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NRC Packet 05102023NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AGENDA MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday May 10, 2023 6:00 p.m. 1.Call to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Adopt Agenda 4.Approval of Minutes a.Approval of April 12, 2023 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes 5.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) 6.New Business a.Natural Resources Commission Bylaws Update b.Natural Resources Project Planning and NRMP Review c.Comprehensive Plan Sustainability Chapter Review 7.Old Business a.Green Steps Planning b.Earth and Arbor Day Report c.Touch a Truck Event Planning d.Committee Reports – Workplan•Ordinance and Policy Development•Education and Outreach•Urban Forestry•Green Steps•Sustainability 8.Staff Announcements 9.Commission Comments 10.Adjourn Alternative formats or auxiliary aids are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact City Hall at 651-452-1850 or cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION Wednesday, April 12, 2023- 6:00 P.M. Mendota Heights City Hall-Council Chambers DRAFT Minutes The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 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 Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter called the roll. Commissioners present: Quick, Fahnhorst, McCaslin, Husbands, Swank, Tupper, and Stein. Commissioners Absent: Student Commissioner Byrnes. Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter and Assistant City Administrator Kelly Torkelson. 3.Adopt Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Stein, second by Quick. Motion passed 7-0. 4.Approval of Minutes a.March Minutes Motion to approve the minutes by Husbands, second by Tupper. Motion passed 7-0. b.Joint Work Session Minutes Motion to approve the minutes by Fahnhorst, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 7-0. 5.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) 6.New Business a.GreenStep Cities Update Coordinator Spreiter shared an update regarding Recycling Coordinator Courtney Selstad’s progress; advancing Mendota Heights to Step 2. The City will be recognized in May. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson confirmed the City Council worksession will be open to the public, but it won’t be a joint worksession. b.Q1 Workplan Status Report Coordinator Spreiter shared an update on the 2023 workplan. The Goal 1 Committee continues to review the ordinances. The Goal 2 Committee is developing materials. Goal 3 2 has been completed, adopting a “tree-of-the-month” program. Goal 4, regarding GreenSteps, has been completed by onboarding our new Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator. Goal 5, reviewing community sustainability efforts, is still in process. c. Touch-a-Truck Event Update Coordinator Spreiter shared details of the upcoming Legacy Event; Touch-A-Truck. The event will be held on May 13, 10:00am-12:00pm. The rain backup date is May 14. There will be several varieties of vehicles there for residents to experience. There may be an electric vehicle (EV) on site. Commissioner Quick noted she liked the idea of the commission being present at the event. Chair Swank asked whether the commission wanted to participate in a few events; electric vehicle support and a community poll of “how did you get here”. Commissioner Stein suggested supporting the electric vehicle portion of the event, especially EV owners. Commissioner Quick concurred. Commissioner Tupper would be interested in staffing a board regarding “how did you get here” discussion and chatting with residents about sustainable transportation. Commissioner Stein suggested sharing information on electric bikes. Chair Swank asked whether commissioners could bring their own vehicles or scooters, etc., and if there would be any issue with that. She asked for more ideas regarding the “how did you get here” engagement tool. She suggested including the categories; walking, bicycling, car, EV, electric bike, skateboard, motorcycle, etc. d. Tree-of-the-Month Update Coordinator Spreiter shared details regarding this new program. The Committee came up with a proposal; sharing an article in Friday News showcasing a tree species native to MN and highlighting benefits and growing conditions of that species. Commissioner Fahnhorst asked how we would choose the Tree of the Month, adding he thinks Coordinator Spreiter can make the decision. He suggested some fun social media ideas. Commissioner Tupper added the idea of utilizing the content from the Friday News article on social media, calling to action residents to interact with the tree of the month. Commissioner Stein agreed on the idea of pure native trees, and having a Master Gardener share the importance of them. Commissioner McCaslin suggested adding information regarding the amount of those tree types we have in the City, per the GIS information. Commissioner Tupper added how exciting she is to see this work getting accomplished. 