NRC Packet 05.11.2022CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Wednesday, May 11, 2022- 6:00 P.M.
Mendota Heights City Hall-Council Chambers
AGENDA
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Pledge of Allegiance
4.New Business
a.Commission Introductions
b.Commission Orientation
c.Comprehensive Plan: Chapter 7 Overview
5.Staff Announcements
6.Commission Comments
7.Adjourn
Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available 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. This may not, however, be possible on
short notice. Please contact City Administration at 651-452-1850.
Guidelines for Citizen Comment Period: The Citizen Comments section of the agenda provides an opportunity for the public to
address the commission on items which are not on the agenda. All are welcome to speak.
Comments should be directed to the Chair. Comments will be limited to 5 minutes per person and topic; presentations which
are longer than five minutes will need to be scheduled with the Recreation Program Coordinator to appear on a future Parks
and Recreation commission agenda. Comments should not be repetitious.
Citizen comments may not be used to air personal attacks, to air personality grievances, to make political endorsements, or for
political campaign purposes. Commissioners will not enter into a dialogue with citizens, nor will any decisions be made at that
presentation.
Questions from the Commission will be for clarification only. Citizen comments will not be used as a time for problem solving or
reacting to the comments made, but rather for hearing the citizen for information only. If appropriate, the Chair may assign
staff for follow up to the issues raised.
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DATE: May 11th, 2022
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Kelly Torkelson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Commission Introductions
Background
The Natural Resources Commission has a rich variety of perspectives and experience in different areas of
Natural Resources. To begin the work of the Commission, staff will lead the commission through an
introductory exercise to introduce all the members to one another.
The City Council has appointed the following residents with the following terms to the Natural
Resources Commission:
Rosemary Husbands Term Expires 2023
Will Stein Term Expires 2023
Rachel Quick Term Expires 2024
Ted McCaslin Term Expires 2024
Sean Fahnhorst Term Expires 2025
Nissa Tupper Term Expires 2025
Heidi Swank Term Expires 2025
Requested Action
Informational Only.
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DATE: May 11th, 2022
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Kelly Torkelson, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Commission Orientation
Background
Congratulations to all the commission members on being appointed to the first ever Mendota Heights
Natural Resources Commission. As we work to spin up the commission, we want to start our work with
an orientation process that will include introductions, team building, review of roles and responsibilities
of the commission, how the commission’s work will integrate with other commissions and that of the
City Council, and the development of the commission’s work plan. This foundation is important to set
before the commission develops a workplan and assigns chair positions. The Natural Resource
Commission will build off of existing work that has already been done by the city regarding Natural
Resources. Staff anticipate that the first three meetings of the commission will be work session
structure. These meetings will be designed to facilitate learning, discussion, and by the third meeting,
the creation of the commission work plan and identifying chair and vice chair roles.
This first meeting, staff will be leading the commission through commissioner orientation. Included in
your packet is the City’s Board and Commission orientation packet. We will walk through this training in
depth to ensure there is clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the commission as well
as procedural guidelines such as Roberts Rules of Order which guide the structure of formal actions by
the commission.
Requested Action
Informational Only.
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 572
AN ORDINANCE ADDING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 5, OF THE CITY CODE OF THE
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA, CONCERNING ESTABLISHING A
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
The City Council of the City of Mendota Heights, Minnesota, does hereby ordain:
Section 1. COMMISSION ESTABLISHED
The Natural Resources Commission for the city is hereby established.
Section 2. COMPOSITION; APPOINTMENT; TERMS OF OFFICE:
The Natural Resources Commission shall consist of seven (7) residents of the city, appointed by the
mayor with the consent of the majority of the members of the city council. The members shall serve terms
of three (3) years. The terms shall be staggered so that terms of two (2) members shall expire each year.
No member shall be appointed to more than three (3) consecutive full terms. A member appointed to fill
an unexpired term on the commission may be appointed to serve three (3) consecutive terms after
completing the unexpired term, but in no case shall the individual serve more than eleven (11)
consecutive years. The term limits imposed in this section apply to service on the Natural Resources
Commission and shall not be deemed to restrict an individual from being appointed to a different city
commission after completing three (3) or fewer consecutive terms on the Natural Resources Commission.
