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5/13/2026 Natural Resources Commission Agenda Packet (15) CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA May 13, 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 February 22, 2026 Natural Resources Commission Meeting. b. Approve meeting minutes from the March 11, 2026 Natural Resources Commission Work Session Meeting. c. Approve meeting minutes from the April 8, 2026 Natural Resources Commission Work Session Meeting. 5. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) 6. New Business a. Recognition of 2025 Oak Awards Recipients b. 2026 Earth and Arbor Week Recap 7. Old Business a. Approve 2027 Natural Resources Budget Recommendations b. Public Works Facility Geothermal Assessment Project Update 8. Staff Announcements 9. Commission Comments 10. Committee Reports 11. Adjourn Page 1 of 25 Page 2 of 25 NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION MENDOTA HEIGHTS CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS February 11, 2026 Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Page 1 of 5 Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 6:00 p.m. Draft Meeting Minutes The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission was held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 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 McCaslin, Sheets, Thuening, and Weier. Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Daul. Student Commissioners Alia Alizadeh and Annie Bisanz. Staff present: Natural Resources Manager Krista Spreiter. 3. Adopt Agenda Motion to approve the agenda by Commissioner Stein, second by Commissioner Weier. Motion passed 6-0. 4. Approval of Minutes a. Approve meeting minutes from the December 10, 2025, Natural Resources Commission Meeting. Motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented by Commissioner Thuening, second by Commissioner McCaslin. Motion passed 6-0. b. Approve meeting minutes from the January 14, 2026, Natural Resources Commission Work Session Meeting. Motion to approve the meeting minutes as presented by Commissioner Thuening, second by Commissioner McCaslin. Motion passed 6-0. 5. Citizen Comment Period (for items not on the agenda) - NONE. No one appeared to address the Commission. Page 3 of 25 February 11, 2026, Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 2 of 5 6. New Business. a. New Commissioner Introduction. Mr. 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 introduced himself to the Commissioners, who in turn introduced themselves. b. 2026 Officer Elections. Motion to open conversation regarding Chair election by Commissioner Stein, second by Commissioner Weier. Motion passed 6-0. Motion to approve the appointment of Will Stein to be Chair of the Natural Resources Commission by Commissioner Sheets, second by Commissioner Weier. Motion passed 6-0. Motion to open conversation regarding Vice Chair election by Commissioner Weier, second by Commissioner McCaslin. Motion passed 6-0 Motion to approve the appointment of Mika Thuening to be Vice Chair of the Natural Resources Commission by Commissioner Knosalla, second by Commissioner Sheets. Motion passed 6-0. c. Committee Assignments. Ms. Spreiter requested that the Commission discuss and determine committee assignments. 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 to comply with open-meeting laws. 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. The new Committee assignments are: Goal 1 – Ordinance and Policy – Commissioners Weier, McCaslin, and Stein Goal 2 – Education and Outreach – Commissioners Daul, Sheets, and Thuening, and Student Commissioners. Goal 3 – Urban Forestry and Restoration – Commissioners Knosalla, Daul, and McCaslin. Goal 4 – Strategic Planning – Commissioners Weier, Sheets, and Thuening. Goal 5 – Sustainability – Commissioners Sheets, Knosalla, and Stein. Motion to modify the Committees as discussed by Commissioner Weier, second by Commissioner Sheets. Motion passed 6-0 Page 4 of 25 February 11, 2026, Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 3 of 5 d. Earth and Arbor Week Update. The 2026 Mendota Heights Earth and Arbor Day Celebration will be held Monday, April 20 – Saturday, April 25, 2026. 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: • Monday, April 20th: Kick-Off to Lily, Find the Frog. Lily will be hiding in 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 photos and riddle answers until 8:00 a.m. Monday, April 27, 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; 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 Council Chambers starting at 6:30 p.m. • Friday, April 24th: Raptor and Eagle Show. The University of Minnesota Raptor Center will be giving a live raptor presentation, including a Bald Eagle. The show will begin at 1:00 p.m. at Mendakota Park. Participants should bring their own chair. • 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 will be available for sale at the Veterans Memorial Center in Inver Grove Heights from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. The total cost to the City for the week’s programs is $1,000. Commissioner Thuening asked if there were suggested sites for the clean-up. Ms. Spreiter suggested connecting through social media. She suggested trails in Valley Park, the trail under Hwy 62, and anywhere along roadways near storm drains. Commissioner Sheets asked if there would be an Arbor Day event in the Main Square, and Ms. Spreiter stated that there would not be an event. Commissioner Knosalla asked what supplies were available and if the clean-up could be extended to next Saturday. Residents can contact Ms. Spreiter if they are unable to pick up supplies on the designated dates. 