HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-12 PacketDRAFT MINUTES
CITY OF EDINA MINNESOTA
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
EDINA CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM
Thurs., April 12, 2012
7:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER 7:00p.m.
II. ROLL CALL Answering Roll Call was Members Gubrud, Heer, Jennings, Kostuch, Latham, Rudnicki, Zarrin and
Chair Thompson.
Late Arrival: Gupta, Risser, and Sierks
Absent: Paterlini
Staff Present: Karen Kurt and Rebecca Foster
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Zarrin to approve the Agenda as written. Motion
carried unanimously.
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Kostuch to approve the Consent Agenda as
written. Motion carried unanimously.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
VI. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Member Sierks thanked Member Latham for her service as Chair for the past two years on the EEC.
Motion made by Member Gubrud and seconded by Member Heer to approve the attached Resolution
thanking Member Latham for her service as Chair on the EEC. Motion carried unanimously.
A. Working Group Membership. No additions or deletions needed.
B. EEC annual activity calendar. Member Latham said that the televised EEC meeting should stay in January
due to no EEC or Working Groups meetings being held in December.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Gubrud to keep the televised meeting in
January. Motion carried unanimously.
Member Kostuch requested verbiage changed with the Procurement Plan in June. The EEC staff liaison will
request to there will be an annual staff presentation to the EEC regarding the status of the Procurement Policy
implementation and make any staff concerns known to EEC. Member Latham will incorporate redline changes
that were discussed.
C. Recycling & Solid Waste WG
5
1. Residential Recycling RFP. Member Latham gave an update on the Buckingham and Tennis MRF tours.
The City will start receiving the Residential Recycling RFP bids and the EEC will review them at the May
meeting.
2. City Park Recycling Bin Task Force. Member Latham said that Vince Cockriel, Park Superintendent will
order 25 recycling bins per year rather than having groups donate them. The cost to purchase bins will
be $14,000 yearly.
3. Report on solid waste licensing amendments. Member Latham passed along Council Member Mary
Brindle's concern of how a hauler can charge every resident a different price for same service. Mary
Brindle would like haulers to charge a market rate for all customers after the introductory rate.
Member Latham would like no charge for picking up yard waste unless you're picking up yard waste
during those months. A recommendation will be made to have haulers fold in surcharge taxes with
main base charge for a better understanding of service rates. Member Latham will bring these
amendments to the working group in June or July due to currently working on the Residential Recycling
RFP.
D. Energy WG
1. Solar panel project. Ms Kurt will send an email to Commissioners about the April 6th solar panel test
results after she follows up Xcel Energy. A press release will be written too.
2. Solar/wind ordinance amendments. Member Sierks has received Cary Teague's, Planning Director,
comments and will review them before passing the ordinance onto the entire EEC for approval.
3. PACE/EEEP commercial energy district update. Member Sierks gave an update on the Grandview Tire
solar project and a potential Cedars of Edina, multifamily apartment complex, energy efficiency and
renewal energy project. In order for Cedars to participate the EEEP program needs to be amended to
include multifamily properties.
Public Comment.
Brad Hanson, 5908 Chapel Dr., Edina, said that any building four units or more is considered commercial.
John Dolphin, 5809 Eastview Dr., Edina, appreciates Edina being on the leading edge of EEEP.
Motion made by Member Sierks and seconded by Member Latham to approve amending the existing
EEEP to include multifamily owned buildings as defined by city staff. Motion carried unanimously.
4. Environmental Initiatives Awards Finalist. Member Sierks said that EEEP was nominated and is one of
three finalists in the Energy & Climate category on May 24th. Ms. Kurt will follow with the City Manager
and Mayor to find out who's available to attend.
E. Air Quality WG
1. Drive Through City Code Amendments. Member Risser said the Planning Commission is requesting that
the No Idly Engine signs at drive through should be eliminated from the amended code.
2. No idling sign pilot project. Commissioners approved the No Idly Engine template they received from the
Sign Shop. Member Latham will forward maps to Ms. Kurt of the sign location installs for the Creek
Valley School and Countryside School pilot areas. Member Zarrin is requesting an install date from the
Sign Shop, so the EEC can notify the schools to start education on No Idling of your vehicles.
F. Education Outreach WG
1. April 19 2012 educational program. Member Zarrin gave an update on the planning process. She is
requesting the EEC Members to promote and sign up to work at the event. Ms. Kurt said the EEC
should work through the City's Communications & Technology Services Department when future EEC
6
events need to be posted on the City's Facebook page. Ms. Kurt said a chalk board banner was ordered
for the EEC to use at events for public comments.
2. May Term Intern. Member Jennings said she along with two other students will visit Elementary Schools
and survey students on how much they know about the environment and will create a lesson plan per
the survey results to educate the students in the future.
3. 4th of July parade unit. Member Gubr d said he sybmitttedean application to have the Home Energy
Squad unit in the parade. a Tolby mascot now.
G. Water Quality WG. Ms. Kurt stated that city staff had reviewed the proposed work plan as requested by the
Council.. There are no city staffing issues with regard to the proposed education -related priorities. If an
Ordinance needs to be changed, Ms. Kurt is requesting the EEC Members should wait until the new staff
liaison has been hired.
H. April 23 Volunteer Recognition nominee. Chair Thompson said Jonathan Flack from the Edina Community
Lutheran Church was nominated for the award due to the creation of the Edina Interfaith Power and Light
Group.
I. Annual Mayor's Climate Protection Award application. Chair Thompson asked for nominations for the
Award.
Motion made by Member Sierks and seconded by Member Latham to recommend that the City submit an
application on highlighting the EEEP and the Edina Dialogue if possible. Motion carried unanimously.
J. Education Policy. This topic was tabled.
K. Carbon Disclosure Project. Member Latham has removed Surface Water and added Local Food for a
GreenStep. Member Rudnicki will forward his changes to Member Paterlini.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE & PETITIONS. No Comments.
Vlll. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
A. Candidate comments. Member Sierks has offered to be chair and would like to focus on the following areas.
1. Where do we want to be as a Commission? What are the strategic priorities and how do we measure
them and get there? 2. What staff resources are the EEC going to rely on and are those Council priorities in
order to achieve them. 3. What internal procedures does the EEC have now and if they need to be changed.
4. Possible external partnerships.
B. Officer elections.
Motion made by Member Gubrud and seconded by Member Latham to nominate Member Sierks as Chair
and Member Heer as Vice Chair for the EEC. Motion carried unanimously.
C. Commission social event. Chair Thompson invited EEC Members, EEC Working Group Members, City
Council, City Staff, and their families to a picnic at Weber Park on Friday, May 11th from 5:30-8:30pm for
food and fun.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Report Feb. YTD 2012 EEC expenses. No report on EEC budget.
B. Staff liaison replacement update. First round interviews are being conducted by City staff third week in
April.
C. B3 data entry update. Ms. Kurt met with city staff and Sarah Steinman and developed a plan on how to
enter the backlog of data. The Finance Dept. will maintain the future data entry.
7
D. Purchasing Policy. Ms. Kurt said that City Council approved the Purchasing Policy.
E. Turf Management Policy. Ms. Kurt will edit the Turf Management into the policy format template hopefully
by May V
Ms. Kurt will be out of town and unable to attend the regularly scheduled EEC May 101h meeting.
Chair Thompson reminded EEC Members about the following upcoming events they can attend.
April 14`h, Water Resource Event at Grandview Library
April 18`h, Clean Energy Resource Event
April 19`h, Edina Dialogue
April 215`, Cornelia Elementary Bike Rodeo
April 22"d, Earth Day Festivities at Minnehaha Park
There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Chair Thompson declared the meeting adjourned at
8:54p. m.
Motion made by Member Gubrud and seconded by Member Latham to adjourn meeting. Motion carried
unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Foster
GIS Administrator
s
Resolution
The members of the Edina Energy Commission unanimously approve this resolution commending outgoing Chair Dianne
Plunkett Latham for her dedication and leadership during the past two years. Chair Latham has spent countless hours to
advance Edina's GreenStep Cities' program and many other aspects of the Commission's work. Because of her
expertise, dedication, and efforts, the City has undertaken a number of significant actions that will benefit the city of
Edina and its residents for many years. We thank Chair Latham for her service and request that a copy of this resolution
be provided to City Council.
Approved: April 12, 2012
Liaisons: Report attendance monthly and attach this report to the Commission minutes for the packet.
Do not enter numbers into the last two columns. Meeting numbers & attendance percentages will calculate automatically.
INSTRUCTIONS: Counted as Meeting Held (ON MEETINGS' LINE) Attendance Recorded (ON MEMBER'S LINE)
Regular Meeting w/Quorum
Type 1" under the month on the meetings' line.
Type " 1" under the month for each attending member.
Regular Meeting w/o Quorum
Type " 1" under the month on the meetings' line.
Type "l under the month for each attending member.
Joint Work Session
Type "l under "Work Session" on the meetings' line.
Type "1" under "Work Session" for each attending member.
Rescheduled Meeting*
Type "l under the month on the meetings' line.
Type "1" under the month for each attending member.
Cancelled Meeting
Type "1" under the month on the meetings' line.
Type "1" under the month for ALL members.
Special Meeting
There is no number typed on the meetings' line.
There is no number typed on the members' lines.
*A rescheduled meeting occurs when members are notified of a new meeting date/time at a prior meeting. If shorter notice is
given, the previously -scheduled meeting is considered to have been cancelled and replaced with a special meeting.
NOTES:
MINUTES
CITY OF EDINA MINNESOTA
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
EDINA CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM
Thurs., May 10, 2012
7:14 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER 7:14p.m.
II. ROLL CALL Answering Roll Call was Members Gubrud, Heer, Jennings, Kostuch, Latham, Rudnicki, Thompson,
Zarrin and Chair Sierks
Absent: Gupta, Paterlini, and Risser
Absent Staff: Interim Karen Kurt
Staff Present: Rebecca Foster and Solvei Wilmot
Ill. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Motion made by Member Gubrud and seconded by Member Kostuch to approve the Agenda as written.
