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.
City Detail
Background Information
City of Mendota Heights
County: Dakota
GreenStep City status and date: STEP 3 (
)
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
2024 - click to view assessment
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars.
Total completed actions: 36: 17
: 16
: 2
Buildings and Lighting
Efficient Existing Public Buildings {BP no.1}
- Action 1:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
We created a B3 account and entered the data for the main municipal buildings. We are currently working with the U of M Center for Sustainable Building Research to set up the remaining municipal meters for street lights, traffic signals, etc, and to arrange for Xcel to automatically update B3 with monthly data.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
U of M Center for Sustainable Building Research
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 2:
Make no/low cost indoor lighting and operational changes in city-owned/school buildings to reduce energy costs.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights is replacing outdated fluorescent lighting with LEDs alongside other building upgrade projects. A full switch to LEDs accompanied the fire station remodel and expansion in 2019. Lighting inside city hall and the police station are approximately 85% converted.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 3:
Invest in larger energy efficiency projects through performance contracting or other funding or through smaller retro-commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
Fire Station 2019 remodel included LED retrofit and HVAC upgrades for improved ventilation.
In 2017 and 2018 Mendota Heights worked with a solar energy consultant group to provide up to 140-KW of solar energy production at various city-owned sites, including a 40-KW solar field at City Hall, a 60-KW rooftop system at the Public Works facility and two smaller 20-KW rooftop systems at the Par 3 Golf Course and Fire Station facility.
In 2017 and 2018 Mendota Heights worked with a solar energy consultant group to provide up to 140-KW of solar energy production at various city-owned sites, including a 40-KW solar field at City Hall, a 60-KW rooftop system at the Public Works facility and two smaller 20-KW rooftop systems at the Par 3 Golf Course and Fire Station facility.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals {BP no.4}
- Action 5:
Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Beginning in 2017, lighting in three of the four parks in Mendota Heights that have it (Wentworth, Friendly Hills and Marie), have been replaced with LEDs.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 6:
Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Lighting in three of the four parks in Mendota Heights that have it (Wentworth, Friendly Hills and Marie) are on timers to limit the amount of energy used and light pollution emitted when the park facilities are not in use. Mendakota Park has trail security lighting that is compliant with the Dark-Sky Initiative.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Land Use
Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans {BP no.6}
- 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.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The Mendota Heights 2040 Comprehensive Plan was approved by the Met Council and adopted my the City Council in August of 2021.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- 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.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights began updating their Zoning Code in 2022 to be consistent with the adopted 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The current Zoning Code Update, dated 02.02.2024, states, "The City Council recognizes the Comprehensive Plan as the policy guide for responsible regulation of land use and development in accordance with the policies and purpose herein set forth."
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Resilient City Growth {BP no.7}
- Action 1:
Eliminate barriers and actively encourage higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2005
Implementation details:
Mixed-use developments around the intersection of Highway 62 and Dodd Road include multiple residential projects such as White Pine Senior Living and The Reserve. The area has developed at densities between 21 and 30 dwelling units per acre. The eastern areas both north and south of Highway 62 are zoned at this Mixed-Use high density. Current and future residents can enjoy living in close proximity to a variety of shops, restaurants and shared community areas. Paved trails connect the developments to the surrounding areas for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development {BP no.9}
- Action 2:
Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: Ongoing
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights collaborates with MnDOT, Dakota County, the Metropolitan Council and neighboring communities on development and transportation improvements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Design for Natural Resource Conservation {BP no.10}
- Action 5:
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.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2005
Implementation details:
In 2005 the City of Mendota Heights purchased the site at the convergence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers named Oheyawahe or Historic Pilot Knob. The site was made into a preservation area to protect it from development, as it is of great importance to the Dakota people. Native restoration of the area began in 2006 and continues to the present. The site was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2017 and in 2019 the city started a task force, the Pilot Knob Preservation Association, to focus on capital improvements, natural resources management and interpretation.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Pilot Knob Preservation Association, Great River Greening
