NRC Packet 11.10.2022
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Thursday, November 10, 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 October 12, 2022 Natural Resources Commission
Meeting
5. Old Business
a. Fall Community Project Planning
b. 2023 Work Plan Draft
6. New Business
a. NRMP Prioritized Projects Budget and Grant Funding 2023
b. Natural Resources Projects and Sites Tour
7. Staff Announcements
8. Commission Comments
9. 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.
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
Wednesday, October 12, 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,
October 12, 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 Stein.
Motion passed 7-0.
4.Approval of the Minutes
a.Approve meeting minutes from the September 14, 2022 Natural Resources Commission
Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes by Tupper, second by Husbands.
Motion passes 7-0.
b.Approve meeting minutes from the September 14, 2022 Natural Resources Commission
Work Session
Motion to approve the minutes by Husbands, second by Quick.
Motion passes 7-0.
5.Acknowledgement of Reports
a.2022 Workplan Report Update
Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter shared the four goals of the workplan.
b.Green Steps Status Update
Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the Green Steps program’s five categories. The City
became a Green Steps City in 2021 and are currently in Step 1 of a possible Step 5.
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Mendota Heights is considered a “category A” city. This requires the most best practice
management items to be completed.
Commissioner Husbands asked for clarification on viewing details regarding completed
but not reported tasks.
Coordinator Spreiter will look into gaining public access to that information, and will
ensure they are published in a report.
Commissioner Husbands asked why a task would be completed but not reported.
Coordinator Spreiter stated that staffing and workloads have caused that delay.
Commissioner Stein asked for clarification on heating and cooling and fleet upgrades,
and if there have been thoughts of tying the improvement updates to a schedule that is
efficient.
Coordinator Spreiter confirmed the thought of making the best use of the timeline.
Commissioner Fahnhorst commented he likes the Green Steps process for its
transparency and potential.
Chair Swank asked how specific items are evaluated and selected.
Commissioner Spreiter noted there is not an official evaluation process established.
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson added that the City Council often gives input on
the direction of the projects and timelines.
Commissioner Quick noted with what’s already been done the City could be close to a
Step 3, once the projects get reported. She asked how the Commission can help with
this part of the process, in order to help in their future planning.
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson commented that the new Recycling Coordinator
will add more hours to their schedule, with a focus on data entry. Some processes, such
as data entry, need to be completed by staff.
c. Staff Planning Update- Recycling Coordinator
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson reported the current Recycling Coordinator
position and how the position will be evaluated and changed in a transition phase. The
employee, in a shared position, will technically be employed by the City of West St. Paul.
The hiring process will begin in November with the start date in January, 2023.
Chair Swank asked if the position’s new additional four hours will affect other cities.
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson stated that the position will remain part time,
with the addition of four more hours per week.
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d. Natural Resources Project Updates
Coordinator Spreiter updated the commission on the season’s projects. She mentioned
the Great River Greening restoration work in Valley Park, Rogers Lake Park, Copperfield
Ponds Park, and Oĥѐyawahe Historic Site. She commented on the “Lawns to Legumes”
neighborhood grant project, having planted 21 projects. She shared details on the
“Curb Cut Raingarden” program planting, completing 11 raingardens.
Commissioner Husbands asked for clarification on a few definitions mentioned in the
presentation.
Commissioner Fahnhorst asked about the maintenance and upkeep at the sites that
have had projects completed at.
Coordinator Spreiter provided information regarding maintenance plans, having some
contracts with the partners and homeowners.
Chair Swank asked how the homeowners are being held accountable, and what the cost
to the city is per raingarden installation.
Coordinator Spreiter added that staff will help track and converse with homeowners
and provide assistance if needed. She added the average cost is around $4,000 per
raingarden.
Commissioner Fahnhorst asked if there are ways for the public to learn more from
demonstration projects, in hopes to replicate them.
Coordinator Spreiter offered an idea that the City do a public tour of raingardens.
Chair Swank asked for more information regarding a controlled burn project.
Coordinator Spreiter noted the projects are contracted out, and the chosen site
depends on the level of invasive species present. They also consider safety measures
and best management practices.
6. Old Business
a. Fall Community Project Planning
Coordinator Spreiter commented on a buckthorn removal event at Valley Park, as well
as a pollinator planting at the city welcome sign at Dodd Road and Interstate 494. She
reviewed a few dates for the projects and asked the commission to choose a date and
discuss project details.
Commissioner Tupper asked whether both events will happen on the same day and the
commission would split up.
Coordinator Spreiter said it would be possible to do both projects at the same day, but it
might be hard to purchase plants late in the season.
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Commissioner Quick noted it would be nice to complete the planting as a commission
first, and then move on to the buckthorn removal.
Motion to hold the project date on November 12 by Stein, second by Fahnhorst.
