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2021-07-26 EC Agenda Packet7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, WIN 55427 763-593-8027 1 TTY 763-593-3968 1 763-593-8198 (fax) I www.goldenvalleymn.gov Environmental Commission REGULAR MEETING AGENDA city of goldvall� Y July 26, 2021— 6:30 pm Remote Attendance: Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex by calling 1- 415-655-0001 and entering access code 177 393 4642. Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or any items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison — Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor, eeckman@goldenvalleymn.gov, 763-593-8084. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of June 28, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes (5 min) 5. Old Business A. Climate Justice Collaboration Update (10 min) B. Partners In Energy Update (10 min) C. GreenStep Cities Update (25 min) D. Stormwater Program - Rain Barrels (15 min) Action requested 6. New Business A. Commission Name Review (10 min) B. Program/Project Updates (10 min) C. Council Updates (5 min) D. 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 June 28, 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 The meeting was called to order by Chair Seys at 6:34. 2. Roll Call Commissioners present: Scott Seys, Tonia Galonska, Dawn Hill, Shannon Hansen, Wendy Weirich, Felix Fettig, Jim Stemel Commissioners absent: Debra Yahle Council Members present: Larry Fonnest Staff present: Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor; Drew Chirpich, Environmental Specialist; 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 June 28, 2021 and the motion carried. 4. Approval of May 24, 2021 Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Hansen to approve the minutes of May 24, 2021 as submitted and the motion carried. 5. Old Business A. EC/HRC Climate Justice Collaboration Focus on the Hwy 55 West Redevelopment Area 1. Reach out to area businesses and homeowners to see there's any interest in partnering with us. 2. Reach out to the schools and the Golden Valley Garden Club for a possible partnership. 3. Look at Green Equity, not just Tree Equity 1. Native Planting, Community Garden, Prairie Restoration, Trees. 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 June 28, 2020 — 6:30 pm 4. Tree EquityScore.org 1. An online resource that gives tree equity data by census block. B. Student Outreach & Engagement MOTION by Commissioner Seys, seconded by Commissioner Galonska to approve recommending a change in the bylaws with a code change to allow the Commission to have up to two youth members and the motion carried. C. Partners in Energy Update i. There is a low income program flyer about Energy Assistance Programs and the Low - Income Home Energy Squad visits to distribute to community organizations like PRISM. ii. Staff has prepared website and social media posts for the low income programs that will be coming out soon. iii. Staff is finalizing the Residential Home Energy Squad agreement for Council consideration. iv. Aiming for a summer informational push for Renewable (Solar) Energy. 1. PIE will create a checklist for the solar process to put on the GV website. GV staff will provide the permitting process info. 2. PIE will create social media posts about solar and renewable options. D. GreenStep Cities Update i. The City has achieved Step 5. There isn't currently a Step 6, but you can achieve Step 5 multiple times as there are 29 total areas in Step 5. The City has completed/made improvements in 6 of those areas. 1. Street lights owned by the City & utility. 2. City employees in single occupancy vehicles: Vehicle miles traveled per person, per day, round trip. 3. Net number of new trees planted. 4. Ratio of inflow and infiltration volume to total volume entering the wastewater collection system. 5. Number of City -owned and private renewable energy generation sites. 6. Generation capacity of City -Owned and private renewable energy sites. E. Environmental Resources Needs i. The EC isn't structured the same is the Planning Commission. The PC has certain powers the EC doesn't have, especially when it comes to land use. ii. A lot of Commissions are changing their name to better reflect what their Commission does. 1. The Human Rights Commission and the Rising Tides Task Force combined to become the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. 2. The Civil Service Commission will be the Peace Commission 3. Do you want to review the EC's working title 1. Possibly the Environmental and Sustainability Commission? City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting 3 June 28, 2020 — 6:30 pm iii. Staff reviewed the duties and responsibilities of permanent environmental staff within the engineering division. iv. Temp and Seasonal Employees: 1. MN GreenCorps Members are 11-month full-time employees. We're not guaranteed a member. Member cannot work on efforts like energy action if it benefits for -profit businesses. 2. Water Resources Intern — They do a lot of field work. 3. Hennepin County Sentencing to Service Crews — They work with the water and natural resources like buckthorn removal. 4. Citizen Volunteers —They can adopt a pond or open space to care for. v. Some commission members suggested that the City add permanent full-time staff to help support and advance the City's environmental projects, programs, and plans. vi. When developing the commission's work plan, recognize staff has many responsibilities and take into consideration the staff time needed for items on the plan. F. Update on Zero Waste/Organics Recycling Events i. Working to create a more consistent volunteer base for the Market in the Valley. 