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NRC Packet 05082024NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION AGENDA MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday, May 8, 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 April 10, 2024 Natural Resources Commission Meeting 5.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) 6.New Business a.Oak Award Recipients Recognition b.GreenStep Cities Update 7.Old Business a.Earth and Arbor Day Celebration Recap 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 April 10, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 1 of 4 Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Draft Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday April 10, 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: Commissioners Fahnhorst, Knosalla, McCaslin, Stein, Swank, and Student Commissioner Trudeau. Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Husbands Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter and Public Works Director Ryan Ruzek. 3.Adopt Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Knosalla, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 6-0. 4.Approval of Minutes a.Approval of March 13, 2024 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Minutes Chair Swank noted a correction on the last page of the minutes should read Vice Chair Knosalla. Motion to approve the revised Regular Session Minutes by Stein, second bySheets. Motion passed 6-0. 5.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) No one appeared to address the Commission. 6.New Business a.Pollinator Awareness Month. Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter reviewed in 2023, lieu of “No-Mow May” the City introduced Pollinator Awareness Month, with the purpose of increasing awareness and habitat for pollinators throughout the month of May. Education was provided to residents via social media, Friday News, Heights Highlights, and other means on how residents can protect native pollinators and their habitat. Some highlights of the program included: 2 4a. April 10, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 2 of 4 •Education on topics such as landscaping for pollinators, simple ways to protect pollinators, and pollinator species. •‘Tuesday Tips’: Short tips on how residents can protect and benefit pollinators. •‘Forb Fridays’: Showcased a nature forb (flower) that is beneficial to pollinators. •‘Pollinator of the Week’: Provided education on a native pollinator species. •Showcased projects and landscape features from individual commissioners that benefited pollinators. •‘Pollinator Friendly Lawn’ signs were available to residents. The Commission is requested to evaluate the 2023 Pollinator Awareness Month and discuss what the program should entail in 2024. Chair Swank asked the Commission for their comments. Commissioner Stein suggested utilizing the Instagram account to highlights what residents have done in their yards with photographs. Commissioner Knosalla stated a similar process to last year would be great. Chair Swank asked if residents with projects could take over the Instagram account for Mendota Heights with photos of their projects. Commissioner Sheets suggested using “reels” instead as they would show at the top of the Instagram feed. Photos could also be shared on the City’s pages. There was further discussion on the process for communicating the messages. Coordinator Spreiter noted signs can be picked up by residents at City Hall and are available May 1st. Commissioner Knosalla suggested communicating prior to May about leaving yard waste for a few months. Chair Swank suggested an ugly yard award for residents who left their yards as is for the pollinators. Commissioner Stein suggested planting early blooming flowers for the pollinators. Chair Swank requested Commissioners send tips to Coordinator Spreiter in time for Tuesday Tips. b.Q1/Q2 Work Session Planning. Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter reviewed Work sessions are informal meetings in which official action cannot be taken; they are used as a tool for City Commissions to allow for informal discussion focused on key areas or topics. In 2023, the Commission reached consensus that regular, quarterly work sessions should be scheduled as a way to work through the Commission’s annual work plan. The 2024 Work Plan was provided for Commission consideration. The work sessions provide a time for focused discussion on key tasks or goals as needed. The first Work Session for 2024 is proposed for Wednesday, May 8th, immediately following the regular Commission meeting. At the May 8th Work Session, some suggested topics include preliminary 2025 Natural Resources Budget requests, annual Natural Resources Commission tour planning, identification of community events for Commission attendance or other topics to be determined. The Commission is invited to discuss Work Session topics and confirm availability for the May 8th proposed date. A general consensus and direction to staff should be provided. Coordinator Spreiter noted one Commissioner had stated they would not be available. Chair Swank suggested if the May 8th regular meeting has a lighter agenda it may work. Commissioner Stein suggested having general discussions about ordinances at those Work Sessions. Commissioner Knosalla suggested identifying an ordinance to be discussed. Commissioner Stein suggested the next Ordinance to be reviewed should be portions of the landscape ordinance. Commissioner McCaslin referred to the Work Plan and noted additional 3 April 10, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 3 of 4 ordinances could be reviewed. Commissioner Stein noted the forestry ordinance has been reviewed and is complete. Chair Swank suggested looking at the budget request at the May 8, 2024 Work Session. The consensus was to schedule the Work Session for May 8th following the regular meeting. Coordinator Spreiter briefly reviewed the Work Plan for 2024 noting which items were completed. Commissioner Stein asked about on Goal 4 if any of the items have been completed and Coordinator Spreiter stated some of the Green Steps items have been completed. 