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NRC Packet 12112024CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA December 11, 2024 at 6:00 PM Mendota Heights City Hall Council Chambers 1.Call to Order 2.Roll Call 3.Adopt Agenda 4.Approval of Minutes a.Approve meeting minutes from the August 8, 2024 Natural Resources Commission Meeting and the October 16, 2024 Natural Resources Commission Work Session. 5.Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) 6.New Business a.Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4) 2024 Annual Report b.Interstate Valley Creek BMP and Stabilization Project Update c.Approve 2025 Meeting Schedule 7.Old Business a.2025 Natural Resources Commission Workplan b.2024 Tree Canopy Program Recap 8.Staff Announcements 9.Commission Comments 10.Adjourn Page 1 of 48 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS August 8, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 1 of 4 Wednesday, August 8, 2024, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Draft Meeting Minutes The work session meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday, August 8, 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 Husbands, McCaslin, Sheets, Stein, and Swank Commissioners Absent: Commissioners Fahnhorst, Knosalla and Student Commissioner Trudeau. Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter and Recycling Coordinator Courtney Selstad. 3.Adopt Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by McCaslin, second by Stein. Motion passed 5-0. 4.Approval of Minutes – July 10, 2024 Natural Resources Commission Work Session Motion to approve the minutes by Sheets, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 5-0. 5.Citizen Comment Period – No one appeared to address the Commission 6.New Business a.2025 Preliminary Budget Recommendation Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter requested the Commission review the preliminary Natural Resources 2025 budget and recommend approval to the City Council if it so wishes. At the May 8 and July 10 Natural Resources Commission work sessions, the Commission discussed recommendations for the City’s 2025 budget pertaining to Natural Resources. The Commission discussed priority projects as identified in the City’s Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP), identifying projects to be implemented and budgeted for in 2025, as well as projects that have completed the implementation phase, and have moved into the maintenance phase. NRMP priority projects to be included in the 2025 budget recommendations include the Valley Park Pollinator Corridor, the Valley Park Forest Enhancement, and the Rogers Lake Savanna/Forest and Shoreline Page 2 of 48 4a. August 8, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 2 of 4 Enhancement. Of these, the Valley Park E Forest Enhancement and the Rogers Lake Savanna/Forest and Shoreline Enhancement would begin in 2025. The Valley Park Forest Enhancement – North and the Valley Park – S. Oak/Aspen Knoll projects have been completed, and therefore have been budgeted for under the Natural Resources Maintenance line item. A spreadsheet that itemizes as well as changes the titles of specific line items relating to forestry and tree care was provided for Commission review. The proposed 2025 Natural Resources budget totals $335,223 not including human resources and commissioner per diem. Coordinator Spreiter reviewed each item in detail: 2024 2025 Budget Budget Valley Park Pollinator Corridor (Xcel)$14,430 $15,000 Valley Park Forest Enhancement – North $34,070 Completed Valley Park Forest Enhancement – South Central $18,437 $11,183 Valley Park – NW Forest Enhancement $21,165 $10,000 Valley Park – E Forest Enhancement $8,235 $12,252 Valley Park – S Oak/Aspen Knoll Enhancement $3,663 Completed Rogers Lake Savanna/Forest and Shoreline Enhancement $34,518 Natural Resource Maintenance $40,000 $37,670 Oheyawahe/Pilot Knob Restoration $15,000 $15,600 Tree Sale $10,000 $10,000 Tree Canopy Program $25,000 $27,000 Tree Removal $125,000 $100,000 Tree Planting $10,000 Tree Care (Pruning, Watering, Disease Prevention, etc.)$52,000 Totals $315,000 $335,223 Commissioner Stein asked about the Natural Resource Maintenance and whether this amount was sufficient. Coordinator Spreiter stated it is used every year. Motion to recommend the City Council approve the preliminary budget by Stein, second by Husbands. Motion passed 5-0. b.Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance – Preliminary Draft Coordinator Spreiter asked the Commission to review the revised draft of the Urban Forest Preservation ordinance for recommendation of approval to the City Council. As part of Goal 1: Policy and Ordinance Review and Development, the Goal 1 Committee along with the Commission has developed a draft of the Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance. The draft was presented to both the City Council and the Planning Commission to receive feedback. These comments were discussed at the July 10, 2024, Natural Resources Commission Work Session. Comments were taken into consideration and some revisions to the draft ordinance have been made and incorporated. The revised draft was provided for Commission consideration. Some of the revisions include: •For both Forest Alteration Permit and Forest Management Plan requirements, some of the applicability categories were removed, and replaced with the category of 'Projects that require a planning case', as the previous categories would automatically be included in those projects that result in a planning case. •A minimum of seven (7) total trees per property was added to the threshold of 33% removal Page 3 of 48 August 8, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 3 of 4 when a Forest Alteration Permit or Forest Management Plan is required. •The previous formula for calculating tree loss mitigation was replaced with a 75% DSH required replacement when seven (7) or more significant or heritage trees are removed. •For applicants that propose the removal of less than seven (7) significant or heritage trees, the replacement requirement is one-to-one. •For applicants that are removing less than ten (10) significant or heritage trees, the applicant is exempt from Forest Management Plan and Escrow requirements, however, the applicant is still subject to tree loss mitigation requirements. Coordinator Spreiter reviewed potential scenarios for the Commission. Next steps include: •The Commission can approve the draft as-is. •The Commission can approve the draft with suggested revisions. •The Commission can table the item for further discussion. •The Commission can deny the current draft. •If approved, the draft would go before the City Council at a regular meeting in September. Commissioner Husbands asked about the slide showing exemptions. She asked if a permit was required or how would the City know about the request for exemption. Coordinator Spreiter stated since it is more than 7 trees they would need a permit and do the tree mitigation. It is on the honor of the resident to notify the City. Less than 7 trees would not require interaction with the City. Chair Swank noted if a permit is not obtained prior and it is required the permit fee is doubled. Coordinator Spreiter will need to check if that applies to all permits within the City. Commissioner Husbands stated she watched the Edina Forester speak and thought that any property without an address was handled in a good manner. Coordinator Spreiter stated if there was a previous building there is an address. It seemed the Edina Ordinance had very high standards and was expensive. Coordinator Spreiter noted escrow is not returned until the tree mitigation is completed. Trees could be planted by the City on the boulevard or on public land. Commissioner Stein stated the scenarios were very helpful. He asked if it would occur that a resident would not have enough space for mitigation. Chair Swank stated the trees could be planted on the boulevard or in a nearby park or public land. Commissioner Sheets noted these are revisions to the Ordinance and included other areas are included as far as invasive species, diseased trees, etc. If residents have diseased, dead, invasive trees these are exempt from the replacement requirements. Motion to recommend the City Council approve the Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance Preliminary Draft by Husbands, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 5-0. c.Marie Park Demonstration Planting Coordinator Spreiter reviewed Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration Committee of the Commission has been working to implement the Demonstration Hybrid Planting project at Marie Park. The area was Page 4 of 48 August 8, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 4 of 4 removed of invasive vegetation in the fall of 2023 and seeded with a native grass mix throughout. In 2024, the site was managed to establish the native ground cover that was planted using mowing at strategic growth heights to prevent and suppress invasive species. The next stage in establishment is the planning of 5-7 trees that were chosen for the project of the following species: •Bur Oak •White Oak •Shagbark Hickory •Chokecherry •Serviceberry – tree form The Committee has set a date of September 12, 2024, for a volunteer tree-planting event to accomplish this next step. Commissioners are invited to participate. The estimated cost for the tree planting is $1,300 which will be taken from the 2024 Natural Resources Budget – Tree Removal line item. Commissioner Husbands asked about the word “hybrid” and suggested that could refer to cultivars. Coordinator Spreiter stated that verbiage came from the Natural Resources Management Plan. Commissioner Husbands suggested different language for the project. 