CompletedNatural Resources Commission

Natural Resources Commission Work Session Packet [PDF]

Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 12:00 AMActual: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 12:00 AM

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Published Wednesday, April 8, 2026

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## CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS ## NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING AGENDA April 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM ## Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve, Mendota Heights 1.Roll Call 2.Call to Order 3.Discussion a.Recycling and Sustainability Update b.Preliminary 2027 Budget Recommendations ## c.Shoreland Management Ordinance Draft ## d.Paperless Meetings Discussion 4.Committee Reports 5.Adjourn ## Next Meeting May 13th, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. Information is available in alternative formats or with the use of auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities upon request by calling city hall at 651-452-1850 or by emailing cityhall@mendotaheightsmn.gov. Page 1 of 12 3.a ## Natural Resources Work Session Memo ## MEETING DATE: April 8, 2026 ## TO: The Natural Resources Commission ## FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager ## SUBJECT: Recycling and Sustainability Update ## ACTION REQUEST: Information only. ## BACKGROUND: 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. Currently, the city is at Step 3 in 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. This free continuous improvement program, managed by a public-private partnership, is based on a menu of 29 optional best practices. Each best practice can be implemented, as decided by elected officials, staff and community members, by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2, or 3-star level, from a list of over 180 actions. These voluntary actions are tailored to Minnesota, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage civic innovation. There are five areas in which the 29 best practices are categorized: •Buildings and Lighting •Land Use •Transportation •Environmental Management ## •Resilient Economic and Community Development ## ATTACHMENTS: ## None Page 2 of 12 3.b ## Natural Resources Work Session Memo ## MEETING DATE: April 8, 2026 ## TO: The Natural Resources Commission ## FROM: Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager ## SUBJECT: Preliminary 2027 Budget Recommendations ## ACTION REQUEST: Discussion only. ## BACKGROUND: 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. Staff and the Commission will also review the goals and priorities set forth in the Natural Resources Management Plan, and the Commission’s current work plan. 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, o…

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Topics Discussed (4)

Recycling and Sustainability Update

Preliminary 2027 Budget Recommendations

Shoreland Management Ordinance Draft

Paperless Meetings Discussion

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Information only; no action taken.
Discussion only; no action taken.
Discussion only; no action taken.
Discussion only; no action taken.

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.

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Recycling and Sustainability Update

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.

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Recycling and Sustainability Update

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

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Recycling and Sustainability Update

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.

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Preliminary 2027 Budget Recommendations

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.

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Preliminary 2027 Budget Recommendations

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

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Shoreland Management Ordinance Draft

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

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Shoreland Management Ordinance Draft

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

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Shoreland Management Ordinance Draft

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.

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Paperless Meetings Discussion

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

Krista Spreiter, Natural Resources Manager [Not Applicable]Paperless Meetings Discussion

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