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2021-02-22 EC Agenda Packet7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, WIN 55427 763-593-8027 � TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov Environmental Commission REGULAR MEETING AGENDA city of goldvall� Y Feb 22, 2021— 6:30 pm This meeting will be held via Cisco Webex in accordance with the local emergency declaration made by the City under Minn. Stat. § 12.37. The public may monitor this meeting by calling 1-415-655- 0001 and entering the meeting code 177 393 4642. For technical assistance, please contact support staff at 763-593-8007 or webexsupport@goldenvalleymn.gov. If you incur costs to call into the meeting, you may submit the costs to the City for reimbursement consideration. Additional information about for monitoring electronic meetings is available on the City website. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of January 25, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min) 5. Old Business A. Recycling & Organics Update (5 min) B. Partners In Energy Workshop 5 (10 min) C. EC/HRC Environmental Justice Collaboration (5 min) D. 2021 Work Plan Ideas (40 min) 6. New Business A. Metro Blooms Workshops and Programs (10 min) B. GreenStep Cities - Step 5 Action Metric 6.2 (5 min) Action requested C. Program/Project Updates (5 min) D. Council Updates (5 min) E. Other Business 7. Adjournment This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427 763-593-8027 � TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov Environmental Commission REGULAR MEETING MINUTES city of go ldvall� Y January 25, 2021— 6:30 pm This meeting will be held via Cisco Webex in accordance with the local emergency declaration made by the City under Minn. Stat. § 12.37. The public may monitor this meeting by calling 1-415-655- 0001 and entering the meeting code 177 281 6007. For technical assistance, please contact support staff at 763-593-8007 or webexsupport@goldenvalleymn.gov. If you incur costs to call into the meeting, you may submit the costs to the City for reimbursement consideration. Additional information about for monitoring electronic meetings is available on the City website. 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Chair Seys at 6:33. 2. Roll Call Commissioners present: Scott Seys, Debra Yahle, Tonia Galonska, Jim Stremel, Dawn Hill, Shannon Hansen, Wendy Weirich, Felix Fettig Commissioners absent: None Council Members present: Larry Fonnest Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor; Story Schwantes, Green Corp Member; Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant; 3. Approval of Agenda MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Hill to approve the agenda for January 25, 2021 and the motion carried. 4. Approval of November 23, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Stremel, seconded by Commissioner Weirich to approve the minutes of November 23, 2020 as submitted and the motion carried. S. Old Business A. Recycling and Organics Update i. The RFP will only be sent to all current licensed haulers in the City to keep the amount of trucks to a minimum on the streets and keep within City Code/Ordinance for number of total licenses allowed. ii. The RFP will be sent out late January/Early February. iii. Proposals will be reviewed in February and March. iv. The contract will be awarded in the Spring. v. Both new Recycling and Organics contracts will begin in January 2022. vi. There is one RFP for two services. The City would like both to be through the same contractor to keep time and expenses down. If it's in the best interest in the City This document is available in alternate formats upon a 72-hour request. Please call 763-593-8006 (TTY: 763-593-3968) to make a request. Examples of alternate formats may include large print, electronic, Braille, audiocassette, etc. 6 City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting 2 November 23, 2020 — 6:30 pm to break it down into two contracts it could potentially be two different contracts/contractor. B. Partners in Energy Update i. Workshop 4 was in mid -December— Strategies & Tactics 1. Talked about the big goal of how much electricity and greenhouse gas emissions they'd like to reduce. 2. Also talked about strategies for how to get to the goal. a. Reducing energy cost burdens for residents. b. Energy efficiency for residents and businesses. c. Clean or renewable energy promotion and development. 3. Long term goal: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering/reducing the electricity consumption in GV. a. Need numeric and date specific goals. Goals need to be S.M.A.R.T., specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound i. How to off -set household growth and the coordinating energy consumption growth? ii. We need our energy efficiency savings to exceed the current trend so we can outpace our household growth over the next 10 years. How? \ 1. Xcel and CenterPoint Programs — need more participation. Need to promote them. a. Can we grow the participation by 5% per year? This would create substantial reductions. Examples of programs: - Home efficiency rebates - New home construction rebates - Low income weatherization - Commercial/Industrial Programs - Energy Squad — request council to budget $ to help residents with energy squad visits. b. Growth in subscriptions to wind/solar programs. 2. Additional savings coming from outside this plan — Other City -Lead initiatives: a. Community Solar Garden b. City Policy/Code Changes — Energy policy for any kind of project that receives City approvals or financing. c. Building energy code — State is looking at trying to accelerate the code changes to get more efficient new buildings. City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting 3 November 23, 2020 — 6:30 pm d. Participating in Hennepin County's Efficient Building Program for existing private buildings in certain zoning districts, over a certain size. ii. Workshop 5 is Jan 27 — Final Workshop iii. Finalize the plan in the 3-5 weeks following Workshop 5. iv. Then there will be 18 months of implementation with the PIE Team Members — Xcel and CenterPoint staff and Clean Energy & Environment staff, along with Story Schwantes. C. EC/HRC Environmental Justice Collaboration i. Speaker is Thursday, Jan 28. ii. Looking to tie in a joint community event in the spring to plant some trees and provide more green space — native vegetation, edible plants, rain gardens, community gardens... Storm Water Management for drainage/flooding. Partner with Metro Blooms, too (could possibly have grants available)? Partner with the garden club or the pollinators group? D. Ordinance Allowing Goats for Vegetation Management MOTION by Commissioner Hill, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to send the Ordinance and License Application to the council and the motion carried with the following revisions: i. Look into the different goat breeds and determine if we'll only accept certain breeds. ii. Add in language that goats must appear to be humanely managed and cared for. iii. Under section 4b. Add the word "be" in the 2,d sentence. iv. Be sure the language between the ordinance and the application are the same. 6. New Business A. 2021 Work Plan i. We will discuss in February and develop the draft of the work plan for approval by the commission in March and council consideration in April (instead of May this year). Look at 2020 work plan to see what should stay on the list and continue to be worked on and what we've accomplished and can take off the list. 2. Brainstorm what new ideas we could add. Ideas suggested: a. Item from the Natural Resources Management Plan. i. City would have budget for supporting a habitat restoration project. Looking at the Briarwood Nature Area next. ii. Also, City will have money from the Parks capital improvement program. b. Stormwater/Flood Water management. i. City has a 5-year permit with the MN Pollution Control Agency and all cities over 10,000 are required to get it to discharge stormwater into our wetlands, lakes, and streams. We need to be in compliance with their 6 minimum control measures. 60-70 best management practices to do this. City of Golden Valley November 23, 2020 — 6:30 pm c d e f. Environmental Commission Regular Meeting 4 Help develop and update the City's Storm Water Management Program. Some kind of goal for transportation — Bike/Ped, Bus Transport — Get people out of cars. Support the Energy Action Plan - Help guide the implementation? Open to doing more joint work with other commissions. Do some work with/for butterflies. g. Student outreach for their ideas for environmental initiatives. B. Program/Project Updates i. Georgia Pond Dredging 1. Project added additional benefits to area: a. Improving water quality treatment capacity. b. Expanding flood storage. c. Removal of invasive species. d. Planting of native vegetation, shrubs, and trees. 