Motion carried unanimously.
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
Change the July 4th Parade minutes to, Hoping to have a Tolby mascot.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Thompson to approve the Consent Agenda per
the edits discussed for the April EEC Minutes. Motion carried unanimously.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
Darrell Hoekstra, Waste Management
John O'Neal, Allied Waste
VI. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Board and Commission survey results. Joel Stegner presented the survey results to the Commissioners.
B. Recycling & Solid Waste WG
1. Residential Recycling RFP.
Discussion was held regarding the lack of an objective environmental metric to produce a more substantive
evaluation for the weighing of the proposals. Concern was expressed about seeking additional weighing
information from the proposers after the proposals had been opened.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Kostuch to
1. Negotiate with the top two proposers.
2. The City request that the top two proposers provide additional information concerning the
following metrics, and that the City evaluation team should use this additional information in
scoring the environmental criterion in the RFP:
a. What energy sources (e.g., gasoline, electricity, natural gas, diesel, biodiesel, other
fuels, etc.) does the proposer use at each stage of the collection, transfer and
processing of their recycling enterprise?
b. Submit documentation of the fuel efficiency of the proposer's fleet.
3. City Council members should tour top two proposers' facilities.
4. The top two proposers should submit a Syr bid in addition to their 7yr bid.
Discussion was held regarding the problem of the best value ranking, which resulted in the best environmental
scorer not offering the best economic package. Members expressed concern that a more quantitative metric
should be developed to evaluate the environmental category. Members expressed concern about reevaluating
the proposals since they have already been evaluated and a ranking has been established.
Members expressed concern about the seven year length of the contract and why a shorter time wasn't offered.
Ms. Wilmot commented that the proposals had been reviewed and the best value proposal was the seven year
length. Members discussed a five year contract but recognized the shorter contract may increase the cost of the
contract.
Commissioner Rudnicki recommended matrix 2a above. Commissioner Zarrin recommended matric2b above.
Commissioner Latham recommended that the City Council members tour the Material Recycling Facility (MRF)
of both the top two proposers given that with two top proposers there is at least a 50% chance that the contract
will change vendors. Commissioner Heer recommended that the top two proposers be negotiated with, not just
the top proposer. General concern was expressed with the fact that there were no commissioners on the
Recycling RFP review team. This is a continuing EEC concern given that there were no commissioners on the
solar panel RFP review team.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion made by Commissioner Rudnicki, seconded by Commissioner Thompson that in addition to the two
metrics identified in the previous motion, the city should request proposers to provide information on this
additional metric, with the City considering this information in evaluating the proposers' score under the
environmental criteria of the RFP: how much energy is used to handle one ton of material in each step of the
process. The top two proposers would be expected to include, but not limited to, fuel used to collect and/or
transfer one ton of material; electricity in the processing stage to handle one ton of material (this is the
energy needed to run conveyor belts, fans, blowers, climate control, etc); and energy (e.g., diesel, natural
gas) to operate transfer equipment like loaders, etc.
Discussion — Commissioners Heer and Kostuch believed that this metric could only be validated if the proposers
also documented the assumptions upon which the data was gathered, and could involve considerable effort to
gather. Commissioner Latham was concerned that this could extend the time frame to arrive at a decision.
Commissioner Rudnicki assured the commission that vendors had routine knowledge of this data in the
operation of their plants and that it would not be difficult for proposers to gather. Commissioner Sierks
acknowledged that he did not know if this data were difficult to gather or not but believed that it would be
worth the effort to try to obtain in order to quantify the environmental criterion of the RFP. Ms. Wilmot
expressed concern about how to gather the data.
Roll Call was taken:
Ayes: Gubrud, Rudnicki, Thompson, Zarrin and Chair Sierks
Nays: Heer, Kostuch, Latham,
Absent: Paterlini and Risser
C. Air and Water quality
1. Mayors' letter to support Clean Air Act legislation
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Gubrud to recommend Mayor Hovland to
sign the Clean Air Act letter. Member Kostuch voted Nay. Motion carried.
D. Energy WG. Member Heer and Chair Sierks meet with Karen Kurt and Scott Neal to discuss the focus of the
EEC. It was suggested that the Commission use the Green Steps City and EEEP as a framework for their work
plan. As the Commission and City implement new items they should try to follow up on them.
1. Environmental Initiatives Awards Finalist. Mayor Hovland & City Manager Scott Neal will be attending
the event.
2. Mayor's Climate Protection Award filed. Chair Sierks applied for the grant.
E. Education Outreach WG
1. April 19 2012 educational program. The speaker was outstanding. The discussion groups at the end
weren't very engaging. The Vendors were great. The most common comment stated was people were
going to eat less meat. All comments from the Dialogue will be posted on the City website.
2. May Term Intern projects. This topic was tabled.
3. 4th of July parade unit. This topic was tabled.
4. Picnic. Weber Park on Friday, May 11th from 5:30-8:30pm for all Commissioners and Working Group
members.
F. Green Step Cities Review. Review and comment for next meeting.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE & PETITIONS. No Comments.
VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS. No Comments.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS.
A. Staff will track submission of working group minutes
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
6-14-12 EEC June Meeting in Community Room
There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Chair Sierks declared the meeting adjourned at 9:20p.m.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Gubrud to adjourn meeting. Motion carried
unanimously.
Res
pectfull ted,
ReYoster
GInistrator
Edina Energy & Environment Commission
Working Groups, Task Forces and Projects
Draft of 5-10-12
Air QualitX Working Group (AQ WG) — Temporarily deactivated 9 Feb. 2012 — Chair Open - Members Julie Mellum,
David B. VanDongen
Water Quality Working Group (WQ WG) — 4th Thursday at 6:30pm - Chair Julie Risser — Members: Bill Johnson, Nina
Holiday -Lynch, Jon Moon, Robert Skrentner
Prospective Members — George Hunter (10-4-11)
Eng!W Working Group (AE WG)— 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 pm — Chair Bill Sierks, Co -Chair John Heer - Commissioners Bob
Gubrud and Germana Paterlini - Members Richard Griffith, Richard Oriani, Greg Nelson, Gary Wahman, John Howard,
Bill Glahn, Brad Hanson
Prospective Members
John Dolphin - 5809 Eastview Dr
Peter Larson — (2-1-12) Employed at EnerChange, a nonprofit dedicating to working with nonprofits to reduce energy
consumption via a guaranteed energy savings program.
Education Outreach Working Group (EO WG) — 1 St Tuesday at 7:00 pm - Co -Chairs Paul Thompson and Bob Gubrud —
Members: Sarah Zarrin (EEC) Laura Eaton, John Howard, Todd Willmert, Tara Gupta and Bevlin Jennings.
Home Energy Squad Task Force (HES) — Meets as needed -Chair Bill Sierks —Commissioners -Paul Thompson, Bob
Gubrud
Purchasing — Meets as needed — Co -Chairs Germana Paterlini, Keith Kostuch
Recycling & Solid Waste Working Group (RSW WG) — 1St Thursday at 7:00 pm - Chair DP Latham, Commissioners Sara
Zarrin and Tim Rudnicki - Members Michelle Horan, Melissa Seeley — City Staff Solvei Wilmot
Turf Management Plan Task Force (TMP TF) — Meetings as needed over lunch hour - Chair Germana Paterlini (EEC) —
Commissioners - Ellen Jones (Pk Bd), Mary Jo Kingston (Community Health), Vince Cockriel (Staff); Ex Officio DP
Latham (EEC) and John Keprios (Dir. Pk & Rec. Dept)
Urban Forest Task Force (UF TF) — Meets as needed over lunch hour - Chair DP Latham — Commissioners - Joseph
Hulbert (Pk Bd), Michael Schroeder (Planning Commission) & City Forester Tom Horwath (Staff).
Solar & Wind Ordinance Task Force —Chair Open, Members — Bill Sierks (EEC) Michael Platteter (Planning), Ken Potts
(Planning) with support from the EEC Energy Working Group — City Planner Cary Teague (Staff)
Park Recycling Bin Task Force — Chair Dianne Plunkett Latham (EEC), Staff Vince Cockriel (Public Works), Tom
Swenson (Braemar) and Tom Shirley (Centennial Lakes), Members Melissa Seeley and Michelle Horan.
Bylaws Working Group — Chair Dianne Plunkett Latham (EEC),
Carbon Disclosure Project Committee — Commissioners Germana Paterlini and John Heer
iF
Member Report —
Board and Commission Survey
February, 2012
Prepared by Joel Stegner,
Volunteer Survey Coordinator
CITY OF ERIN
Background
This project was originally designed as a single
online survey for board and commission members to
evaluate the effectiveness of their various groups.
It was later expanded into three "mirror surveys"
looking at a broader range of issues from the
viewpoints of members, staff and the City Council.
A market researcher (current Heritage Preservation
Chair) first volunteered to review the survey and then
to design, analyze and report on the results.
The results identify opportunities to improve how
members and staff do their jobs, and better connect
their work with current city priorities and initiatives.
Chi f 2 4 +1I i
Board Membership
■ Energy & Environment
■ Art Center
■ Human Rights & Relations
■ Transportation
■ Planning
■ Park
Heritage Preservation
L Community Health
• 67 members responded. All
three groups responded at
an 80+% rate.
• Members made 29 pages of
thoughtful comments, most
contained in this report.
• These comments allow
members to more fully
explain their answers.
• The distribution of members
respondents was similar, so
the sample is representative
of all members.
CITY OF EDiNA
Membership status
■ Chair ■Member w Student
• The distribution of surveys
from chairs, regular members
and student members also is
similar to overall membership.
• All but one chair responded,
which shows the commitment
leaders bring to their boards
and commissions.
• A special report was
developed to look at chair and
student responses, which
looked at issues differently
from regular members.
How long have you served on this board or
commission?
• More than one third are in
their first year of service.
• Only about one in four have
served for more than 3
years, with only 6% having
served more than six years.
— Longest tenure — Planning and
Park Board
— Shortest tenure - Health
• One would expect member
■ 1 year knowledge and perceptions
■3 years to change with time.
