Purchase Agreement Approved for Old Fire Hall Site on Dodd Road

Mendota Heights may have finally found a buyer for the city-owned “old fire hall” lot. The council approved a purchase agreement for the lot, located just north of Fischerville Coffee House and Bella Boutique on Dodd Road. Suzanne Perkins of Complete Beverage Service Inc. has applied to purchase the land for $50,000 as part of her larger plan to open Fischerville Grill on the adjacent property. 

“I’m delighted to have someone take the difficult piece of land attached to Fischerville,” said council member Ultan Duggan. “I congratulate them and thank them for being willing to step forward to enhance a neighborhood business,” he said of the Perkins family.

The residential lot was a gift to the city. It is too small to be developed on its own as commercial property, but could be combined with the Fischerville property next door that faces size constraints of its own in terms of parking and development.

Mayor Sandra Krebsbach was not as enthusiastic about approving the sale. The lot is currently zoned for residential use, the sale is contingent upon rezoning to commercial. The new use of the lot could be disruptive to residents, said Krebsbach.

“I do not feel it’s an appropriate use of the site,” Krebsbach said. “Two sides of the lot are residential, and hours of operation for the pub could be as late as 1 a.m.”

Perkins said she is confident the business will be a boon to Mendota Heights. Revenue from the sale and tax revenue would benefit the city, she told the council.

The council’s approval was only for the purchase agreement. Further proposals are needed to make Fischerville Grille a reality.

Pond study scaled down

The throughout the city has changed, according to John Mazzitello, public works director. After approving the assessment of water quality, the council had a workshop April 11, where they discussed the range of the study.

A professional will be hired to evaluate Copperfield Pond, Burroughs Pond, and Park Place Pond for water quality, effective stormwater treatment, and other measures of health. Recommended improvements to the pond will then be considered by the council. 

While the larger study was estimated to cost $35,000, councilmembers hope the new pond plan will come in at $10,000 to $15,000.

Knollwood area rehabilitation drives forward

The Knollwood Lane Neighborhood Rehabilitation was approved Tuesday night. Assistant city engineer Ryan Ruzek presented the resolution that would bring complete rehabilitation to Knollwood Court, Knollwood Lane (north of Emerson), Medora Court and Medora Road, as well as preventative maintenance of Cherry Hill Road (east of Wachtler), Farmdale Road, Ivy Lane, Knollwood Lane (south of Emerson), Lower Colonial Drive and Upper Colonial Drive.

Approximately $123,000 of the $364,000 cost of the road improvements will be assessed to residents, with municipal bonds and utility funds covering the remaining bill.

Construction will begin in early August.

Mendota Elementary steps into Green Sneakers

A trio of Mendota Elementary students presented their upcoming Green Sneakers project to the council. Ellie Elander, Joseph Juliette, and Laura Skemp, along with their teacher Julie Weisbecker, explained the school’s shoe drive. From Monday, April 25 through Friday, May 13, the public can stop by during school hours to donate used shoes in good condition. Not only will the shoes go to needy communities in Africa, but the collection raises funds for Mendota Elementary as well.

“This is a win-win for everyone,” commented Krebsbach.