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11 18 2025 City Council Work Session PacketCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA November 18, 2025 at 4:30 PM Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights 1.Call to Order 2.Discussion a.City of Mendota Heights Speed Camera Update b.E-Bike Regulations c.Friendly Hills Sewer Odor d.Sustainable Mendota Heights Branding and Business Program 3.Adjourn Alternative formats or auxiliary aids are available to individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact City Hall at 651-452-1850 or by emailing cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov. Page 1 of 25 This page is intentionally left blank 2.a City Council Work Session Memo MEETING DATE: November 18, 2025 TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, City Administrator SUBJECT: City of Mendota Heights Speed Camera Update ACTION REQUEST: Informational. Police Chief McCarthy will provide a brief update and progress report on the Speed Camera program. BACKGROUND: As part of a four-year pilot program through the State of Minnesota, the Mendota Heights Police Department implemented a Speed Safety Camera System to deter speeding and reduce traffic accidents near schools and residential neighborhoods. Enforcement began August 1. ATTACHMENTS: None Page 2 of 25 This page is intentionally left blank 2.b City Council Work Session Memo MEETING DATE: November 18, 2025 TO: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator FROM: Kelly McCarthy, Police Chief SUBJECT: E-Bike Regulations ACTION REQUEST: Informational. The Council should discuss their desire to implement e-bike regulations, specifically speed limits, on city trails. BACKGROUND: From the League of Minnesota Cities: A “bicycle” is defined by state law to be any device capable of being propelled solely by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or rear wheels. The term “bicycle” includes electric-assisted bicycles, which are bicycles with electric motors that travel up to 20 mph. Electric-assisted bikes have additional regulations in state law. An electric-assisted bicycle is defined as a bicycle that: has two or three wheels, a saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion; meets the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards for a motor-driven cycle or for bicycles under federal law; has an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 750 watts; meets the requirements of a class 1, class 2, class 3, or multiple electric assisted bicycle; and has a battery or electric drive system that has been tested to an applicable safety standard by a third-party testing laboratory. The term “bicycle” does not include mopeds, scooters, motorized foot scooters, or similar devices. “Bicycles” are also not be confused with motorized bicycles, which have a gas or electric motor and travel between 20 and 30 mph at most. A “motorized foot scooter” is a device with handlebars that the operator can stand or sit on, powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion. It has no more than two 12-inch diameter or smaller wheels and has an engine or motor that is capable of a maximum speed of 15 mph on a flat surface. If operated under conditions when motor vehicle lights are required, a scooter must have a headlight and a taillight that comply with standards established by the commissioner of Public Safety. Page 3 of 25 ATTACHMENTS: None Page 4 of 25 2.c City Council Work Session Memo MEETING DATE: November 18, 2025 TO: Mayor, City Council and City Administrator FROM: Ryan Ruzek, Public Works Director SUBJECT: Friendly Hills Sewer Odor ACTION REQUEST: City Council will be presented with information on the status of the sanitary sewer interceptor odor concerns within the Friendly Hills neighborhood. BACKGROUND: Mendota Heights owns and operates a sanitary sewer interceptor which conveys sewage from properties in the city to a regional interceptor owned by the Met Council. Residents in the Friendly Hills area have complained of sewer odors in the neighborhood depending on the weather. Prior to replacing the sewer lines in the neighborhood, staff collected air samples from 5 manholes for laboratory analysis. Manhole #2 and Manhole #3 showed elevated concentrations of hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan. The presence of these elements is normal but the elevated concentrations in only a small portion of the system required further investigation. The elevation of the Friendly Hills neighborhood is lower than that west of Dodd Road and drop manholes