2. All sediment is tested before leaving the site for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). PAH Levels determine what will happen to the sediment as follows: a. >23 — sediment goes to landfill b. 3-23 — sediment can be re -used at commercial or industrial sites c. <3 — sediment can be re -used at residential or recreational sites d. The sediment from the Georgia Pond was in the 3-23 range and will be re -used at a commercial or industrial site. C. Council Updates i. None D. Other Business i. None 7. Adjournment MOTION by Commissioner Yahle, seconded by Commissioner Hill to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 pm and the motion carried. ATTEST: Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Scott Seys, Chair try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: February 18, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Recycling and Organics Update The Request For Proposals (RFP) for Residential Curbside Recycling and Organics Recycling Services was issued on February 1, 2021. Proposals will be reviewed by a staff selection committee in February -March. A summary of the top proposal(s) and staff recommendation will be shared with the Environmental Commission at its March meeting and comments and questions will be requested. Award of contract is scheduled for May 2021. Both recycling and organics services are scheduled to begin in January 2022. Staff will provide additional updates on the RFP process at the February Commission meeting. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos try of�,� golden alley l`� y Date: February 18, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 753-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Xcel Energy's Partners In Energy Update — Workshop 5 In order to achieve the energy goals identified in the Resilience & Sustainability chapter of the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan and continue to advance in the GreenStep Cities program, the City applied for and was accepted into the Partners In Energy (PIE) Community Collaboration Program in February 2020. The City assembled a team of community members to work with PIE staff to develop the energy action plan. The milestone schedule follows: ✓ Project kickoff meeting April 2020 ✓ Assemble energy action planning team - spring/summer 2020 ✓ Workshop 1 August 2020 - vision statement ✓ Workshop 2 September 2020 - focus areas ✓ Workshop 3 November 2020 - goals and strategies ✓ Workshop 4 December 2020 - strategies and tactics ✓ Workshop 5 January 27, 2021— finalize goals, focus areas, plan content • Draft, review, edit, and revise the plan Feb -March 2021 • Share plan with Environmental Commission March 2021 • Present plan to City Council April 2021 • Implement energy action plan 2021-2022 Energy Action Planning team member Galonska and staff will provide an update to the Commission and an overview of the information shared at Workshop 5 (attached). Commission members should review the attachment and come to the meeting with any questions or comments they may have for the project team as it writes the energy action plan. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos\Monarch Pledge & Bee City Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 PARTNERS IN ENERGY GOLDEN VALLEY WORKSHOP 5 JANUARY 27, 2021 eitn'f & Xcel Energy goldeval1`c PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration 1 TODAY'S WORKSHOP WILL BE RECORDED 'i0of 9oIdenr valley 2 XcelEnergy® PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy - PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 TODAYS AGENDA ■ Updating our progress ■ Consensus on ■ Goal Statement ■ Data Check • Reality Check ■ Focus Areas and Timing of Initiatives ■ Brainstorming on strategies and tactics ■ Next Steps / Expectations Irvnf goldevall� 3 PLAN FRAMEWORK What is our vision for Golden Valley's energy future? How will we know if we are successful? How will we focus our efforts to achieve our goal? Which strategies will maximize the impact of each focus area? What will we do to deliver on each strategy? City of golden�Y' 4 7 Xcel Energyx PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley will be a more sustainable and resilient community where the benefits of using and sourcing energy wisely accrue equitably to every resident, business, and visitor. Goal Reducing Energy Clean Energy Energy Burden Efficiency Identify 1. Residential Educate 2. Business Coordinate 1. Residential 2. Business 3. EV's Tactics Tactics Tactics 4 XcelEnergy° PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 HYPOTHETICAL PLAN (FROM WORKSHOP 3) Reduce Energy Burden Energy Efficiency Priority., Residential Clean Energy Priority., Renewable Residential Energy 5 Energy Efficiency Priority: Business Outreach Clean Energy Add Electric Vehicle prep Add Greenhouse Gas reduction Clean Energy Add Renewable Energy for Businesses HOMEWORK FROM LAST WORKSHOP ■ We reviewed a plan to take Golden Valley's annual greenhouse gas emissions from energy use from 210,182 to 137,084 MTCO2e ■ 35% reduction ■ Two key questions 1. Could we get to 100,000 MTCO2e by 2030? 2. Are either of these realistic? I Now — 12/22 1/23 — 12/25 12/25 — 12/XX? GREENHOUSE GAS AVOIDANCE (MTCO2E) XcelEnergy° 6 PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 7 GREENHOUSE GAS AVOIDANCE LMTCO2E) 250,000 200,000 210,182 150,000 d 0 U � 137,094 100,000 50,000 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 7 ❑ Grid Decarbonization ❑ Renewable Energy ■ Commercial ■ Residential ❑ Remaining Emissions GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS CAN DROP 41 % IN 10 YEARS 250,000 Grid Decarbonization 200,000 204,050 ■ Renewable Energy 150,000 0 ■ Commercial U_ 100,000 119,645 ■ Residential 50,000 118,130 Remaining Emissions 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 8 Xcel Energy - PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 10 SURPRISING RESULTS LOOKING AT LONG-TERM EFFICIENCY Myof & XcelEnergyx goldvalle Number of times a Golden Valley residence or business premise would PARTNERS IN ENERGY y need to participate in a program over 10 years. R = 10,066; B = 983 An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration SURPRISING RESULTS LOOKING AT LONG-TERM EFFICIENCY ;,,,of�,� 7 XcelEnergy® gold Mlle Number of times a Golden Valley residence or business premise would PARTNERS IN ENERGY y need to participate in a program over 10 years. R = 10,066; B = 983 An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy - PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 11 12 KEY PROGRAMS IN EACH SCENARIO Residential Programs ■ Home Energy Squad ■ Low -Income Home Energy Squad ■ Refrigerator Recycling ■ Residential Cooling ■ Residential Heating ■ CenterPoint Low -Income Weatherization ■ CenterPoint Home Insulation Rebates ■ CenterPoint Home Efficiency Rebates ■ CenterPoint DIY Home Efficiency 'tv n( valley Business Programs ■ Cooling Efficiency ■ Lighting Efficiency ■ Multi -Family Building Efficiency ■ Small Business Lighting ■ CenterPoint C&I Rebates 7 Xcel Energyx PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration 30% INCREASE IN PARTICIPANTS YIELDS 3% DECREASE IN MTCO2E 30,000 150,000 25,000 119,645 118,704 115,708 u 20,000 r 100,000 3,232 22,824 9 •�' 15,000 r n m 17,569 a 10,000 14,495 15,r 50,000 :r 5,000 0 0 2.50% 5% 10% Residential Participants Business Participants t2031 MTCO2e 't �(� 7 Xcel Energy° gotd alley 12 PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 13 14 WHY DO THE FORECASTS WORK THAT WAY??? ■ The cleanest kilowatt will always be the one that's never generated. BUT ■ Electricity is getting cleaner every year. ■ Initiatives that reduce energy use have less impact as the energy becomes cleaner. rity n( goldevall� A cleaner energy mix C IN ENERGY �O 2024 •C1.d IB% N " 25% • WN 3i1 •sw n oh. s% Xcel Energyx 13 PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xeel Energy Community Collaboration ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT IT - THE MOST ACHIEVABLE PLAN SAVES 785,410 MTCO2E 2021 - 2031 u 900 800 785,410 a F 700 600 N 500 O U 400 300 200 1000,7 E . 1 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 ■ Prior Savings ■ Annual MTCO2e Savings XcelEnergy° Sold all PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy - PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 15 16 785,410,000 TONS OF MTCO2e is ... CO2 emissions from 90163'1 homes' energy use for one year r;tvnf valley Carbon sequestered by 12,986,921 Il11f tree seedlings �q grown for 10 years Greenhouse gas emissions from 169,fi83 Passenger d driven for one year XcelEnergy 15 PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration ANOTHER WAY TO LOOK AT IT: THE MOSTACHIEVABLE PLAN SAVES $108,531,660 2021 - 2031 120 $108,531,660 100 80 m E2 60 r`n m 0 40 20 . 