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NRC Packet 03132024NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AGENDA MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday, March 13, 2024 6:00 p.m. 1.Call to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Adopt Agenda 4.Approval of Minutes a.Approve meeting minutes from the February 14, 2024 Natural Resources CommissionMeeting 5.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) 6.New Business a.Earth and Arbor Day Celebration Planning b.Proposed Living Streets Policy 7.Old Business a.Tree Sale Update b.Committee Reports•Ordinance and Policy Development •Education and Outreach •Urban Forestry and Restoration •Strategic Planning •Sustainability 8.Staff Announcements 9.Commission Comments 10.Adjourn 1 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS February 14, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 1 of 7 Wednesday, February 14, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Draft Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at Mendota Heights City Hall; 1101 Victoria Curve. 1.Call to Order Chair Swank called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. 2.Roll Call Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter called the roll. Commissioners present: Chair Swank, Husbands, Knosalla, McCaslin, Stein, and Student Commissioner Trudeau. Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Fahnhorst (arrived at 6:02 p.m.). Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter. 3.Adopt Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Husbands, second by Knosalla. Motion passed 6-0. 4.Approval of Minutes a.Approval of January 10, 2024 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Motion to approve the Regular Session Minutes by Stein, second by McCaslin. Commissioner Fahnhorst arrived at the meeting at 6:02 p.m. Motion passed 7-0. 5.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) No one appeared to address the Commission 6.New Business a.New Commissioner Introduction Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter stated at its regular meeting on January 23, 2024, the City Council appointed Liz Sheets to the Natural Resources Commission. Commissioner Sheets will fill the open position on the Commission previously held by Commissioner Tupper and will be on the Commission with a term that expires January 31, 2025. The Commissioners introduced themselves to Commissioner Liz Sheets. Commissioner Sheets introduced herself to the Commission. 2 4a. February 14, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 2 of 7 b.2024 Commission Officer Elections Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the Natural Resource Commission’s bylaws set election of the roles of Chair and Vice Chair at the annual meeting for the Commission which takes place in February of each year. If a Commissioner is interested in the position of either Chair or Vice Chair, they are welcome to express their interest to the group as a whole during discussion of this item. The chair and the Vice Chair elections will be separate items. The election of a Chair will be the first order of business. After a Chair has been selected from the Commission, the new Chair will take over the meeting proceedings. The Chair will then ask the Commission for nominations for Vice Chair. Following nominations, the Chair will then call the vote for Vice Chair. Chair Swank asked for nominations for Chair and for Vice Chair. Commissioner Stein nominated Commissioner Swank as Chair for the 2024 Commission. He stated she does a nice job of leading these meetings. Commissioner Fahnhorst added his support for the nomination. Motion to approve the appointment of Commissioner Swank as Chair for 2024 by Stein, second by Knosalla. Motion passed 7-0. Chair Swank stated Commissioner Knosalla is an excellent consensus builder. Her expertise and ability to work with people would make her a good choice for Vice Chair. Commissioner Fahnhorst added his support for the nomination. Motion to approve the appointment of Commissioner Knosalla as Vice Chair for 2024 by Swank, second by Husbands. Motion passed 7-0. c.Committee Appointments Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the Natural Resources Commission established goals for the 2024 calendar year at its work session on December 13, 2023 as part of the Commission’s 2024 Workplan. The 2024 Work Plan consists of five goals: Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development Goal 2: Education and Outreach Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration Goal 4: Strategic Planning Goal 5: Sustainability Committees are to be established to aid the Commission in the accomplishment of the goals of the 2024 Workplan. Commissioners may opt to continue in their role of their current committee(s), or request to join another committee if space allows. The following committees were established in 2023: Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development – Commissioners Fahnhorst, McCaslin, Stein Goal 2: Education and Outreach – Commissioner Swank Goal 3: Urban Forestry Awareness and Opportunities – Commissioners Husbands, McCaslin, Knosalla Goal 4: Green Steps – Commissioners Swank, Knosalla Goal 5: Sustainability – Commissioners Husbands, Knosalla, Stein 3 February 14, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 3 of 7 Committees will meet as deemed necessary. For each goal, committees will focus on potential next steps to be brought to the Commission for discussion, as well as proposed action items. The Commission can then accept or deny proposed action items brought by committees. Committee reports will also be given to the Commission by each committee at all regular commission meetings. If a committee has nothing to report, that can simply be stated by the committee. The Commission is requested to establish committee members for each Goal. It is recommended that a maximum of three commissioners per committee be allowed, to