City Detail

Background Information

City of Mahtomedi
County: Washington
Population: 7563
GreenStep City category: B
Full-time equivalent city staff (approx.): 15
Participating township, county, school:

GreenStep Coordinator

Scott Neilson
City Staff
sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us
651-426-3344
City web page relating to sustainability/GreenStep activities:
http://www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us/179/Environment
GreenStep City resolution: Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 5 ( )

City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics

City councils pass a resolution to join the GreenStep program and are recognized at Step 1. Step 2 and Step 3 recognition levels reflect completed city actions, reported and rated below with stars (1 star = good, 2 stars = better, 3 stars = best). The Assessment File below summarizes completed city actions in a short Word file. Step 4 recognition is awarded to cities who report a minimum number of core metrics for the previous calendar year. These metrics aim to show the aggregate, quantitative results of taking multiple GreenStep actions. Step 5 cities show improvement in the Step 4 metrics. See yearly data for Steps 4&5. Additional city data can be found by reviewing information on B3 Benchmarking and Regional Indicators Initiative.

Assessment File
2019 - click to view assessment
Metrics Files
2023 - click to view metrics file

Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed

Completed actions are denoted by stars.

Total completed actions: 22
1 star actions: 16
2 star actions: 3
3 star actions: 1

Buildings and Lighting Buildings and Lighting

Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}

1 star - Action 1:

Enter/update government-owned building information and monthly usage data into the MN B3 Benchmarking database, and utilize building/energy audits to identify potential improvements.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Benchmarking data was entered for the three city buildings: city hall, fire station, and public works buildings. (The Public Works Garage/Office was the old public works building. Part of the old building is still there and is being used for cold storage)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Marnie McInnis (Community volunteer) | marniemcinnis@comcast.net | 6517739730
1 star - Action 2:

Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Mahtomedi recently installed programmable thermostats in City Hall which automatically decreases the amount of heating or cooling to the building during off-peak hours, reducing energy consumption when the building is not in use. The City is also in the process of installing a new high efficiency HVAC system in the Fire Department building. The new system is estimated to reduce energy consumption by 10-25% over the current system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Efficient Existing Private Buildings {BP no.2}

1 star - Action 5:

Conserve/protect drinking/groundwater resources by creating a water-wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, WaterSense purchasing program, or guidance on rainwater harvesting and home water softener use.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Mahtomedi passed a city ordinance restricting excessive water use.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Marnie McInnis (Community volunteer) | marniemcinnis@comcast.net | 6517739730

Land Use Land Use

Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}

1 star - Action 1:

Adopt a comprehensive plan or (for Category B & C cities) adopt a future land use plan that was adopted by the county or a regional entity.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Comprehensive Plan is a long term plan that includes the City's current policies, general plans for transportation, parks, etc., and the policy plan. The Metropolitan Council requires this plan be updated every ten years. The most current Comprehensive Plan was updated in 2008.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us/vertical/Sites/%7BB983F313-8CF2-4BB7-8CFD-8AC05AAF37F6%7D/uploads/%7BF561382D-8A7E-4113-96D6-5DDA7
For more information contact:
Marnie McInnis (Community volunteer) | marniemcinnis@comcast.net | 6517739730
1 star - Action 2:

Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Reference within the Zoning Ordinance to the City's Comprehensive plan can be found in Section 11.01, Subdivision 3 of the City Code (attached). The City's Zoning Ordinance is intended to enforce the policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Mixed Uses {BP no.8}

1 star - Action 2:

Locate or lease a property for use as a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of these attributes:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Mahtomedi City Hall is located in downtown Mahtomedi and adjacent to downtown Willernie. It is located within walking distance of many busineseses and is adjacent to medium density residential. Much of the zoning for the surrounding area is intended to accomodate a pedestrian environment. City Hall is accessible by bike/walking paths on Stillwater Road. There is also a bus stop of Metro Transit bus route 270 at the corner of Stillwater Road and Warner Avenue.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Residents are able to choose alternative modes of transportation for getting to City Hall.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344
3 star - Action 5:

Have a downtown zoning district that emphasizes small and destination business, entrepreneurial spaces, and allows or requires residential and residential-compatible commercial development.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The city has a B3-Downtown Business District that encourages mixed use development. As stated in the Zoning Code, "the primary goals of Mahtomedi's B3 District and the corresponding District in Willernie are to encourage compact, pedestrian oriented development, and to respect existing land uses and development patterns". The B3 District permits most small scale businesses, public or semi-public facilities, and apartments located above the street level.

