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Mendota Heights council approves no-parking ordinance, zoning variances and park requests; receives transit and campus updates
Summary
At its May 5 meeting the Mendota Heights City Council adopted Ordinance 608 to ban parking on part of Delaware Avenue, approved several planning resolutions including a variance for an accessibility ramp and a conditional-use permit for an oversized garage, approved park and landscaping contracts, and heard a Metro Transit micro-transit briefing.
The Mendota Heights City Council on May 5 adopted an array of routine and project-specific items and received multiple presentations, including a Metro Transit briefing and updates on the Municipal Campus Project.
Ordinance and zoning actions: The Council adopted ORDINANCE NO. 608 to prohibit parking along the west side of Delaware Avenue between Marie and Dodd, noting Dakota County’s reconstruction project and prior resident outreach. The Council approved RESOLUTION NO. 2026-31, granting a front-yard setback variance for an accessibility ramp at 537 Junction Lane (a group home) with a condition that the existing ramp be removed if the new ramp is built. The Council also approved RESOLUTION NO. 2026-32 (lot line adjustment for 1603 Dodd Road and 688 Wentworth Avenue) and RESOLUTION NO. 2026-33, a conditional use permit allowing an attached garage of 1,499 square feet at 1961 Glenhill Road.
Parks and facilities: The Council approved the annual seasonal installation of a temporary outfield fence at Friendly Hills Park for use April 15–July 31, 2026, to address safety and appropriate field sizing amid increased youth baseball participation; Two Rivers Athletic Association (TRAA) will store the fencing in a shared facility with Public Works. Adam Crepeau, TRAA president, told the Council the fence prevents playground users from wandering into active games and is needed because participation is up this season. The Council approved a not‑to‑exceed $20,000 budget to spade in nine trees at the Mendota Heights Par 3 Community Golf Course; Councilors asked staff to seek additional quotes and to pursue a one‑year warranty rather than the initially offered six‑month guarantee.
Presentations and updates: Metro Transit representatives Cindy Harper and Ben Picone presented the Network Now Concept Plan and an on‑demand 'Metro Transit Micro' concept intended to connect neighborhoods to fixed-route service. Presenters said in-zone fares being discussed would match current fares (approximately $3.25 peak, $2.50 off-peak) and that zone boundaries are flexible and could be coordinated with the City. City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson updated the Council on the Municipal Campus Project; no final decisions were taken at this meeting.
Ceremonial and procedural items: Fire Chief Dan Johnson introduced Captains Pat Noack and Daniel 'DJ' Goldenstein; Mayor Levine administered the Oath of Office to Captain Goldenstein and the badge pinning was completed. The Council approved the consent agenda (which included a deferred street rehabilitation assessment for 706 Cheyenne Lane) and adjourned at 8:13 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Agenda adoption — 4 yes, 0 no; Consent agenda — 4 yes, 0 no; Ordinance 608 (No Parking Delaware Ave) adopted — 4 yes, 0 no; Friendly Hills Park temporary fence approval — 4 yes, 0 no; Par 3 tree spading project (not to exceed $20,000) — 4 yes, 0 no; Res. 2026-31 (variance, 537 Junction Lane) — 4 yes, 0 no; Res. 2026-32 (lot line adjustment) — 4 yes, 0 no; Res. 2026-33 (CUP, 1961 Glenhill Road) — 4 yes, 0 no.
What’s next: Several items (including the Wentworth Park CUP) remain under review; residents requested that the Council consider an independent analysis of the cellular coverage and siting options before any decision on that CUP.