7.Old Business a.Earth and Arbor Day Celebration Update. Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the 2024 Mendota Heights Earth and Arbor Day Celebration will be held Monday, April 22 – Saturday, April 27, 2024. 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. At the regular meeting of the City Council on April 2, 2024, the City Council proclaimed April 26, 2024 ‘Arbor Day’ in Mendota Heights in support of the event. The following events and programs are included in the week-long celebration: •Picnic in the Park: Celebrating Earth and Arbor Day in Mendota Heights – Friday, April 26, 2024 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. in Market Square. •Tricia and the Toonies ENVIRO-Show – Wednesday, April 24, 2024 5:00 p.m. at City Hall in the City Council Chambers. •City-wide Clean Up Event – Friday, April 26, 2024 – Saturday, April 27, 2024. •Find the Frog •Daily Enviro Tip •Fresh Air Fridays – Photo Contest •Oak Awards including Acorn award, Leaf award, and Canopy award. No action is requested as for information only. Chair Swank invited Commissioners to participate in the events as they can and noted she will attend the Picnic in the Park. Commissioner Knosalla requested the ENVIRO Show information be forwarded to the school district. Commissioner Stein thanked the Committee for setting up the Oak Awards. Commissioner Sheets asked how the winners of the Oak Awards will be notified and Coordinator Spreiter stated they have been notified. Commissioner Knosalla suggested since there will be residents attending the May meeting, can it be used to gain input. b.Committee Reports •Ordinance and Policy Development – Commissioner Fahnhorst had nothing additional to report. •Education and Outreach – Student Commissioner Trudeau stated the Earth Day Arbor Day events were discussed along with Pollinator Awareness Month. Future events were also discussed. A post event analysis will be done after each event. •Urban Forestry and Restoration – Commissioner Knosalla stated they will be meeting in May to start working on the buckthorn removal kit and the species to be planted in Murray Park. 4 April 10, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 4 of 4 •Strategic Planning – Commissioner Knosalla stated the first meeting was held and the Green Step Initiatives were discussed. Brainstorming is needed regarding funding sources. There was a request to have the Pilot Knob Preservation Association to speak about how they got started and helped partner with the City. A Friends of Valley Park organization setup was discussed. •Sustainability – Commissioner Stein noted the focus is on the Partners in Energy effort. The third workshop will be held in April or May. The engagement from City Staff has been wonderful. 8.Staff Announcements Coordinator Spreiter announced the Shred Event is happening April 13 from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. On April 15, the Athletic Gear Donation Drive will be held with drop-off at City Hall. All types of gear are needed. Coordinator Spreiter will check to see if clothing is included. 9.Commission Comments Commissioner Trudeau stated one of her neighbors was concerned about mowing during turtle egg laying season. Coordinator Spreiter will do some research on the timing. Commissioner Knosalla suggested there are periods of time when mowing would not be desired. Commissioner Stein stated his son put up a webcam and they were surprised to see an otter recently. Commissioner Fahnhorst stated he was happy to see the Living Streets initiative passed. 10.Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by McCaslin, second by Knosalla. Motion passed 6-0. Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m. 5 DATE: May 8, 2024 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Oak Awards Recipients Recognition Background The Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission created the Oak Awards Program in 2023 to celebrate leadership, education and outreach, and project efforts that advance natural resources within the City. Recipients are recognized in the following categories: • Acorn award – recognizes exemplary youth leadership in the advancement of our city’s natural resources. Eligible youth include individuals or groups 18 years of age and younger, or a current student in 12th grade or under. • Leaf award – recognizes significant contributions of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated substantial leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. • Canopy award – recognizes lifetime achievement of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. Recipients for their achievements in Natural Resources within the City in 2023 for each category include: Acorn Award – Benjamin Moe. Ben led and coordinated a pollinator planting in Valley Park as part of his Eagle Scout project. The project included the planting of over 200 native pollinator plants, as well as the creation of a webpage, complete with QR code and signage, educating the public on the benefits of pollinators and how to protect them. Leaf award – Tim Minea. Tim has set an example in his own landscape by planting a beautiful mix of native trees and plants, many originally planted by his father a generation ago that he has continued to care for. He also has planted several pollinator plants along the East and South sides of his property. 