NRC Work Session Packet 04092025CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA
April 9, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1.Roll Call
2.Call to Order
3.Discussion
a.Pollinator Awareness Month
b.Committee Collaboration
c.Interstate Valley Creek Stabilization and BMP Project Update
d.Potential Commission Public Outreach Event
e.2025 NRC Event Participation
4.Adjourn
Next Meeting: Wednesday, May 14th (Work Session)
at 6:00PM
Information is available in alternative formats or with the use of auxiliary aids to individuals
with disabilities upon request by calling city hall at 651-452-1850 or by
emailing cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov.
Page 1 of 7
3.a
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Pollinator Awareness Month
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
In 2023, in 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. The
program has since become an annual event to educate residents via social media, Friday News,
and other means on the importance of pollinators, and how residents can protect native
pollinators and their habitat. Some highlights of the program have included:
•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 native 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 should evaluate the existing program, and discuss what the program should
entail in 2025.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
3DJH••RI•
3.b
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Committee Collaboration
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
The Commission's 2025 work plan contains multiple initiatives that create an opportunity
for the Committees for each goal to work together to accomplish these initiatives. Some of
these common initiatives are listed below as an example:
•Create and hold a community engagement event (Goal 2: Education and Outreach)
•Host residential energy-saving education event (Goal 5: Sustainability)
•Host tree planting event (Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration)
•Explore deconstruction policy for city-owned building and facilities (Goal 1: Ordinance
and Policy Development; Goal 5:Sustainability)
•Collaborate with Sustainability Committee to implement Partners in Energy Action Plan
(Goal 2: Education and Outreach)
There has been some discussion among individual committees on ways that they may be able
to collaborate with other committees. The Commission as a whole should discuss these
collaboration opportunities and determine where committees can work jointly to accomplish
their initiatives under the work plan.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
3DJe RI
3.c
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Interstate Valley Creek Stabilization and BMP Project Update
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion Only.
BACKGROUND:
The Interstate Valley Creek Stabilization and BMP Project began in the fall of 2024 as a result of
a feasibility study that identified areas of streambank erosion as well as potential stormwater
treatment Best Management Practices (BMPs) within the watershed.
The project entails making stormwater infrastructure repairs, stabilizing three separate reaches
within the creek where severe streambank erosion is occurring, installing two infiltration basins,
and installing a weir downstream of the wetland just north of the baseball field in Valley Park.
The project is funded by a Clean Water Grant, and is a joint effort between the city, Lower
Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization and Dakota County.
As of April 1st, Reach 2 (near the playground structure) has been substantially completed; with
grading, stabilization including root wads, and cross vanes installed. It was recommended that
additional rip-rap at the lower end be added along the outside of the curve. The foot bridge
crossing the creek at this location has been removed to install the project and will be replaced
after the project is complete. Erosion and sediment control measures have been placed. Re-
vegetation including native seed and woody plantings will be installed this spring and summer.
Stabilization work has begun on Reach 1, where grading, stabilization including root wads, and
cross vanes will also be installed.
The infiltration basin adjacent to the wetland at the baseball field and east of the weir location
has been completed. This BMP has been designed to intercept and treat stormwater from the
neighborhoods to the north and east before it enters the wetland and IV Creek. Native
plantings and seed will be installed this spring and summer as weather allows. All stormwater
pipes and structures have been installed.
The weir has been installed as well as the cap wall, allowing high flows through the gap in the
3aJe of
weir and restoring a higher water elevation for the wetland to the south. The end of the weir
had to be further stabilized and enforced after a large rain event caused the channel to cut a
path around it. A permanent solution is currently being implemented to ensure the creek
channel stays within its banks at this location and allows the weir to function as intended.
The infiltration basin west of Park Place is still to be constructed. The project is currently about
two weeks behind schedule due to weather conditions. However, the project is still expected to
reach substantial completion by August 2025, with final completion in September of 2025.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Page 5 of 7
3.d
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Potential Commission Public Outreach Event
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
The idea of a potential public outreach event for the Natural Resources Commission was
brought forward during a committee meeting. The event would be similar to the City Council's
'Coffee with Council' events, where residents and community members are invited to attend,
and casual conversation is welcomed. The intent of the event(s) would be to allow members of
the public to familiarize themselves with the Natural Resources Commission and the work that
the Commission does, as well as discuss natural resources issues within the city. The outreach
event(s) could be held at a coffee shop or similar establishment, a park, or a city facility.
The Commission should discuss overall interest in the proposed event(s), as well as ideas and
topics, and potential locations.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
3DJHRI
3.e
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: 2025 NRC Event Participation
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
City events can be a valuable way for the Natural Resources Commission to interact with
residents and community members and bring awareness of natural resources to the public. The
Commission may attend existing events or create events and opportunities to connect with
residents, provide natural resources education, or simply get to know community members.
The city calendar contains existing events throughout the 2025 calendar year. There are also
opportunities for events through the initiatives shown in the Commission's 2025 work plan,
including:
• Create and hold a community engagement event (Goal 2: Education and Outreach)
• Host site tour of natural resources site (Goal 2: Education and Outreach)
• Host residential energy saving education event (Goal 5: Sustainability)
• Host tree planting event (Goal 3: Urban Forestry and Restoration)
The Commission should discuss what events interest them and their ability to attend.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Page 7 of 7