02/11/2026 Natural Resources Commission Agenda Packet
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
February 11, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Mendota Heights City Hall
Council Chambers
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Adopt Agenda
4. Approval of Minutes
a. Approve meeting minutes from the December 10th, 2025 Natural Resources
Commission Meeting.
b. Approve meeting Minutes from the January 14th, 2026 Natural Resources
Commission Work Session.
5. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda)
6. New Business
a. New Commissioner Introduction
b. 2026 Officer Elections
c. Committee Assignments
d. Earth and Arbor Week Update
7. Old Business
a. Geothermal Planning Grant Update
8. Staff Announcements
9. Commission Comments
10. Committee Reports
11. Adjourn
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NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
December 10, 2025 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 1 of 7
Wednesday, December 10, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Draft Meeting Minutes
The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday,
December 10, 2025, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve.
1. Call to Order
Chair Knosalla called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter called the roll. Present: Chair Knosalla, Vice Chair Stein,
Commissioners Daul, Husbands, McCaslin, Sheets, and Thuening. Student Commissioners Alia Alizadeh
and Annie Bisanz.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Staff present: Natural Resources Coordinator Krista Spreiter.
3. Adopt Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda by Commissioner Sheets, second by Commissioner Stein.
Motion passed 7-0.
4. Student Commissioner Introductions.
Coordinator Spreiter introduced the two new Student Commissioners and asked them to briefly
introduce themselves. Alia Alizadeh stated she is in 10th grade, and she really cares about our natural
resources. Annie Bisanz is in the 10th grade, and she enjoys volunteering, wanting to get involved in her
city.
5. Approval of Minutes
a. Approve meeting minutes from the September 10, 2025, Natural Resources Commission Meeting.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented by Commissioner McCaslin, second by
Commissioner Daul.
Motion passed 7-0.
b. Approve meeting minutes from the October 8, 2025, Natural Resources Commission Work Session
Meeting.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented by Commissioner McCaslin, second by
Commissioner Daul.
Motion passed 7-0.
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December 10, 2025 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 2 of 7
c. Approve meeting minutes from the November 13, 2025, Natural Resources Commission Work
Session Meeting.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented by Commissioner McCaslin, second by
Commissioner Daul.
Motion passed 7-0.
d. Approve meeting minutes from the June 11, 2025, Natural Resources Commission Meeting.
Motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented by Commissioner McCaslin, second by
Commissioner Daul.
Motion passed 7-0.
6. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) - NONE.
No one appeared to address the Commission.
7. New Business.
1. Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) 2025 Annual Report.
Natural Resources Coordinator Spreiter reviewed the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) program, which is a federally mandated program established by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and regulated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to implement and maintain
pollution prevention practices for stormwater discharges by permittees. Stormwater discharges associated
with the MS4s are regulated by the NPDES permitting program. The MPCA issued a new General MS4 permit
in 2020, and the City’s application was accepted, and coverage was issued under the 2020 MS4 permit by the
MPCA on October 8, 2021.
Mendota Heights is required to develop a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) that
incorporates Best Management Practices (MBPs) that reduce pollutant discharges. The City’s SWPPP was
developed in 2003, updated in 2013, and again in 2023, in accordance with the new requirements set forth in
the 2020 MS4 General Permit. In 2006, the City adopted the Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP)
that outlined how the requirements of our SWPPP are to be met and established requirements for land
disturbing activities. The plan was then updated in 2018 and adopted by the City Council.
There are six required components in each SWPPP, termed Minimum Control Measures (MCMs) under the
NPDES program:
1. Public Education and Outreach.
2. Public Participation.
3. Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination.
4. Construction Site Runoff and Control.
5. Post-Construction Runoff Control.
6. Pollution Prevention and Municipal “Good Housekeeping”.
Ms. Spreiter displayed photographs and gave detailed descriptions of what actions were taken for each of
the six components.
Each year, the City performs several tasks and implements multiple initiatives to accomplish and fulfill the
requirements of each MCM. The presentation highlights these accomplishments throughout 21025. The
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December 10, 2025 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 3 of 7
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.
Commissioner Husbands referred to MCM 3 and asked how that works. She stated that a neighbor years ago
dumped used oil down the storm sewer and asked how that should have been reported. She asked how
reporting is done when the act is done. Ms. Spreiter stated that hopefully it will be reported soon enough so
it can be followed, and mitigation can be done before it hits the surface water. Some legal action may be
taken. Whoever witnesses such actions should report them to the City.
