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Home My WebLink AboutEdina Public Meeting ProceduresEDINA PUBLIC MEETING PROCEDURES During "Public Hearings" the Chair will ask for public comment after City staff members make their presentations. If you wish to speak on the topic, you are welcome to do so as long as your comments are relevant to the discussion. To ensure fairness to all speakers and to allow the efficient conduct of a public hearing, speakers must observe the following guidelines: • Individuals must limit their presentations to three minutes or less. The Chair will modify presentation times, as deemed necessary. • Try not to repeat remarks or points of view made by prior speakers and limit comments to the matter under consideration. • In order to maintain a comfortable environment for all those in attendance, the use of signs, clapping, cheering or booing or any other form of verbal or nonverbal communication is not allowed. During "Public Comments," the Chair will ask to hear from those in attendance who would like to speak about something not on tonight's agenda. Individuals must limit their presentations to three minutes and cannot speak to an issue for which a public hearing was previously held and closed within the last thirty days or a matter scheduled for a future hearing on a specific date. Individuals should not expect the Chair or Commission to respond to their comments. Instead, the Commission might direct the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting. ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION AGENDA FOR MEETING April 15, 2009, 8:00 PM — 9:00 PM Meeting will start late after completion of workshop 1) Welcome, Call to Order, and Roll Call (2 min) 2) Discussion and Approval of Agenda and Agenda times (3 min) 3) Public Comment (10 min) 4) Commission Business State Senate and House legislation on Plastic bags — 15 min Block grant discussion — City's update and next steps — 20 min Federal funds for Light Rail — impact on Edina: Planning commission's information — 10 min 5) Adjourn The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large -print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Dear EEC Commissioners, Richard and 1 are looking forward to the second session with you on Wednesday night. Following is the agenda for the meeting. EEC Strategic Planning, Session 11: 1) Review: (15 min) a) Facilitator— Participants Roles review b) Day 1 review c) Next steps overview d) Expectations alignment and review of interview data 2) Underlying Contradictions: (30 min) What is currently in place that is blocking us from moving toward our vision? — review previous work (opportunity to add other blocks) and name the blocks 3) Strategic Directions: (1.5 hr) What innovative, substantial actions will deal with the underlying contradictions and move us toward our vision? — generate list of actions, set clear directions to move us toward Vision 4) Implementation: (1 hr) What are our first year accomplishments? — describe success for each strategic direction/goal, assign roles and responsibilities, develop detailed plan with timeline and assignments (if time permits) Please Bring... Report from Day 1 Final Product Final Report Excel project plan for 1St year accomplishments Due Tuesday, April 21S', 2009 Thanks and see you then! Climate and Energy in the Economic Stimulus Bill ICLEI's Guide to Getting Started Now ECONOMIC RECOVERY OVERVIEW Uj J USA ORG • $71 billion for Clean Energy -- $5o billion increase over FY 2008 spending • Local governments eligible for more than $4o billion • $2o billion in new Clean Energy tax incentives -- $5.6 billion for localities W TKICLENSAORG TODAY'S AGENDA • Overview of Energy Components of Stimulus • Deeper Looks at EECBG & State Energy Program • Building on Existing Efforts • Related ICLEI Services and Resources W W W.ICLEWS&ORO Overview of Energy Related Stimulus Components » $3.rB for the State Energy Program » $3.2B for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants » $5B for the Weatherization Assistance Program » $400M for Transportation Electrification » $300M for Efficient Appliance Program & ENERGY STAR* » $300M for Alternative Fueled -Vehicles Grant Program » $300M for Diesel Reduction Grants & Loans » $2.5B for Applied Research, Development, Demonstration and Deployment » $9B for Green Schools » $3.5B for Green Public Housing » $4.5B for Smart Grid and Smart Meter programs » $16+ B for High Speed Rail and Transit » $2 B for Advanced Battery Manufacturing Grants M W.ICLEIVS&ORG STATE ENERGY PROGRAM • Funded at $3.1B; up from $44M • Administered by State Energy Office • Distribution at state's discretion • Opportunity to work with SEO to fund local government projects • Broad array of project possibilities WW W.ICLEIUS&ORO EECBG: ALLOCATION OF FUNDS References - ARRA, p. 24,29 - EISA, p. 177 W W W.ICLEIUSAORO ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION BLOCK GRANT • Final Version in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act • Funded at $3.2B » $2.8B: formula » $40oM: competitive • Funds flow either directly from DOE or through state energy office W W W.IOLENS&ORO EECBG: Recipient/Applicant Eligibility • Local Governments Eligible for Direct Formula Funding City: Pop. 2 35,000 OR Top to in state » County: Pop. >_ 200,000 OR Top to in state • Smaller Communities » Compete for State Funding ($470.4M) o Compete for DOE Small Communities Funding ($56M) Compete for DOE General Grants ($400M) W W W.ICLEIUSAORO K DEPLOYING STIMULUS FUNDS: GETTING OUT OF THE GATE • Build on existing climate protection efforts: » Assemble (or reassemble) your green team • Energy, sustainability, climate action o Identify a stimulus project coordinator » Complete all required registration and prerequisites » Look to your action plan o Identify and prioritize eligible project types » Engage partners handling funding • State energy office, MPO WW W.ICLEIUSA.ORO EXAMPLES OF ICLEI RESOURCES ME Determining & reporting the impact of your actions Establishing a baseline and measuring progress ICLEI's CACP Software and Five -Milestone Methodology W W W.ICLEIusaORO ICLEI MEMBERS: ALREADY ON THE RIGHT TRACK • What ICLEI Members Are Already Doing » Identifying energy saving goals & reduction targets Engaging in energy & climate planning Utilizing existing transparency and accountability mechanisms W W W.ICLENS&OR0 EXAMPLES OF ICLEI RESOURCES Developing and implementing an energy conservation plan Creating a local government energy office Tlx Reeonrec' � , _;� ICLEI Energy Office Initiative icleiusa org/ene�ffice W W W.ICLENSA.ORO 3 EXAMPLES OF ICLEI RESOURCES Identifying how to incorporate clean energy in your community Understand and assess all the options ICLEI's Municipal Clean Energy Toolkit (coming soon!) WW W.ICLEIUS&ORG SERVICES FOR CLIMATE COMMUNITIES MEMBERS • Build relationships with key agency decision makers • Advice on positioning your community and projects to compete for stimulus dollars • Accessing Stimulus Dollars: A Guide for Local Governments • Timely updates on stimulus funding deadlines, application processes, and requirements • Showcase your community as a national leader See www.climatecommunities.us W W W.ICLE WSAORG ICLEI ENHANCED SERVICES • ICLEI Customized Implementation Strategies » Revolving Energy Funds, Solid Waste and Recycling • Energy Conservation/Climate Action Plan Development • Quantification Assistance with Implementation Strategies • Development of Baseline Energy Use Inventory • Tracking Energy Reduction Progress • Local Government Energy Office Initiative W W W.ICLEIusaORG WHAT'S NEXT? • Ongoing ICLEI Stimulus Funding Updates: www.icleiusa.org/stimulusfunding • ICLEI and Climate Communities Weekly Calls o Fridays, 2 p.m. Eastern • ICLEI Data Collection Training » Thursday, March r9,1 p.m. Eastern • Energy Office Initiative Intro Webinar » April 14, 2009, time TBD • Local Climate Leadership Summit: » May 18-20,2009 » www.localclimateleadershipsummit.org W W W.ICLE WSAORG El ONGOING SUPPORT What You Need ICLEI Resource Updates on the latest developments on ICLEI Connection: stimulus funding and energy programs a biweekly e -newsletter (Subscribe today!) Resources, materials and other guidance on accessing and deploying www.idejusg.(2r-z/stimulusfundine energy-related stimulus funds Conversations with other local ICLEI Member Forums: New Stimulus governments about the stimulus Funding Discussions (coming soon) A place to shape ICLEI's services and E-mail stimulusCiclei.ore share progress www.1cLe1U8A.0RG Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs ICLEI-Local Governments for... Page 1 of 7 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs ICLEI USA's responses to local government questions about funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program Updated March 31, 2009. For more funding resources, view our main page, www.icleiusa.org/stimulusfunding. Where can I get the latest information about the EECBG funding? DOE has published questions and answers on its website and specific guidance in the Funding Opportunity Announcement found through FedConnect. Note that in addition to the FOA there are five (5) attachments associated with the EECBG guidance, most of which are essential to a successful application. These include: ■ Attachment A — Program Funding Allocations ■ Attachment Bi — Project Activity Sheet ■ Attachment 132 — Financial Management Assessment ■ Attachment B3 — Environmental Questionnaire ■ Attachment C — Reporting Requirements ■ Attachment D — EECBG Strategy Format: Local Governments and Tribes ■ Attachment E — EECBG Strategy Format: States (not applicable to a local government's EECBG application) How long will local governments have to prepare and submit an application once guidance is made available? Applications from units of local government are due to DOE by 8 p.m. Eastern Time on June 25, 2009. Note: all this applies to EECBG formula funding; other funding mechanisms have their own schedules and criteria. More general information about timelines is available on www.recovery.gov. How long does DOE have to approve a submitted application? The Secretary has a maximum of 12o days after receiving a proposed strategy to approve or disapprove it. If the Secretary disapproves a proposed strategy, the Secretary shall provide to the grantee the reasons for the disapproval; and the grantee may revise and resubmit the proposed strategy as many times as necessary until the Secretary approves a proposed strategy. http://www. icleiusa.org/action-center/financing-staffing/energy-efficiency-and-conservation... 4/6/2009 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs — ICLEI-Local Governments for... Page 2 of 7 Where can I find how much funding my local government received? Please see EECBG program allocations forlocal governments of the Funding Opportunity Announcement. How much funding will we receive during the first phase of the EECBG program? Obligation of funds under the EECBG awards will vary based on the following: (1) the award amount, and (2) acceptance of an approved Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS). The EECBG staged disbursements are as follows: ■ Awards up to $250,000 – i00% of allocation will be obligated at time of award. No EELS is required prior to award, but the EECS must be submitted within 12o days. ■ Awards above $25o,000 but less than $2M – applicants may receive up to $250,000 for development of the EECS and approved activities. If not submitted with the application, the ■ EECS is required within 12o days of the effective date of the award. The balance of the allocation will be obligated upon DOE approval of the recipient's EECS. ■ Awards above $2M – applicants may receive up to $25o,000 at award for development of an EECS and approved activities, or 50% of the total allocation if an acceptable EECS has been submitted with the application and has been approved by DOE. The balance of funding will be obligated after one or more progress reviews in which the recipient must demonstrate that it has obligated funds appropriately, complied with reporting requirements and created jobs. Project performance will be monitored and corrective action taken, as necessary, to ensure acceptable performance for all awards. How will population be determined for the purposes of eligibility under the EECBG? Please visit the DOE's EECBG webpage for specific allocations as well as explanations of how population was determined. Counties in several states were not included in DOE's allocation for formula funding under the EECBG, how is DOE addressing this? DOE is submitting their allocation formula for review. The results will be published in the Federal Register when they are available. The allocations may or may not change as a result of this. ICLEI will post this information and notify affected members when it becomes available. Has DOE published guidelines on the development of an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (required to be submitted with an EECBG application or within 12o days)? The desired format and content for an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy for local governments and their equivalents is located in both Attachments C and D of the EECBG Funding Opportunity Announcement and can be downloaded at www.fedconnect.gov, Attachment D - EECBG Strategy Template: Local Governments and Tribes provides the format and broader questions. The "EECS Strategy" section of Attachment C – Reporting Requirements (see bottom of page 2) contains http://www.icleiusa.org/action-center/financing-staffing/energy-efficiency-and-conservation... 4/6/2009 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs — ICLEI-Local Governments for... Page 3 of 7 more specific information requested by DOE that should be included in the EECS. How soon do funds have to be spent? The period of performance for these grants will be 36 months. In keeping with the agenda of the Recovery Act, and supporting the goal of immediate investment in the economy, entities are required to obligate/commit all funds within eighteen (18) months from the effective date of the award. In the event funds are not obligated/committed within eighteen (18) months, DOE reserves the right to deobligate the funds and cancel the award. How should I determine whether a specific activity/project/program is eligible for funding under the EECBG? A list of eligible activities for use of program funds is contained in Sec. 544 of EISA and here. Additional activities may be eligible pending approval by the DOE. These activities are therefore not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide to the intent of the program. DOE encourages each entity to develop a strategy, including its component activities, that is likely to result in maximum energy efficiency improvements, fossil -fuel emission reductions, economic benefits and total energy use reduction. Entities may submit any other appropriate activity for approval in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy. When should local governments expect to start applying for EECBG funding? DOE will develop and publish guidance including the allocation formula in the Federal Register as quickly as possible (indications suggest early March). DOE hopes to begin receiving applications within 3o days (end of March). How long will local governments have to prepare and submit an application once guidance is made available? Once guidance is issued, local government should expect to submit applications within 6o days, however these timeframes are pending final guidance from DOE. Latest information will be posted to www.eere.energy.gov/wip. Note: all this applies to EECBG formula funding; other funding mechanisms have their own schedules and criteria. More general information about timelines is available on www.recovery.gov. How will population be determined for the purposes of eligibility under the EECBG? Please visit the DOE's EECBG webpage for more details on how population will be determined for the purposes of funding allocation. Will county population include only unincorporated areas or total population within county borders? From DOE's EECBG webpage: Entities eligible under the definition of "county" are counties and county -equivalent units of local government such as a parishes or boroughs. Depending on population, counties are eligible for EECBG program funds either directly from DOE or http://www. icleiusa.org/action-center/financing-staffing/energy-effic iency-and-conservation... 4/6/2009 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs — ICLEI-Local Governments for... Page 4 of 7 from the state in which they are located. A county with a population of at least 200,000 or that is one of the io highest populated counties of the state in which the county is located, is eligible for a direct formula grant from DOE. A county with a population below 200,000 is eligible for a sub -grant from the state in which it is located. County populations do not include the populations of cities within them that are eligible for direct formula grants from DOE. Consolidated city -county governments will be considered as cities. All counties are eligible to apply for competitive grants from DOE regardless of population. [cited from: http://appsi.eere.energy.gov/wip/block_grants.cfm] Can local governments submit population data to DOE to ensure that they will be eligible for direct funding? No. DOE cannot accept population information other than that which it receives from the U.S. Census Bureau. Will there be stimulus funds