Council may, in its discretion, appoint an individual who has already completed three (3) terms on the
commission, but in no case shall the appointment be effective until twelve (12) months after that
individual has completed his/her third term.
Section 3. OFFICERS:
The first meeting of each year shall be an organizational meeting at which the commission shall elect a
chairperson and a vice chairperson from among its members. The terms of such officers shall be for a
period of one year.
Section 4. VACANCIES IN OFFICE:
A. Causes For Vacancy: Any of the following may cause the office of a member to become vacated:
1. Death;
2. Disability or failure to serve, as shown by failure to attend four (4) regularly scheduled
meetings in any one calendar year;
3. Removal of residence from the city;
4. Resignation in writing; or
5. Behavior deemed inappropriate by the city council.
B. Filling Vacancies: Vacancies shall be filled as soon as possible for the unexpired portion of the
term by the mayor with the consent of the majority of the members of the city council.
Section 5. MEETINGS; PROCEDURES; RECORDS:
The commission shall hold at least one meeting each month at a time regularly established and approved
by the city council and may add additional special meetings if necessary to conduct its business. The
commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions,
transactions and findings, which record shall be maintained as a public record. The commission shall
submit to the city council a true and correct copy of all of its minutes, recommendations and other reports.
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Ord 572 Page 2 of 2
Section 6. POWERS AND DUTIES:
The Natural Resources Commission shall:
A. Advise the city council on matters pertaining to Natural Resources, sustainability, environmental
and climate stewardship, and opportunities for the advancement of those areas including
recommending policies and initiatives that enhance and preserve natural resources within Mendota
Heights.
B. If requested by the City Council, will prepare and assess plans, policies, goals, and ordinances for
the acquisition, enhancement, or preservation of natural resources in the City of Mendota Heights.
Section 7. COMPENSATION:
The members of the Natural Resources Commission shall be paid a stipend for each meeting they attend.
The stipend amount is set by the city council.
This Ordinance shall be in effect from and after the date of its passage and publication.
Adopted and ordained into an Ordinance this 2nd day of February, 2022.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Stephanie Levine, Mayor
ATTEST
___________________________
Lorri Smith, City Clerk
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City of Mendota Heights
City Official
Orientation and Training
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Table of Contents
1. Types of Meetings................................................................................................................1
2. The Meeting Agenda............................................................................................................2
3. Meeting Procedures/Parliamentary Procedure .....................................................................3
4. The Record of the Meeting ..................................................................................................6
5. Roles and Responsibilities of Elected and Appointed Officials ..........................................7
6. Governing Documents ........................................................................................................8
7. Open Meeting Law ..............................................................................................................9
8. Gift Law .............................................................................................................................11
9. Conflicts of Interest and Abstaining ..................................................................................12
10. Government Data Practices Act/Retention of Data ...........................................................13
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1. TYPES OF MEETINGS
A. Regular city council meetings.
1. Purpose. The purpose of the regular city council meeting is to have the city council
consider, discuss, and take action on decisions facing the city government to serve the
public good.
2. Schedule. City council meetings are scheduled twice each month. However, city
council meetings cannot be held on public holidays. The city council can schedule
additional meetings as long as the meeting is posted 72 hours (3 days) prior to its
being held. Emergency meetings can be held with “reasonably practicable” notice.
B. City council work sessions.
1. Purpose. The purpose of city council work sessions is to provide councilmembers
with an informal opportunity to learn about and discuss topics without formal
procedures or making decisions. The work session is designed only for
councilmember discussion with information provided from the staff, consultants, or
invited presenters.
2. Format: The format is generally around a table with the City Administrator and other
presenters and staff as suits the topic.
C. Planning Commission
1. Purpose. The purpose of regular planning commission meetings is to have the
commission perform studies and investigations on general planning matters including
zoning, platting and transportation. The commission reviews all planning applications
and recommends approval or denial based on conformance with zoning regulations
and the city's comprehensive plan.