were installed with the original construction to maintain a consistent grade of the pipes. It was then assumed that these drops result in an agitation of the sewage which allows for these gases to become airborne. This release can create pressure which then needs to balance with the atmospheric pressure. The release of the gases would be from the vents on top of the adjacent homes. Please note that if residents smell gases in their homes, they either have a plumbing issue or a dried out trap. Page 5 of 25 Due to other parts of the sewer system not having elevated levels of gases, staff proposed a replacement of the sewer lines to eliminate the drops. This change accelerates the velocity of the sewage and eliminates the agitation as the drop is removed. The results of this modification have not been fully analyzed as there is an existing drop along Decorah Lane which is proposed to have a closed flume installed. There is also an existing drop just outside the project area that could also be contributing to the release of gases. Upon installation of the closed flume, staff would recollect air samples to compare with the reading before the project. If the gas levels are still elevated, an air filtration system can be added near Friendly Marsh Park. The project added a connection pipe for this filter addition so that the roadway would not need to be disturbed. The filter addition is a last resort due to the upfront and ongoing costs to operate the unit. Staff have worked with the Met Council and a vendor of an air purification system. The system will have noise and require electricity to run 24/7. The media in the unit will also need replacement every two years. With those two gases being the highest concentrations and most likely contrubtors to the odor, the filitation media plan was to allow air travel through OdorcarbUltra media first to remove H2S Page 6 of 25 then through Odormix SP Media to remove other gases. Bulletins on each media are attached. Brief summary/recommendation on the media from Purafil below: “Purafil recommends using two types of media: One that removes H2S, the other as a polishing media to remove other contaminants such as aldehydes, mercaptans, amines, organics, and sulfur dioxide. For this project, the 2 types of media that should likely be used include Odorcarb Ultra and Odormix SP. The Odorcarb Ultra removes H2S. It’s an activated alumina-based media that oxidizes the H2S, turning it into an inert salt. The Odormix SP is designed to remove mercaptans, hydrocarbons, H2S, and sulfur dioxide. Since the predominant contaminant is likely H2S, you might put Odorcarb Ultra as 70-80% of the total amount of media and the remaining 20-30% Odormix SP. See attached information on both medias.” Also attached is a draft letter to residents in the project area. Staff recommends against posting in Friday News or other wider ranging areas as this issue is specific to one area. A social media post could include: “The City of Mendota Heights is continuing to investigate sewer odor concerns in the Decorah Lane and Apache Street area. Staff are reviewing options to remove a two-foot drop within a manhole on Decorah Lane that may be contributing to the issue. At the same time, odor samples will be collected from manholes along Apache Street to compare with samples taken before construction. As part of the 2025 street and utility improvements, the sanitary sewer main was replaced to address deteriorating pipes and help reduce odor concerns. Based on previous testing results and continued feedback, staff are planning to design and install an odor control unit in the green space just east of the Apache Street cul-de-sac, pending City Council approval. Installation would be targeted for summer 2026. Residents who notice sewer odors inside their homes can often resolve them by adding water to basement floor drains or other little-used fixtures. Drains that dry out can allow odors to enter the home, so pouring a few cups of water into these drains every few weeks can help keep traps sealed. The City appreciates your patience as we work toward a long-term solution.” ATTACHMENTS: 1.Odor Sample Locations 2.Decorah_Apache Sanitary Comparison_v2 3.SWDBS 304-123_ME-PLN-12D-12D-12D-BLR-RL 4.Purafil_OdorcarbUltraMedia-Bulletin 5.Purafil_OdormixSP-Bulletin 6.Sewer Odor Concerns and Plans Page 7 of 25 Page 8 of 25 Page 9 of 25 Page 10 of 25 Page 11 of 25 Page 12 of 25 Page 13 of 25 Page 14 of 25 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 A A B B C C D D JOB/UNIT IDENTIFICATION: MODEL NUMBER: MATERIAL: PURAFIL} AIR