comply with open meeting law. Commissioners may opt to continue in their current committee, or request to join another committee if space allows. The committee members for the Natural Resources Commission for 2024 are as follows: Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development – Commissioners Fahnhorst, McCaslin, Stein Goal 2: Education and Outreach – Commissioners Swank, Sheets, Trudeau Goal 3: Urban Forestry Awareness and Opportunities – Commissioners Husbands, McCaslin, Knosalla Goal 4: Strategic Planning – Commissioners Swank, Knosalla, Sheets Goal 5: Sustainability – Commissioners Husbands, Knosalla, Stein The committee assignments can be revisited again at midyear if necessary. d.Presentation “Fresh Air Fridays” Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter reviewed Ms. Kirsten Ramirez, a Mendota Heights resident and University of Minnesota Public Health graduate student appeared to give the presentation. As part of her graduate work, Ms. Ramirez is proposing an initiative for “Fresh Air Fridays” in the City of Mendota Heights. Fresh Air Fridays will encourage residents to make an intentional choice on Fridays to reduce their carbon emissions by carpooling, teleworking, biking, walking, etc. This initiative’s target implementation will coincide with the week of Earth Day in late April 2024. The proposal will be presented to both the Mendota Heights Parks and Recreation Commission and the Natural Resources Commission to obtain support for a recommendation to be presented to the City Council for approval and implementation. Ms. Ramirez stated her project addresses climate change at the local level through community involvement. A chart showing global greenhouse gas emissions by gas was displayed. A NASA graph showing the average global temperature since 1880 through 2022 was explained. The Power Point included Impact of Climate Change on Human Health, Climate Change in Mendota Heights, Hopelessness, Collective Action, and Fresh Air Fridays. This is a promotional and educational program designed to encourage residents to choose to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions on Fridays by walking, biking, carpooling, teleworking, etc. Ms. Ramirez hopes to present the program to the City Council in March with a kickoff in late April. The reason for the program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to provide Mendota Heights residents a collective action step we can take to address climate change and the human health outcomes that impact us all. She provided examples of ways the program could be utilized. Other benefits cited include taking action is empowering, intentional choices lead to mindset shifts, our local businesses will benefit, compliments the walkable/bikeable pathways in Mendota Heights, exercising is good for us and it is a low-cost initiative. Ms. Ramirez stated opportunities for future as renewable program year after year, Fresh Air Friday gatherings in the village, show your bike helmet to local business, get a free “XXXX”. 4 February 14, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 4 of 7 The Commission is requested to ask questions, discuss details of the potential program and provide any feedback. Commissioner Knosalla thanked Ms. Ramirez for her presentation. This provides rational optimism for the future. She would like to see how kids could be included. Could there be meatless lunch Fridays in the schools. Commissioner Stein stated Ms. Ramirez started a garden at the elementary school and has experience of bringing the community together. He thinks this is a wonderful idea and suggests going through the winter months. Any coordination could be done through the Education and Outreach Committee. Chair Swank suggested providing bus route information to residents. She suggested working with the Education and Outreach Committee. Commissioner Fahnhorst thanked Ms. Ramirez for her presentation and her work. He asked if this would be unique to Mendota Heights and is the intent it would be ongoing. Ms. Ramirez stated she could not find any other cities with similar efforts. The timeline would be to try it this year. Commissioner Sheets stated this serves as a good wrapper around other efforts. Ms. Ramirez agreed it could start small and branch out. Commissioner Husbands thanked Ms. Ramirez for bringing this forward. It would be helpful to bring the eco-anxiety forward and address that with action suggestions. Commissioner Trudeau stated it was a good presentation. Commissioner Knosalla suggested the presentation be sharable perhaps on a YouTube channel. 7.Old Business a.Approve Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance Draft Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter reviewed as part of Goal 1: Policy and Ordinance Review and Development, the Goal 1 Committee along with the Commission has developed a draft of an Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance, receiving and incorporating feedback from the Commission. The Commission also held a work session on September 27, 2023 to review the draft and give feedback, working towards a final draft of the document for recommendation to City Council. The Commission is asked to review and approve the current draft of the ordinance. Once a draft is approved, the draft ordinance may be submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and comment at a future work session or regular meeting. The draft Ordinance was provided for Commission review. Commissioner Stein referred the Commission to Major Home Addition which is currently requiring a permit as well as a full blown forest management plan done by a horticulturist. Since a home addition may only affect a few trees he does not believe a full blown forest management plan would be necessary. (XX5 Section and also under definitions). If someone wanted to add a 3- season porch that threshold could be reached. The right balance needs to be reached. Chair Swank asked if Commissioner Stein wanted to change the 10% or pull that out of the section. Commissioner Husbands stated there does not need to be a footprint prescription. We should only be concerned about the trees. Commissioner Knosalla stated it refers to removing any significant 5 February 14, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 5 of 7 trees. Chair Swank asked if it should be reworded to say if trees are affected then the Plan would be needed. Commissioner Stein stated with these sort of projects only one or two trees may be affected. If a vacant lot is being prepared for development, moving it down to 33% would make more sense.