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NRC Packet 10.12.2022CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, October 12, 2022- 6:00 P.M. Mendota Heights City Hall-Council Chambers AGENDA 1.Call to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Approval of the Agenda 4.Approval of the Minutes a.Approve meeting minutes from the September 14, 2022 Natural Resources Commission Meeting b.Approve meeting minutes from the September 14, 2022 Natural Resources Commission Work Session 5.Acknowledgement of Reports a.2022 Workplan Report Update b.Green Steps Status Update c.Staff Planning Update- Recycling Coordinator d.Natural Resources Project Updates 6.Old Business a.Fall Community Project Planning 7.New Business 8.Staff Announcements. 9.Commission Comments 10.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. 1 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, September 14, 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, September 14, 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. Student Representative Byrnes present. Commissioners absent: None. Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter and Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson. 3.Approval of the Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Quick, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 7-0. 4.Approval of the Minutes a.Approve meeting minutes from the August 11, 2022 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Motion to approve the minutes by Husbands, second by Stein. Motion passes 7-0. 5.Acknowledgement of Reports None. 6.Old Business None. 7.New Business a.Student Commissioner Introduction Student Representative Stella Byrnes, a Junior at Visitation, introduced herself. All commissioners introduced themselves. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson reminded the commission that Student Representative Byrnes is not a voting member. b.Parks Celebration Survey Results Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter recapped the event on August 13 in which the Commission provided a survey for residents. The major takeaways in responses centered around education, native plant sales, stormwater pond maintenance, water quality, incorporating native features in new developments, incorporating pollinator plantings, and protection of wetlands. 2 Commissioner Husbands asked how many respondents there were. Coordinator Spreiter suggested there were 15. Commissioner Tupper thanked those who attended and asked for highlights of the event. Commissioner Fahnhorst had a good experience interacting with residents. Commissioner Stein agreed that the residents being interested in natural resources is a true community asset. Commissioner Quick commented she’s glad residents are represented in the plan for 2023. c. 2022 Community Restoration Event Coordinator Spreiter shared a task of the 2022 work plan to plan and implement a fall planting or restoration event. Requested action of the Commission is to determine if they’d like to move forwards with a volunteer restoration project, and to determine when and what type if so. Commissioner Quick suggested a diverse planting near the “Mendota Heights” sign on Dodd/Mendota Heights Road. Commissioner Husbands asked Coordinator Spreiter if she had any thoughts. Coordinator Spreiter suggested there are several opportunities such as buckthorn removal, native vegetation planting, or pollinator planting. Commissioner Husbands suggested the corner of Dodd/Marie as a visible corner that could be a great opportunity. Chair Swank is interested in buckthorn removal as it has a large impact. Commissioner Stein asked if there were any areas that are ready for planting that could appeal to more volunteers. Coordinator Spreiter has a few areas in mind, with some opportunities with turf-to-native conversion. She added buckthorn removal would be a great choice for a larger event. Commissioner Husbands suggested, if buckthorn removal, to have a larger, future plan for how to then rehabilitate the area after removal. Commissioner McCaslin asked if there was an ongoing buckthorn removal area that could be utilized. Coordinator Spreiter noted several areas within Valley Park that could be a good location for a buckthorn removal project, which also have long-term management plans in place. Commissioner Tupper added that buckthorn removal would be a good event for families to get involved with. Commissioner McCaslin asked if they could offer both events. Commissioner Quick likes the idea of supporting the lot at Marie/Dodd, but feels stronger about an opportunity that would garner more visibility and recognition of the new commission. Commissioner Stein suggested a buckthorn removal event this fall, deferring to staff on the best location. 3 Commissioner Quick asked if the event would be associated with Great River Greening, or would the City work independently. Coordinator Spreiter stated it would be a City project with the help of volunteers. Commissioner Husbands asked how the budget would be spent with this project. Coordinator Spreiter commented that native seed and some supplies would take a little bit of the budget. If the commission does two projects there would be budget for both, since buckthorn removal would cost minimal. The commission gained consensus of two events; buckthorn removal at a location determined by Coordinator Spreiter, as well as planting around the Mendota Heights sign. Coordinator Spreiter will send out potential dates via email. d. Green Step Cities Overview Assistant City Administrator Torkelson shared information regarding the Green Step Cities initiative. The program has identified 29 operational best practices that the Mendota Heights can start building towards. She shared some more in-depth information from the Green Step Cities website. Staff are in the process of evaluating the best practice action items, which will help promote the City’s strategic goals. Commissioner Husbands clarified whether the Commission will have access to the Green Steps Cities login information. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson noted that the login is for reporting purposes only, and doesn’t provide any additional data. Staff will provide a presentation regarding where the City stands in the Green Step Cities process. Commissioner Tupper asked if other cities are involved with the Green Step Cities initiative. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson offered to share webinar opportunities with the Commission as they come. Chair Swank asked a question about the progression of Star Levels and how to decide where to land. Assistant City Administration Torkelson stated that it’s up the City and Commission to determine where to land on the Star Levels. 8. Staff Announcements Coordinator Spreiter noted upcoming events; Decluttering Workshop, Dakota County Big Rivers Trailhead Open House, Makers Market, Dakota County “We Are Water” traveling educational exhibit, and a few volunteer opportunities. 9. Commission Comments Commissioner Quick followed up on the “We Are Water” exhibit, stating it’s a great opportunity for Commissioners to attend. 10. Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by McCaslin, second by Tupper. Motion passes 7-0. Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 6:43pm. 4 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. 