* 7-9 years
M
I
CITY OF EDINA
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
What motivated you to join?
Interest in board General interest Saw in Sun- Member Learned about it
or commission in City service Current media recommended I elsewhere
serve
• The top factors were interest in the specific board or commission or city service.
• Chairs more often mentioned the board, student general interest in the city.
• Under 10% mentioned past membership, a Council meeting or Council/staff recruitment.
• Community Health, Heritage Preservation and Planning mentioned the most reasons
• Community Health and students were most "recruited," Park via non -media sources.
CITY OF EDINA
What motivated you to join?
My dad received the email and forwarded
it to me, recommending that I apply.
Edina is where I live and where climate
change needs to change
I was identified because a member at the
time knew of my background in the arts.
My interest grew from running for office.
I'm involved in local politics — a good way
to be more active in the community
I believed my professional and volunteer
experiences and interests were a good fit.
Poor air quality in neighborhoods/light
commercial areas from wood smoke, lawn
chemicals & scented laundry products
Planning Commission as a first choice,
and was offered the ETC
Development person for the expansion of
Southdale for JC Penney
Have appeared before commissions for
the 750+ projects for approval
• Neighbors suggested I get involved.
• Rezoning of Ridgedale and was a project
person on Brookdale and Rosedale.
• 1 worked closely with Scott Neal while
doing Northfield Target.
• Sought an appointment to the Park
Board - denied three times. Appointed to
the RSW Commission was then
disbanded and folded into the EEC.
• Now retired, I want to give back in the
area have expertise and a lot of interest.
• 1 have a special interest in Human Rights.
• Been active with Edina youth athletics.
No agenda, no ax to grind-- simply a
heart felt personal obligation to give back.
• Were no women on the board at the time.
• The first time I applied, was not selected
and was not interviewed. Important to
encourage people to reapply and outline
how appointments are done.
CITY OF EDINA
How would you describe your application
and interview process?
■ Very informative.
■ Somewhat informative
■ Less than informative.
No opinion — NA
• Half said the process was
somewhat informative — with
some questions left unanswered.
• Just over one third were fully
satisfied, with 14% having no
opinion or said the question
didn't apply to them.
• Planning, transportation and
energy/environment were most
positive; community health was
most critical of these processes.
• Students were most positive;
chairs most critical.
crTY OF eoINa
How would you describe your application
and interview process?
About my qualifications to be on the Board.
I assumed it was my responsibility to learn
as much as I could by reviewing the
website prior to the interview.
didn't have much of an interview process.
My experience does not match what was
described to me. Commission much more
active and influential than previously.
Appointed without an interview process.
had originally applied to the Planning
Commission - placed on the Zoning Board
of Appeals in what Mayor Maetzold
described as an "On -Deck" position.
Most of my discussion with City Council
was on a topic unrelated to the EEC.
It was a very brief and I was interviewing
for an opening but not sure which one.
I had ample opportunity to talk about myself
but did not learn much about the role.
• 1 was given some information about each
so that I could better consider what I
might be interested in — didn't get specific
information about any (student member).
• Don't think I have ever received a
definitive definition of the role of the EEC
from City Staff, City Council or the Mayor.
• 1 felt the interview/application process
gave me the necessary overview of the
EAC, but didn't exactly prepare me for
the EAC Board meetings
• Not a whole lot of information was
provided to prepare me for the interview.
There wasn't much time between being
notified and the actual interview.
• 1 applied years ago so my experience is
not fresh in my mind. I do remember
feeling I needed a more formal
orientation.
CITY of EoINa
How would you describe your application
and interview process?
• Interview went fine. In hindsight I should
have been more informed with the whole
commission process.
• I think the current format (full Council, one-
on-one interviews) is the best.
• 1 did not realize until the first meeting that
we would be asked to distribute funds for
human services.
• Extremely brief and though I was prepared
for that I did feel "cut off."
• The old way - 4 were interviewed
simultaneously —1 was selected
The application and interview process was
straight forward and adequate and I can't
say "very informative' .
Before appointment, I was not aware of
the total reorganization and
"reconstituting" of the EHRRC being
undertaken in 2009.
• My background as a real estate lawyer
probably afforded me with a clearer
understanding of my role on the planning
commission prior to actually interviewing
for the position.
• Extremely intimidating to be interviewed
by chair and entire city council. I
understand the issue of time, but it was
very overwhelming.
• Nine of us interviewing for three spots
had to line up across the table from the
Council and go down the line
• I really didn't come away with a good
sense in terms of expectations.
• Because the interview process is by
necessity brief, more written material on
the website should help give the applicant
more of a context for expectations.
• It was a very brief and I was interviewing
for an opening but not sure which one.
CITY OF EDIN
How would
■ Very effective
■ Somewhat effective
■ Somewhat ineffective
e Very ineffective
I-- No orientation
describe your orientation?
• Two in 5 had no orientation — most
common with chairs/students.
— Most weren't oriented before joining
human rights, energy and environment
and community health .
— Park and HPB were most likely to have
an orientation and rate it very or
somewhat effective.
• Only about one in eight described
their orientation as very effective
— Less than half rated it effective
— Chairs were most critical.
• Comments reflected a general
belief that orientation is important.
CtTY OF EDINA
How would you describe your orientation?
Our Board deals with some very •
complicated issues. It would have been
impossible to learn all of this in orientation
I don't think I had an orientation. I joined
the board 4 or 5 years ago.
I just joined and learned by doing.
Orientation consisted of giving me "the
book"; nothing more.
Orientation was Council Mary Brindle
coming to a meeting to welcome almost an
entirely new Commission and explain what
used to happen on the Commission.
We did receive a book, but questions on
practice, history, procedure unanswered.
Frustrating - did not know what to expect
as I arrived at the first meeting. Forced to
do a lot of sitting and listening, unsure of
what my role was or what I was supposed
to be doing (student member).
None - sought guidance on my own.
I jumped in
Very informal. The Chair forwarded me a
bunch of documents to read. What would
have been very helpful was a written
charter beyond what is on the City
website, a list of priorities and how they fit
with the City Council's priorities.
• The Director of the Art Center offered to
give the new members a tour of the
facility - I was unable to attend.
• 1 learned a lot about the parks system but
not exactly what my role should be.
• no formal orientation other than being told
board members were expected to
volunteer at events and on committees.
• In the past couple of years an orientation
meeting has been held for new members
to introduce the programs and present a
brief history of the art center."
• A review of the Human Rights Ordinance,
By-laws, and Commission purview
• 1 don't think I had any orientation.
QTY OF EDIN r
How would you describe your orientation?
It was recommended that I take a course
at the U of M - just a day long thing - this
was really helpful (planning).
Don't recall a formal orientation. There
may have been a packet of information.
I would say my experience was more
baptism by fire. I came to my first meeting,
name was called for roll and off we went.
No integration process.
I would suggest new Commissioners the
to meet the other Commissioners via
phone or coffee, etc. It's a bit intimidating
to hit the ground running without really
knowing what's going on."
The missing ingredient was a review of the
Edina Ordinances and specific
procedures.
A brand new commission when I joined
Not much of a formal orientation.
I could not attend
• Had no idea what was involved in time
commitment. No problem staying an
hour and a half or even two hours for a
meeting if I know that is what is expected.
• Printed orientation materials that briefly
review rules and regulations and open
meeting policy would have been helpful
• Our staff person did a good job of
orienting me, but I would have preferred
also to have a general orientation with all
other new adult members of the council.
• Selection and orientation of student
members should be totally redone.
Select students in the spring and do their
orientation and first meetings in the
summer. Graduated seniors have little
reason or interest in continuing through
the summer. All should do their
orientation together, so they know others
who are participating and make
friendships. It would be great to identify
interested students in middle school.
What would improve orientation?
List below is very encouraging/right on.
Knowledge of issues about the arts
Cover on a high level the comprehensive
plan, zoning ordinance, legal issues, and
expectations of commission members.
Better overview on the city, the Council,
expectations, roles, etc.
A sit-down meeting with Planning Staff
Its fine the way it is. There is a learning
curve but that's to be expected
A short debriefing before the first meeting.
Better role definition, more history on what
commission has done, key projects
underway and decision parameters.
It wasn't clear ole was and how it related
to the city council. Still not clear what level
of expertise we are expected to have and
to what extent we can advocate positions.
This is difficult. The best way is to simply
attend meetings.
• Email the information to all new members
• To have one
• Public meeting rules info would be
vital .... I have no idea what that is like.
• New planning commission members
would benefit from an orientation to the
ordinances, comp plan, and relevant
statutes that govern our work.
• Review the by-laws covering the
responsibilities of board members.
• An orientation meeting separate from a
regular board meeting to introduce
members in a more informal setting.
• Folder with history and important
documents; charter; yearly reports
• Maybe a handout on the history and
activities of the board/commission
• A clear presentation of the EAC's goals
and challenges.
• An orientation for student members
CITY OF EDIT
What would improve orientation?
One for all board members along with the
one I got at the art center. I'm not sure
they all get the orientation.
Recommending each candidate attend a
commission meeting prior to acceptance.
A general training that addresses advisory
role, staff liaison, open meeting/data
practices and a specific orientation that
gets new members up to speed on what
the board or commission has been doing..
a meeting with city council and even
previous city council members
A discussion of how public process works
and how we could make a difference.
A period of specific education for new
members prior to attending a first meeting
Need to understand how to get policy in
condition for council approval.
Have one - especially on Roberts Rules
Provide a better description of the
committee on the city website.
• Provide history, accomplishments and
expectations; have board members attend
to share their experience
• More informal setting where the staff
liaison can present current issues and the
new member can ask questions.
• Only one continuing member. The group
could benefit from a retreat to create a
new mission/structure for next 5-10 years.
• Some "local training" would be useful-- but
a broader training that can provide a more
expansive perspective might add value.
• overview of committee and expectations,
function of committee before first meeting
• Provide short biographies of other
members -- also, full explanation of
'consultant' role; background with Edina is,
what they do, what/how they are paid.