1 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 ■ Prior Savings ■ Residential Savings ■ Business Savings � ;,,,XcelEnergy¢ S°1d all PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration j9, Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 MORE HOMEWORK: DEFINE GOALS FOR ENERGY BURDEN. "To me it would make sense to measure the data against current Golden Valley homes. It is hard to ■ Can we eliminate energy burden in Golden compare to other areas ... a lot of other variables can go Valley by 2030? into the mix." ■ What is feasible? rity n( golilevall� 17 "Let's list other cities numbers for reference, but set our goal based on GV's numbers (hopefully using year end 2020 with pandemic impacts). So reduce by 100% to zero burdened at end of 10-year period." "I would prefer the progress to be measured against the current number of Golden Valley homes experiencing energy burden. Personally I would like the reduction to be 100%, however in setting a realistic goal 1 would hope we could hit between 50-75%" Xcel Energyx 17 PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration PROGRESS ADDRESSING ENERGY BURDEN IN GOLDEN VALLEY STORY SCHWANTES: GREEN CORPS MEMBER ;tv n( goGlden'. valley 18 XcelEnergy° PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 ENERGY BURDEN DEFINED ■ Energy burden: the percentage of household income spent on home energy bills. ■ A "high energy burden" means more than 6% of income is spent on home energy bills In A "severe energy burden" means more than 10% of income is spent on home energy bills ■ In Golden Valley, average energy burden is 2% In But —16% of households are experiencing high or severe energy burden (Statistics are pre -pandemic) dtvof & XcelEnergy- gold ni _ Source: ACEEE: How High are Household Energy Burdens? An Assessment of National and � `��C IIERGY ley Burden across the United States. Available here: https://wwwaceee.org/sites/default/files/pdfs n ce erg,Community Collaboration 19 HOW DO WE REACH THAT 16%? ■ Outreach to multi -family buildings managers about Multi Family Building Efficiency Program ■ Worked with GV Fire Department & planning team to compile a list of managers ■ Cross referenced with rental licensing data ■ Low Income Rental Classification data from MN Housing ■ Plan to work with managers to disseminate info on ■ Income -qualified Multi -family Energy Savings Program • Energy Assistance Program (EAP) "I f NgoGln�`� valley 20 XcelEnergy® PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration XcelEnergy■ PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 HOW AND WHO ELSE? ■ Outreach to community organizations & local schools ■ Thanks Michelle! ■ Anyone have useful contacts? O ■ Connecting with other cities/communities about their energy burden work and Energy Action Plans ■ Minneapolis ■ Bloomington ■ St. Paul Public Schools ■ Promote Energy Action Plan, Home Energy Squad, renewable energy programs on: ■ City social media ■ City website ■ Craigslist ■ Next Door ■ Working with Heather, Golden Valley's GIS professional: accessing housing stock data and permit information. ea 9oIX'n l� 21 Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration I get for Efficiency OWN EE" 22 Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 23 WHAT STOOD OUT? 'i0 a( gold ally 24 XcelEnergy° PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 GOAL IMPLICATIONS ■ Think about what captures the imagination. ■ What is your "Put a man on the moon and return him safely to earth in this decade"? Greenhouse Gasses Energy Burden ■ 785,410 MTCO2e is equivalent to ... ■ How many households in Golden Valley will be better off? ■ What will having affordable energy COz emissions from Carbon sequestered by Greenhouse gas emissions from mean for these families? 90,631 12,986,921 169,683 E homes'-; , 00oy tree seedlings passenger se far one yyAV grown for IO vehicles driven A year �V years for one year rvn(XcelEnergyx gdde�a.l, 25 PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xoel Energy Community Collaboration 25 n RETURNING IN 10 MINUTES 1;rv(If gold a,,14,yr 26 XcelEnergy® PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xoel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy - PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 10 MINUTE BREAK Itv of goldeva.Il� 27 SHARE A SENTENCE OR 2 'itv of gold all 28 Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration XcelEnergy° PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration () Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 A ROUGH DRAFT Our goal is to prevent the creation of 750,000 metric tons of greenhouse gasses from our consumption of electricity and natural gas in the next 10 years. Between now and 2032, Golden Valley will support its residents and businesses as they ... ■ Participate in over 18,000 energy efficiency initiatives, and ■ Increase the purchase or creation of renewable energy every year Every Golden Valley household facing high or severe energy burden will know that help is available and will have access to that help when and how they need it. e.,' of go/ enay 29 FOCUS AREAS AND TIMING 'tv n( gold all 30 XcelEnergy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy° PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration () Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 HYPOTHETICAL PLAN (FROM WORKSHOP 3) Reduce Energy Burden Energy Efficiency Priority: Residential Clean Energy Priority: Renewable Residential Energy 31 Energy Efficiency Priority: Business Outreach Clean Energy Add Electric Vehicle prep Add Greenhouse Gas reduction Clean Energy Add Renewable Energy for Businesses HYPOTHETICAL PLAN - REVISED Combat Energy Burden • Build energy burden process Improve Energy Efficiency Residential • Target oldest homes Multi -Family Commercial • Focus on smaller businesses Embrace Clean Energy Support residential adoption Subscription options • Assistance w/ on -site Build a business pipeline Outreach to businesses whose brands can benefit Begin long-term education initiatives 32 Combat Energy Burden Add capabilities (languages, advocacy. team with non -profits) Improve Energy Efficiency Residential • Extend initiatives to newer homes • Consider support for larger projects Commercial Maintain outreach pace Extend to medium businesses Embrace Clean Energy Maintain residential activity Use testimonials among similar businesses Consider municipal programs to help facilitate adoption Now — 12/22 1 /23 — 12/25 12/25 — 12/XX? Combat Energy Burden • Assess process, add capabilities as indicated (e.g., more languages, predictive analytics) Improve Energy Efficiency Residential Re -contact early users with new incentives Promote new technologies Commercial • Re -contact early users with new incentives Embrace Clean Energy Maintain residential and business pace Extend municipal programs Xcel Energy PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 WHAT NEXT? rity n( goldevall� 33 33 Xcel Energyx PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration ROUGH TIMING FOR THE PLAN WRITING PROCESS ;tv n(�, gold alley 34 Editing Partners in PiE � Energy Revise Review PiE Partners in Energy Golden Valley � Energy Action Team Xcel Energy Final Approvals X My 34 XcelEnergy° PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Xcel Energy - PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration Golden Valley Workshop 5 January 27, 2021 35 36 THANK YOU ;rvn( � XcelEnergyx golde�all� PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration LXcelEnergya PARTNERS IN ENERGY An Xcel Energy Community Collaboration city of go ldn� valley Date: February 18, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: 2021 Work Plan Ideas As stated in its bylaws, the Commission is required to develop an annual work plan for review and approval by City Council. The draft work plan for 2021 will be based upon the City's 2040 Comprehensive Plan, GreenStep Cities Program, Council legislative priorities, the City's equity goals, and the Energy Action Plan which is nearing completion. Links to relevant documents: • Resilience and Sustainability Plan • Natural Resources Plan • Water Resources Plan • GreenStep Cities Step 4 & 5 actions, https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/best-practices • https://www.flipsnack.com/goldenvalleymn/legislative-priorities-2021/full-view.html • Energy Action Plan (forthcoming — we will provide a draft in the coming weeks. You may review the slide deck in the Jan and Feb EC packets for ideas) • City code — includes environmental codes that could be reviewed and updated Attached is the 2020 work plan. Commission members reviewed this list at the January meeting to get the conversation started. Items that appeared to be complete were struck out and new items were added. These will be discussed in more detail at the February meeting. Following the January meeting, an email request was sent to Commissioners asking for more thoughts and ideas to include in the discussion at the February meeting. Attached are the additional ideas generated via email response. Commission members should review all work plan ideas included in this memo and come to the meeting prepared to discuss and prioritize these items. The draft work plan will be presented to the Commission for approval in March and considered by Council in April. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos 2020 Work Plan Proposed work plan priorities for 2020 are based on goals in the Resilience & Sustainability, Water Resources, and Parks & Natural Resources chapters of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the GreenStep Cities Program, and the City's participation in Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy Community Collaboration Program. • Curbside Organics Collection Continue to expIGFe eptiens and provide information/ recommendation to the City Council; assist in developing and implementing a new organics program • Xcel Energy's Partners In Energy Program Help guide and participate in the development and implementation of the City's Energy Action Plan including: o advance building performance (supporting state and local efforts to update building codes or standards that advance energy performance in buildings) o energy benchmarking in private buildings • GreenStep Cities Step 5: Continue working on actions and metrics to address climate -related impacts, improve the environment, and reduce energy consumption and costs. o If awarded a MN GreenCorps Member in 2020 2021 2021-2022, work to complete GreenStep Cities actions related to Climate and Energy Action. • Community Outreach: Use the Commission's $3,500 budget to: • fund --a jewnt pFaj•eet, speakeF, G event the Human Rights r'.,.,-,., issien o administer a student essay competition • Climate Justice and Environmental Justice: Partner with Human Rights Commission on joint project, event, or speaker. May require joint meeting. Ties in well with City's Resilience and Sustainability Plan. Potential ideas for collaboration include: o hosting a speaker on climate justice and environmental justice focusing on climate adaptation and resilience or promoting community gardens and local food production o sponsoring a project in an area of the City with inequities of green space and amenities, or pairing a community event with planting trees and vegetation in that area • Zero -Waste Community: Assist the City in hosting a community event in 2020 2021. • Natural Resources Management Plan: Continue to assist in implementation of the plan, including: • PrOVidiRg an update OR Emerald Ash Borer Man -.egret • Pollinators: Complete actions listed in the City's Pollinator Protection resolution, such as: • meFe plot .,.d habitat ... the .,it. • Air Quality: Review City code with respect to wood burning and update as needed to protect and maintain local air quality. • Recycling: Reduce single use plastics and containers. Ideas added in January 2021: Water & Natural Resources • Supporting habitat restoration in the Briarwood Nature Area in 2021-22 with DNR Grant funds • Assist in updating the City's Stormwater Management Program (part of permit requirement with MPCA) •Assist T-a-pia-t„-�the rtys ShvRc,1nte"rd_ nrvnnT"usCTcnt Ordinance cc (not suggested/ supported) Transportation • Some kind of goal for transportation — Bike/Ped, Bus Transport — Get people out of cars. Energy • Support PIE and the Energy Action Plan - Help guide the implementation. (this in included in the second bullet above) Collaboration/Community Outreach • Open to doing more joint work with other commissions. • Student outreach to get their ideas for environmental initiatives Pollinators • Do some work with/for butterflies. Ideas added via email in February: Energy • Promote and Develop Clean, Renewable Energy o Solar companies can install panels, connect to Xcel Energy's grid and become part of the solar rewards program. Can the city do some pre -work and approve companies that have been vetted for this program. Can we recommend companies? o Can the City coordinate solar on a bigger scale? If we had a solar array on the vacant property near Honeywell on Douglas for example (next to a retention pond), could that solar array feed the cities needs and then go back into the grid for credits? Scale seems to be something the city can achieve when it comes to solar. • Consider/plan for use of electric vehicles to supplement City fleet (batteries and fuel cell versions); there have been advances in EV since the last time we talked about this several years ago. • Develop a Net Zero project, perhaps a City project that is already scheduled for the future. • Develop a GV solar garden to benefit those who are in danger of utility disconnection &/or those who are energy burdened perhaps even GV nonprofit organizations. If this is not feasible yet, perhaps a community solar garden for GV residents as a paid subscription and a certain percentage is donated to those who are in danger of utility disconnection. This could be a joint collaboration with the HS commission to help fund the project with an annual fundraiser. It could also be a joint collaboration with Open Spaces Commission (depending on location), the HR Commission &/or The RisingTides Task Force. Water & Natural Resources • Protect and Enhance The Natural Environment o Removing buckthorn, planting higher quality plants that sequester carbon, retain flood water, etc. Can the city do a buckthorn collection streetside a couple times a year? Encourage folks to clear it off their own properties? Is there a recognition program for neighbors to recognize neighbors who are doing more with native plantings, etc? o As for equity issues, I favor focusing on tree cover for all - closing the canopy in Golden Valley! Tree Cover correlated to human health. Let's make sure we all have equal access to trees and the canopy. • Work to identify and better characterize remnant natural areas in Golden Valley, how to improve, expand, and preserve • Perhaps review if needed the Lilac Planting Project for environmental best practices including using natives & pollinator friendly replacement plantings vs non-native lilacs. • Look at long-range needs for stormwater storage and consider how to use those needs to improve recreation (e.g., fishing) and conservation Downtown Redevelopment • Additional involvement in the downtown revitalization/small area plan (we reviewed a draft in 2020) Waste and Recycling • Develop a zero -waste project for the GV Farmer's Market. Transportation: Work on having a local & affordable rideshare program specifically for low income households in GV that uses EV &/or hybrid vehicles. If this is not a true need due to i.e. not enough licensed &/or insured drivers perhaps a possible local shuttle (again EV &/or hybrid to a grocery store &/or Walmart/Target type store. This could be a joint commission project with HR &/or The Rising Tides Task Force • Work on having more bus routes in GV using EV &/or hybrid buses Collaboration/Community Outreach Continue the Environmental Equity subgroup in collaboration with the Human Rights Commission (and other commissions?) and explore whether a long-term group/effort is needed. • Piggy back on Story's work of gathering contacts with community leaders for PIE & develop a program for the City to work with local nonprofits & community leaders that serve GV residents (i.e. PRISM, food shelves, faith based communities, schools) to determine the environmental needs/challenges their communities have and develop communications & education to best encourage/spark action on environmental issues that are relevant to those they service i.e. net zero, water conservation, cleaner water, zero waste, etc. Again, this could be a joint commission project with HRC &/or The RisingTides Task Force • Student environmental project contest where a project idea with an action plan is submitted. The winner would receive a predetermined amount of funds from the EC's small budget & a partnership with the City (department to be determined depending on project) to complete the project as well as the project being documented thru GV's media channels • Host an annual art show @ Brookview &/or City Hall with an environmental theme. If a contest the winner could receive a small prize from the EC small budget & an "article" communicated thru GV's media channels. Could be a possible joint venture with HRC. • Host an annual or perhaps seasonal art installation (this could also include a garden) contest where the contestants submit an environmental theme. Could be a possible joint venture with OSRC. o i.e. possible sites for the art install could be the pedestrian bridge across Hwy 55, City Hall, the HC Library campus, Brookview campus, one of GV's parks, an empty city lot, etc. • Work on installing a GV community vegetable garden &/or fruit orchard in or near an underserved community where a portion of one's bounty is donated to a local food shelf. This could be a pay for plot set-up and a certain percentage of plots are free of charge for those in need. We could even go so far as having a shared compost system and the garden could implement a best gardening practices in place that the gardeners need to adhere to i.e. no tilling, no chemical pesticides or fertilizers, include winter secondary crops to feed the soil &/or birds. Rain capture & would be encouraged vs using City water, perhaps solar lighting could be, etc. The garden(s) could even have contests for best overall gardening practices, largest vegetable, etc. and the garden could have a newsletter, Facebook page or bulletin with relevant articles provided by the People for Pollinators group, GV Gardening Club, GV staff (i.e. Green Corps member, Drew, Eric, Tim Kieffer, Al Lundstrom). • Host a Metro Blooms workshop. • Host webinars with GV staff as the speaker(s). I got this idea from Eric