Commissioner Sheets asked who the reports would go to, and Ms. Spreiter stated it could be reported to her
or the Minnesota Duty Officer.
Commissioner Thuening stated it is very important for everyone to help protect the water going into the
storm sewer. She asked how many stormwater ponds are in Mendota Heights, and Ms. Spreiter stated that
there are close to 200. Commissioner Thuening asked if there is a health ranking of the Mendota Heights
stormwater system. Ms. Spreiter stated there is a ranking specifically, but the staff has a good idea of where
improvements can be made. More information about the City’s stormwater system can be found on the
City’s website.
Commissioner Daul asked if the rainwater cutouts could be done anywhere. Ms. Spreiter stated that the
program through the City can only be done with road improvement projects.
Commissioner Stein mentioned a project the Student Commissioners may be familiar with when Friendly
Hills Middle School was doing its parking lot and the infiltration basin to the north.
Commissioner Husbands asked if, when the stormwater ponds are inspected, what the quality of the water
is. Ms. Spreiter stated we are doing ok with the resources we have. We are committed to doing as much
maintenance as can be done in the budget each year. The one at Cherry Hill was way under capacity.
Commissioner Husbands asked for an example of the post-construction, and Ms. Spreiter stated the rain
garden program and stricter requirements for new construction projects.
Commissioner Sheets commented on MCM 2, and she encouraged residents to volunteer and sign up.
b. 2026 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Dates and Format.
Ms. Spreiter reviewed the proposed 2026 Natural Resources Commission dates and meeting format. The
Commission will meet at 6:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, unless otherwise noted. The
Commission will continue to hold regular meetings as well as Work Sessions held between some regular
meetings, unless the Commission decides otherwise. Ms. Spreiter reviewed the proposed dates.
Chair Knosalla stated she likes the format of work sessions between regular meetings. Budget
recommendations from the Commissions are due by July. Chair Knosalla suggested the June and July
meetings be work sessions and the September 9 and August 13 swap. She suggested changing the November
12 meeting to a work session.
Commissioner Thuening agreed that the August work session meeting could be the on-site visits. It would be
helpful to have the November meeting be a work session to review the work plan.
Motion to accept the 2026 Natural Resources Commission Meeting Dates as revised by Commissioner
Daul, second by Commissioner Stein.
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December 10, 2025 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 4 of 7
Motion passed 7-0.
Commissioner Thuening reminded residents that they are welcome to attend any meetings.
c. 2025 Oak Awards.
Ms. Spreiter reviewed the Oak Awards program that was created in 2023 to celebrate leadership,
education/outreach, and project efforts that advance natural resources within the City.
The Oak Awards program is now accepting applications for the following 2025 awards:
• Acord award – recognizes exemplary youth leadership in the advancement of our city’s natural
resources. For example, a youth-led native planting project or education event. Eligible youth include
individuals or groups aged 18 years and younger, or current students in 12th grade or below.
• Leaf award – recognizes significant contributions of an individual, family, company, or organization
that has demonstrated substantial leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. For
example, a community native planting effort or coordinating a neighborhood-wide 'Adopt a Drain'
effort.
• Canopy award – recognizes lifetime achievement of an individual, family, company, or organization
that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the stewardship of our city’s natural resources. For
example, an individual who has initiated several or successive natural resource stewardship efforts or
an organization that leads by example and has worked overtime to cultivate natural resource
stewardship in the community.
Any individual, family, company, or organization that has contributed to the advancement of natural
resources within Mendota Heights is eligible. Nominees need not reside within Mendota Heights. Self-
nominations or nominations of others are both accepted. Nominees are evaluated based on the quality of
the nomination, demonstration of impact, and inclusion of collaboration or community-building efforts.
Nominations are accepted until January 31, 2026. Nominations can be submitted electronically, by mail, or
by dropping the nomination off at City Hall.
The Commissioners were asked to speak with residents about the awards.
8. Old Business.
1. 2026 Work Plan
Ms. Spreiter reviewed the draft of the 2026 Work Plan for the Natural Resources Commission. The
Commission uses an annual work plan to accomplish its goals, as well as aid in accountability, resource
allocation, and proceed through commission priorities. A work plan may consist of goals, priorities, tasks,
programs, or projects that the Commission would like to implement. Resources, monetary cost, timeline, and
benefits of each identified item should be considered. She noted there were a few changes throughout the
work plan.