In addition, the City has a Village Mixed Use District that is intended to provide greater flexibility in design and relaxation of strict application of the zoning ordinance in exchange for greater creativity and neighborhood sensitivity. The VMU District is intended to recognize the economic and cultural advantages that will accrue to the residents and businesses within the planned development, while encouraging a more creative and efficient approach to the use of land. The VMU District is similar to the B3 District in terms of uses except that it allows for standalone multi-family housing, as well as a mixed use with other commercial uses. The VMU District requires residential densities of 10-30 dwelling units per acre.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
A more compact, walkable downtown.
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Transportation Transportation

Mobility Options {BP no.12}

1 star - Action 3:

Prominently promote mobility options: public transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; cab services; rental cars; bike lanes; trails; airports.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Links to Metro Transit, Metro Mobility and Dial-A-Ride can be found on the City of Mahtomedi's website at the following web address:

http://www.ci.mahtomedi.mn.us/index.asp?Type=B_LIST&SEC={02F58D6B-0943-4EED-8B1D-8BA128CA54A0}

Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Environmental Management Environmental Management

Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Environmentally friendly purchasing policy requires that the city:
1 Is required to purchase EnergyStar electronics and appliances.
2.Using State and National standards for electronics and cleaning products.
3.Requiring paper containing at least 30% post-consumer recycled content be used.
4.Utilizing printing services by companies certified by MN Great Printers.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Marnie McInnis (Community volunteer) | marniemcinnis@comcast.net | 6517739730
1 star - Action 6:

Require printing services to be purchased from companies participating in Printing Industry Midwest’s Great Green Printer initiative, or certified by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Environmentally friendly purchasing policy requires that printing services are to be purchased by companies certified by MN Great Printers.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Marnie McInnis (Community volunteer) | marniemcinnis@comcast.net | 6517739730

Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}

1 star - Action 1:

Certify as a Tree City USA.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Mahtomedi became a member of Tree City USA in 2009.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
http://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/map.cfm
For more information contact:
Marnie McInnis (Community volunteer) | marniemcinnis@comcast.net | 6517739730

Stormwater Management {BP no.17}

Not rated - Action 6:

Improve smart-salting by reducing chloride use in winter maintenance and dust suppressants to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Mahtomedi City Code has several provisions related to erosion and sediment control. For applicants requesting approval of a development permit or conditional use permit for grading, filling, and/or excavation, an erosion and sediment control plan and stormwater management plan may be required, depending on the extent of the work. As part of approving a construction permit, grading and filling permit, conditional use permit, variance, or subdivision approval, in the shoreland overlay district, one of the conditions is that methods to minimize soil erosion and to trap sediment before reaching surface water features shall be used.

Additionally, in the city's subdivision regulations, Section 11.01, Subdivision 7.0, 8, D, G. states "All surface and underground drainage systems shall be installed to adequately remove all natural drainage that accumulates on developed property. All such systems shall be in conformity to the City drainage plans and all piping shall provide complete removal and a permanent solution for the removal of drainabe water."
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Parks and Trails {BP no.18}

1 star - Action 2:

Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails for areas where new development is planned.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Section 11.02, subdivision 10 (attached) of the City's subdivision regulations requires dedication of a portion of space for public use as a condition of subdivision approval.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344
1 star - Action 3:

Achieve minimum levels of city green space and maximize the percent within a ten-minute walk of community members.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
As stated in the Comprehensive Plan, The City of Mahtomedi has 15 city parks that total roughly 144 acres. The city had a population of 7,676 at the 2010 census. The City has well over 7 acres of park space per 1,000 residents
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Surface Water {BP no.19}