7. Old Business. 1. Geothermal Planning Grant Update Ms. Spreiter reviewed that the City was awarded a Geothermal Planning Grant from the Minnesota Page 5 of 25 February 11, 2026, Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 4 of 5 Department of Commerce for the Public Works Facility Geothermal Planning project. The grant program intends to provide financial assistance to local government units to examine the technical and economic feasibility of the 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 the 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 project timeline was provided for Commission review. Once the contractor has started, the process is likely to take one week. Photographs of the site were displayed for the Commission. The RFP process would determine the contractor with HGA’s coordination. 8. Staff Announcements. Ms. Spreiter reminded all that City Offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, for President’s Day. The Oak Award nominations are being reviewed by the Education and Outreach Committee. The nominations will come before the Commission in March, with the awards being presented in April. 9. Commission Comments. Chair Stein shared photos of the geothermal system installed at his home. The heat pump can run off electricity produced by solar panels. He encouraged others to submit photos of things they see. Commissioner Thuening noted there is a Town Square Talk interview available to see what’s going on with the Natural Resources Commission. 10. Committee Reports. Ordinance and Policy Development – After meeting with DNR staff, there is more latitude to make changes to the Ordinance. He would like to review with the Committee before bringing it to the Commission. Education and Outreach – At the last meeting, the Oak Awards and Arbor Day Activities were discussed. The Student Commissioners are assisting with social media. Urban Forestry and Restoration – No update. Strategic Planning – No update. There will be a multi-stakeholder meeting held in March. Sustainability – The City held a business breakfast meeting this week, which was well attended, to review some of the Partners in Energy programs for businesses. This is part of a series, and there will be two more sessions. March 12, 8:00 a.m. – Nature. 11. Adjourn. Motion to adjourn the meeting by Knosalla, second by Sheets. Motion passed 6-0. Page 6 of 25 February 11, 2026, Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission Work Session Page 5 of 5 Chair Stein adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Page 7 of 25 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES 6:00 PM Wednesday, March 11, 2026 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights 1. Call to Order Chair Stein called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. 2. Roll Call In attendance: Chair Stein, Student Commissioners Bisanz and Alizadeh, Commissioners Daul, McCaslin, Sheets and Weier. Absent: Commissioners Knosalla and Thuening. Staff in attendance: Natural Resources Manager Krista Spreiter. 3. Discussion a. MN Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation Grant Application – Valley Park Manager Spreiter gave a report on the grant application that the city will submit for the MN Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Recreation grant to replace and update existing park facilities in Valley Park, including the replacement of the playground structure, updates to the picnic shelter, and the addition of a safety fence between the playground structure and creek, as well as a permanent outfield fence within the ball field. The proposed project is not anticipated to impact natural resources within the park. Improvements to and replacement of existing structures will require minimal soil Page 8 of 25 disturbance. However, sediment and erosion control measures will still be required to protect surface waters and surrounding natural areas. The two fences to be installed may help protect surface waters by keeping trash and debris generated by park users out of Interstate Valley Creek and the wetland adjacent to the ball field. Grant awards will be announced in June 2026. A State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) review will be conducted for recipients throughout the summer of 2026, with an anticipated project start date in the spring of 2027, if final approval and award is given. The Commission asked about the SHPO review process. b. 2025 Oak Awards Manager Spreiter gave an overview of the Oak Awards recognition program and the recommended recipients. 