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NRC 12-11-2024NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS December 11, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 1 of 7 Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Meeting Minutes The work session meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday December 11, 2024, at Mendota Heights City Hall; 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order Vice Chair Knosalla called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. No quorum was present. 2. Roll Call Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter called the roll. Commissioners present: Vice Chair Knosalla, Commissioners Fahnhorst and Sheets. Student Commissioner Trudeau. Commissioners Absent: Chair Swank, Commissioners Husbands, McCaslin (arrived at 6:25 p.m.), and Stein. Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter. Citizen Comment Period – No one appeared to address the Commission 3. New Business a. Municipal Separate Stormwater System (MS4) 2024 Annual Report Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter reviewed 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). Ms. Spreiter presented a PowerPoint. The MPCA requires the City to maintain a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. The permit was renewed under the new 2020 MS4 General Permit. The goal of the MS4 Program is to reduce the amount of pollutants entering state waters from municipal and other stormwater systems, and ultimately protect our surface waters. As part of the requirement, the City must develop a Surface Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). There are six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) that the City is required to fulfill. 1. Public Education and Outreach 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 MCM 1: Public Education and Outreach - Educational Materials and information provided in Friday News, Heights Highlights, and the City’s Website and on social media. Events, classes and programs December 11, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 2 of 7 such as Landscaping for Clean Water, the Fishing Derby, Trick or Teeing, and Earth and Arbor Day Celebration. MCM 2: Public Participation/Involvement – City must provide a minimum of one annual opportunity for the public to provide input on the City’s SWPPP. The SWPPP is posted on the City’s Website. The City hosts a rain barrel sale and cleanup event annually (Earth and Arbor Day) and will continue to participate in Adopt-a-Drain, CAMP and WHEP. MCM 3: Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination – City must maintain a storm sewer map that includes all pipes 12 inches or greater, outfalls, and structural stormwater Best Management Practices (MBPs). Required regulatory mechanisms. Have a procedure that provides a means for, and tracks, IDDE. Establish a regulatory mechanism that requires proper salt storage at commercial, institutional, and non-NPDES permitted industrial facilities. MCM 4: Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control – Regulatory mechanism for erosion, sediment and waste controls. Review site plans. Conduct site inspections every 2 weeks, and after every .5 inch or larger storm event. MCM 5: Post-Construction Runoff Control – Regulatory mechanism that establishes requirements for post-construction stormwater management. Maintain a written or mapped inventory of public and private structural stormwater BMPs. Ensure compliance and enforcement on new development. MCM 6: Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping – Mapped inventory of City owned/operated facilities that contribute to stormwater discharges. Inspect and maintain all City-owned facilities. Inspect structural BMPs and outfalls annually. Inspect all stormwater ponds on a 5-year cycle. Perform maintenance based on inspections. Implement/install permanent BMPs on City projects/municipal operations. Maintain and implement written snow and ice management policy. 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. 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. Commissioner Sheets referred to the landscaping for clean water program and noted the County does offer grants for homeowners who are interested in going through the program. Ms. Spreiter stated that is a great program. They offer classes and help planning projects. Commissioner Fahnhorst referred to the clean water practices and asked how the process works for construction. Ms. Spreiter stated it is required through the State that developers need to have their own SWPPP. New impervious needs to have permanent stormwater treatment. This could be rain gardens or infiltration basins. There is a guidance document for contractors that spells out the State and City requirements. This can also be found on the City’s website. Commissioner Sheets asked when residents spot something that they are not sure if they should report. What should they look for? Ms. Spreiter stated if a resident sees anything but stormwater runoff going down a storm drain the City should be notified. They could also report it to the State. Clean-up efforts would be put into place as soon as possible. Vice Chair Knosalla asked about the brine. Ms. Spreiter explained that it is a liquid mixture that is December 11, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 3 of 7 applied to the streets prior to a storm event to keep the ice from building up. Vice Chair Knosalla stated that the mini-golf hole-in-one turned out beautifully. She commended Student Representative Trudeau on her planning efforts. Commissioner Sheets stated the outreach was keeping leaves out of the road and going into the storm sewer. She asked if there is any additional guidance. Ms. Spreiter stated through adopt-a-drain there are suggestions. b. Interstate Valley Creek BMP and Stabilization Project Update Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the Commission will hear a presentation on the status of the Interstate Valley Creek Stabilization and Best Management Practice (BMP) project. 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. Ms. Spreiter reviewed a PowerPoint including: Project Overview – A feasibility study was completed in 2023 to identify areas of streambank erosion and potential treatment and infiltration areas in the watershed. The project includes stormwater infrastructure repair, stabilizing three areas or reaches of the creek bed, installing two filtration/infiltration basins, and installing a weir downstream of a wetland within Valley Park. The project is funded by a Clean Water Grant, and is a coordinated partnership between the City, the Lower Mississippi River WMO, and Dakota County. A map showing the project area was provided for Commission review. A diagram showing the infiltration basins was also shown. The locations for stabilization were also shown. Commissioner McCaslin arrived at the meeting at 6:25 p.m. Vice Chair Knosalla asked if construction will occur throughout the winter. Ms. Spreiter stated the project officially may start as early as this week. There is some winter work that is slated to begin. Vice Chair Knosalla asked if the residents in the area will be impacted by the storm sewer being constructed. Ms. Spreiter stated the improvements, and construction will be on park property. There are a few residents that will be close to the construction. Student Representative Trudeau asked about the weir. Ms. Spreiter stated the purpose of the weir in the channel which will create more wetland area upstream. This will allow for a volume reduction. The spot with the severe erosion was indicated on the drawing. Commissioner McCaslin stated is the plan to have two feet of standing water and Ms. Spreiter stated the elevation would be two feet above where it is currently. Commissioner Sheets asked how the wildlife will be affected that utilize the waterway and any plantings. Ms. Spreiter stated it is designed to enhance wildlife. This will add more open water habitat. The hope is to eliminate the reed canary grass. December 11, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 4 of 7 Commissioner McCaslin asked if there is any stream evaluation data available. Ms. Spreiter stated currently there is no monitoring data available. The 2024_9_26 IV Creek Stabilization and Water Quality BMP Project Final Plans was provided for Commission consideration. 