NRC Work Session Packet 05142025CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA
May 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1.Roll Call
2.Call to Order
3.Discussion
a.2026 Budget Recommendations
b.Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Bonding Grant Update
c.Interstate Valley Creek Stabilization and BMP Project Update
d.Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance Update
4.Committee Reports
5.Adjourn
Next Meeting (Regular Meeting)
June 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
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.
3DJH1RI
3.a
Planning Commission Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: May 14, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: 2026 Budget Recommendations
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
Staff will review the existing 2025 Natural Resources budget with the Commission. The
commission should consider what items from the existing budget should remain, as well as
items that should be adjusted or eliminated. Staff and commission will also review the goals
and priorities set forth in the Natural Resources Management Plan, and the Commission’s
current work plan. The commission may then discuss recommendations for additional budget
items to bring to the City Council for the 2026 calendar year. Recommendations may consist
of funding for goals, priorities, tasks, programs, or projects that the Commission would like the
City Council to incorporate into the City Budget for 2026. Resources, timeline, and benefits of
each identified item should be considered. Recommendations brought forth should reflect the
City’s goals, needs, priorities, and funding mechanisms.
ATTACHMENTS:
1.2025 BUDGET
2.Budget_5 YR Phasing_NRMP
3.Budget Process Workflow Chart
Page 2 of 9
DESCRIPTION 2024 BUDGET 2025 BUDGET
VALLEY PARK POLLINATOR CORRIDOR (XCEL)$14,430.00 $15,000.00
VALLEY PARK FOREST ENHANCEMENT - NORTH $34,070.00 $0.00
VALLEY PARK FOREST ENHANCEMENT - SOUTH-CENTRAL $18,437.00 $11,183.00
VALLEY PARK - NW FOREST ENHANCEMENT $21,165.00 $10,000.00
VALLEY PARK - E FOREST ENHANCEMENT $8,235.00 $12,252.00
VALLEY PARK - S OAK/ASPEN KNOLL ENHANCEMENT $3,663.00 $0.00
ROGERS LAKE SAVANNA/FOREST AND
SHORELINE ENHACEMENT $34,518.00
NATURAL RESOURCE MAINTENANCE $40,000.00 $37,670.00
OHEYAWAHE/PILOT KNOB RESTORATION $15,000.00 $15,600.00
TREE SALE $10,000.00 $10,000.00
TREE CANOPY PROGRAM $25,000.00 $27,000.00
TREE REMOVAL $125,000.00 $100,000.00
TREE PLANTING $10,000.00
TREE CARE (PRUNING, WATERING, DISEASE PREVENTION, ETC.)$52,000.00
TOTALS $315,000.00 $335,223.00
Page 3 of 9
Page 4 of 9
Page 5 of 9
3.b
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: May 14, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Bonding Grant Update
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
The city received a Shade Tree Program Bonding grant in 2024 for the mitigation and removal
of ash trees as a result of tree loss due to Emerald Ash Borer disease. The grant provides
funding for removal and replanting of shade trees on public land to mitigate for loss due to
pests, disease, or storms, with the goal of establishing a more diverse community forest better
able to withstand disease and pests.
$125,000.00 in grant funds were received. A match was not required. The city’s grant contract
includes the removal of an estimated 80 trees, as well as the planting of 80 new trees, as
required by the grant, which requires a 1:1 replacement. If funds allow, additional trees will be
planted.
103 trees have been removed to date; predominately ash. Over 40 shade trees were planted
last fall as part of the grant project in city parks and on public-owned property. The grant
expires December 31, 2027.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
3DJHRI
3.c
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: May 14, 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 two separate reaches
within the creek where severe streambank erosion is occurring, and installing two infiltration
basins, as well as installing a weir downstream of the wetland just north of the ball field in
Valley Park. The project is funded by a Clean Water Grant, and is a partnership with the Lower
Mississippi River Watershed Management Organization and Dakota County.
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 control measures and native seed have been installed.
Stabilization has also been completed on Reach 1, including grading, stabilization, and cross
vanes as well as native seed installation. Re-vegetation of native woody species including
shrubs and trees will be installed this fall.
The infiltration basin adjacent to the wetland at the ball 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. Plantings and
seed will be installed this fall. All stormwater pipe and structures have been installed. The
infiltration basin west of Park Place is currently being constructed.
The weir has been installed as well as the cap wall, allowing flow through the gap in the weir
3aJH oI
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 planting plan for final restoration will be developed with the project partners with a
projected fall installation.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Page 8 of 9
3.d
Natural Resources Work Session Memo
MEETING DATE: May 14, 2025
TO: Natural Resources Commission
FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Coordinator
SUBJECT: Urban Forest Preservation Ordinance
ACTION REQUEST:
Discussion only.
BACKGROUND:
The Goal 1 Committee along with the Commission developed and recommended the Urban
Forest Preservation Ordinance. The ordinance was adopted in 2024 and came into effect
January 1, 2025 as part of the new Environmental Title.
The intent of the ordinance is to protect, preserve, and enhance trees and woodlands within
the City, by reasonably limiting the removal of trees during construction, site work, and land
development activities, as well as to mitigate the loss of trees due to these activities, thereby
promoting and protecting public health, safety, welfare and assuring a healthy urban forest
into the future.
This ordinance applies to construction, development, or redevelopment projects that require a
grading permit, building permit, or planning application, and will affect trees or forested areas.
The ordinance also applies to any proposed Heritage Tree removal, or property in which 33%
or more significant and/or heritage trees are removed from the property where the property
contains a minimum of seven trees.
Staff will give an update of how the ordinance and corresponding process has been
implemented since the ordinance came into effect.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Page 9 of 9