5 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, September 14, 2022- 4:00 P.M. Mendota Heights City Hall-Large Conference Room The special work session meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at Mendota Heights City Hall; 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order Chair Swank called the meeting to order at 4:00pm. 2. Roll Call Coordinator Spreiter called the roll. Commissioners present: Fahnhorst, McCaslin, Husbands, Quick, Swank, Stein, Tupper. Student Representative Byrnes present. Commissioners absent: None. Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter. Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson joined later in the meeting. 3. Approval of the Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Quick, second by Tupper. Motion passes 7-0. 4. New Business a. 2023 Work Plan Discussion Coordinator Spreiter began the discussion with an outline of what the 2023 Work Plan may entail. Chair Swank offered that the Commission could make outreach to residents a priority as a way to introduce the Commission to the community. Quick: Increase funds for the Tree Sale and further partnership with Roots in the Ground and Great River Greening. Husbands: Prioritize tree preservation through ordinances, as well as landscape Standards. Swank: Would like to schedule a tour of Natural Resources projects. Husbands: Establish adoption assignments for Natural Resources projects, similar to the Parks Commission’s park assignments. Tupper: The Commission could pick a theme to focus education on. Husbands: Education could focus on Stormwater – Adopt-a-Drain, lawn care, etc. Fahnhorst: Look at successes of other Cities. Focus on protecting waterways/waterbodies not already protected by State or other regulations. McCaslin gave Como Lake’s Fall Street Clean up program as an example. Stein offered Green Steps as another focus, specifically climate. Tupper/Stein: Discussion on raising awareness and expanding EV awareness and accessibility, including charging stations in the City. Swank: Could use local businesses as partners. Validate like parking. 6 Quick: EV charging stations could be installed with park improvements. Discussion moved to the goal of incorporating Green Steps, and possibly adopting the goal of moving the City to a Step 2 in the program. Husbands: Incorporate tasks and projects from the NRMP into the green steps process. A lot of the ordinance work can also tie into Green Steps. Quick: Offered to review the program and come back with options that the City could use to move to Step 2 for discussion at the October meeting. 5. Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by Husbands, second by Stein. Motion passes 7-0. Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 5:39pm. Minutes taken by Krista Spreiter City of Mendota Heights, Natural Resources Coordinator 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. 7 DATE: October 12, 2022 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: 2022 Workplan Report Update Background At the regular Natural Resources Commission meeting on August 11th, 2022, the Commission approved a work plan for the remainder of the 2022 calendar year. The commission uses this as a guiding document and can choose to complete tasks and goals that have been specified in the plan. The 2022 Work Plan consists of four goals: 1. Review status as a Green Steps City and consider option to implement another Best Management Practice o Update: At the September 2022 Natural Resources Commission meeting, the commission reviewed the Green Steps Cities program as a whole and how the city can use the guidelines provided therein to advance natural resources initiatives in Mendota Heights. The evaluation of Mendota Height’s current program according to the Green Steps Cities criteria is on the agenda for this meeting. 2. Review current ordinances and policies relating to Natural Resources and consider next steps o Update: Staff will be bringing items for discussion on this goal to the November Natural Resources Commission meeting. 3. Evaluate current Natural Resources Education and Outreach program and look for option to expand o Staff are currently collecting and analyzing communication data on education and outreach initiatives for natural resources in 2022. This update will be brought to the commission at the November Natural Resources Commission Meeting. 4. Consider planning and implementing a fall planting invasive species removal, or restoration volunteer project o This has been an ongoing conversation with the commission. Feedback from the community was collected through engagement at the Parks Celebration in August of 2022. This item is on the agenda for this meeting. Requested Action Information Only. No requested action at this time. 8 9 10 DATE: October 12, 2022 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Green Steps Status Update Background An update will be presented to the Commission on the City’s current progress in the Green Steps program, including 226 Best Management Practice Actions within five categories identified by the Program: • Buildings and Lighting • Land Use • Transportation • Environmental Management • Resilient Economic and Community Development Mendota Heights became a Green Steps City in 2021, and is identified as a ‘Category A’ city according to the Green Steps program. Mendota Heights is Currently at ‘Step 1’ in the five-step recognition process. In order to move to ‘Step 2’, the City will need to complete and report on eight (8) Best Management Practice Actions. Requested Action Information Only. 11 Apr-22 >> to receive recognition from the GreenStep Cities program, you will need to report actions by logging into your GreenStep website account << Category C Category B Category A Complete any 4 Best Practices Complete any 6 Best Practices Complete any 8 Best Practices Any ONE of the 5 Building BPs needed for Step 3 recognition BP #1 plus ONE other Building BP needed for Step 3 recognition BP #1 plus ONE other Building BP needed for Step 3 recognition Optional BP needed BP needed BP 1. Enter/update building information into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and routinely enter monthly usage data for all city-owned buildings/infrastructure that consume energy/water. Not Started needed action needed action 2. Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs. In Progress needed action needed action 3. Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings. Not Started 4. Implement information technology efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug loads, building energy use and workflow efficiency. Not Started 5. Document that the new construction or major remodeling of a public building has met the SB 2030 energy standard or has met or qualified under a green building or energy framework. Not Started 6. Improve the operations & maintenance of city-owned/school buildings and leased buildings by using a customized online energy efficiency tool, asset management tool, green building framework or green lease. Not Started 7. Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings one of the following efficiency measures: Not Started a. A ground-source, closed loop geothermal system. Not Started b. A district energy/microgrid system. Not Started c. A rainwater harvesting system for building water use. Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Create or participate in a marketing/outreach/incentive program to promote/achieve residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency. Completed but not reported 2. Integrate green building and EV charging best practices information and assistance into the building permit process.Not Started 3. Implement an energy rating/disclosure policy for residential and/or commercial buildings. Not Started 4. Describe energy/water efficiency actions and other green building practices at businesses and not-for-profit organizations located within/nearby the city. Not Started 5. Conserve/protect drinking/groundwater resources by creating a water-wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, WaterSense purchasing program, or guidance on rainwater harvesting and home water softener use. Not Started 6. Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy/sustainability improvements, meet the SB 2030 energy standard, or renovate using a green building or energy framework. Not Started 7. Customize a model sustainable building renovation policy that includes the SB 2030 energy standard and adopt the language to govern commercial renovation projects that: Not Started a. Receive city financial support, and/or Not Started b. Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permits, rezonings, variances, PUD status).Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Require by city policy that new city-owned buildings be built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework. Not Started determine your category; delete 2 extraneous columns before printing Step 2 Recognition Minimums by CategoryBest Practice Actions Initial inventory column: select which actions are completed, in- process, planned, not relevant. >>What category is my city in? See your city page for GreenStep City Category. Buildings & Lighting Best Practices Category: BPs 1 - 5 If implementing this BP, complete at least any ONE action.needed: choose one additional BP action from actions (3) - (7) If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. Step 3 Recognition Minimums by Category >> For each best practice, see the hyperlink listed to view detailed guidance, implementation tools and which cities are completing the actions. Best Practice #1: Efficient Existing Public Buildings 2. Efficient Existing Private Buildings 3. New Green Buildings 12 2. Work with the local school district to ensure that future new schools are built using the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework. Not Started, though ISD 197 has adopted this energy standard for recent and new construction. 3. Adopt a sustainable building policy for private buildings; include the SB 2030 energy standard; adopt language governing new development projects that:Not Started a. Receive city financial support, and/or Not Started b. Require city regulatory approval (planned unit development, conditional use permit, rezoning, variance).Not Started 4. Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who build new buildings that utilize the SB 2030 energy standard and/or a green building framework. Not Started 5. Adopt environmentally preferable covenant guidelines for new common interest communities addressing issues such as stormwater, greywater, native vegetation, growing food, clothes lines, electric vehicle charging, and renewable energy.Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Require energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city-owned/private buildings and facilities. Not Started 2. Purchase LEDs for all future street lighting and traffic signals. In Progress 3. Replace the city's existing street lighting with Dark Sky-compliant LEDs, modifying any city franchise/utility agreement and adding smart grid attributes. In Progress 4. Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing so as minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds. Not Started 5. Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project. Completed but not reported - Rink lights at Wentworth have been replaced with LED lighting 6. Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting. In Progress. Many of our park lights are replaced with LED lights and Marie and Friendly Hills Parks utilize timers. 7. Replace city-owned parking lot/ramp lighting with Dark-Sky compliant, energy efficient, automatic dimming lighting technologies. Not Started 8. Replace the city's existing traffic signals with LEDs.Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations to encourage adaptive reuse. Not Started 2. Implement the Minnesota Main Street model for commercial revitalization. Not Started 3. Plan for reuse of large-format retail buildings, or work with a local school, church or commercial building to either add-on space or repurpose space into new uses.Not Started 4. Create/modify a green residential remodeling assistance/financing program to assist homeowners in adding space or features such as EV charging, renewables to their existing homes. Not Started 5. Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings. Not Started BP #6 needed BP #6 plus ONE other Land Use BP needed BP #6 plus ONE other Land Use BP needed needed BP needed BP needed BP 1. Adopt a comprehensive plan or (for Category B & C cities) adopt a future land use plan that was adopted by the county or a regional entity. Completed but not reported needed action needed action needed action 2. Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making. In Progress needed action needed action 3. Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental coordination addressing regional land use and watershed/wellhead impacts, infrastructure, transportation, economic development and city/regional services. Completed but not reported If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. Land Use Category: BPs 6 - 10 5. Building Redevelopment 6. Comprehensive Plans If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least action (1) or (2) and … ... complete at least ONE additional action (3) through (5). If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this best practice, complete at least TWO actions, including one of actions (5) through (8). If implementing this best practice, complete at least TWO actions, including one of actions (5) through (8). 4. Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals 13 4. Include ecological provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to minimize open space fragmentation and/or establish a growth area with expansion criteria. Completed but not reported 5. Adopt climate mitigation and/or energy independence goals and objectives in the comprehensive plan or in a separate policy document, and include transportation recommendations such as becoming an EV-ready city. Completed but not reported Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map: Not Started a. Neighborhood single-family density at 7 units/acre or greater wherever urban services are available. Completed but not reported b. Multi-family housing at a gross density of at least 15 units/acre adjacent to a commercial zoning district or transit node. Completed but not reported 2. Achieve higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies: Not Started a. Incorporate a flexible lot size/frontage requirement for infill development. Not Started b. Use density and floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses in selected residential zoning districts. Not Started c. Cluster residential development; tie a regulatory standard to comprehensive plan language defining compact city expansion zones that limit low-density development.Not Started d. Allowing accessory dwelling units, single-room occupancy housing, senior housing, co- housing or tiny houses/apartments by right in selected zoning districts. Not Started e. Implement a vacation rental property registration policy and/or special tax. Not Started 3. Achieve higher intensity commercial/industrial land uses through at least one of the following strategies: Not Started a. Include in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map a commercial district with zero-lot- line setbacks and a FAR minimum of 1. Not Started b. Set targets for the minimum number of employees/acre in different commercial zones. Not Started 4. Provide incentives for affordable housing, workforce housing, infill projects, or for life- cycle housing at or near job or retail centers, or for achieving an average net residential density of seven units per acre. Not Started 5. Use design to create social trust and interaction among neighbors and allow developments that meet the prerequisites for LEED for Neighborhood Development certification. Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Organize or participate in a community planning/placemaking/design process for the city/a mixed use district, including specific community engagement practices that engage cultural and income diverse community members. In Progress - Mendota Plaza 2. Locate or lease a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes: Completed but not reported a. Adjacent to an existing employment or residential center. Completed but not reported b. Designed to facilitate and encourage access by walking, biking, or other non-vehicle travel modes Completed but not reported c. Accessible by regular transit service. Completed but not reported 3. Modify a planned unit development ordinance to emphasize or require mixed use development, to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development, and/or to add sustainability features. In Progress - Ordinanace update by Spring, 2023 4. Report that a (re)development meets a city/community-determined minimum point threshold under the Equitable Development Scorecard or LEED-ND (Neighborhood Development). Not Started 5. Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination businesses, entreprenurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and compatible-commercial development. Not Started 6. Incorporate form-based zoning approaches into the zoning code, in those areas where a diverse mix of uses is desired. Not Started 7. Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development in appropriate locations (downtown, commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts, commercial districts with minority-owned businesses). Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP9. Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. 8. Mixed Uses 7. Efficient City Growth If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. 14 1. Establish design goals for at least one highway/auto-oriented corridor/cluster. Completed but not reported 2. Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to: Completed but not reported a. Estimate commercial/industrial needs among all jurisdictions. Completed but not reported b. Jointly implement recommendations to stage highway/auto-oriented commercial development in order to avoid overbuilding and expensive low-density development. Completed but not reported 3. Adopt infrastructure design standards that protect the economic and ecologic functions of the highway corridor through clustering of development, native plantings and incorporating access management standards. Completed but not reported 4. Adopt development policies for large-format developments, zoning for auto-oriented commercial districts at the sub-urban edge and/or in tightly defined and smaller urban development corridors/nodes that have some bike/walk/transit access. Completed but not reported Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources such as groundwater through the subdivision or development process. Completed but not reported 2. For cities outside or on the fringe of metropolitan areas, conduct a build-out analysis, fiscal impact study, or adopt an urban growth boundary and a consistent capital improvement plan that provides long-term protection of natural resources and natural systems and agricultural practices outside the boundary N/A 3. For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review. In Progress - the City has required Conservation Easements for some developments with sensitive ecological value. For example, 4. Adopt a conservation design policy; use a conservation design tool for pre-design meetings with developers and for negotiating development agreements in cities with undeveloped natural resource areas. Not Started 5. Preserve environmentally sensitive, community-valued land by placing a conservation easement on city lands, and by encouraging/funding private landowners to place land in conservation easements. Completed but not reported 6. Conserve natural, cultural, historic resources by adopting or amending city codes and ordinances to support sustainable sites, including roadsides, and environmentally protective land use development. Not Started 7. Support and protect wildlife through habitat rehabilitation, preservation and recognition programs.In Progress Any ONE of the 4 Transportation BPs needed Any ONE of the 4 Transportation BPs needed BP #11 and BP #12 needed Optional BP Optional BP needed BP 1. Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.Not Started If implementing this BP, complete at least action (1). If implementing this BP, complete at least action (1), and … Complete action (1), and … 2. Adopt zoning language or approve a skinny street/development project that follows green street and/or walkable streets principles.Not Started. Current street construction and improvement projects follow many of these principles. 3. Modify a street in compliance with the city's complete streets policy. Not Started 4. Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity/safety within your road network by, for example, bike/pedestrain plan, adding a bike route/lane, truck route, sidewalk or mid-block alley. In Progress - Bike Pedestrian Plan 5. Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking. In Progress - Bike Pedestrian Plan 6. Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, low-speed streets, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project. Completed but not reported 10. Design for Natural Resource Conservation If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. Transportation Category: BPs 11 - 14 … complete ONE additional action. … complete TWO additional actions. 11. Living & Complete Streets If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. 