NRC Packet 01102024NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AGENDA MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Wednesday January 10, 2024
6:00 p.m.
1.Call to Order
2.Roll Call
3.Adopt Agenda
4.Approval of Minutes
a.Approval of December 13, 2023 Natural Resources Commission Work Session Minutes
b.Approval of December 13, 2023 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes
5.Public Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
6.New Business
a.Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization Presentation
b.Zoning Code Update Presentation: Chapter 4., 12-4A-6 Impervious surface Requirements
c.2024 Meeting Schedule
7.Old Business
a.2024 Work Plan Discussion and Approval
b.Proposed Residential and Commercial Shade Tree Program
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.
1
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION DRAFT MINUTES
WORK SESSION
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 4:00 p.m.
City Hall 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1.Call to Order
Chair Swank called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
2.Roll Call
In attendance: Chair Swank, Commissioners Knosalla, McCaslin, Husbands.
Absent: Vice Chair Tupper, Commissioners Fahnhorst, Stein, Student Commissioner
Trudeau.
Staff in attendance: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter.
3.Approval of the Agenda Motion by Commissioner McCaslin
Second by Commissioner Knosalla Motion Passed 4-0
4.New Businessa.2024 Work Plan Discussion
Coordinator Spreiter introduced the discussion by reviewing the 2023 Work Plan
and initiatives. Initiatives both completed and incomplete in 2023 were discussed.
Commissioners discussed the 2024 Work Plan; what goals and initiatives would remain, and those that could be removed or changed.
2 4a.
Page 2 of 3
Goal 1: Ordinance Policy and Development
It was suggested that the initiative Reviewing Existing City Ordinances be removed, as it has been completed. A suggestion was made to include Surface Water and
Impervious Surface as ordinances to review.
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Continue with coloring sheets that could eventually be compiled into a coloring
book for events.
Commissioner Swank suggested reviewing the City Calendar to identify events to attend.
Suggested to continue to identify areas in parks where QR codes could be used for
education.
Goal 3: Urban Forestry Awareness and Opportunities The question was raised as to whether an annual buckthorn removal event was
needed. Chair Swank commented that the event is a good opportunity to provide public education. Commissioners McCaslin and Husbands suggested that if it is
continued, it should be a part of a long-term plan for removal and restoration and consistency is needed.
Commissioner Knosalla suggested that events be paired with education and/or an
expert guest speaker along with the event.
Commissioner McCaslin suggested that there be a buckthorn kit created for residents that could be lent out, that would include instructions for removal and
restoration. Commissioner Knosalla offered that the City of Duluth has a similar program.
Suggestion was made to change the title of Goal 4 to ‘Urban Forestry and
Restoration’. Suggested to add ‘Marie Park Hybrid Tree Planting Project’ as an
initiative.
Commissioner Husbands suggested adding a ‘Natural Resources Management Plan
for Valley Park’ as an initiative.
Commissioner Husbands suggested adding a ‘Residential and Commercial Shade
Tree Planting Program’ as an initiative.
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Page 3 of 3
Goal 4: Green Steps Suggestion was made to change Goal 4 to ‘Strategic Planning’, and to keep ‘Green
Steps’ as part of this goal.
Commissioner Husbands suggested adding ‘Funding Sources for Natural Resources’ as an initiative of this goal.
Goal 5: Sustainability
Suggestion was made to replace, ‘Review City energy usage to identify opportunities for improvement’ initiative with ‘Partners in Energy’. Suggestion was
also made to remove the initiative ‘Review peer community sustainability efforts to identify opportunities in MH’, as this has been completed.
Commissioner Swank recommended that a Deconstruction policy for City Buildings
be created as an initiative under Goal 1 or Goal 5.
Motion by Commissioner McCaslin Second by Commissioner Knosalla
Motion Passed 4-0
Adjourn at 5:47 p.m.
4
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AGENDA MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Wednesday, December 13, 2023, 6:00 p.m.
Draft Meeting Minutes
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday,
December 13, 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: Swank, Husbands,
McCaslin, Knosalla, and Fahnhorst. Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Tupper, Stein, and Student
Commissioner Trudeau. Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter.
3.Adopt Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda by Knosalla, second by Fahnhorst.
Motion passed 5-0.
4.Approval of Minutes
a.Approval of October 11, 2023 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes by Fahnhorst, second by McCaslin.