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Transportation
Living & Complete Streets {BP no.11}
- Action 1:
Adopt a complete streets policy, or a living streets policy, which addresses landscaping and stormwater.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
Through recent years, the City of Mendota Heights has consistently pursued opportunities to integrate alternative transportation modes and promote sustainability on transportation projects. This includes efforts such as identifying and implementing trails at lacking connections and installing curb cut rain gardens into projects. A resolution has been drafted to formally apply these practices and is on the agenda to be approved by City Council at their April 2. 2024, meeting. This resolution will apply to all new transportation projects and reflects the city’s dedication to include transportation opportunities to all users while improving on quality of life components for the community. Practices within the policy include commitments to identifying opportunities to include underserved transportation modes, promote a sustainable future through encouraging non-vehicular travel modes and electric vehicle infrastructure, and improving stormwater quality by use of raingardens, sump manholes, and other best management practices. The implementation of this policy will be facilitated through the utilization of the Living Streets Worksheet, an integral component embedded within the policy framework as an appendix, designed to guide staff and planners in the comprehensive review and integration of these principles into the street design and planning processes.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 3:
Modify a street in compliance with the city's complete streets policy.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights takes bike and pedestrian trails seriously. As of 2022, there were approximately 28 miles of paved trails and sidewalks in the city, as well as 5 miles of wide shoulders or on-street bicycle facilities. Additionally, several Dakota County Greenway trails also run through the city. In the last 10 years, tunnels under Marie Avenue and Highway 62 have been added to offer safe connections for residents on bike or foot and avoid busy roadways during their journeys. In 2022 Mendota Heights created a Bike and Pedestrian Plan to help evaluate the current infrastructure and guide future planning to continue being a bike and pedestrian-friendly city.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 4:
Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity/safety within your road network by, for example, bike/pedestrian plan, adding a bike route/lane, truck route, sidewalk or mid-block alley.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
In 2022 a Bike and Pedestrian Plan was completed to evaluate current, robust, infrastructure and guide decision-making of future investments. The Plan’s goals are to:
- Plan for development of an interconnected pedestrian and bicycle system city-wide
- Integrate County Greenways and trails along County Highways into the system
- Include the 6 E’s: Evaluation, Education, Engineering, Encouragement, Engagement, and Equity in the plan
- Plan for development of an interconnected pedestrian and bicycle system city-wide
- Integrate County Greenways and trails along County Highways into the system
- Include the 6 E’s: Evaluation, Education, Engineering, Encouragement, Engagement, and Equity in the plan
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 6:
Implement traffic calming policy/measures, including lane conversions (road diets), roundabouts, low-speed streets, shared space and depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2019
Implementation details:
Traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures are incorporated into Mendota Heights streets projects wherever feasible. An example of that is the Marie Avenue Rehabilitation project in 2019 where curb bump-outs were added to multiple intersections to slow traffic and give pedestrians a better view of oncoming cars. A couple years later, in 2022, speed trailers and cameras were also installed along Marie Avenue to help with speed reduction.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Mobility Options {BP no.12}
- Action 2:
Conduct an Active Living campaign such as a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights is a partner in the Safe Routes to School program at the local Somerset Elementary School. This school was identified as a candidate in Dakota County's School Travel Safety Assessment in 2021. Since then, MnDOT has completed the applicable sidewalk improvements near the school. This summer, Mendota Heights is installing the rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs)
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
ISD 197, Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 3:
Prominently promote mobility options: public transit; paratransit/Dial-A-Ride; cab services; rental cars; bike lanes; trails; airports.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Transportation options are listed on the Mendota Heights website, including local public transportation, senior transportation and a map of bike/pedestrian trails.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Environmental Management
Sustainable Purchasing {BP no.15}
- Action 1:
Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
On March 6, 2024, Mendota Heights City Council approved Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guidelines for the city. The Guidelines include both general instruction as well as specific language regarding paper products, energy and water savings, and cleaning products.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 8:
Use national green standards/guidelines for purchasing/investments such as cleaning products, furniture, flooring/coatings.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights purchasing guidelines instruct staff to purchase cleaning products that meet the Green Seal, EcoLogo, and/or U.S. EPA Design for the Environment standards.