• Change the all terms to June -May and do
a June orientation for all new members, an
orientation in July for incoming chairs.
CITY OF EDINA
We are developing training for new chairs and
members. What topics would be most valuable ?
Other topics of interest
Working with media/C&M Dept.
laws/open meeting requirements
Eliciting effective public input
Being an effective leader/member
Activitieettime commitment
Consukant/lialson roles/resp.
Purpose for boardslcommissions
:hair/member roles/responsibillties
City Council relationship
Major City goals/inklatives
180
20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
-Members rated an average of 6.8 topics as "most valuable," less than Council, more than staff.
-Goals, roles, responsibilities and relationships came out as most often considered important.
-Liaisons were more concerned about member roles/responsibilities vs. effectiveness.
-The Council rated bylaws/meeting requirements high, but otherwise agree with members.
CITY OF EDINA
We are developing training i
members. What topics would
Major City goals and initiatives
Their relationship with the City Council
HRR, EE, CH,
chairs and
most valuable?
AC, HRR, EE, CH, PK, TR
Roles and responsibilities of chairs and members HRR, EE, CH, TR
Purpose for boards and commissions
Roles/responsibilities of consultants/staff liaisons
Activities and expected time commitments
Being an effective leader and/or member
Eliciting effective public input
Bylaws and open meeting requirements
Working with the C & M Dept and the media
AC, HRR, CH, TR
AC, HRR, CH,
AC, HP, PK
AC, PL, PK
EE, HP, PL, PK
AC, EE, PL, PK, TR
E E, HP
AC, EE, HP, PL, TR
AC, EE, PL, TR
AC, EE, CH, PL, TR
AC, EE, CH
-The highest interest was in city goals and objectives; higher than average interest in City
Council relations, chair/member responsibilities and board/commission purposes.
-HR, AC and CH have the strongest interest in multiple topics, students in the fewest topics.
Chairs were more interested in roles/responsibilities, members in chair/member effectiveness.
CITY OF EDINA
Training - other topics?
A list of basic architecture terminology. Process/expectations of working with the
These are excellent topics plus one on city regarding the media. I spent several
working together as a team hours preparing for media ... only to find
out that I was supposed to go through the
• Meeting rules Communications Department for
• Writing ordinances everything. Wasted my time/expertise.
• Budget, enterprise business operations
It is hard to comment specifically without
N • strategic planning for commissions
understanding the particulars. I reiterate
`°
Selecting members who have a proven
my belief that a non -Edina centric
track record of working within a team to
approach to some of this might expand
accomplish things — not bring single-
thinking beyond our normal comfort levels -
minded anger and self -defensiveness to a
- which can be a good thing.
team designed to represent the entire city.
01 would recommend that you cover the
• Training on how to really accomplish
open meeting laws and budget issues
something --better use of time and resolve
0Assistance understanding Roberts Rules
• Road design /living streets concept
0This is a GREAT list
• Parliamentary Orocedure
0Goal setting - how to develop achievable
• 1 would check ALL of the above..
and measurable goals that make the
board and commission more effective
1#3 ii#IA4�11
How satisfied are you with these aspects of
your meetings and other activities?
Website quality
Public participation
Effective use of time
How topics discussed
Communication of results
Consultant support
Meeting length
Decisionstoutcomes
How decisions made
Meeting materials
City Council support
Minuteslagenda
Meeting schedule
Staff support
Fit with interests
42%
= 48%
= 48%
53
0% 20% 40%
59%
60%
60%
61%
61%
4
68%
68%
7
79%
083%
80% 100%
embers are most satisfied with personal fit, staff/Council support, documents and schedule.
ley are only somewhat satisfied with the process and outcome of meetings.
ated lowest were how topics are discussed, use of time, public participation and the website.
Taff were relatively more satisfied with effective use of time, less with decisions/outcomes.
Duncil members were more satisfied with decisions made, less with agenda and minutes.
CITY OF EDINA
How satisfied are you with these aspects of
your meetings and other activities?
Fit with interests
ALL
Meeting length
CH, HP, PL, TR
HRR, EE, PK
Meeting schedule
AC.. EE, HP, PL, PK
HRR, CH, TR
Effective use of time
HRR, PL
PK
Minutes/agenda
EE, CH, HP, PL, TR
AC, PK
Meeting materials
HP, PL
AC, HRR, EE, CH, PK, TR
Public participation
EE, HP, PL, PK
How topics discussed
PL
AC, CH, HP, TR
How decisions made
HP, PL
AC, EE, CH, PK, TR
Decisions/outcomes
HP, PL
AC, EE, CH, TR
Communication of results
HP
AC, EE, CH, PL, PK, TR
Website quality
CH, HP, PL
Staff support
AC EE, HP, PL, TR
HRR, CH, PK
Consultant support
AC, PL, PK
EE, CH, TR
Planning and Heritage Preservation are most satisfied — among the top three in almost all areas.
Art Center and Public Health generally report lower satisfaction. All boards and commissions
have areas of relative strength and weakness. Process issues are crucial. Students have the
highest scores in 11 categories, and chairs were more positive than regular members.
CITY 1}F EDINA
How satisfied are you with these aspects of
your meetings and other activities?.
Spend too much time on less important
items and then don't have time for
complete discussions of important ones.
It should not be just the chairperson's
decision to discuss or postpone.
More time should be allocated to the group
that are presenting on the day of voting.
Do I show my bias as chair?
HRRC has historically brought things to
the Council rather than direction given..
A lot of our time is spent listening to
presentations not talking about them. We
also seldom make any decisions. We have
met twice this year and have made
probably two decisions through a vote.
To make good decisions, longer decisions
need to be had with ALL members of the
commission, not just the working groups.
I'd like to see more focus on education
instead of regulatory mandates.
• We spend too much time going over
working group reports but still don't really
get enough information (pro and con) to
make good decisions that take into
account all the facts, various positions of
stakeholders in the city and options.
• Very little public participation despite we
make recommendations that have the
force of law (if approved by council
• Capital budget conversations are strange,
because we have no authority to vote and
we are reviewing what John puts together
for park board. Why waste the energy if
we have no true role in the discussion.
• Until recently, there has been little
financial and statistical information to
support discussions and initiatives.
• PB is moving from rubber stamp to being
engaged in fact-finding and making
independent recommendations. There has
been notable staff resistance which has
contributed to some strained meetings.
CITY OF EDINA
How satisfied are you with these aspects of
your meetings and other activities?
• Our agendas are packed. We've been
asked to vote on recommendations which
were not adequately presented. Materials
delivered last minute leave no time for
proper review.... urgency to approve
items. For big financial commitments, I am
not willing to just rubber stamp.
CA We have a strong Chair ... would have
liked to experience more interchange with
the Commission members, rather than
such a strong lead from the Chair.
• 1 am not satisfied with getting meeting
materials, minutes and an agenda without
time to properly prepare for the meeting.
• 1 think that this may be because of •
differences among board members of their
own appropriate role. Is it the function and
expectation of board members to examine
the details of park and rec issues or, leave •
details to the staff and only discuss the •
general plan? This should be clarified.
I find that each meeting seems to begin
with the feeling that certain members are
expecting a battle and sure enough they
make that a reality by implying that they
are being picked on or misunderstood.
The commission is filled with good-hearted
and intelligent people but there is some
invisible allergy or "shoulder -chips" that
have really derailed us as a group.
I have found it difficult in the Health
Committee to get any motions heard that I
make. There a sluggishness and lack of
desire of many members to act on
anything --not just issues that interest me.
The Health Committee, with public health
issues on the rise, meet monthly instead of
4 times a year, but there was surprising
resistance from staff and other members.,
Could use 2 Council work sessions/year
EEC needs to rewrite its web page and
hopefully will have time in 2012 to do so.
Tit OF EDIN
- How satisfied are you with these aspects of
your meetings and other activities?
• Would prefer longer meetings. No time on Staff liaison sometimes discourages new
the agenda unless input or a decision is ideas due to what is represented as City
required. Handle all updates via e-mail. Council's policies or decisions.
• Support of Mayor has been extraordinary!
• Feel comfortable with the status quo.
• Council has overreacted to rumors about
what is going on with the commission.
Consultant talks himself in circles; by the
time he stops talking, you don't know what
he said or what direction we are to go.
• The last meeting was scheduled with very
little notice so that it could be broadcast..
Many of us have very busy schedules and
need more time to arrange our schedules.
• Meetings need better facilitation.
• Our Commission tends to have too much
on the agenda which then constrains
discussion and often results in an inability
to have members fully understand what
they are being asked to support. We
probably need to prioritize and use our
time to discuss fewer issues.
• 1 wish our meeting materials were more
timely. Information for decision making is
missing, such as cost and budget numbers
• It is difficult to keep the discussion focused
and make sure every one (particularly our
student members) are participating.
• Unclear if we have voted on anything •
outside of approving meeting minutes and
beginning and ending meetings.
• It would be helpful to receive an email with
Council action pertaining to the board
Our consultant is very hard working and
well informed, but isn't always receptive to
new ideas. His materials are not always
timely or exactly what we need.
CITY 4F EDINA
On average,
how many hours do you spend
each month on board/commission work?
■ Under 2 ■ 24 ■ 5-9
■ 10-14 15-19 i- 20+
• Members average about 7.5
hours of work a month, with
all but HPB (5.1) and CH
(2.6) higher than average.
• Roughly one third each
spend 2-4, 5-9 and 10+
hours a month.
• Chairs average 15 hours,
student members 5.
• About one in ten spend more
than 15 hours a week — this
may reflect a leadership role.
mil!' OF EDIN
How well does that time commitment
match with what you anticipated?
Less than expected/desired
More than expected/desired
Less time/not a problem
More time/not a problem
About the same
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
•Under half (and under 30% of chairs) said their time commitment was about what they expected.
•A substantial number are spending more time than expected, but don't see it as a problem.
•Only 10% are dissatisfied with their time commitment; students are most satisfied.
•Heritage Preservation was least surprised; Community Health and Transportation most stressed.