7.Old Business – None. 8.Staff Announcements Coordinator Spreiter announced the Park Celebration starts on August 9 and runs until Sunday, August 11. All events are on the City website. Saturday, August 24 is the Mattress and Box Spring Recycling Collection at Mendakota Park from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Fresh Air Fridays is still going on. The Photo Contest and Pledge details are available on the City website. 9.Commission Comments. Chair Swank thanked Former Commissioner Rachel Quick who welcomed a baby girl into her family. 10.Discussion – None. 11.Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by Stein, second by Husbands. Motion passed 5-0. Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 6:45 p.m. Page 5 of 48 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES - DRAFT 6:00 PM Wednesday, October 16, 2024 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights 1.Call to Order Chair Swank called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. 2.Roll Call In attendance: Chair Swank, Vice Chair Knosalla, Commissioners Husbands, McCaslin, Stein, and Student Commissioner Trudeau. Absent: Commissioner Sheets. Commissioner Fahnhorst joined at approximately 6:20p. Staff in attendance: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter. 3.Adopt Agenda Commissioner Stein moved to adopt the agenda. Commissioner McCaslin seconded. 4.Discussion a.Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development Update and Next Steps Staff gave a brief update on the proposed Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance and adoption progress. Page 6 of 48 Commission discussed options for review and development of a next ordinance for recommendation. Commissioner Husbands discussed the importance of development standards for landscaping as a need in the city. Currently the city does not have standards. Commissioners Knosalla and Stein requested the Commission look at examples from other cities. Commissioner Stein asked the Commission what they thought was the greatest need. Chair Swank gave information regarding the Deconstruction Ordinance. Requested Commission begin discussion on such an ordinance as it is a significant way that demolition waste can be kept out of landfills. Commissioner Knosalla asked if it would be beneficial to partner with other entities and communities in the area. Asked if other cities were working on something similar. Chair Swank mentioned that her organization recently got a grant from the MPCA. Also spoke about Circularity Centers that offer recycled building material for reuse. Reuse MN is one such organization. Chair Swank suggested that the ordinance may not be appropriate at this time but wanted to start the conversation. Commissioner Fahnhorst asked what water bodies are considered public waters that would be included in a Shoreland Ordinance. Supports this as a next ordinance, though smaller streams and wetlands would not be considered public waters. Suggested to propose resolution that would include protections for water bodies and then hire a consultant to draft a shoreland ordinance. Chair Swank suggested working into future budgets an allowance for consultant to compose and walk through ordinance drafting and adoption process. Staff to research estimate of cost for consultant fee. Commission discussed definition of wetlands, vs. streams and other water bodies. Commission agreed that exploring a Shoreland Ordinance for recommendation would be a feasible next step. The Commission would also like to explore a resolution in the interim until the shoreland ordinance is adopted. Page 7 of 48 b.Natural Resources Management Plan Priority Projects Update Staff gave an update on the Natural Resources Management Plan priority projects, including current projects, and projects budgeted for 2025. Commissioner Husbands asked if a plan for Valley Park had been discussed among the Strategic Planning Committee. Chair Swank stated that the committee had been focused on potential funding sources and exploring interest in a ‘friends of’ group that would support natural resources in the city, including Valley Park. c.2025 Natural Resources Work Plan Commission discussed Goals for the 2025 Natural Resources Commission Work Plan. Each Goal was discussed with corresponding initiatives. Goal 2 was discussed. Commissioner Knosalla suggested adding collaboration with Sustainability on Partners in Energy. Chair Swank suggested removing ‘develop engagement materials’. The Commission discussed Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development Initiatives: Recommend Resolution for Shoreland Protection. Draft a Shoreland Ordinance for recommendation of approval by City Council. The Commission discussed Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration. Commissioner Husbands suggested moving forward with converting turf to native vegetation for identified areas. Commissioner McCaslin suggested using one of the projects as a demonstration plot. Commissioner Knosalla suggested hosting another buckthorn removal event. Commissioner Husbands commented that removal