Motion passes 7-0.
Coordinator Spreiter will send out a preliminary schedule and details, as well as
recruiting volunteers for the events.
7. New Business
None.
8. Staff Announcements
Assistant City Administrator Torkelson shared some upcoming events with the city; Dog Day,
Fire Prevention Open House, Paper Shred, Pumpkin Carving, and Trick-or-Teeing events.
She also mentioned the seasonal positions the city is currently hiring for.
Natural Resources Coordinator shared an upcoming event at Thompson Park Activity Center
as well as the General Election information. She noted the next Commission meeting will be
held on Thursday, November 10.
9. Commission Comments
Commissioner Husbands commented on the 2023 budget and the potential new assistant
engineer candidate. She also asked how much the upcoming buckthorn removal event will
cost, and whether extra funds could be used to purchase bare root trees.
Commissioner Stein shared that MnDOT prepared and submitted an electric vehicle
infrastructure plan, which might be relevant to the Commission and Mendota Heights
residents.
10. Adjourn
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Husbands, second by McCaslin.
Motion passes 7-0.
Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 6:54pm.
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.
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DATE: November 10, 2022
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Fall 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. The Commission has agreed that the event
will take place on Saturday, November 12th, from 9a to Noon.
The event will consist of removing buckthorn (an invasive woody plant), using hand tools,
treating the cuttings, and then reseeding the area with a native seed mix. The project location is
just south of the Marie Avenue pedestrian underpass within Valley Park along the pedestrian
trail. Commissioners and volunteers should wear protective clothing, including long pants,
closed-toe shoes, and work gloves. Safety glasses are optional. Staff will provide hand tools for
cutting, native seed, and herbicide dabbers for treating cut stumps. Resident volunteers 10 years
and older are encouraged to sign up through the City’s Volunteer Program, or by contacting City
Staff. The project will be used to engage with the community and resident volunteers.
Requested Action
None. Information Only.
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DATE: November 10, 2022
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: 2023 Draft Work Plan
Background
A work plan can guide accountability and resource allocation for the commission and help to
move through commission priorities. Included in the packet materials is a draft work plan for the
2023 calendar year. The commission can use this as a guiding document and can choose to accept
the suggested workplan; or it may choose to remove, edit, and add items as it sees fit.
Requested Action
Once a consensus has been reached, the Commission should pass a motion accepting the 2023
Workplan. This action requires a simple majority vote.
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NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION DRAFT WORKPLAN – 2023
Goal Who
J F M A M J J A S O N D
Review City’s status as a Green Steps City
and consider op�ons to achieve moving to
the next step in the program.
Commission, Natural
Resources Coordinator,
City Council
Review current ordinances and policies
rela�ng to Natural Resources and consider
next steps.
Commission, Natural
Resources Coordinator,
City Council
Establish a theme and develop and
implement educa�on and outreach around
this theme.
Commission, Natural
Resources Coordinator
Increase awareness around urban forestry
and look for opportuni�es to increase tree
canopy throughout the City.
Commission, Natural
Resources Coordinator
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DATE: November 10, 2022
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Management Plan Prioritized Projects Budget and Grant
Funding 2023
Background
As part of the City of Mendota Heights Natural Resources Management Plan, a Five-Year Phasing
Plan of Mendota Heights Priority Projects was developed. As a part of this plan, probable cost
was provided for prioritization and phasing for each project identified. Staff will provide a
presentation on this phasing plan and will include funds already attained for 2023 for the
projects identified in the plan.
Table 24 within the Natural Resources Management Plan identifies eleven (11) restoration and
priority projects within Mendota Heights, both on-going and proposed. Of these eleven (11)
projects, four (4) were identified for proposed funding in 2023 as part of the plan. These are:
• The Valley Park Pollinator Corridor – on-going (Not identified as a priority project, but
included under Other Restoration Projects)
• Valley Park NW Forest Enhancement – proposed
• Valley Park E Forest Enhancement – on-going
• Valley Park S Oak/Aspen Knoll Enhancement – on-going
The total amount proposed as probable cost for these four projects in 2023 is $81,282.00. Grant
funding has been attained for all projects listed above, however these funds vary by amount and
duration for each project and require additional funding to complete in both the Initial
Restoration phase, and well as the Long-Term Management phase.
Requested Action
None. Information Only.
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DATE: November 10, 2022
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Natural Resources Projects and Sites Tour
Background
There was a request made to bring the idea of a Natural Resources projects tour to the
Commission for discussion. A projects tour could serve to better familiarize the Commission with
on-going, past, and proposed natural resources projects within the City. Staff believes the best
time for a projects and sites tour would be during the growing season.
Requested Action
The Commission should discuss whether a projects and sites tour is desired. If so, discussion
should also include approximately how many projects or sites they would like to see, what type
of projects, and the time of year.
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