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2018-12-13 Planning Comm Agenda Packet Workshop DATE: December 7, 2018 TO: Chair Litton Field and Planning Commission FROM: Tim Benetti, Community Development Director SUBJECT: December 13, 2018 Planning Commission Workshop 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update (vers. 12.13.18) Included in this packet is the agenda for the next Planning Commission Workshop meeting, scheduled for Thursday, December 13, 2018, 6:00 PM, City Hall – Council Chambers. The packet also includes hard-copies and updated versions of Ch. 2 – Land Use; Ch. 7 - Natural Resources; and Ch. 8 - Resiliency. All three chapters have been revised and updated by staff from Stantec, per the direction of the Commission from last month’s workshop meeting. Along with these “clean” copies, staff is providing “red-lined” or track-changes copies for you to review in order to note the changes made by Stantec from the old (11/19/18) versions. Please know that although the formatting made by Stantec is the same as the original write-up versions from them, these chapters will be re-formatted later by city staff to be consistent with the general formats and layouts presented in previous versions. Please consider these copies as a working draft to use during the workshop discussion. Commissioner Mazzitello has also provided a separate copy of the revised/edited goals and policies on Ch. 7 – Natural Resources section (note: “Mazzitello Version 12.5.2018”). Comm. Mazzitello asked city staff to provide this edited version for the commis sioners to review, and is prepared to respond to comments or questions from the commissioners at the meeting. In order to save on paper/copier costs, city staff did not include the other chapters from the 2040 Plan in this packet; and hopefully you kept or saved the previous copies staff provided at the November workshop meeting (new 3-ring binders). If you wish to have another set or copy of all chapters prior to the Thursday night Workshop meeting, you can access or download them from the city’s website at https://www.mendota-heights.com/index.asp?SEC=320D5DB8-C925-4819- 9DF2-BE3231E48499; or call/email and one will be delivered or sitting at your chair. Once again we remind the Commission that these chapter drafts (and all others) are for informal review and consideration only; no official action will be taken at this workshop meeting. Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or concerns prior to the meeting; and also let us know if you are unable to attend this meeting next Thursday night. Thank you. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING - WORKSHOP DECEMBER 13, 2018 6:00 PM - Mendota Heights City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve Mendota Heights MN 55118 [Please note this meeting will not be a public hearing and will not be televised] 1. Call to Order / Roll Call 2. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Chapter Updates a) Chapter 2 - Land Use revisions b) Chapter 7 - Natural Resources revisions c) Chapter 8 - Resiliency revisions d) Discuss other chapters as needed. e) Determine or Set next Public Hearing Date for Final Draft Consideration 3. Adjourn Workshop Meeting Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon request at least 120 hours in advance. If a notice of less than 120 hours is received, the City of Mendota Heights will make every attempt to provide the aids, however, this may not be possible on short notice. Please contact City Hall at 651.452.1850 with requests. 2-1 2 Land Use Although Mendota Heights is almost completely developed, there are substantial areas of public and private open space, wetlands, lakes, bluff and wooded areas that give the feeling of very low density of development in much of the community. The land use pattern is well established, with the strong residential neighborhoods throughout the City, business and industrial development in the southwest corner, several major institutional uses (cemeteries, schools, golf courses), and protected natural areas (Dodge Nature Center, bluffs and ravines along the river). The Community Facilities Map illustrates the specific location and type of natural areas, open space, and recreation areas located within and around Mendota Heights (see Figure 2-1). This Plan identifies “focus” areas, or remaining parcels to be developed or redeveloped (see attached Figure 2-2 Focus Areas). These areas range from small isolated parcels to larger sections of the city which may be developed with different lot sizes or land uses at some point. Attention will also be given to protecting the high quality natural and built environments which is addressed in many of the goals of this Plan. The intent is to continue to protect the quiet, secluded feel of its mature neighborhoods by preserving natural features and the environment, promoting high quality and well- functioning developments, and continuing to work to decrease airplane noise over the City. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALEPI CKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE SOMERSETGOLF COURSE(PRIVATE)ISLANDREG IO NALTRAILF ortSnellingStateParkRESURRECTIONCEMETERY CITY HALL\POLICE PUBLICWORKS FIRE STATION MENDAKOTA GOLF COURSE(PRIVATE) ST. THOMASACADEMY VISITATION HENRYSIBLEYSENIORHIGH MENDOTAELEM. FRIENDLY HILLSMIDDLE SCHOOL PAR 3 (PUBLIC) ACACIA PARKCEMETERY VENTO'S VIEW(WILDLIFE VIEWING STATION) ÊÚ SCENIC OVERLOOK(DAKOTA COUNTY) M E N D O TA BRID G E SOMERSETELEM. OLIVIA T. DODGENATURE CENTER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 PROPOSED NORTH URBAN REGIONAL TRAIL BIGRIVERSREGIONALTRAIL14 13 15 LILYDALE-HARRIETDODDRDÊÚ ÊÚÊÚ ÊÚ PILOT KNOBPRESERVATION BUS GARAGEÊÚ DODDRDDELAWAREAVEMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRLHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDS IVY FALLS AVE Community Facilities City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2016 Off Street Bituminous Trail (6' to 8' wide) Proposed North Urban Regional Trail (Dakota County) Wide Shoulders/On Street Parks Cemetery City Park State Park Golf Course Nature Preserve Municipal Facility School Open Water Wetland 1) Friendly Hills Park 2) Friendly Marsh Park 3) Hagstrom King Park 4) Ivy Hills Park 5) Kensington Park 6) Marie Park 7) Mendakota Park 8) Rogers Lake Park 9) Valley Park 10) Victoria Highland Park 11) Wentworth Park 12) Valley View Heights Park 13) Copperfield Ponds 14) Sibley Park 15) Civic Center Ball Park ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Focus Areas City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet Dodd/Highway 110 Lot Size Study Area Somerset Area St. Thomas/Visitation Infill Sites City Boundary Open Water September 17, 2018 Source: Dakota County, 2016, City of Mendota Heights 2018 Infill/Redevelopment Areas Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 2-4 Goals and Policies GOAL 1: The land use plan will serve as the foundation for land use decisions in Mendota Heights. Policies: • Develop in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan for land use, housing, transportation, parks and other community facilities. • Review and amend the Comprehensive Plan as necessary to ensure consistent development policy in current and future development decisions. • Zoning and rezoning decisions shall conform to the Land Use Plan. • The Land Use Plan will be updated to reflect changing priorities and conditions or as required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. • Balance land use designations to meet projected growth demand. GOAL 2: Preserve, protect, and enrich the mature, fully developed residential environment and character of the community. Policies: • Subdivision and zoning standards will emphasize high quality site and building design. • Emphasize quality design, innovative solutions, and a high gener al aesthetic level in community development and building. • Parks, trails and open spaces will be planned within walking distance of all residential areas. • Encourage development and planning of land that provides for reasonable access to surrounding properties. • Public buildings and properties will be designed, constructed and maintained to be a source of civic pride and to set a standard for private property owners to follow. • Historic preservation will be considered in land use decisions. Goal 3: Support industrial and commercial development in designated areas. Policies: • The City will use available resources to meet redevelopment needs. This will include cooperation with the Dakota County and the Metropolitan Council to achieve redevelopment objectives. • Encourage appropriate transitions and buffering between potentially incompatible land uses. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018 2-5 Goal 4: Reduce the impact of aircraft noise within the community. Policies: • Increase public participation and representation through the Noise Oversight Committee (NOC) and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). • Achieve noise reduction through advocating modified takeoff procedures and corridor compliance. • Advocate an equitable distribution of aircraft traffic and a more equitable runway use system. • Monitor the continued implementation of the Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) airport Comprehensive Plan. • Advocate for specific noise control measures through operational changes and advance technology. • Encourage establishment of a physical capacity for the Mendota Heights/Eagan corridor and transfer of general aviation use to other reliever airports. • Notify and work with MnDOT in the event that potential airspace obstructions are encountered. • Consider aircraft noise and safety issues as in applicable land use and zoning decisions. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 2-6 Existing Land Use The following table illustrates how the existing land use is distributed within the City of Mendota Heights, illustrated on the attached Existing Land Use map. Note that these categories are not the same and do not correspond to the Future Land Use categories further below: Table 2-1 2017 Existing Land Use 2017 Existing Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres Rural Residential 147.36 115.86 Low Density Residential 1,792.12 1,727.75 Medium Density Residential 63.79 59.80 Medium Density Residential - PUD 14.17 14.17 High Density Residential 127.19 126.52 High Density Residential - PUD 6.42 6.42 Business 21.78 21.78 Limited Business 98.38 96.71 Mixed Use - PUD 38.66 37.20 Industrial 386.17 384.76 City Facilities 37.79 31.99 Schools (Public Private) 288.06 282.21 Churches Synagogues 32.59 30.53 Cemetery 239.67 238.47 Parks/Open Space 1,032.68 526.46 Golf Course 292.47 281.95 Right-of-Way 1,222.47 1,202.42 Open Water 591.03 551.02 Wetland 0.00 696.80 Total 6,432.81 6,432.81 Future Land Use Categories Residential Single family housing is the predominant land use in the City, although in recent years there has been an increase in the development of multi-family housing. Eight percent (8%) of the residentially-designated land in the City is utilized for multiple family homes or medium to high-density development, as opposed to one percent (1%) in 1979 and five percent (5%) in 2002. The Land Use Plan identifies six categories of residential uses: rural, low density in three ranges, plus medium density and high density. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018 2-7 Rural Residential This land use is generally located in the east central part of the City. This designation is intended for large lot single family residences with and without City sewer. The Residential Estate areas are planned with a density not to exceed 1.08 units per acre. The corresponding zoning district classification is R-1A (One Family Residential). LR – Low Density Residential This land use is the most prevalent land use category in the City and provides for single family development. This designation is intended for a density not to exceed 2.9 units per acre, corresponding to the R-1 district minimum lot size of 15,000 square feet and lot width of 100 feet. MR – Medium Density Residential This land use provides for townhome and attached housing development at urban densities of up to 8 units per acre. New areas of Medium Density Residential are added in this update to include existing townhouse and duplex projects that were previously designated Low Density and zoned R-1. The corresponding zoning district classifications are: R-2 (Medium Density Residential District) and MR-PUD (Medium Density Residential Planned Unit Development). HR – High Density Residential This land use provides for multi-family and apartment development at densities of up to 25 units per acre, which might be allowed to increase within a planned unit development (PUD). Most of this land use is in a few large apartment projects. The corresponding zoning district classifications are: R-3 (High Density Residential District) and HR-PUD (High Density Residential Planned Unit Development). MU – Mixed Use The intent of the district is to allow for mixed use developments that combine residential, retail, and commercial uses into a coordinated, planned development project. This land use designation is located both north and south of the Highway 62 and Dodd Road intersection, the City’s only significant retail area. The northeast quadrant of this intersection has been developed into a mixed use center known as The Village at Mendota Heights. The southeast corner of this includes the Mendota Plaza shopping center which has seen renovation and redevelopment in recent years, including a new Walgreen’s pharmacy; White Pine Senior Living, a 50-unit assisted living complex, and a 4-story 139-unit apartment project developed by Paster Properties and At Home Apartments. Commercial Commercial land uses are typically divided into two general categories; (1) office and (2) retail. The office category includes land uses generally considered to be Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 2-8 of a limited business nature, typically a daytime office use. The Land Use Map identifies these areas as “LB - Limited Business”. The corresponding zoning district classifications are B-1 (Limited Business), B-1A (Business Park) and B-2 (Neighborhood Business). The second category of commercial uses expands the uses to include retail, restaurants, hotels and other commercial uses. This includes neighborhood type convenience stores and shopping centers. The Land Use Map identifies these areas as “B - Business”. Limited Business There are presently four locations where most Limited Business uses in Mendota Heights are currently located or planned: • In the southwest quadrant of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and Lexington Avenue; • Either side of Mendota Heights Road, between I-35E and Dodd Road; • On the south side of South Plaza Drive, east of Dodd Road near the Mendota Plaza area; and • On the south side of Highway 13 (Sibley Memorial Highway) at the northern city boundary, east of I-35E. Business There are two locations where most Business uses are planned: • In the southeast quadrant of Highway 62 (formerly Highway 110) and Lexington Avenue; • North of I-494 between Highway 55 and I-35E, although Commercial land uses share much of this area with Industrial guided uses. The largest concentration of commercial or business uses in the City is not guided Business, but rather Mixed Use, at Highway 62 and Dodd Road, in the Mendota Plaza and Village of Mendota Heights developments. Industrial The Industrial land use category is concentrated in the City’s industrial and business park in the southwest part of the City, north of I-494. The vast majority of the 400-plus acres of Industrial land is west of Highway 55, with a portion east of Highway 55 and west of I-35E. This land use includes manufacturing, office, and warehousing uses, but also hotels, restaurants and other commercial uses. Public/Semi-Public The Public/Semi-Public land use designation includes various land uses that are generally outside the commercial, industrial and residential categories. Among these are city buildings, such as City Hall, public works and fire stations; schools, both public and private; churches and synagogues; and cemeteries. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft October 2018 2-9 Park & Open Space The Park and Open Space land use designation includes City parks, State parks, golf courses and nature preserves. Future Land Use The following table summarizes future land use for the City of Mendota Heights: Table 2-2 2040 Future Land Use 2040 Future Land Use Gross Acres Net Acres RR - Rural Residential 218.88 176.62 LR - Low Density Residential 1,781.11 1,712.03 MR - Medium Density Residential 187.64 179.66 HR - High Density Residential 65.57 65.27 LB - Limited Business 143.86 142.09 B - Business 30.87 30.83 MU - Mixed Use 47.41 45.05 I - Industrial 401.01 399.33 P/S - Public/Semi-Public 515.51 502.56 P - Park & Open Space 1,227.47 727.13 Right-of-Way 1,222.47 1,202.42 Open Water 591.03 551.02 Wetland 0.00 696.80 Total 6,432.81 6,432.81 The City’s previous 2030 Land Use Plan map is attached on the following page, followed by the 2040 Future Land Use Plan. Changes in land use between the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and this 2040 Comprehensive Plan are illustrated on the attached Changes in Land Use map. ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE Existing Land Use City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet City Boundary Rural Residential Low Density Residential Medium Density Residential Medium Density Residential - PUD High Density Residential High Density Residential - PUD Business Limited Business Mixed Use - PUD Industrial City Facilities Schools (Public Private) Churches Synagogues Cemetery Parks/Open Space Golf Course Right-of-Way Open Water Wetland September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, 2017 ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 2030 Planned Future Land Use City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet Residential: Commercial: Industrial: HR-PUD LB-PUD LR-II MR-PUD B - Business HR - High Density Residential I - Industrial LB - Limited Business LR - Low Density Residential MR - Medium Density Residential RR - Rural Residential Other: CC - City Hall/Public Works/Fire Hall PS - Private School S - School CS - Churches & Synagogues MU-PUD - Mixed Use P - Parks SP - State Park Water GC-S - Small Golf Course GC - Golf Course CEM - Cemetery NP - Nature Preserve September 17, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2016 ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 2040 Planned Future Land Use City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet November 30, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2017 City boundary RR - Rural Residential LR - Low Density Residential MR - Medium Density Residential HR - High Density Residential LB - Limited Business B - Business MU - Mixed Use I - Industrial P/S - Public/Semi-Public P - Park & Open Space Open Water LR 9 - Low Density Residential LR 5 - Low Density Residential ?ÞA@ %&c( %&f( ?ØA@ ?±A@ ?