Motion to approve the draft of the 2026 Work Plan by Commissioner Daul, second by Commissioner
McCaslin.
Commissioner Stein asked about Goal 2 and asked if that is being pushed more toward the first quarter. Ms.
Spreiter stated the majority is planned for Quarter 1 and 2; however, it will be a yearlong effort.
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December 10, 2025 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 5 of 7
Commissioner Thuening thanked Ms. Spreiter for capturing the discussion and creating a very clear work
plan. She welcomed the Student Commissioners and looks forward to their participation. Commissioner
Thuening referred to Goal 4, item 2, changing the word “explore” to “initiate”.
Motion to approve the amended draft of the 2026 Work Plan by Commissioner Stein, second by
Commissioner Daul.
Motion passed 7-0.
2. 2025 Natural Resources Year in Review
Ms. Spreiter reviewed a presentation on the Natural Resources accomplishments in 2025. She provided
numbers for the accomplishments. Some highlights given in the presentation include:
• Stormwater Management.
• The Wetland Health Evaluation Program.
• The Citizen-Assisted Monitoring Program.
• Emerson Road Improvements Curb-Cut Raingardens.
• Tree Canopy Program.
• Mendota Heights Annual Tree Sale.
• Partners in Energy
• Friendly Hills Children’s Pollinator Garden.
Photographs of the various projects were shown.
Commissioner Husbands stated Krista did a good job. She thought that once the Commission talked about
renaming the Tree Canopy Program, to another name. She thinks the program would be more robust if the
name were changed.
Chair Knosalla stated that it was discussed to reach out on social media with information on the Program.
The cost is $185 to get a tree planted.
Commissioner Stein stated it is important to let people know the full service of the Tree Canopy Program.
Commissioner Sheets stated she was surprised by how fast the trees went during the Tree Sale. She asked if
the species could be modified.
Chair Knosalla asked if some “southern species” could be included.
(The camera did not move off the Partners in Energy slide). There was a conversation but I don’t know who
was speaking.
Commissioner Thuening noted it is important to bring in other species to keep the canopy robust in the drier
and hotter seasons.
Chair Knosalla stated overall, it is amazing to see all the work that has been done this year.
Commissioner Sheets noted all the work done at Valley Park.
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December 10, 2025 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 6 of 7
9. Staff Announcements.
Ms. Spreiter noted City Offices will be closed December 24-26, 2025. Holiday Light Recycling is being done at
City Hall.
10. Committee Reports
Ordinance and Policy Development – Commissioner Stein stated the Committee met last week, and the
primary subject to be discussed is public waters and the DNR ordinance.
Education and Outreach – No report.
Urban Forestry and Restoration – Commissioner Husbands stated they had a meeting about planting by the
pond in Mendota Heights Center Village. Trees were planted in the Park. Still thinking of planting when the
trail gets updated.
Strategic Planning – No report.
Sustainability – Commissioner Stein stated that some directed outreach to the businesses in the City will be
done.
11. Commission Comments
a. 2025 Reflections
Commissioners were invited to provide comments and reflections on resources-related content in 2025.
Chair Knosalla stated that Partners in Energy and the success achieved are worth mentioning. A home energy
squad visit is a good opportunity for residents.
Commissioner Stein stated Valley Park was an exceptional project. In his neighborhood, he sees more electric
equipment being used for lawns. He sees more electric vehicles. He is inspired when students do special
projects like tree planting.
Commissioner Daul stated she was very impressed during the Valley Park tour. The Committee working on the
Shoreland Ordinance did very important work. She has a rain garden on a slope, and she expanded it.
Commissioner Husbands stated that having the Tree Ordinance passed was great. She feels protected that
older trees do not get cut down to make room for a new home. The Landscape Ordinance will work hand in
hand with the Tree Ordinance.
Commissioner Thuening stated she agrees it is important to protect our natural resources. She is inspired to
see the collaboration and for the City to prioritize natural resources. Valley Park is a great natural resource.
The Oak Awards are an exciting program.
Commissioner McCaslin said a lot is being done, including seeing all the trees planted.
Commissioner Stein thanked the Staff for the amount of work done behind the scenes.
12. Adjourn.
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December 10, 2025 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 7 of 7
Motion to adjourn the meeting by Daul, second by McCaslin.
Motion passed 7-0.