PURIFICATION MEDIA(S) IN DIRECTION OF AIRFLOW: PASS PREFILTERS: FINAL FILTERS: FOR APPROVAL FOR CONSTRUCTION FOR INFORMATION AS BUILT DATE: UNIT WEIGHT: APPR. BY: DRAWING NUMBER:REVISION: REV. DATE: QUANTITY QUANTITY THIS DRAWING IS THE PROPERTY OF PURAFIL, INC. AND IS NOT TO BE REPRODUCED OR COPIED IN WHOLE OF IN PART. IT IS ONLY TO BE USED FOR THE PROJECT AND SITE SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFIED HEREIN AND IS NOT TO BE USED IN ANY OTHER PROJECT. IT IS TO BE RETURNED UPON REQUEST. AIRFLOW:I P:T P: ELECTRICAL: VOLTAGE GAGE UNITS: NONE ROOM PRESSURIZATION AND AIRFLOW STATIC PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL (PRE AND FINAL FILTER) - *FOR QUOTE WEATHERPROOFING TYPE SIZE MEDIA BED DEPTH MEDIA TYPE TOTAL MEDIA CAPACITY SWDBS 304-123_ME-PLN-12D-12D-12D-BLR-RL PHASE HZ HP TYPE ALUMINIUM MILL 1000 ft3/min 4.88 iwg 4.88 iwg 460 3 60 3 TEFC 1 TYPE SIZE MIST ELIM 12X24X6ply [305X610X6ply] 1 12 [305]ODORCARB ULTRA 16 CUBIC FEET 2 12 [305]ODORCARB ULTRA 16 CUBIC FEET 3 12 [305]ODORMIX SP 16 CUBIC FEET X X X 10-01-2025 - 2880 lbs [1306 kg]PSM/CSD SWDBS 304 FRAME: PANELS: FINISH: ALUMINIUM MILL [1699 m3/hr][1214 Pa][1214 Pa] RELEASE BY 10-01-2025 10-01-2025CSD CSD 10-01-2025 10-01-2025 APPROVAL BY REVIEW BY PSM PSM DRAWN BY RIGHT SIDE LEFT SIDE AIRFLOW NOTES: 1. DIMENSIONS ARE IN INCHES. METRIC EQUIVALENTS IN BRACKETS [ ] ARE IN MILLIMETERS. 2. DOORS ARE ON BOTH SIDES. 3. JOINTS ARE SEALED WITH RTV SILICON RUBBER. 4. DOORS ARE SEALED WITH COMPRESSIBLE GASKET. 5. MINIMUM DOOR CLEARANCE IS 30" [762 mm]. 6. FASTENERS ARE CORROSION RESISTANT. 7. FOUR n5/8" [16] MOUNTING HOLES ARE PROVIDED FOR ANCHORING UNIT IN FIELD. 8. THIS UNIT DESIGN IS BASED ON AN EXTERNAL STATIC PRESSURE OF 1 IWG ONLY. 9. 4X LIFTING LUGS. PURAFIL, INC. REP.: PURAFIL, INC. RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY DESIGN FOR IMPROVED PRODUCT PERFORMANCE. PURAFIL }, PURAFIL II }, PURASORB }, CHLOROSORB }, AND SCOOTER } SKUNK EMBLEM (REG. US. PAT. & TM OFFICE), PURASTAT TM, HEBA-LOCK TM, CORROSIVE-AIRE TM, ES TM, PURACARB TM, PM TM SERIES AND THE DISTINCTIVE SHAPE OF PM TM MODULES ARE TRADEMARKS OF PURAFIL TM, INC., A U.S.A. CORPORATION. FILL CHUTE FILL CHUTE 2.0 [51] (TYP.)43.4 [1102] 3.1 [79] 2.5 [64] 7.00 [178] PLENUM SECTION 46.1 [1170] ( SEE NOTE 7) 11.0 [279] *THIS DRAWING IS FOR REFERENCE ONLY. UPON CONSTRUCTION ACTUAL DIMENSIONS MAY CHANGE SLIGHTLY FOR EQUIPMENT OPTIMIZATION. PLEASE INCLUDE A COPY OF THIS DRAWING WITH YOUR ORDER. 47.4 [1203] 1.5 [38] 108.0 [2743] ( SEE NOTE 7) 123.0 [3124] 26.7 [678] 15.0 [380] MEDIA BED SECTION MIST ELIM. PRESSURE FITTINGS 46.3 [1177] MIST ELIM. 1' H X 2' W 35.7 [906] 51.5 [1308] FILL CHUTE BLOWER WITH VFD CLEAN OUT PORTS PLENUM SECTION CORK ISOLATORS (4X) RAIN LOUVER MEDIA PRESSURE FITTINGS MEDIA PRESSURE FITTINGS FULLY WELDED SKID 52.8 [1341] 23.2 [589] 1.5" MEDIA SAMPLING PORTS LIFTING LUGS (4X) Page 15 of 25 Purafil, Inc. 2654 Weaver Way, Doraville, GA 30340 USA Phone: +1 770 662 8545 Fax: +1 770 263 6922 www.purafil.com © Purafil 2015 ProdBltn–OCBU-06 Product Bulletin for Purafil Odorcarb Ultra Media OdorcarbTM Ultra Media consists of generally spherical, porous pellets formed from a combination of activated carbon, activated alumina and other binders, suitably impregnated to provide a superior removal capacity for hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Impregnants are applied during pellet formation such that they are uniformly distributed throughout the pellet volume and are completely available for reaction with hydrogen sulfide. Odorcarb Ultra Media has been specially engineered with an extremely high reserve alkalinity. This provides the maximum neutralization potential available and assures the highest overall performance. The chemisorptive process removes contaminant gases by means of adsorption, absorption, and chemical reaction (neutralization). Harmful gases are trapped within the pellet and converted into harmless solids which remain in the pellet, eliminating the possibility of desorption and release back into the environment. Odorcarb Ultra Media demonstrates an extremely high working capacity for H2S making it the preferred media for odor control in wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, wet wells, lift stations, and sludge holding tanks. Odorcarb Ultra m edia provides the following minimum removal capacities: Specifications Moisture 35% (max) Crush strength 35-70% Abrasion 4.5% (max) Bulk density 40 lb/ft3 (0.64 g/cc) ±5% Nominal pellet diameter 1/16“ - ⅛" (1.6 - 3.2 mm) Removal Capacities Contaminant Gas