3 Motion to approve the Tree of The Month program by Quick, second by Husbands. Motion passed 7-0. e. Tree Budget Recommendations Coordinator Spreiter noted that the City Council’s approved 2023 budget included a Tree City Designation Fund. She shared data on estimated costs and initiatives. She also further explained the Demonstration Tree Planting Model. Commissioner Quick suggested investing in a tree survey. Chair Swank asked the timeframe of having a tree survey done. Coordinator Spreiter thought that type of project would take about two years, and cost around $21,000. There might be a possibility to break that up into a few year’s budget. Commissioner Fahnhorst asked what the expectation is for tree care in rights-of-way land for residents and the City. Coordinator Spreiter stated the City prefers that there’s no planting in the right-of-way due to utility lines and road reconstruction potential, as well as lack of staff for maintenance. Commissioner Husbands shared information regarding a program used in St. Louis Park. Commissioner Tupper shared her appreciation to the City Council for adding this to their budget. She would like to see money go towards treating trees as infrastructure, much like maintaining playgrounds. Commissioner Fahnhorst added that unless there’s a specific goal for the tree survey, perhaps they can save that budget item for another year and utilize the funds in another way. Coordinator Spreiter shared that a tree survey can be utilized to identify high value trees, identifying health of trees, and identifying the actual number of public tree species. Commissioner Stein agreed on maintaining trees as normal infrastructure work. Commissioner McCaslin asked if there was a smart-phone based program that might help identify trees and take the place of a large, official tree survey. Commissioner Husbands noted the gravel pit at Public Works that might be utilized for new tree plantings. She suggested adding an intern or student representative to help water newly planted trees. Commissioner Fahnhorst advocated for the tree care line item, in emergency situations for example. 7. Old Business a. Pollinator Awareness Month Update 4 Coordinator Spreiter shared information regarding this event in May. The City will be promoting pollinators; education via social media and Friday News. b. Committee Reports – Workplan Coordinator Spreiter shared information regarding proposed format changes for committee reports. • Ordinance and Policy Development Commissioner Fahnhorst shared information regarding potential ordinances that could be added, including trees, landscaping, and land use. • Education and Outreach Commissioner Tupper shared the focus of upcoming events; Touch-A-Truck and Pollinator Awareness Month. She shared a few items that could be used for tabling. • Urban Forestry Commissioner Husbands shared information regarding the $25,000 budget and the Tree- of-the-Month program. • Green Steps More information will be shared after the City Council’s upcoming worksession. • Sustainability Commissioner Stein shared information regarding the timeframe of taking advantage of different energy-saving programs. 8. Staff Announcements Coordinator Spreiter shared a reminder of the Earth and Arbor Day event on April 29. Assistant City Administrator Torkelson reminded the commission of upcoming social media posts, and asked if the commission would help spread the word. 9. Commission Comments Commissioner Husbands shared information regarding an article in the Washington Post about nativizing a homeowner’s yard. Commissioner Quick shared information regarding the Spring Tree Giveaway from a local organization. 10. Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by Tupper, second by Stein. Motion passes 7-0. Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 7:09pm. 5 DATE: May 10, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Kelly Torkelson, Assistant City Administrator SUBJECT: Natural Resources Commission Bylaws Update Background The Natural Resources Commission is asked to consider an update to the commission’s bylaws to reflect a change in attendance policy. The current bylaws state that a commissioner cannot miss more than four unexcused meetings. The standard for excused absence is a bit arbitrary and in the interest of promoting regular attendance staff are requesting all city commissions update their bylaws with the revised attendance policy. The revision to the attendance policy in the commission bylaws states that commissioners are not able to miss more than 3 commission meetings or 75% of the meetings. Attachment: Draft Natural Resources Commission Bylaws. Requested Action: If the commission agrees, to adopt the revised Natural Resources Bylaws. 6 BYLAWS OF THE MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION ARTICLE 1. ORGIN AND PURPOSE Section 1. Origin. The Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission (the “Commission”) was created pursuant to Ordinance No. 572 adding Title 2, Chapter 5 of the Mendota Height City code on February 2, 2022. Section 2. Purpose. The Commission is established to act as an advisory group to the Mayor and city council and will: 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, prepare plans for the acquisition, enhancement, or preservation of natural resources in the City of Mendota Heights. ARTICLE 2. MEMBERSHIP Section 1. Number and Appointment. The Commission shall consist of seven (7) members and up to two (2) youth members who shall be residents of the City of Mendota Heights, appointed by the mayor with the consent of the majority of the members of the city council. 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. Youth members shall be 14 to 18 years old at the time of selection, serve a one-year term, and shall be eligible for reappointment if in good standing at the end of each term. Section 2. Attendance. A Commission member with four unexcused absences from regular meetings forfeit’s their seat on the commission. The Secretary then informs the City Council so that another appointment is made. Attendance at regular meetings is expected. Absences in a calendar year should not exceed three consecutive meetings or more than 25 percent of the total meetings. Members will receive a notification from the City Administrator after two consecutive or two total absences. If the City Administrator determines there are extenuating circumstances in a 7 case of a member who has not met the attendance requirements, the City Administrator may grant a waiver to the attendance requirement. If a member exceeds the allowable number of absences, the mayor and city council will be notified and the member shall be deemed to have voluntarily resigned from the commission and the seat