(XX2 Section). The major home addition portion would be stricken. Chair Swank stated people may not be aware if they want to remove trees they need to get a permit. Commissioner Husbands stated in her neighborhood there is a lot split and asked if that is included in the ordinance. Chair Swank stated it is included. Chair Swank summarized the changes would be in the Applicability and Forest Management Plan Sections the 50% would be reduced to 33%, a Major Home Addition would be stricken along with the definition of a Major Home Addition. Motion to amend the draft stating when removing 33% or more of significant or heritage trees, as part of any lot vacant or otherwise occupied, in any of the following . . . by Knosalla, No second received. Commissioner Husbands commented we are just picking a number why not bring it down to 10% as that may get more acceptance. Chair Swank stated 33% seems like a manageable percentage. Chair Swank asked if the focus should be more on the meaning rather than where things appear. Coordinator Spreiter stated this will go before the City Attorney and it may change. Commissioner Husbands asked if the Commission would be advised of the changes or would they just be made and go forward. Coordinator Spreiter stated it could be changed in the best interest of the City and the Commission would be given updates. Commissioner Sheets referred to Section XX4 it refers to any heritage tree. Are saying it there is a tree that meets the definition of a heritage tree a permit is required. Commissioner Knosalla stated a permit would be needed but not a Plan. Commissioner McCaslin stated it is important to have the City Attorney and Planning Commission and City Council review. Motion to amend the draft to reduce threshold from 50% to 33% as well as in Section 5 by Stein, second by Knosalla. Commissioner Husbands suggested keeping it at 50% and have it reviewed and see if it is modified. See if the high number is approved. Commissioner Fahnhorst stated 33% is more stringent than 50%. Commissioner Knosalla asked how the percentage of trees is calculated. Chair Swank stated it would be the number of trees. Motion passed 7-0. Motion to amend the draft to remove the Major Home Addition in Section 5 and any provisions that apply to Major Home Addition by Stein, second by Knosalla. Motion passed 7-0. 6 February 14, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 6 of 7 Student Rep Trudeau noted in XX4A and also in XX2 it says this Ordinance applies to any property with 33% or more significant trees be removed. Commissioner Stein referred to requiring a permit when removing a single tree or one or two trees. Chair Swank stated if it is a Heritage Tree then yes which is what the ordinance says now. Commissioner Fahnhorst asked what path this ordinance will take if passed by the Commission. Coordinator Spreiter stated the Commission could submit for comment to the Planning Commission and City Council to get feedback before bringing it for formal approval by City Council. It will still need to go to the City Attorney. Chair Swank suggested getting comments from the Planning Commission and City Council prior to formal approval. Commissioner Fahnhorst suggested getting a consensus from the Commission to recommend, then have it formally discussed by the Planning Commission and provide feedback and if necessary they may recommend modifications. Then it could come back to the Commission. He suggested maybe two versions going to the City Council for review. Motion to adopt the Ordinance Draft as modified for next steps by Husbands, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 7-0. b.Committee Reports •Ordinance and Policy Development There was no report. •Education and Outreach There was no report. •Urban Forestry Commissioner Husbands would like to establish a standing meeting for planning purposes. We are track for the urban forestry effort to give trees away to residents. •Green Steps There was no report as there has not been a meeting. •Sustainability Commissioner Stein stated the first meeting was held for the Partners in Energy effort last week. He is excited about the effort and the potential it has for the City. He is excited about the work group that has been developed. The consultant did an excellent job. It is good timing with the tax incentives available. Commissioner Knosalla stated there was good information about the rebates in the newsletter. 8.Staff Announcements Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter announced on February 15, the Planning Commission is hosting an Open House for their current zoning code updates at 5:30 p.m. City Offices will be closed February 19, 2024. There was one nominee for the Oak Awards in the Canopy Category. The nomination process will be extended to allow for more nominations. The nominations could remain open until mid-March to late-March. 9.Commission Comments Chair Swank thanked the Commission for re-electing her as Chair. 7 February 14, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 7 of 7 Commissioner Husbands stated at the Planning Commission Open House they will be discussing the impervious surface code. Commissioner Knosalla stated this is a big step for the City as there is no current code relating to impervious surface percentages. 10.Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by Stein, second by Sheets. Motion passed 7-0. Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. 8 DATE: March 13, 2024 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Earth and Arbor Day Celebration Planning Background The 2024 Mendota Heights Earth and Arbor Day Celebration will be held on Monday, April 22nd through Friday, April 26th. In past years the celebration has included a city-wide clean-up event, as well as educational opportunities, drawings, giveaways, and volunteer tree and pollinator planting events. The purpose of the celebration is to gain awareness and educate the community on natural resources issues and topics, as well as to encourage participation and connect with residents, business, and other community groups in Mendota Heights. Requested Action The Commission is asked to discuss the Earth and Arbor Day Celebration and offer any feedback or suggestions on possible events to include in the 2024 celebration. The Commission is also asked to volunteer at events throughout the celebration as they are able. 9 6a. DATE: March 13, 2024 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Proposed Living Streets Policy Background In March of 2021, City Council previously directed staff to join the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program; a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program that provides framework to help cities achieve their economic, environmental, and quality-of-life goals based upon 29 best practices. As part of this best practice framework, cities are encouraged, but not mandated, by Minnesota State Statute 174.75, to adopt a Complete Streets Policy. Complete streets is defined as the “planning, scoping, design, implementation, operation, and maintenance of roads in order to reasonably address the safety and accessibility needs of users of all ages and abilities. Complete streets considers the needs of motorists, pedestrians, transit users and vehicles, bicyclists, and commercial and emergency vehicles moving along and across roads, intersections, and crossings in a manner that is sensitive to the local context and recognizes that the needs vary in urban, suburban, and rural settings.” Living streets include all elements and considerations of complete streets with an additional emphasis on environmental impacts and quality of life aspects. The proposed policy (attached) is intended to provide guidance for the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all streets within Mendota Heights. Requested Action The Commission is asked to discuss the proposed Living Streets Policy and offer any feedback. 10 6b. CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS LIVING STREETS POLICY March 6, 2024 I.INTRODUCTION The City of Mendota Heights shall commit to the “Living Streets” framework in accordance with the provisions set forth in this policy on all future transportation projects. Living Streets refers to street design that provides for multiple modes of transportation as well as reduces environmental impacts and improves quality of life aspects. II.PURPOSE The Living Streets Policy will guide the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all streets within the city. The policy shall apply to all new construction and reconstruction of streets, as well as to all retrofit projects and rehabilitation projects. III.POLICY All transportation projects including city, county, state, and private development with construction impacting the public way shall promote the goals of a Living Street design during all phases of planning, design, and construction. The goals of a Living Street design include enabling safe, convenient, and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities, regardless of their mode of transportation, with an additional emphasis on quality of life aspects. IV. PROCEDURE The following framework provides steps and guidance as to how the Living Streets Policy will be implemented and effective within the City of Mendota Heights. A.City s taff of the Engineering Department are required to review all public and private transportation projects, including those identified within the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), impacting public right-of-way for implementation of the following guidelines. The project manager for a given project shall submit to City staff the Living Streets Worksheet for review, attached as Appendix A. Following review, if the project does not meet the intentions of the Living Streets Policy, City staff shall provide recommended changes. No deviations or exceptions to the worksheet or plans will be made without written request and approval of the Public Works Director once the worksheet has been reviewed and the plans have been approved for construction. Guidelines: 1. Consideration must be made for all users in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all streets, including but not limited to, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and persons with disabilities. 11 6b1. 2.Projects shall strive to create a connected network of streets and trails that provides safe and convenient travel options for all users and destinations. 3.Prioritize the safety of all users, with a focus on reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from traffic crashes, and include traffic calming improvements where feasible. 4. Encourage the use of sustainable modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, and transit, by providing safe and convenient infrastructure for these modes unless one more of the following conditions are met for an exception: a.Constructing such facilities would no longer be cost effective toward the benefit of the improvement, in which case alternative design options shall be considered for feasibility, exceeds budget costs, or negatively impacts an adjacent property valuation. b. Specific corridors may exclude certain transportation modes, such as interstate freeways, and may not require accommodation for specific users. However, exclusion of certain users on particular corridors should not exempt projects from accommodating other permitted users and alternative options for excluded users shall be considered. c.Facilities have already been programmed for in a future improvement project similar in scope and location. d.Severe limitations are imposed by topography and/or natural resources such that improvements are no longer equitable to construct or maintain. 