g/cc Weight % * Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) 0.3008 47.0 *100 pounds (45.36 kg) of Odorcarb Ultra media will remove a minimum of 47 pounds (21.3 kg) of hydrogen sulfide Application Guidelines Temperature -4°F to 125°F (-20°C to 51°C) Humidity 10 - 95% RH Air Speed 60 - 500 fpm (0.30 - 2.54 m/s) Performance 99.5% (min)initial removal efficiency in Purafil systems Page 16 of 25 Purafil, Inc. 2654 Weaver Way, Doraville, GA 30340 USA Phone: +1 770 662 8545 Fax: +1 770 263 6922 www.purafil.com © Purafil 2015 ProdBltn–OCBU-06 Product Bulletin for Purafil Odorcarb Ultra Media Quality Control Each lot of Odorcarb Ultra media is thoroughly tested prior to shipment according to the procedures described in Purafil’s ISO 9001 Quality Systems Manual. This testing includes but is not limited to: bulk density, impregnation level, moisture content, crush strength, and abrasion. Media Life Analysis Odorcarb Ultra m edia contains Media Life Indicator Pellets (patent-pending) which offer a visual indication of media performance, changing from blue to white when the media is spent. At this point samples of Odorcarb Ultra media should be sent to the Purafil laboratories for testing to verify remaining media life. This provides for scheduled maintenance, avoids downtime, and assures ongoing protection for processes, products, and personnel. Disposal Odorcarb Ultra media is non-toxic and non-hazardous as supplied. However, in all cases spent Odorcarb Ultra media should be disposed of according to local, state, and federal guidelines. Odorcarb Ultra media is UL classified for flammability. Page 17 of 25 Purafil, Inc. 2654 Weaver Way, Doraville, Georgia, 30340 U.S.A. Phone: +1 770 662 8545 Fax: +1 770 263 6922 www.purafil.com © Purafil 2015 ProdBltn–MSP-05 Product Bulletin for Purafil Odormix SP Media Odormix SP Media is made from an equal mix (by volume) of Purafil’s Odoroxidant SP media and Odorkol media. Odoroxidant SP media is generally spherical, porous pellets formed from a combination of activated alumina and other binders, suitably impregnated with sodium permanganate (NaMnO4). The sodium permanganate is applied during pellet formation such that it is uniformly distributed throughout the pellet volume and is completely available for reaction with target gases. Odorkol media consists of extruded cylindrical, porous pellets formed from a premium virgin activated carbon. No binders are used allowing the carbon completely available for adsorption of target gases. Odormix SP Media has been specially engineered to provide the highest overall performance against multiple contaminants. Odoroxidant SP removes contaminant gases by chemisorption using adsorption, absorption, and chemical reaction (oxidation). Harmful gases are trapped within the pellet and converted into harmless solids which remain in the pellet, eliminating the possibility of desorption and release back into the environment. Odorkol media removes contaminant gases with high efficiencies and capacities by means of physical adsorption (physisorption). It is very effective against medium-to-high molecular weight compounds, and chemical contaminants with low volatility. Odormix SP Media demonstrates a higher working capacity for broad-spectrum control of odorous and corrosive gases including mercaptans, hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur and nitrogen oxides. Odormix SP media can be used when space within a Purafil scrubber is limited but these two individual media are indicated; combining two stages of filtration into one. Odormix SP is also recommended as a polishing media in odor control and corrosion control applications. Odormix SP media provides the following minimum removal capacities: Removal Capacities Contaminant Gas g/cc Weight % * Sulfur dioxide (SO2) 0.0520 8.13 Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) 0.1434 22.41 Toluene (C6H5CH3) 0.0792 12.38 * 100 pounds (45.36 kg) of Odormix SP Media will remove a minimum of 8.13 pounds (3.69 kg) of sulfur dioxide. Application Guidelines Temperature -4°F to 125°F (-20°C to 51°C) Humidity 10 - 95% RH Air Speed 60 - 500 fpm (0.30 - 2.54 m/s) Performance 99.5% (min)initial removal efficiency in Purafil systems Page 18 of 25 Purafil, Inc. 2654 Weaver Way, Doraville, Georgia, 30340 U.S.A. Phone: +1 770 662 8545 Fax: +1 770 263 6922 www.purafil.com © Purafil 2015 ProdBltn–MSP-05 Product Bulletin for Purafil Odormix SP Media Specifications Odormix SP Bulk density 40 lbs/ft3 (0.64 g/cc) ±5% Odoroxidant SP Sodium permanganate 12% (min) as NaMnO4 Moisture 35% (max) Crush