CITY OF EDINA
How well does that time commitment
match with what you anticipated?
I have consistently participated in 1 waste a lot of time trying to get phone
additional projects and committees. calls/emails returned and questions
Don't like when meetings go after 9. answered I've asked repeatedly.
need to log more hours.
I took on a major role with the EACs Film
Festival, resulting in hundreds of additional
hours, so my experience isn't typical.
• 1 only factored in the time to participate on
the board. The expectation for committee
and/or working group participation should
be clearly stated at the interview.
I would like to see more sub -committees - •
only would our meetings no longer be 90
minutes but we'd accomplish better work.
"I've spent much of my time reading and
learning... It's been a bit daunting to get
to a level where I feel competent to
discuss particular engineering issues. •
1 want to respect staffs time, and it's
unclear to me the access Commissioners
have with city staff.
It seems a waste of time to work on the
same issues over and over without any
resolution or the ability to get any of my
motions seconded. I have to consider
whether committee work with little follow
through like this, is worth the time spent.
I would have liked the board to be more
engineering oriented and with support to
and from staff on design alternatives and
effectiveness of the designs and solutions.
CITY OF EDINA
How satisfied have you been with
the level of effort required?
■ Just about right
■ Too much is expected of me
Too little is expected of me
• Members are quite satisfied with
their time commitment.
• Many would do more if it was for
a clear purpose.
• Students and Public Health
were most likely to say too little
was expected of them.
• Comments showed frustration
when direction is lacking.
• People take notice when others
participate minimally
• Several suggested things are
slower due to recession
CITY OF EDINA
How satisfied have you been with
the level of effort required?
I always feel like I should be doing more.
Things are settling down in other areas of
my life so I can step up more.
No pressure from anyone to get them to
become involved beyond attendance.
I was a bit surprised by the amount of
materials were required to support an
ordinance recommendation.
I am spending much more time than I
anticipated, but this has been my choice.
I could do more if there was a real
purpose others would work towards too.
So far I've felt like my hands are tied.
We are all volunteers so we work as
much as we choose to.
I volunteered for the extra work
I tend to volunteer for things, so I do not
feel I'm being asked to do things I'm not
interested in and would have no problem
saying 'no' if I was not interested.
• My time on the Planning Commission has
coincided with the current recession.
When the economy improves, it is quite
possible (if not likely) that the time
demands will increase measurably.
• Sometimes it seems we don't have a
focus or plan as a group. We are
presented with information but not clear
what it is we are supposed to do with it.
• Recently the hours have been spent very
effectively achieving project goals. When
the hours are spent less effectively, it can
be more frustrating. Generally it has
been very productive use of time.
• More needs to be provided to make
informed decisions, especially relating to
budget issues. Too much time is spent
requesting data that should already exist.
• I prefer high expectations, given it feels
like I'm doing a good job of meeting them.
CITY OF EDINA
Has your board or commission
developed an annual work plan?
■ Yes ■ No i Unsure
• Less than half said an annual
plan had been developed.
— Most of HP, HR, EE say yes
— Most of AC say no
• One in three were unsure
— almost all students didn't know
— Most of CH and PK.
• Most staff said a work plan was
in place or wanted one done.
• The Council feels that work
should be based on a plan
which has received Council
review and approach.
X14 E#11
How would you rate progress against your
work plan or other less formal expectations?
4'
■ Excellent
■ Good
Poor
■Very good
■ Fair
- Unsure
• Only two of five reported
"excellent" or "very good"
satisfaction against their work
plan or other objectives.
• Only Energy and
Environment, Heritage
Preservation and Planning
gave excellent/very good
scores of over 25%.
• Two thirds of chairs gave high
scores — either being more
optimistic or knowledgeable.
CITY OF EDINA
How would you rate progress against your
work plan or other less formal expectations?
We have an overall idea of what we need
to do ...Otherwise, we handle matters as
they come before the Commission.
I was expecting a more focused set of
activities with clearer prioritization....
Our work plan is not a formal document.
This year we started a long-range
planning committee of the board.
Early in my board membership I
researched scheduling software to
replace the manual process.... Staff
decided the costs were too high so no
further action was taken.
We have made great progress in some
areas over the past few months and have
totally lacked progress in others. We
have had stretch goals. I don't expect to
achieve them all. If we were, we wouldn't
be expecting enough of ourselves. I also
see each annual plan being an
improvement on the last one.
• We have had a standing list of tasks
around for years; I'd like a work session
where board members can brainstorm
and discuss ideas without consultant
comments. Perhaps something from up
ten years ago we didn't do back then but
could perhaps be relevant today?
• Sometimes we don't have a focus or plan
as a group. We are presented with
information but not clear what it is we are
supposed to do with it.
• Recently the hours have been spent very
effectively achieving project goals. When
the hours are spent less effectively, it can
be more frustrating.
• More needs to be provided to make
informed decisions, especially relating to
budget issues. Too much time is spent
requesting data that should already exist.
• We don't really have a work plan but we
have formed committee's within the board
to work on long term goals.
CITY OF EDINA
How would you rate progress against your
work plan or other less formal expectations?
I prefer high expectations ...Park Board
had never seen enterprise budgets
before 2011. We had been told fees were
set at cost recovery but never provided
data to back it up. We just accepted it.
Now we see things are different than we
believed ... Council has seemed
supportive, staff less so. That is difficult.
We all need to be working together.
I do not think that the park board has a
work plan, if it does, it has not been
mentioned. Stating short and long term
objectives would be extremely helpful.
Several meetings were cancelled due to
nothing to put on the agenda. There are
many items that could and should be
discussed. .. Spreading these items out
over the entire year would make us more
productive. It would be good to know
ahead of time when annual items will be
on the agenda, so that we can plan
ahead, ask for and gather information —
more coordinated with staff/city council.
• The GreenSteps Cities program has been
adopted as our work plan. It would be
helpful to spend time creating a plan as a
Commission. I often feel no connection to
the other members. We're working in our
separate spheres and I don't think we
allow enough time to develop the
awareness of what others are doing.
• In this past year, our committee
completed 1 of 2 of the GreenSteps
Cities program, sponsored a NEMO
workshop, and drafted an ordinance
banning coal tar sealants.
• Water quality is difficult to work in as a
volunteer and to keep people engaged in
the committee. In highly regulated areas,
include costly remediation, non -
engineering types struggle to fully
comprehend what it takes to care for the
water bodies in a fully developed city. Not
clear what the level of cooperation
between the City Manager) and the
watershed districts. Mixed messages.
CITY OF EDINA
How would you rate progress against your
work plan or other less formal expectations?
There are real limitations as we discuss •
trying to achieve the completion of the
second step - actively monitoring and
working to clean a local water body.
There is tremendous "push back" towards
addressing wood smoke as an ever-
present, increasing source of black
carbon soot pollution and a significant
health hazard. Even vehicle exhaust ...
has been talked about but never acted •
upon in the EEC, air quality group or
anywhere that I am aware of.
GreenStep Cities has given us a structure
and focus. This year has seen the most
significant achievements of the
commission since it was formed and has
created a baseline for measurement.
My time on the Planning Commission has
coincided with the current recession.
When the economy improves, it is quite
possible (if not likely) that the time
demands will increase measurably.
The Planning Commission doesn't have a
formal work plan, but has embarked on
some time consuming ventures, including
bylaws creation, small area planning and
ordinance reviews (a little stalled, with no
work sessions currently scheduled). We
has assumed a larger role in the variance
review process-- essentially increasing
meeting commitments
The final proposal would have required
significant investment in art center
facilities and was not acted on.
• We fought to get the prior EAC director to
show us her budget two years ago. It's
tough to feel responsible for the budget
with no real input into how it is created.
• Members are frustrated with the HPB
consultant as his large vocabulary and
expertise are often difficult to understand
or appreciate. We'd have more open and
honest board discussions working less in
company of the consultant
CITY OF EDINA
If you have a work plan, what changes in
your work plan would improve your results?
wonder what other members think.
Having actual goals for broad topics.
Need to formalize a few more things.
Work session meetings between regular
meetings.
I have not been made aware of a work
plan, though it seems as if it would be a
good idea to have one.
Adoption and communication of specific
long and short term goals.
Less items; more focus
Link to response from City Council. This
feedback should inform/guide the
commission's next steps.
If we're talking personal work plans,
encountering obstacles and resistance
has hampered results for me.
We receive a list of topics we will review
for the year but no idea of what we are
supposed to do with the information.
• With Green Step Cities, it is clear what
EEC needs to be working and gives little
opportunity for anyone with a private
agenda to derail the group
• Tackle one big item each year.
• To the extent applicable, the Planning
Commission could return to the tracking
process originally adopted for monitoring
the ordinance review process.
• List 3 to 5 goals for the year and work
towards those-- I think we have too many
things on the docket from years past that
shouldn't be such a high priority.
• Following it.
• Milestones, accountability for tasks
• We need to prioritize better
• 1 don't really have a good idea of city
priorities. If possible, all city boards and
commissions should be advancing the
vision of Edina as developed by the City
Council with public input.
CITY OF EDINA
What other changes in how you operate
would improve your results?
Our consultant has expertise, but is
difficult to understand and not particularly
willing to find creative solutions to issues.
More interaction with city attorney.
Emphasis on mission needed; too much
time/energy spent on process
Learning how to work better with each
other without bullying people.
Greater collaboration between chair and
members. Clearer expectation on Action
v. discussion items
I think that more active discussion of
topics we need to act on and actually
acting on them at each meeting would
greatly improve our productivity.
More time to get to know each other
Encourage more subcommittee work
One member tends to go off on tangents .
Focused agenda
I would like to hear how other board
members feel about meetings.
• 1 think Commissions need tighter conflict
of interest rules. I am concerned about
conflicts of interest in the EEC and its
working groups. I have no problem with
vendors, environmental activists or staff
of environmental regulatory bodies being
sources of information, but the Energy
working group has a lot of solar vendors.
• The EEC itself could use more
commissioners who think about the
economic consequences of our
decisions, tradeoffs that need to be made
by the City and its citizens, etc.