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. The Commission agreed to award the following recipients in three categories: Canopy Award – Meghan Bernard Meghan Bernard is the Sustainability Manager for School District 197. Her accomplishments and contributions include leading and overseeing the LiveGreen program at all District schools, coordinating and engaging students in natural resources events and projects, implementing the district’s recycling and waste reduction program, implementing and tracking energy saving measures, planting and tree care, and converting approximately 10 acres of turf to native prairie. Meghan also is the recipient of the Leader in Sustainability Fellowship award, as only one of six individuals to receive the award nationally from the U.S. Green Building Council. Leaf Award – Two Rivers Live Green Club The Live Green club at Two Rivers High School is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability within the school and the broader Mendota Heights community. Throughout 2025, the club has demonstrated exceptional leadership through multiple initiatives contributing to environmental stewardship: • Water quality protection. The club initiated a "Clean Rivers" campaign, combining education with direct action. Students produced and distributed informational videos to educate their peers on watershed health and organized maintenance Page 9 of 25 crews to regularly clear debris from storm drains surrounding the high school campus. • Waste reduction. Recognizing the impact of school-wide waste, the club launched an outreach campaign to audit and improve the recycling habits of the student body. • Habitat restoration. During the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the club engaged the community by creating and distributing "seed-bombs" consisting of native wildflower species to support local pollinators. • Civic engagement. The leadership has extended its reach beyond the campus by communicating directly with legislators in the US Senate and Congress to advocate for environmental policies that protect Minnesota’s natural resources. Acorn Award – Wes Hendel As part of his Eagle Scout project, Wes Hendel led and coordinated a pollinator planting project by planting over 250 square feet of pollinator habitat in Ivy Hills Park. The project included over 20 volunteers and also included buckthorn removal in the area. The planting is located near the storm water pond along the woodland edge where diseased ash had been recently removed. The project included the planting of 215 native flowers, grasses, and shrubs that provide habitat and food for pollinators. c. Review of Pertinent Natural Resources City Documents and Plans Manager Spreiter gave an overview of the city’s guiding documents used to guide decisions pertaining to natural resources. All of these documents are available on the city’s website as well as at city hall for public viewing. These guidance documents include, but are not limited to: The Mendota Heights Natural Resources Management Plan Update (2022) The development of the Natural Resources Management Plan (NRMP) Update was intended to provide a comprehensive document to address the current, past, and future conditions and needs for the protection and improvement of natural resources within the city. The Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan is a formally adopted document stating the City's goals and policies as they relate to land use, housing, parks and open space, transportation, utilities, and other issues. The plan is updated every 10 years; and provides a future plan or Page 10 of 25 "blueprint" for the community from 2020 to 2040. Specifically, Chapters 7 (Natural Resources) and 8 (Resilience) of the Comprehensive Plan address natural resources and sustainability in Mendota Heights. Mendota Heights City Code The City Code is comprised of the municipal laws adopted by the City Council in the form of ordinances and is updated as new ordinances are adopted. Specifically, Title 14. Stormwater Management, and Title 15. Environmental Standards, address natural resources. The Mendota Heights Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) The purpose of the SWMP is to serve as a guide in conserving, protecting, and managing the City’s surface water resources. This current plan is an update to the 2006 Local Surface Water Management Plan (LSWMP) and includes updates to the City’s HydroCAD Model as well as the incorporation of a P8 Urban Catchment water quality model. The Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit and the Mendota Heights Surface Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) A Municipal Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is a mandatory, working document for MS4-regulated cities and entities that outlines Best Management Practices (BMPs) to minimize pollutant discharge such as sediment, nutrients, and toxins, from stormwater runoff into waters of the State. It must address six minimum control measures (MCMs) to comply with the MS4 permit. Mendota Heights Land Disturbance Guidance Document The Mendota Heights Land Disturbance Guidance Document provides mandatory technical standards for erosion control, sediment control, and stormwater management during construction. The Commission discussed the Comprehensive Plan, and the next update to the plan, which will be the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. d. 