2. Schedule. The planning commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month at
7:00 p.m.
D. Parks and Recreation Commission
1. Purpose. The parks and recreation commission advises the City Council on matters
pertaining to parks and recreation programs. It makes recommendations relating to
the acquisition, development and improvement of the city's parks and recreational
facilities and advises the Council on the establishment of written rules and regulations
for the use and management of city parks.
2. Schedule. The parks and recreation commission meets the second Tuesday of each
month, unless otherwise noted. Meetings begin at 6:30pm and are held at City Hall.
E. Airport Relations Commission
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1.Purpose. The Airport Relations Commission (ARC) advises and makes
recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to airport noise and
operations at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The commission monitors
proposed rules, procedures and programs which impact air noise within the city and
makes recommendations regarding strategies to mitigate the city's air noise exposure.
2.Schedule. The airport relations commission meets on the 3rd Wednesday of odd-
numbered months, unless otherwise noted. Meetings begin at 6:00pm and are held at
City Hall.
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2.THE MEETING AGENDA
A.Purpose of the Agenda.
The agenda is how the city council or commissions do the business that it was elected or
appointed to do. Meetings are not designed to be town forums or public meetings on topics of
interest or to gather input on topics that citizens may raise.
B.Putting Items on the Agenda.
Most items are city business and typically come through regular staff channels and are
put on the agenda by the City Administrator.
1.The consent agenda is an efficiency tool in which the council or a commission vote
on multiple items at once. The consent agenda is for routine or non-controversial
items that should not require public discussion to make a decision. If a
councilmember wants to discuss a consent item it can come off the consent agenda
and go to the regular agenda upon request by the councilmember.
2.Councilmembers may put items on the agenda by notifying the City Administrator.
3.Commission members may request staff to review items for possible inclusion on an
agenda.
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3.MEETING PROCEDURES / PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
A.Quorum
A quorum must be present in person at a meeting in order to do business. If there is not a
quorum, the Mayor or chair must state that there is no meeting and no discussion of public
business may occur.
B.Votes Needed to Make a Decision
1.Simple majority is the typical rule. In most cases, a simple majority vote of the body
(not a simple majority of a quorum) is required for the approval of any item of
business.
2.Supermajority votes of a city council may be required under state law for certain
issues. State law requires a supermajority as follows:
a.a 4/5 vote (4 of 5 members) to order a public infrastructure improvement when
less than 35% of affected owners have petitioned for the improvement
b.a 2/3 vote (4 of 5 members) to amend the comprehensive plan except an
amendment to allow affordable housing development which requires a simple
majority vote.
c.a 2/3 vote (4 of 5 members) to rezone from residential to commercial use
d.a 4/5 vote (4 of 5 members) to pass a summary publication ordinance, which
permits a summary of an ordinance to be published rather than a lengthy
ordinance, which may contain maps or diagrams, making it difficult to publish a
full version.
C.Procedures at a Meeting.
The mayor or chair presides over the meeting. The best and most efficient meetings do
not overtly rely heavily on parliamentary procedure to organize and manage them. But the
underlying foundation of these principles is used throughout public meeting processes. Here are
some general Parliamentary Procedures:
1.The body must conduct the meeting in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order and
in accordance with the Mendota Heights City Code.
2.The presiding officer is responsible for controlling procedure and preserving order in
meetings.
3.For the city council, appeals to the mayor’s ruling are permitted by a councilmember.
Mendota Heights City Code § 1-5-3(B)(2).
a.The appeal must be seconded.
b.The member may speak once on the question involved, the mayor may explain
his/her ruling, and then a vote must be taken without further discussion.
c.The appeal is sustained if passed by a majority exclusive of the mayor.
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D.Motions
Please review a summary of the most commonly used motions, such as: main motion,
motion to amend, motion to table, motion to postpone to a definite time, motion to postpone
indefinitely, and motion to call the question (end debate).
TYPE OF MOTION DESCRIPTION DEBATABLE?