The city also tries to purchase used office furniture and technology where available. A recent example is the purchase of 6 used cubicles and desks from West Metro Solutions, a local company that sells used office furniture, diverting it from landfill.
The city also tries to purchase used office furniture and technology where available. A recent example is the purchase of 6 used cubicles and desks from West Metro Solutions, a local company that sells used office furniture, diverting it from landfill.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Community Forests and Soils {BP no.16}
- Action 6:
Build community capacity to protect existing trees by one or more of:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
b. The City of Mendota Heights offers residents the opportunity to volunteer for a variety of positions including tree planting, invasive species removal and landscaping. The city website also offers forestry advice for residents.
c. An EAB management plan was adopted by the city in 2017.
c. An EAB management plan was adopted by the city in 2017.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 7:
Conduct a tree inventory or canopy study for public and private trees.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
A Tree Canopy Analysis was performed as part of the 2022 Natural Resources Management Plan and it can be found on page 51 of the attached plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Stormwater Management {BP no.17}
- Action 5:
Adopt and implement guidelines or design standards/incentives for at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse practices:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
a. The City of Mendota Heights offers a rain garden program to residents whose property is part of a street improvement project. For other residents, the city give suggestions for grant programs that can assist with deferring the cost of building a rain garden.
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.
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.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 6:
Improve smart-salting by reducing chloride use in winter maintenance and dust suppressants to prevent permanent surfacewater and groundwater pollution.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
The City of Mendota Heights uses a brine maker, purchased in 2021, to treat winter roads with a lower salt-content solution.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Parks and Trails {BP no.18}
- Action 1:
Make improvements within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
A tunnel was built under Highway 62, near the Dodd intersection, to provide a safe crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists. The tunnel promotes bike and foot travel by making a safe connection between recent residential and commercial developments on either side of the busy highway, as well as to access the county and city trail system.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 5:
Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least one of the following:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2016
Implementation details:
a. The city strives to restore and protect native vegetation in the landscape. Native plantings are included in a number of city projects and properties including at City Hall, Copperfield Ponds Park, Victoria Road Right-of-Way and Par 3 Community Golf Course. In 2016 the Mendota Heights City Council approved a resolution declaring the City of Mendota Heights to be a pollinator-friendly community and the city website provides resources for residents on the topic.
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.
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.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 8:
Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration, invasive species management and stewardship projects.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
The City of Mendota Heights offers residents the opportunity to volunteer for a variety of acivities including tree planting, invasive species removal and native restoration.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Septic Systems {BP no.21}
- Action 3:
Clarify/establish one or more responsible management entities (RMEs) for the proper design, siting, installation, operation, monitoring and maintenance of septic systems.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 1999
Implementation details:
The city ordinance that regulates the approximately 40 septic systems in Mendota Heights is identical to that of Dakota County ordinance 113 and meets all Metropolitan Council and MPCA requirements. The ordinance requires inspection of septic systems every 3 years by a person having a current MPCA sewage contractor license. The city works with the county to manage communications and compliance.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Sustainable Consumption and Waste {BP no.22}
- Action 2:
Address concerns over consumer products and packaging through encouragement/implementation of one or more of:
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
b. Reuse options: Mendota Heights hosts annual collections for athletic gear and clothes for reuse by the Heroes League and USAgain, respectively. The city has also hosted a number of repair and reuse themed classes for the community such as sewing/mending classes and fix-it clinics.
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.