events have failed in the past because the buckthorn grows back so quickly without diligent follow-up treatments. Suggested creating a work plan to restore the public parcel at Dodd and Marie. Commissioner Knosalla suggested creating an engagement event every year. Also suggested combining turf to native conversion project with community involvement event. Commissioner Knosalla suggested keeping ‘Host Tree Planting Event’. Commissioner McCaslin asked if additional emerging pest preparation/education was needed. The Commission discussed the initiative Develop a buckthorn removal kit for residents and what could be included in the buckthorn kit, including dobbers, educational materials on strategies and methods for removal, weed wrench, gloves, loppers, snippers, etc. Staff relayed that this initiative could be completed by end of 2024. Page 8 of 48 Goal 4: Strategic Planning was discussed. Commission agreed the initiative Identify opportunities for Green Steps advancement is in process and can be removed for 2025. The Commissioner agreed to keep the initiatives Identify and explore funding sources for Natural Resources and Explore development of a Natural Resources Management Plan for Valley Park. Goal 5: Sustainability was tabled. 5.Old Business 5a. Partners in Energy Update Staff gave an update on the progress and process up until this point of the Partners in Energy Program. Commissioner Stein announced that the MN Legislature established a Geothermal Planning Grant Program to provide financial assistance to eligible applicant to examine the feasibility of installing geothermal energy systems. Eligible applicants include counties, cities, townships, and the Met Council. Grants will be awarded up to $150,000. Eligible systems include bored geothermal heat exchanger, groundwater thermal exchange device, and submerged closed loop heat exchanger. 5b. Preliminary Budget Update Staff gave an update on the current recommended preliminary budget. 6.Staff Announcements Staff relayed that the November Natural Resources Commission meeting date will have to be rescheduled. The Commission agreed that November 7th would be the best date. The Education and Outreach committee will meet the hour before the regular meeting on the 7th. 7.Commission Comments Commissioner Husbands would like regular updates from other partner agencies and programs. Also reminded the Commission that the Virtual Environment Commissions Conference is October 22nd, from 6:30-8p. The conference gathers volunteer city commissioners from environment, sustainability, parks and recreation, and Natural Resources Commissions from around Minnesota. The event is hosted by Conservation MN, Green Steps Cities, and Tribal Nations to help bridge connections between communities that are doing conservation work. Page 9 of 48 8.Adjourn 8:12pm. Motion made by Commissioner Knosalla, seconded by Commissioner McCaslin. Page 10 of 48 6.a Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: December 11, 2024 Agenda Item: Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4) 2024 Annual Report Item Type: Presentation Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator Action Request: The Commission is asked to hear the Annual Report given on the city's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and Surface Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP). Background: The National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program is a federally mandated program established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to implement and maintain pollution prevention practices for stormwater discharges by permitees. Stormwater discharges associated with MS4s are regulated by the NPDES permit. The MPCA issued a new General MS4 permit in 2020, and the City’s application was accepted and coverage was issued under the new MS4 permit by the MPCA on October 8, 2021. Mendota Heights, as an MS4 owner and permitee, was required to develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) that incorporates best management practices that reduce pollutant discharges. The SWPPP was developed in 2003, and updated in 2013, and again in 2023 with the new requirements set forth in the 2020 MS4 General Permit. In 2006, the City adopted the Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) that outlined how the requirements of our SWPPP are to be met and established requirements for land disturbing activities. The plan was then updated in 2018 and adopted by the City Council. There are six required components in each SWPPP, termed “Minimum Control Measures” for each permit authorizing storm water discharges under the NPDES program: 1.Public Education and Outreach Page 11 of 48 2.Public Participation/Involvement 3.Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination 4.Construction Site Runoff and Control 5.Post-Construction Runoff Control 6.Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping The public is encouraged to comment on the City's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program at any time. The full report can be found on the City's website or requested in-person at city hall. Fiscal and Resource Impact: Meeting the goals for the annual permit coverage from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are covered separately under the storm water utility fund. Stormwater improvement projects are presented to City Council individually as required. Attachments: None Page 12 of 48 6.b Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: December 11, 2024 Agenda Item: Interstate Valley Creek BMP and Stabilization Project Update Item Type: Presentation Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator Action Request: The Commission will hear a presentation on the status of the Interstate Valley Creek Stabilization and Best Management Practice (BMP) project. Background: The City of Mendota Heights has partnered with Dakota County and the Lower Mississippi River WMO to implement the Interstate Valley Creek Stabilization and Best Management Practices (BMP) project. The project was coordinated with the timing of the River to River Greenway trail project, which is planned to begin in May 2025. The purpose of the project is to replace degraded stormwater infrastructure, provide additional stormwater treatment, and restore a wetland to aid in vegetation management, reduce erosion, provide habitat, and restore wetland conditions that existed historically. As part of the project, a sheet pile weir will be installed just downstream of the wetland north of Marie Avenue and west of Trail Road, allowing the water to be impounded, helping restore historic hydrology to the wetland. The goal of the project is to restore historical water elevations to the wetland, once provided by a historic weir that degraded and was undermined over time. Stormwater treatment features such as infiltration/filtration basins will be installed as part of the project to help both reduce stormwater inflow to Interstate Valley Creek, and filter and treat stormwater before it enters the creek. Eroded bank repairs and stabilization is planned for two separate reaches along the creek from Marie Creek to the Mississipi River. As part of the project, the use of heavy equipment and some excavation is necessary to install Page 13 of 48 these features and make repairs within Valley Park. The contractor, Fitzgerald Excavating, will be accessing Valley Park from Trail Road, as well as using the city trail from Bluff Circle. Fitzgerald Excavating will be doing the work under the supervision of SEH, Inc., the city’s consultant, as well as City and County staff. Construction may begin as early as the week of December 9th, with substantial project completion planned for July 31, 2025. Fiscal and Resource Impact: The project is funded by a Clean Water Funding Grant, with a $100,000 local match provided by the City. Attachments: 1.2024_9_26 IV Creek Stabiliation and Water Quality BMP Project_Final Plans Page 14 of 48 Page 15 of 486b1. Page 16 of 48 Page 17 of 48 Page 18 of 48 Page 19 of 48 Page 20 of 48 Page 21 of 48 Page 22 of 48 Page 23 of 48 Page 24 of 48 Page 25 of 48 Page 26 of 48 Page 27 of 48 Page 28 of 48 Page 29 of 48 Page 30 of 48 Page 31 of 48 Page 32 of 48 Page 33 of 48 Page 34 of 48 Page 35 of 48 Page 36 of 48 Page 37 of 48 Page 38 of 48 Page 39 of 48 Page 40 of 48 Page 41 of 48 Page 42 of 48 6.c Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: December 11, 2024 Agenda Item: Approve 2025 Meeting Schedule Item Type: Action Item Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator Action Request: The Natural Resources Commission is asked to approve the proposed 2025 commission meeting dates. Background: The 2025 calendar for the Natural Resources Commission includes the following proposed meeting dates, at 6pm. Regular meetings will take place in the City Council Chambers. The Commission will meet in the Large Conference Room for Work Sessions. The public is welcome to attend all meetings. •JANUARY 8 – REGULAR MEETING (NO MEDIA COVERAGE) •FEBRUARY 12 – WORK SESSION •MARCH 12 – REGULAR MEETING •APRIL 9 – WORK SESSION •MAY 14 – WORK SESSION •JUNE 11 – REGULAR MEETING •JULY 9 – WORK SESSION •AUGUST 14 (THURSDAY) – WORK SESSION •SEPTEMBER 10 – REGULAR MEETING •OCTOBER 8 – WORK SESSION •NOVEMBER 13 (THURSDAY) – WORK SESSION •DECEMBER 10 – REGULAR MEETING Page 43 of 48 Fiscal and Resource Impact: None. Attachments: None Page 44 of 48 7.a Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: December 11, 2024 Agenda Item: 2025 Natural Resources Commission Workplan Item Type: Action Item Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator Action Request: The Commission is asked to discuss the draft of its 2025 Work Plan, and accept the draft as is or with amendments. Background: The Commission uses an annual work plan to accomplish its goals, as well as aid in accountability, resource allocation and proceed through commission priorities. A