Motion passed 5-0.
b.Approval of November 9, 2023 Natural Resources Commission Work Session Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve the minutes by Husbands, second by Fahnhorst.
Motion passed 5-0.
5.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
6.New Business
a.Proposed Residential and Commercial Shade Tree Program
Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter described a request from a Commissioner to research a
potential commercial and residential shade tree program. It could potentially be modeled after
the program in St. Louis Park. It would include a full-service tree sale and a commercial and non-
profit property owner cost-share program. Staff obtained initial estimates from the organization
Tree Trust and noted a standard tree with service would cost around $300 per tree, plus $150 per
hour of tree care.
5 4b.
Commissioner Fahnhorst is very supportive of this potential program and noted that Tree Trust
typically has high quality trees. He liked the idea of having an option of transportation and
planting services. He’d also like the City to take advantage of wholesale rates when applicable.
Commissioner Husbands noted the existing line item already in the budget and this new program
could be how they use the entire budget in 2024. She asked how the program determines the
environmental justice areas for planting and if there are many of those areas within Mendota
Heights.
Coordinator Spreiter will get more information after looking at a map.
Chair Swank asked what St. Louis Park’s budget looks like for this program.
Coordinator Spreiter assumes it is much more than $25,000. She shared an estimate that if the
City provided 100 trees for the residential program at a 50% subsidy, that would cost $15,000,
which doesn’t account for any watering or tree care post-planting. From the $25,000 tree city
budget in 2023 the City used approximately $12,000 for pruning and maintenance in the Parks.
Commissioner Husbands would like to see the City to move forward with this program since there
is money in the budget and we have a current vendor within the City who is willing to include us.
Coordinator Spreiter will come back to the Commission with a detailed proposal to act on.
Commissioner Knosalla would like to see the focus still on replacement of trees that have been
infected with emerald ash borer.
b.Natural Resources Commissioner Resignation
Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter shared that Commissioner Tupper has resigned as she has
moved out of the City. She had served since 2022 and her term ends at the end of 2025. The
resignation was recently accepted by the City Council, as well as the authorization of the position
posting. She thanked Commissioner Tupper for her service and input.
Chair Swank also thanked Commissioner Tupper for her work within the City.
7.Old Business
a.Demonstration Hybrid Tree Planting Update
Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter shared the committee has planned for a demonstration
tree planting project within Marie Park. The project would include restoration of the area, a hybrid
planting approach, and native grass seed planting. The project will resume in spring of 2024 in
which the committee will choose the shade trees and pollinator plantings. The project also
includes public education opportunities such as signage.
b.Urban Forest Management Ordinance Update
Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter noted this committee has developed an Urban Forest
Management Draft Ordinance. The committee is waiting on final comments and feedback before a
final draft is recommended to City Council. She invited the commission to share any additional
feedback.
c.Partners in Energy Program Update
6
Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter shared an update for the program that was approved by
the City Council; staff, members of the committee, and Xcel Energy representatives will have a
kickoff meeting this week with the goal of identifying focus areas and forming a larger energy
action team.
d.Committee Reports – Workplan
•Ordinance and Policy Development
The priority is wrapping up the urban forestry management ordinance.
•Education and Outreach
NA
•Urban Forestry
NA
•Green Steps
NA
•Sustainability
The kickoff meeting will be this week for the Partners in Energy Program.
8.Staff Announcements
Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter shared information on an upcoming Reuse series event.
9.Commission Comments
Chair Swank noted she will not be standing for Chair for the upcoming commission election in February.
10.Adjourn
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Husbands, second by McCaslin.
Motion passed 5-0.
Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 6:31pm.
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DATE: January 10, 2024
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization Update and
Presentation
Background
The Commission will hear a presentation from Joe Barton from the Lower Mississippi River
Watershed Management Organization (LMRWMO) regarding its partnership with the City and
an update on current projects and programs within Mendota Heights. Some of the LMRWMO
current programs and projects within Mendota Heights include the Adopt-a-Drain program,
Landscaping for Clean Water, the Interstate Valley Creek (IVC) Stabilization and Volume
Reduction Study and Project, and the Lake Augusta Feasibility Study.
The LMRWMO is located in the southeastern part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and is
one of two watershed districts or watershed management organizations in the City. Its other
member communities include the Cities of Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Saint Paul, South St.