• It can be uncomfortable having John
sitting among PB members. He should be
along the side as other staff liaisons are.
• Involvement of decision makers
periodically, i.e. City Engineer.
• Better leadership of meetings.
• Our meetings need to be a minimum of
1.5 hours since we rarely seem to
complete everything that we intend.
What other changes in how you operate
would improve your results?
The Council and ETC are well aligned; •
staff support is lacking. Will addressing
performance issues change this?
Useful to receive the packet by the
Wednesday before the meeting. Friday
or Saturday is not long enough to process
it and gather further information. Getting
both an electronic and hard copy would
also help. I have been out-of-town the
weekend and frustrated that I couldn't
review the documents from my email.
We need more clarity on the role and
process the park board has in advising on
policy. What needs to be discussed at our
meetings, what should go directly to
council, what are handled by staff? How
should the park board communicate with
other advisory boards, staff and council?
Without triggering open meeting laws, it
would be nice to have more
subcommittee meetings to work on
discrete goals more easily.
All motions should be taken seriously and
moved ahead quickly to the "next level'.
Agenda items moved to the "next meeting"
should be acted upon no later than at that.
• Sharing design ideas with engineering.
• New agenda and minutes format results in
lots of wasted paper. No room for time
allocated for each item on the agenda.
Title page is fine for the council paper) but
is a waste for our commission.
• Clearer focus/less crabbiness at meetings.
• Subcommittees doing the work, reporting
back - so many members, the meeting
seems to be all talk and no act.
• Clearer understanding of role of consultant
• We need to focus resources on priorities
rather than 25 action items each meeting.
• As arm of the Planning Commission for
approvals of heritage properties, HPB
should have more impact on city zoning
and promote preservation even when
designated resources aren't involved.
CITY OF EDINA
How would you describe the work direction
that you receive from the City Council?
■ Clear direction/little concern
■Some direction/some concern
Little direction/much concern
• Only one in ten felt the
Council is providing clear
work direction, with almost
all of those from Planning.
— Community Health, Park and
Art Center were most likely to
see little direction.
— All "little direction" answers
came from regular members
• Staff liaisons and the Council
itself tended to agree.
• Although some may prefer a
low level of direction, these
scores are concerning.
CITY OF EDINA
How would you describe the work direction
that you receive from the City Council?
I was unable to attend the meeting. We hear more in reports from staff. John
Periodic meetings with the council are Keprios usually attends our meetings and
important. More frequency relays necessary information.
We need to clarify City Council vs. Planning
Commission role in public hearings.
I have been told that EEC charter is Green
Step Cities. But there is no guidance that I
have seen from City Council on what topics
should be priority topics, how to make
tradeoffs, etc. So the EEC does not seem
to view its role as making tradeoffs that are
good for all the citizens of Edina.
If I don't attend council meetings, I have no
idea what work direction we receive.
I hear more opinions and expectations from
council members during their interviews of
prospective board members than in any
other forum. I attend occasional council
meetings and work sessions but they do
not usually reveal concerns and priorities
that the art center board can act on.
• The City benefits from having an art
center. Council members do attend
functions at the art center but other
expressions of interest and support would
help advance our mission."
• What direction? We've been given a
green light to lose $100,000+ a year
while being told fundraising issues were
not our concern. Now, the reverse
seems to be happening.
• We have begun a formal written process
to help with the communication between
our Commission and the Council wish we
had other opportunities to interact.
• Attending City Council sessions on a
regular basis would provide greater
insights into their thought process and
City direction - but time does not permit.
CITY OF EDINA
How would you describe the work direction
that you receive from the City Council?
The Chair of EEC has made specific efforts
to get us in front of City Council. I have
found them to be quite attentive and
inquisitive at the scheduled work sessions.
EEC presented its specific agenda to the
Council, they listened and asked questions.
Council should review and comment on our
work plan, making sure that it corresponds
to the issues that they see need to be
addressed. Our joint workshops have
been informative and productive.
• It is unclear to me what Council wants
from the Transportation Commission. We
are is a group of engaged, articulate,
educated commissioners with an
excellent chair, but I wonder if Council
and staff make use of the resource
available to them in the Commission.
• Unaware of any direction received from
the city council outside of the desire to
tape a meeting - which seemed to carry a
higher priority than the meeting itself.
There is little connection with the City Sometimes the Council assumes we
Council, but I'm rather new to the Health have more information at our fingertips
Committee - maybe I'm missing something. than we actually do.
Commission seems to have adequate
latitude. The EHRRC needs to identify
emerging trends and the steps which the
community, with commission support, can
take to manage in a way that contributes to
having each member of the community
being accepted, respected and having
access to full participation.
• The joint meeting we had with them this
year was very useful. Regular
communications through these meetings
and possible occasional meetings
involving the chairs would be helpful.
CITY OF EDINA
How would you describe the work direction
that you receive from the City Council?
I am a proponent of having the Planning
Commission serve as the proper location
for public hearings, with the City Council
then making decisions based on the
evidence collected. Our current process of
public hearings at both the Planning
Commission and City Council levels is
inefficient. The Planning Commission
makes recommendations to the Council
based on evidence collected. Then
proponents and opponents have an
essential "do over" when it goes to the City
Council. This leads to inconsistent
evidence collection, with the possibility that
Planning Commission recommendations
and City Council decisions are not
internally consistent. This has been the
subject of conversation between the
Planning Commission and City Council,
with the understanding that the Council
would prefer to maintain the status quo.
This is fairly clearly understood, though I
still question the prudence of that
approach. As a practical matter, I don't
know that the content of decision-making
is necessarily hampered-- but it can make
for unnecessarily long meetings. On the
flip side, on matters of keen importance
to residents, I think there is a belief/desire
among residents that they should have
an opportunity to speak directly to the
Council. My preference for a public
hearing at only the Planning Commission
level would not allow that to occur. My
interest in more efficiency in the process
may not take into account the necessities
of elected office versus appointed
positions. There is a reason why the City
Council members enjoy such a positive
opinion amongst its residents, and quite
possibly it has something to do with the
very things I would advocate to change --
which is probably one of many reasons I
might not be suited for elected office!
CITY OF EDINA
What should the City Council do differently, if
anything, to help you be more effective?
It would be helpful if EEC could have 2
work sessions/year with Council. This
would enable EEC to put forth more
projects, policies, code amendments.
Board was surprised at Council's decision
to hire a consultant without getting input
from the Board first. This would be a
great topic for a board meeting.
If they ask for advice, don't get upset if
the commission comes up with advice
different than what they wanted. Include
us. Keep us in mind for presentations to
the Council that we have a board interest
in (e.g., Grandview planning,
Neighborhood association presentation
from St Louis Park, etc.).
I think we are on the right track with an
annual work session PB/CC being the
plan Should we try to send them more
information periodically - work sessions
are far apart and not enough time to
cover all issues
A big issue in heritage preservation is
massing - the desire of residents for
bigger and better houses - often without a
lot of regard to neighboring properties or
their neighborhood. We would like the
City Council to revisit and come up with a
policy regarding massing, and would like
to be consulted at some point during the
development of the new policy.
• With Green Step Cities, it is clear what
EEC needs to be working and gives little
opportunity for anyone with a private
agenda to derail the group
• Tackle one big item each year.
• To the extent applicable, the Planning
Commission could return to the tracking
process originally adopted for monitoring
the ordinance review process.
• List 3 to 5 goals for the year and work
towards those-- I think we have too many
things on the docket from years past that
shouldn't be such a high priority.
0 Following it.
CITY OF EDINA
What should the City Council do differently, if
anything, to help you be more effective?
Give better direction as to where we can
delve in or stay out of things. Example
Southdale. If the Council wants HRRC to
look at something or consider something
it would be helpful if the Chair was
contacted. Instead, some decisions are
found in blast emails, from staff liaison or
city council meetings. A council member
should attend our meeting once in awhile
We should receive great advance notice
when it is our "turn" to meet with the
Council. Perhaps the Council could give
us clear topics that they would like us to
study/research or discuss. Set clearer
charter and scope, give decision rules
and parameters to the Commissions so
we fit into Council plans.
Empower the board to make decisions
and then support them. Without support
for difficult decisions - it undermines the
effectiveness of the board/commission.
We need to prioritize better
• Give better heads -up on topics being
considered that have relevance to
commission. Make sure Park & Rec is
giving us clear goals.
• If you expect us to do more fundraising,
please give us a larger role in shaping
EAC policy. Did the commission's
recommendations influence next
decisions? why or why not, and what
would make feedback more compelling?
• The Council Connection has been helpful
in highlighting the Council's work.
• Direct us inform them more on health
issues and to_ make recommendations
they will take a serious look at.
Milestones, accountability for tasks
I don't really have a good idea of city
priorities. If possible, all city boards and
commissions should be advancing the
vision of Edina as developed by the City
Council with public input.
TTY OF EDINA
How would you rate the effectiveness of
your City staff liaison?
■ Very effective
■ Somewhat effective
■ Somewhat ineffective
- Very ineffective
• About three of five feel their
staff liaison is very effective.
— Scores were similar from chairs,
regular members and students.
— Planning, heritage preservation
and energy/environment were
mostly likely to say so.
• Only about one in seven
believe they are somewhat or
very ineffective.
• The comments were for the
most part very positive about
city staff liaisons.
CITY OF ERIN
-lave or would you recommend serving on a
board or commission to others?
■ Already have
■ Haven't but would
■ Only if someone expressed interest
F would probably not recommend
• Not only are members willing to
recommend, more than 3 in 5
have already done so.
— Human Rights and Heritage
Preservation are highest in having
already recommended.
— Nearly 90% of chairs have done so.
— Community Health members and
students are least inclined to
recommend.
• Almost all would do so under
the right circumstances.
• This shows a high level of
satisfaction, as this is an
endorsement of City service.
�Ali JIVAU A 4 •
have or would you recommend serving on a
board or commission to others?