6 6a. Neighbors say ‘Tim is also really great at getting kids excited about plants. Once he brought the neighborhood kids some acorns and a bucket of dirt so they could see how the acorns grew into trees! My girls loved watching the bucket grow into tiny trees.’ Canopy Award – Leslie Pilgrim. Leslie has spent countless hours in the service of natural resources, including water resources, throughout the metro area but especially within Mendota Heights. Some of the community efforts she has created, led, and volunteered for include: Neighborhood Greening - a non-profit dedicated to community environmental education and stewardship, Roots in the Ground - A local non-profit initiative with a goal to plant 5,000 trees in Mendota Heights in 5 years to help mitigate the loss of ash trees to Emerald Ash Borer, the Natural Resources Management Plan Update Steering Committee member, partnering with the Mendota Elementary School to create an elementary forest planting project, and serves as a member on the board of the Lower Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization. Leslie is also committed to continuing education in natural resources, and has gained certifications in and serves as a Master Naturalist and Minnesota Water Steward. Requested Action Each recipient is invited to come forward to receive their award, as well as to speak to their efforts in Natural Resources if they wish to do so. 7 DATE: May 8, 2024 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Courtney Selstad, Recycling Coordinator SUBJECT: GreenStep Cities Update Background: Per direction from City Council, City Staff are working to advance Mendota Heights in the GreenStep Cities (GSC) program. The GSC program covers all aspects of sustainability, promoting hundreds of best practice activities and accompanying resources. A city achieves Steps 1-3 when a specific combination of those activities is completed. Steps 4 and 5 are achieved through a comprehensive set of data reporting and improvements on key metrics. Update: During the 2023-2024 GSC reporting period Mendota Heights advanced from Step 2 to Step 3 and doubled its number of reported activities. Step 3 involved additional reporting on sustainability activities that took place over the past few years, as well as completion of specific best practice actions required to advance in the program such as establishing sustainable purchasing guidelines and a Living Streets policy. City staff will begin to work on Step 4 of the program which involves data collection activities on 12 subjects such as city fleets, wastewater and energy. Staff anticipate Step 4 to be more time intensive than previous steps and are working on a timeline for the next couple years that accommodates achieving Step 4 along with the City’s other sustainability initiatives. Requested Action: None at this time. 8 6b. DATE: May 8, 2024 TO: Natural Resources Commission FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator SUBJECT: Earth and Arbor Day Celebration Recap Background The 2024 Mendota Heights Earth and Arbor Day Celebration was held Monday, April 22nd through Saturday, April 27th. 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. The following events and programs were included in the week-long celebration: Picnic in the Park: Celebrating Earth and Arbor Day in Mendota Heights Unfortunately, this event had to be canceled due to weather. Several groups and individual volunteers still made it out to the City’s parks and open spaces throughout the week to collect trash and help clean up the City as part of the city-wide clean-up event. Some of the volunteer groups included several baseball teams from the Two Rivers Athletic Association, Endeavor Air (part of Delta Airlines), RTI, Inc., and a local Scout Troop. Tricia and the Toonies ENVIRO-Show The Tricia and the Toonies performed their ENVIRO-show for children and adults, teaching about pollinators, resources, recycling and caring for the environment. The show entertained everyone with colorful puppet characters, and got everyone up moving, dancing, and singing along in the interactive performance. Find the Frog “Lily the Frog” was placed in Valley Park during Earth Week. Residents were invited to find Lily and provide the answer to her riddle located next to her. Those that submitted an answer were entered in to win an Earth Day Basket. There were 20 people that participated, and the two winners were Emma and Isaac. 9 7a. Daily Enviro Tip Daily Tips were provided on social media throughout the week on ways residents can help improve our environment. Fresh Air Fridays Kick-off Fresh Air Fridays encourages residents to find ways to reduce their emissions and practice Fresh Air Fridays. For example: Finding alternative, sustainable modes of transportation or reducing their energy use. Oak Awards The City announced the recipients of its first annual Oak Awards. The Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission created the Oak Awards Program in 2023 to celebrate leadership, education/outreach, and project efforts that advance natural resources within the City. The Oak Awards program includes the following annual awards: • Acorn award – recognizes exemplary youth leadership in the advancement of our city’s natural resources. Eligible youth include individuals or groups 18 years of age and younger, or a current student in 12th grade or under. • Leaf award – recognizes significant contributions of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated substantial leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. • Canopy award – recognizes lifetime achievement of an individual, family, company or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. Requested Action Information only. Discussion from the Commission is welcome. 10 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 11 7b.