ØA@ %&c( MENDOTA LILYDALE PICKERELLAKEMISSISSIPPIRIVERM IN N E S O T A R IV E R ROGERS LAKELAKEAUGUSTALAK E L E MAY GUN CLUB LAKE DODDRDDODDRDDELAWAREAVESIBLEYMEMORIALHWYMARIE AVE W MENDOTA HEIGHTS RDLEXINGTONAVE LILYDALERDPILOTKNOBRDHUBER DR SI BLEYMEMORIALNORTHLAND DR WENTWORTH AVE WWACHTLERAVE WAGON WHEEL TRL MENDOTA RDHUNTERLNORCHARDPLVICTORIARDSIVYFALLSAVE 2040 Planned Future Land Use for Properties with Planned Land Use Change from 2030 to 2040 City of Mendota Heights µ0 3,000 6,000 Feet November 30, 2018 Source: City of Mendota Heights, Dakota County, 2017 City boundary RR - Rural Residential LR - Low Density Residential MR - Medium Density Residential HR - High Density Residential LB - Limited Business B - Business MU - Mixed Use I - Industrial P/S - Public/Semi-Public P - Park & Open Space Open Water LR 9 - Low Density Residential LR 5 - Low Density Residential 7-1 7 Natural Resources The City of Mendota Heights is fortunate to have a wide variety of Natural Resources. These natural resources are an important recreation, aesthetic, and ecological asset to the community of Mendota Heights. During the City’s developing stages, a strong emphasis was placed on preserving high quality open spaces and woodland areas. Residents enjoy lakes, streams, wetlands, open spaces, parks, trails, and the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The environmental benefits provided by the community’s natural res ources are essential for human life. Protecting and preserving these natural resources require preventing, and providing treatment for, potential harmful pollutants that can adversely affect the health of our air, water, and soil. Natural resources can also provide economic value, recreation, spiritual rejuvenation, and aesthetic beauty. To many, they merit protection and care due to their intrinsic value. The quality of life for the community of Mendota Heights highly depends on how it manages its natural resources—the air, minerals, land, water, and biota that form the foundation to life in the City. This Chapter is a guide for managing the City’s natural resources in a sustainable way. It will help protect and enhance residents’ quality of life for current and future generations by suggesting strategies to protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species. Goals and Policies GOAL 1: Develop a professional, comprehensive, strategic Natural Resources Management Plan for City-wide natural areas and natural resources. The plan should address implementation as well such as management activities, measuring outcomes, assigning accountability, reporting, and/or revising specific management plans. Mendota Heights will strive to work with adjacent communities and agencies, recognizing that we are an interconnected ecosystem. Policies • Develop capabilities to monitor and implement a strategic Natural Resources Management Plan through City Staff expertise, as well as through partnerships with community groups and volunteers, and collaboration with adjacent communities and agencies, thus recognizing the interconnectedness of our communities and ecosystems. • Develop a plan for addressing City-wide issues including ecosystem protection, wildlife and vegetation management, tree planting, tree Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 7-2 diseases including Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), pests, soil health, and invasive species. • Establish priorities for sites and management activities and update these as needed. Create ecological overlays identifying City-owned areas within parks and open space that have high ecological value. • Update the City’s tree inventory and begin tracking tree plantings and removals using frameworks such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to gather, manage, and analyze data. • Explore the opportunity to develop a Natural Resource Matching Fund and work with agency partners to fund natural resources programs to achieve the vision and goals of this Comprehensive Plan and the future Natural Resources Management Plan. • Implement a formal Natural Resources and Sustainability Commission to aid in the execution of the strategic Natural Resources Management Plan. This commission would be responsible for prioritizing, evaluating, planning for, and implementing the goals and policies in the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Explore creating a similar county-wide commission with other municipalities in Dakota County. GOAL 2: Work with partner agencies and nongovernmental groups to restore and manage natural areas, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources, for high ecological quality and diversity of plant and animal species. Policies • Prioritize the management of high-quality, high-value ecosystems and natural areas over ‘start-from-scratch’ restorations annually to ensure the highest quality sites are improved. • Complete restoration projects with best management practices such as pollinator-friendly or native species, reduced impervious cover, reduced turf grass, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). • In new development and redevelopment, retain mature trees that have high ecological value, replace lost trees, and plant additional trees if not present originally. • Work with agencies including the DNR and Dakota County to monitor the following: o New developments in restoration and invasive plant management. 7-3 o Tree diseases and pest outbreaks such as oak wilt and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and others as they emerge. o Invasive species and noxious weeds. o Wildlife populations. GOAL 3: Protect and restore the natural ecological functions of the City’s water resources with emphasis on the improvement of stormwater management. The City will seek to accomplish the following policies and action steps to manage the City’s surface water, groundwater, stormwater, and wastewater, while minimizing the adverse impacts of climate change. Policies • Sweep streets at a minimum rate of twice annually, on a well-timed schedule, using Best Management Practices (BMPs), while looking to increase sweeping rates in sensitive areas. • Investigate, and implement when feasible, strategies to reduce the impact of de-icing on soil and water. • Ensure that roadsides, post-reconstruction, can support turf alternatives or traditional turf through the de-compaction of soil, as well as providing soil that contains sufficient organic content to adequately support turf or turf alternatives, while avoiding soil compaction of open areas. • Emphasize the use of native species, pollinator plants, or turf alternatives. • Educate homeowners, commercial property owners, institutional property owners, as well as City Public Works Staff in BMPs for turf management, such as instilling a minimum mow-height, avoidance of grass clippings and debris dispersal onto paved surfaces, and smart irrigation practices. Recognize that the implementation of turf BMPs aides in the reduction of stormwater runoff. • Identify areas in parks and public open space that could be restored to natural habitat or turf alternatives. • Work with partners to implement projects that reduce stormwater pollution to water-bodies. • Develop and support programs that encourage natural infiltration of stormwater. Develop educational outreach programs, promote available programs offered through Dakota County, support and encourage involvement of volunteers and volunteer groups such as Master Gardeners, Master Water Stewards, and Master Naturalists. Implement, encourage, and sustain collaborative City programs such as residential curb-cut raingardens and green infrastructure, during road reconstruction. • Work with partners to monitor Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Set realistic goals for AIS removal and management, and reintroduction of native species. Educate lakeshore owners and other residents about AIS. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 7-4 • Identify areas within the City, including public and priv ate land that are lacking adequate stormwater treatment, such as: buffers, stormwater infiltration and filtration features, and other stormwater BMPs. Implement projects to establish functioning stormwater treatment in order to protect and improve the City’s water resources. Implement additional proven methods to protect and improve water quality that are appropriate given the type of water body and impairment. • Aid the Department of Natural Resources in the management of fish populations, when allowable, using the best available science, data, and expert advice, considering available resources and expected fishing pressure. • Improve and implement the City’s Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). • Carry out steps toward meeting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Swimmable, Fishable, Fixable water quality standards. • Educate and motivate residents, businesses, and other organizations to reduce negative impacts on water resources. • Analyze possible climate change implications for water resources and infrastructure. GOAL 4: Enhance public understanding and stewardship of nature, natural systems, environmental issues, and best management practices by providing programs, volunteer opportunities, information, and interpretive signage. Policies • Work with schools and non-profit groups to educate adults, families, schools, community groups, and staff on natural resources topics through volunteer service, programs, field trips, brochures, exhibits, signage, articles, video, social media, service learning, and community gatherings and events. • Develop a Natural Resources webpage on the City’s website that offers City resources, community updates and activities, volunteer opportunities, links to useful resources, and other topics as they relate to natural resources. • Explore the possibility of providing grants or loans to residents for completing restoration, tree planting, or best management practices for stormwater management on their property. • Develop and implement forward-thinking, City-led initiatives to engage citizens in the stewardship and care of natural areas and infrastructure through programs such as Adopt-a-Park, Adopt-a-Roadside Pollinator Planting, Adopt-a-Boulevard, Adopt-a-Tree, and Adopt-a-Storm Drain 7-5 GOAL 5: Work with agency partners including Dakota County, the Metropolitan Council, the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC), and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to address mitigate air, noise, and light pollution issues that impact environmental quality in Mendota Heights. Policies • Work with partner agencies to evaluate and implement solutions to air quality issues such as traffic control measures, electric vehicle charging stations, and mass transit options to manage congestion and minimize vehicle emissions, when feasible. • Review and evaluate current City policies and ordinances regarding noise, for example, community quiet hours and small engine use. • Develop ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with noise pollution and its impact on all facets of the community, including human, ecological, safety, security, and energy. • Develop lighting ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with light pollution (prior to new development) and its impact on all facets of community: human, ecological, safety, security, and energy. Mendota Heights Natural Environment Topography The City of Mendota Heights is located near the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in northern Dakota County. The topography of the City of Mendota Heights varies greatly, from floodplains of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers to the primary and secondary bluffs of these rivers. The topography of Mendota Heights includes rolling to hilly terrain interspersed with poorly drained depressions that form many ponds and small lakes. Steep slopes occur along the Minnesota and Mississippi river bluffs on the western and northern borders of the City. These steep slopes are usually wooded and are not well-suited for development. The majority of the City is dominated by relatively flat terrain at an elevation approximately 200 feet above the river. Mississippi and Minnesota River floodplain also exists on the City’s western border. Elevation in the City ranges from approximately 690 feet along the Minnesota River to approximately 1,030 feet along the City’s northern border with West St. Paul. Refer to Topography Map 7-1. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 7-6 Soils The Soil Conservation Service has identified the following soil associations within the City of Mendota Heights: • Nearly Level Soils on the Floodplains. This area is on the floodplains of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, mostly located in the Fort Snelling State Park. • Light Colored, Rolling to Hilly Soils. This general area is in the Morainic part of the County. It is characterized by steep slopes and numerous poorly drained depressions. • Light Colored to Moderately Dark Colored, Rolling to Loose Hilly Soils on Till. In topography and texture, this soil association is mostly the light- colored rolling high soils described above. Floodplain Although the City of Mendota Heights is located in close proximity to the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River, floodplain does not exist within developed areas of the City. As the Hydrography Map (Figure 7-2) portrays, there is floodplain on both sides of the Mississippi River and Minnesota River, within the cities of St. Paul, Lilydale, Mendota, and Eagan. This floodplain makes up the majority of the northwest boundary of the City. Watersheds in Mendota Heights Mendota Heights is part of two watersheds: The Lower Mississippi and Lower Minnesota River watersheds. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) encompasses 50 square miles in Dakota and Ramsey Counties. The Lower Minnesota River W atershed District (LMRWD) encompasses a 64-square mile area in the southwest part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area along the Minnesota River. 7-7 Insert Topography map Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 7-8 Insert Hydrography map Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft March 2018 7-9 Significant Vegetation and Land Cover The City of Mendota Heights contains a wide variety of forested areas including a large amount of floodplain forest along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. There is a large area of altered, non-native deciduous forest on the east side of Gun Club Lake. A Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) search was performed for the areas below the bluffs. The MLCCS Summary Table below (City of Mendota Heights 2018 SWMP, Section 2.6) provides a list of the land cover types below the bluffs and the area of each type that falls within the Mendota Heights City limits. Of special note is the presence of a calcareous seepage fen prairie. The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District considers calcareous fens to be high priority areas for wetland preservation and restoration. The Significant Vegetation map (Map 7-3) illustrates the location of wooded and forested areas within the City of Mendota Heights. Land Cover Description Total Area (acres) Oak (forest or woodland) with 11-25% impervious cover 1.9 51% to 75% impervious cover with deciduous trees 18.0 Pavement with 91-100% impervious cover 2.5 Short grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils 10.2 Short grasses on upland soils 5.5 Oak forest 3.9 Floodplain forest 209.8 Lowland hardwood forest 6.1 Aspen forest - temporarily flooded 1.5 Mixed hardwood swamp - seasonally flooded 7.2 Altered/non-native deciduous woodland 2.8 Altered/non-native dominated temporarily flooded shrubland 0.8 Willow swamp 3.3 Medium-tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland 12.8 Temporarily flooded altered/non-native dominated grassland 2.0 Calcareous seepage fen prairie subtype 37.0 Mixed emergent marsh - seasonally flooded 62.5 Mixed emergent marsh 106.4 Mixed emergent marsh - intermittently exposed 57.2 Mixed emergent marsh - permanently flooded 22.1 Grassland with sparse deciduous trees - altered/non-native dominated vegetation 3.4 River mud flats 3.6 Slow moving linear open water habitat 139.3 Limnetic open water 145.1 Palustrine open water 41.6 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 7-10 Insert Land Cover Map 7-11 Surface Waters in Mendota Heights The City of Mendota Heights has many water resources available for the use and enjoyment of its residents. These include rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams that are important surface water resources within the community. Many of these major water resources are State of Minnesota Public Waters and are protected as such. There are five lakes in Mendota Heights: • Lake Augusta • LeMay Lake • Gun Club Lake • Friendly Marsh and Copperfield Ponds There are numerous rivers and streams in Mendota Heights. Streams include Interstate Valley Creek and Ivy Falls Creek. The Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers are Minnesota Public Waters within the City of Mendota Heights, but the shorelines of these rivers are under the jurisdiction of, and managed by, Fort Snelling State Park. Additional information regarding the City’s surface water resources, and surface water resources related issues; including impaired waters, and assessments and subsequent action steps, can be found in the City’s 2018 Surface Water Management Plan (attached in the Appendix of this plan). Wetlands Wetlands are an important surface water resource and significant asset to the City and its residents. They provide a variety of benefits and functions including filtering stormwater pollutants, providing flood protection and storage, and providing wildlife habitat and recreational enjoyment. The City contains many wetland areas that vary in quality. Most are impacted by stormwater runoff, with some receiving direct input from storm pipes. It is anticipated that t he wetland inventory and Wetland Management Plan will provide a planning tool for the City to use for future projects that may affect wetlands. LeMay Lake Source: City of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft March 2018 7-12 Meadows and Prairies Historically, Mendota Heights had several areas of native grassland prairie. Much of that has been lost to development, although there may be some small fragmented areas that remain within the City (illustrated in Map 7-3 Significant Vegetation). Prairies and meadows are beneficial to native pollinators and other wildlife such as non-migratory and migratory birds, as well as for stormwater infiltration, filtration, and interception. Urban Wildlife Large areas of contiguous habitat are needed for healthy, diverse wildlife. The City’s wildlife program focuses on providing habitat. While the City does not manage for particular species, it does work to increase native plant diversity in order to provide higher quality habitat for native pollinators. Urban wildlife can sometimes become a nuisance by damaging gardens, congregating in yards, or creating public safety issues. The City has a deer management program in Valley Park which monitors deer population and uses annual bow-hunt removals. The City does not have removal programs for geese, turkey, beaver or other wildlife. Source: City of Mendota Heights 7-13 Natural Spaces in Mendota Heights Natural spaces can be found throughout the City, some in publicly owned and operated parks and open spaces, others on private property. While the City has most power to maintain habitat on its own land, the City must work with other agency partners and private land owners to protect critical natural resources into the future. Parks and Trails Some of Mendota Heights’ Parks have areas of woodland or naturalized landscapes. Park natural areas with high ecological quality should be prioritized and actively managed. Parks and open spaces in Mendota Heights are discussed further in Chapter 4: Parks and Trails. Open Spaces There are many other City-owned natural areas that are not part of Mendota Heights’ Park System. Many of these contain wetlands or steep slopes. Some have high quality oak woodlands. Active management of high- and moderate- quality areas is needed to sustain these resources. Private Property Private, residential, commercial, industrial, and other land uses are an integral part of the City’s overall ecosystem and play an important role in the health of birds, pollinators, wildlife, water quality, and more. The City will engage in outreach activities, various collaborative opportunities for home and business owners (e.g., curb-cut raingardens with road reconstruction projects), and educational forums, in order to enhance knowledge, encourage environmentally sustainable behaviors, build community, and enhance the overall health of the City’s ecosystem. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft March 2018 7-14 Natural Resources Issues and Opportunities There are numerous natural resource issues and opportunities in Mendota Heights. The City and its partner agencies and organizations currently have programs to address many of these issues. Invasive Species It is important to control invasive vegetation before it becomes widespread as it is more effective and less costly than managing it after widespread establishment. Urban Forestry Trees are an important resource for managing the urban heat island, improving air quality, and providing habitat. The City’s forestry program includes trimming and removal of trees on City property, tree planting on City property, diseased tree inspection and management when feasible, and education and outreach. Surface Water Quality The City of Mendota Heights values its many lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Protecting these resources requires ensuring that the storm water that enters these surface waters does not degrade, or further degrade, the health of the City’s surface water resources and the aesthetic, ecological, and recrea tional benefit they provide. With so much that could be done, it’s critical to prioritize projects to protect and manage the most important sites to make the best use of funding and staff time. The City will continue to cultivate strong partnerships with other agencies, non- profits, and citizen groups to seek expertise in the management of its natural resources. Additionally, the City will strive to educate residents on environmental issues and foster stewardship and volunteerism. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-1 7 Natural Resources The City of Mendota Heights is fortunate to have a wide variety of numerous Natural Resources. These natural resources are an important recreation, aesthetic, and ecological asset to the community of Mendota Heights. During the City’s developing stages, a strong emphasis was placed on preserving high quality open spaces and woodland areas. These natural areas provide tremendous benefits to the community and its residents and are an important focal point of Mendota Heights. Residents enjoy numerous lakes, streams, wetlands, open spaces, parks, trails, and the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. The environmental benefits provided by the community’s natural resources are essential for human life. Protecting and preserving these natural resources require preventing, and providing treatment for, potential harmful pollutants that can adversely affect the health of our air, water, and soil. Some of the strategies for addressing pollutants include, but are not limited to: stormwater infiltration and treatment, providing flood control, ground and surface water recharge, providing and preserving healthy soil for plants, and providing and preserving habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Natural resources can also provide economic value, recreation, spiritual rejuvenation, and aesthetic beauty. To many, they merit protection and care due to their intrinsic value. Healthy natural resources help ensure that Mendota Heights has a high quality of life that can be sustained far into the future. The quality of life for the community of Mendota Heights highly depends on how it manages its natural resources—the air, minerals, land, water, and biota that form the foundation to life in the City. This Chapter is a guide for managing the City’s natural resources in a sustainable way. It will help protect and enhance residents’ quality of life for current and future generations by suggesting strategies to protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species. Commented [K1]: Paragraph moved from a different section Commented [NK2]: Paragraph moved from a different section. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-2 Protect, Connect, Restore, and Manage Ecosystems, Plant Communities and Species The quality of life for the community of Mendota Heights highly depends on how it manages its natural resources—the air, minerals, land, water, and biota that form the foundation to life in the City. This Chapter is a guide for managing the City’s natural resources in a sustainable way. It will help protect and enhance residents’ quality of life for current and future generations by suggesting strategies to protect, connect, restore and manage ecosystems, plant communities, and species. Purpose The environmental benefits provided by the community’s natural resources are essential for human life. Protecting and preserving these natural resources require preventing, and providing treatment for, potential harmful pollutants that can adversely affect the health of our air, water, and soil. Some of the strategies for addressing pollutants include, but are not limited to: stormwater infiltration and treatment, providing flood control, ground and surface water recharge, providing and preserving healthy soil for plants, and providing and preserving habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Natural resources can also provide economic value, recreation, spiritual rejuvenation, and aesthetic beauty. To many, they merit protection and care due to their intrinsic value. Healthy natural resources help ensure that Mendota Heights has a high quality of life that can be sustained far into the future. Mendota Heights Natural EnvironmentHistory and Landscape [Photo courtesy of Rachel Quick] Commented [K3]: I deleted this header because it no longer was needed with the new structure. Commented [K4]: Changed the title to make it more inclusive of all the topics covered in the section. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-3 General Topography and Drainage The City of Mendota Heights is located near the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers in northern Dakota County. The topography of the City of Mendota Heights varies greatly, from floodplains of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers to the primary and secondary bluffs of these rivers. The topography of Mendota Heights includes rolling to hilly terrain interspersed with poorly drained depressions that form many ponds and small lakes. Steep slopes occur along the Minnesota and Mississippi river bluffs on the western and northern borders of the City. These steep slopes are usually wooded and are not well -suited for development. The majority of the City is dominated by relatively flat terrain at an elevation approximately 200 feet above the river. Mississippi and Minnesota River floodplain also exists on the City’s western border. Elevation in the City ranges from approximately 690 feet along the Minnesota River to approximately 1,030 feet along the City’s northern border with West St. Paul. Refer to Topography Map 7- 1. The surficial geology of Mendota Heights consists of glacial and alluvial (outwash) deposits which cover most of the City. The City of Mendota Heights is within the Twin Cities Formation of the Eastern St. Croix Moraine geomorphic area. This area was formed at the southern extent of the Superior and Rainey glacial lobes as they flowed side by side as a single lobe and then te rminated to form the St. Croix Moraine. As the glacier retreated and melted, it left behind areas of outwash and till deposit formations. The area of outwash formations that is located in the western portion of the City is comprised of silt, sand, and gravel that were carried, sorted, and deposited by glacial melt-water. The area of till formations located in the eastern two-thirds of the City is composed of unsorted clay, silt, sand, and boulders transported and deposited by glacial ice. Silt and sand lenses are interspersed throughout this formation. The original terrain and vegetation of the area were mainly altered for purposes of farming when the area was first settled. Marshes and wetlands were left relatively undisturbed except for a few ditching projects. More detailed information on the drainage system of the City can be found in the City’s 2018 Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). Soils The Soil Conservation Service has identified the following soil associations within the City of Mendota Heights: • Nearly Level Soils on the Floodplains. This area is on the floodplains of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, mostly located in the Fort Snelling State Park. Much of it is frequently flooded and is generally too wet to be farmland. The area consists of mixed Alluvial sand and some Sawmill soils. Colo soils, Riverwash, and Peat Muck are also present. Commented [K5]: This information is covered in the water resources section and the 2018 Surface Water Management Plan. Commented [K6]: These sections were deleted as they go into further detail than is needed in the comp plan. Use this information in the future natural resources management plan. Commented [K7]: Content is more detailed than necessary for the comp plan. Use in the natural resource management plan (with a soils map). Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-4 • Light Colored, Rolling to Hilly Soils. This general area is in the Morainic part of the County. It is characterized by steep slopes and numerous poorly drained depressions. The soils are extremely variable in depth, texture, and productivity. The medium height and textured soils are suitable for some crops if slopes are not too strong. Sheet or gully erosions are hazards in cultivated fields. The area is best-suited to woodlands. The major soils include Scandia Kingsley, Hayden, and Burnsville series. Included are soils of the Freer and Adolph series. • Light Colored to Moderately Dark Colored, Rolling to Loose Hilly Soils on Till. In topography and texture, this soil association is mostly the light colored rolling high soils described above. Most of the soils develop from calcareous materials. The major soils in the area include the Hayden, Burnsville, Lester series.- Floodplain Although the City of Mendota Heights is located in close proximity to the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River, floodplain does not exist within developed areas of the City. As the Floodplain Hydrography Mmap (Figure 7-2) portrays, there is floodplain on both sides of the Mississippi River and Minnesota River, within the cities of St. Paul, Lilydale, Mendota, and Eagan. This floodplain makes up the majority of the northwest boundary of the City. Rivers, Streams, Lakes, and Wetlands The City of Mendota Heights has many water resources available for the use and enjoyment of its residents. These include rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams that are important surface water resources within the community. Many of these major water resources are State of Minnesota Public Waters and are protected as such. Additional and more comprehensive information regarding the City’s surface water resources, and surface water resources related issues; including impaired waters, and assessments and subsequent action steps, can be found in the City’s 2018 Surface Water Management Plan (attached in the Appendix of this plan). Watersheds in Mendota Heights Mendota Heights is part of two watersheds: The Lower Mississippi and Lower Minnesota River watersheds. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) encompasses 50 square miles in Dakota and Ramsey Counties. The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is locatedencompasses a 64-square mile area in the southwest part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area along the Minnesota River. Significant Vegetation and Land Cover Commented [K8]: Content is more detailed than necessary for the comp plan. Use in the natural resource management plan (with a soils map). Commented [K9]: Content is more detailed than necessary for the comp plan. Use in the natural resource management plan (with a soils map). Commented [NK10]: Combined existing watershed sections Commented [K11]: Moved up from a later section since it serves as an overview of all the vegetation and cover types (including surface water). Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-5 The City of Mendota Heights contains a wide variety of forested areas including a large amount of floodplain forest along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. There is a large area of altered, non-native deciduous forest on the east side of Gun Club Lake. A Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) search was performed for the areas below the bluffs. The MLCCS Summary Table below (City of Mendota Heights 2018 SWMP, Section 2.6) provides a list of the land cover types below the bluffs and the area of each type that falls within the Mendota Heights City limits. Of special note is the presence of a calcareous seepage fen prairie. The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District considers calcareous fens to be high priority areas for wetland preservation and restoration. The Significant Vegetation map (Map 7-3) illustrates the location of wooded and forested areas within the City of Mendota Heights. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-6 MLCCS Summary of Areas Below the Bluffs City of Mendota Heights Land Cover Description Total Area (acres) Oak (forest or woodland) with 11-25% impervious cover 1.9 51% to 75% impervious cover with deciduous trees 18.0 Pavement with 91-100% impervious cover 2.5 Short grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils 10.2 Short grasses on upland soils 5.5 Oak forest 3.9 Floodplain forest 209.8 Lowland hardwood forest 6.1 Aspen forest - temporarily flooded 1.5 Mixed hardwood swamp - seasonally flooded 7.2 Altered/non-native deciduous woodland 2.8 Altered/non-native dominated temporarily flooded shrubland 0.8 Willow swamp 3.3 Medium-tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland 12.8 Temporarily flooded altered/non-native dominated grassland 2.0 Calcareous seepage fen prairie subtype 37.0 Mixed emergent marsh - seasonally flooded 62.5 Mixed emergent marsh 106.4 Mixed emergent marsh - intermittently exposed 57.2 Mixed emergent marsh - permanently flooded 22.1 Grassland with sparse deciduous trees - altered/non-native dominated vegetation 3.4 River mud flats 3.6 Slow moving linear open water habitat 139.3 Limnetic open water 145.1 Palustrine open water 41.6 Surface Waters in Mendota Heights The City of Mendota Heights has many water resources available for the use and enjoyment of its residents. These include rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams that are important surface water resources within the community. Many of thes e major water resources are State of Minnesota Public Waters and are protected as such. There are five lakes in Mendota Heights: Commented [K12]: Content pulled from a previous section that summarized surface waters in the city. Commented [NK13]: List pulled from previous sections Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-7 • Lake Augusta • LeMay Lake • Gun Club Lake • Friendly Marsh and Copperfield Ponds There are numerous rivers and streams in Mendota Heights. Streams include Interstate Valley Creek and Ivy Falls Creek. The Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers are Minnesota Public Waters within the City of Mendota Heights, but the shorelines of these rivers are under the jurisdiction of, and managed by,, Fort Snelling State Park. Additional and more comprehensive information regarding the City’s surface water resources, and surface water resources related issues; including impaired waters, and assessments and subsequent action steps, can be found in the City’s 2018 Surface Water Management Plan (attached in the Appendix of this plan). Wetlands Wetlands are an important surface water resource and significant asset to the City and its residents. They provide a variety of benefits and functions including filtering stormwater pollutants, providing flood protection and storage, and providing wildlife habitat and recreational enjoyment. The City contains many wetland areas that vary in quality. Most are impacted by stormwater runoff, with some receiving direct input from storm pipes. It is anticipated that the wetland inventory and Wetland Management Plan, through wetland inventorying, will provide a planning tool for the City to use for future projects that may affect wetlands. Watersheds Mendota Heights is part of two watersheds: The Lower Mississippi and Lower Minnesota River watersheds. The Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) encompasses 50 square miles in Dakota and Ramsey Counties. Other surrounding communities include: Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, St. Paul, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. The LMRWMO was established by a Joint Powers Agreement in 1985. The watershed contains well-drained soils with many small depressions and steep slopes. Issues of concern include water quality, erosion control, wildlife habitat and water recreation. Refer to Hydrography Map 7-2. LeMay Lake Source: City of Mendota Heights Commented [NK14]: Content pulled from previous sections Commented [K15]: Content pulled from a previous section that summarized surface waters in the city. Commented [NK16]: Content from another wetland section in the chapter. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-8 The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District (LMRWD) is located in the southwest part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area along the Minnesota River. The district boundaries encompass an area of 64 square miles of Carver, Hennepin, Dakota, Scott, and Ramsey counties, which includes the Minnesota River Valley from Fort Snelling, at the confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi rivers, upstream to Carver, Minnesota. The width of the district includes the bluffs on both sides of the Minnesota River within this reach of the river. The City of Mendota Heights entered into an agreement with the Lower Minnesota River Watershed District in 2005. Issues of concern include dredging, spoil site acquisition, and bank erosion control. Below is a list and brief summary of the major surface water resources in the City: Lakes Lake Augusta Lake Augusta is a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) public water, identified as Public Water 81P. It is a land- locked lake, with a maximum depth of 33 feet, a median depth of approximately 18 feet, and an area of approximately 44 acres. The area of its watershed is approximately 410 acres, giving a watershed to lake-ratio of 9.3 to 1. Lake Augusta is included in the State’s Impaired Waters List for Nutrients Impairment, and as a result has been approved for a Total Maximum Daily Load Study. The City has partnered with the Lower Mississippi Water Management Organization to conduct a feasibility study for Lake Augusta, to potentially address the issues of erosion, nutrients, and the possibility of creating an outlet. The implementation section includes further discussion related to this project. LeMay Lake Source: Dakota County GIS Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-9 LeMay Lake is a Minnesota DNR Public Water, identified as Public Water 82W, and is located in the upper reaches of the Industrial Park drainage district. It is a shallow lake with a maximum depth of approximately 13 feet. Shallow lakes are typically dominated by wetland habitat that provide critical resources for fish and wildlife. LeMay Lake has a watershed of 98.5 acres with a surface area of 30 acres, giving a watershed to lake-ratio of 3.3 to 1. The Lake drains via an outlet that extends under Hwy 55. Gun Club Lake Gun Club Lake and the stream that serves as its outlet are DNR public waters, identified as Public Water 78P. The lake resides within the floodplain of the Minnesota River, and is located in the lower reaches of the Gun Club Lake watershed. The lake discharges to an unnamed stream that flows to the Minnesota River. Although Gun Club Lake resides within city limits, it is managed by Fort Snelling State Park. Source: Dakota County GIS Source: City of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-10 Rogers Lake Roger’s Lake is a DNR Public Water (80P). It is a shallow lake, with a maximum depth of 8 feet. Its surface area is approximately 114 acres, with a watershed of approximately 366 acres, giving it a watershed to lake-ratio of 3.2 to 1. The lake discharges to the City’s storm sewer system along Wagon Wheel Trail. Friendly Marsh and Copperfield Ponds This lake consists of three separate basins referred to as the Copperfield Ponds, which contain the two upper basins; and Friendly Marsh, which is the lower basin, and has a normal water level of approximately two feet lower in elevation than the two upper basins. The upper two basins are separated by a narrow isthmus, and connected by a culvert. These three basins are identified as Minnesota DNR Public Water 103P. Given the differences in normal water level elevations for each of these three basins, the hydrologic model considers these three separate basins. Streams and Rivers Interstate Valley Creek Interstate Valley Creek is an intermittent stream that begins near the intersection of Highway 62 (formerly 110) and Highway 149 (Dodd Road) at the outlet of Friendly Marsh. The creek flows northward, and generally parallels Interstate 35E. A portion of the creek is identified as a DNR Public Water, and is also on the State’s Impaired Waters List for the pollutant E-coli. A Total Maximum Daily Load Study has been approved for this creek as a result. Interstate Valley Creek has the single largest watershed within the City of Mendota Heights. Its watershed also includes areas within the cities of Inver Grove Heights, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. Source: City of Mendota Heights Source: City of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-11 Ivy Falls Creek Ivy Falls Creek is an intermittent stream that begins within the Somerset Golf Course and flows northwest, discharging to Pickerel Lake in the City of Lilydale . The gradient of the creek is steep; dropping 180 feet in elevation from Dodd Road to Highway 13, and flows over a 50-foot waterfall before terminating in Pickerel Lake. This steep gradient makes the creek susceptible to erosion. Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers The Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers are Minnesota Public Waters within the City of Mendota Heights, but the shorelines of these rivers are under the jurisdiction of, and managed by, Fort Snelling State Park. Source: City of Mendota Heights Source: City of Mendota Heights Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-12 Wetlands Wetlands are an important surface water resource and significant asset to the City and its residents. They provide a variety of benefits and functions including filtering stormwater pollutants, providing flood protection and storage, and providing wildlife habitat and recreational enjoyment. The City contains many wetland areas that vary in quality. Most are impacted by stormwater runoff, with some receiving direct input from storm pipes. Wetland areas are protected under the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) and Minnesota Rule 8420. The City Council is also the Local Government Unit for Mendota Heights, and is responsible for administrating the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) within the City. In accordance with State Rules and the Minnesota WCA, the City has adopted and maintained a Wetlands Systems Ordinance under City Code Title 12-2-1 and provides for Wetland Protection under City Code Title 14-1-9, all of which help ensure the preservation and enhancement of the functions and values of its wetlands. Meadows and Prairies Historically, Mendota Heights had several areas of native grassland prairie. Much of that has been lost to development, although there may be some small fragmented areas that remain within the City (illustrated in Map 7-3 Significant Vegetation). Prairies and meadows are beneficial to native pollinators and other wildlife such as non- migratory and migratory birds, as well as for stormwater infiltration, filtration, and interception Urban Wildlife Large areas of contiguous habitat are needed for healthy, diverse wildlife. The City’s wildlife program focuses on providing habitat. While the City does not manage for particular species, it does manage, and strives to manage,work to increase native plant diversity in order to provide higher quality habitat for native pollinators. Urban wildlife can sometimes become a nuisance by damaging gardens, congregating in yards, or creating public safety issues. The City has a deer management program in Valley Park which monitors deer population and uses Source: City of Mendota Heights Commented [K17]: Content moved from a later section. Commented [K18]: Content included in the goals and policies section. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-13 annual bow-hunt removals. The City does not have removal programs for geese, turkey, beaver or other wildlife. Significant Vegetation The City of Mendota Heights contains a wide variety of forested areas including a large amount of floodplain forest along the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers. There is a large area of altered, non-native deciduous forest on the east side of Gun Club Lake. A Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS) search was performed for the areas below the bluffs. The bluffs themselves are upland areas. The MLCCS Summary Table below (City of Mendota Heights 2018 SWMP, Section 2.6) provides a list of the land cover types below the bluffs and the area of each type that falls within the Mendota Heights City limits. Of special note is the presence of a calcareous seepage fen prairie. The Lower Minnesota River Watershed District considers calcareous fens to be high priority areas for wetland preservation and restoration. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-14 MLCCS Summary of Areas Below the Bluffs City of Mendota Heights Land Cover Description Total Area (acres) Oak (forest or woodland) with 11-25% impervious cover 1.9 51% to 75% impervious cover with deciduous trees 18.0 Pavement with 91-100% impervious cover 2.5 Short grasses with sparse tree cover on upland soils 10.2 Short grasses on upland soils 5.5 Oak forest 3.9 Floodplain forest 209.8 Lowland hardwood forest 6.1 Aspen forest - temporarily flooded 1.5 Mixed hardwood swamp - seasonally flooded 7.2 Altered/non-native deciduous woodland 2.8 Altered/non-native dominated temporarily flooded shrubland 0.8 Willow swamp 3.3 Medium-tall grass altered/non-native dominated grassland 12.8 Temporarily flooded altered/non-native dominated grassland 2.0 Calcareous seepage fen prairie subtype 37.0 Mixed emergent marsh - seasonally flooded 62.5 Mixed emergent marsh 106.4 Mixed emergent marsh - intermittently exposed 57.2 Mixed emergent marsh - permanently flooded 22.1 Grassland with sparse deciduous trees - altered/non-native dominated vegetation 3.4 River mud flats 3.6 Slow moving linear open water habitat 139.3 Limnetic open water 145.1 Palustrine open water 41.6 A variety of vegetation also surrounds Lake Augusta and LeMay Lake, including the following: altered/non-native deciduous forest, altered/non-native deciduous woodland, oak forest, native dominated disturbed upland shrubland, and aspen forest. The east side of 35E within the City of Mendota Heights, just before entering Lilydale, contains a variety of vegetation, from altered/non-native deciduous forest, altered/non-native deciduous woodland, altered/non-native mixed woodland, oak forest, floodplain forest, and lowland hardwood forest. There are also pockets of a variety of forests and woodlands between 35E and the boundary with West St. Paul and Sunfish Lake, especially surrounding the water features. The Significant Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-15 Vegetation map (Map 7-3, page 7-25) illustrates the location of wooded and forested areas within the City of Mendota Heights. Site Classifications and Natural Resources Issues Natural areas abound in Mendota Heights on public as well as on private lands. The City manages natural resources at both the site level and by broad, City-wide natural resource issues, through City policies and ordinances, collaboration with other agencies and citizen groups, and the use of adopted plans and guidance documents.- Natural Spaces in Mendota Heights Natural spaces can be found throughout the City, some in publicly owned and operated parks and open spaces, others on private property. While the City has most power to maintain habitat on its own land, the City must work with other agency partners and private land owners to protect critical natural resources into the future. Parks and Trails Some of Mendota Heights’ Parks have areas of woodland or naturalized landscapes. Park natural areas with high ecological quality should be prioritized and actively managed. Parks and open spaces in Mendota Heights are discussed further in Chapter X: XXXXX4: Parks and Trails. Open Spaces Commented [K19]: This paragraph is already addressed in the introduction to the chapter. Formatted: Font: 16 pt, Bold Formatted: Font: Not Bold Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-16 There are many other City-owned natural areas that are not part of Mendota Heights’ Park System. Many of these contain wetlands or steep slopes. Some have high quality oak woodlands. Open spaces provide habitat, natural resource connections, stormwater management, and visual interest. Some open space sites have moderate to high ecological quality and should be inventoried and identified on an ecological overlay as part of the City GIS mapping and asset inventory. Active management of high- and moderate-quality areas is needed to sustain these high quality resources. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-17 Private Property Private, residential, commercial, industrial, and other land uses are an integral part of the City’s overall ecosystem and play an important role in the health of birds, pollinators, wildlife, water quality, and more. The City will engage in outreach activities, various collaborative opportunities for home and business owners (e.g., curb-cut raingardens with road reconstruction projects), and educa tional forums, in order to enhance knowledge, encourage environmentally sustainable behaviors, build community, and enhance the overall health of the City’s ecosystem. City-wide Natural Resources Issues and Natural Resources Invasive Vegetation Invasive vegetation is vegetation that is non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration; and whose presence or introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Controlling invasive vegetation before it becomes widespread is more effective and less costly than managing it after widespread establishment. The City has a responsibility to control or eradicate species on the State Noxious Weed list. Trees and Urban Forest Mendota Heights’ urban forest includes boulevard trees, park trees, woodlands, and trees on private property. The City’s forestry program includes: trimming and removal of trees on City property, tree planting on City property, diseased tree inspection and management when feasible, and education and outreach. Commented [K20]: Moved from a previous section of the chapter Formatted: Space After: 10 pt, Line spacing: Multiple 1.15 li Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-18 In 2017, Emerald Ash Borer was documented for the first time in Mendota Heights. The City began ash tree removals on City property in December 2017, and will continue management into the future. We anticipate we will lose most of our ash trees to this invasive insect. Given the proximity of Mendota Heights to the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers and accompanying tree-lined bluffs, the City has an opportunity and responsibility to protect and enhance native species of trees in the City. The management, removal, and replacement of invasive trees and shrubs with native species helps sustain the City’s natural resources, the river bluffs, critical areas, ecological communities, as well as quality of life for the community. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-19 Urban Wildlife Large areas of contiguous habitat are needed for healthy, diverse wildlife. The City’s wildlife program focuses on providing habitat. While the City does not manage for particular species, it does manage, and strives to manage, to increase native plant diversity in order to provide higher quality habitat for native pollinators. The City became a Pollinator Friendly City in 2016 (see Pollinator Resolution 2016- 01, dated January 5, 2016, within the Appendix). In accordance with that policy, and best practices for protecting and increasing native pollinators, the City will continue its efforts to protect native pollinators as well as other beneficial insects. Urban wildlife can sometimes become a nuisance by damaging gardens, congregating in yards, or creating public safety issues. The City has a deer management program in Valley Park which monitors deer population and uses annual bow-hunt removals. The City does not have removal programs for geese, turkey, beaver or other wildlife. Surface Water Quality The City has a diverse collection of surface water resources within its boundaries including lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. Protecting these resources requires ensuring that the storm water that enters these surface waters does not degrade, or further degrade, the health of the City’s surface water resources and the aesthetic, ecological, and recreational benefit they provide. The City utilizes a variety of strategies to monitor and protect its surface water resources including: • Collaboration with other government agencies, community groups, and citizens to help monitor and protect these resources. • The City uses the updated 2018 Surface W ater Management Plan (SWMP) as a guide to conserve, protect, and manage the City’s surface water resources. • The City of Mendota Heights holds a required National Pollution Detection and Elimination System (NPDES Phase II) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit (see the LSWMP, within the Appendix) with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, that includes an evaluation of the City’s stormwater system, and a Surface Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), that identifies Best Management Practices, goals, and actions for implementation. • The City works in conjunction with Watershed Districts, Water Management Organizations, and other government agencies to establish strategies for addressing its impaired waters. Surface waters are designated as impaired if they do not meet State standards for their designated use due to a Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-20 specific pollutant or stressor. Impaired Waters within Mendota Heights include the Minnesota River and Lake Augusta. • The City also has adopted water resources management ordinances and policies that include Title 14, Chapter 1 of City Code: Stormwater Management, Illicit Discharge, Soil Erosion, and Sedimentation, which establishes standards and specifications for conservation practices and planning activities to protect and enhance water quality. Further information on the City’s surface water resources, their current condition in relation to water quality, and corresponding water quality data , can be found in the City’s SWMP, within the appendix of this plan. Wetlands Wetlands provide many benefits to the community as described above. The Wetland Management Plan within the City’s 2018 SWMP addresses key management issues such as wetland protection, wetland restoration and enhancement opportunities, and wetland stewardship. Wetland protection is addressed by focusing on key issues such as the following: • The relative susceptibility of a wetland to stormwater affects with respect to wetland type; • Wetland water quality and quantity; and • Wetland buffer strip and setback protection It is anticipated that the Wetland Management Plan, through wetland inventorying, will provide a planning tool for the City to use for future projects that may affect wetlands. The inventory of wetlands will allow the City to identify restoration areas within public lands, enhance wetland value for wildlife, provide and enhance recreational values of wetlands, designate wetland restoration or enhancement opportunities, protect wetlands and adjacent resources that provide valuable ecological support, and provide stormwater protection. The City is also an active participant in the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP), which engages citizens in evaluating and monitoring the health of wetland areas throughout the City. The City’s Wetland Map (Figure 4 of the 2018 SWMP) and more information on the City’s wetlands can be found in the 2018 SWMP. Commented [NK21]: Already discussed in the chapter Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-21 Meadows and Prairies Historically, Mendota Heights had several areas of native grassland prairie. Much of that has been lost to development, although there may be some small fragmented areas that remain within the City (illustrated in Map 7-3 Significant Vegetation). Prairies and meadows are beneficial to native pollinators and other wildlife such as non- migratory and migratory birds, as well as for stormwater infiltration, filtration, and interception. Reestablishing native meadows and prairies throughout the City will not only help create contiguous pollinator corridors and further the Pollinator Friendly City designation, but will also provide sustainable management practices and cost savings measures. For example, difficult to mow slopes could be transformed into native vegetation given appropriate site conditions. Private Property Private, residential, commercial, industrial, and other land uses are an integral part of the City’s overall ecosystem and play an important role in the health of birds, pollinators, wildlife, water quality, and more. The City will engage in outreach activities, various collaborative opportunities for home and business owners (e.g., curb-cut raingardens with road reconstruction projects), and educational forums, in order to enhance knowledge, encourage environmentally sustainable behaviors, build community, and enhance the overall health of the City’s ecosystem. Natural Resources Issues and Opportunities There are numerous natural resource issues and opportunities in Mendota Heights. The City and its partner agencies and organizations currently have programs to address many of these issues. Invasive Species: It is important to cControlling invasive vegetation before it becomes widespread as it is more effective and less costly than managing it after widespread establishment. Urban Forestry: Trees are an important resource for managing the urban heat island, improving air quality, and providing habitat. The City’s forestry program includes: trimming and removal of trees on City property, tree planting on City Source: City of Mendota Heights Commented [K22]: Level of detail not necessary for the plan. Commented [NK23]: Pulled from a previous section Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-22 property, diseased tree inspection and management when feasible, and education and outreach. Surface Water Quality: The City of Mendota Heights values its many lakes, rivers, and wetlands. Protecting these resources requires ensuring that the storm water that enters these surface waters does not degrade, or further degrade, the health of the City’s surface water resources and the aesthetic, ecological, and recreational benefit they provide. With so much that could be done, it’s critical to prioritize projects to protect and manage the most important sites to make the best use of funding and staff time. The science of managing natural systems continues to evolve. The City will continue to cultivate strong partnerships with other agencies, non-profits, and citizen groups to seek expertise in the management of its natural resources. Additionally, the City will strive to educate residents on environmental issues and foster stewardship and volunteerism. Grants for enhancing natural areas that are available through State, County, and other agencies should be vetted on an ongoing basis by City staff. The City should inventory and track natural resource assets such as open space sites, public trees, and permanent stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). This will provide an opportunity to better manage these resources. The City should also manage all of its surface water resources using scientifically based, common sense approaches that meet or exceed regional, state, and federal regulatory requirements. Implementation The following goals, policies, and accompanying actions are meant to build on the accomplishments and goals met from the 2030 Comprehensive Plan while looking forward to unmet goals as well as environmental challenges that lie ahead. The goals, policies, and actions in the Natural Resources Chapter all support an ethos of stewardship that protects wildlife, promotes sustainability, and enhances human health and well-being. Goals and Policies and Actions GOAL 7.1: Develop a professional, comprehensive, strategic Natural Resources Management Plan for City-wide natural areas and natural resources. Develop Through the planning process, identify high priority areas and site-specific management plans that prioritize the highest qualitytools for these areas. As part of this plan, identify and map opportunities to enhance the City’s green infrastructure, roadsides, surface waters, and other natural areas. Develop methodology for trackingThe plan Commented [NK24]: Pulled from previous section Commented [NK25]: Section deleted – see implementation chapter Commented [NK26]: Edits simplify the goal and allow for more flexibility in the contents of the management plan. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-23 should address implementation as well such as management activities, measuring outcomes, assigning accountability, reporting, and /or revising specific management plans. Mendota Heights will sStrive to work with adjacent communities and agencies, recognizing that we are an interconnected ecosystem. Policies: 7.1.1 Develop capabilities to monitor and implement a strategic Natural Resources Management Plan through City Staff expertise, as well as through partnerships with community groups and volunteers, and collaboration with adjacent communities and agencies, thus recognizing the interconnectedness of our communities and ecosystems. 7.1.2 Develop a plan for addressing City-wide issues including ecosystem protection, wildlife and vegetation management, tree planting, tree diseases including Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), pests, soil health, and invasive species. 7.1.3 Develop and implement a Tree Planting Plan to cover strategic tree planting, boulevard trees, park trees, wooded lots, and forests. Engage residents in the strategic planting of trees; encouraging the planting of native, diverse populations of trees on private property. 7.1.4 Develop a sustainable vegetation plan for City-owned properties and facilities. Explore turf alternatives for roadsides such as native forbs and grasses, and resilient turf substitutes. 7.1.57.1.3 Establish priorities for sites and management activities and update these as needed. Create ecological overlays identifying City-owned areas within parks and open space that have high ecological value. 7.1.67.1.4 Update the City’s tree inventory and begin tracking tree plantings and removals using frameworks such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to gather, manage, and analyze data. 7.1.7 Develop and implement City strategies to increase tree canopy. These strategies should explore an expansion of funding, and incentives to plant, retain, and promote tree species diversity. 7.1.8 Provide education and training on tree care for private landowners. 7.1.9 In new development and redevelopment, retain mature trees that have high ecological value, replace lost trees, and plant additional trees if not present originally. Commented [K27]: Pulled from previous goal 7.2 Commented [K28]: Pulled from 7.1.4 Commented [K29]: Pulled from 7.1.3 Commented [K30]: Pulled from 7.1.10 Commented [K31]: Pulled from 7.1.11 Commented [K32]: Included in policy 7.1.2 Commented [K33]: Addressed in Goal 7.7 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-24 7.1.10 Implement a plan for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and other emerging threats including, but not limited to: prevention, treatment, removal, re- planting and community education. 7.2.1 Develop a City-wide Soil Health Management Plan, including development of quantifiable goals, Best Management Practices (BMPs), and key performance indicators.Explore the opportunity to develop a Natural Resource Matching Fund and work with agency partners to fund natural resources programs to achieve the vision and goals of this Comprehensive Plan and the future Natural Resources Management Plan. 7.1.117.1.5 Implement a formal Natural Resources and Sustainability Commission to aid in the execution of the strategic Natural Resources Management Plan. This commission would be responsible for prioritizing, evaluating, planning for, and implementing the goals and policies in the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Explore creating a similar county-wide commission with other municipalities in Dakota County. GOAL 7.2: Protect, connect, and buffer ecosystems, such as: forests, savannas, prairies, lakes, streams, wetlands, roadsides, and other natural resources. Work with other communities and agencies as needed to ensure the best outcomes. Policies: 7.2.1 Implement a formal Natural Resources and Sustainability Commission to aid in the execution of the strategic Natural Resources Plan. This commission would be responsible for prioritizing, evaluating, planning for, and implementing the goals and policies in the Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. 7.2.2 Collaborate with other agencies, such as Watersheds, Water Management Organizations, and surrounding County and Metropolitan Cities to share information and ideas regarding natural resources. 7.2.3 Explore an opportunity for a county-wide commission focused on shared natural resources. 7.2.47.2.2 Establish minimum thresholds for high ecosystem value coverage of trees, grasses, and their vegetation. Formatted: Font: Not Bold Commented [K34]: Turned goal 7.5 into a new policy under Goal 7.1 (since it addresses the implementation of the future Natural Resources Plan) Formatted: Font: Not Bold Formatted: Font: Not Bold Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial Commented [K35]: Turned policy 7.2.1 into a new policy under goal 7.1 since it addresses the implementation of the future natural resources management plan Commented [K36]: Content addressed in Goal 7.1. Commented [K37]: DNR has established these values – these should be incorporated into a future natural resources management plan. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-25 GOAL 7.3: Work with partner agencies and nongovernmental groups to rRestore and manage natural areas, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources, for high ecological quality and diversity of plant and animal species. Policies: 7.3.1 Prioritize the management of high-quality, high-value ecosystems and natural areas over ‘start-from-scratch’ restorations annually to ensure the highest quality sites are improved. 7.3.17.3.2 Complete restoration projects with best management practices such as pollinator-friendly or native species, reduced impervious cover, reduced turf grass, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). 7.3.3 In new development and redevelopment, retain mature trees that have high ecological value, replace lost trees, and plant additional trees if not present originally. 7.3.2 Prioritize sites and projects annually to ensure highest quality sites do not lose their ecological value and degraded sites are improved. 7.3.4 Work with agencies including the DNR and Dakota County to mMonitor the following: 7.3.4.1 Nnew developments in restoration and invasive plant management. 7.3.4.2 Tree diseases and pest outbreaks such as oak wilt and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and others as they emerge. 7.3.4.3 Invasive species and noxious weeds. 7.3.2.17.3.4.4 Wildlife populations. 7.3.3 Monitor tree disease and pest outbreaks with the implementation of control programs for tree diseases such as oak wi lt and Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Expand these programs to include other species and related diseases and pests as they emerge. 7.3.47.3.5 Work with partners to monitor and control invasive species and noxious weeds. 7.3.5 Restore with pollinator-friendly or native species to protect and enhance habitat for native pollinators and birds. 7.3.6 Encourage innovative and Integrated Pest-Management (IPM) strategies and bio-control of pests and weeds, following science-based Commented [NK38]: Shifted burden to other agencies Commented [K39]: Combined previous policies 7.3.5, 7.3.6, 7.3.8 and 7.3.9 Commented [K40]: This is a good policy but doesn’t pertain to the development of a formal Natural Resources Management Plan. Moved from goal 7.1 to 7.3 since it makes more sense there. Commented [NK41]: Policies 7.3.1 and 7.3.2 combined Commented [NK42]: Combined to policy 7.3.2 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-26 BMPs. When applicable, follow the City’s Pollinator-Friendly Policy as per the City’s Pollinator Resolution 2015-79, dated October 20, 2015. 7.3.7 Monitor wildlife populations and address over-population as needed. 7.3.8 Establish pollinator corridor connectivity in the City. 7.3.9 Work to reduce the amount of conventionally maintained turf on both public and private property through education and programs to support the transition to ecologically valuable and diverse vegetation. 7.3.10 Look for opportunities to reduce or minimize impervious cover City-wide and implement reduction when feasible. GOAL 7.4: Protect and restore the natural ecological functions of the City’s water resources with emphasis on the improvement of stormwater management. The City will seek to accomplish the following policies and action steps to manage the City’s surface water, groundwater, stormwater, and wastewater, while minimizing the adverse impacts of climate change. Policies: 7.4.1 Sweep streets at a minimum rate of twice annually, on a well -timed schedule, using Best Management Practices (BMPs), while looking to increase sweeping rates in sensitive areas. 7.4.2 Investigate, and implement when feasible, strategies to reduce the impact of de-icing on soil and water. 7.4.3 Ensure that roadsides, post-reconstruction, can support turf alternatives or traditional turf through the de-compaction of soil, as well as providing soil that contains sufficient organic content to adequately support turf or turf alternatives, while avoiding soil compaction of open areas. 7.4.4 Emphasize the use of native species, pollinator plants, or turf alternatives. 7.4.5 Educate homeowners, commercial property owners, institutional property owners, as well as City Public Works Staff in BMPs for turf management, such as instilling a minimum mow-height, avoidance of grass clippings and debris dispersal onto paved surfaces, and smart irrigation practices. Recognize that the implementation of turf BMPs aides in the reduction of stormwater runoff. Commented [NK43]: Combined to policy 7.3.2 Commented [K44]: NOTE: review water resources section – are these policies already included for stormwater and surface water management? Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-27 7.4.6 Identify areas in parks and public open space that could be restored to natural habitat or turf alternatives. 7.4.7 Work with partners to implement projects that reduce stormwater pollution to water-bodies. 7.4.8 Develop and support programs that encourage natural infiltration of stormwater. Develop educational outreach programs, promote available programs offered through Dakota County, support and encourage involvement of volunteers and volunteer groups such as Master Gardeners, Master Water Stewards, and Master Naturalists. Implement, encourage, and sustain collaborative City programs such as residential curb-cut raingardens and green infrastructure, during road reconstruction. 7.4.9 Work with partners to monitor Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Set realistic goals for AIS removal and management, and reintroduction of native species. Educate lakeshore owners and other residents about AIS. 7.4.10 Identify areas within the City, including public and private land that are lacking adequate stormwater treatment, such as: buffers, stormwater infiltration and filtration features, and other stormwater BMPs. Implement projects to establish functioning stormwater treatment in order to protect and improve the City’s water resources. Implement additional proven methods to protect and improve water quality that are appropriate given the type of water body and impairment. 7.4.11 Aid the Department of Natural Resources in the management of fish populations, when allowable, using the best available science, data, and expert advice, considering available resources and expected fishing pressure. 7.4.12 Improve and implement the City’s Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). 7.4.13 Carry out steps toward meeting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Swimmable, Fishable, Fixable water quality standards. 7.4.14 Educate and motivate residents, businesses, and other organizations to reduce negative impacts on water resources. 7.4.15 Analyze possible climate change implications for water resources and infrastructure. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-28 7.4.16 Manage public riparian areas to be resilient to flooding. 7.4.17 Revise site plan review standards to require improved soil conditions and native plantings on projects. 7.4.18 Continue surface water monitoring activities with watershed management organizations and other agencies. GOAL 7.5: Fund natural resources programs to achieve the vision and goals of the City’s Natural Resources Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan. Policies: 7.5.1 Seek partnerships and grants to help implement natural resources goals. 7.5.2 Work with Dakota County and other agencies to maintain and/or acquire, where feasible, natural greenway corridors to foster ecosystem continuity. 7.5.3 Set up a Natural Resources fund account to provide a reserve for the matching funds that are often required to access grant funding opportunities. GOAL 7.6: Incorporate the vision and goals for natural resources in the City’s Comprehensive Plan, as they pertain to ordinances, policies, development standards, and zoning. Policies: 7.6.1 Encourage and promote use of conservation design. 7.6.2 Improve compliance and understanding of environmental regulations and requirements by providing educational materials that explain issues. 7.6.3 Prior to approval of landscape and development plans, work with developers and private property owners to encourage the preservation or addition of high ecosystem value vegetation or reforestation. 7.6.4 Improve the process for review and inspection of native planting and permanent stormwater Best Management Practices, such as rain gardens, on development projects to increase successful establishment. Commented [K45]: Content included as a policy under Goal 7.1 Commented [K46]: Content already covered in this chapter and in the MRCCA plan Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-29 7.6.5 Update the City’s planning, development review, zoning, and ordinances to be consistent with guidelines for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA). 7.6.6 Protect steep slopes, bluffs, and other sensitive areas from erosion and other threats whenever possible, but specifically during and after the completion of development projects. 7.6.7 Explore the implementation of ordinances, policies, and development standards that support the City’s 2018 Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP). GOAL 7.7: Enhance public understanding and stewardship of nature, natural systems, and environmental issues, and best management practices a s well as cultural stewardship bby providing programs, volunteer opportunities, and information, and interpretive signage. Policies: 7.7.1 EdWork with schools and non-profit groups to educate adults, families, schools, community groups, and staff on natural resources topics through volunteer service, programs, field trips, brochures, exhibits, signage, articles, video, social media, service learning, and community gatherings and events. 7.7.2 Use diverse methods of education and outreach including : programs, field trips, brochures, exhibits, signage, articles, website, video, social media, service learning, and community gatherings and events. 7.7.3 Provide learning opportunities through volunteer service, such as citizen science monitoring. 7.7.4 Review, update, or develop materials used for natural resources education. 7.7.2 Develop a Natural Resources webpage on the City’s website that offers City resources, community updates and activities, volunteer opportunities, links to useful resources, and other topics as they relate to natural resources. 7.7.3 Explore the possibility of providing grants or loans to residents for completing restoration, tree planting, or best management practices for stormwater management on their property. Commented [K47]: Combined goals 7.7 and 7.8 (education and environmental stewardship) Commented [K48]: Combined policies 7.7.1 – 7.7.4 Commented [K49]: Took from previous goal 7.8 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-30 7.7.57.7.4 Develop and implement forward-thinking, City-led initiatives to engage citizens in the stewardship and care of natural areas and infrastructure through programs such as Adopt-a-Park, Adopt-a- Roadside Pollinator Planting, Adopt-a-Boulevard, Adopt-a-Tree, and Adopt-a-Storm Drain GOAL 7.8: Promote a culture of stewardship on public and private land through access to natural areas, and education and volunteer opportunities in the restoration and management of these areas. Policies: 7.8.1 Provide stewardship training and explore residential grant programs for residents. 7.8.2 Provide programs to support residents in their stewardship efforts. Explore innovative ideas and opportunities to serve the community in stewardship efforts such as a curb-side buckthorn pick-up program, City-sponsored tree sale, water-efficiency rebates for smart irrigation controllers, etc. 7.8.3 Provide educational opportunities to teach residents about ecological lawn alternatives and lawn care Best Management Practices. 7.8.47.8.1 Develop and implement forward-thinking, City-led initiatives to engage citizens in the stewardship and care of natural areas and infrastructure through programs such as Adopt-a-Park, Adopt-a- Roadside Pollinator Planting, Adopt-a-Boulevard, Adopt-a-Tree, and Adopt-a-Storm Drain. 7.8.5 Encourage avenues for homeowners to take on ownership of, and responsibility for, boulevard trees where the location of the tree is considered appropriate as well as an overall community benefit. 7.8.6 Expand audiences via use of video and social media. 7.8.7 Develop material (print as well as electronic media) to teach property owners environmentally friendly practices they can do on their property, including but not limited to: sustainable lawn care, native plantings, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain gardens, proper disposal of yard and animal waste, and composting. 7.8.8 Implement, evaluate, or enhance current citizen participation in monitoring programs such as the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP), State and Metropolitan Council water monitoring programs, Commented [K50]: Took policy from previous goal 7.8 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-31 as well as programs that monitor wildlife such as frogs, bluebirds, bees, turtles, etc. 7.8.9 Provide staff training on natural resources management topics such as Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), noxious weeds, and other emerging threats. 