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NRC 01-08-2025NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS Wednesday, January 8, 2024 6:00 p.m. Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Mendota Heights City Hall; 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order Vice Chair Knosalla called the meeting to order at 6:02p.m. 2. Roll Call Roll Call: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter called the role. Commissioners present: Sheets, Knosalla, Stein, Husbands, McCaslin, and Student Commissioner Trudeau. Absent: Commissioners Fahnhorst and Chair Swank. 3. Adopt Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Commissioner McCaslin, second by Commissioner Stein. Motion passed 6-0. 4. Approval of Minutes a. The Commission was asked to approve the meeting minutes from the December 11, 2024 Natural Resources Commission Meeting. Motion to approve the minutes by Commissioner Sheets. Second by Commissioner Husbands. Motion passed 6-0. 5. Citizen Comment Period No citizens appeared to address the Commission. 6. New Business a. Commissioner Resignation Coordinator Spreiter relayed to the Commission that Commissioner Fahnhorst had chose to not seek reappointment. The Commissioner’s term ends January 31st. The City has begun the process of seeking candidates to fill the vacancy on the Commission. Coordinator Spreiter shared that interviews for Commissioners will be held tomorrow, January 9th. If the City Council chooses, a new commissioner would be appointed at either the January 21st or February 4th City Council meeting. b. Annual Commissioner Orientation Coordinator Spreiter shared with the Commission the purpose of holding annual Commissioner orientation for all Commissioners serving on an advisory commission. The orientation serves as an informational training and refresher on the framework of government in Mendota Heights, the purpose of the commissions, and meeting protocol. Coordinator Spreiter also recited the Natural Resources Commission’s charter as it appears in Ordinance 572 of City Code. Coordinator Spreiter reminded the Commission to respond to Staff with availability for the sessions offered if they have not already. Vice Chair Knosalla stated that she appreciated virtual option given last year. 7. Old Business a. Partners in Energy Update Coordinator Spreiter gave an update of the status of the Partners in Energy Program. Spreiter shared that the Memorandum of Understanding was approved by the City Council at the January 7th meeting. A kick-off meeting with Partners in Energy Staff, City Staff, the Sustainability Committee of the Natural Resources Commission, and a few members of the Energy Action Team will be held on February 4th. Commissioner Stein shared that he thought the planning portion was well done and supported by the Xcel Energy Staff and facilitators, and was impressed with the process thus far. Commissioner Sheets asked how much of the implementation in regards to education and outreach will be City responsibility and how much will be Xcel. Commissioner Stein shared that Xcel can help and support with outreach as well as all aspects. Vice Chair Knosalla asked if there are resources and materials already developed. Coordinator Spreiter stated Xcel will support by providing existing programs and outreach materials. Student Commissioner Trudeau asked how PiE will be seen and how the EAP will be seen in the community? Commissioner Stein stated the hope is that the Community will see it in several different ways: In municipal buildings, outreach to residents, rebate resources, etc. Vice Chair Knosalla added that the Energy Action Team is open to new ways to get information out there. Commissioner Sheets asked if there is budget ear marked for targeted communication. How do we get the information in front of targeted audiences digitally through Meta (for those that are not opting in)? Commissioner Stein also shared that one of the questions of the Council and brought forward in the process was How will we measure success? Commissioner Sheets asked if there are other ways to measure outside of the tracking that Xcel Energy is able to measure. Coordinator Spreiter will bring these questions to the Partners in Energy Staff. b. 2025 Work Plan Review Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the Initiatives for each Goal in Quarter 1. Vice Chair Knosalla suggested if the initiative of holding a community event was in conjunction with the PiE Energy Action Plan implementation, that it is moved to Quarter 2, and also suggested holding the event the week of Earth and Arbor Week. Student Commissioner Trudeau Suggested scheduling a joint Committee meeting between Goal 2 and Goal 5. Vice Chair Knosalla suggested discussion to take place at the next meeting/work session on February 12th. Commissioner Stein shared that Goal 1 initiative Draft a Shoreland Ordinance for recommendation was still in exploration stage. Commissioner McCaslin stated BWSR has an example he will look into. Committees were discussed. Goal 5: 1st Monday of the month at 4p. 8. Staff Announcements Coordinator Spreiter announced that a Natural Resources Internship position has been proposed for approval by the City Council at the January 21st meeting. Coordinator Spreiter reminded the Commission that officer elections and well as Oak Awards will take place at the next regular meeting in March. Coordinator Spreiter announced that holiday light recycling is going on now through January 31st. Drop off is at City Hall. 9. Commission Comments Commissioner McCaslin asked for an update on Valley Creek Stabilization. Vice Chair Knosalla asked for the intern posting to be shared with the Commission. 10. Committee Reports Goal 1: In exploration stage for first initiative. Goal 2: Discussed Oak Awards which will be awarded in March and community event. Goal 3: Next meeting is tomorrow. Goal 4: Have not met since last meeting. Goal 5: Exploring Geothermal Grant for feasibility studies on municipalities. 11. Adjourn Motion to Adjourn the meeting by Commissioner Husbands, second by Commissioner McCaslin. Motion passed 6-0. Vice Chair Knosalla adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m.