I think this is a great experience
I have strongly encouraged people to get
involved. We need more average Edina
taxpayers and residents as members.
I've been working to try and recruit others
to serve on the EAC in particular.
It is a privilege to serve. Edina has an
amazing crop of citizens willing to pitch in.
believe in the work that EEC is doing..
Developing a job description for each
commission would be helpful. Knowing
time and learning expectations, the work
plan, list of members and copies a couple
months minutes would be helpful to get a
sense of what the commission is hoping to
achieve. A conversation with the Chair or
a member prior to the interview would also
be beneficial."
I developed a program for the League of
Women Voters of Edina to encourage
residents to apply, especially women as
this demographic is under represented.
• For me to recommend I would want to be
sure they are prepared to act and work
hard to overcome resistance. I would be
embarrassed if they expected a larger role,
had a lot to offer, yet their hands were tied.
• 1 encouraged a student (Gabe) from EHS to
submit his application for student member
status - and he was appointed for 2011-12.
• My reasons are personal in my belief in
contributing back to the community. Not
everyone shares that perspective.
• We benefit from different perspectives - i.e.
fiscal conservative, environmentalist, pro -
clean energy, climate skeptic. It can be
very difficult to get consensus on projects
when there are philosophical differences,
i.e. should government play any role in
advancing solar energy projects. It gets
uncomfortable when it is almost impossible
to find common ground. I would like to
have without heading us toward the political
gridlock that is so prevalent elsewhere.
CITY OF EDINA
Other comments or suggestions?
Edina is a great City. I feel very honored
to have been able to serve our City as a
planning commissioner.
Our chair does a great job and I'm really
impressed with the level of expertise,
knowledge and commitment of the other •
commission members.
Let the students vote and encourage their
engagement - get more youth involved.
I'm thrilled the city is taking this level of
interest in all the boards and commissions.
Thanks for doing this survey. I look
forward to the results.
Board or Commission training would be
very helpful. Selecting commissioners
based on team experience --private
industry experience on successful teams,
not as a leader but as a contributing
member, would be very very helpful.
Volunteering is the best way to make a
difference in a community and give back
as a way of thanks.
This commission's purpose is of critical
importance to Edina as an outstanding
community in which to live and have Edina
continue to be a model community for other
cities in Minnesota and the nation.
How about more commissions? First, a
Education Commission to work with all
local schools and educators with the goal of
making Edina "Minnesota's smartest city."
Second, Business Development Board
might to talk about how to make Edina
more attractive to current/new businesses.
Chambers of Commerce may be more
interesting in promoting current business
than helping new competitors to start here.
It could work with Southdale and other local
shopping centers on a continuing basis.
Third, I'd encourage the city to expand its
focus on the arts beyond the Edina Arts
Center into other art forms - music, theatre,
etc. Could Edina to become known as a
suburban arts Mecca to complement what
is already available in Minneapolis.
f
Conclusions and recommendations
More information is needed about what is involved, more of it
available on the city website before application process opens.
New, more visible and consistent web content could include:
— A new major heading separate from the City Council.
— Specific information for chairs, members, student members and visitors.
— Contact information for staff liaison and chairs.
— Information for application and interview process — application form, job
description, format for Council interviews, next steps for those not appointed.
— Meeting information — complete list of agendas and approved minutes since
2005 -present; meeting materials and reports since 2010 -present; link to the
most recent televised meetings; annual calendar.
— Work plans and progress reports; papers from sub -committees and working
groups; and other documents (e.g. walking tours from the HPB).
A more active recruiting plan should be created, including
recruiting for working groups and committees.
CITY OF EDINA
Conclusions and recommendations
Provide orientation session for new and continuing chairs,
regular members and student members.
— This might be an open meeting, available to interested high school students
and members of the general.
— Members from the City Council, the City Manager office, staff liaisons and
chairs, as well as an outside keynote speaker.
Content could include:
— Information on city goals, priorities and current initiatives.
— A review of city performance metrics vs. actual performance.
— Basic review of bylaws, open meeting requirements and their significance.
— A "how to do it" session on developing an annual work
— Breakout sessions on topics specific to each board and commission.
— Breakouts for new regular members, all chairs and all student members.
CITY OF EDINA
Conclusions and recommendations
Member satisfaction is driven by members being fully prepared,
discussion focused, decisions timely and acted upon and how
much boards and commissions actually support City priorities.
— Members are frustrated when they feel they are working at cross-purposes
or aren't supported by the City Council
— Strong chairs need to be allowed to show vision, encourage respectful
discussion and encourage decision-making to produce better results.
— Chairs and liaisons need to be on the same page and being working
together for a board of commission to be effective.
— Most don't feel they are getting clear direction from the Council
A better understanding of why meetings aren't totally effective is
needed to make plans to improve the meeting process.
— Chairs and liaisons might meet to figure out how to overcome general
issues, supplementing these plans with work on only those issues specific
to their board or commission.
— This is not about people intentionally subverting the process, but the
process needing to be redesigned to become more effective.
Conclusions and recommendations
The City Council believes that all boards and commissions
should have Council approved annual work plans.
— Those working off plans feel a greater sense of accomplishment.
— Less than half of all members said there isn't one in place.
— The chair and staff liaison need to make planning happen
— For consistency's sake, the Council needs to endorse a standard approach.
As effective planning is neither intuitive or easy, it is
recommended that 2012 be a education year.
— Once that is done, a group can form to recommend a new format.
— Key components might include an honest review of past performance,
identifying key priorities for the coming year, describing desired outcomes
and setting up a process to measure progress and remove barriers.
In 2013, a schedule is needed for approving plans early in the
year and reviewing progress during the year, in some cases
providing additional direction and support.
CITY OF EDINA
Conclusions and recommendations
The previous recommendations involve all chairs, members and
liaisons to work on new common processes:
— better ways of publicizing openings and the activities of each group
— web information make it easier for applicants to understand what is required
— a consistent, effective orientation to new members and chairs
— a common approach for preparing high quality work plans
Each board and commission should also evaluate their
individual results relative to overall averages and identify
potential areas for additional discussion and follow up.
— Each board and commission will receive an individual report before the time
they start to work on identify key issues to develop.
Similar reports are going to the City Council and staff liaisons to
identify ways that they can address their specific issues as well
as what they need to do to make the boards and commissions
more effective.
2012 Board and Commission Initiatives
• Uniform bylaws — completed
• Member survey - completed
• Board and commission member training — completed
• Attendance policy change for cancelled meetings - completed
• Board and commission work plan cycle — in process
• Uniform board and commission calendar — in process
• Board and commission guidance for communicating with the
City Council — in process
• New member recruitment tools — late 2012
**Slide prepared by City Staff
Minutes for the Recycling & Solid Waste Working Group (RSW WG)
of Edina's Energy and Environment Commission
Thursday, May. 3, 2012
Time 7:15 P.M. Location: City Hall, Community Room, 2"d floor
The meeting was called to order at 7:20 by Chair Latham. Present in addition to Chair Latham were Tim Rudnicki,
Michelle Horan, Melissa Seeley and Sarah Zarrin. Staff present included Solvei Wilmot and Michael Nibbe. One member
of the public was present, Ms Mandy Mensen of Allied Waste Services.
The focus of the meeting was to review the Foth consultant report summary by Dan Krivit of the City of Edina staff
team's review of the 2012 residential recycling proposals. The staff team consisted of Solvei Wilmot, Michael Nibbe and
Sherry Engelman. Chair Latham complimented the staff team for their ability to turn around a review of the four
proposals in such a constrained time line. Solvei Wilmot expressed appreciation for the work the RSW WG did in
providing input during the preparation of the RFP.
Chair Latham inquired if any of the proposers had been formally made aware of the May 3 RSW WG meeting. Solvei
Wilmot indicated that only Allied and Tennis had inquired about the date of the meeting and were thus informed.
The RSW WG members were concerned that at 7 years, the length of the contract exceeded the typical 5 year technology
lifespan, but acknowledged that the 7 year contract yields the best price at a possible cost of not obtaining technological
advances at the earliest opportunity.
It was noted that the grand total of points of the top two proposals were extremely close — 86 for proposer D and 84 for
proposer C. As a consequence, multiple RSW WG members had concerns as to what metric was used to calculate the
number of points awarded for the 3 point subtotals of the Environment (40 points), Education (15 points) and
Qualifications (5 points). The Economic subtotal (40 points) was quantifiable based on price and revenue credits returned
to the city. The other three evaluation criteria are more subjective.
Solvei Wilmot responded that similar to the 2008 RFP evaluation process, the categories defined under each criteria were
taken as a whole and a total number of points subjectively awarded. As in 2008, there was no defined metric to award a
subset number of points to each category. There were 9 such categories defined in the 2012 RFP for the Environment
criteria, with 3 categories defined in the 2012 RFP for the Education criteria and 7 categories defined in the 2012 RFP for
the Qualifications criteria. These categories were similar to those in the 2008 RFP.
Had there been a metric for each category it would have been transparent as to how the points were arrived at for the more
subjective criteria. Tim Rudnicki articulated that we need better data from the RFP responders to make a fully informed
evaluation and assignment of points especially for the environmental criteria. Members expressed dissatisfaction that the
consultant had not supplied a metric. Chair Latham acknowledged that the consultant had not been specifically asked to
do so. It was recommended that a metric be part of the next RFP and that Hennepin County Environmental Services be
approached about providing input to such a metric. Chair Latham acknowledged that because the 2012 RFP process had
only 6 months compared to the 18 month 2008 RFP process, that a suitable metric had not been developed.
Because the top two 2012 RFP proposers' totals were so close and because a metric was lacking, it was recommended that
further information be gathered as follows:
1. Tim Rudnicki recommended that the top two proposers be required to document how much energy is used to
handle one ton of material at each step of the process. This would give a metric for an overall indication of the
vendor with the most efficient operation. This would address the GHG emission reduction issue. All RSW
WG members agreed that this recommendation would be wise. To accomplish this, Tim Rudnicki indicated
that the following information would be needed from each of the top two proposers:
a.) What energy sources (e.g., gasoline, electricity, natural gas, diesel, biodiesel, other fuels, etc.) does the
proposer use at each stage of the collection, transfer and processing of their recycling enterprise?
b.) How much energy is used to handle one ton of material in each step of the process? The top two
proposers would be expected to include, but not limited to, fuel used to collect and/or transfer one ton of
material; electricity in the processing stage to handle one ton of material (this is the energy needed to run
64
conveyor belts, fans, blowers, climate control, etc); and energy (e.g., diesel, natural gas) to operate
transfer equipment like loaders, etc.