Chair Knosalla adjourned the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
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CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION
WORK SESSION MINUTES
6:00 PM
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights
1. Call to Order
Chair Knosalla called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
2. Roll Call
In attendance: Chair Knosalla, Vice Chair Stein, Student Commissioners Bisanz
and Alizadeh, Commissioners Husbands, Daul and Sheets. Absent:
Commissioners McCaslin and Thuening.
Staff in attendance: Natural Resources Manager Krista Spreiter.
3. Discussion
a. 2025 Oak Awards
Manager Spreiter gave an overview of the Oak Awards recognition program. The Oak
Awards program was created in 2023 by the Mendota Heights Natural Resources
Commission to celebrate leadership, education/outreach, and project efforts that
advance natural resources within the City. It includes three categories:
• Acorn award – recognizes exemplary youth leadership in the advancement of our
city’s natural resources. For example, a youth-led native planting project or
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education event. Eligible youth include individuals or groups 18 years of age and
younger, or a current student in 12th grade or under.
• Leaf award – recognizes significant contributions of an individual, family, company
or organization that has demonstrated substantial leadership for the stewardship of
our city’s natural resources. For example, a community native planting effort or
coordination of a neighborhood-wide Adopt-a-Drain effort.
• Canopy award – recognizes lifetime achievement of an individual, family, company
or organization that has demonstrated extraordinary leadership for the stewardship
of our city’s natural resources. For example, an individual who has initiated several
or successive natural resource stewardship efforts or an organization that leads by
example and has worked overtime to cultivate natural resource stewardship in the
community.
Nominations are accepted until January 31st, 2026. Manager Spreiter noted that
there have not been any nominations received. The Commission discussed ways to
promote the program and encourage the public to submit nominations, as well as
possible nominees.
b. Sustainable Mendota Heights Update
Manager Spreiter gave an overview of the Sustainable Mendota Heights efforts
and goals. The program includes three focus areas:
Energy: Efforts to source energy from renewables and reduce usage.
Waste: Practices like recycling, composting, and reducing waste when we can.
Nature: Preservation and enhancement of the City's natural resources.
As part of these efforts, the city is also launching a sustainable business recognition
program. Businesses will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities
that align with the three focus areas to become a sustainable Mendota Heights
business. Once recognized, the business will be added to a list of sustainable
businesses on the city’s website and will receive a window cling.
As part of the program, the city will also be hosting three business breakfasts,
featuring speakers that provide information to businesses that align with the three
focus areas. A light breakfast will be provided for participants. Business Breakfasts
will be held at City Hall from 8a-9a on the following dates: February 10th (Energy),
March 12th (Nature), and April 14th (Waste).
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The Commission discussed additional topics and speakers for the March 12th
breakfast, that focuses on nature. A suggestion was made to incorporate
stormwater/surface water education and programs, including how to reduce de-
icing salt in winter maintenance. A suggestion was also made to include the topic of
groundwater conservation.
c. Shoreland Management Ordinance Update
Manager Spreiter gave an update on the ordinance development process and
the current draft of the Shoreland Management ordinance. A meeting was held
on January 13th with the MN Department of Natural Resources, and included
Goal 1 Committee members, as well as Community Development Manager
Madden and the city attorney. Manager Spreiter and Vice Chair Stein gave an
overview of the meeting and provided takeaways from the conversation,
including:
- Regarding non-public water tributaries, it was the DNR’s opinion that it may be
more appropriate to address non-PW tributaries in a separate ordinance if
requiring buffers only to avoid confusion.
- Only tributaries with drainage areas of 2 sq mi or greater are considered public
waters. Manager Spreiter will look into the drainage area of Valley Creek, as this
Creek may meet the standard.
- It was communicated that water levels continue to rise above the established
OHW for Augusta, with the possible installation of a controlled outlet unknown.
The DNR had indicated that they are looking into adjusting the OHW.
- In regards to flexibility for re-development, it was suggested that an exchange for
allowing variances, restoration and buffer establishment could be required.
- Setbacks are seen as more important than lot standards such as building height.
DNR is open to approving an ordinance without building height standards.
d. Town Square Talk Recap
The Natural Resources Commission received an invitation for two commission
members to be guests on the Town Square Talk show Town Square Talk. Town
Square Talk airs once a month, featuring leaders from nonprofits, the arts and
community-based initiatives.