talking about the sludge in the ponds that get dredged up and how the EC has the privilege of hearing from a wide range of staff and the efforts GV takes to improve our environment. I believe Eric, Drew, our GreenCorps members, Tim Kieffer, Al Lundstrom, etc. would all be excellent candidates to give a workshop. It could be as simple as a live Facebook event or a series of YouTube videos posted on the GV Website &/or Facebook page. • Develop a GV Environmental website (or easy to find/access tab on the city of GV's website & Facebook page to share with the City's residents, businesses & visitors that would be extremely easy to navigate and find all the links to the upcoming PIE programs that will be offered, workshop(s), links to Hennepin County's environmental offerings, etc. try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: February 18, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist Subject: MetroBlooms Workshops The City of Golden Valley has been in touch with MetroBlooms about hosting a workshop this spring. The City has worked with MetroBlooms in the past, hosting a Turf Alternatives Workshop in Fall 2018, a Healthy Soils Workshop in Spring of 2019, and Creating Your Resilient Yard in Spring of 2020. See attached 2020 Workshop Survey Results for feedback from prior attendees. This year, the available workshops have changed to include The Resilient Yard Workshop, Bee Lawn Workshop, and 1-21- Pollinator Gardens Workshop. Please see attached Workshop Descriptions for an overview of each workshop. Annual Partnership with BlueThumb, a MetroBlooms program, is encouraged and would provide access to additional materials for residents and discounted fees for workshops. Golden Valley's partnership fees would be $500, with $250 going towards the cost of the workshop. In Golden Valley's case, partnership would reduce the overall cost of hosting a workshop. See the attached Partnership Agreement for additional details. The fees for the available workshops range from $1150- $2750 and they suggest a $15-20 fee per each participant. All workshops are anticipated to be held via online presentations. Last Winter the Commission agreed it was interested in continuing the arrangement with Metro Blooms if the opportunity presented itself. The Commission is requested to discuss the above opportunities and approve the scheduling of a workshop, if desired. MetroBlooms has made efforts to focus many of their projects and initiatives in traditionally underserved communities. More information on these ongoing efforts can be found here: https://metroblooms.org/equitable-engagement/ GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos Thank you for supporting our Resilient Yards Workshop series this spring! Our new and improved Resilient Yards presentation received consistent high marks, and our second full season of Turf Alternatives workshops was also a great success. 1919 homeowners attended our spring workshops, including 39 from Golden Valley. From our in -workshop surveys, we've gathered that: Covid-19 considerations and adjusting to an online platform Due to complications associated with Covid-19 we had to learn how to present our content through an online platform. With this adjustment, we wanted to gauge our audience's comfort in attending a workshop through this medium. While presenting our educational materials through zoom did come with some complications, we hope that web -based presentations will allow Blue Thumb to expand our audience base throughout Minnesota. We found that, on a 1-5 scale with 5 being the best rating for ease of attendance, the average ease of attendance for our Resilient Yards Workshops was a 4.8. Resilient Yards Survey Results 95% of respondents rated the workshop experience, the presenters, and the information presented "above average" or "excellent". 80% of respondents indicated that they are likely to install pollinator habitat this year. 39% of respondents indicated that they are likely or very likely to install a raingarden within two years from now. Resilient Yards and the Lawns to Legumes Program This year, Blue Thumb played an essential role in promoting the Lawns to Legumes (L2L) program. As such, our educational programming was framed to introduce our audience to the four planting types promoted through L2L. We asked workshop attendees to rate their confidence in installing Native Pocket Plantings, Raingardens (variation of a pocket planting), Pollinator Friendly Trees and Shrubs, Pollinator Lawns, and Pollinator Meadows. 85% of respondents indicated that they felt confident or very confident in their ability to install a native pocket planting after attending the workshop. 46% of respondents indicated that they felt confident or very confident in their ability to install a Raingarden. 76% of respondents indicated that they felt confident or very confident in their ability to install Pollinator Friendly Trees and Shrubs. 65% of respondents indicated that they felt confident or very confident in their ability to install a Pollinator Lawn. 52% of respondents indicated that they felt confident or very confident in their ability to install a Pollinator Meadow. 93% indicated they are likely or very likely to install native plants in their yard this year. 59% are likely or very likely to install turf alternatives, and 75% intend to plant trees or shrubs in their yards. Turf Alternatives Survey Results 98% indicated they were interested in learning how to support pollinators on their property, and 62% were interested in using fewer resources to maintain their lawn. Greater than 98% of survey respondents rated the workshop experience, the presenters, and the information presented "above average" or "excellent". Over half of our respondents (54%) indicated that they are interested in installing a bee lawn this year. Greater than 93% of respondents indicated that they are likely or very likely to install a bee lawn within the next two years. 59% of respondents indicated that they are confident or very confident in their ability to install a bee lawn this year. 92% of respondents indicated that they are likely or very likely to install native plants on their residence. 60% of respondents indicated that they are likely or very likely to install fine fescue turfgrass, or some other species/mixture of low maintenance turf. 52% of respondents indicated that they are likely or very likely to install pollinator -friendly trees and shrubs. 25% of respondents indicated that they are likely or very likely to install a raingarden. Blue Thumb Year -End Workshop Survey Results We just finished asking our 2020 attendees what they've gotten up to after attending a Blue Thumb workshop —and the results speak for themselves: Creating Your Resilient Yard workshop • 81% of respondents installed a native planting after attending the workshop. Another 18% said they plan to install native plantings in the future. (Who and when changed) • 64% of respondents installed native pocket plantings, 33% installed pollinator -friendly trees and shrubs, 22% installed pollinator lawns, 17% installed rain gardens, and 5% installed pollinator meadows. (What was the change) • Survey respondents installed more than 25,000 square feet of native plantings in total, as well as 170 pollinator -friendly trees and shrubs. (How much change) • 97% of individuals who installed native plantings did so to create habitat for pollinators, 76% wanted to beautify their property, 46% wanted to be leaders in their neighborhood for environmental issues, 27% wanted to participate in a local community program, 22% wanted to reduce stormwater runoff, and 3% wanted to reduce flooding/ice issues on their property. (Why they changed) Installing Turf Alternatives workshop • 56% installed a turf alternative —with another 5% in the midst of a turf alternative installation —on an average of 29% of their yards. Another 39% plan to install turf alternatives in the future. • 35% of respondents installed pollinator lawns, 30% installed native perennials, 15% installed low input or native grasses, 5% installed pollinator friendly trees and shrubs, and 5% installed pollinator meadows. • Survey respondents installed over 4000 square feet of turf alternatives. • 89% of individuals who installed native plantings did so to create habitat for pollinators, 61% wanted to reduce lawn inputs, 56% wanted to beautify their property, 50% wanted to reduce stormwater runoff, and 33% wanted to be leaders in their neighborhood for environmental issues. Healthy Soils workshop • 100% of respondents adopted practices to protect their survey after attending the Healthy Soils workshop. These individuals also installed a native planting after attending. • 50% of attendees installed a raingarden, 50% of attendees installed pollinator -friendly trees and shrubs, and 50% of attendees installed a pollinator meadow. • Survey respondents installed 4500 square feet of native plantings. We look forward to scheduling 2021 workshops in the near future. Thanks again, B�14e your yard Metro Blooms' T 144 CA BEr�E Grow. Bloom. Inspire! ' ule CHANGE mi � �.+� ?