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. Takeaways from the conversation included: Page 11 of 25 • Regarding non-public water tributaries, it was the DNR’s recommendation 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. Valley Creek has a drainage area of over 2 sq mi (~5 sq mi). • 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, but it will not be before the ordinance is developed. Commission would like to explore the option of requiring a greater setback than other waterbodies to reflect high/rising water levels. • 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. Manager Spreiter reported the Goal 1 Committee met on March 5th to discuss the draft further and suggest changes which are reflected in the current draft. Manager Spreiter relayed that she had corresponded with the MN DNR regarding impervious surface requirements, with the following response given: The 25% impervious surface threshold is required. However, through implementation flexibility, the city could propose alternative higher standards in exchange for a higher impervious surface limit. An example of this would be Chanhassen’s standards for impervious surface. Manager Spreiter asked the following questions of the Commission for further discussion and direction: Should lot size requirements be included in the ordinance? The general opinion of the Commission was to not include lot size requirements and instead focus on standards such as increasing buffer areas. Should structure height be included in the ordinance? The general opinion of the Commission was to not include structure height requirements and instead focus on other standards. What constitutes or defines intensive vegetation clearing? Page 12 of 25 The Commission agreed to reference or follow terminology used in the existing Mississippi River Critical Corridor Area (MRCCA) requirements. How much or little vegetation clearing should be allowed? The general consensus of the commission was to adopt stricter standards than those included in model ordinance (up to 50 feet or 1/3 of shoreline; whichever is less) but allow for flexibility for up to the model ordinance standard in exchange for creating a larger buffer area. The Commission also agreed to allow removal of invasive species with the approval of a native restoration plan. Should the standard requirement of 25% impervious surface (maximum) be included, or should other options (above) be explored? The general consensus of the commission is to explore implementation flexibility standards, allowing up to 35% impervious in exchange for 1:1 buffer creation. Should Valley Creek be pursued with the DNR to gain Public Water status and be included as a PW in the ordinance? A general consensus was reached to include Valley Creek in future tributary buffer ordinance as with other creeks/tributaries within the city. 4. Committee Reports Committee members for each goal of the Commission’s 2026 Work Plan gave updates on their current work and discussions. Chair Stein adjourned the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Page 13 of 25 CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION WORK SESSION MINUTES - DRAFT 6:00 PM Wednesday, April 8, 2026 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights 1. Call to Order Chair Stein called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. 2. Roll Call Commissioners present: Stein, Knosalla, Weier, Daul, McCaslin. Commissioner Thuening joined the meeting at 6:10p. Commissioners absent: Sheets and Student Commissioners Alizadeh and Bisanz. Staff present: Natural Resources Manager Spreiter and Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator Selstad. Members of the Public Present: Rosemary Husbands and Leslie Pilgrim. 3. Discussion a. Recycling and Sustainability Update Coordinator Selstad gave an update on the recycling and sustainability program including building materials collection. The city partners with Better Futures to reuse building materials. Page 14 of 25 The City recently achieved Step 4 in GreenSteps Cities program. Coordinator Selstad gave an update on the program and an overview of the program. Step 4 involves mostly data collection and gauging the status of GreenSteps activities within the city. Step 5 monitors and measures improvements made within the city. Commissioner Knosalla asked when the data for GreenSteps will be available. Coordinator Selstad gave an update on other sustainability efforts within the city. Including incorporating data to measure progress and public education. A quarterly sustainability newsletter is in the process of being created for residents highlighting new initiatives within the city and the local area. The first newsletter will tentatively be distributed in early May. An update was given on the city’s Sustainability Speaker Series, and business outreach. The third event in the Sustainable Speaker Series on Waste will most likely be rescheduled for this fall due to low attendance. Commissioner Thuening expressed her interest in