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NRC meeting minutes 08112022CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, August 11, 2022- 6:00 P.M. Mendota Heights City Hall-Council Chambers The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday, August 11, 2022, at Mendota Heights City Hall; 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order Chair Swank called the meeting to order at 6:00pm. 2. Roll Call Coordinator Spreiter called the roll. Commissioners present: Fahnhorst, McCaslin, Husbands, Quick, Swank, Stein, Tupper. Commissioners absent: None. Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter and Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson. 3. Approval of the Agenda Commissioner Quick proposed an amendment to introduce themselves as commissioners, since this is the first broadcasted meeting for the Natural Resources Commission. Motion to approve the agenda as amended by Quick, second by Stein. Motion passed 7-0. 4. Introduction of Commissioners Commissioners introduced themselves each one by one and shared a bit about who they are and something they’re excited about regarding the commission. 5. Approval of the Minutes a. Approve meeting minutes from the July 13, 2022 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Motion to approve the minutes by Quick, second by Stein. Motion passes 7-0. 6. Acknowledgement of Reports a. Natural Resources Program Overview Coordinator Spreiter shared a power point presentation highlighting current natural resources programs and projects. She shared details on the Valley Park Forest Enhancement, County-City Collaborative, Valley Park Pollinator Corridor, Great River Greening Restoration Work, Rogers Lake Curly Leave Pondweed Treatment, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Management Update, Oĥѐyawahe/Pilot Knob Historic Site, Lawns to Legumes Demonstration, Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System, and the 2022 Curb-Cut Raingarden Program. Commissioner Tupper asked if there is a formal way to track grants and programs and resources. Coordinator Spreiter commented that the City does have a tracking system and explained how the grant cycle typically works. Commissioner Stein asked how projects are helped maintained long-term. Coordinator Spreiter commented that some of the organizations and partnerships that we work with help maintain projects, often with the help of volunteers. Grants do not cover long-term maintenance; that would be up to the City. Commissioner Husbands asked how the City assess success with these various projects. Coordinator Spreiter replied that it depends on the project and the City is always adapting. b. Website Project Update Assistant City Administrator Torkelson shared that the City is going through a website redesign. The new website will have a “ultimate department header” page, which will provide an opportunity to highlight the City’s different green spaces and places. c. Volunteer Program Overview Assistant City Administrator Torkelson shared that the City Council approved a formal volunteer program in April, 2022, which will provide opportunities for volunteers among natural resources projects. If anyone is interested in more information please visit the City’s website. Chair Swank asked if volunteer hours will be tracked and reported at the end of the year. And will there be opportunities for volunteer recognition. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson confirmed that volunteer hours will be tracked and it’s a priority to recognize the volunteers. Commissioner Quick asked if the City will assume the cost of the background checks for volunteers. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson replied that the City will cover those costs. Commissioner Tupper asked if there were other opportunities, apart from the website, for sharing of volunteer opportunities. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson commented that the City is also sharing the information on different social media platforms, Friday news, and City Newsletters. The City is open to sharing information in the parks and schools. Commissioner Stein suggested the opportunity to partner with local sports organizations. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson replied that the City welcomes groups to suggest new opportunities as well. 7. Old Business No old business. 8. New Business a. Parks Celebration Discussion Coordinator Spreiter shared information on the City’s Annual Parks Celebration event. The Natural Resource Commission will attend the Saturday open house event. Coordinator Spreiter asked the commission to determine their role in the event. Commissioners discussed who will participate at the event. Commissioner McCaslin suggested they bring some large photos of projects within the Natural Resources Management Plan. b. 2022 Workplan Coordinator Spreiter shared a suggested work plan for the remainder of 2022. Commissioner Husbands asked for clarification on the budget. Coordinator Spreiter confirmed there is around $8,000 left to be used for a restoration project. Commissioner Tupper asked for a timeline on the proposed ordinance changes and how that might impact their work plan. Commissioner Fahnhorst agreed that it would be prudent to discuss budget and ordinances as soon as possible. Commissioner Husbands suggested that the Natural Resources Commissioners access the proposed 2023 budget from City Council and line it up with the Natural Resources Commission’s work plan. Chair Swank would like more education on how the budget works within the Commission. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson assured the commission that staff will share relevant updates on the budget and budgeting process. The 2023 budget will be approved in December, 2022. Commissioner Quick would like to narrow down the third goal in the proposed workplan. Motion to amend the third goal of the workplan by Quick, second by Fahnhorst. Motion passes 7-0. Coordinator Spreiter shared information on the history of the Mendota Heights Tree Sale event. Motion by Stein to adopt the 2022 work plan with the amendment, second by McCaslin. Motion passes 7-0. c. 2023 Work Plan Work Session Coordinator Spreiter proposed dates for the upcoming work session. Commissioners discussed availability. Motion by Husbands to hold work session on 9/14 at 4:00pm, second by Quick. Motion passes 7-0. 9. Staff Announcements Coordinator Spreiter mentioned the upcoming Parks Celebration Weekend, an Organics Training, and Shoe/Clothing Recycling Drop-off event. Commissioner Fahnhorst suggested in a future meeting to discuss the feedback after the open house at the Parks Celebration Weekend. 10. Commission Comments None. 11. Adjourn Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 7:01pm. Minutes taken by Sheila Robertson City of Mendota Heights, Office Support Assistant 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.