5. Ensure that all streets are designed and operated to be accessible to persons with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws and regulations. 6. Engage with the community and stakeholders throughout the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all streets, to ensure that the needs and concerns of all users are considered and addressed. 7. Identify any opportunities to feasibly improve quality of life aspects by reducing environmental impacts or improving sustainability such as, but not limited to: a.Reducing a project’s impervious surface footprint to include additional greenspace, screening, or shading. b.Improving the quality of stormwater runoff and maximizing infiltration by use of rain gardens, sump manholes, or other approved best management practices for pre-treatment. c.Promoting a sustainable future; consider including infrastructure such as Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations and giving thought to ridesharing and transit opportunities. Review for additional opportunities to include sustainable infrastructure and efficiencies within site specific context. 8.Deliver benefits to all users equitably with an additional focus on a corridor’s most vulnerable and underserved users. 9. Provide economic benefits by lowering initial costs, reducing long-term maintenance and reconstruction costs, and increasing property value. 12 B.Living Streets shall be designed to be cognizant of the immediate, and surrounding, environment. Careful consideration shall be made not to exclude the needs for any traveler’s mode of choice or safety and shall be designed for in accordance with the most recent city, county, state, and federal design standards and guidelines. C.All proposed transportation projects within the City of Mendota Heights shall be reviewed to implement the goals of a Living Street by City staff of the Engineering Department. Living Streets shall be implemented such that improvements are cost effective, meets a community’s ideals, and includes consideration for all users. Living Streets are intended to be comparable or less in cost to new construction or reconstruction. The Living Streets Policy does not restrict, advise to, or include any revisions to the City’s Street Assessment Policy in effect at the time of a project. D.City staff shall document and report projects and improvements as they are completed to GreenStep Cities as recommended. The Public Works Department can provide annual Living Streets updates at City Council’s request. V. RESPONSIBILITY The Living Streets Policy shall be administered and implemented by virtue of the City’s Engineering Department, within the Public Works Department. All transportation projects shall be reviewed in accordance with the guidelines of Appendix A: Living Streets Worksheet. Project Managers are responsible for including all provisions and improvements during construction identified within the Living Streets Policy and Worksheet. 13 APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET 1 APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET The Living Streets Worksheet is envisioned to be used as a guide when reviewing any proposed transportation projects. All transportation projects including public and private development with construction impacting the public way shall promote the goals of a Living Street design during all phases of planning, design, and construction. The goals of a Living Street design include enabling safe, convenient, and comfortable travel and access for users of all ages and abilities, regardless of their mode of transportation, with an additional emphasis on quality of life aspects. The purpose of this worksheet is to verify any proposed transportation project meets the goals promoted by the Living Streets Policy and guide implementation of the policy. All proposed projects shall be designed in accordance with the most recent local, county, state, and federal standards and guidelines. Supporting reference material should be used when completing the worksheet including, but not limited to, any local, county, state, or federal Comprehensive, Transportation, and/or Master Plans. The Living Streets Worksheet is available in an electronic format as requested. PROJECT INFORMATION Project Name Project Location (Roadway Name, Start, & End Point; Include Map Attachment) Roadway Classification Roadway Jurisdiction Project Manager 14 6b2. APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET 2 SITE CONTEXT 1)Describe the existing site conditions or area of study. Include information regarding general land use, traits of the community such as new development or historic corridor, and adjacent planned development. 2)What are the existing on-street and off-street multimodal accommodations within the project corridor? Include all modes within the project vicinity (i.e. trails, sidewalks, transit routes, bicycle lanes, etc.) or how far the nearest facility is. 3) Describe the proposed on-street and off-street multimodal accommodations. Identify any proposed connections to adjacent facilities. 4) Attach, or sketch, both the existing and proposed cross section for the project corridor. Include multiple sections if site conditions vary and identify all pertinent elements and dimensions. 15 APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET 3 5)Describe the existing stormwater runoff management and drainage patterns within the project corridor. Identify any impaired water bodies within, or adjacent to, the site as identified by the state and any existing pre-treatment devices or methods used for improving rate control, infiltration, or stormwater quality. 