work plan may consist of goals, priorities, tasks, programs, or projects that the Commission would like to implement in 2025. Resources, monetary cost, timeline, and benefits of each identified item should be considered. The Commission is asked to use this time to discuss the existing items in the draft, make edits to the draft, or add additional items if it so wishes. The 2025 Work Plan should be completed and accepted by the Commission at this meeting or its regular meeting in January. Fiscal and Resource Impact: None. Attachments: 1.2025 Work Plan Page 45 of 48 Goal Initiative Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development Draft a Shoreland Ordinance for recommendation of approval by City Council X X X X Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development Review Planning Review Checklists to offer natural resources considerations X X Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy Development Explore deconstruction policy for city-owned buidlings and facilities X X Goal 2: Education and Outreach Create and hold a community engagement event X Goal 2: Education and Outreach Collaborate with Sustainability Committee to implement Partners in Energy Action Plan X X 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 Host site tour of natural resources site X X Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration Complete a turf-to-native vegetation conversion project within a city park X X Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration Host tree planting event X Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration Support implementation of EAB Bonding Grant 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 Implement Partners in Energy Action Plan X X X X Goal 5: Sustainability Explore deconstruction policy for city-owned buidlings and facilities X X Goal 5: Sustainability Host residential energy saving education event X X TimelineNatural Resources Commission Work Plan 2025 Page 46 of 48 7a1. 7.b Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: December 11, 2024 Agenda Item: 2024 Tree Canopy Program Recap Item Type: Presentation Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator Action Request: The Commission is asked to hear a presentation and summary of the 2024 Tree Canopy Program. Background: The proposal of a residential and/or commercial shade tree program was brought to the commission for discussion in 2023, and approved by the Commission in January of 2024. The City entered into an agreement with Tree Trust Landscaping, LLC to provide residents and commercial property owners with a full-service tree purchasing and planting program in 2024. For the subsidized cost of $185 for residents and non-profit property owners, and $259 for commercial property owners, accepted applicants received a high-quality, 10-gallon tree or trees suited for local conditions and our changing climate to be planted within their private property. Applicants were accepted on a first-come-first serve basis with priority given to properties that lost a tree(s) due to Emerald Ash Borer, properties located within an Environmental Justice Area (MPCA's Environmental Justice Areas), or those located within a High Relative Heat Export area within Mendota Heights (Spring only). During the fall application process, no priority was given due to the number of trees left for purchase. The program included: • A site consultation with City Staff on the best location for the new tree • Utility locate coordination prior to planting • Transportation of the tree and all planting materials provided by Tree Trust Landscaping Services • Proper planting, mulching, and watering at the time of planting, provided by Tree Trust Landscaping Services Page 47 of 48 • A high-quality, 10-gallon container tree, watering bag, tree protection, and mulch to be placed at the time of planting Options included: • Blue Beech • Hackberry • Kentucky Coffee Tree var. Espresso • River Birch • Redbud (Minnesota Strain) • Bi-color Oak Participants were required to enter into a maintenance agreement with the City upon acceptance, assuming responsibility for watering and all tree care after planting, including removal if needed, and all costs associated with tree maintenance of the tree in the foreseeable future. Trees provided are guaranteed for one year. During the spring planting, 26 trees were ordered and planted through the program, with a one tree maximum allowed per property address, and priority was given to those that qualified for one of the three priority categories. During the fall planting, 65 trees were ordered and planted. The priority categories were not implemented, and the maximum number of trees per address was increased to two. The remaining trees available (44) were planted in City parks as part of the City's Emerald Ash Borer Bonding Grant project. Fiscal and Resource Impact: The cost of the program, $25,000, was paid through the City's Tree City fund. Attachments: None Page 48 of 48