4e2de7a70d/thumbnail_217000.jpg","/articles/6455988/Inver-Grove-Heights/Dakota-County/Minnesota/Votes-at-a-glance-Mendota-Heights-City-Council-actions-Sept-2-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6455988-465e3f8480cd7ab5890283e51a2cea0d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173910&Signature=AftlKLiDCW0ZuZOSo7ZOG1MiGNmIpbzBsZXtx3St4w9ist8UrX7mL~aflrbED89O7pnDKvYMpCDGnJBjzahlSKNawHjfo-d51Ht0lt7wo33YyW8eOXTwXbfDwoz2vh9TFBjlTta~8crEEOtHU2DRwJI5n4yT8bTyWQ8j2WHUyXgdOyJRlROMnmSoqtTWmhZnUsC~2Jpdx~htQsvhsaCOJVYmU1th-u~5VFiA1WL1HHY9cLwszUbLIA9HcNLWtV3vYCQKhwufMpQHjVwO7Ac35eAR3PTqjrB5nZS~SvJTh7nW46GDPZ5P3aML3N8P2hURCLR-j5ckHvxIU~vCVOvxAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Mendota Heights City Council took the following formal actions at its Sept. 2, 2025 meeting. This roundup lists motions and final outcomes recorded in the meeting transcript. Where the transcript did not supply a roll‑call tally, outcomes reflect the council’s voice vote.

- Consent agenda (multiple items): Council approved the consent agenda with the exception of items B, C, E, F and G. Items approved included accepting the July planning commission minutes, authorizing installation of a garage door at the public works facility, awarding contracts for 2025 sanitary sewer cleaning and televising (Resolution 2025‑54) and for 2025 sanitary sewer rehabilitation (Resolution 2025‑55), reimbursement for storm sewer relocation at 1770 Dodd Road, adoption of Resolution 2025‑53 authorizing issuance and sale of $2,820,000 in general obligation improvement bonds series 2025A, and approval of the July 2025 treasurer's report and claims list. (Motion to approve consent agenda moved and seconded; approved by voice vote.)

- Item E — Solid waste abatement grant authorization (Dakota County): After discussion and some council concern about timing and fiscal‑agent responsibilities, council approved authorization for the city administrator to sign a Dakota County solid waste abatement grant application with Mendota Heights listed as the fiscal agent for 2026. Councilor Matzko explicitly stated an intention to vote “no” before the final voice vote; the motion passed by voice vote. (Moved/seconded; motion passed.)

- Item F — Parks and Recreation commissioner resignation acknowledgement and advertising the vacancy: Council accepted the resignation of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Dan Shearer and authorized advertising to fill the position. Council members offered remarks of appreciation. (Moved/seconded; motion passed.)

- Item G — Promotion of James Walrath: Council approved the promotion of James Walrath from police cadet to police officer as part of the department’s cadet pipeline program. (Moved/seconded; motion passed.)

- New Business A — Traffic revision at 750 Main Street: Council approved the traffic revision to convert both under‑building tunnels to northbound access to accommodate a Happy Joe’s pickup window. (Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote.)

- New Business 9b — Resolution 2025‑56 supporting removal of Dorset Road connection to Delaware Avenue and construction of a cul‑de‑sac: Council adopted Resolution 2025‑56 supporting the county’s approach to reconstruct Delaware Avenue, remove the Dorset intersection, build a cul‑de‑sac and add a multi‑use trail; planning commission had unanimously recommended approval. The council debated access, cul‑de‑sac length (approximately 600–620 feet), emergency access and funding; staff said the project will be funded through municipal state aid and that Dakota County is leading right‑of‑way acquisition. (Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote.)

- New Business 9c — Resolution 2025‑57 approving MRCA permit at 1867 Hunter Lane (planning case 25‑12): Council approved Resolution 2025‑57 granting a Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area permit for a new single‑family home; the planning commission had unanimously recommended approval. Council asked questions about retaining walls (staff said walls are below 4 feet) and noted a separate conditional use permit for building height will be filed and reviewed at the planning commission. The council approved the resolution with an edit to one finding, and staff will continue processing the pending height review. (Motion moved and seconded; approved by voice vote.)

Where the transcript records a motion and second but does not list individual aye/no votes, this summary records outcomes as approved or adopted consistent with the voice votes heard on the record.","A summary of formal motions and resolutions acted on by the Mendota Heights City Council at its Sept. 2 meeting, including consent‑agenda approvals, grant authorization, traffic revision, Dorset Road resolution and MRCA permit.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves MRCA permit for new home at 1867 Hunter Lane; building‑height review to follow

Council supports Dorset Road cul‑de‑sac, backing Dakota County’s Delaware Avenue reconstruction plan

Council approves traffic revision at 750 Main Street to allow Happy Joe’s pickup window

Votes at a glance: Mendota Heights City Council actions, Sept. 2, 2025