Mahtomedi environmental commission reviews solar installation, dog park plan and 260-foot floating boardwalk

The Mahtomedi Environmental Commission on March 16 reviewed recent and planned public-works projects, including a rooftop solar array now operational, design plans for a dog park, and a proposed floating boardwalk across Katherine Abbott Park.

Public Works Director Bob Goebel reported that the solar panels on the Public Works building roof “went live in the fall of 2025,” and contrasted that rooftop installation with the City’s participation in a Solar Garden. Goebel also presented maps and preliminary design plans for a new off-leash dog park in Southwest Park and said final design work is underway with construction planned for 2026. City Administrator Scott Neilson noted that a recent resident survey showed support for placing a dog park inside an existing park and commissioners discussed pedestrian and vehicle access to the site.

Goebel described a planned 260-foot floating boardwalk across the lake in Katherine Abbott Park, saying the idea dated to trail construction in 2017 but was delayed for funding. He said the boardwalk will be designed to accommodate the size and weight of a tool cat used for maintenance, the project will be advertised for bids soon, and officials expect construction to be completed in 2026.

Commissioner Thomas Collins led a separate discussion of the energy section of the City’s Sustainability Plan. Commissioners agreed to develop a simple dashboard of data points to track progress on the City’s energy goals and expressed a preference that the planned City Hall/Fire Station project be designed with sustainable building standards.

Administrative items included approval of the amended meeting agenda and the February 9, 2026 minutes. Commissioners also reviewed plans for the City’s Rite of Spring community event and discussed using the event to promote Home Energy Audit visits and smart irrigation sensor rebates.

The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.