Motion to Table This motion is made when a
member wishes to
temporarily postpone a
matter.
No.
Motion to Remove from
Table
This motion is made when a
member wants to remove
item from the table (i.e. an
item that was temporarily
postponed). If the item is not
removed from the table, it is
considered dead.
No.
Motion to Postpone to
Definite Time
This motion is made when a
member knows the date and
time s/he wishes to postpone
a matter.
Debatable
only as to
whether
postponement
is appropriate.
Motion to Postpone
Indefinitely
If made, this motion kills the
main motion.
It is fully
debatable (in
conjunction
with the
merits of the
main motion).
Motion to Call the Question
(i.e. End Debate)
If made this motion ends
debate on a particular matter.
It is not
debatable, but
it does require
a 2/3 vote to
pass.
E.Public Input.
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Time is provided for the hearing of citizens at each regular meeting of the council; this is
done in two ways:
1.Public open forum for anything not on the agenda or on the consent agenda (5
minutes)
2.At public hearings
The mayor and council may limit this time within reason, especially if a group becomes
repetitive on a topic, and the mayor wishes to minimize this. Members should not debate or
discuss an issue with a citizen but rather, simply receive the information. If it is a
straightforward question, the City Administrator can be directed to have a staff member answer
the question individually with the inquirer, or if desired, to answer it at the meeting. It is
important to listen to and to treat citizens respectfully but not to engage them as though they
were members of the city council. The mayor and councilmembers must respect citizens and
each other's right to speak, but the city council can require that the input be stated respectfully.
F.Public hearing procedures.
1.The presiding officer will open the hearing by identifying the subject.
2.Any material to be entered into the record will be read during the first part of the
hearing.
3.Staff Presentation. Staff will give a presentation on the subject.
4.Applicant's Presentation, if needed (many have no interest in speaking if the topic is
handled by the staff).
5.Questions of Clarifications from members.
6.Public Input. The public will have the opportunity to speak for or against the issue.
The public may ask questions, make comments, voice support, agree, or disagree with
the issue.
a.The presiding officer will recognize speaker at podium.
b.At the podium, the citizen must give their name, address (please keep in mind that
a Safe at Home participant – domestic violence victims – are not required to state
their address), and if representing a business, must give the name of the business
or corporation. If an attorney or consultant is representing a client, the client must
be identified for the record.
c.Citizens will generally be allowed to speak a maximum of 3 minutes per item.
However, a citizen may speak more than once on a topic provided everyone has
had an opportunity to speak and the person is recognized by the Chair.
d.Citizens who have material to be handed out to members will pass the material to
the Clerk. The Clerk will then pass the information to the appropriate people.
7.Motion to Close Hearing. The Chair will state if there is an extension of time for public
input into the hearing. If not, the public hearing will be adjourned.
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4. THE RECORD OF THE MEETING
A. Minutes.
The minutes of a public body are not a transcription of the proceedings of the meeting.
Because council meetings and some other commission meetings are videotaped, meeting minutes
need only briefly state what transpired at the meeting. Minutes should include:
1. Time and place of the meeting
2. Members present
3. Summary of all decisions made
4. Who moved and seconded each item
5. Who voted for and against each item
6. Names of all persons other than members who spoke at the meeting and subject on
which they spoke
B. Recordings.
City council meetings are videotaped/recorded and broadcast to the public. Anyone who
wants a complete record of the proceedings may review the tape of the meeting.
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5. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ELECTED AND APPOINTED
OFFICIALS
A. City Council
Authority of the City Council is different than the authority of a city council member.
The council acts as a whole (or by the required majority). No individual member has any
authority to act on behalf of the city. Each member has a fiduciary obligation to the city. While
most city business is open and public, members should keep confidences such as information
shared at lawfully closed sessions.
B. City Administrator
Appointed by the City Council to serve as the city's chief administrative officer, the City
Administrator is responsible for handling day-to-day oversight of city operations. The City
Administrator provides direction for all city departments in accordance with the goals and
policies established by the City Council.