vacant. The vacancy 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. Members unable to attend a meeting should contact the staff liaison, who will inform the chair if a quorum cannot be attained and the meeting will be cancelled. Section 3. Resignation. A member may resign at any time by delivering a written resignation to the Commission Chair and Secretary. ARTICLE 3. OFFICERS AND DUTIES Section 1. Designation of Officers. The officers of the Commission shall be Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary. At the annual meeting each year, the Commission shall elect from its membership a Chair and Vice Chairperson. Section 2. Chair. The Chair shall preside at all meeting of the Commission and shall have the right to vote on all matters of businesses. Section 3. Vice Chair. The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the absence or incapacity of the Chair; and in case of the resignation or death of the Chair, the Vice Chair shall perform such duties as are imposed on the Chair until such time as the Commission shall select a new Chair. Section 4. Secretary. The Natural Resources Commission staff liaison will serve as Secretary for the Commission. Either they or another staff representative will attend all meetings of the Commission and record or cause to be recorded all votes and minutes of the proceedings in the official journal. The Secretary shall distribute minutes and post adopted minutes to the City’s online repository. The Secretary along wth the City Clerk shall be responsible for keeping official copies of all minutes, motions articles and other business of the Commission. Section 5. Absences and Vacancies. If the Chairperson retires from the commission before the next organizational meeting, the Vice-Chairperson becomes Chairperson. If both Chairperson and Vice­ Chairperson retire, new officers are elected at the next meeting. If both Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson are absent from a meeting, the commission elects a temporary Chairperson by voice vote. The Secretary to the Natural Resources commission is appointed by the city administrator 8 from the city staff Section 6. Tenure of Officers. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson take office immediately following their election and hold office until their successors are elected and assume office. Section 7. Duties of Officers. The Chairperson, or if absent, the Vice- Chairperson presides at meetings, appoints committees and performs other duties as may be ordered by the commission. The Chairperson conducts meetings so as to keep them moving as rapidly and efficiently as possible and reminds members, witnesses and petitioners to discuss only the subject at hand. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson are voting member of the commission. The Secretary is responsible for recording the minutes, keeping records of commission actions, conveying commission recommendations to the city council and providing general administrative and clerical service to the commission. ARTICLE 3. MEETINGS OF THE COMMISSION Section 1. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the Commission shall be held in February of each year. Section 2. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Commission shall be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm at City Hall, unless otherwise agreed to and so stated in the agenda. When the regular meeting day falls on a legal holiday, there is no meeting that month unless otherwise noted. A schedule of regular meetings will be kept on file with the City Clerk. Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or Secretary. The calling of special meetings shall be in accordance with the procedures established in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D.04, subd. 2. Section 4. Quorum. Four Natural Resources Commission members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting its business. When a quorum is not present, the Chairperson may open the meeting for the purpose of hearing interested parties on items on the agenda. No final or official action may be taken at such a meeting. However, the facts and information gathered at such a meeting may be taken as a basis for action at a subsequent meeting at which a quorum is present. Section 5. Conducting Meetings. All Commission meeting shall be conducted using parliamentary procedure. Section 6. Official Record. The minutes of all meetings of the Commission, once 9 approved, shall constitute the official record of all actions of the Commission and the journal required to be maintain by Minnesota Statutes, Section 13D.01 Section 7. Order of Business. At regular meetings of the Commission, the following shall be the order of business: a. Call to Order b. Roll Call c. Approval of Agenda d. Approval of Minutes e. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) f. New and Unfinished Business g. Staff Announcements h. Commission Comments i. Adjourn Section 9. Manner of Voting. The voting of all questions coming before the Commission may be by unanimous consent or by roll call, if requested by a member of the Commission. Commission members voice votes on each issue are recorded. In the event that any member shall have a financial interest in a matter before the commission, the member shall disclose the interest and refrain from voting upon the matter, and the secretary shall so record in the minutes that no vote was cast by such member. Section 10. Public Comment. The Natural Resources Commission does not hold public hearings, but may invite public comment. ARTICLE 4. MISCELLANEOUS Section 1. Amendments. These Bylaws may be amended with the approval by voice vote by a majority (four) of the members of the Natural Resources commission. THESE BYLAWS WERE DULY ADOPTED BY THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS ON THE XX DAY OF XX, 2022. 