available for preparing our "GHG Action Plan?" The EECBG provides funding for, among other things, the development of an "Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (EECS)." Since energy efficiency and conservation are a major component of GHG action planning, there seems to be significant opportunity to establish the majority, if not the entirety of a GHG action plan with EECBG funding. ICLEI will be providing additional guidance and assistance to members on this issue. Additionally, EPA will be announcing a funding opportunity designed to support local government climate action plan development at the Local Climate Leadership Summit in May. Full details will be provided then. To register, visit www.localclimateleadershipsummit.org. ICLEI will post relevant information after the event if you are not able to attend. What specific energy-related grant opportunities are there for cities that are not eligible for direct EECBG funding, (i.e., with city populations less than S5,000 or county populations less than 200,000)? These communities (considered "non -eligible entities" for this purpose) can access the following funding: ■ States are required to distribute 6o% of the funding these receive under the EECBG to non - eligible entities. Within guidance established by Congress and DOE, states will independently develop mechanisms to distribute this funding. Local government should contact their state energy office for additional information. a. Each state that receives a grant under the program shall use not less than 6o percent of the amount received to provide subgrants to units of local government in the state that are not eligible for direct formula grants. The state shall provide the subgrants not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary approves the proposed energy efficiency and conservation strategy. ■ Approximately $56 million in funding from the EECBG will be allotted to a competitive grant program available only to "non -eligible entities." http://www.icleiusa.org/action-center/financing-staffing/energy-efficiency-and-conservation... 4/6/2009 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs — ICLEI-Local Governments for... Page 5 of 7 ■ Approximately $400 million in funding from the EECBG will be allotted to a competitive grant program available to all eligible entities under the EECBG including "non -eligible entities." ■ There several other energy-related opportunities available to all local governments. Visit www.icleiusa.org/stimulusfunding for more information. Do smaller local governments that do not qualify for direct funding from DOE under the EECBG need to register for a Duns and Bradstreet (DUNS) number, with Central Contractor Registration (CCR), with FedConnect, etc? No, not for the purposes of receiving that funding. These local governments will have to work directly with their state energy offices to receive that funding. However in order to be eligible for any of the other federal funding available (i.e. competitive grants under the EECBG), you will need to complete this process, so ICLEI urges ALL local governments to complete the steps outlined in its stimulus preparation checklist found at www.icleiusa.org/stimulusftinding. Will local governments receiving funds directly from DOE under the EECBG (i.e., over 35,000 for cities, over 200,000 for counties, or among the io largest jurisdictions in their states) be eligible for funding directly from the state? It is up to the state to determine whether they develop a mechanism to distribute block grant funds to local governments other than "non -eligible" entities (i.e. smaller cities and counties). However all local governments will be eligible to compete for funds under the competitive portion ($400 million) of the block grant program. Will prevailing wage and other stipulations that apply under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development programs (such as the Community Development block grants) apply to EECBG? Yes. ICLEI is seeking additional guidance from DOE based on member inquiries. Are there any limitations on utilizing the EECBG funding for projects that are supported with private funding? No, DOE encourages leveraging these funds as greatly as possible. Be advised that Recovery Act funds can be used in conjunction with other funding as necessary to complete projects, but tracking and reporting must be separate to meet the reporting requirements of the Recovery Act and related OMB Guidance. Applicants for projects funded by sources other than the Recovery Act should plan to keep separate records for Recovery Act funds and to ensure those records comply with the requirements of the Act. Funding provided through the Recovery Act that is supplemental to an existing grant is one- time funding. How much of the EECBG funding received by a local government can be used A) for administrative purposes, B) to establish a revolving loan fund, C) for providing subgrants to certain entities to assist with the development of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the eligible unit of local government? Language from the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 as modified by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is provided below. Additional information will be provided http://www. icleiusa.org/action-center/financing-staffing/energy-efficiency-and-conservation... 4/6/2009 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs — ICLEI-Local Governments for... Page 6 of 7 pending final guidance from DOE. (3) LIMITATIONS ON USE OF FUNDS.