Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:
- Action 1:City Detail
Background Information
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
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 15
Land Use
Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to:
- Action 2:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}
Preserve environmentally sensitive, community-valued land by placing a conservation easement on city lands, and by encouraging/funding private landowners to place land in conservation easements.
- Action 5:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Environmental Management
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
- Action 6:c. An EAB management plan was adopted by the city in 2017.
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Conduct a tree inventory or canopy study for public and private trees.
- Action 7:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:
- Action 5:b. The city promotes the use of rain barrels to residents by participating as a pickup location for an annual rain barrel and compost bin sale. Residents can order a barrel online, take advantage of a 30% discount provided by Dakota County, and pick it up at the public works facility.
c. Mendota Heights incorporates native plantings in city property landscaping projects including at City Hall, Oheyawahe/Historic Pilot Knob, and the Par 3 Golf Course.
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Improve smart-salting by reducing chloride use in winter maintenance and dust suppressants to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.
- Action 6:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
- Action 1:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following:
- Action 5:b. Recycling is available in all city parks, within 10 feet of any trash receptacle. An organics collection is available for residents to drop off their household compostable material at Mendakota Park.
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
- Action 8:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Septic Systems {BP no.21}
Clarify/establish one or more responsible management entities (RMEs) for the proper design, siting, installation, operation, monitoring and maintenance of septic systems.
- Action 3:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
Address concerns over consumer products and packaging through encouragement/implementation of one or more of:
- Action 2:c. Recycling/composting options: Mendota Heights hosts one of Dakota County's organics drop sites in Mendakota Park which is free for residents to use. The city also hosts annual collection and recycling of shredded paper and mattresses. Finally, recycling and organics collection is available for staff at every city building.
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses/services collecting and marketing used, repaired and rental consumer goods, especially electronics, in the city/county.
- Action 4:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source-separated organics collection/management program.
- Action 5:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Local Food {BP no.27}
Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.
- Action 2:Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@wspmn.gov | 16515524118