�Ldcvns2legumes PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER° Blue Thumb 2021 Season Workshop Descriptions Workshop Name Duration Price Resilient Yards Workshop 1 1.5 Hours $2750/$1150 Join Metro Blooms Landscape Professionals for a virtual watch party meant to help residents develop a framework for understanding resilience. Learn how to create resilience in your yard using site planning, raingardens, turf alternatives, trees, other plantings and more. Includes one- on-one design assistance for your yard from Metro Blooms landscape designers, and guidance from Hennepin County Master Gardeners and Master Water Stewards. Bee Lawn Workshop 1.5 Hours $1150 Your guide to Bee Lawn installation. This one -hour presentation serves as your "how to" for bee lawns, from their construction, to their benefits. Staff sustainable landcare manager and entomologist, James Wolfin, teaches residents the steps they need to take to convert their traditional turfgrass monoculture into a beautiful, flowering bee lawn that promotes pollinator health, water quality and natural resource conservation. L2L Pollinator Gardens Workshop 1 1.5 Hours $1150 In 2019, the state of Minnesota launched Lawns to Legumes, a state program administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) meant to assist residents across the state of Minnesota in converting their turfgrass lawns into pollinator -friendly landscapes. BWSR has partnered with Blue Thumb to develop a workshop that will familiarize residents with the Lawns to Legumes program and introduce them to planting practices that are known to benefit pollinators, and our environment. Blue Thumb —Planting for Clean Water"' 2021 Partner Agreement Blue Thumb —Planting for Clean Water® is a public/private partnership promoting native plants, raingardens, shoreline stabilization projects, and turf alternatives to reduce runoff and improve water quality. Our Finest on EarthT"^ Blue Thumb Partners include local governmental units (watershed districts, conservation districts, cities and counties), non- profit organizations, and private companies (nurseries, landscape design and build companies, garden supply stores, etc.) all working toward Blue Thumb goals. Blue Thumb is coordinated by Metro Blooms. Where We Started T6krn 000 PLANTING FOR CLEAN WATER° Blue Thumb began in 2006 as an outreach program of the Rice Creek Watershed District (located in Blaine, Minnesota) to help its cities meet mandated water quality goals set forth in the Clean Water Act. Our Challenge The EPA defines runoff as the nation's number one threat to the water quality of our lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. However, much of the general public is unaware of how runoff from their property impacts our clean water or how they can make a difference. Our Shared Vision Blue Thumb aims to engage community, inform behavior change and bridge the gap between knowledge and action. We are leading the way in changing landscaping norms among professionals and property owners. We dream of (and work towards) clean water resources supported by beautiful and ecologically functional landscapes that minimize runoff in cities, towns and suburbs. Our Impact • Partnerships with 50+ organizations including cities,water governing bodies, businesses and nonprofits • Access to professional display and education materials to distribute to property owners • Opportunities to network with like-minded professionals • Trusted native plant nurseries and landscape contractors • Active social media and website with popular native plant selector and partner finder tools • Workshops for residents on topics including raingardens, resilient yards,turf alternatives, and healthy soils • Train -the -Trainer workshops for professionals and staff on partner -directed subjects like maintenance Blue Thumb is a resource -sharing, information hub connecting public partners, private partners and the general public with each other. Our website, bluethumb.org, provides a wealth of information to residents, from those Looking for DIY instructions to those who want professional help. We also host popular workshops and exhibit at relevant events in the Twin Cities metro area and beyond. Blue Thumb partners have access to educational displays, pamphlets and handouts for print, and other partner -developed materials. Website: A Helping Hand and One -Stop Shop Bluethumb.org is a one -stop shop for thousands of residents looking to learn more about planting for clean water. and pollinators It includes a plant -finder tool, DIY instructions and videos, grant opportunities, *new in 2021, a job board, clean water and pollinator events, and a partner -finder tool to help connect residents and potential clients with Blue Thumb partners. Education, Outreach and Marketing Expertise Blue Thumb uses its large and growing presence on social media, through website traffic, and at events and workshops to call attention to: the problem of runoff and actions that residents can take to address it; clean water news and events; and the efforts of our Blue Thumb partners. We are shaping the conversation about planting for clean water. Professional Development & Finest On Earth Networking Blue Thumb Partners are part of a robust and diverse network of like-minded organizations and professionals, receiving hands-on professional development on timely topics at partner meetings and other opportunities throughout the year.These have recently included Resilient Yards,Turf Alternatives, Stormwater Benefits of Trees, Clean Water Communication, Healthy Soils, Buckthorn Remediation, and Equitable Engagement. Private Partners Value: Public Partners Value: • Blue Thumb workshops offer Blue Thumb partners as local resources. Workshop attendees receive a folder with partner materials and also meet with partner landscape designers to talk about their properties. • Our online Partner Finder Tool refers hundreds of website visitors to partners each year. • Blue Thumb's presence at the State Fair and other events throughout the year are all opportunities to meet potential clients interested in creating ecologically beneficial Landscapes. • Blue Thumb helps set apart companies that have an environmental focus and clean water • Blue Thumb Partners receive a discount on workshops and educational materials. • Additional shared partner resources and displays means that partners needn't reinvent the wheel, and makes public education and outreach events a breeze. • Blue Thumb workshops for residents help reach MS4 permitting requirements and educational goals, and are demonstrated to help homeowners convert knowledge into action. • Public partners want their residents to install BMPs, but cannot recommend specific companies. Blue Thumb's online partner finder is a great resource for their residents. and native plant expertise. Blue Thumb provides extra help publicizing • Opportunities to learn new best practices in the clean water events, programs, activities, and field at quarterly partner meetings, workshops, ways to get involved. and other events. Go to bLuethumb.org/become-a-partner/ to fill out the partner agreement online. Fee Structure Fees are a necessary part in helping Blue Thumb — Planting for Clean Water® achieve our vision and offer all the partner benefits outlined. In 2021 members may continue to fulfill up to 50% of fees with volunteer action hours on subcomittees and at events. Nonprofits and volunteer -led organizations have the option to fulfull their full partner fee through service hours. Volunteer Action Hours Each action hour is counted as a $50 contribution. "Volunteer Action Hours" are limited to those per- formed within a subcommittee, or under the direc- tion of a subcommittee (i.e. helping at the State Fair or a partner event). Any unfulfilled volunteer hours will be invoiced at year end. Your volunteer involvement is encouraged and greatly appreciated whether or not you provide the full cash contribution to the program. Blue Thumb Subcommittees In 2021,we are launching subcommittees that will help plan and implement organizational planning. These subcommittees are headed by and populated with Blue Thumb Partners, and supported by Metro Blooms staff where appropriate and as needed. Subcommittee options and details are listed on the following page. Partner Fees We've simplified partner fees to be based on the size of your organization. We've also included a fee range for your consideration. In 2021,the minimum partner fees are equal to or less than previous years' fees. Small Organizations: $250 - $750 • Business (Gross revenue < $500,000) • Nonprofit,WMO (Annual budget < $500,000) • City (Population < 5,000) • County/SWCD (Population < 50,000) • Watershed District (Taxable Market Value < $1 Billion) Medium Organizations: $500 - $1,500 • Business (Gross revenue $500,000 - $1,000,000) • Nonprofit,WMO (Annual budget $500,000 - $1,000,000) • City (Population 5,000 - 50,000) • County/SWCD (Population 50,000 - 400,000) • Watershed District (TMV $1-$5 Billion) Large Organizations: $1,000 - $3,000 • Business (Gross revenue > $1 Million) • Nonprofit,WMO (Annual budget > $1 Million) • City (Population > 50,000) • County/ SWCD (Population > 400,000) • Watershed District (TMV> $5 Billion) Discounts Organizations outside of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area (in and beyond Greater Minnesota) can request a 50% reduction in the partner fee. Partners can also apply up to half of their partner fee towards the cost of a workshop package, and order discounted Blue Thumb materials. Go to b[uethumb.org/become-a-partner/ to fill out the partner agreement online. Maintaining Our Success Blue Thumb Subcommittees To maintain Blue Thumb's success, we need dedicated partner time contributions. We are asking partners to help plan and implement various divisions of the program. Hours served go toward a reduction of membership fees at $50 per hour. Up to 50% of the total fee may be paid in service hours (up to 100% for nonprofits and volunteer -led organizations). Please review the adjacent subcommittee options. Note that some subcommittees will also put a general call out for volunteers where appropriate (i.e. helping set up and/or staff the state fair exhibit or other events). We encourage partners to consider serving on a subcommittee. Some subcommittees have a seasonality to their workload, which our Blue Thumb partners can understand. With that in mind, subcommittee chairs also understand that partners may not be able to attend every meeting or event due to workloads, but we value your input and welcome you to join a subcommittee. If you want to learn more about a subcommittee, please reach out to the listed subcommittee chair. If one isn't listed then Stephanie at shatzenbihler@rochestermn.gov or John at john@metroblooms.org can help guide you. Please note: Blue Thumb Partners hosting Minnesota Water Stewards may use MWS volunteer hours to help fulfill their volunteer action hours. Membership Recruitment and Retention • Grow and sustain membership. Define partner benefits and sponsorship opportunities. • Chaired by: Beth Carreno; bcarreno@ricecreek.org Workshop Development & Promotions • Help plan workshop content and promotions. • Chaired by: Sage Passi; sage.passi@rwmwd.org EJ Hub • BuiLd Equity into Blue Thumb and share with partners. • Chaired by: Stacey Lijewski; Stacey.Lijewski@hennepin.us Resources & Materials • Develop and champion Blue Thumb resources. • Chaired by: AmyJuntunen; amy@jass.biz Partner Meetings • Plan and host partner meetings: decide themes/topics, Locations, and speakers. • Open chair Year End Recognition Event • Plan and throw the winter partner recognition event. • Chaired by: Beth Carreno and Stephanie Hatzenbihler; bcarreno@ricecreek.org & shatzenbihler@rochestermn.gov State Fair & Engagement • Decide and plan exhibit theme and other engagement events. • Chaired by: Bre Bauerly; bre@mnlcorp.com Go to bluethumb.org/become-a-partner/ to fill out the partner agreement online. Fee for Service Structure Partner Fees Fees are a necessary part in helping Blue Thumb For a full definition of partner fees and achieve our goals. We recognize that some organizational determination, seethe Partner organizations have an easier time paying directly Fee Structure page, above. Non -partners can for services than for partnership dues. To that end, we've developed an "on -ramp" for potential partners to join Blue Thumb through the purchase of services or materials. These are all available to Blue Thumb partners as well, for a discount. See the table below for details. Note, not all possible services and materials are Listed. Please contact us with any questions. purchase services and materials at the standard cost and apply the designated proportion of that cost to a partner fee, if they choose to. Small Organizations: $250 - $750 Medium Organizations: $500 - $1,500 Large Organizations: $1,000 - $3,000 Fee for Service Items Standard Cost % of cost that can be applied to partner fee* Blue Thumb Partner Cost % of partner fee that can be applied to cost Workshops In -person, with coaches (3hrs) $4,000 50% $3,500 50% Virtual, with coaches (3hrs) $3,250 50% $2,750 50% I In -person, no coaches (2hrs) $2,000 50% $1,600 50% Virtual, without coaches (2hrs) $1,500 50% $1,150 50% Consultations I Resident virtual consultations $75 per 0% $75 per 0% Materials (bulk discounts available) I Root puller Display $4,250 25% $3,000 0% Resilient Yard Workbook $12.50 25% $10 0% I Guide to Raingardens $20 25% $12 0% Sustainable Landcare Guide $12.50 25% 1 $10 0% *Some organizations might not be able to budget for partnership fees. In that case, they can pay the Standard Cost of service items and contribute the noted proportion to cover a partner fee if they'd like. Blue Thumb Sponsorships We are also offering marketing and program sponsorships as another way to promote partners and support programs. To learn more, please email Laura Scholl (Laura@metrobLooms.org) and/or indicate your interest on the online partner agreement form. Go to bLuethumb.org/become-a-partner/ to fill out the partner agreement online. try of goldenlo-111ir valley Date: February 17, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Story Schwantes, GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities Step 5 Metric 6.2 The City is completing the GreenStep Cities Step 5 Transportation Modes & Miles topic area Metric 6.2: City employees in single occupancy vehicles: Vehicle miles traveled per person, per day - round trip. Core topic areas • Transportation Modes and Miles • Open Space, Parks, and Trees • Stormwater • Wastewater • City Buildings and Lighting • Renewable Energy • Land Use Optional topic areas • City Fleets • Infrastructure for Biking and Walking • Car, Transit, and Bike Options • Surface Water • Green Buildings The Environmental Team sent out a City-wide employee survey in early January about driving habits, commute time, and working from home. The results of this survey, which also indicated improvement performance metrics for 11.5 are attached for review. After discussion staff requests that the Commission consider making a motion to approve the City's Transportation 6.2 metric for submission to the GreenStep program. GAEnvironmental Commission\Memos 1. Please select your department. RESPONDENTS' DEPARTMENTS 2 & 3. Please answer the following for this past year, 2020: In an normal day how many miles did you drive? Include your commute, an estimated average for how many miles driven on the job per day, and any miles driven outside of work. AND In a normal work day about how many miles did you typically drive in a non -pandemic year, such as 2019. Again, include your commute, an estimated average for how many miles driven on the job per day, and any miles driven outside of work Pre-2020 Total Miles 2020Total Miles Average Total Miles Driven Per Day 51.1 32.2 0 10 20 30 =0 50 60 4. Do you commute more than 20 minutes in to work? If you are currently teleworking please respond for your non-telework commute. • Yes, I commute more than 20 minutes. • No, I do not commute more than 20 minutes. COMMUTE TIME 5. Are you currently teleworking? • Yes, I am teleworking. • 1 am teleworking part time. • No, I go into work. STAFF CURRENTLY WORKING FROM HOME 6. If your work allows, would you be interested in continuing to telework part or full time post-COVID- 19? • Yes, I would be interested in either part-time or full-time teleworking. • No, I am not interested in teleworking. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TELEWORKING AFTER COVID-19? ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TELEWORKING AFTER COVID-19? ADJUSTED: REMOVED THOSE WH❑ CURRENTLY WORK IN THE ❑FFICE 7. Why or why not [are you interested in teleworking?] This word cloud is from the responses of people who are interested in teleworking post-Covid: menral however homework milescamplerelyn�r nme efficiency P" onh—d mostly hampered e e allowing instances eliminated knew _sew efficlentmutti ,mind [/'+ signdicant communication ■ •ne[USed ff/o�r i maces �r o n V e n I v.r. r� �r e 6o,,�remote least■ ds.ike ■ environment l ennel hmadcast household value advantages o R I V i n to wyd ;e, �` feel s one � timesotherwise think pro Uetive # � inspections going schedules widwut Iffs e m ote l hIall achieve superh' did a�%`!, fields °� `a childcare environmentally ;zo,sincl groups meetings ` V n wasting '--snow t y�a useable` ° }1 waY� scvaseeffective o gtea�gain S fil� balance e,� ,Iai impact+ 'a coniractars t l s ,, c7SdVes dri�eotraffic�° 17m d a iC` o �_ w°d t e �Vt{ I■ u�y s � �, tr `� idea LLpp� "c fl �� �g 3 OC sac "'� fe K- �rou�t�Pl�ti1L e�ry� f� (9 ��rces minutes O � simply 0 office a„' allowed Cost S S ji n part etamery,� �5 explore g staff en aLcour winte*t [,IQCkm o n ey_ ; y er r definitely awed hour tend 'c 4nteres[ed�� flex i b i l ity uca dtions reeds e Lvmud€ � betteralla,,,�- -'gdg _,f spend��3�e 4 pvfetways [oge[hei{� CQ� �� ¢nearly year $(SC Pff ¢ ople yes diseas s�speole mix cWtInumg somerhiN running paper General themes were: • Improved work/life balance (family/childcare were big themes) • Work can be done just as efficiently at home • Decreased commute times & savings on gas • Environmental benefits It wasn't really applicable to create one for those who aren't interested in telework. The majority of comments were from people whose jobs cannot be done remotely and so were respondents clarifying that (my personal favorite of these ones was "cant bring the streets home with me" from a public works employee.) Other'no' comments: • Distance training is less effective and isolating • 1 miss seeing my co-workers and the easy collaboration that comes with being in person • Overall moral • In person interaction is much easier to communicate. • 1 think its beneficial for people to come into work. Better for mental health to leave the home and socialize with people face to face and not hide behind a computer screen or telephone. PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES — February 2021 GREENCORPS MEMBER 2020-2021 service term — Story, the 2020-2021 GreenCorps member, has been working on energy action and education, and compiling and organizing data for the GreenStep cities program in order to help the City get to Step 5. Other projects have included creating a Green Building Guide with resources for residents and commercial builders looking to construct environmentally -conscious buildings and working to advance the City's building energy efficiency improvements. 