15 12. Mobility Options Optional BP Optional BP needed BP 1. Increase walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means: In Progress a. Produce/distribute route maps, signage or a web site. Completed but not reported b. Document increased bike facilities, such as racks, bike stations or showers. Completed but not reported c. Add bus infrastructure, such as signage, benches, shelters, park and ride lots, and real- time arrival data-streaming. Completed but not reported d. Increase the number of employers promoting multiple commuting options, including offering qualified transportation fringe benefits instead of only a tax-free parking fringe benefit. Not Started e. Be recognized as a Walk Friendly, Bicycle Friendly, or Age Friendly Community. Completed but not reported. Mendota Heights was recognized as having a total score that is above average on the AARP Livability Index. 2. Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School program. Not Started 3. Prominently identify mobility options: transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; ridesharing/cab services; rental cars; bikes; airports. In Progress 4. Promote carpooling or ridesharing among community members, city employees, businesses, high schools and institutions of higher education. Not Started 5. Implement workplace multi-modal transportation best management practices - including telework/flexwork - in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider. Not Started 6. Add/expand transit service, or promote car/bike sharing. Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Efficiently use your existing fleet of city vehicles by encouraging trip bundling, video conferencing, carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology. In Progress 2. Right-size/down-size the city fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions. In Progress 3. Phase-in operational changes, equipment changes including electric vehicles, and no- idling practices for city or local transit fleets.In Progress 4. Phase in bike, e-bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff. Not Started 5. Document that the local school bus fleet has optimized routes, start times, boundaries, vehicle efficiency and fuels, driver actions to cut costs including idling reduction, and shifting students from the bus to walking, biking and city transit. Not Started 6. Retrofit city diesel engines or install auxiliary power units and/or electrified parking spaces, utilizing Project GreenFleet or the like. Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Reduce or eliminate parking minimums; add parking maximums; develop district parking; install meters and charge for parking at curb and city-owned lots/ramps. Not Started 2. For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of retail services at transit/density nodes. Not Started 3. For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of higher density housing at transit/density nodes. Not Started 4. Require new developments or redevelopments to prepare a travel demand management plan or transit-oriented development standards or LEED for Neighborhood Development certification. Not Started BP # 15 needed BP #15 and BP #16 and ONE other BP needed BP #15, BP #16, BP #17 and ONE other BP needed needed BP needed BP needed BP 1. Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least: Not Started a. EnergyStar and EPEAT certified equipment and appliances.Not Started b. Paper containing post-consumer recycled content.Not Started 2. Purchase energy used by city government - via the municipal utility, green tags, community solar garden, 3rd party - with a higher renewable percentage than required by Minnesota law. Not Started 13. Efficient City Fleets 14. Demand-Side Travel Planning 15. Sustainable Purchasing If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. Environmental Management Category: BPs 15 - 23 needed action If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. Complete action (1), and ...Complete action (1), and … If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. Complete at least TWO actions. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. 16 3. Establish purchasing preferences that support local, Minority, Disability, and Women- Owned businesses and, working with a local business association, develop a list of locally- produced products and suppliers for common purchases. Not Started 4. Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense-certified products. Not Started 5. Set minimum sustainability standards to reduce the impact of your concrete use, asphalt, roadbed aggregate, or other construction materials.Not Started 6. Require printing services to be purchased from companies participating in Printing Industry Midwest’s Great Green Printer initiative, or certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership.. Not Started 7. Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city. Not Started 8. Use national green standards/guidelines for purchasing/investments such as cleaning products, furniture, flooring/coatings.Not Started Optional BP needed BP needed BP 1. Certify as a Tree City USA. In Progress 2. Adopt best practices for urban tree planting/quality; require them in private developments and/or use them in at least one development project.Not Started 3. Budget for and achieve resilient urban canopy/tree planting goals. In Progress 4. Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city. In Progress 5. Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance. Not Started 6. Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:Completed but not reported a. Having trained tree specialists. b. Supporting volunteer forestry efforts. c. Adopting an EAB management plan/climate adaptation plan for the urban forest 7. Conduct a tree inventory or canopy study for public and private trees.Completed but not reported Optional BP Optional BP needed BP 1. Adopt and use Minnesota's Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS). Completed but not reported 2. Complete the GreenStep Municipal Stormwater Management Assessment.Not Started 3. Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following stormwater infiltration/management strategies to reduce impervious surface: Not Started - City implements 3.d. but does not have an ordinance adopted. a. A narrower streets provision that permits construction of 24-foot roads for public, residential access and subcollector streets (with fewer than 400 average daily trips). b. Use of pervious pavements for streets, trails, parking areas, and sidewalks. c. For sites less than one acre, retain the water quality volume of 1.1 inches of runoff from all impervious surfaces for new and fully-redeveloped construction sites. d. For non-MS4 permittees, adopt an illicit discharge prohibition rule or ordinance and an erosion and sediment control ordinance. Sponsor a robust Adopt-a-Drain program. 4. Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater infiltration, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners and renters on the importance of managing stormwater runoff. Completed but not reported 5. Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices: Completed but not reported a. Rain gardens/infiltration practices. b. Rainwater harvesting practices. c. Green alleys or green parking lots. d. Pervious/permeable pavement or pavers. e. Green roofs / green walls. f. Tree trenches / tree boxes. g. Incorporate compost and/or native plants into landscape design. 6. Reduce de-icing and dust suppressant salt use to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.Completed but not reported Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces. Completed but not reported 18. Parks and Trails If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. 