1 star - Action 4:

Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Attached is the City's Shoreland Ordinance which is consistent with DNR rules and has been approved by the DNR.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}

Not rated - Action 1:

Improve city operations and procurement to prevent and reuse, recycle and compost waste from all public facilities (including libraries, parks, schools, municipal health care facilities), and minimize use of toxics and generation of hazardous waste.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City recently began offering residents the opportunity to view and pay utility bills online, reducing the total amount of paper used.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Resilient Economic & Community Development Resilient Economic and Community Development

Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}

1 star - Action 1:

Inclusive and Coordinated Decision-Making: Use a city commission or committee to lead, coordinate, report to and engage community members on the identification and equitable implementation of sustainability best practices.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City publishes a quarterly newsletter called "Green Talk" that has informed residents on the City's participation in GreenStep Cities several times. The newsletter is developed by the City's Environmental Commission. Attached is one example.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344
1 star - Action 5:

Planning with a Purpose: Conduct a community visioning and planning initiative that engages a diverse set of community members & stakeholders and uses a sustainability, resilience, or environmental justice framework such as:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In Fall 2007, early in the city's comprehensive planning process, the City held two, half-day Natural Step workshops to raise awareness of sustainability issues and to discuss opportunities of how Mahtomedi could integrate principles of sustainability into the Comprehensive Plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Marnie McInnis (Community volunteer) | marniemcinnis@comcast.net | 6517739730

Green Business Development {BP no.25}

1 star - Action 6:

Promote green businesses that are recognized under a local, regional or national program.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The local economy is largely tied to the health of White Bear Lake, which draws in numerous visitors to the area. As a way to address the recent decrease in the level of the lake, the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce has started a program called "Doing Our Part, Saving the Lake", which is a program aimed at water conservation and restoration of White Bear Lake. The City of Mahtomedi has signed the "Do Their Part" pledge along with many of th local businesses. By signing the pledge, businesses commit to adopting at least four approved water conservation methods to support replenishment and restoration of White Bear Lake. This action encourages all businesses to be smarter about their water use and also helps support the local tourism economy that is so closely tied to the health of White Bear Lake. Information on the program, as well as the list of businesses who have signed the pledge can be found on the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce website, which is linked from the City of Mahtomedi website.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344
1 star - Action 7:

Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2014, the Mahtomedi Area Farmer's Market will occur every Saturday from June 21st to Sept. 27, at Triangle Park, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Farmer's Market showcases local fresh vegtables along with many other wonderful products.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
https://www.facebook.com/MahtomediAreaFarmersMarket
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Renewable Energy {BP no.26}

2 star - Action 1:

Adopt wind energy and/or biomass ordinances that allow, enable, or encourage appropriate renewable energy installations.

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
Section 11.01, subdivision 9.4 (attached) of the City's Zoning Ordinance permits the use of wind energy conversion systems in the Public Buildings Zoning District and the use of solar equipment in any district subject to the accessory structure requirements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344

Local Food {BP no.27}

2 star - Action 1:

Protect working landscapes - agriculture and forestry - by adopting an ordinance or incentivizing one or more of the following:

Rating Guideline
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The City of Mahtomedi has both a permanent agriculture and conservation zoning district. Chapter 11, Subd. 11.2 A of the Mahtomedi City Code states that the intent of the Agricultural District is to preserve said land in agricultural usage and in large parcels until such time that the land is required for urban expansion, and the capital funds for the extension of urban facilities and services becomes available. Chapter 11, Subd. 11.29 states that the intent of the conservation district is to preserve significant natural features and amenities such as lakes, wetlands, steep hills and extensive woodlands in their natural state in order to assure continuation of the existing natural drainage system, to prevent harmful erosion, to maintain ecological balance, and to assure their permanent use for their primary natural function as well as for enjoyment by the general public. One of the permitted uses for this district is "Forestry and wildlife preserve".
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Scott Neilson (City staff) | sneilson@ci.mahtomedi.mn.us | 651-426-3344