strength 35-70% Abrasion 4.5% (max) Bulk density 50 lb/ft3 (0.8 g/cc) ±5% Nominal pellet diameter 1/16“ - ⅛" (1.6 - 3.2 mm) Odorkol CTC activity 60% (min) Hardness number 95 (min) Moisture 2.0% (max) Ash content 12% (max) Bulk density 30 lb/ft3 (0.48 g/cc) ±5% Nominal pellet diameter 0.16" (4 mm) Quality Control Each lot of Odoroxidant SP and Odorkol media used in Odormix SP media is thoroughly tested prior to shipment according to the procedures described in Purafil’s ISO 9001 Quality Systems Manual. Media Life Analysis Samples of Odormix SP media should be sent on a regular basis to the Purafil laboratories for testing to determine remaining media life. This provides for scheduled maintenance, avoids downtime, and assures ongoing protection for processes, products, and personnel. Disposal Odormix SP media should be disposed of according to local, state, and federal guidelines. Purafil’s Odormix SP media is UL classified for flammability. Page 19 of 25 November 12, 2025 Sanitary Sewer Odor Concerns Within Friendly Hills Neighborhood The City of Mendota Heights staff are continuing to investigate and address ongoing sanitary sewer odor concerns in the Decorah Lane and Apache Street area. City staff are currently reviewing alternative options to remove a two-foot vertical drop within a manhole on Decorah Lane that may be contributing to excessive odors in the system. As part of the recent roadway and utility reconstruction project, the sanitary sewer main was replaced to address deteriorating and failing pipe segments. The replacement work was intended to improve system performance, reduce inflow and infiltration, and help mitigate sewer odors in the neighborhood. At the same time, staff will be collecting additional odor samples from various manholes along Apache Street to compare with samples taken prior to construction. This testing will help determine the effectiveness of previous improvements and identify any changes in odor concentrations. Following sample collection and analysis, City staff are planning to move forward with the design and installation of an odor control unit to be located within the green space just east of the Apache Street cul-de-sac. This process will take some time as it involves data review, system design, and formal City Council consideration. If approved by the City Council, the goal would be to complete installation of the odor control system during the summer of 2026. Residents who notice sewer odors inside their homes can often reduce or eliminate them by ensuring plumbing traps are filled with water. Floor drains, basement shower drains, or unused fixtures can dry out over time, allowing sewer gas to enter the home. Pouring a few cups of water into these drains every few weeks—especially in little-used areas—can help maintain the water seal. Regularly flushing toilets and running water in sinks and tubs also helps prevent traps from drying out. The City appreciates residents’ patience and understanding as we work toward a long-term solution to this issue. Sincerely, City of Mendota Heights Public Works & Engineering Department Page 20 of 25 2.d City Council Work Session Memo MEETING DATE: November 18, 2025 TO: Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator FROM: Kelly Torkelson, Assistant City Administrator SUBJECT: Sustainable Mendota Heights Branding and Business Program ACTION REQUEST: No City Council action is required. This presentation introduces the Sustainable Mendota Heights branding and the Business Program which highlight sustainability efforts across city departments and expands the transparency and accountability of the city’s sustainability strategic priority. BACKGROUND: In 2023, the City Council established four strategic priorities for the City, including Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship, with the following goals: 1.Integrate sustainability practices into municipal operations and infrastructure investments. 2.Enhance public knowledge and use of natural resources and sustainability best practices. 3.Lead investment in and expansion of natural resources. 