C. Committees and Commissions
The city council has committees and commissions assigned to provide advice to the city
council on various topics. Like city councilmembers, one member of a board or commission
cannot represent the entire board or commission and cannot represent the city council's position
on a topic unless the city council has deemed it appropriate.
D. City Attorney.
If an individual member has a question about a legal matter, the city attorney provides
guidance. The city attorney is available to help but does not represent any individual member’s
opinion or decision.
F. City staff.
The staff directly serves as the staff to committees and commissions by gathering
information and helping accomplish the activities that are being recommended and approved.
The committee and commission members are quite active in providing advice, information and
ideas, but ultimately it is the staffs’ responsibility to be sure that all the information is available
that is needed and that the project, once approved, is moving forward.
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6.GOVERNING DOCUMENT: CITY CODE.
The City Code is the book of laws of the city. Specific city code sections are also referred
to as “ordinances” (e.g. – zoning ordinance; subdivision ordinance). The City Code provides the
substantive rules that apply within the City. New code provisions are adopted, and old code
provisions amended, by the council’s passage of an ordinance. But note – not all ordinances
passed by council end up in the City Code.
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7. OPEN MEETING LAW
A. Open Meetings.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §§ 13D.01 - 13D.07, almost all meetings of the city
council, city commissions, and city committees must be open to the public. A meeting exists
when a quorum of the city council, a city commission, or a city committee is together and:
1. Make a decision concerning city business; or
2. Discuss city business; or
3. Obtain information on city business.
Be wary of serial communications: do not use the “reply all” function in emails. If a discussion is
had via social media, that discussion must be open for participation by the public.
Text Messages and Other Electronic Communication. Serial communication occurs when one
member consults another, who consults another, and so forth. This is not permitted under the
Open Meeting Law. One of the main goals of the Open Meeting Law is to ensure that
deliberations take place in a public setting. It is not advisable to substantively discuss City
matters via text message even with one other member. Text messaging and/or other electronic
communication to other members during a meeting about City matters is also not permitted.
Deliberations and discussions must occur in a public forum.
B. Notice Requirements.
The City Council must give the following notices:
1. A schedule of the regular meetings shall be kept on file at the Council’s primary
offices. Regularly scheduled meetings on your adopted meeting schedule require no
additional notice.
2. Special meetings require mailed & posted or published notice at least three days
before the day of the meeting.
3. Emergency meetings - as soon as reasonably practicable.
C. Closed Meetings.
Notice of the meeting is required stating why the meeting will be closed and the subject
of the meeting. The meeting is still recorded. Closed meetings are allowed in limited
circumstances:
1. Labor negotiations.
2. Pending litigation.
3. Preliminary consideration of charges against an employee.
4. Evaluation of a person subject to its authority.
5. To determine the asking price of property being sold.
6. To review confidential appraisal data.
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7. To develop counteroffers for the purchase or sale of property.
8. To discuss active investigative data.
9. If it would identify victims or reporters of criminal sexual conduct, domestic abuse,
or maltreatment of minors.
D. Penalties.
If a court finds that an individual intentionally violated this open meeting law, penalties
include:
1. Individual fine of $300.00 per occurrence for an intentional violation, which may not
be paid by the City.
2. Three intentional violations in three separate actions can result in removal from
office.
3. Additional costs and attorney's fees may be imposed up to $13,000.00. The City may
pay this amount.
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8.GIFT LAW
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 471.895, "An interested person may not give a gift or request
another to give a gift to a local official. A local official may not accept a gift from an interested
person."
•“Local Official” means an elected or appointed official of a city.
•“Interested Person” means a person who has a direct financial interest in a decision
that a local official is authorized to make.
•“Gift” means money, real or personal property, a service or loan, forgiving a debt or a
promise of future employment without the giver being paid equal value.
Exceptions include:
•campaign contributions
•plaques or mementos recognizing service
•trinket or memento of insignificant value
•food if you appear to make a speech
•gifts given because of your membership in a group, a majority of whose members are
not local officials
•gifts by a member of your family
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9. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
A. Contracts.
Under Minn. Stat. § 471.87, with limited exceptions, a member may not have a personal
financial interest in a sale, lease, or contract with the City. This law applies to all public officers
who are "authorized to take part in any manner in making any sale, lease, or contract in official
capacity." Exceptions and special approval procedure may be available in a given fact situation.