—Of amounts provided to an eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe under the program, an eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe may use -- for administrative expenses, excluding the cost of meeting the reporting requirements of this subtitle, an amount equal to the greater of— io percent; and $75,000; for the establishment of revolving loan funds, an amount equal to the greater of - 20 percent; and $250,000; and for the provision of subgrants to nongovernmental organizations for the purpose of assisting in the implementation of the energy efficiency and conservation strategy of the eligible unit of local government or Indian tribe, an amount equal to the greater of - 20 percent; and $250,000. Where can I get more information or application information about one of the energy- related programs mentioned during ICLEI's stimulus webinar? Please visit our Stimulus -Funded Programs page and select the program you are interested in. May recycling programs be supported with funds from the EECBG? Yes, recycling programs may be supported with EECBG funding subject to the following limitations and any guidance issued by DOE. Language from the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 as modified by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is provided below. Additional information will be provided pending final guidance from DOE. (io) activities to increase participation and efficiency rates for material conservation programs, including source reduction, recycling, and recycled content procurement programs that lead to increases in energy efficiency; There may be other programs with support for recycling programs. Visit www.icleiusa.org/stimulusfunding for the latest information. How do I calculate jobs saved for the purposes of the EECBG program? http://www. icleiusa.org/action-center/financing-staffing/energy-efficiency-and-conservation... 4/6/2009 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant FAQs — ICLEI-Local Governments for... Page 7 of 7 DOE will provide a calculator to assist local governments with these estimates. ICLEI will link to it as soon as it is available. Will DOE provide local contacts to assist local governments throughout the EECBG program? DOE is working with ICLEI and other national organizations to develop regional teams of experts that can assist local governments develop and implement the programs funded by EECBG and other stimulus -funded programs. More information will be disseminated as soon as it is available. Please continue to contact your ICLEI Regional Office for the latest in member support related to the EECBG and Recovery Act funding. DOE is also expanding web -based resources as well as technical assistance from Department of Energy National Laboratories to assist local governments in a number of subject areas. More information will be posted when it becomes available. http://www. icIeiusa,org/action-center/financing-staffing/energy-efficiency-and-conservation... 4/6/2009 Purpose of the 5:00 Wed. April 15 EEC Meeting: Approve Measurable Objectives for 2009 Objectives Proposed by Dianne Plunkett Latham — 4-10-09 1. Review EEC Working Group Structure —Should each Commissioner have a Standing/Temporary Working Group to Chair with the exception of the EEC Chair? Our Current Working Groups are: a. Education — Paul Thompson b. Recycling and Solid Waste — Dianne Plunkett Latham c. Water Quality —Julie Risser d. Climate Change — Germana Paterlini (1) Energy Efficiency (2) Renewable Energy (3) Reducing Carbon (4) Carbon Tracking and Measurement 2. Should the Climate Change Working Group be Restructured and Subdivided into Multiple Working Groups? 1) Carbon Measurement/Reducing Carbon/Energy Efficiency - Standing 2) Renewable Energy —Wind -Standing 3) Renewable Energy — Solar — Standing 3. Do any Standing/Temporary Working Groups Need to be Added? a. Green Building Codes—Standing b. Procurement Policy - Standing c. Dark Skys —Temporary until new code established d. Special Events — Temporary for each event as was done with the Women's PGA Golf Tournament 1) Edina 4th of July Parade 2) 5/18/09 Lk Cornelia Bike Parade Sponsored by Morningside Rotary 3) Moca Walk -Run 4) Others? 4. Each Working Group chair needs to decide which of their current members will be retained, then propose to EEC new members from among new volunteers from press release and unsuccessful commission applicant solicitation. 5. Working Groups must develop their 2009-2010 plans for approval by the EEC 6. Should Dual Commissioners be Abolished — If so, When? Other cities do not have them because: a. One person one vote b. A system of checks and balances cannot give disproportionate representation to one person c. It's an unreasonable amount of work 7. Determine process for finalizing Chapter 10 (Environment) of Comprehensive Plan — Hearings? When? Page 1 of 2 Jane Timm From: Lynette Biunno Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 8:05 AM To: Jane Timm Subject: FW: Energy and Environment Commission Contribution From: Brad Boyd [mailto:bboyd0l@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 1:16 PM To: Lynette Biunno Subject: Energy and Environment Commission Contribution Dear Edina Energy and Environment Commission, My family and I live in Edina, after purchasing a home in Edina in August 2008. My office is also in Edina, and I frequently commute to work by bike. I am a strong proponent of environmental responsibility, and do what I can to contribute toward sustainable thinking, resource conservation, and responsibility both in my individual choices, as well as in advocacy and outreach efforts. Additionally, I have recently become a Board member of the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society. The reason for my email is I saw in the Edina Sun -Current that your Commission is making an effort to "increase awareness of environmental issues in Edina." I have several suggestions and contributions I would like to share. First, I own and operate several advocacy websites such as SustalnableThinking.org and Green52.o�. I also own and operate EdinaGuide.com. Green52.org is an environmental responsibility site