4.Protect historic and natural spaces. While this priority was formally adopted by the City Council in 2022, the City has a long- standing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Mendota Heights has integrated sustainability efforts throughout city operations and initiatives as well as into the city’s strategic planning documents including: •2040 Comprehensive Plan (Adopted 2021) – Outlines sustainable growth and environmental strategies. •Natural Resources Management Plan (Adopted 2022) – Guides preservation and enhancement of natural areas. •Stormwater Management Plan (Adopted 2012) – Implements best practices for water quality and flood mitigation. •Bike and Pedestrian Plan (Adopted 2022) – Supports sustainable transportation options. •Partners in Energy Program (Initiated 2023) – Engages community members, Page 21 of 25 businesses and city staff to promote energy efficiency and sustainability efforts. •GreenStep Cities Program (Joined March 2021) – The City is currently at step 3 of 5 of the program. Recognizes ongoing progress in sustainability and environmental stewardship and recommends best practices. As conversations about sustainability continue to evolve at the state, national, and international levels, it can be challenging to define what the term means locally. To address this, staff synthesized historical priorities and current initiatives to create a local sustainability brand that defines what sustainability means for the City of Mendota Heights. Sustainable Mendota Heights The city’s sustainability efforts can be simplified into three main categories: Nature, Energy, and Waste. Sustainable Mendota Heights is an overarching brand that represents this definition of what Sustainability means to the City and residents. Sustainability is a local issue, a local priority and a way for the City, residents and community members to have local impacts. The recognizable symbol for how residents, businesses and the City can have a local impact on sustainability builds community pride and sense of connection to the city’s strategic goals. Branding for the city’s sustainability efforts is more than just a marketing exercise. It is a strategic effort to expand engagement, transparency, and community pride in the city’s leadership on sustainability. Ensuring that residents recognize, engage with and understand these efforts is a critical step in advancing the City’s Council’s goals. Mendota Heights Business Sustainability Program Staff are preparing to launch a Mendota Heights Business Sustainability Program in early 2026. The program will engage and educate local businesses in sustainability efforts which will provide an avenue for the City to highlight and promote sustainability achievements within the community. Businesses will have an opportunity to promote a variety of participation activities that align with the three areas of the Sustainable Mendota Heights program - Nature, Energy and Waste. The goal of the program is to promote public knowledge of local actions and resources available to contribute to sustainability. As part of this program, staff will be coordinating business visits within the Community to promote this new program and sustainability efforts as a whole within Mendota Heights. Additionally, a speaker series will begin in January, 2026 that will provide an avenue for businesses and residents to learn about ways to increase Nature, Energy and Waste efforts in Mendota Heights. ATTACHMENTS: 1.Business Sustainability Program 111225 Page 22 of 25 Mendota Heights Business Sustainability Program Purpose: This program engages local businesses in sustainability efforts and provides an opportunity for the City to highlight and promote its efforts in the community. The program supports the City’s strategic priorities of delivering Premier Public Services and advances the priorities of Sustainability and Stewardship & Economic Vitality and Community Vibrancy. Program Overview Businesses will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that align with the three areas of the Sustainable Mendota Heights program – Nature, Energy and Waste. These participation activities are designed to be accessible for a wide variety of businesses. Businesses that complete at least one participation activity from each of the three areas will earn distinction as a Sustainable Mendota Heights Business and receive: 1. A window cling featuring the Sustainable Mendota Heights Logo recognizing their sustainability efforts and aligning them with the community values of sustainability and stewardship. 2. Recognition through the city’s communication channels, including newsletters, social media and the city website. 