4. Adopt Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Sheets, second by Fahnhorst. Motion passed 4-0. 5. Approval of Minutes – August 8, 2024, Natural Resources Commission Meeting and October 16, 2024 Natural Resources Commission Work Session. Motion to approve the minutes by Fahnhorst, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 4-0. a. Approve 2025 Meeting Schedule Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the 2025 calendar for the Natural Resources Commission. 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. All meetings will begin at 6:00 p.m. 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 Motion to approve the 2025 Meeting Schedule by Sheets, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 4-0. Ms. Spreiter noted on January 8, 2025, there will be no media coverage. 6. Old Business a. 2025 National Resources Commission Workplan Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the Commission is asked to discuss the draft of its 2025 Work Plan and December 11, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 5 of 7 accept the draft as is or with amendments. The Commission uses an annual work plan to accomplish its goals, as well as aid in accountability, resource allocation and proceeding 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 five goals of the Commission are: 1. Ordinance and Policy Development 2. Education and Outreach 3. Urban Forestry and Restoration 4. Strategic Planning 5. Sustainability Ms. Spreiter reviewed the initiatives under each goal. 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. The 2025 Work Plan draft was provided for Commission consideration. Vice Chair Knosalla noted goal 1 and goal 5 have the same initiative listed “Explore deconstruction policy for city-owned buildings and facilities”. Ms. Spreiter stated it was discussed that some of the initiatives may fall between more than one committee. Vice Chair Knosalla suggested noting which committee is the lead and which is the supporting committee. Commissioner Fahnhorst suggesting discussing further when Chair Swank is present. Commissioner Sheets asked which Committee would be the lead on this and Commissioner McCaslin stated he is not sure the policy is needed prior to the ordinance. Commissioner Fahnhorst suggested starting it in the Sustainability Committee rather than Ordinance and Policy Development. Vice Chair Knosalla suggested removing it from Goal #1. Commissioner Fahnhorst asked if policies are published formally. Ms. Spreiter stated the City Council can take official action by passing a resolution to adopt the policy. It is different than an ordinance. The consensus of the Commission was that Sustainability would lead the effort with Ordinance and Policy collaborating. Motion to adopt the 2025 Work Plan with revisions by Fahnhorst, second by McCaslin. Motion passed 4-0. b. 2024 Tree Canopy Program Recap Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the Commission is asked to hear a presentation and summary of the 2024 Tree Canopy Program. 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 proposal of a residential and/or commercial shade tree program was brought to the Commission December 11, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 6 of 7 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- served 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 Area), 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. • 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. The cost of the program ($25,000) was paid through the City’s Tree City Fund. The Tree Canopy Program will run through 2025. Vice Chair Knosalla asked of the remaining trees was there a specific species that was not as popular. She asked if reducing the price per tree would that encourage more interest in the program. Ms. Spreiter stated the most popular were Red Bud. Student Representative Trudeau asked if the City Tree Sale runs at the same time and Ms. Spreiter December 11, 2024 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 7 of 7 stated orders for both are done at approximately the same timeframe. Student Representative Trudeau suggested if there is extra inventory they could be made available in the tree sale. Ms. Spreiter stated City Staff would need to run that tree sale. Commissioner Sheets asked if the prioritization for the Spring should be done in the future or should the prioritization be changed. Ms. Spreiter stated her initial thoughts was no prioritization with additional outreach done. Commissioner Fahnhorst stated he is in support of the tree program. For the full service option at $185 that is a great deal. He is supportive of keeping the price as is for the second year. The tree selections are good options. Vice Chair Knosalla suggested the two different sales be communicated at the beginning of the year. Commissioner Sheets also suggested providing educational resource information on the species available. 7. Staff Announcements Ms. Spreiter stated the Commission had proposed creating a buckthorn kit. There is one kit available to residents. There is a waiting list to use the kit. The kit will be offered throughout the winter. The items included in the kits were described. 8. Commission Comments. Ordinance and Policy Development Committee Report – Commissioner McCaslin stated they are starting to look at Ordinances in other communities. Education and Outreach Committee Report – Student Representative Trudeau stated they are beginning planning for Spring and Earth & Arbor Day Week Events. They discussed the upcoming Oak Award and increasing participation. Urban Forestry and Restoration – Vice Chair Knosalla stated they will be meeting in January 2025. Strategic Planning – Commissioner Sheets stated they continue exploring additional funding sources for natural resources. They attended some programs with other cities. Sustainability – Vice Chair Knosalla stated the Energy Action Plan was reviewed and approved by the City Council. The Committee will meet to discuss implementation. 9. Discussion Commissioner Fahnhorst noted his term with the Commission is ending and he has enjoyed working with the Commissioners and it has been a great experience. 10. Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by McCaslin, second by Fahnhorst. Motion passed 4-0. Chair Swank adjourned the meeting at 7:10 p.m.