“Courtney Selstad, the Recycling and Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Mendota Heights will give an update on the city's recycling program, sustainability efforts within the city, and the GreenSteps program.”

“The Minnesota GreenStep Cities & Tribal Nations program is a voluntary recognition program with five steps, or levels of recognition. The program provides assistance and recognition to help communities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals.”

“Currently, the city is at Step 3 in the GreenSteps program.”

“Staff and the Commission will review the existing 2026 Natural Resources budget. The Commission should consider what items from the existing budget should remain, as well as items that should be adjusted or eliminated.”

“The Commission may then discuss recommendations to bring to the City Council for the 2027 calendar year. Recommendations may consist of funding for goals, priorities, tasks, programs, or projects that the Commission would like the City Council to incorporate into the City Budget for 2027.”

“The Shoreland Management Ordinance, if adopted, would be included in Title 15. Environmental Standards, of the Mendota Heights City Code.”

“The general opinion of the Commission was to not include lot size requirements and instead focus on standards such as increasing buffer areas.”

“The Commission also agreed to allow removal of invasive species with the approval of a native restoration plan.”

“Printing of Natural Resources Commission meeting packets generally uses 100–200 sheets of paper per meeting, resulting in roughly 1,800 sheets per year, as well as the ink used in printing.”

“The Commission could choose to make packet printing optional for each commission member, or go completely paperless.”