Paul, Sunfish Lake, and West St. Paul. The LMRWMO implements projects and programs to
improve the water quality of the water resources within its boundary. It also provides a
valuable forum for its member cities to evaluate and resolve drainage issues within the
watershed. The LMRWMO does not have a permitting program. All issuance of water resources
or stormwater management permits are handled through the member Cities in which the
project is located.
Requested Action
Information only. The Commission in invited to ask questions, discuss current programs and
projects as a part of the partnership between the City and the Watershed Management
Organization, and provide any feedback.
8 6a.
DATE: January 10, 2024
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director
Jennifer Haskamp, Swanson Haskamp Consulting, LLC
SUBJECT: Zoning Code Update Presentation: Chapter 4., 12-4A-6 Impervious
Surface Requirements
Background
The Commission will hear a presentation from Jennifer Haskamp from Swanson Haskamp
Consulting regarding the current process of updating Chapter 4., 12-4A-6 Impervious Surface
Requirements, of the City’s Zoning Code. The update is a part of the Planning Commission’s
current initiative to comprehensively update the Zoning Ordinance to be consistent with the
adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan in conformance with State Statute. A memorandum from
Swanson Haskamp Consulting is attached.
Requested Action
Information only.
9 6b.
Zoning Code Update - Impervious Surface Standards 1
MEMO
To: Members of the Natural Resources Commission
Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator - CWD
CC: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director
Sarah Madden, Community Development Manager
From: Jennifer Haskamp, AICP, SHC
Date: January 4, 2024
RE: Zoning Code Update – Impervious Surfaces
Zoning Code Update – Background
In 2022 the City engaged our firm, SHC, to work on a comprehensive update of the City’s Zoning Code to
support and be consistent with the 2020 Comprehensive Plan. Over the past 18 months we have worked with the
Planning Commission to prepare a full draft that is currently under review by the City Council. As part of that
process the Planning Commission has recommended certain changes to the code including the addition of
impervious surface coverage standards for each zoning district in the City.
The current City of Mendota Heights Zoning Code does not contain standards regarding impervious surface
coverage in any zoning district, except for the Industrial zoning district. This means that, hypothetically, under the
current ordinance 100% of a lot area could be developed with impervious surfaces. After a series of work sessions
held by the Planning Commission, and in joint sessions with the City Council, this was identified as an issue that
needed to be addressed as part of the Zoning Code Update process.
The Planning Commission and City Council directed SHC to research and review existing lot development
patterns to determine and establish the average percentages of impervious areas within specific zoning districts.
The objective of the research was 1) to establish average impervious surface coverage to understand the existing
development pattern since the community almost fully developed; and 2) to establish a maximum impervious
surface coverage that would allow for existing development patterns to remain conforming. For example after
conducting research and collecting data about existing conditions, it was determined that permitting a maximum of
35% impervious surface coverage within the R-1 Zoning District was reasonable provided that residents could
exceed the maximum up to 50% with Best Management Practices (BMPs).
To aid in your review and preparation for the meeting on Wednesday, the following references and information are
provided. Also, please note that a full draft of the updated Zoning Code can be found on the City of Mendota
Heights website (https://mendotaheightsmn.gov/441/Zoning-Code-Update).
10 6b1.
Zoning Code Update - Impervious Surface Standards 2
Relevant Zoning Sections in Draft Zoning Code dated 10/27/2023
The revised Zoning Code includes several sections that address impervious surface coverage. The following table
provides a brief snapshot of where impervious surface standards appear within the draft document that can be
accessed on the City’s website from the link:
Section of Draft Zoning Code Location in Draft Zoning Code
12-2. Zoning Districts
All parcels, lots, and land within the City are zoned with a Base Zoning District designation and
may also be zoned with an Overlay District. These assign dimensional standards for all
parcels, which vary depending on use. Each Zoning District and Overlay has a set impervious
surface area maximum, which is listed in the Dimensional and Lot Standards table for each
designation. Table 2 is a summary of the maximums for each base zoning designation.
Chapter 2, Pages 3 – 21
12-4A-4. Wetland Requirements
This section notes that impervious surfaces are not permitted in wetlands or any required
buffer areas unless an approved mitigation and replacement plan is obtained.
Chapter 4, Page 4
12-4A-6. Impervious Surface Requirements
This section establishes standards for calculating impervious surface on a lot to
ensure that each lot has pervious area to help support localized surface water and stormwater
management.