focused on providing weekly "green" tips to reduce environmental impact. This site currently has 49 published tips, over a 49 -week period, and is an exceptional resource for environmental awareness and responsibility. If there is something I can do to collaborate with the City of Edina or the Energy and Environment Commission, I would be happy to offer my site's tips and articles available for republication or redistribution, if credit is given. Separately, EdinaGuide.com is a site I have invested only a small amount of time in developing, but if there is a way to add Edina news, information, and feature Edina's focus on the environment through that site, I would be happy to explore those options with you. Finally, since I have children and frequently bike to work, I am very sensitive to the fact that many neighborhoods in Edina (particularly ours in the Benton Avenue area) don't have sidewalks. In my mind, a road with no sidewalk and no painted/marked bike/walking lane promotes driving, and discourages walking/biking. Cars frequently drive past our home well in excess of the speed limit, and not only is the driving itself a waste of natural resources, but it scares families, children, and the elderly away from wanting to walk, run or bike on the streets in the community they live in. If your Commission is investigating options for improving the environmental sensitivity, awareness, and public perception created by the City of Edina, I would suggest making a substantial and concerted effort to create bike lanes on city streets, and encourage/promote biking, running, and walking as a necessary and important first step. Please let me know if you would like to continue this dialogue, and whether you are interested in exploring options for increasing environmental awareness in the City through the promotion or joint promotion of the environmental advocacy sites already established by a resident of Edina (SustainableThinking.org and Green52.o_rg, primarily). Thank you for your time and consideration. Cordially, 4/13/2009 Page 2 of 2 Brad Boyd 612-554-1679 bboydO l Au gma Isom Interested in environmental responsibility? Visit Green52.org for weekly green tips, or get an overview of environmental responsibility issues at SustainableThinking.org. 4/13/2009 Fiesta 1 Stationery Jane Timm Page 1 of 2 From: Dianne Plunkett Latham [Dianne. Plunkett. Latham@Comcast.net] Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 11:13 AM To: Jane Timm; 'Bill Sierks'; 'Hailey Lee'; Heather Worthington; 'Julie Risser'; germana.paterlini@gmail.com; 'Michael Platteter'; platteters@comcast.net-, ptflydisc@aol.com; 'Steve Christianson '; Suryalyer@Yahoo.com; Jeanne K. Hanson Subject: RE: April 15 Agenda Attachments: 09-04-15Planning Outline.docx; 09MarchPlasticBagSF383HF403.docx 4-10-09 Dear EEC Commissioners, Find attached the State Senate and House proposed legislation on plastic bags, which I mentioned at the March 18 EEC meeting. Please review and during my RSW WG report at the April 15 EEC meeting we will discuss whether we want to adopt the RSW WG's recommendation on supporting it. At the March 18 meeting it was decided to have our facilitator return to finish helping the EEC prepare its objectives for 2009. It was requested, however, that he not bring Irena and that he lead the discussion alone. This makes it necessary for each commissioner to send their proposed written objectives to the facilitator, which they had previously orally given to Irena. Please send your written objectives to Heather and she will forward them to the facilitator. Mine are attached and I request Heather to forward them to the facilitator. I note that new commissioner Jeannie Hanson was not copied on Jane's last e-mail and I have copied Jeannie so that Jane and the other commissioners can pick up her e-mail address. We are looking forward to welcoming our three new commissioners at the April 15 EEC meeting! Jane— Please print this e-mail and its attachments and forward to Ray. Thanks so much! Dianne Plunkett Latham Vice Chair, Edina Energy & Environment Commission Chair, Recycling & Solid Waste Working Group 7013 Comanche Ct Edina MN 55439-1004 952-941-3542 From: Jane Timm [mailto:JTimm@ci.edina.mn.us] Sent: Thursday, April 09, 2009 3:31 PM To: Bill Sierks; Dianne Plunkett Latham ; Hailey Lee; Heather Worthington; Julie Risser; germana.paterlini@gmail.com; Michael Platteter; platteters@comcast.net; ptflydisc@aol.com; Steve Christianson ; SuryaIyer@Yahoo.com Subject: April 15 Agenda Good Afternoon: Attached is the April 15 agenda. It will be posted on the website. If you have anything for the packet please let me know. I do have two items from Germana that I will email to you on Monday. Thanks. 4/10/2009 S.F. No. 383, 2nd Engrossment- 86th Legislative Session (2009-2010) Posted on Mar 05, 2009 1.1A bill for an act 1.2relating to environment; requiring plastic yard waste bags to be compostable; 1.3establishing biodegradable standard for certain plastics; providing civil penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 1 15A.931; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325E.1.6BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.7 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 1 I5A.931, is amended to read: 1.8115A.931 YARD WASTE PROHIBITION. 1.9(a) Except as authorized by the agency, in the metropolitan area after January 1, 1.101990, and outside the metropolitan area after January 1, 1992, a person may not place 1.1 1 yard waste: 1.12(l) in mixed municipal solid waste; 1.13(2) in a disposal facility; or 1.14(3) in a resource recovery facility except for the purposes of reuse, composting, or 1.15cocomposting. 1.16 (b) [Renumbered I I5A.03, subd 38] 1.17(c) On or after January 1, 2010, a person may not place yard waste or 1. 