Simply abstaining from voting is not enough. Violation of this prohibition is a crime.
B. Non-Contracts.
The general rule is that any official who has a personal financial interest in a non-contract
action is disqualified from participating in the action. Courts evaluate certain factors to determine
when a conflict requires disqualification. These include:
• the nature of the decision being made
• the nature of the financial interest
• the number of interested officials
• the need, if any, for the interested official to make the decision
• other means available, if any, such as an opportunity for review of the decision, that
serves to insure that the officials will not act arbitrarily to further their selfish
interests.
C. Best Practice.
If you have an actual or potential financial interest in a decision to be made, disclose the
conflict, abstain from voting, and do not participate in the discussion. If you have any concerns,
discuss them with the city attorney. Avoid even the appearance of a conflict.
D. Abstaining.
Abstaining means to refrain from a vote. In this case, a member of a body would be present at
the meeting but would not partake in discussion or voting of the issue before the body.
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10. GOVERNMENT DATA PRACTICES ACT / RETENTION OF DATA
A. Use and Retention of Government Data
1. General The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes Chapter
13, controls how government data is collected, created, maintained, and released.
“Government data” includes all data collected, created, received, maintained, or
disseminated by the City. In the course of their duties council members and board
and commission members may receive private, confidential, nonpublic and protected
nonpublic data. For convenience, all such data will be referred to herein as “private
data.” Council members and commission members may only maintain and
disseminate private data in accordance with this policy and the Minnesota
Government Data Practices Act.
2. Dissemination Policy City council members and commission members may
generally disseminate private data only to other city council members and
commission members, respectively, to the city attorney, and to staff members who
have the need for such information in conjunction with their official duties. Any
question about what is “private data” or its dissemination should be directed to the
Responsible Authority designated by the city council or to the city attorney.
3. Retention Policy City council and commission members should only retain private
data when needed to fulfill their official duties. When it is no longer needed, the data
should be returned to the city clerk or, if there is a copy that is not part of the city
records, shredded. Upon leaving office, city council and commission members must
shred or return all private data to the city clerk.
B. Classifications of Government Data.
The law classifies data into 3 different types:
1. Public Data.
a. Anyone gets it.
b. Cannot ask who they are.
c. Cannot ask why they want it.
2. Private Data.
a. Not accessible to the public.
b. Is accessible to subject of the data and, if the subject is a minor, by parent.
c. Accessible to city staff with on a need to know.
3. Confidential Data.
a. Not available to public.
b. Not available to subject of the data.
c. Available to city staff with a need to know.
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The classification of government data depends on what kind of data it is. Stamping
something “confidential,” “secret,” or “private” makes no difference. It does not matter whether
the data is kept in your office or at your home.
There is a presumption under the law that all government data is public data. Of course,
there are many exceptions.
Examples of public data include:
•Draft of city council minutes before they are approved.
•Salaries and benefits of city employees.
•Final disposition of any disciplinary action together with specific reasons
Examples of private data include:
•Telephone numbers of city employees. Telephone numbers of residents is, however,
generally public data
•Addresses of city employees.
•Photographs of city employees.
•Name of applicant until finalists.
•Most records relating to juvenile offenses.
•Security information.
•Trade secrets.
Examples of confidential data include:
•Data collected for an active civil or criminal investigation data.
•Internal auditing data until final report released.
•Appraisals.
•Data in arrest warrant index.
•The identities of individuals who complain about the use or condition of property
C.Data on Elected and Appointed Officials
Subdivision 1. Financial disclosure statements. Required financial disclosure statements of
elected or appointed officials which, are filed with the political subdivision, are public data on
individuals.
Subd. 2. Correspondence. Correspondence between private citizens and elected officials is
private data on individuals, but may be made public by either the sender or the recipient.