Chair Knosalla and Commissioner Thuening were guests on Town Square Talk
in December, and spoke regarding several Natural Resources Commission
topics including:
o Partners in Energy
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o Oaks Awards Program
o Earth and Arbor Day Celebration
o The Mendota Heights Annual Tree Sale and Tree Canopy Program
o Urban Forestry Ordinance
o Valley Park Restoration and Collaboration
o Ways Residents can get Involved and Take Action (Adopt-a-Drain
Program, Partners in Energy Programs, Curb-cut Raingarden
Program, etc.)
o Upcoming Programs and Events
Chair Knosalla gave an overview of the experience and information shared.
The Town Square Talk episode is now available on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/1148682912?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci. It is also posted to
Facebook, Instagram, and Podcast platforms, and playing on Ch. 799.
Staff Announcements:
Manager Spreiter gave an update on the Geothermal Grant and Feasibility Study. A
kick-off meeting was held today with the consultant, HGA.
Manager Spreiter communicated that this is Commissioner Husband’s last meeting. Her
term has ended, and she chose not to request re-appointment. Staff and commissioners
expressed their gratitude to Commissioner Husbands for her service on the
commission. A new commissioner has been appointed and will join the commission for
its February meeting. Manager Spreiter also reminded the commission that officer
elections will occur at the February meeting. Chair Knosalla shared that she will be
stepping away as Chair.
Chair Knosalla adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
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6.a
Natural Resources Commission
Meeting Date: February 11, 2026
Agenda Item: New Commissioner Introduction
Item Type: Presentation
Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Manager
Action Request:
Introductions should be made between Commissioner Weier and the other commissioners.
Background:
A new commissioner, Charlie Weier, was appointed to the Natural Resources Commission by
the City Council. Commissioner Weier has been a Mendota Heights resident since 2016 and has
a background in law. Commissioner Weier is asked to introduce himself, and commissioners
should in turn introduce themselves to Commissioner Weier.
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
None.
Attachments:
None.
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6.b
Natural Resources Commission
Meeting Date: February 11, 2026
Agenda Item: 2026 Officer Elections
Item Type: Action Item
Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Manager
Action Request:
Background:
The Natural Resources Commission’s by-laws set the election of the roles of chair and vice
chair at the annual meeting of the commission, which takes place in February of each year.
If a commissioner is interested in the position of either chair or vice chair, they are welcome to
express their interest to the group as a whole during discussion of this item. Commissioners
can also suggest or nominate other commissioners for each position. Motions should be made
before discussion commences for both positions. The Chair and the Vice Chair elections will be
separate items. The election of a chair will be the first order of business.
After a chair has been selected, the new chair will take over the meeting proceedings. The Chair
will then ask the commission for nominations for Vice Chair. Following nominations, the Chair
will then call the vote for the Vice Chair.
Requested Action
Motion to approve the appointment of _______________ to be Chair of the Natural Resources
Commission.
Motion to approve the appointment of _______________to be Vice Chair of the Natural Resources
Commission.
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
None.
Attachments:
None.
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6.c
Natural Resources Commission
Meeting Date: February 11, 2026
Agenda Item: Committee Assignments
Item Type: Action Item
Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Manager
Action Request:
The Commission is asked to discuss and determine committee assignments.
Background:
The Commission establishes committees for each goal as a way to focus on and accomplish
the initiatives associated with each goal of the work plan. Committees are limited to three
voting members in order to comply with open-meeting law. A committee may have four or
more members if one or more of the members is a student commissioner. Current committee
members for each goal are as follows:
Goal 1, Ordinance and Policy: Commissioners Knosalla, McCaslin, and Stein
Goal 2, Education and Outreach: Commissioners Daul, Sheets, Thuening, and Student
Commissioners Alizadeh and Bisanz
Goal 3, Urban Forestry and Restoration: Commissioners Daul and McCaslin
Goal 4, Strategic Planning: Commissioners Sheets and Thuening
Goal 5, Sustainability: Commissioners Knosalla and Stein
Commissioners should confirm or suggest changes to committees and express interest in
committee(s) they would like to serve on, as well as come to a consensus on committee
assignments.
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
None.