3. Access to resources and support to advance sustainable business practices. Program Goals: 1. Promote public knowledge of local actions that contribute to community sustainability 2. Further the city’s goals as outlined in the Partners in Energy-Energy Action Plan 3. Further the city’s progress in implementation of the city’s Natural Resources Management Plan 4. Recognize and promote local businesses demonstrating sustainability leadership 5. Leverage the city’s communication tools to promote businesses that are furthering the city’s sustainability goals 6. Strengthen the local economy by reducing business operating costs, encouraging innovation and enhancing business visibility Page 23 of 25 Key Components to the Program: A.Education and Outreach •Host “Speaker Series” on sustainable practices •Launch an online sustainability hub for resources, case studies and toolkits •Promotion of program through city-owned and partner-owned communication channels B.Partnerships •Dakota County Chamber of Commerce •Xcel Energy •Commercial Business Owners C.Performance Measurements •Metrics: Quantifiable measures for environmental, social and economic impacts o Number of Participating Businesses o Number of Initiatives Completed o Impact on Sustainability Goals through the Xcel Energy Partners in Energy program D.Stakeholder Engagement •Internal Communication and Training: educating employees and businesses on sustainability goals and practices •External Stakeholder Dialogue: engaging investors, customers, and residents on sustainability best practices •Transparency and Trust-building: open communication about progress and challenges Program Tiers: Implementation Plan: In order to successfully implement this program, a team of staff members, elected and appointed officials, and Partners in Energy staff and task force members will be conducting business visits during the months of January and February. The visits will provide an opportunity for introduction and connection with City staff, the community, stakeholders and experts who can advise the businesses on opportunities for sustainability improvements. Budget: The city ’s cost for the window clings that will be utilized to distinguish a business as a “Mendota Heights Sustainable Business” will cost approximately $500. Additionally, staff time will be utilized to ensure the success of this new program based on the City Council approved priorities this program aligns with. Bronze Silver Gold To achieve bronze status, a business must complete one component of each category (Nature, Energy, Waste) To achieve silver status, a business must complete two components within each of the categories (Nature, Energy, Waste) To achieve gold status, a business must complete three components within each of the categories (Nature, Energy, Waste) Page 24 of 25 Appendix A: Sustainable Mendota Heights Program Participation Activities Complete one activity in each category to receive the bronze Mendota Heights Sustainable Business designation. Complete two or three activities in each category to achieve silver and gold status, respectively. SAVE ENERGY •Attend the Sustainable Mendota Heights Speaker Series focused on energy •Replace all lightbulbs with LEDs •Complete the free Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) One Stop program or another Xcel Energy program for businesses •Implement at least one of the CEE One Stop or other Xcel Energy building assessment energy recommendations after completing the program •Schedule a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Energy Smart consultation •Participate in a renewable energy subscription program REDUCE WASTE •Practice recycling and organics collection •Regularly donate edible food to people •Replace one single-use item with a reusable solution (i.e. replace lids that require straws with lids that do not require straws) •Charge a fee for takeaway bags •Provide BPI Certified compostable packaging for food to-go containers •Allow customers to bring reusable containers for takeaway food and promote this option •Transition to paperless or “digital-first” •Attend the Sustainable Mendota Heights Speaker Series focused on waste •Use reusable dishware in breakroom •Participate in the Dakota County Business Recycling Program •Participate in a waste reduction program such as MNimize program, Good To Go Cups, or Too Good To Go PROTECT NATURE •Participate in the City’s Tree Canopy Program •Host or participate in a community clean-up event •Host or participate in a community planting event •Install a landscape feature that reduces turf grass or install another low- maintenance landscape practice •Eliminate pesticide use in your landscape •Install a stormwater treatment feature on your property •Install WaterSense irrigation controllers and sprinklers •Replace cleaning supplies with Safer Choice-certified products •Attend the Sustainable Mendota Heights Speaker Series focused on nature Page 25 of 25