1 8source-separated compostable materials generated in a metropolitan county in a plastic 1.19bag delivered to a transfer station or yard waste compost facility unless the bag meets all 1.20the specifications in ASTM Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics (D6400). 1.21 For the purpose of this paragraph, "ASTM" has the meaning given in section 296A.01, 1.22subdivision 6. For purposes of this paragraph, "metropolitan county" has the meaning 1.23given in section 473.121, subdivision 4, and "ASTM" has the meaning given in section 1.24296A.01, subdivision 6. 2.1(d) A person who immediately empties a plastic bag containing yard waste or 2.2source-separated compostable materials delivered to a transfer station or yard waste 2.3compost facility and removes the plastic bag from the transfer station or yard waste 2.4compost facility is exempt from paragraph (c). 2.5(e) A city of the first class with an organized collection system for collecting solid 1 2.6wa5te is exempt from paragraph (c) until January 1, 2013. 2.7 Sec. 2. [325E.046] STANDARDS FOR LABELING PLASTIC BAGS. 2.8 Subdivision 1. "Biodegradable" label. A person may not offer for sale in this 2.9state a plastic bag labeled "biodegradable," "degradable," or any form of those terms, or 2.10in any way imply that the bag will chemically decompose into innocuous elements in a 2.1 ]reasonably short period of time in a landfill, composting, or other terrestrial environment 2.12unless a scientifically based standard for biodegradability is developed, and the bags are 2.13certified as meeting the standard. 2.14 Subd. 2. "Compostable" label. A person may not offer for sale in this state a 2.15plastic bag labeled "compostable" unless, at the time of sale, the bag meets the ASTM 2.16Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics (136400). Each bag must be labeled to 2.17reflect it meets the standard. For purposes of this subdivision, "ASTM" has the meaning 2.18given in section 296A.01, subdivision 6. 2.19 Subd. 3. Enforcement; civil penalty; injunctive relief. (a) A person who violates 2.20subdivision 1 or 2 is subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each violation up to a maximum 2.21 of $5,000 and may be enjoined from those violations. 2.22(b) The attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state in a court of 2.23competent jurisdiction for recovery of civil penalties or for injunctive relief as provided in 2.24this subdivision. The attorney general may accept an assurance of discontinuance of acts 2.25in violation of subdivision 1 or 2 in the manner provided in section 8.3 1, subdivision 2b. 2.26 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. 2.27Sections 1 and 2 are effective January 1, 2010. last updated: 02/27/2009 H.F. No. 403, 1 st Committee Engrossment - 86th Legislative Session (2009-2010) Posted on Mar 02, 2009 1.1A bill for an act 1.2relating to environment; requiring plastic yard waste bags to be compostable; 1.3establishing biodegradable and compostable standards for certain plastics; 1.4providing civil penalties; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 1 I5A.931; 1.5proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325E. K 1.6BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: 1.7 Section I. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section I I5A.931, is amended to read: 1.8115A.931 YARD WASTE PROHIBITION. 1.9(a) Except as authorized by the agency, in the metropolitan area after January 1, 1.101990, and outside the metropolitan area after January 1, 1992, a person may not place LI I yard waste: 1.12(1) in mixed municipal solid waste; 1.13(2) in a disposal facility; or 1.14(3) in a resource recovery facility except for the purposes of reuse, composting, or 1. 1 5cocomposting. 1.16 (b) [Renumbered 1 15A.03, subd 38] 1.17(c) On or after January 1, 2010, a person may not place yard waste or 1. 1 8source-separated compostable materials generated in a metropolitan county in a plastic l .l9bag delivered to a transfer station or yard waste compost facility unless the bag is 1.20certified by an independent and knowledgeable third party, such as the Biodegradable 1.21 Products Institute, as meeting all the specifications in ASTM Standard Specification 1.22for Compostable Plastics (D6400) based on standardized test procedures conducted by 1.23independent laboratories. For purposes of this paragraph, "metropolitan county" has the 2.l meaning given in section 473.121, subdivision 4, and "ASTM" has the meaning given in 2.2section 296A.01, subdivision 6. 2.3(d) A person who immediately empties a plastic bag containing yard waste or 2.4source-separated compostable materials delivered to a transfer station or yard waste 2.5compost facility and removes the plastic bag from the transfer station or yard waste 2.6compost facility is exempt from paragraph (c). 2.7(e) A city of the first class with an organized collection system for collecting solid 2.8waste is exempt from paragraph (c) until January 1, 2013. 2.9 Sec. 2. [325E.046] STANDARDS FOR LABELING PLASTIC BAGS. 2.10 Subdivision 1. Biodegradable label. A person may not offer for sale in this state a 2.11 plastic bag labeled "biodegradable," "degradable," or any form of those terms, or in any 2.12way imply that the bag will chemically decompose into innocuous elements in a reasonably 3 2.13short period of time in a landfill, composting, or other terrestrial environment unless an 2.14internationally recognized, scientifically -based standard for biodegradability is developed, 2.15and the bags are certified as meeting the standard by an independent and knowledgeable 2.16third party, based on standardized test procedures conducted by independent laboratories. 