2021-2022 service term- Pending approval from City Council, staff intends to apply for an MPCA GreenCorps member for the upcoming 2021-2022 term. The member would help to implement the City's Energy Action Plan, reducing energy burden for multifamily units, as well as continue to work on the City's recycling, organics, and other sustainability initiatives. ENERGY One of the City's 2021 Legislative priorities is to support the advancement of energy code standards at the state or local level for new commercial buildings. In December 2020, the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Commerce released a report titled Improving building energy efficiency in commercial and multifamily construction. With input from experts and stakeholders, the report recommends instituting a framework for the statewide commercial building energy code that ensures that all new commercial and large multifamily construction is net -zero by 2036. Legislation will be proposed in 2021. The City will monitor this legislation and may consider signing a letter of support. RECYCLING Annual Recycling Report- Golden Valley staff received its year-end recycling report for 2020. The participation rate remained at 92%, and overall tonnages went up 3% from last year for a total of 57.32 tons. The report stated that the City's contamination rate is only 6%, which is near the top for municipalities. The report also included commodity value tables that showed improvement this year in end markets for most recyclable materials. NATURAL RESOURCES Briarwood DNR Habitat Grant — The City recently applied for a habitat grant from the DNR for the Briarwood Nature Area. If awarded, the project will involve the removal of buckthorn and other invasive species, and the planting and establishment of native vegetation. Pollinator Plots —The City executed a contract with Prairie Restorations Inc to install two new pollinator plots along Douglas Drive on parcels currently being mowed and managed as turf grass. These locations ranked among the highest by the Commission in its scoring matrix for potential pollinator plots. The contractor started work in fall 2020 and will continue prepping the plots this spring, with plantings, signage and maintenance to follow. WATER RESOURCES DeCola Ponds Flood Mitigation: SEA School-Wildwood Park The City and Bassett Creek Watershed are planning and studying the next project area in the long-term flood mitigation plan. The SEA School-Wildwood Park area has been identified as having potential for flood storage to benefit properties around DeCola Ponds D, E, and F. The City wrapped up its planning study in November 2020 and began working with the Watershed on the engineering feasibility study. In December 2020, the DNR informed the City and its partners that an additional $1.3 million will be granted to help fund the SEA School-Wildwood Park phase of the DeCola Ponds flood reduction project, through an appropriation from the legislature in the 2020 state bonding bill. This will allow Golden Valley and its partners to update flood models, engage with residents and stakeholders, evaluate site conditions, and develop concept plans ahead of final design and construction. Project partners include the Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC), the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR), Hennepin County, and the Robbinsdale School District. The engineering feasibility study for the SEA School-Wildwood Park flood reduction project is currently under way, and more opportunities for community engagement are planned in March. For more information about the project and upcoming engagement opportunities, visit the SEA School-Wildwood Park Flood Reduction Proiect website. Medley Park Stormwater Improvement Study The Bassett Creek Watershed Management Commission (BCWMC) in partnership with the City of Golden Valley is engaging in a feasibility study to evaluate options for providing stormwater improvements in the western portion of Medley Park in 2022-2023. The primary benefits of the proposed project include improving the water quality of Medicine Lake and nearby surface waters, reducing flood risk and damage to homes and infrastructure, protecting public health and safety, and preserving economic value. Additional benefits include improving ecological diversity, wildlife and pollinator habitat, enhancing active and passive recreation, and providing educational opportunities to park users. The study will include community engagement to better understand existing conditions, issues, and needs and to help develop concept plans for consideration this winter. The virtual concept plan review is scheduled for March 2021. Check the project webpage for more information and for upcoming engagement opportunities. MS4 Stormwater Permit — The MPCA released the new 5-year municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit in November. Cities will have about a year to update ordinances, plans, policies, and procedures to maintain compliance with the state permit requirements. This process has begun with program assessment and application for extended permit coverage and will continue well into 2022. If you have questions or comments about the City's stormwater program, please email Drew Chirpich at dchirpich@goldenvalleymn.gov. CLIMATE ACTION Hennepin County Climate Action Plan Hennepin County is developing a Climate Action Plan with initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strategies to adapt to our change climate. Visit the County's webpage at https://www.hennepin.us/climateaction. Recently, the county has: • Released a draft of the Climate Action Plan (PDF) and announced opportunities to provide feedback. The county is gathering feedback on the plan through Wednesday, March 3. • Shared findings from the first phase of public engagement See a summary from the feedback sessions (PDF) and survey results (PDF) • Completed a climate vulnerability assessment and greenhouse gas inventory See a presentation with key findings (PDF) • Presented priorities and foundational strategies for the climate action plan See a presentation for more information (PDF) County staff will summarize the feedback and make final edits to the plan in March. The board will take up formal adoption of the plan, which will include a final public comment process, in April. PLANNING COMMISSION — Feb 11, 2021 Regency Hospital Expansion —1300 Hidden Lakes Parkway - The hospital has applied for a PUD Amendment to allow it to expand its building and provide 26 additional rooms. This expansion is proposed to be to the east, away from Sweeney Lake. Stormwater management would be improved as part of the changes, though the parking lot would also be expanded. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is supportive of the proposal. This was heard by the Planning Commission on January 25. They are revising their plan to add more landscaping and address other concerns such as littering and lighting. PUD 95 Major Amendment — 9191 Wayzata Blvd, Carousel Auto Group - Applicant is seeking to amend an existing PUD for an auto dealership located at 9191 Wayzata Boulevard and an auto storage lot at 9393 Wayzata Boulevard, in the Southwestern corner of the City. The proposed amendment would allow for a reduction in the parking setbacks along Wayzata Boulevard, and to the side and rear of the auto storage lot. Additionally, the amendment would allow for a 5,650 sq.ft. addition to the Audi facilities, as well as a standalone battery building for the maintenance and servicing of electric vehicles. As a result of the reduction in setbacks, there would need to be some modification to the existing stormwater infrastructure on site including the relocation of an above ground stormwater pond. The project is expected to go to informal public hearing at Planning Commission March 8, and have its formal public hearing at City Council on April 6.