1. Volunteersignup.org/9APR4 ii. Also working with the vendors to work toward zero waste. 6. New Business A. Stormwater Program — Rain Barrels i. The Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) partners with local governments on a rain barrel sale every spring. ii. Cities are encouraged, but not required, to cover some percentage of the cost for residents. 1. SLP covers 50% of the approximately $80. Brooklyn Center, Crystal, and New Hope covers $20. 2. Does RAM have the ability to determine low income residents to do a two -tiered equitable payment option? 3. Where would City store 60 barrels? 4. How would property maintenance staff view the rain barrels? iii. Commissioners decided they would like more information before bringing forward a motion to go ahead with a rain barrel sale. B. Update on Pollinator Progress i. June is pollinator awareness month. ii. City staff have revised many recent contracts to reflect the City's increased efforts to support pollinators. 1. Updated specifications for contracts to reduce the amount of chemical used. 2. Giving mechanical removal and treatment methods priority. 3. Explicitly prohibiting the use of neonicotinoids and plants that may have been treated with chemicals containing neonicotinoids. City of Golden Valley Environmental Commission Regular Meeting 4 June 28, 2020 — 6:30 pm iii. GV manages about 35 Native Vegetation areas throughout the City to provide and enhance pollinator habitat, protect water quality, and provide aesthetic interest to patrons in these areas. C. Program/Project Updates i. None D. Council Updates i. Golden Valley received $2.3 million in Federal Assistance from the Coronavirus Recovery Fund. This will be part of the budget conversations beginning in August. E. Other Business i. None 7. Adjournment MOTION by Commissioner Galonska, seconded by Commissioner Stremel to adjourn the meeting at 8:27 pm and the motion carried. ATTEST: Carrie Nelson, Administrative Assistant Wendy Weirich, Chair try of�,� golden alley l`� y Date: July 22, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-80301763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Story Schwantes, Mn GreenCorps Member Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Partners In Energy— Implementation Update Staff has been working with the Environmental Commission and the Partners In Energy team on the energy action plan and will share information on the following items. Energy Cost Burden and Residential Energy Efficiency: • Low -Income program flyers in English and Spanish, working on Russian translation (Energy Assistance Program and the Low -Income Home Energy Squad). Distributing flyers through various means and methods. • Staff performing outreach over next few weeks: PRISM, cooling centers, library, health centers, Brookview Community Center (with intense summer heat it's especially important to reach seniors and vulnerable populations to connect them with programs and services, and reduce heating bills.) • Updated website and sending out social media posts. • Residential Home Energy Squad approved by Council o There is an established low-income home energy squad program already in place (those below 60% area median income (AMI) receive the service for free paid for by Xcel) o To address energy cost burden, the City willfully fund site visits to households at 60-80% AMI. Households above 80% AMI will receive the service at half the cost. o Being promoted on City website, social media, CCX cable news, September City Newsletter o Flyers being made and distributed Renewable (Solar) Energy: • Created checklist for renewable energy resources, added to GV website o Staff updating section on permitting process • Currently pushing out renewable energy information, options, and programs through social media posts • Staff looking into rebates and tax credits and possible payback period for solar installations and subscriptions for home of median value with average size rooftop. 0 PiE team creating flyer for in person events, etc. Business Energy Efficiency: • Starting outreach to business community connectors • Staff and Xcel to present energy action plan and programs at upcoming business organization meetings, STAR program meeting, etc. • PiE to create talking points/questions to ask city staff and energy action planning team to act as community connectors to businesses o How are businesses getting info? How do they want to be engaged? Do they know programs that are available? o Is it a phone call, meeting, or even sending out a survey? o Hope is to establish a call to action for business engagement Community Energy Action Planning Team: • Staff emailed community planning team providing update, asking for help and support, and suggesting an early 2022 meeting for a larger progress update. o At least one member is willing to help, especially with business outreach New GreenCorps Member in Sept/Oct • Focus on energy action • Pick up where Story leaves off try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: July 22, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Story Schwantes, Mn GreenCorps Member Subject: GreenStep Cities: Step 5 Summary & Updates The GreenSteps program has released its 2020 summary report, highlighting the successes of participating cities who have achieved Steps 4 and 5 in the last year. Staff will share the summary report (attached) and a metrics dashboard comparison tool developed