Attachments:
1.2026 Work Plan
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Goal Initiative Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy
Development Complete draft of Shoreland Ordinance for recommendation of approval by City Council X X
Goal 1: Ordinance and Policy
Development
Develop a Landscape Standards Ordinance for recommendation of approval by City
Council X X X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Create a community engagement strategy X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Increase social media outreach X X X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Develop educational topics and event schedule for Earth and Arbor Day Celebration X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Host site tour of natural resources site - Invite members of City Council and other
Commissions X X
Goal 2: Education and Outreach Create a Natural Resources and volunteer event calendar X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Complete a turf-to-native vegetation conversion project within Friendly Hills Park X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Host a native restoration event X X
Goal 3: Urban Forestry and
Restoration Support implementation of EAB Bonding Grant X X
Goal 4: Strategic Planning Identify and explore funding sources for Natural Resources X X X X
Goal 4: Strategic Planning Initiate development of a Natural Resources Management Plan for Valley Park X X X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Implement Partners in Energy (PiE) Action Plan X X X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Support implementation of sustainability and PiE business outreach efforts X X X X
Goal 5: Sustainability Support implementation of the Public Works Facility Geothermal Planning Grant X X X X
TimelineNatural Resources Commission Work Plan 2026
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6.d
Natural Resources Commission
Meeting Date: February 11, 2026
Agenda Item: Earth and Arbor Week Update
Item Type: Presentation
Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Manager
Action Request:
None. Information Only.
Background:
The 2026 Mendota Heights Earth and Arbor Day Celebration will be held Monday, April 20th
through Saturday, April 25th. The purpose of the celebration is to gain awareness and educate
the community on natural resources issues and topics, as well as to encourage participation
and connection with residents, businesses, and other community groups in Mendota Heights.
The following events and programs are included in the week-long celebration:
Events Include:
•Monday, April 20th: Kick-Off to Lily, Find the Frog. Lily will be hiding in a Mendota
Heights Park and can be seen from a trail or manicured public space. No need to go off-
trail! Complete rules will be posted on social media and the city’s website. Participants
can email their photo and riddle answer until 8:00 A.M. Monday, April 27th or send the
city a Facebook message. Participants who find Lily will be entered to win an Earth Week
basket. The drawing is on Monday.
•Tuesday, April 21st: Yoga in the Park. Free to anyone 18+ years of age. Yoga will be
led by an instructor from Green Lotus Yoga in Market Square Park from 5:00-6:00 P.M.
The event is free, however registration is required. Participants should bring their own
mat.
•Thursday, April 23rd: Free Book Buggie and Movie Night. The Free Book Buggie will
be parked at City Hall from 5:30-6:30 P.M. offering free books for kids of all ages. The
movie WALL-E will be shown in the City Hall Council Chambers starting at 6:30 P.M.
•Friday, April 24th: Raptor and Eagle Show. The University of MN Raptor Center will be
giving a live raptor presentation, including a Bald Eagle. The show will begin at 1 P.M. at
Mendakota Park. Participants should bring their own chair.
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•Friday, April 24th: City-wide Clean-up. Residents can pick up free clean-up supplies at
City Hall from 7:00-11:30 A.M. and at the Par 3 Clubhouse from 1:00-4:00 P.M.
•Saturday, April 25th: Kids Garage Sale. Gently used kids clothes available for sale at
the Veterans Memorial Center in Inver Grove Heights from 10 A.M.-Noon.
Fiscal and Resource Impact:
Total cost to the city for the week's programs is $1,000.00.
Attachments:
None.
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7.a
Natural Resources Commission
Meeting Date: February 11, 2026
Agenda Item: Geothermal Planning Grant Update
Item Type: Presentation
Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural
Resources Manager
Action Request:
None. Information Only.
Background:
The City was awarded a Geothermal Planning Grant from the Minnesota Department of
Commerce for the Public Works Facility Geothermal Planning project. The intent of the grant
program is to provide financial assistance to local government units to examine the technical
and economic feasibility for installation of geothermal energy systems.
The initiative was part of the Sustainability Committee’s goal of achieving sustainable and
renewable energy sources for the city. The project also fits well with the city’s recently adopted
Energy Action Plan as part of its partnership with Xcel Energy through the Partners in Energy
program.
A Request for Proposals was sent to multiple consultants with experience in installing and
planning for geothermal projects such as this one. Of four proposals received, the city chose
HGA consultants to lead the project. A kick-off meeting was held with HGA and city staff in
January. Next steps include hiring a contractor to perform test bore drilling on the site. The
timeline for the project is shown below.
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Fiscal and Resource Impact:
None. The grant award does not require a cash match.
Attachments:
None.
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