Chapter 4, Page 7
Key Points from Draft Zoning Code
As described, the most significant change to the Draft Zoning Code is the inclusion of impervious surface
standards for ALL Base Zoning Districts. This is a change from the current zoning ordinance that does not
include any standards, except within the Industrial Zoning District. The purpose and intent of including
impervious surface standards in each district is to ensure that stormwater management and runoff from lots
matches the designed infrastructure (storm sewer), to promote and protect other surface water such as wetlands
and lakes, and to control bulk/design standards in a manner that is consistent with the character of the existing
development. The following table excerpt is from the draft code:
Table 1.
Summary table
of impervious
surface area
maximums per
base zoning
designation
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Zoning Code Update - Impervious Surface Standards 3
Why 35% - 50% in RE , R-1 and R -2?
The proposed percentages were derived from three sources, 1) the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System
“MLCCS” (See Figure 1); aerial analysis of existing development patterns, and 3) existing stormwater infrastructure
design. Land in each zoning district was analyzed utilizing the three sources. The stated objective was to determine
a percentage, or range, that would not result in significant non-conformity and to establish some flexibility beyond
the standard provided Best Management Practices (BMPs) were implemented. Utilizing the sources and realizing
the objectives, the proposed standards fit at or below the ranges established within Table 1 of this memo.
Figure 1. City of Mendota Heights Land Cover
The 35% - 50% maximum also allows for some flexibility given that the majority of lots are developed. To
demonstrate how the aerial analysis was completed, Figure 2 (below) offers an example of an existing property
within the City. The lot is just over 14,800 square-feet in size and has about 23% impervious coverage. This is less
than the proposed maximum for R-1 zoning, which is 35%.
If the property owner wanted to expand their back porch or even build an addition to their home, the total
impervious coverage would increase. The 35% maximum allows property owners to improve and build on their
land, while still providing standards and restrictions that the City does not currently have. This is another standard
that will shape the development patterns moving forward and will help with natural resources protection. The
property in the example is very similar to most lots in R-1 neighborhoods.
DRAFT
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Zoning Code Update - Impervious Surface Standards 4
Figure 2. Example of Impervious Coverage on a R-1 Lot
Best Management Practices
So, what happens if a property owner wants to extend their back porch and exceeds the impervious surface
maximum? Table 2 notes that a lot may have a higher maximum if mitigative Best Management Practices (BPMs)
are installed. BPMs are recognized by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and can take a variety of
other forms, including detention ponds or rain gardens. The intent of including BPMs in the updated zoning code
is to allow property owners greater flexibility while also aligning with the City’s goals. BMPs that are acceptable
align directly with the State’s rules and are not subjective. The City’s Public Works Director already utilizes the
MPCA’s standards for BMPs related to the Land Disturbance requirements. As such, requiring BMPs is a familiar
tool already utilized within the community. This will create consistency and make it easier to track properties with
BMPs in the future.
Summary & Next Steps
The impervious surface coverage standards are in draft form and have not been adopted. The current draft dated
10/27/2023 incorporates the recommendations of the Planning Commission to the City Council. After a joint
work session between the Planning Commission and City Council, they have preliminarily discussed that the
impervious surface coverage standards should be presented at an upcoming public Open House since the inclusion
of impervious surface coverage regulations is new in the City.
13
DATE: January 10, 2024
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: 2023 Meeting Dates
Background
The 2024 calendar for the Natural Resources Commission includes the following proposed
meeting dates at 6:00pm:
-Wednesday, January 10
-Wednesday , February 14
-Wednesday, March 13
-Wednesday, April 10
-Wednesday, May 8
-Wednesday, June 12
-Wednesday, July 10
-Wednesday, August 14
-Wednesday, September 11
-Wednesday, October 9
-Thursday, November 13
-Wednesday, December 11
Requested Action
Approve the Natural Resources Commission meeting dates as proposed.
14 6c.
DATE: January 10, 2024
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: 2024 Work Plan Discussion and Approval
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
2024 calendar year. The draft work plan was largely created from discussion at the December
13th, 2023 Work Session. The main ideas from that work session were used to form the goals of
the attached plan. These are:
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development
Goal 2: Education and Outreach
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration
Goal 4: Strategic Planning
Goal 5: Sustainability
Each goal also includes suggested initiatives that correlate to that specific goal. The commission
can choose to accept the suggested workplan; or it may choose to remove, edit, and add items
through discussion. Once the 2024 Work Plan has been accepted, commissioners may choose to
remain on their current subcommittees as they correspond to each goal, or choose another
subcommittee if room allows. Each subcommittee may have a maximum of three members, to
comply with open meeting law.