10 DATE: May 10, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Natural Resources Project Planning and NRMP Review Background The Mendota Heights Natural Resources Management Plan is a guiding document that sets forth recommendations for budgetary and policy initiatives that support the conservation, restoration, and management of the City’s natural areas and all elements of the natural environment which benefit its residents. However, it does not include the City’s surface water resources, as this is provided in the City’s Surface Water Management Plan. The City’s Natural Resources Management Plan was updated and formally adopted in 2022. The Plan included next steps for implementation, including the identification of priority projects and establishing cost estimates and implementation steps for each project, shown below and attached. The priority projects called out to be included in the 2024 Budget include: The Valley Park Pollinator Corridor, the Valley Park Forest Enhancement – North, the Valley Park Forest 11 Enhancement – South, the Valley Park – NW Forest Enhancement, the Valley Park – E Forest Enhancement, and the Valley Park – S Oak/Aspen Knoll Enhancement. The City Council would like the Natural Resources Commission to provide a recommendation for natural resources priority projects in 2024. This should be provided for City Staff review in June, per the attached Budget Process Workflow Chart. Requested Action Information only. The Commission is invited to discuss and provide preliminary feedback. The Commission will be formalizing a recommendation to City Council based on discussion in an upcoming work session, to be determined. 12 13 14 DATE: May 10, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Sustainability Chapter Review Background The Mendota Heights Comprehensive Plan is a guiding document stating the City’s goals and policies relating to land use, housing, parks, and open space, as required by the Metropolitan Land Planning Act. The City’s Comprehensive Plan was updated and formally adopted in 2021. This Plan Update included a chapter titled Resilience (Chapter 8). It defines Resilience as the ability to recover from difficulties – the ability to return to a sense of normalcy. This chapter primarily focuses on goals and policies related to Hazard mitigation and emergency response, Climate action, Resilient energy, and Resilient food systems. Many of these goals and policies are closely related to sustainability. For example: Hazard Mitigation and Climate Action • Goal 1: Protect and maintain infrastructure and constructed systems that provide critical services • Goal 2: Proactively maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-related and other unforeseen events • Goal 3: Promote social connectedness and build an engaged community of resilience Resilient Energy • Goal 4: Continue to support, plan for, and encourage the use of solar energy as a renewable energy source • Goal 5: Adopt climate mitigation and/or energy independence goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions • Goal 6: Support long-range planning efforts to build the community’s renewable energy capability and maximize the benefits of renewable energy development 15 Resilient Food Systems • Goal 7: Explore opportunities to support land use guiding and regulations that support practices that integrate healthy food production in residential settings and support food- related businesses and activities • Goal 8: Promote responsible waste disposal and study feasibility of improving systems that encourage residents to make responsible decisions. Requested Action Information only. 16 DATE: May 10, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Kelly Torkelson, Assistant City Administrator SUBJECT: Green Steps Planning Background On April 18th, the City Council held a work session where they were updated regarding the city’s step advancement in the Green Steps program. In addition, the city council gave additional direction regarding the continuation of the city’s green steps program and broader sustainability initiatives. The first take away from the conversation is that the city council was interested in continuing to advance in the Green Steps program. The requirements for advancement to step three that we still need to complete are very prescriptive. Staff will be working to make progress of these specific items. In addition, the council requested direction from the natural resources commission more broadly about areas of focus. As the commission is aware, there are 29 best practice areas outlined in the green steps programs ranging in scope from: • Buildings and Lighting • Land Use, Transportation • Environmental Management • Resilient Economic and Community Development. While the GreenSteps program is a guide for how to advance through implementation of these best practices, it is not the only way that the city could advance through the best practices. The Council is requesting that the commission advise on areas of focus for the city, primarily focusing on areas that would align with the Natural Resources Management Plan. Attachment: GreenSteps 29 Best Practice Focus Areas Requested Action: Staff will use the commission’s recommendation as a part of the 2024 budget planning process and should prepare a recommendation by the end of June 2023. 17 Green Steps Best Practices: Buildings and Lighting 1. Efficient Existing Public Buildings Benchmark energy and water usage, identify savings opportunities in consultation with state programs, utilities and others to implement cost-effective energy and sustainability improvements. 2. Efficient Existing Private Buildings Provide incentives for energy, water and sustainability improvements in existing residential, not-for-profit and commercial buildings/building sites. 3. New Green Buildings Construct new buildings to meet or qualify under a green building framework. 4. Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals Improve the efficiency and quality of street lighting, traffic signals and outdoor public lighting. 5. Building Redevelopment Create economic and regulatory incentives for redevelopment and repurposing of existing buildings. Land Use 6. Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans Build public support and legal validity to long-term infrastructural and regulatory strategy. 7. Resilient City Growth Increase financial and environmental sustainability by enabling and encouraging walkable housing and retail land use. 8. Mixed Uses Develop efficient land patterns that generate community health and wealth. 9. Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development Adopt commercial development and design standards for auto-oriented development corridors and clusters. 10. Design for Natural Resource Conservation Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect natural systems and valued community assets. Transportation 18 11. Living & Complete Streets Create a network of green complete streets that improves city quality of life, public health, and adds value to surrounding properties. 12. Mobility Options Increase active transportation and alternatives to single-occupancy car travel. 13. Efficient City Fleets Implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance plan. 14. Demand-Side Travel Planning Implement Travel Demand Management and Transit-Oriented Design in service of a more walkable city. Environmental Management 15. Sustainable Purchasing Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing policies and practices to improve health and environmental outcomes. 16. Community Forests and Soils Add city tree and plant cover that conserves topsoils and increases community health, wealth, quality of life. 17. Stormwater Management Minimize the volume of and pollutants in rainwater runoff by maximizing green infrastructure. 18. Parks and Trails Increase active lifestyles and property values by enhancing the city's green infrastructure. 19. Surface Water Improve local water bodies to sustain their long-term ecological function and community benefits. 20. Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems Assess and improve city drinking water and wastewater systems and related facilities. 21. Septic Systems Implement an environmentally sound management program for decentralized wastewater treatment systems. 22. Sustainable Consumption and Waste Increase waste prevention, reuse and recycling, moving to a lower-consumption, more cyclical, biological approach to materials management. 23. Local Air Quality Prevent generation of local air contaminants so as to improve community health. 19 Resilient Economic and Community Development 24. Benchmarks and Community Engagement Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other city sustainability efforts, and engage community members in ongoing education, dialogue, and campaigns. 25. Green Business Development Expand a greener, more resilient business sector. 26. Renewable Energy Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity. 27. Local Food Strengthen local food production and access. 28. Business Synergies and EcoDistricts Network/cluster businesses and design neighborhoods and developments to achieve better energy, social, economic and environmental outcomes in service of a more circular and equitable economy. 29. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience Plan and prepare for extreme weather, adapt to changing climatic conditions, and foster stronger community connectedness and social and economic vitality. 20 DATE: May 10, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Earth and Arbor Day Report Background The 2023 Mendota Heights Earth and Arbor Day Celebration was held on Saturday, April 29th. A city-wide clean-up event, educational opportunities, drawings, giveaways, and a pollinator planting volunteer event was included in the celebration. Approximately 25 residents participated in the city-wide trash and clean up supply pick-up and attended the educational event at City Hall Saturday morning that included free giveaways and drawings. The Pocket Pollinator Garden Planting Volunteer Event at Valley View Heights Park was also a success. City Staff and volunteers planted over 100 native pollinator plants around the Valley View Heights Park sign. Thank you to all residents and volunteers that participated, including Commissioners Swank and Tupper. Requested Action Information only. 21 DATE: May 10, 2023 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Touch a Truck Event Planning Background The Commission has discussed involvement at City and community events in 2023. These events can be utilized as a way to engage with residents. It is also an initiative of the Commission’s 2023 Workplan to participate in City events, including three of the four Legacy Events. One of these Legacy events is the Touch-a-Truck event at Mendakota Park on Saturday, May 13th (Sunday May 14th is a rain date) from 10 AM - Noon. Fire trucks, police squads, mowers, plow trucks and more will be available for residents to experience. Activities will include kids’ games, photo opportunities, and food trucks. At the regular Commission meeting on April 12th, 2023, the Commission discussed attending the event and general interest was shown in attending in support of a potential electric vehicle being present at the event. Discussion also involved presenting and staffing a ‘How did you get here’ board providing education on sustainable transportation. Since this meeting Staff has learned that there will not be an electric vehicle at the event. Commissioners’ personal vehicles are also not an option for this event. Requested Action The Commission should determine if their attendance at the event is still appropriate, and if so, determine the details and commitment level of participation. 22