17. Stormwater Management If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. 16. Community Forests and Soils … complete at least ONE additional action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action.Complete at least ONE action. Complete at least TWO actions.Complete at least ONE action. … complete at least ONE additional action. 17 2. Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned. Not Started 3. Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten- minute walk of community members. Completed but not reported 4. Adopt low-impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch, 24-hour stormwater events on site. Not Started 5. Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following: Completed but not reported a. Low maintenance turf management; native landscaping; organic or integrated pest management; pollinator/monarch-safe policies. b. Recycling/compostables collection; use of compost as a soil amendment. c. Sources of nonpotable water, or surface/rain water, for irrigation. 6. Certify at least one golf course in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. 7. Document that the operation and maintenance, or construction/remodeling, of at least one park building used an asset management tool, the SB 2030 energy standard, and/or a green building framework. Not Started 8. Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species managmenet, and stewardship projects. Completed but not reported Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Consistently monitor surface water quality/clarity and report findings to community members.Completed but not reported 2. Conduct or support multi-party community conversations, assessments, plans and actions around improving local water quality and quantity. Completed but not reported 3. Adopt and publicly report on measurable surface water improvement targets for lake, river, wetland and ditches.Completed but not reported 4. Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas. In Progress 5. Adopt goals to revegetate shoreland and create a local program or outreach effort to help property owners with revegetation. Completed but not reported 6. Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan. Completed but not reported 7. Create/assist a Lake Improvement District. Not Started 8. Reduce flooding damage and costs through the National Flood Insurance Programs and the NFIP's Community Rating System. Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Compare the energy use and financial performance of your facilities with other peer plants using standardized, free tools.In Progress 2. Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades to assure the most energy efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when upgrades or break downs occur.In Progress 3. Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines and losses in drinking water systems. Completed but not reported 4. Optimize energy and chemicals use at drinking water/wastewater facilities and decrease chloride in wastewater discharges. N/A ... action (4). 6. Implement a wastewater plant efficiency project (co-generation, water reuse) or a program for local private business operations (water conservation, water reuse, business co-location). N/A 7. Create a demand-side pricing program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems. Completed but not reported Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Report to landowners suspected noncompliant or failing septic systems as part of an educational, informational and financial assistance and outreach program designed to trigger voluntary landowner action to improve septic systems. Completed but not reported 2. Use a community process to address failing septic systems. Completed but not reported 3. Clarify/establish one or more responsible management entities (RMEs) for the proper design, siting, installation, operation, monitoring and maintenance of septic systems. Completed but not reported 4. Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the Association of Minnesota Counties' model ordinance. Completed but not reported 5. Create a program to finance septic system upgrades. Not Started 20. Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities … at least ONE additional action. … at least ONE additional action. 21. Septic Systems If a city provides drinking water services and chooses to implement this best practice, complete at least actions (1) and (2), or … If implementing this best practice, complete actions (1) and (2) and ... If implementing this best practice, complete actions (1) and (2) and ... If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. 19. Surface Water If a city has at least one state- designated public water body within its boundaries and chooses to implement this best practice, complete action (4) and at least ONE additional action. *** If a city has no state-designated public water body and chooses to implement this best practice, complete any ONE or more actions If a city has at least one state- designated public water body within its boundaries and chooses to implement this best practice, complete action (4) and at least ONE additional action. *** If a city has no state-designated public water body and chooses to implement this best practice, complete any ONE or more actions If a city has at least one state- designated public water body within its boundaries and chooses to implement this best practice, complete action (4) and at least ONE additional action. *** If a city has no state-designated public water body and chooses to implement this best practice, complete any ONE or more actions If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. If implementing this BP, complete at least THREE actions. 18 6. Work with homeowners and businesses in environmentally sensitive areas and areas where standard septic systems are not the least-cost option to promote innovative waste water systems, including central sewer extensions. Completed but not reported 7. Arrange for assistance to commercial, retail and industrial businesses with water use reduction, pollution prevention and pretreatment prior to discharge to septics.N/A Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Improve city operations and procurement to prevent and reuse, recycle and compost waste from all public facilities (including libraries, parks, schools, municipal health care facilities), and minimize use of toxics and generation of hazardous waste.In Progress 2. Address concerns over consumer products and packaging through encouragement/implementation of one or more of: Completed but not reported - City has a Solid Waste Abatement Program a. Education on needless consumption, waste prevention and alternatives, including product stewardship / producer responsibility. b. Reuse options. c. Recycling / composting options. d. Credits, fees. e. Mandates, bans. 3. Improve profitability, legal compliance and conserve resources through adoption of ordinance language, licensing and resource management contracts.Not Started 4. Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses/services collecting and marketing used, repaired and rental consumer goods, especially electronics, in the city/county. Completed but not reported - posted on the City's website: https://mendotaheightsmn.gov/ recycling 5. Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source separated organics collection/management program. Completed but not reported - Organics Drop-off at Mendakota 6. Improve recycling services and expand to multi-unit housing and commercial businesses. Completed but not reported (Ordinance 110) 7. Improve/organize residential trash, recycling and organics collection by private and/or public operations and offer significant volume-based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for recycling. Completed but not reported 8. Adopt a construction and demolition (C&D) ordinance governing demolition permits that requires a level of recycling and reuse for building materials and soil/land-clearing debris. Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Replace small internal combustion engine lawn and garden equipment (e.g. lawnmowers, weed whips, etc.) with lower polluting equipment. In Progress - Received two grants to replace gas-powered lawn maintenance equipment with electric. 2. Reduce residential burning of wood and yard waste and eliminate ‘backyard’ trash burning. Completed but not reported - Clean wood only, material and size restrictions. Trash burning prohibited. 3. Decrease air emissions from vehicle idling, business trucking, and pollutants/noise from stationary engines/back-up generators.Not Started 5. Install, assist with and promote publicly available EV charging stations or public fueling stations for alternative fuel vehicles. Not Started BP #24 and BP #29 needed BP #24, BP #25, and BP# 29 needed BP #24, BP #25, and BP# 29 needed needed BP needed BP needed BP 1. Inclusive and Coordinated Decision-Making: Use a city commission or committee to lead, coordinate, report to and engage community members on the identification and equitable implementation of sustainability best practices. In Progress needed action Complete action (1), and ...needed action 22. Sustainable Consumption and Waste If implementing this BP, complete at least action (1) or (2), and … Economic & Community Development Category: BPs 24 - 29 23. Local Air Quality 24. Benchmarks & Community Engagement If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE of actions (1) through (3), and … ... at least ONE of actions (4) through (8). ... at least ONE of actions (4) through (8). If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. 19 2. Communicating Progress on Goals: Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans (social, environmental, economic) and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals. In Progress needed action 3. Measuring Outcomes: Engage community members and partners in identifying, measuring, and reporting progress on key sustainability and social indicators/ including energy use/greenhouse gas emissions, social vitality/social inclusion outcome measures. Engage community members and partners in identifying, measuring, and reporting progress on key sustainability and social indicators/ including energy use/greenhouse gas emissions, social vitality/social inclusion outcome measures. In Progress 4. Public Education for Action: Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign, building on existing city & community relationships, networks & events involving: Not Started a. The entire community, community leaders b. Homeowners, manufactured home communities, landlords and tenants c. Community-based organizations, block clubs, neighborhood associations, front yards/sidewalks d. Congregations. e. Schools, colleges. 5. Planning with a Purpose: Conduct a community visioning and planning initiative that engages a diverse set of community members & stakeholders and uses a sustainability, resilience, or environmental justice framework such as: Not Started a. Strong Towns, Resiliency, Transition, Appreciative Inquiry. b. Eco-municipalities, Smart Cities, Healthy Communities. c. Environmental Justice, Race Equity, Equitable Development. 6. Engaging the Next Generation: Engage wide representation of community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city government (including commissions). In Progress 7. Expanding Community Engagement: Engage Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), renters, low-income, new Americans, differently abled and other traditionally under-represented community members by encouragement, and support to participate in current and new opportunities in city government Not Started Optional BP needed BP needed BP 1. Grow new/emerging green businesses and green jobs through targeted assistance and new workforce development. Not Started 2. Create or participate in a marketing/outreach program to connect businesses with assistance providers, including utilities, who provide personalized energy, waste or sustainability audits and assistance. Not Started 3. Promote sustainable tourism in your city, and green tourism resources to tourism and hospitality businesses in/around the city. Not Started 4. Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local "waste" material. Not Started 5. Lower the environmental footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project beyond regulatory requirements; report brightfield projects. Not Started 6. Promote green businesses that are recognized under a local, regional or national program. Not Started 7. Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Adopt wind energy and/or biomass ordinances that allow, enable or encourage appropriate renewable energy installations. Not Started 2. Promote resident/business purchases and/or generation of clean energy by: Not Started a. Promoting a local/municipal utility's green power purchasing program that allows residents/businesses to order/buy new renewable energy. b. Creating and sharing a map of the community's solar resource and/or linking to the MN Solar Suitability App. c. Connecting residents/businesses with the Solar Directory for potential installers. d. Hosting a community-wide solar bulk-buy program or campaign (also called "solarize programs.) 3. Promote financing and incentives programs such as PACE for clean energy: Not Started ... complete at least ONE additional action. 25. Green Business Development 26. Renewable Energy If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. Complete at least TWO actions. Complete at least TWO actions. 20 a. PACE for commercial property owners to install renewable energy systems, energy efficiency measures and EV charging infrastructure for existing or new construction. b. Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems. c. Local utility renewable energy production incentives and rebates. 4. Support a community solar garden or help community members participate in a community solar project by:Not Started a. Serving as a host site for a community solar garden. b. Facilitating development, by the municipal utility or other entity, of a community solar garden for residents. c. Participating in a community solar garden to ensure accessibility and availability to low- income residents. 5. Install a public sector/municipally-owned renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), wind, biomass, solar hot water/air, micro-hydro.Completed but not reported. Most City buildings utilize solar energy. 