the newsletter and asked if content from residents would be welcomed. Commissioner Thuening also asked if a conversation could be had between the Goal 2 Committee and Coordinator Selstad on areas that the committee could support sustainability efforts. Commissioner Thuening asked if LEED certification has been discussed with the new Campus project. Commissioner Stein asked for an update on the organics collection program within the County. Coordinator Selstad relayed that there will be a toolkit available through the County in the next few months. The group discussed the city’s current policy regarding trash haulers. b. Preliminary 2027 Budget Recommendations Manager Spreiter gave an overview of the current budget and updates on each line item. The Commission discussed the Landscape Ordinance Development budget item for 2026. Discussed extending this initiative into 2027 and incorporating it into budget requests for 2027. Ms. Husbands requested adding a budget request ($20,000) for the development of a park- specific Natural Resources Management Plan for Valley Park. Commissioner McCaslin asked how much of the same potential content is already included in the city’s Natural Resources Management Plan. The Commission discussed the request. The Commission discussed current priority projects within the city’s NRMP. The Commission then discussed addition of one or more projects within the Natural Resources Management Plan. Discussed staff capacity for additional natural resources staff. Page 15 of 25 Ms. Pilgrim asked what lens or goals were considered during development of the priority projects as part of the NRMP. Commissioner Knosalla suggested Manager Spreiter table the item for further Staff research on resources and capacity for begining another priority project in 2027. The Commission discussed adding a request for a Climate and Resilience Action Plan. The plan could then be incorporated into the 2060 Comp plan. c. Shoreland Management Ordinance Draft The topic was brought to the Goal 1 committee to propose to the DNR some way to measure a setback for Lake Augusta that is more practical for the city to implement. The Commission discussed using past water level data and compensating for potential water level increases to create a greater setback for Lake Augusta. The Goal 1 committee asked for feedback and discussion around the 10.5 Density Determination section. Chair Stein commented that this was the comment he raised as he does not understand how limiting density would adversely affect water bodies if it still meets impervious and buffer requirements. Commission reached consensus to remove the section if allowed by the DNR. d. Paperless Meeting Discussion At the Goal 5: Sustainability Committee meeting, the topic of paperless meetings was brought to the committee for discussion. The committee then proposed to bring the subject to the Commission as a whole. Instead of receiving paper packets, commissioners could bring a personal electronic device to display electronic copies of the packet. Meeting packets could also be displayed on screen in both the City Council Chambers and the large conference room. Commissioner Knosalla brought the item forward to the Commission to have a trial period for paperless meetings. The Commission came to a consensus to move to paperless meetings on a trial basis. 4. Committee Reports Committee members for each goal of the Commission’s 2026 Work Plan gave updates on their current work and discussions. Page 16 of 25 Goal 1: Discussion on the Shoreland Management Ordinance draft was held as part of the meeting. Goal 2: Commissioner Thuening gave an overview of the last meeting including discussion on Earth and Arbor Week and an education and outreach plan for Valley Park. Manager Spreiter will send link to Commission for Earth and Arbor Day promo video created by Student Commissioners and staff. Goal 3: Commissioner Daul gave an update on the Mendota Elementary volunteer tree planting on May 14th from 4:30-8p. Manager Spreiter to invite Mayor. Commissioner Knosalla can attend at 5:30p. Chair Stein can tentatively attend. Commissioner Knosalla gave an overview of the new Rapid Community Tree Assessment tool recently released by the DNR. Manager Spreiter to post on city’s website and in Friday News. Goal 4: Commissioner Thuening gave an overview of the Valley Park meeting that was held with city staff, county staff, and WMO/SWCD staff. Goal 5: Chair Stein gave an overview of the Geothermal project update. Chair Stein adjourned meeting at 8:06 P.M. Page 17 of 25 6.a Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: May 13, 2026 Agenda Item: Recognition of 2025 Oak Awards Recipients Item Type: Presentation Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager Action Request: The Commisison is asked to hear a presentation for and recognize the recipients of the 2025 Oak Awards. Background: The Oak Awards program was created in 2023 by the Mendota Heights Natural Resources Commission to celebrate leadership, education and outreach, and project efforts that advance natural resources within the City. The Oak Awards program recognizes recipients for the following awards: • Acorn 