7.8.10 Improve maps and information regarding access to parks and natural areas. 7.8.11 Provide a timely, effective regulatory and management framework that responds to public interest in protecting the environment and natural resources. 7.8.12 Encourage citizen engagement in the City’s annual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit meeting and process, and use this as a forum to share concerns, discuss proposed community initiatives, and offer suggestions concerning stormwater. GOAL 7.9: Work with agency partners including Dakota County, the Metropolitan Council, the Metropolitan Airport Commission (MAC), and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to aAddress mitigate air, noise, and light pollution issues that impact air environmental quality in Mendota Heights, such as vehicle emissions, traffic flow, air traffic, small engine use, and street design.. Policies: 7.9.1 Work with partner agencies to eEvaluate and implement solutions to air quality issues such as traffic control measures, electric vehicle charging stations, and mass transit options to manage congestion and minimize vehicle emissions, when feasible. 7.9.2 Evaluate proactive solutions to air quality issues such as the installation of an electric vehicle charge stations, and mass transit options. 7.9.3 Establish an advocacy role to encourage the MPCA and the Minnesota Department of Health to address air quality issues and improve air quality. 7.9.2 Review and evaluate current City policies and ordinances regarding noise, for example, community quiet hours and small engine use. 7.11.1 Develop ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with noise pollution and its impact on all facets of the community, including human, ecological, safety, security, and energy. Commented [K51]: Included in parks section of the plan Commented [K52]: Included in water resources section of plan Commented [K53]: Combined goals 7.9, 7.10 and 7.11 Commented [K54]: Combined policies 7.9.1 and 7.9.2 Commented [K55]: From previous goal 7.10 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-32 7.9.3 Develop lighting ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with light pollution (prior to new development) and its impact on all facets of community: human, ecological, safety, security, and energy. 7.9.4 Implement the strategic planting of trees to avoid monoculture plantings, and choose tree species identified as most resilient to changing climate and weather patterns. GOAL 7.10: Address issues that can cause noise pollution within Mendota Heights. Noise and other nuisances can cause stress, impact the health of residents and even wildlife. Common noise pollutants in Mendota Heights include: inputs from automobile traffic, air traffic, and small engine noise such as lawn maintenance equipment. The impacts of exposure to noise pollution can include general nuisance, hearing impairment, mental stress, and loss of enjoyment of the use of one’s property. Policies: 7.10.1 Strive to monitor and limit community exposure to excessive noise levels. 7.10.27.10.1 Review and evaluate current City policies and ordinances regarding noise, for example, community quiet hours and small engine use. 7.10.37.10.1 Develop ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with noise pollution and its impact on all facets of the community, including human, ecological, safety, security, and energy. 7.10.4 Educate residents, developers, and others on the impact of noise pollution. 7.10.5 Provide community opportunities to interact with, and express concerns to, the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission (ARC). GOAL 7.11: Address causes, and potential causes, of light pollution. Scientific evidence points to the detriment of exposure to artificial light at night to human health as well as negative impacts on wildlife and vegetation. The visual effects of glare and light change (for example, from shadowing) can create hazards for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, and can compromise security. Thoughtful City lighting policy can enhance the quality of life, safety, and security for residents, help protect wildlife ecology, and reduce energy use. Commented [K56]: From previous goal 7.11 (combined policies 7.11.3, 7.11.4, and 7.11.7) Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft Vers. 10.2912.04.18 7-33 Policies: 7.11.1 Encourage use of research-based systems, such as Backlight-Uplight- Glare (BUG) that reduce light pollution and provide guidelines for effective control of unwanted or unhealthy light for residents, as well as unhealthy light for wildlife. 7.11.2 Work with neighboring cities to coordinate lighting solutions to mitigate the far-reaching impact of light pollution. 7.11.3 Develop ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with light pollution and its impact on all facets of community: human, ecological, safety, security, and energy. 7.11.4 Create on-going review for updating ordinances as new lighting technology becomes available. 7.11.5 Increase efforts to provide healthier lighting solutions for residents and the preservation of the City’s natural assets. 7.11.6 Educate residents, developers, and others on the impact of light pollution, glare, light trespass, and sky-glow. Offer solutions and alternatives for providing light within the City. 7.11.7 Address lighting prior to development or redevelopment by ensuring compliance with lighting ordinances. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Mazzitello Version 12.5.2108 Natural Resources 7-1 Goals and Policies and Actions GOAL 7.1: Develop a professional, comprehensive, strategic Natural Resources Management Plan for City-wide natural areas and natural resources. Policies: 7.1.1 Develop capabilities to monitor and implement the Natural Resources Management Plan through City Staff expertise, as well as through partnerships with community groups, volunteers, and adjacent communities and agencies, thus recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems. 7.1.2 Implement a formal Natural Resources Management and Sustainability Commission to aid in the execution of the strategic Natural Resources Plan. 7.1.3 Develop site-specific management plans that identify and prioritize opportunities to enhance and protect the City’s high-quality areas and address significant issues, such as: vegetation plans, tree planting plans, tree inventories, green infrastructure, surface waters, roadside restoration, wildlife management, tree diseases, pests, and invasive species. 7.1.4 Establish and continually update priorities for sites, including public parks and open space, and management activities. 7.1.5 Develop and continually maintain tracking of management activities, using frameworks such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to gather, manage, and analyze data. 7.1.6 Develop and implement City strategies to increase tree canopy, during existing operational, new development, and redevelopment activities. 7.1.7 Seek partnerships and grant opportunities to help implement natural resources goals. 7.1.8 Work with Dakota County and other agencies to maintain and/or acquire. Where feasible, natural greenway corridors to foster ecosystem continuity. 7.1.9 Protect steep slopes, bluffs, and other sensitive areas from erosion and other threats, specifically throughout the development process. 7.1.10 Encourage and promote the use of conservation design principles. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Mazzitello Version 12.5.2018 Natural Resources 7-2 GOAL 7.2: Protect, connect, restore, buffer, and manage natural areas, wildlife habitat, and other natural resources, for high ecological quality and diversity of plant and animal species. Policies: 7.2.1 Monitor new developments for restoration and invasive plant management. 7.2.2 Monitor tree disease and pest outbreaks (i.e. Emerald Ash Borer) with the implementation of control and replanting programs, such as an Integrated Pest Management program, for current tree diseases as well as emerging diseases and pests. 7.2.3 Continue to partner with outside agencies and community groups to monitor and control invasive species and noxious weeds. 7.2.4 Restore areas throughout the City with pollinator-friendly or native species to protect and enhance habitat for native pollinators and birds in accordance with City Resolution 2015-79. 7.2.5 Monitor wildlife populations and address over-population as needed. 7.2.6 In new development and redevelopment, retain mature trees that have high ecological value, replace lost trees, and plant additional trees if not present originally. 7.2.7 Explore the development of ordinances and or policies that establish minimum soil standards for development and redevelopment that can support turf, plantings, and/or healthy turf alternatives. 7.2.8 Look for opportunities to reduce or minimize impervious cover City- wide. 7.2.9 Emphasize the use of, and identify areas including public open space and park land, that could be restored to include native species, pollinator plants, wildlife habitat, or turf alternatives. 7.2.10 Prior to approval of landscape and development plans, work with applicants to encourage the preservation and installation of high ecosystem value communities. 7.2.11 Encourage avenues for homeowners to take on ownership of, and responsibility for, boulevard trees where the location of the tree is considered appropriate as well as an overall community benefit. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Mazzitello Version 12.5.2018 Natural Resources 7-3 7.2.12 Implement the strategic planting of trees to avoid monoculture plantings and choose tree species identified as most resilient to changing climate and weather patterns. GOAL 7.3: Protect and restore the natural ecological functions of the City’s water resources with emphasis on the improvement of stormwater management. Policies: 7.3.1 Explore and develop operational and procedural modifications to better enhance and support the thriving of the natural environment. 7.3.2 Work with partners to implement projects and develop and support programs that encourage infiltration, to reduce stormwater runoff and pollution to water-bodies. 7.3.3 Work with partners to monitor Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). Set goals for AIS removal and management, and reintroduction of native species. Educate lakeshore owners and residents about AIS. 7.3.4 Identify areas within the City, including public and private land that are lacking adequate stormwater treatment, and other stormwater BMPs. Implement projects to establish functioning stormwater treatment in order to protect and improve the City’s water resources. 7.3.5 Implement the City’s Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) through the use of ordinances, policies, and development standards. 7.3.6 Carry out steps toward meeting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Swimmable, Fishable, Fixable water quality standards. 7.3.7 Manage public riparian areas to be resilient to stormwater runoff. 7.3.8 Improve the process for review and inspection of native planting and permanent stormwater Best Management Practices on development projects to increase successful establishment. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Mazzitello Version 12.5.2018 Natural Resources 7-4 GOAL 7.4: Enhance and provide public education and understanding of nature, natural systems, and environmental issues by providing programs, materials, and information; while promoting a culture of stewardship on public and private lands. Policies: 7.4.1 Educate adults, families, schools, community groups, and staff on natural resources topics, improving compliance and understanding of environmental regulations and requirements. 7.4.2 Continue to develop, improve, and expand audiences through the use of diverse methods of education and outreach including: programs, field trips, brochures, exhibits, signage, articles, website, video, social media, service learning, and community gatherings and events. 7.4.3 Collaborate with other agencies, such as Watershed Districts, Watershed Management Organizations, and surrounding County and Metropolitan Cities to share information and ideas regarding natural resources. 7.4.4 Develop and promote stormwater educational outreach programs, using available programs offered through outside agencies, and utilizing volunteer groups such as Master Gardeners, Master Water Stewards, and Master Naturalists. 7.4.5 Implement, encourage, and sustain collaborative City programs such as residential curb-cut raingardens and green infrastructure, throughout road re-construction projects. 7.4.6 Educate homeowners, commercial and institutional property owners, and City Public Works Staff, on turf management Best Management Practices (BMPs), as well as lawn alternatives, to reduce the amount of traditional turf throughout the City. 7.4.7 Develop a Natural Resources webpage on the City’s website that offers City resources, community updates and activities, volunteer opportunities, links to useful resources, and other topics as they relate to natural resources. 7.4.8 Provide education and training on tree care for private landowners. 7.4.9 Engage residents in the strategic planting of trees in order to encourage a more diverse, native community forest. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Mazzitello Version 12.5.2018 Natural Resources 7-5 7.4.10 Develop material (print as well as electronic media) to teach property owners environmentally friendly ‘backyard’ practices, including but not limited to: sustainable lawn care, native plantings, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain gardens, proper disposal of yard and animal waste, and composting. 7.4.11 Educate residents, developers, and others on the impact of noise, and other forms of pollution (i.e. light, air quality, heat, etc.). 7.4.12 Provide programs to support residents in their stewardship efforts. Explore innovative ideas and opportunities to serve the community in stewardship efforts such as grant and rebate programs, curb-side buckthorn pick-up program, City-sponsored tree sale, etc. 7.4.13 Develop and implement City-led initiatives to engage citizens in the stewardship and care of natural areas and infrastructure through programs such as Adopt-a-Park, Adopt-a-Roadside Pollinator Planting, Adopt-a-Boulevard, Adopt-a-Tree, and Adopt-a-Storm Drain. 7.4.14 Implement, evaluate, or enhance citizen participation in monitoring programs such as the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP), State and Metropolitan Council water monitoring programs, as well as other Citizen Science monitoring programs that monitor vegetation, aquatic invasive species, as well as those programs that monitor wildlife such as birds, bats, bees, aquatic wildlife, and insects 7.4.15 Encourage citizen engagement in the City’s annual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit meeting and process, and use this as a forum to share concerns, discuss proposed community initiatives, and offer suggestions concerning stormwater. GOAL 7.5: Address issues that impact air quality, light pollution, and noise pollution, such as vehicle emissions, traffic flow, air traffic, lighting, and street design. Policies: 7.5.1 Evaluate proactive solutions to air quality issues such as the installation of an electric vehicle charge stations, and mass transit options. 7.5.2 Consider taking an advocacy role to encourage the MPCA and the Minnesota Department of Health to address air quality issues and improve air quality. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Mazzitello Version 12.5.2018 Natural Resources 7-6 7.5.3 Strive to monitor and limit community exposure to excessive noise levels and review and evaluate current City policies and ordinances regarding noise. 7.5.4 Develop ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with noise pollution and its impact on all facets of the community, including human, ecological, safety, security, and energy. 7.5.5 Encourage use of research-based systems, such as Backlight-Uplight- Glare (BUG) that reduce light pollution and provide guidelines for effective control of unwanted or unhealthy light for residents, as well as wildlife. 7.5.6 Develop ordinances that proactively and effectively deal with light pollution within the city and work with neighboring communities to coordinate lighting solutions and address its impact on all facets of community: human, ecological, safety, security, and energy. 7.5.7 Increase efforts to provide healthier lighting solutions for residents and the preservation of the City’s natural assets. 7.5.8 Address lighting prior to development or redevelopment by ensuring compliance with lighting ordinances. 8-1 8 Resilience In a general sense, the term resilience can be defined as the ability to recover from difficulties – or, the ability to return to a sense of normality. In the wake of climate change, our community’s resiliency will likely be challenged. This chapter outlines proactive strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change as well as reactive strategies for handling emergency services in the event of disaster. Mendota Height’s climate is changing, and the growing frequency and large-scale impact of severe weather events demonstrates the importance of building a foundation of resilient systems to meet ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. To build the foundation for a prosperous, equitable, and thriving community, resilient system development includes: ➢ Mitigation strategies focus on minimizing contributions to climate change. For example reducing energy use to curb greenhouse gas emissions. ➢ Adaptation strategies focus on how to change policies and practices to adjust to the effects of a changing climate. For example, opening cooling centers for residents during extreme heat events. Although Resilience is not a required element for the 2040 comprehensive plans in the region, Mendota Heights is committed to investing in resilience. Supporting resilience strategies will protect local and regional vitality for future generations by preserving our capacity to maintain and support our region’s well-being and productivity. Considerations of vulnerabilities in resilience strategies, and response to those vulnerabilities, will strengthen community preparedness and response to climate impacts. The Resilience update for Mendota Heights primarily focuses on goals and policies related to: • Energy production and conservation, • Resilient food systems, and • Adaptable and strengthened emergency services. Additional chapters within the Mendota Heights 2040 plan also contribute to building resilience in Mendota Heights, which include Land Use; Natural Resources; Parks and Trails; Transportation; and Economic Development. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-2 Goals and Policies GOAL 1: THE CITY WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT, PLAN FOR, AND ENCOURAGE THE USE OF SOLAR ENERGY AS A RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE. Policies: • Consider modification of existing ordinances to protect access of direct sunlight to rooftops of all principal structures. • Encourage developers to establish covenants that do not restrict the development and use of active and/or passive solar energy systems. • Encourage the installation of solar energy system options, for space heating and cooling and hot water heating in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. • Enforce zoning regulations to ensure that new lots in the city offer proper solar orientation. • Encourage residential solar development that complies with the City’s zoning code. • Consider a site-specific solar energy capacity study for industrial and/or commercial sites to identif y the most beneficial placement for solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) development. Use the study as the basis of outreach to the owners of the top sites, educating them on the opportunities and benefits of installing solar. • Provide information on grants and incentives for alternative energy, for example, in city communications. GOAL 2: THE CITY WILL ADOPT CLIMATE MITIGATION AND/OR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE GOALS TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Policies: • Explore and investigate means to track city vehicles and facilit y emissions to formulate a baseline and establish greenhouse gas reduction goals every 5 to 10 years to assure progress in City emission reductions. • Collaborate regionally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, begin the application process to the Minnesota Green Step Cities Program by 2020, with the goal of achieving step five by 2030. Track and share progress with residents and businesses to encourage civic innovation and reduce energy use. • Lower city-wide transportation-related emissions by encouraging alternative fuel stations, electric vehicle charging stations, and supporting infrastructure at commercial sites, office sites, parking ramps and residential sites. GOAL 3: THE CITY WILL SUPPORT LONG-RANGE PLANNING EFFORTS TO BUILD THE COMMUNITY’S RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO AND MAXIMIZE THE BENEFITS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT. Policies: • Continue to support existing renewable energy policies and programs, including the alternative energy systems ordinance (§12-1D-18). • Identify strategies in leveraging economic opportunities in the Green Economy and emerging renewable energy field. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-3 • Support mass transit goals as detailed in Transportation Section 3. • Support housing options along transit corridors. • Prioritize infrastructure improvements that support walking and biking. GOAL 4: THE CITY WILL EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT LAND USE GUIDANCE AND REGULATIONS TO SUPPORT PRACTIVES THAT INTEGRATE HEALTHY FOOD PRODUCTION IN RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS AND SUPPORT FOOD - RELATED BUSINESS AND ACTIVITIES. Policies: • Review and update regulations governing food processing businesses, such as commercial kitchens, flash freezing businesses, and small scale home kitchen businesses, to increase business growth. • Support the development of a City of Mendota Heights Far mers Market as an accessible and reliable source for local, healthy food. • Support innovative local food production solutions such as aquaponics, hydroponics, indoor agriculture, backyard gardening and composting, community gardens, and urban farming, where appropriate. • Encourage edible and pollinator-friendly landscapes on residential properties. GOAL 5: THE CITY WILL SUPPORT STRATEGIES AND INNOVATIONS THAT IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY, MOBILITY, AND AFFRDABILITY OF CONNECTING PEOPLE TO HEALTHY FOOD. Policies: • Consider a Food Security Assessment to determine and monitor food insecurity conditions within Mendota Heights, target areas within the City for improvement, and identify detailed strategies to increase food security within the City. • Incorporate access to healthy food sources as part of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure planning. • Continue to work with the Metropolitan Council and Metro Transit to improve transit service to food markets from Mendota Heights and prioritize housing along transit corridors. • Support innovative practices such as mobile food markets and mobile food pantries/food shelves that can bring food closer to under-served residents. GOAL 6: THE CITY WILL PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE WASTE DISPOSAL AND STUDY INNOVATIVE WASTE REDUCTION AND DISPOSAL METHODS. • Promote use of County Organics drop-off station. • Study feasibility of organics pick -up in the years to come as the technology becomes more readily available. • Educate on and support back-yard composting. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-4 GOAL 7: THE CITY WILL PROTECT AND MAINTAIN CONSTRUCTED SYSTEMS THAT PROVIDE CRITICAL SERVICES. Policies: • Assess public buildings and sites for vulnerabilities to extreme weather and make improvements to reduce or prevent damage and sustain function. Increase the resilience of natural and built environment to more intense rain events and associated flooding • Improve the reliability of back -up energy for critical infrastructure. Support well- planned improvements to the private utility and communications networks t hat provide efficiency, security and needed redundancy. • Continue to explore and incorporate new and emerging technologies to construct, rehabilitate, maintain and manage public assets and infrastructure in an efficient, cost effective manner. GOAL 8: THE CITY WILL PROACTIVELY MAINTAIN PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY DURING EXTREME WEATHER AND CLIMATE-RELATED EVENTS. Policies: • Secure funding to support the City’s climate adaptation efforts. • Conduct a Population Climate Vulnerability Assessment to outline priority vulnerabilities and identify available resources to strengthen community capacity to respond to climate change impacts. • Continue to work with Dakota County in updating the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan and partner to ensure essential needs of all residents are met during an emergency. • Designate appropriate facilities that will be made available to the public as community safe shelters and arrange for adequate provisions and backup power. Make air conditioned public facilities available to citizens dur ing poor air quality days and high heat days. Communicate with residents and commercial property owners on poor air quality days, highlighting steps for protecting health and mitigating local contributions to poor air quality. • Coordinate with emergency dispatch and first responders to address the specific concerns of residents who may be more vulnerable in each type of event. GOAL 9: THE CITY WILL PROMOTE SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS AND BUILD AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY OF CLIMATE RESILIENCE. Policies: • Strengthen working relationships with community organizations to support the most at-risk residents. • Conduct education and outreach with the community on the health impacts of air pollution, longer allergy seasons, extreme heat, water quality changes, and vector-borne disease. • Promote and report on the City’s sustainability and resilience projects and initiatives. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-5 • Educate residents regarding actions they can take to reduce their risk to extreme weather and climate-related events. • Review ordinances with respect to recreational fires and personal gas powered equipment and update as needed to protect and maintain healthy air quality. Energy Generation and Energy Consumption Local renewable energy resources are abundant and readily av ailable for economic capture. Renewable energy resources currently available in Mendota Heights include solar, with the potential to incorporate wind, biomass, geothermal, and efficiency resources (e.g. building improvements for energy efficiency). All of these resources should be evaluated for use at residential, private and community scale. Mendota Heights must set goals and policies that treat sustainable local energy resources as an economically valuable local resource. Strategies to reduce energy consumption must also be prioritized. A large portion of energy use and harmful emissions comes from automotive travel. Curbing dependency on automotive use, and particularly single-occupancy travel, has the potential to dramatically reduce consumption. Renewable Energy Efforts in Mendota Heights The City of Mendota Heights is committed to a resilient future, including promoting renewable energy where feasible. The City has existing code language supporting residential rooftop and ground-mounted solar development throughout the community. Although solar energy systems are allowed in all zoning districts, systems must be accessory to the primary land use. Large-scale commercial solar farms or gardens are not currently allowed in Mendota Heights. The ordinance also addresses building-integrated solar systems and passive solar energy systems. As stated in the goals for this chapter and emphasized in their code of ordinances, Mendota Heights supports the development of solar energy systems that result in a net gain in energy and do not have negative impacts on surrounding uses and surrounding solar access. This Plan also includes information on gross solar resources to provide data context to these recommendations. Gross and Rooftop Solar Resources The Metropolitan Council has calculated the gross and rooftop solar potential for the City of Mendota Heights to identify how much electricity could be generated using existing technology. The gross solar potential and gross solar rooftop potenti al are expressed in megawatt hours per year (Mwh/yr), and these estimates are based on the solar map for Mendota Heights. Developed areas with low building heights and open space areas have the highest potential for solar development in the City. Many of the developed neighborhoods and some natural areas in Mendota Heights do not have high gross solar potential due to existing tree cover. This gross development potential is included in Figure 8-2 below. Areas of high solar potential are also illustrated in Map 8-1 for reference. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-6 Figure 8-1 Figure 8-2 City Hall Solar Field – completed 2018 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-7 MAP 8-1 8-8 Active Transportation In our daily lives, a large portion of the energy we consume is a result of the way we move through our community. The mode of transportation in which we chose impacts the amount of energy we consume. By supporting alternative modes of transportation, the City helps to enable its citizens to make choices that reduce energy consumption. The utilization of modes of transportation that require less energy than single-occupancy automotive vehicles reduces dependency on finite resources and reduces emissions of greenhouse gasses. See the Transportation Chapter for more specific goals and policies. Food System Resilience The well-being of our residents is vital to long-term sustainability and prosperity of our community. Income, education, transportation, jobs and economic development, housing, land use, and the environment all influence our ability to access a healthy di et. Reliable access to affordable, healthy food can help reduce rates of preventable diseases, improve health, foster community, and support economic development. (Refer to Figure 8-3 below). Factors of Community Health Figure 8-3: Food Access Planning Guide, 2014. MN Food Charter. Local planning policies can reduce or reinforce structural barriers that prevent our food supply from being as healthy, equitable, affordable, and resilient as we would like it to be. By prioritizing policy initiatives at a local level that support a robust food infrastructure (see Food System Figure 8-4 below), Mendota Heights can help improve the quality of life for its residents and leave a legacy of health for future generations.1 1 Healthy Food Access: A View of the Landscape in Minnesota and Lessons Learned from Healthy Food Initiatives; Federal Reserve Bank MN & Wilder Research – April 2016; E. Rausch & P. Mattessich. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-9 What is the Food System? Figure 8-4: Food Access Planning Guide, 2014. MN Food Charter. Small Scale Production in Mendota Heights The City of Mendota Heights has an opportunity to build from established food system policy efforts, currently including: Keeping Chickens: The City of Mendota Heights permits residents to keep up to six female chickens for the purpose of individual egg production (§12-1D-3). The City’s code specifies coop and run requirements as well as guidance on proper care and the permitting process for domestic chickens on residential lots. Farming Operations: Existing farms are permitted in the City, with the exception of animal farming (§12-1D-8). Farmers may also sell products produced at an on-site farm stand. Access to Food Markets There are no grocery stores or supermarkets within the City of Mendota Heights. Although such markets exist in neighboring municipalities, access to those stores is largely dependent on the automobile. As the population ages, access via automobile becomes problematic. In order to maintain and improve access to food, the City may wish to encourage food sales at varied scales – from a large supermarket, to smaller farmers markets. Disposal of Food Waste and Organic Recycling The City of Mendota Heights participates in Dakota County’s curb-side recycling program and residents can opt-in to participating in the County’s organics drop off program in West St. Paul. Businesses are also eligible to participate in recycling programs with the County to further reduce waste in the City. As technology advances, the City will study the feasibility of introducing curb-side organic recycling programs as has been done in other municipalities to successfully reduce the amount of waste that travels to dump. Emergency Response Minnesota, Dakota County, and the City of Mendota Heights are already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate. Climate trends suggest that in the next 50 years we will experience increased precipitation, hotter summers, warmer and wetter winters, and more severe weather events. These changes can damage infrastructure, disrupt essential services, drain resources and impact a City’s capacity to respond to citizen’s needs. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-10 These climate changes are also expected to have substantial impacts on public health and emergency responders as a result. Direct impacts include increases in injuries and deaths attributed to extreme heat events, extreme weather events (e.g., floods), air pollutio n, and vector-borne and other infectious diseases (see Figure 8-1 below). Climate resilient communities can prevent the worst public health and economic impacts of climate change by effectively adapting the built environment to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Figure 8-5: Health Effects of Climate Change, 2016. Minnesota Department of Health. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-11 Many of the solutions to reducing impacts are already a part of our municipal government expertise. In many instances, responding to climate change does not require large scale changes to municipal operations, but simply requires adapting exiting plans and polices to incorporate knowledge about changing levels of risk across key areas such as public health, infrastructure planning and emergency management. Strategies which strengthen resilience in time of emergency also help communities thrive even more dur ing good times. Dakota County Hazard Mitigation Plan In 2016, Dakota County developed an All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan incorporated numerous cities and townships in Dakota County and was developed to identify and prepare for a variety of hazards such as flooding or tornadoes before they occur. The purpose of the plan is to reduce the loss of lives and property damage in the event of a hazard occurring in the area. The All-Hazard Mitigation Plan includes a list of goals, objectives and strategies for the county to better prepare and coordinate efforts for disasters. The goals of the plan include: 1. Reduce Hazard Risks and Impacts; 2. Build on Existing Efforts; and 3. Share Information and Raise Awareness This plan serves as a framework for managing public and private investment in the face of a changing climate and more severe storm events. Mendota Heights Emergency Operation Plan The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was written to ensure a coordinated, effective response by elected officials and city staff to disasters that create significant disruption and stress to community resources. The plan was written per state and federal law to describe proper management of a given emergency or disaster. The purpose of the plan is to: 1. Maximize the protection of life and property; 2. Stabilize incidents; 3. Effectively respond to an emergency or disaster; 4. Ensure the continuity of government and continuity of services; and 5. Provide recovery and restoration of services This framework is intended to account for resources and procedures that will allow for the effective response to an emergency or disaster. 8-1 8 Resilience In a general sense, the term resilience can be defined as the ability to recover from difficulties – the ability to return to a sense of normality. In the wake of climate change, our community’s resiliency will likely be challenged. This chapter outlines proactive strategies for mitigating the effects of climate change as well as reactive strategies for handling emergency services in the event of disaster. Mendota Height’s climate is changing, and the growing frequency and large-scale impact of severe weather events demonstrates the importance of building a foundation of resilient systems to meet ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. To build the foundation for a prosperous, equitable, and thriving community, resilient system development includes mitigation and adaptation approaches. According to the Metropolitan Council: ➢ Mitigation strategies focus on minimizing contributions to climate change. For example reducing energy use to curb greenhouse gas emissions. ➢ Adaptation strategies focus on how to change policies and practices to adjust to the effects of a changing climate. For example, opening cooling centers for residents during extreme heat events. Although Resilience is not a required element for the 2040 comprehensiv e plans in the region, Mendota Heights is committed to investing in resilience. Supporting resilience strategies will protect local and regional vitality for future generations by preserving our capacity to maintain and support our region’s well -being and productivity. Considerations of vulnerabilities in resilience strategies, and response to those vulnerabilities, will strengthen community preparedness and response to climate impacts. The Resilience update for Mendota Heights primarily focuses on goals and policies related to: • Climate action, • Resilient energy, and • Resilient food systems. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-2 Additional chapters within the Mendota Heights 2040 plan also contribute to building resilience in Mendota Heights, which include Land Use; Natural Resources; Parks and Trails; Transportation; and Economic Development. 