Requested Action
The Commission should review the draft of the 2024 Work Plan and approve the Plan if it so
chooses. Once the Work Plan has been approved, subcommittee members should be chosen for
each corresponding goal.
15 7a.
Goal Initiative Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy
Development Recommend final draft of Urban Forest Management ordinance X
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy
Development Review Planning Review Checklists to offer natural resources considerations X X
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy
Development
Identify an ordinance for review, and draft recommendation (landscape ordinance and
standards, weed ordinance, shoreland ordinance, etc.) X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Identify community events to attend, and add assignments for commissioners X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Continue to develop engagement materials aimed at children to educate on natural
resources topics: i.e. coloring book to hand out while tabling X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Develop educational topics and event schedule for Earth and Arbor Day Celebration X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Review recommendations and choose finalists for Oak Awards Recognition Program X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Develop messaging for, and implement Pollinator Awareness Month X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Host site tour of natural resources site X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Develop residential and commercial subsidized shade tree program X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Complete demonstration hybrid planting at Marie Park X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Develop a buckthorn removal kit for residents X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Identify and plan areas of turf-to-native vegetation conversion in city parks X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Host tree planting event X
Goal 4: Strategic Planning Identify opportunities for Green Steps advancement X X X X
Goal 4: Strategic Planning Identify and explore funding sources for Natural Resources X X X X
Goal 4: Strategic Planning Explore development of a Natural Resources Management Plan for Valley Park X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Complete Partners in Energy planning process X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Explore deconstruction policy for city-owned buidlings and facilities X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Begin Partners in Energy implementation process X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Host residential energy saving education event X X
TimelineNatural Resources Commission Work Plan 2024
16 7a1.
DATE: January 10, 2024
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Proposed Residential and Commercial Shade Tree Program
Background
The proposal of a residential and/or commercial shade tree program was brought to the
commission for discussion at the regular meeting of the commission on December 13th of 2023.
The commission suggested creating a program utilizing funds from the Tree City fund. Currently
there is $10,344.35 remaining in this fund from 2023. Included below are expenses that utilized
the Tree City fund in 2023.
Trees Bare root – gravel bed (25) 899.00
Trees Potted - #5-10 Container (6) 561.63
Tree Care Supplies Watering bags, mulch, tree
protection, staking
722.62
Tree Pruning Friendly Hills, Victoria
Highlands, Ivy Falls
9,437.00
Marie Park Demonstration
Planting
Site preparation and seeding
(Phase I)
3,035.40
TOTAL $14,655.65
Based on the current budget for the 2024 calendar year and remaining funds from 2023 under
the Tree City fund, staff has proposed the following parameters for the program:
•Full-service tree sale and planting program: Assistance with transport and planting
available to residential and non-profit organization property owners at a subsidized cost
of 50% ($150/tree). Priority given to properties that recently lost an ash tree due to EAB,
as well as to properties located in an Environmental Justice Priority Area, and areas
identified as High Relative Heat Export as identified in Figure 17 of the City’s Natural
Resources Management Plan.
•Commercial and nonprofit property owner cost share program: Assistance with
transport and planting available to commercial property owners at a reduced cost of
$200/tree. Priority given to properties that recently lost an ash tree due to EAB, as well
as to properties located in an Environmental Justice Priority Area, and areas identified as
17 7b.
High Relative Heat Export as identified in Figure 17 of the City’s Natural Resources
Management Plan.
•Property owners would be required to sign a maintenance agreement in which the
property owner assumes full responsibility for continued maintenance after planting,
including watering or future removal if needed.
•Approximately $26,000 could be utilized for the program for 2024. This would allow for
a remaining $9,000 in funds from the Tree City fund to be utilized for tree pruning and
tree care of existing park trees, as well as Phase II of the Marie Park Demonstration
Planting in 2024. This assumes that any remaining tree planting and care of newly
planted public trees not associated with this program would be covered under the
Shade Tree Program Bonding Grant (not yet executed). The City has been tentatively
accepted into this grant program and is awaiting approval on submitted requested
revisions. If executed, this grant would allow for the planting and tree care supplies for
80 public trees planted as mitigation for ash trees removed due to Emerald Ash Borer
(EAB) disease.
Requested Action
If the Commission so chooses, it should approve the Residential and Commercial Shade Tree
program as proposed for 2024.
18