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 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. Each application is scored based on five criteria: • Quality of the project or efforts in Natural Resources • Public Benefit Page 18 of 25 •Longevity of the Project or Efforts •Innovation/Creativity •Leadership The Natural Resources Commission is proud to recognize the following recipients for their contributions towards natural resources within the city in 2025: Canopy Award – Meghan Bernard Meghan Bernard is the Sustainability Manager for School District 197. Her accomplishments and contributions include leading and overseeing the LiveGreen program at all District schools, coordinating and engaging students in natural resources events and projects, implementing the district’s recycling and waste reduction program, implementing and tracking energy saving measures, planting and tree care, and converting approximately 10 acres of turf to native prairie. Meghan also is the recipient of the Leader in Sustainability Fellowship award, as only one of six individuals to receive the award nationally from the U.S. Green Building Council. Leaf Award – Two Rivers Live Green Club The Live Green club at Two Rivers High School is a student-led organization dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainability within the school and the broader Mendota Heights community. Throughout 2025, the club demonstrated exceptional leadership through multiple initiatives contributing to environmental stewardship including: launching a "Clean Rivers" campaign, producing and distributing informational videos to educate their peers on watershed health and organized maintenance crews to regularly clear debris from storm drains surrounding the high school campus, creating an outreach campaign to audit and improve the recycling habits of the student body, and communicating directly with legislators in the US Senate and Congress to advocate for environmental policies that protect Minnesota’s natural resources. Acorn Award – Wes Hendel As part of his Eagle Scout project, Wes Hendel led and coordinated a pollinator planting project by planting over 250 square feet of pollinator habitat in Ivy Hills Park. The project included over 20 volunteers and the group also removed buckthorn in the area. The planting is located near the storm water pond along the woodland edge where diseased ash had been recently removed. The project included the planting of 215 native flowers, grasses, and shrubs that provide habitat and food for pollinators. Fiscal and Resource Impact: None. Attachments: None Page 19 of 25 6.b Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: May 13, 2026 Agenda Item: 2026 Earth and Arbor Week Recap Item Type: Presentation Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager Action Request: Information only. Background: The 2026 Mendota Heights Earth and Arbor Day Celebration was held Monday, April 20th through Saturday, April 25th. The purpose of the Earth and Arbor Week 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 were included in the 2026 week-long celebration: Events Included: •Monday, April 20th: Kick-Off to Lily, Find the Frog. Lily was hiding in Wentworth Park with her riddle for residents to answer. Complete rules were posted on social media and the city’s website. Participants could email their photo and riddle answer until 8:00 AM Monday, April 27th or send us a Facebook message. Participants who found Lily were Marty & Mary Seefeld, who won an Earth and Arbor Day basket for answering Lily’s riddle correctly. Marth and Mary said ‘Thanks for offering this fun Earth Day & Arbor Day adventure. We enjoyed exploring our parks (it meant going to a few before we were in the right park!).’ •Tuesday, April 21st: Yoga in the Park. Yoga was led by an instructor from Green Lotus Yoga in Market Square Park from 5:00-6:00 P.M, and included eight participants. •Thursday, April 23rd: Free Book Buggie and Movie Night. The Free Book Buggie was parked at City Hall from 5:30-6:30 P.M. and offered free books for kids of all ages. The movie WALL-E was shown in the City Hall Council Chabers following the Book Buggie event. Page 20 of 25 •Friday, April 24th: Raptor and Eagle Show. The live show was at 1p at Mendakota Park. The presentation included several live raptors including a Bald Eagle, offering educational information on each raptor, and ways that the public can help protect them. •Friday, April 24th: City-wide Clean-up. Residents were able to pick up free clean-up supplies at City Hall from 7 A.M.-1 P.M. and at the Par 3 Clubhouse from 1:00 P.M.-4:00P.M. Several groups and individuals participated, including a volunteer group that completed a clean-up around Rogers Lake. •Saturday, April 25th: Kids Garage Sale. Gently used kids clothes were available for sale at Harmon Park in West St. Paul from 9 A.M.