6)Are there any existing quality of life benefits within the project limits (i.e. trees offering shade along a boulevard, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations, etc)? 7) Do any adopted local, county, state, or federal plans call for any multimodal improvements to any facilities within the project corridor? If yes, list applicable plan(s) and improvement(s). 8)Does the project include any multimodal, stormwater, or sustainability improvements as called for by any local, county, state, or federal policies? If yes, list applicable policy(s) and improvement(s). 16 APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET 4 TRANSPORTATION BASIS 9) Fill out the table below to describe the corridor’s volume distribution for available information. Description Existing Volume Projected Volume (10-year) Average Daily Traffic Passenger Car Volume Heavy Vehicle Volume Pedestrian Count Bicycle Count 10)Describe the existing and anticipated future trip generators for all users. Include amenities or districts contributing to all users within project limits. 11)Identify any known crash data or conflict points within the project corridor. Include any information available pertaining to location, frequency, duration of period covered, and trends between modes. Additional stakeholder and community input may be required to obtain information needed. 17 APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET 5 12)What are the existing vehicle speed conditions? Identify the posted speed limit for the proposed roadway(s) and intersecting streets. Provide any known speed data or location specific speeding issues within the project limits. 13)List any intersections within the project limits between multiple functional roadway classifications. 14)Identify if there are any other classifications within the project corridor such as an emergency vehicle route, transit route, or any other designated route. 15)Does existing pedestrian infrastructure within the project limits comply with current local, county, state, and federal guidelines? 18 APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET 6 PROJECT GOALS 16)Identify any known existing or anticipated design deficiencies within the project corridor related to multimodal facilities, stormwater management, or sustainability. 17)Develop and describe the goals for the proposed corridor as they relate to the goals of a Living Street. 18)What multimodal facility improvements are proposed to be included within the project corridor? This may include additional trail network, traffic calming efforts, pavement marking changes, etc. Describe all improvements, locations, and decision-making process. 19 APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET 7 19)Describe all considerations made for additional, or alternative, multimodal facilities that are not proposed to be included within the project corridor. Include information as to why each improvement was not included. 20)What stormwater runoff improvements are proposed to be included within the project corridor? This may include raingardens, sump manholes, or other pre-treatment devices or methods. Describe all improvements, locations, and decision-making process. 21)What reductions for environmental impacts or sustainable improvements are proposed to be included within the project corridor? This may include reducing the impervious surface footprint within a project or including an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station within the corridor. Describe all improvements, locations, and decision-making process. 20 APPENDIX A: LIVING STREETS WORKSHEET 8 22)Describe all considerations made for additional, or alternative, environmental impact reductions or stormwater and sustainable improvements that are not proposed to be included within the project corridor. Include information as to why each improvement was not included. 23)Identify cost savings, benefits, and considerations. What improvements will provide cost savings for long term maintenance or reconstruction? IMPLEMENTATION 24)Who are the key personnel related to the project and what are their responsibilities? Identify the project manager, stakeholders, etc. Include any additional project information related to construction such as maintaining access for all users and project schedule. 25)Describe the required maintenance routines for all improvements identified within the worksheet. Include information regarding what the maintenance efforts include, how often maintenance will be required, and responsible party(s) for all improvements. 21 DATE: March 13, 2024 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Tree Sale Update Background Mendota Heights again partnered with Tree Trust in 2024 to offer its annual spring tree sale with the purpose of providing high-quality trees to residents at a subsidized rate, and to provide the community with the many benefits of a healthy and diverse urban forest. Some of these benefits include replacing trees lost to disease, such as the Emerald Ash Borer, reducing the effects of climate change, providing energy savings, reducing stormwater runoff, erosion, and water pollution, and providing habitat and food for wildlife, as well as adding to the aesthetics of the community. Mendota Heights began its 2024 tree sale as an online sale at 8a on Monday, March 4th. The trees offered to residents in 2024 include: •Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry •White pine •Pagoda dogwood (multistem) •Princeton Elm •Bur Oak •Sentry Linden •Northern Acclaim Honeylocust The cost per tree is $60 to residents for a 10-gallon container tree, which also comes with a bag of mulch. Ordering is limited to two trees per resident. Residents will pick up purchased trees on Saturday, June 1st, from 9a-Noon at the Mendota Heights Public Works Facility. Requested Action Information Only. 22 7a.