by the GreenSteps program. In addition, we will look toward future GreenStep efforts. As Golden Valley's program matures, the Commission may want to look at expanding into more best practices and actions. Below is a list of current best practices being tracked and potential best practices to consider. Core and Optional topic areas currently being tracked by Golden Valley: 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 Potential New topic areas to consider: • Solid Waste • Local Food • Jobs & Employment • Drinking Water • Additional metrics the City would like to track (Social Vulnerability, Civic Participation, Livability Score, etc.) �.ti.... Minnesota Step 4 & 5 - Metrics Hightlights arr,tep Cities Updated July 2021 The following summaries are taken from Step 4 & 5 metrics reports and are considered unique or improved. Full reports are available by clicking on a city name on the "All Cities" page. See more with the Step 4 & 5 Metrics Dashboard. Summary — 2021 Reports - In 2021, 29 cities completed Step 4 and 25 cities completed Step 5 metrics reporting. All cities submitting metrics received recognition. - 15 Step 5 cities reported a reduction in kBtu usage in city facilities. (Metric 1.1.)* - Percent LED streetlights owned by the city and utility have increased to an average of 69% in 2020 from 14% in 2016 (Metric 1.4) - 22 cities report 100% of their traffic signals have been converted to LED. (Metric 1.5) - 7 Step 5 cities saw an improvement in city fleet gasoline MPG. The total average for all cities is 11.2 MPG, but similar to 2018 average MPG (Metric 3.2)* - 7 Step 5 cities saw an improvement in city fleet diesel MPG. The total average for all cities is 5.5 MPG, up from an average of 4.3 in 2018 (Metric 3.4)* - Cities report owning or leasing 48 electric vehicles in the city fleet; up from just 28 in 2018. (Metric 3.5) - Cities reported that 45.4 miles of new or reconstructed sidewalks or trails were completed (Metric 4.1) - An average of 92% of residents in reporting cities live within one mile of a bike route (4.2); 72% live within % mile of transit route (5.8); 84% live within ''/: mile or 10 minute walk of parkland (8.3). - Reporting cities average over 10 public electric vehicle charging stations and 14 Step 5 cities saw an increase. (Metric 5.1) - Cities reported adding 304 affordable housing units throughout their communities. (Metric 7.6) - Reporting cities average 36% of total city acres in open space (8.1); an average of 1,532 acres per community (8.2); and an average of 33% tree canopy across the city (8.4). - Cities reported planting a total of 8,627 new trees in their communities, an increase for 11 Step 5 cities. (Metric 8.6) - No Step 5 cities saw a reduction in daily residential gallons of water used per person/per day; a total average of 59 gallons. (Metric 10.1)* - 8 Step 5 cities saw a reduction in daily business gallons of water used per job/per day; a total average of 61.8 gallons. (Metric 10.2)* - Cities reported an average of 3.44 pounds of solid waste generated per city resident/per day, an increase over 2020 metrics by nearly half a pound. (Metric 13.1)* - 2021 Step 4&5 cities reported a collective total of 2,260 municipal and private renewable energy generation sites — an increase of 899 sites compared to the previous year. (Metric 14.1) - The average percent of total city energy use that is met by generated and/or purchased renewable energy declined from 46.7% in 2020 to 36%. (Metric 14.6)* * These metrics were strongly impacted by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic which significantly shifted city, residential, and business operations and "norms". Apple Valley Step 4 2020-2021 Step 5 2021 - 100% of traffic lights are LED. - 100% of Apple Valley's housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 0 in 2019 to 1 in 2020. - Improved Stormwater Assessment scores from 58 in 2019 to 62 in 2020; adaptation scores from 59 to 65. Bloomington Step 4 2020-2021 Step 5 2021 - 98% of traffic lights are LED. - 99% of Apple Valley's housing is within % mile of a bike route. - Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 32 in 2019 to 58 in 2020. - 95% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes. - 73% of the city is in open space. - 95% of Bloomington's housing is located within % mile or 10 minute walk of parkland. - Increased the net number of trees planted from 350 in 2019 to 475 in 2020. - Bloomington scored the highest Stormwater Assessment scores of any Step 4/5 reporting city with 73 and 82 (adaptation). - Bloomington reported 658 renewable generation sites with 14,148 kW capacity across the city, the most of any Step 4/5 city. - Improvements at city facilities included: replacement of boilers at Public Works and WWTP, LED upgrades, automated building control upgrades for HVAC. Burnsville Step 4 2016-2017, 2019-2020 Step 5 2017, 2019-2020 - 100% of traffic signals are LEDs. - Burnsville's average city gasoline fleet MPG was 16.5 MPG in 2019. Duluth Step 4 2020-2021 Step 5 2021 - 98% of streets lights are LEDs. - Increased the % of LEDs in city buildings and property from 25 to 40% in 2020. - Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 9 in 2019 to 23 in 2020. - 97.29% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes; an increase of 0.59 over 2019. Reduction of miles city employees traveled in single occupancy vehicles to 15.9; 8.6 fewer than 2019. Reduced city water usage by 24,600 gallons in 2020 compared to 2019. - Doubled the number of residents/businesses participating in renewable energy