-Noon. All events were free to the public. Fiscal and Resource Impact: Programming costs for the event were $1,000.00 for all events. Attachments: None Page 21 of 25 7.a Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: May 13, 2026 Agenda Item: Approve 2027 Natural Resources Budget Recommendations Item Type: Action Item Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager Action Request: The Commission is asked to approve the 2027 Natural Resources budget recommendations. Background: Staff and the Commission reviewed the existing 2026 Natural Resources budget at the April 8th Work Session, considering items from the existing budget that should remain, as well as items that should be adjusted or eliminated. Staff and the Commission also reviewed the goals and priorities set forth in the Natural Resources Management Plan, and the Commission’s current work plan. The Commission then discussed recommendations to bring to the City Council for the 2027 calendar year. Recommendations consisted of funding for goals, priorities, tasks, programs, or projects that the Commission would like the City Council to incorporate into the City Budget for 2027. Available resources, timeline, feasibility, and value of each identified item was considered. The recommended Natural Resources budget items as discussed are attached. Fiscal and Resource Impact: The proposed budget, including all recommended items, totals $364,220.00. This is a $17,210 increase from 2026. Attachments: 1.2027 BUDGET Page 22 of 25 DESCRIPTION 2026 BUDGET 2027 BUDGET VALLEY PARK POLLINATOR CORRIDOR (XCEL)$15,000.00 $12,000.00 VALLEY PARK FOREST ENHANCEMENT - SOUTH-CENTRAL $2,580.00 $1,500.00 VALLEY PARK - E FOREST ENHANCEMENT $1,220.00 $1,220.00 ROGERS LAKE SAVANNA/FOREST AND SHORELINE ENHACEMENT $18,040.00 $17,000.00 COPPERFIELD PONDS ISTHMUS ENHANCEMENT $25,870.00 $7,000.00 FRIENDLY MARSH TURF-TO-PRAIRIE $4,400.00 $4,400.00 NATURAL RESOURCE MAINTENANCE $40,500.00 $40,000.00 OHEYAWAHE/PILOT KNOB RESTORATION $16,000.00 $16,000.00 TREE SALE $10,250.00 $10,250.00 TREE CANOPY PROGRAM $27,600.00 $27,600.00 TREE REMOVAL $110,000.00 $90,000.00 TREE PLANTING $10,250.00 $10,250.00 TREE CARE (PRUNING, WATERING, DISEASE PREVENTION, ETC.)$53,300.00 $50,000.00 CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIANCY PLAN $5,000.00 $50,000.00 LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE DEVELOPMENT (CONSULTANT)$7,000.00 $7,000.00 VALLEY PARK NRMP $20,000.00 TOTALS $347,010.00 $364,220.00 Page 23 of 25 7.b Natural Resources Commission Meeting Date: May 13, 2026 Agenda Item: Public Works Facility Geothermal Assessment Project Update Item Type: Presentation Department: Natural Resources Contact: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager Action Request: Information only. Background: In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature established the Geothermal Planning Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to provide financial assistance to local government agencies and other eligible applicants to determine the feasibility of installing geothermal energy systems. The city has been awarded up to $130,000 for the planning of a geothermal energy system that heats and cools the city’s Public Works Facility. Eligible expenses include: •Analysis of the heating and cooling demand of the building that consumes energy from the geothermal energy system; •Evaluation of equipment that could be combined with a geothermal energy system to meet the building's heating and cooling requirements; •Analysis of the geologic conditions of the earth in which a geothermal energy system operates, including the drilling of one or more test wells to characterize geologic materials and to measure properties of the earth and aquifers that impact the feasibility of installing and operating a geothermal energy system; and •Preparation of a financial analysis of the project. The City approved the recommended proposal submitted by HGA Consulting on November 18, 2025, as the chosen consultant for the project. HGA has been working with the city to assess the project site and create a Request for Proposals (RFP) and associated bidding documents to acquire the services of a drilling contractor to complete test bore drilling. The chosen drilling contractor is to perform test bore drilling of necessary test bores, up to five bores, to complete the assessment for a geothermal energy system at the Public Works facility. The RFP was sent to known qualified contractors in the area to complete this task. Three proposals were received, shown in Tables 1 and 2 below. Page 24 of 25 Table 1: Bid Comparison Matrix Traut Bergeson Caswell Mineral Services Plus Base Fee (1 test bore) $51,490 $17,350 $15,900 Alternate Fee – Incremental Bore Cost $34,490 $8,750 $8,700 Added Cost for Casing, if needed $23,000 Not quoted Not quoted Assumed Depth 305' 300' 240' Schedule Unknown Verbally available before June Unknown Table 2: Total Study Cost: Test Bore Control + HGA Fees Number of Test Bores Traut Bergeson Caswell Mineral Services Plus 1 $89,850 $55,710 $54,260 2 $124,340 $64,460 $62,960 3 $158,830 $73,210 $71,660 4 $193,320 $81,960 $80,360 5 $227,810 $90,710 $89,060 The consultant, along with city staff, recommended Bergeson Caswell as the chosen contractor for the project based on qualifications and submitted proposal, including cost estimate. Test bore drilling is anticipated to begin by the end of May 2026. Fiscal and Resource Impact: None. Attachments: None Page 25 of 25