8.01. Climate ActionHazard Mitigation Minnesota, Dakota County, and the City of Mendota Heights are already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate. Climate trends suggest that in the next 50 years we will experience increased precipitation, hotter summers, warmer and wetter winters, and more severe weather events. These changes can damage infrastructure, disrupt essential services, drain resources and impact a City’s capacity to respond to citizen’s needs. These climate changes are also expected to have substantial impacts on public health and emergency responders as a result. Direct impacts include , including increases in injuries and deaths attributed to extreme heat events, extreme weather events (e.g., floods), air pollution, and vector-borne and other infectious diseases (see Figure 8-1 below). Climate resilient communities can prevent the worst public health and economic impacts of climate change by effectively adapting the built environment to climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-3 Figure 8-1: Health Effects of Climate Change, 2016. Minnesota Department of Health. www.health.state.mn.us/divs/climatechange/climate101.html Many of the solutions to reducing impacts are already a part of our municipal government expertise. In many instances, responding to climate change does not require large scale changes to municipal operations, but simply requires adapting exiting plans and polices to incorporate knowledge about changing levels of risk across key areas such as public health, infrastructure planning and emergency management. Strategies which strengthen resilience in time of emergency also help communities thrive even more during good times. Climate Action Efforts in Mendota HeightsDakota County Hazard Mitigation Plan In 2016, Dakota County developed an All -Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan incorporated numerous cities and townships in Dakota County and was developed to identify and prepare for a variety of hazards such as flooding or tornadoes before they occur. The purpose of the plan is to reduce the loss of lives and property damage in the event of a hazard occurring in the area. The All-Hazard Mitigation Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-4 Plan includes a list of goals, objectives and strategies for the county to better prepare and coordinate efforts for disasters. The goals of the plan include: 1. Reduce Hazard Risks and Impacts; 2. Build on Existing Efforts; and 3. Share Information and Raise Awareness This plan serves as a framework for managing public and private investment in the face of a changing climate and more severe storm events. Mendota Heights Emergency Operation Plan The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was written to ensure a coordinated, effective response by elected officials and city staff to disasters that create significant disruption and stress to community resources. The plan was written per state and federal law to describe proper management of a given emergency or disaster. The purpose of the plan is to: 1. Maximize the protection of life and property; 2. Stabilize incidents; 3. Effectively respond to an emergency or disaster; 4. Ensure the continuity of government and continuity of services; and 5. Provide recovery and restoration of services This framework is intended to account for resources and procedures that will allow for the effective response to an emergency or disaster. 2040 Climate ActionHazard Mitigation Goals and Policies GOAL 8.1: The City will protect and maintain constructed systems that provide critical services. Policies: 8.3.1 Assess public buildings and sites for vulnerabilities to extreme weather and make improvements to reduce or prevent damage and sustain function. Increase the resilience of natural and built environment to more intense rain events and associated flooding 8.1.1 Improve the reliability of back-up energy for critical infrastructure. Support well-planned improvements to the private utility and communications networks that provide efficiency, security and needed redundancy. 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Actively work to decrease the urban heat island effect, especially in areas with populations most vulnerable to heat. GOAL 8.2: The City will proactively maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-related events. Policies: 8.2.1 Secure funding to support the City’s climate adaptation efforts. 8.2.2 Conduct a Population Climate Vulnerability Assessment to outline priority vulnerabilities and identify available resources to strengthen community capacity to respond to climate change impacts. 8.2.3 Continue to work with Dakota County in updating the All-Hazard Mitigation Plan and partner to ensure essential needs of all residents are met during an emergency. 8.3.2 Designate appropriate facilities that will be made available to the public as community safe shelters and arrange for adequate provisions and backup power. Make air conditioned public facilities available to citizens during poor air quality days and high heat days. Communicate with residents and commercial property owners on poor air quality days, highlighting steps for protecting health and mitigating local contributions to poor air quality. 8.2.4 8.2.58.2.1 Educate residents regarding actions they can take to reduce their risk to extreme weather and climate-related events. 8.2.68.2.5 Coordinate with emergency dispatch and first responders to address the specific concerns of residents who may be more vulnerable in each type of event. Commented [PJ3]: Combined with 8.1.2 Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25" Commented [PJ4]: Game time Commented [PJ5]: Moved to 8.4 (Social aspect) Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-6 GOAL 8.3: The City will prepare infrastructure and services to respond to climate-related public health impacts. Policies: 8.3.28.3.1 Make air conditioned public facilities available to citizens during poor air quality days and high heat days. Communicate with residents and commercial property owners on poor air quality days, highlighting steps for protecting health and mitigating local contributions to poor air quality. 8.3.38.3.1 Review ordinances with respect to recreational fires and personal gas powered equipment and update as needed to protect and maintain healthy air quality. 8.3.4 Increase tree canopy in areas with low coverage, areas with high heat vulnerability and areas exposed to more vehicle exhaust. Actively work to decrease the urban heat island effect, especially in areas with populations most vulnerable to heat. 8.3.58.3.1 Increase the resilience of natural and built environment to more intense rain events and associated flooding GOAL 8.4: The City will promote social connectedness and build an engaged community of climate resilience. Policies: 8.4.1 Strengthen working relationships with community organizations to support the most at-risk residents. 8.4.2 Conduct education and outreach with the community on the health impacts of air pollution, longer allergy seasons, extreme heat, water quality changes, and vector-borne disease. 8.4.3 Promote and report on the City’s sustainability and resilience projects and initiatives. 8.4.4 Educate residents regarding actions they can take to reduce their risk to extreme weather and climate-related events. 8.4.5 Review ordinances with respect to recreational fires and personal gas powered equipment and update as needed to protect and maintain healthy air quality. Commented [PJ6]: Combined with 8.2.4 (facilities open to public during event) Commented [PJ7]: Moved to 8.4 (Social aspects) Commented [PJ8]: Combined with 8.1.1 (prepare buildings for events) Commented [PJ9]: This section combined with others, mostly prep 8.1 Commented [PJ10]: Engagement Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25" Commented [PJ11]: Goals moved to beginning of chapter to keep plan formatting Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-7 8.4.38.4.6 8.02. Resilient Energy Generation and Consumption Local renewable energy resources are abundant and readily available for economic capture. Renewable energy resources currently available in Mendota Heights include solar, with the potential to incorporate wind, biomass, geothermal, and efficiency resources (e.g. building improvements for energy efficiency). All of these resources should be evaluated for use at residential, private and community scale. Mendota Heights must set goals and policies that treat sustainable local energy resources as an economically valuable local resource. Strategies to reduce energy consumption including alternative modes of transportation must be initiated. Renewable Energy Efforts in Mendota Heights The City of Mendota Heights is committed to a resilient future, including promoting renewable energy where feasible. The City has existing code language supporting residential rooftop and ground-mounted solar development throughout the community. Although solar energy systems are allowed in all zoning districts, systems must be accessory to the primary land use. Large-scale commercial solar farms or gardens are not currently allowed in Mendota Heights. The ordinance also addresses building-integrated solar systems and passive solar energy systems. As stated in the goals for this chapter and emphasized in their code of ordinances, Mendota Heights supports the development of solar energy systems that result in a net gain in energy and do not have negative impacts on surrounding uses and surrounding solar access. This Plan also includes information on gross solar resources to provide data context to these recommendations. Gross and Rooftop Solar Resources The Metropolitan Council has calculated the gross and rooftop solar potential f or the City of Mendota Heights to identify how much electricity could be generated using existing technology. The gross solar potential and gross solar rooftop potential are expressed in megawatt hours per year (Mwh/yr), and these estimates are based on the solar map for Mendota Heights. Developed areas with low building heights and open space areas have the highest potential for solar development in the City. Many of the developed neighborhoods and some natural areas in Mendota Heights do not have high gross solar potential due to existing tree cover. This gross development potential is included in Figure 8-2 below. Areas of high solar potential are also illustrated in Map 8-1 for reference. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-8 Figure 8-2 City Hall Solar Field – completed 2018 Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-9 MAP 8-1 8-10 Alternative Transportation In our daily lives, a large portion of the energy we consume i s a result of the way we move through our community. The mode of transportation in which we chose impacts the amount of energy we use. By supporting alternative modes of transportation, the City helps to enable its citizens to make choices that reduce energy consumption. The utilization of modes of transportation that require less energy than single-occupancy automotive vehicles reduces dependency on finite resources and reduces emissions of greenhouse gasses . See the Transportation Chapter for specific goals and policies. 2040 Resilient Energy Generation and Consumption Goals and Policies GOAL 8.5: The City will continue to support, plan for, and encourage the use of solar energy as a renewable energy source. Policies: 8.5.1 Consider modification of existing ordinances to protect access of direct sunlight to rooftops of all principal structures. 8.5.2 Encourage developers to establish covenants that do not restrict the development and use of active and/or passive solar energy systems. 8.5.3 Encourage the installation of solar energy system options, for space heating and cooling and hot water heating in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. 8.5.4 Enforce zoning regulations to ensure that new lots in the city offer proper solar orientation. 8.5.5 Encourage residential solar development that complies with the City’s zoning code. 8.5.6 Consider a site-specific solar energy capacity study for industrial and/or commercial sites to identify the most beneficial placement for solar Photo-Voltaic (PV) development. Use the study as the basis of outreach to the owners of the top sites, educating them on the opportunities and benefits of installing solar. 8.5.7 Provide information on grants and incentives for alternative energy, for example, in city communications. Commented [PJ12]: Goals here should cover (1) Energy Generation, and (2) Reducing Consumption Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-11 GOAL 8.6: The City will adopt climate mitigation and/or energy independence goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Policies: 8.6.1 Explore and investigate means to track city vehicles and facility emissions to formulate a baseline and establish greenhouse gas reduction goals every 5 to 10 years to assure progress in City emission reductions. 8.6.2 Collaborate regionally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, begin the application process to the Minnesota Green Step Cities Program by 2020, with the goal of achieving step five by 2030. Track and share progress with residents and businesses to encourage civic innovation and reduce energy use. 8.6.3 Lower city-wide transportation-related emissions by encouraging alternative fuel stations, electric vehicle charging stations, and supporting infrastructure at commercial sites, office sites, parking ramps and residential sites. GOAL 8.7: The City will support long-range planning efforts to build the community’s renewable energy portfolio and maximize the benefits o f renewable energy development. Policies: 8.7.1 Continue to support existing renewable energy policies and programs, including the alternative energy systems ordinance (§12-1D-18). 8.7.2 Identify strategies in leveraging economic opportunities in the Green Economy and emerging renewable energy field. 8.7.3 Support mass transit goals as detailed in Transportation Section 3. 8.7.4 Support housing options along transit corridors as a strategy for reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. 8.7.38.7.5 Prioritize infrastructure improvements that support walking and biking as an integral part of the transportation system. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-12 8.02. A Resilient Food System The well-being of our residents is vital to long-term sustainability and prosperity of our community. Despite Minnesota’s reputation of being a diverse and rich agricultural state, not everyone has access to healthy and affordable food. Minnesota ranks 7th lowest in access to healthy foods and is second only to Texas for the worst access in rural areas.1 Income, education, transportation, jobs and economic development, housing, land use, and the environment all influence our ability to access a healthy diet. Reliable access to affordable, healthy food can help reduce rates of preventable diseases, improve health, foster community, and support economic development. (Refer to Figure 8-3 below). Factors of Community Health Figure 8-3: Food Access Planning Guide, 2014. MN Food Charter. http://mnfoodcharter.com/wp- content/uploads/2014/10/FAPG_PlanGuide_D9_LINKS_LR.pdf Local planning policies can reduce or reinforce structural barriers that prevent our food supply from being as healthy, equitable, affordable, and resilient as we would like it to be. By prioritizing policy initiatives at a local level that support a robust food infrastructure (see Food System Figure 8-4 below), Mendota Heights can help improve the quality of life for its residents and leave a legacy of health for future generations. 1 Healthy Food Access: A View of the Landscape in Minnesota and Lessons Learned from Healthy Food Initiatives; Federal Reserve Bank MN & Wilder Research – April 2016; E. Rausch & P. Mattessich. Commented [PJ13]: Goals in this section should cover (1) small scale production, farmers markets, (2) land use around, and access to supermarkets, and (3) waste control and organic recycling Commented [PJ14]: Deleted because ranking largely based on food access in rural areas Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-13 What is the Food System? Figure 8-4: Food Access Planning Guide, 2014. MN Food Charter. http://mnfoodcharter.com/wp- content/uploads/2014/10/FAPG_PlanGuide_D9_LINKS_LR.pdf Food System EffortsSmall Scale Food Production in Mendota Heights The City of Mendota Heights participates in Dakota County’s curb-side recycling program and residents can opt-in to participating in the County’s organics drop off program in West St. Paul. Businesses are also eligible to participate in recycling programs with the County to further reduce waste in the City. The City of Mendota Heights has an opportunity to build from established food system policy efforts, currently including: • Keeping Chickens: The City of Mendota Heights permits residents to keep up to six female chickens for the purpose of individual egg production (§12- 1D-3). The City’s code specifies coop and run requirements as well as guidance on proper care and the permitting process for domestic chickens on residential lots. • Farming Operations: Existing farms are permitted in the City, with the exception of animal farming (§12-1D-8). Farmers may also sell products produced at an on-site farm stand. Access to Food Markets There are no grocery stores or supermarkets within the City of Mendota Heights. Although such markets exist in neighboring municipalities, access to those stores is largely dependent on the automobile. As the population ages, access via automobile becomes problematic. Disposal of Food Waste and Organic Recycling The City of Mendota Heights participates in Dakota County’s curb-side recycling program and residents can opt-in to participating in the County’s organics drop off program in West St. Paul. Businesses are also eligible to participate in recycling programs with the County to further reduce waste in the City. As technology Commented [PJ15]: Moved to Waste and Recycling section below Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-14 advances, the City will study the feasibility of introducing curb-side organic recycling programs as has been done in other municipalities in efforts to reduce waste. Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-15 2040 Food System Goals and Policies GOAL 8.8: The City will explore opportunities to support land use guidance and regulations to support practices that integrate healthy food production in residential settings improve local household’s proximity to healthy food and support food-related businesses and activities. Policies: 8.8.1 Review and update regulations governing food processing businesses, such as commercial kitchens, flash freezing businesses, and small scale home kitchen businesses, to increase business growth. 8.8.2 Support the development of a City of Mendota Heights Farmers Market as an accessible and reliable source for local, healthy food. 8.8.3 Support innovative local food production solutions such as aquaponics, hydroponics, indoor agriculture, backyard gardening and composting, community gardens, and urban farming, where appropriate. 8.8.4 Encourage edible and pollinator-friendly landscapes on residential properties. GOAL 8.9: The City will support practices that integrate healthy food production in residential settings. Policies 8.9.1 Support innovative local food production solutions such as aquaponics, hydroponics, indoor agriculture, backyard gardening and composting, community gardens, and urban farming, where appropriate. 8.9.28.9.1 Encourage edible and pollinator-friendly landscapes on residential properties. GOAL 8.10: The City will support strategies and innovations that improve flexibility, mobility, and affordability of connecting people to healthy food. Policies 8.10.1 Consider a Food Security Assessment to determine and monitor food insecurity conditions within Mendota Heights, target areas within the City for improvement, and identify detailed strategies to increase food security within the City. Commented [PJ16]: Combined with 8.10 (connecting with larger markets) Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25" Commented [PJ17]: Moved to 8.8 (local food production) Commented [PJ18]: This section combined with 8.8 (smaller markets/local food production) Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan Draft December 2018 8-16 8.10.2 Incorporate access to healthy food sources as part of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure planning. 8.10.28.10.3 Continue to work with the Metropolitan Council and Metro Transit to improve transit service to food markets from Mendota Heights and prioritize housing along transit corridors. 8.10.4 Support innovative practices such as mobile food markets and mobile food pantries/food shelves that can bring food closer to under - resourced residents. GOAL 8.11: Promote responsible waste disposal and study feasibility of improving systems that encourage residents to make responsible decision s. 8.10.1 Promote use of County Organics drop-off station. 8.10.2 Study feasibility of organics pick-up in the years to come as technology advances and is more readily available 8.10.3 Educate on and support back-yard composting in efforts to reduce waste Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial, Font color: Text 1 Formatted: Font color: Auto Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", Outline numbered + Level: 3 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.63" + Indent at: 1.13" Formatted: Font: (Default) Arial