purchasing/green power programs over 2019. - A Sustainability Officer was hired in 2020. Step 4 2017-2021 Eagan Step 5 2018-2021 - Increased the percent of street lights converted to LED from 0% in 2016 to 5.7% in 2020. - 100% of traffic lights are LED. - Increased the percent of LED lighting in city buildings and property from 28.7% in 2016 to 47.4% in 2020. - Eagan's average gasoline fleet MPG increased from 7.6 MPG in 2016 to 12.28 MPG in 2020. - Eagan's annual VMT by diesel fleet decreased from 196,328 in 2016 to 102,355 in 2020. - 100% of Eagan's housing is within % mile of a bike route. - The number of electric vehicle charging stations in the city has increased from 2 in 2016 to 10 in 2020. - 31 affordable housing units were added in 2020. - 99.72% of Eagan's housing is located within % mile of parkland. - Increased the number of city -owned and private renewable energy generation sites from 13 (899 kW) in 2016 to 65 (3462 kW) in 2020 (and more than triple over 2019). - Eagan subscribed to 3 solar gardens in 2020; covering 100% of Community Center and Central Park electricity needs or 5% of total city operations. - Eagan completed a biking and walking plan in 2020 to address safer walking and biking options in the city. Step 4 2016-2021 Eden Prairie Step 5 2017-2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 147.73 in 2018 to 126.55 in 2019. - 100% of street lights and traffic lights are LEDs. - 100% of Jordan's housing is within % mile of a bike route. - 20.7% of land within residential/mixed zoning districts have a dwelling unit per acre of 7.0 or higher, the most of any reported Step 4/5 cities. - Increased the number of new affordable housing units by 53.06% of all new 2020 housing units, steadily increased annually from 3.23% in 2015. Step 4 2018, 2020-2021 Edina Step 5 2020-2021 Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 107.9 in 2018 to 87.4 in 2020. Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 4 in 2017 to 11 in 2020. Business water usage decreased from 28.4 gallons/job/day in 2017 to 14 in 2020. A steady decrease in percent of annual drinking water losses from 4.1% in 2016 to 1.2% in 2020. - Increased the number of city -owned and private renewable energy generation sites from 36 (377 kW) in 2017 to 61 (607 kW) in 2020. Step 4 2016-2021 Elk River Step 5 2017-2021 - Increased LED street lights that are owned by the city and utility from 23% in 2017 to 42% in 2020; 100% of traffic lights and 100% of city buildings and property are LEDs. - Residential organics recycling increased from 0.27% in 2018 to 0.32% in 2020. - Increased the number of city -owned and private renewable energy generation sites from 10 in 2018 to 22 in 2020. - 100% of total city operations energy use that is generated or purchased renewable electricity, over 17% in 2018. Step 4 2017-2021 Falcon Heights Step 5 2018-2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 86.01 in 2018 to 74.05 in 2020. - 100% of street, traffic, and city building/property lights are LEDs. - 100% of Falcon Heights' housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - 100% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes. - City employees commuting by single occupancy vehicles reported a reduction from 23 vehicles miles traveled per person/per day in 2017 to 7 miles in 2020. - 80% of the city is in open space, the most of any Step 4/5 reporting city. - Falcon Heights purchases 74.72 MWhr/yr of renewable energy for city operations, amounting to 81% of total city operations energy use that is generated or purchased renewable electricity (over 21.9% in 2017). Golden Valley Step 4 2019-2021 Step 5 2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 114.2 in 2018 to 104.27 in 2020. - 100% of outdoor City Hall campus lighting is LED. - 100% of housing units are located within % mile of public transit options. - Golden Valley planted 373 trees in 2020, up from 77 in 2019. Step 4 2016-2021 Hutchinson Step 5 2017-2021 - 100% of traffic lights are LED; LEDs in city buildings and property increased from 7.5% in 2018 to 25% in 2020. - 100% of Isanti's housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - Increased the number of public EV charging stations from 2 in 2018 to 4 in 2020. - 100% of housing is located within % mile (10 min. walk) of parkland. - 100% of the 360 trees planted in 2020 were tree species considered "likely to thrive." - Improved Stormwater Assessment scores from 36 in 2019 to 41 in 2020. - Reduced the ratio of inflow and infiltration volume to total volume entering the wastewater collection system from 0.65 in 2016 to 0.09 in 2020. Inver Grove Heights Step 4 2020-2021 Step 5 2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 137.8 in 2019 to 83.46 in 2020. - 100% of traffic lights are LED. - 100% of Isanti's housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - Improved Stormwater Assessment scores from 49 in 2019 to 54 in 2020; adaptation scores from 60 to 61. - Business water usage decreased from 31.55 gallons/job/day in 2019 to 29.75 in 2020. - Reduced city operations water use by 3,255,000 gallons in 2020 compared to 2019. Step 4 2018-2021 Isanti Step 5 2019-2021 - 190 new trees were planted in the city in 2020. - Isanti has 2 local food venues in 2020, up from 1 in 2019. Jordan Step 4 2020-2021 Step 5 2021 - 100% of Jordan's housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - The city does not own any diesel -powered vehicles. - 100% of Jordan's housing is located within % mile of parkland. - 120% of Jordan's total city operations use renewable energy. - Organics