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Mahtomedi seeks joint detachment/annexation of State Highway 244 segment; Dellwood to notify affected residents
Summary
Dellwood staff reviewed Mahtomedi’s request to jointly detach and annex the ROW of State Hwy 244 between Tamarack St. and Dwinnell Ave. Council raised concerns about costs, sewer extensions and protections in the Joint Powers Agreement and asked staff to notify affected residents.
City Planner Nate Sparks told the Dellwood City Council on Nov. 12 that Mahtomedi has asked Dellwood to agree to a joint detachment and annexation of the right-of-way (ROW) for a segment of State Highway 244 between Tamarack Street and Dwinnell Avenue to allow Mahtomedi to construct a package of roadway improvements.
Council members discussed financing and protections. The minutes record that Mahtomedi’s planned construction carries an approximate $12 million cost estimate and that Mahtomedi would qualify for state grant funding that Dellwood does not, because Dellwood’s population falls short of the 5,000-person threshold referenced in the discussion. Council Member Scott St. Martin pressed whether the approximately $12 million figure includes all planned work, saying he did not want to see construction proceed and later discover items left undone. Mahtomedi’s representative, John Sacchi, said any shortfall would be Mahtomedi’s responsibility and that Mahtomedi cannot, by law, assess Dellwood properties for Mahtomedi’s improvements.
The council also raised long-term concerns, including the potential for sewer extensions into Dellwood. Sacchi told the council that reversion of the ROW to Dellwood in the future would itself require a joint detachment and annexation process. To ensure resident input and protect Dellwood’s interests, the council directed Planner Nate Sparks to draft a letter to residents whose properties could be affected and asked staff members Cara Geheren and Clerk Joel Holstad to follow up with MnDOT and the county commissioner referenced in the minutes as "Fran." Sacchi said the build-out, if approved, would occur in 2026 and 2027.
A related sidewalk question surfaced: the design diagrams presented by Mahtomedi show a lakeside sidewalk along Hwy 244, but Sacchi said a sidewalk would not be constructed without Dellwood’s approval. The council unanimously voted to table the sidewalk decision to the December meeting so residents can be informed and consulted.
Next steps: Planner Sparks will draft the resident notice and staff will pursue follow-up with MnDOT and county officials ahead of further council consideration in December.