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.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
Descriptive links:
Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 4:
Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses/services collecting and marketing used, repaired and rental consumer goods, especially electronics, in the city/county.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
As a city in Dakota County, Mendota Heights has the county Recycling Guide search tool embedded in the city website that provides residents with local resources to reuse, recycle or dispose of (in that order) their unwanted material.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 5:
Arrange for a residential and/or business/institutional source-separated organics collection/management program.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2021
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights hosts one of Dakota County's organics drop sites in Mendakota Park which is free for residents to use. Organics collection is also available for staff at every city building.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Resilient Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement {BP no.24}
- 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.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
On Feb 2, 2022, the Mendota Heights City Council approved an ordinance establishing a seven-member Natural Resources Commission. The Natural Resources Commission will serve in an advisory role to the City Council on matters pertaining to natural resources, sustainability, environmental and climate stewardship, and opportunities for the advancement of those areas including developing and recommending policies and initiatives that enhance and preserve natural resources within the City. Committee members are from the community and have a variety of different backgrounds. Residents are encouraged to attend committee meetings and provide feedback on committee activities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 2:
Communicating Progress on Goals: Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans (social, environmental, economic) and report to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2005
Implementation details:
City staff routinely report on the progress of city plans and initiatives (including GreenStep Cities) at City Council meetings and in the bi-monthly resident newsletter, Heights Highlights. Updates on plans are also included in the mayor’s annual State of the City address. Occasionally, more prominent communication pieces are created to tell residents about plan progress such as the video linked below about Parks & Recreation activities.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Green Business Development {BP no.25}
- Action 4:
Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local "waste" material.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2024
Implementation details:
Despite the fact that Mendota Heights is primarily a residential community, it is home to some impressive companies that contribute to sustainability in our region:
- Restaurant Technologies is a business that manages and recycles used restaurant cooking oil into biodiesel and renewable diesel.
- Cemstone is a concrete and aggregate company that collects and utilizes used concrete. It has been recognized several times for environmental excellence by the National Ready Mix Concrete Association.
- Permasteelisa is global façade engineering group whose North American HQ is in Mendota Heights. This company engineers build envelope and façades, which are a central component of energy efficient buildings.
- Restaurant Technologies is a business that manages and recycles used restaurant cooking oil into biodiesel and renewable diesel.
- Cemstone is a concrete and aggregate company that collects and utilizes used concrete. It has been recognized several times for environmental excellence by the National Ready Mix Concrete Association.
- Permasteelisa is global façade engineering group whose North American HQ is in Mendota Heights. This company engineers build envelope and façades, which are a central component of energy efficient buildings.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 6:
Promote green businesses that are recognized under a local, regional or national program.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights promotes the Dakota County Reduce & Reuse Map through its website and social media. This map shows repair, rental and reuse businesses throughout the county.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
- Action 7:
Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign for community members and local businesses.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2023
Implementation details:
In 2023 and 2024 Mendota Heights included an event called Cupid's Crawl in their February winter festival, Frozen Fun Fest. Cupid's Crawl is scavenger hunt-style activity that encourages people to visit local businesses in order to be entered into a raffle.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Local businesses
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Local Food {BP no.27}
- Action 2:
Facilitate creation of home/community gardens, chicken & bee keeping, and incorporation of food growing areas/access in multifamily and residential developments.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2014 (bees) 2017 (chickens)
Implementation details:
The City of Mendota Heights allows the keep of chickens at residents' homes along with bees on 50 acres or more of land.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@wspmn.gov | 16515524118
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@wspmn.gov | 16515524118
Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience {BP no.29}
- Action 1:
Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather and climate-change-related events, while also taking a preventive approach to reduce risk for community members.
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2022
Implementation details:
Mendota Heights is included in the Dakota County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan which covers all cities in Dakota County for extreme weather events, pandemic, water supply contamination, cyberattacks and civil disturbance. Each city participated in the development of this plan through submission of city-specific mitigation strategies. Chief of Police Kelly McCarthy leads city preparedness and emergency response within the city.
Residents of Mendota Heights can sign up for Emergency Alert Notifications through Dakota County to keep aware of emergency situations. Residents are able to specify the best way for them to receive these notifications, such as through home phone, cell, email, text message, hearing impaired devices, and more.
Residents of Mendota Heights can sign up for Emergency Alert Notifications through Dakota County to keep aware of emergency situations. Residents are able to specify the best way for them to receive these notifications, such as through home phone, cell, email, text message, hearing impaired devices, and more.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
Descriptive links:
Dakota County
For more information contact:
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735
Courtney Selstad (City Staff) | cselstad@mendotaheightsmn.gov | 952-457-1735