and yard waste collection site opened in 2020; free for residents with 24/7 access. Step 4 2019-2021 Mahtomedi Step 5 2021 - Mahtomedi has the lowest ratio of actual energy use to predicted energy use (0.46) of any Step 4/5 reporting city. - 100% of street and traffic lights are LED. - Mahtomedi increased LED lighting in city buildings and property from 5% in 2018 to 97% in 2020. - 100% of housing is located within 1 mile of a bicycle route. - 53.2% of total city acres are in open space. - Reduced city operations water use by 25% from 3,276,240 gallons in 2018 to 846,736 gallons in 2020. - Saw a reduction in business residential waste/jobs/day from 18.3lbs in 2019 to 6.2/lbs in 2020. - Increased the number of city -owned and private renewable energy generation sites from 8 (19.72 kW) in 2018 to 24(134.55 kW) in 2020. - Mahtomedi purchases 659.37 MWhr/yr of renewable energy for city operations; 17% of city operation's needs. Step 4 2016-2021 Maplewood Step 5 2017-2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 131.96 in 2018 to 77.9 in 2020 and spent the least amount on energy per square foot, per year of any Step 4/5 reporting city, at 0.29/ft2/year. - Maplewood spends the least on energy for city buildings — at $0.29/square foot — out of all Step 4/5 respondents. - 100% of traffic lights are LEDs. - Increased the number of private green buildings from 3 in 2016 to 8 in 2020. - Increased the number of EVs in the city fleet to 5 in 2020. - 100% of Maplewood residents are within 1 mile of a bicycle route, an increase over 62% in 2017. - Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 10 in 2018 to 36 in 2020. - Improved Stormwater Assessment scores from 55 in 2019 to 62 in 2020; adaptation scores from 73 to 74. - Maplewood updated the Sustainable Purchasing Policy and updated the Solid Waste Management Ordinance in 2020. Step 4 2019-2021 Minnetonka Step 5 2020-2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 141.31 in 2019 to 118.32 in 2020. - Increased the amount of LED lighting in city buildings and property from 70% in 2019 to 85% in 2020. - 100% of housing is located within 1 mile of bicycle route. - Total parkland increased to 2018 acres in 2019. - 98.4% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes. 73.5% of all new housing units added in 2020 were affordable housing units. 202 trees were planted by the city in 2020, up from 180; 90% are considered species "likely to thrive." 71% of total city operations energy use is generated or purchased by renewable electricity, up from 37% in 2018. - 98% of residents rate the overall quality of the natural environment in Minnetonka as excellent or good, up from 96% in 2018. - 36% of households participate in curbside recycling programs, up from 30% in 2018. Moorhead Step 4 2021 - 100% of traffic lights are LEDs. - Moorhead's average city gasoline fleet MPG is 16.5 MPG; diesel is 16 MPG (the highest of any Step 4/5 reporting city). - 100% of housing is located within 1 mile of bicycle route. - 3 public EV charging stations are available in Morris. - 90% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes. - 75.3% of total city acres is open space. - 90% of housing is located within %2 mile (10 minute walk) of parkland. - The city planted 620 trees in 2020, more than double over the previous year; 90% are considered "likely to thrive." Morris Step 4 2021 - 100% of street, traffic, and city building/property lights are LEDs. - Morris's average city gasoline fleet MPG is 14.6 MPG; diesel is 8.33 MPG. - 88% of city population commutes fewer than 20 minutes; the highest amount of any Step 4/5 reporting city. - The city planted 150 trees in 2020. - Morris has a ratio of inflow and infiltration volume to total volume entering the wastewater collection system of 0.02. - Moorhead purchased 55% renewable energy for total city operations energy use in 2020; 87% carbon - free. Step 4 2019-2021 New Brighton Step 5 2020-2021 - 100% of traffic lights, and 100% of city buildings and property are LEDs. - 100% of housing is located within 1 mile of bicycle route, up from 95% in 2018. - Nisswa city population traveled 24.1 vehicle miles per person, per day on average in 2020, down from 25.6 in 2018. - 100% of New Brighton's housing is located within % mile or 10-minute walk of parkland. - Business water usage decreased from 36.2 gallons/job/day in 2018 to 32.1 in 2020. The number of local food venues has increased from 3 in 2018 to 5 in 2020. Nisswa Step 4 2020-2021 - 80% of city building/property lights are LEDs; the city doesn't own any street or traffic lights. - Nisswa's average city gasoline fleet MPG is 13.5 MPG; diesel is 12 MPG. - Nisswa installed 2 miles of new/reconstructed sidewalks & trails in 2020. - Nisswa city population travels just 6.1 vehicle miles per person, per day on average - the least of any Step 4/5 reporting city. - 70% of total city acres is open space; 50% has tree canopy coverage — the highest of any Step 4/5 reporting city. - 97% of high school students graduate. Northfield Step 4 2020-2021 Step 5 2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 93.85 in 2019 to 79.43 in 2020. - 70% of streets lights and 100% of traffic lights are LEDs. - Carlton College added 3 LEED certified buildings in Northfield in 2020 (a total of 240,330 sf); for a total of 10 green -certified buildings located in the city. - Northfield installed 3.87 miles of new/reconstructed sidewalks & trails in 2020. - 100% of housing is located within 1 mile of bicycle route. - 1 new EV charging station was added in a city parking lot in 2020 