Correspondence with City Staff is generally public data.
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Subd. 3. Applicants for appointment.
(a) Data about applicants for appointment to a public body collected by a government
entity as a result of the applicant's application for appointment to the public body are
private data on individuals except that the following are public:
(1) name;
(2) city of residence, except when the appointment has a residency requirement that
requires the entire address to be public;
(3) education and training;
(4) employment history;
(5) volunteer work;
(6) awards and honors;
(7) prior government service; and
(8) any data required to be provided or that is voluntarily provided in an application
for appointment to a multimember agency pursuant to section 15.0597.
(b) Once an individual is appointed to a public body, the following additional items of
data are public:
(1) residential address; and
(2) either a telephone number or electronic mail address where the appointee can be
reached, or both at the request of the appointee.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), any electronic mail address or telephone number
provided by a public body for use by an appointee shall be public. An appointee may
use an electronic mail address or telephone number provided by the public body as
the designated electronic mail address or telephone number at which the appointee
can be reached.
D. Penalties.
The penalties for violating the Minnesota Data Practices Act can be severe:
1. Civil.
a. Actual damages.
b. Punitive damages up to $15,000.
c. Attorney fees.
2. Misdemeanor – willful violation.
E. Tennessen Warning.
When an individual is asked to provide that individual’s private or confidential
information, the Council, commission, or designee must give the individual a Data Practices
Advisory Tennessen warning. This advisory must contain the following:
1. The purpose and intended use of the requested data;
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2. Whether the individual may refuse or is legally required to supply the requested data;
3. Any known consequences arising from supplying or refusing to supply the private or
confidential data; and
4. The identity of other persons or entities authorized by state or federal law to receive
the data.
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DATE: May 11th, 2022
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Chapter 7 of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Background
As part of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan process, residents requested that the chapter on the City’s
Natural Resources be expanded and become more comprehensive. A group of resident volunteers
formed a committee at the directive of City Council to form a draft of the Natural Resources Chapter
(Chapter 7). The citizen committee then worked with City Staff to form a final draft that would be
included in the now adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Chapter 7 - Natural Resources, includes five main goals, each with several corresponding policies to help
guide City Staff and decision makers regarding the management, enhancement, and preservation of the
City’s natural resources. These five main goals are:
1. Develop a professional, comprehensive, strategic Natural Resources Management Plan for city-
wide natural areas and natural resources.
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.
3. Protect and restore the natural ecological functions of the city’s water resources with emphasis
on the improvement of stormwater management.
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.
5. Address issues that impact air quality, light pollution, and noise pollution, such as vehicle
emissions, traffic flow, air traffic, lighting and street design.
Requested Action
Informational Only.
2040
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN –CHAPTER 7
NATURAL RESOURCES
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MAY 11, 2022
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Goal 1: Develop a professional,
comprehensive, strategic Natural
Resources Management Plan for
city-wide natural areas and natural
resources.
The City entered into a contract with AES (now RES) to develop a
Natural Resources Management Plan in two phases.
A final draft of the plan is currently in the process of review, with an
estimated adoption date of May 17th, 2022.
The plan builds on the goals and policies of Chapter 7, providing a
guiding document towards implementation over the next 5 -10 years
as well as into the future.
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Goal 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.
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Goal 3: Protect and restore the
natural ecological functions of the
city’s water resources with emphasis
on the improvement of stormwater
management.
Local Surface Water Management Plan
(SWMP)
Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System
(MS4) permit
Wetland Conservation Act (WCA)
Aquatic Invasive Species prevention &
management
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Friday News, social media, Heights Highlights
City Events: Earth & Arbor Day, Parks
Celebration, Fishing Derby
Volunteer Opportunities
Goal 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.
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Goal 5: Address issues that impact
air quality, light pollution, and noise
pollution, such as vehicle emissions,
traffic flow, air traffic, lighting and
street design.
Mitigating heat island affect through urban tree canopy
Replacement of gas powered landscape machinery
with electric
Street design that incorporates traffic calming, reducing
speeds and emissions.
City Hall and municipal solar systems
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