2.17 Subd. 2. Compostable label. A person may not offer for sale in this state a 2.18plastic bag labeled "compostable" unless, at the time of sale, the bag is certified by an 2.19independent and knowledgeable third party, such as the Biodegradable Products Institute, 2.20as meeting the ASTM Standard Specification for Compostable Plastics (D6400) based 2.21 on standardized test procedures conducted by independent laboratories. Each bag must 2.22be labeled to reflect the certification. For purposes of this subdivision, "ASTM" has the 2.23meaning given in section 296A.01, subdivision 6. 2.24 Subd. 3. Enforcement; civil penalty; injunctive relief. (a) A person who violates 2.25subdivision 1 is subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each violation up to a maximum of 2.26$5,000 and may be enjoined from such violations. 2.27(b) The attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state in a court of 2.28competent jurisdiction for recovery of civil penalties or for injunctive relief as provided in 2.29this subdivision. The attorney general may accept an assurance of discontinuance of acts 2.30in violation of subdivision 1 in the manner provided in section 8.3 1, subdivision 2b. 2.31 Sec. 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. 2.32Sections 1 and 2 are effective January 1, 2010. last updated: 02/27/2009 4 The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District invites you to participate in the 3rdAnnual Earth Day Clean -Up Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009 Time: 8:45 a.m. (9:00-12:00 a.m.) Location: Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Office 7710 Computer Avenue, Suite 135 Edina, MN 55435 We will be meeting at the District office at 8:45am. Vest, gloves and trash bags will be provided. We will then go to the new Adopt -A - Highway section that the CAC has taken on. The section is along Highway 62 between Gleason Ave and Highway 100. The clean-up will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 a.m. We look forward to seeing you! 2009 Calendar of Events April 16th Rain Garden Workshop, Eden Prairie City Hall, Heritage Room, 6:30-9:30 pm, RSVP to Istovring@edenprairie.org April 25th 9 Mile Creek Watershed District Earth Day Clean-up April 26th Historical Presentation on Nine Mile Creek, Edina Historical Society, 2:00 pm April 29th Rain Garden Workshop, Minnetonka Civic Center, Community Room, 6:30-9:30pm RSVP at (952) 988-8400 April 30th Historical Presentation on Nine Mile Creek, City of Hopkins, 7:00pm May 3rd Historical Presentation on Nine Mile Creek, Hennepin History Museum, 2:00 pm May 9th Rain Barrel Art Contest, Bloomington Art Center, 9-12 pm May 15th Historical Presentation on Nine Mile Creek, Edina Public Library, 6:30 pm May 30th Rain Barrel Art Contest, Hopkins Pavilion, 9-12 pm June 28th Flotilla Contest/Sandcastles, Bush Lake Regional Park, Bloomington, 10-4 pm June (Date and location to be determined) Summer Education Series - Discover the Birds of Nine Mile Creek Walk July 1st Application deadline for the Native Plant Garden Competition July (Date and location to be determined) Summer Education Series - Volunteer Stream Monitoring Workshop August 12th Summer Education Series - Native Plant Garden Talk and Award Announcement, Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Office, 6:30 pm August 15th Native Plant Garden Tour September (Date to be determined) Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Fall Tour Please check our website for additions to our calendar of events. If you would like to know more about an event, please contact Claire Bleser, seri0026r umn.edu, (651) 815-0244 or visit our website www.ninemilecreek.ora wowimlle Creek W A TE R 5 9"mmlieCreek W A T E R S H E D D I S T R 1 C T Presents RainBarrelArt The purpose of this event is to demonstrate how rain barrels not only are useful but can look great too! Rain barrels collect and store rain water that falls onto the roof of your home. During dry spells, you can use the stored water to water your lawn and garden even if a watering ban is in place. Rain barrels are a free alternative to using treated tap water. Each rain barrel art event will include an information session on rain barrels followed with the possibility of taking part in our rain barrel art competition. Barrels will be available at a discounted price and painting supplies will be provided free of charge by the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. For more information on rain barrels visit our website at www.ninemilecreek.org. How to get your rain barrel In order to obtain your rain barrel, you will need to: • You must live in the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District. Please check our website • Sign up for an information session; please see below (limited space available). Information sessions will begin at iia.m. (Decorating at 9 a.m.) • Send complete form below to the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District, 7710 Computer Ave., Suite 135, Edina, MN 55435 or email us at serioo260aumn.edu • Come to the session with cash/check to cover rain barrel expense ($2 5) • For more information, please contact Claire Bleser at 651-815-0244. Rain Barrel Art Competition Before the information session, participants will be able to paint their barrel and automatically enter the Rain Barrel Art Competition at no extra cost. All you need is your barrel; we will supply the rest! Decorated barrels will be available to take home after the information session. When? Bloomington Saturday, May 9, 2009 ga.m. Bloomington Center for the Arts 180o W. Old Shakopee Road Name: Address: Phone Number: Email: Hopkins Saturday, May 30, 2009 9a.m. Hopkins Pavilion ii000 Excelsior Blvd For more information please call Claire at 651-308-2167 or Visit our website at www.ninemilecreek.org NINE MILE CREEK RAIN BARREL PARTICIPATION FORM Location: Circle the appropriate I will / will not take part in decorating my rain barrel. Nine Mile Creek Water shed District 7710 Computer Ave, Suite 135, Edina, MN 55435 9"Mile Creek W A T E R S H E D 0 1 S T R X C 7