for a total of 5 public stations. - 65% of all new housing units added in 2020 were affordable housing units. - 99.9% of Northfield's housing is located within % mile or 10-minute walk of parkland. - Northfield planted 106 new trees in 2020; up from 6 in 2019. - Improved Stormwater Assessment scores from 40 in 2019 to 43 in 2020; adaptation scores from 35 to 37. - Increased solar garden purchases from 1675.52 MWhr/year in 2019 to 1909.11 MWhr/year in 2020. Step 4 2020 North Saint Paul Step 5 2020 - 100% of street lights, 100% of traffic lights, and 97% of city buildings and properties are LEDs. - 98% of housing is located within 1 mile of bicycle route. - 98% of North Saint Paul's housing is located within % mile or 10-minute walk of parkland. Step 4 2017-2021 Oakdale Step 5 2018-2021 100% of traffic lights are LEDs; increased percentage of LED streets lights from 23% in 2019 to 41.2% in 2020. 100% of housing is located within 1 mile of bicycle route. 95% of Shoreview's housing is located within % mile or 10-minute walk of parkland. - Business water usage decreased from 29.01 gallons/job/day in 2016 to 17.3 in 2020. Oakdale purchases 4222.5 MWhr/yr of renewable energy for city operations in 2020, up from 0 in 2018. Step 4 2017-2021 Red Wing Step 5 2018-2021 - 99% of street lights and 100% of traffic lights are LEDs. - Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 4 in 2017 to 7 in 2020. - 55% of all new housing were affordable housing units in 2020. - Business water usage decreased from 42.93 gallons/job/day in 2016 to 27.22 in 2020. - Red Wing purchases 4,500 MWhr/yr of renewable energy for city operations, amounting to 120% of total city operations energy use that is generated or purchased renewable electricity. - Red Wing adopted a Climate Action Work Plan in 2020 that aims to reduce community -wide emissions over the next five years. Step 4 2018, 2020-2021 Rochester Step 5 2018, 2020-2021 - 100% of traffic lights are LEDs; increased percentage of LED streets lights from 16.7% in 2016 to 58.2% in 2020. - 99.8% of Rochester's housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 9 in 2018 to 21 in 2020. - 95.7% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes. - Rochester more than doubled the amount of net new trees planted from 1505 in 2019 to 3100 in 2020. - Rochester residents produce the least amount of waste water of any Step 4/5 reporting city with 36.8 gallons/person/day. - 43% of Rochester residential solid waste is recycled. - 27% of total city operations energy use that is generated or purchased renewable electricity, up from 17 % in 2019. - A City Green Team was started in 2020 to evaluate how the city can be more sustainable in daily operations. - A community task force was convened in 2020 to help develop a Sustainability and Resiliency Action Plan for the City of Rochester. Roseville Step 4 2020-2021 Step 5 2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 87.67 in 2019 to 69.67 in 2020. - 100% of street lights, 100% of traffic lights, and 100% of city buildings and properties are LEDs. - 100% of Rochester's housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - 100% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes. - Roseville more than doubled the amount of net new trees planted from 74 in 2019 to 196 in 2020. - Increased the number of city owned and private renewable energy generation sites from 86 (736 kW) in 2019 to 95 (973 kW) in 2020. Saint Anthony Step 4 2016-2021 Village Step 5 2017-2021 - 100% of street and traffic lights are LEDs. - Saint Anthony Village's city population traveled 6.4 vehicle miles per person, per day on average in 2020, down from 10.4 in 2019. - 100% of Saint Anthony Village's housing is located within % mile or 10-minute walk of parkland. - Business water usage decreased from 41.59 gallons/job/day in 2018 to 17.53 in 2020. - Saint Anthony Village purchased 668.4 MWhr/yr of renewable energy for city operations, up from 469.2 in 2019. Saint Louis Park Step 4 2020-2021 Step 5 2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 118.87 in 2019 to 103.42 in 2020. - 90% of city traffic lights are LED; increased city facility LED lighting from 55% in 2019 to 65% in 2020. - New 13,500 square foot Westwood Hills Natura Center Interpretive building added in 2020 and was designed to achieve net zero energy and meets the SB2030 Energy Standard. - 793,401 square feet of new construction was built in the city in 2020 under the city's Green Building Policy. - Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 8 in 2019 to 26 in 2020 (Target installed 12; 4 installed at the new Westwood Hills Nature Center Interpretive building; etc.). - 100% of Saint Louis Park's housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - Improved Stormwater Assessment adaption score from 68 in 2019 to 75 in 2020. - Reduced the ratio of inflow and infiltration volume to total volume entering the wastewater collection system from 0.23 in 2019 to 0.08 in 2020. - St. Louis Park purchases 2062 MWhr/yr of renewable energy for city operations, amounting to 100% of total city operations energy use that is generated or purchased renewable electricity. - The number of electric vehicle registrations in the city is 189. Step 4 2017-2019 Saint Paul Step 5 2018-2019 - St. Paul now has 100% LED traffic signals. - Increased the amount of open space by 1% in 2019. - Increased the percent of total city operations using renewable energy from 1% to 16% in 2019. Step 4 2018-2020 Shoreview Step 5 2019-2020 - 100% of Shoreview's housing is within 1 mile of a bike