6. Report installed private sector-owned renewable energy/energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes: Not Started a. Fueled by flowing water, sun, wind, or biogas. b. Fueled in part or whole by manure or woody (EAB) biomass, optimized for minimal air and other environmental impacts and for energy efficiency and water conservation. c. Distributing heating/cooling services in a district energy system. d. Producing combined heat and power; using a microgrid. e. Energy storage integrated into a renewable energy installation. 7. Become a solar-ready community, including adopting ordinance/zoning language and an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems. Not Started Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 1. Incorporate working landscapes - agriculture and forestry - into the city by adopting an ordinance for one or more of the following: Not Started a. An agriculture and forest protection district. b. A local food production district. c. Performance standards for minor and major agricultural retail. 2. Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily residential developments.Completed/Reported 3. Create, assist with and promote local food production/distribution within the city: a. A farmer's market or co-op buying club. b. An urban agriculture business or a community-supported agriculture (CSA) arrangement between farmers and community members/employees. c. A community or school garden, orchard or forest. d. A Community Food System Assessment 4. Measurably increase institutional buying, and sales through groceries and restaurants. Not Started a. Purchasing of local/organic/humane/equitable foods by schools, hospitals, nursing homes and event centers. b. Sales of local/organic/humane/equitable food in markets, retail food co-ops, rural grocery stores, urban convenience stores, food carts/trucks, hotels and restaurants. c. Promote the Healthy Corners Initiative Optional BP Optional BP Optional BP 2. Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from another business or conducts materials exchange activities with another organization.Not Started 3. Require, build or facilitate at least four attributes in a business/industrial park project: Not Started a. Shared parking/access, electric vehicle charging for 3% of parking and/or synchronized with solar generation. b. Green product development, manufacturing or sales OR a green job training program. c. Buildings located within walking distance of transit and/or residential zoning. 27. Local Food 28. Business Synergies and EcoDistricts If implementing this BP, If implementing this BP, If implementing this BP, If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least ONE action. If implementing this BP, complete at least TWO actions. 21 d. Renovated buildings, buildings designed for reuse, shared recreation/childcare facilities. e. Green buildings built to Minnesota's SB2030 energy standard OR renewable energy generated on-site. f. Combined heat and power (CHP) generation capacity, shared geothermal heating/cooling, microgrid OR energy storage. g. Low-impact site development. 4. Use 21st century ecodistrict tools to structure, guide and link multiple green and sustainable projects together in a mixed-use neighborhood/development, or innovative district, aiming to deliver superior social, environmental and economic outcomes.Not Started needed BP needed BP needed BP 1. Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate- change-related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members. Not Started needed action needed action at a 2- or 3-star rating needed action at a 2- or 3-star rating 2. Integrate climate resilience into city or tribal planning, policy, operations, and budgeting processes. Not Started 3. Increase social connectedness through engagement, capacity building, public investment, and opportunities for economically vulnerable residents to improve their economic prosperity and resilience to climate change. Not Started 4. Encourage private sector action and incentivize investment in preventive approaches that reduce risk and minimize impacts of extreme weather and the changing climate for human health and the built environment. Not Started 5. Protect public buildings and natural/constructed infrastructure to reduce physical damage and sustain their function during extreme weather events.In Progress 6. Reduce the urban heat impacts of public buildings, sites, and infrastructure and provide resiliency co-benefits.In Progress 7. Protect water supply and wastewater treatment facilities to reduce physical damage and sustain their function during extreme weather events.N/A 8. Improve local energy resilience by minimizing fuel poverty, installing distributed renewable energy systems, and developing microgrids that can improve energy system resiliency. Not Started 29. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience complete at least ONE action. complete at least ONE action. complete at least ONE action. 22 DATE: October 12, 2022 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Kelly Torkelson, Assistant City Administrator SUBJECT: Staff Planning Update- Recycling Coordinator Background The Mendota Heights recycling coordinator is a position that is shared between Mendota Heights, West St. Paul, Lilydale, and South St. Paul. This position is partially funded through a grant from Dakota County and is committed to 10 hours of work per week for Mendota Heights. Our current recycling coordinator will be leaving her position by the end of the year. With this transition, staff have taken the opportunity to review the existing position structure. To support the city in advancing the sustainability initiatives, staff have proposed an increase in the hours for this position, to 14 hours per week from 10 hours per week, dedicated to work for Mendota Heights. These additional hours will be used to focus on sustainability initiatives and the city’s green steps program The position will also be getting a revised title that has yet to be set. The position will be posted within November 2022 with an expected start date for January 2023. Requested Action Informational Only. 23 DATE: October 12, 2022 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Natural Resources Project Updates Background An update will be given to the Commission on recently completed Natural Resources projects, including: • Great River Greening Partnership Projects • Lawns to Legumes Demonstration Neighborhood grant project • Ivy Hills Curb-cut Raingardens Requested Action Information Only. 24 DATE: October 12, 2022 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Fall 2022 Community Project Planning Background As part of the Commission’s 2022 Workplan, the Commission approved the task of planning and implementing a fall planting, invasive species removal, or restoration volunteer project. During the regular meeting of the Natural Resources Commission on September 14th, the Commission decided on a buckthorn removal event in Valley Park, as well as a pollinator planting at the welcome sign at Dodd Road and 494. Commissioner Husbands has suggested the area just south of the Marie pedestrian underpass within Valley Park for the buckthorn removal event. The projects will be used to engage with the community and community volunteers. Requested Action The Commission should determine what dates the events should be held, and discuss any further details relating to the projects. The following dates have been identified as having commissioners available to participate: • October 15th • November 12th • November 19th 25