route. - 94.6% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes. - 11.4% of land is within residential or mixed zoning with dwelling units per acres at or above 7.0. - 50% of all new housing were affordable housing units in 2019. - 94.9% of Shoreview's housing is located within % mile or 10-minute walk of parkland. - 50.3% of the city has tree canopy coverage. - 51.5% of Shoreview residential solid waste is recycled. South Saint Paul Step 4 2021 - 100% of city street lights are LEDs; 90% of city traffic lights are LEDs. - 100% of housing is located within % mile of transit routes. - 12% of South Saint Paul population carpooled in 2020. - 94% of South Saint Paul's housing is located within % mile or 10-minute walk of parkland. - The city achieve SolSmart Bronze in 2020. White Bear Lake Step 4 2018 - White Bear Lake reported 6 EV charging stations in 2018. - 100% of White Bear Lake's housing is located within % mile of parkland. Step 4 2019-2021 Woodbury Step 5 2019-2021 - Reduced kBTU per square foot per year in city buildings from 83.06 in 2018 to 67.09 in 2020. - 100% of city street lights, 100% of traffic lights are LEDs; increased city facility LED lighting from 40% in 2017 to 70% in 2020. Woodbury leased or owns 2 additional electric vehicles in the city fleet, for a total of 14 (2 Chevy Volts, 6 Mitsubishi Outlanders, 6 plug-in EVs for parks maintenance). 100% of housing is located within 1 mile of bicycle route. Increased the number of public electric vehicle charging stations from 8 in 2017 to 28 in 2020. - Increased the number of acres that are parkland from 3386.2 in 2017 to 3480.74 in 2020. 100% of residents are located within a %2 mile or 10 minute walk of a park. Improved Stormwater Assessment scores from 55 in 2019 to 61 in 2020; adaptation scores from 54 to 60. Increased the number of city owned and private renewable energy generation sites from 63 (1045 kW) in 2017 to 116 (1563 kW) in 2019. try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: July 22, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Story Schwantes, Mn Greencorps Member Subject: Stormwater Program — Rain Barrels Updates After the June commission meeting, staff reached out to the Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) to inquire about an income -based pay scale for their rain barrel program. This is something that RAM has not done in the past and does not have the capacity to implement on their end. Because doing this would require income verification which could not be effectively verified by the City, staff recommends not implementing a scaled program and instead looking at what percentage the Commission feels comfortable covering of the overall cost. Details of the program: Barrels are $79 + tax and made from 100% recycled plastic, and in order to have the barrels delivered the City/residents must order 60 barrels. Cities are encouraged, but not required, to cover some percentage of the cost for residents, typically anywhere from 10-50%, potentially up to some maximum budget amount. For example, St. Louis Park covers 50% of the cost, and Brooklyn Center, Crystal and New Hope residents can get $20 off. Here is a potential cost break -down if Golden Valley decided to cover various percentages for 60 barrels: Percent/Amount Covered Price for 60 barrels 50% (St. Louis Park) $2,370 + tax $20 (About 25% - Brooklyn Park) $1,200 + tax 30% (Dakota County) $1,422 + tax Nowhere in City Code are rain barrels directly addressed and it appears they are not prohibited. However, if not properly maintained or connected, rain barrels may be subject to the general City storage ordinance. Article IV, Sec 113-152: Screening & Outdoor Storage — Regulations by Zoning District: All Residential Zoning Districts. GAEnvi ron mental Commission\Memos b. Storage in all front yards may occur solely upon a driveway and in no other location. Any storage shall be behind the lot line. e. The storage in any front yard of landscaping or construction materials may not exceed 30 days. f. Items stored in the side and rear yard may not be stored within five feet of the lot line. h. Views of storage in any side or rear yard from the street right-of-way must be at least 50 percent obscured by screening. Staff will continue to consult with the City Attorney and Property Maintenance staff before the Commission meeting. Staff asks that the Commission review and discuss the program and consider making a recommendation to Council to participate, if desired. try of goldeno-gleir valley Date: July 22, 2021 MEMORANDUM Physical Development Department 763-593-8030 / 763-593-3988 (fax) To: Environmental Commission From: Story Schwantes, Mn GreenCorps Member Eric Eckman, Environmental Resources Supervisor Subject: Commission Name Review Commissioners expressed interest in reviewing and potentially changing the name of the Environmental Commission during the June meeting. Golden Valley's peer cities currently have the following names for their environmental commissions: City Commission Name Minneapolis Community Environmental Advisory Commission St. Louis Park Environment & Sustainability Commission Edina Energy & Environment Commission Bloomington Sustainability Commission Minnetonka Sustainability Commission Crystal Environmental Quality Commission For reference, the Commission updated its bylaws in 2020 to better reflect its mission and duties. Following is the current language: Article I: Purpose, Mission, and Duties The Environmental Commission shall be an advisory commission to the City Council on matters relating to the environment and human health. The Commission shall: • develop and make recommendations to educate the public on environmental regulations, policies, practices and tools • develop and make recommendations as an advisory review body for amendments to or revisions of the City's Surface Water Management Plan and provide advice as requested by the Council on other city programs and initiatives • review and make recommendations regarding the city's existing environmental ordinances, policies, and guidelines GAEnvi ron mental Commission\Memos • develop and make recommendations on management practices for the City's nature areas, public and private ponding areas, and other such city -owned properties as directed by the City Council • develop and make recommendations regarding waste reduction, recycling, and organics/composting • review and make recommendations on the City's resilience and sustainability policies and actions to address climate variations • participate, as directed by the City Council, in local activities initiated by other public and quasi - public agencies regarding environmental issues • advise and recommend such other functions or procedures as may be assigned to them by the City Code or the Council Staff asks that the Commission review and discuss whether or not it would like to pursue a name change at this time, or potentially in the future when the bylaws are required to be reviewed. PROGRAM/PROJECT UPDATES —July 2021 SUSTAINABILITY EV Charger The City has approved a quote for a contractor to install a new charger at Brookview Community Center. The products and materials are on order. Installation is scheduled for this summer/fall. City staff will be assisting with various aspects of the install. RECYCLING Anaerobic digestion facility Hennepin County is proposing to build an anaerobic digestion (AD) facility adjacent to the county's Brooklyn Park Transfer Station at 940183rd Avenue in the City of Brooklyn Park. The facility would be capable of processing a minimum of 25,000 tons per year of organics to produce clean, renewable energy and beneficial agricultural and soil products. This facility will help the county make progress toward zero waste and climate action goals. Anaerobic digestion facility factsheet (PDF) Proposed timeline: anaerobic digestion facility Design, Proposals Select permitting, Release RFP due a vendor construction In 13W � Complete October 2021 2022 2022-2024 NATURAL RESOURCES Facility start-up 05 Briarwood Nature Area The project is set to commence this fall. It will be similar to the Bassett Creek Nature Area and Pennsylvania Woods Habitat Restoration projects, with invasive species removal and subsequent native seeding. Restoration efforts will also be accompanied by three years of vegetative management. As part of this effort, City staff is surveying the nature area boundary to determine if there are physical encroachments that need to be addressed through education and relocation. Staff will keep the environmental commission informed of the progress. Georgia Pond Open Space The City completed a pond maintenance project on Georgia Pond this past winter and restoration this spring. This summer the City is gearing up to install small boundary signs, a prairie habitat sign, and an entrance sign to promote this valuable open space, consistent with the Natural Resource Management Plan. PLANNING COMMISSION Meadowbrook Elementary —The proposal to amend the existing PUD and to incorporate the property at 5300 Glenwood Avenue was returned to the Planning Commission by the City Council for additional analysis. A discussion has been tentatively scheduled for July 26. Changes in land use (from Office to Institutional — Civic) and in zoning designation (from Office to Institutional 1-1) were recommended for approval by the Planning Commission but were tabled by the Council until the PUD Amendment was ready for consideration. Accessory Dwelling Units —Staff will introduce the concept of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) at the meeting on July 12. The City Council has asked staff and the Planning Commission to explore the potential for revising the zoning chapter to allow ADUs as a part of the City's Housing Strategic Plan. Use Tables —Staff is drafting Zoning Text Amendments to update and simplify the use tables within the Zoning Chapter of the City Code. Each of the zoning districts has been covered individually and staff will be introducing a unified series of tables at the meeting on July 12. CITY COUNCIL Rezoning Properties to Align with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan —On July 6, the City Council approved two rezonings — at Scheid Park and at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology — as part of the final stages of aligning the City's Zoning Map with its adopted Future Land Use Map. Three areas remain: parcels within the Downtown Area (which will be considered in conjunction with the Downtown Study Final Report), the southeast corner of the Winnetka Ave and Highway 55 intersection, and the St. Margaret Mary property (which is on hold pending the outcome of the Blue Line Extension realignment. COUNCIL / MANAGER Housing Items —On July 13, the City Council will discuss two housing topics at the Council/Manager work session — the possibility of adopting an ordinance to prohibit discrimination of Section 8 multifamily units by landlords in Golden Valley, and revisions to the City's STAR program, which provides reduced fees for rental licenses in exchange for training and attendance at City -sponsored quarterly meetings.