2. Sarah Zarrin recommended that the top two proposers be required to document the fuel efficiency of their
fleet. All RSW WG members agreed that this would be wise.
3. Chair Latham recommended that the City Council take advantage of their option to tour the facilities of the
top two proposers. The only individuals that had toured all 4 proposers' facilities were Solvei Wilmot and
Chair Latham. Of the staff review team, Sherry Engelman toured only the Allied facility and Michael Nibble
toured only the Allied and Buckingham facilities. In the future, all on the staff review team should be required
to tour all proposer's facilities. All RSW WG members agreed that this recommendation would be wise.
There will be no regularly scheduled June 7 RSW WG meeting. Instead, Solvei Wilmot will schedule a June tour for some
time after June 14 for the Sioux composting site in Shakopee. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Dianne Plunkett Latham
Chair Recycling & Solid Waste Working Group
65
March 6, 2012
The Honorable John A. Boehmer, Speaker of the House
The Honorable Nancy Pelosi, House Democratic Leader
The Honorable Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader
The Honorable Mitch McConnell, Senate Republican Leader
The Honorable Amy Klobuchar, United States Senate
The Honorable Al Franken, United States Senate
The Honorable Tim Walz, House of Representatives
The Honorable John Kline, House of Representatives
The Honorable Erik Paulsen, House of Representatives
The Honorable Betty McCollum, House of Representatives
The Honorable Keith Ellison, House of Representatives
The Honorable Michele Bachmann, House of Representatives
The Honorable Collin Peterson, House of Representatives
The Honorable Chip Cravaack, House of Representatives
Dear Honorable Congressional Leadership and Minnesota Delegation,
As the Mayors of cities and towns in Minnesota, we represent a large number of Americans
struggling in this economy. A core foundation of a strong economy is good health. To be
productive at work and at school, adults and children alike need to be healthy and that includes
being able to breath clean air. It is in this spirit that we ask Congress to reach for the low -
hanging, common sense savings; we ask you to support the Clean Air Act, and the health and
financial benefits it brings.
The American Lung Association stated that in 201o, reductions in fine particle and ozone
pollution under the Clean Air Act prevented an estimated 16o,000 premature deaths, over
1oo,000 heart attacks and over a million asthma attacks. Even in Minnesota, not known for
dirty air, our schools are in the bottom 14 percent of air quality, according to the USA Today
Smokestack Effect report. The Minnesota Department of Health's release shows one in 16
children, approximately 76,000 students, and one in 15 adults, approximately 26o,000 citizens,
report that they currently have asthma.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, in 2004 asthma cost Minnesota $240
million in hospitalizations, emergency department visits, office visits and medications, as well as
$181 million in lost school and work days. That comes to a total of $421 million in 2004 alone.
The Clean Air Act would dramatically cut these costs and improve the lives of thousands of
Minnesotans.
Asthma is only the beginning. The EPA found the Cross State Air Pollution Rule will improve air
quality in Minnesota, providing the state with important public health benefits, including up to
200 fewer premature deaths and $1.6 billion in health benefits each year. The same report
found the recently approved Mercury and Air Toxics Standards could yield between $58o
million and $1.4 billion in health benefits for Minnesota in 2016.
66
We cannot wait any longer. It is time for Congress to put their differences aside to support and
protect the Clean Air Act, too many lives hang in the balance. Our nation has a cherished history
of rising to challenges and conquering them with determined resolve. On behalf of our citizens,
we urge you to support a strong Clean Air Act.
Sincerely,
R.T. Rybak
Mayor, City of Minneapolis
XXX
Mayor, City of XXX
XXX
Mayor, City of XXX
67
Minutes of Energy Working Group of the Energy and Environment Commission, City of Edina, MN
March 20, 2012
Attendees: Richard Oriani, Richard Griffith, Peter Larson, Greg Nelson, John Howard, Brad Hanson, Bill
Sierks, John Heer, Bob Gubrud,
Location: City Hall — Community Conference Room
Topic 1: Wind Energy - Discussion of possible locations for wind, including a school campus; the ice
arena area, and the 169/494 intersection. There was also a discussion on turbine design and agreement
that the group should explore current developments in small wind technology. The need to develop
financing proposals was also mentioned, but not specific funding sources were identified. The cost of
doing a feasibility study was discussed, and several local companies were identified as having the
necessary expertise to study potential Edina locations for feasible wind projects. One member of the
WG agreed to come back with a proposal for developing a feasibility study.
(Carry -forward from earlier meeting --- The group identified these wind topics:
• Evaluating new wind technology that may be appropriate for Edina's topography:
o Windsource: Has additional cost but can be offset by conservation projects. Guaranteed
energy savings program could be one path.
o Turbines for teaching wind energy at schools. Work with school green teams and Go
Green committee.
o Vertical shaft (omni -directional) technology wind turbine.
o Urban wind demonstration project at City Hall parking lot. Possible alternate locations
are a public park or a school location.
Topic 2: The group discussed the next likely PACE project which involves a multi -family apartment
complex looking to install both energy efficiency and solar panels. The project would involve local
financing, local manufacturers and suppliers. The EWG unanimously passed a resolution recommending
that the City expand the EEEP PACE program to include at least one multifamily project.
Topic 3: At least one city council member is interested in looking at the efficiency of the city fleet. The
EWG may discuss or recommend an approach to consider in this area.
Carry -forward of topics discussed at earlier meetings needing additional follow-up:
• Leasing model for renewable energy projects. Next step:
o Opportunity for city RE projects to be financed as part of deep energy retrofit project.
• PACE: education and promotion needed. Hanson and Sierks interested in developing plan to
market and expand this program. Need to develop plan for further discussion.
• Deep energy retrofits: Strong interest and strong potential for energy savings. City is interested
in working with EWG. Glahn volunteered to develop a draft work plan outlining next steps.
• Opportunity to weigh in on City design of new buildings, i.e. soccer dome
68
o Joint PC -EEC project to change building code to add energy efficiency into newly built
buildings.
o Green building code? But defined narrowly for Edina.
■ Action for Nelson -- Follow up with Park Board / ESC
Motion to adjourn by Griffith. Seconded by Larson. Unanimously approved.
Meeting adjourned.
69
E & OWG Meeting
May 2nd, 2012
City Hall
Present: Bob Gubrud, John Howard, Paul Thompson, Tara Gupta, Bevlin Jennings,
Todd Willmert
o Community Events
0 4/19 Edina Dialogue Debrief
■ great responses from response -cards, over 200 people came to
event, over 50% want to eat less meat (as reported in response -
cards)
■ Things to work on: follow-up with people, publicity, keeping
people there for the dialogue, getting people to resource
o MN is up to 12.7% wind power
o Co -sponsoring Events
o Have a movie series at Edina Library in collaboration with Chuck Prentice,
could post events on Chuck's calendar, target audience of Great Decision
program on Mondays in the summer
o PACE is doing another project on Gallagher Drive, multi -family apartment
building
o Edina IPL
o Mother's Day Event: SV Temple program with yoga class
o Vahmsi to visit Good Samaritan
o Edina IPL group meeting 05/30, want to get more people at interfaith
meetings
o Youth
o Paul Thompson May Term Project to start late May, Highlands, Creek Valley,
Countryside (?) education
o Frisbee Festival with Cool Planet - going to elementary schools too
o Bike Rodeo at Cornelia- 76 people came, perhaps target more adults next
year
o EHS: hydration stations very popular
o Misc
o Solar Workshops: CERTS just had annual gathering
o Publicity: lawn maintenance, gardening, natural lawn care basics
0 4th of July parade- interferes with van driver, can someone (Bob perhaps?)
drive the van because it's on a weekday, Project Earth & Go Green maybe
get involved in Edina Bike Task Force
o Next year do Edina Lights Out in a bigger way
Next meeting: June 5th
70
2012 Category A City: EDINA
Which assessment? Preliminary 1-1 May 10`h final for LMC I X]
Assessor and date: Philipp, 511112; edited 512
Actions by number summarized as: COMPLETE [including any 'would be nice to see ...' notes]; UNDERWAY or
UNCLEAR [and info listed that's needed]
�
YES YES
Total BPs done out of 1656 Are all required BPs implemented. BP distribution requirement met;'.
Recommended for recognition at: 51 Step 2 (any 8 BPs) 51 Step 3 (16 including required BPs)
Best practices (required) BP implemented? Action summary by # and star level achieved
Action rules (req. in bold)
YES
LJ
BUILDINGS: 2 BPs required; are 2 BPs done?
1. Public
1: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
1 & 2; & one action from 3-7
YES
2: COMPLETE, 1 STAR – the more expensive retrofit work can be entered
and claimed under 1.3
7: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
2. Private
YES
1: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
any two actions
5: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
3. New
1 or 2; one from 3-5
4. Lighting/Signals
2 actions with one from 5-8
S. Reuse
any one action
YES
LAND USE: 2 BPs required; are 2 BPs done?
6. Comp Plan
YES
1: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
1&2
2: COMPLETE, 1 STAR – inspiring language!
7. Density
any one action
8. Mixed Uses
YES
1: COMPLETE, 2 STARS
any two actions
3: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
9. Highway Development
any one action
10. Conservation Development
any one action
YES
TRANSPORTATION: 2 BPs required; are 2 BPs done?
11. Complete Green Streets
1: COMPLETE, 1 STAR –very thorough work being done on this
1; & two additional actions
YES
4: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
6: COMPLETE, 2 STAR - roundabout
12. Mobility Options
1: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
any two actions
YES
2: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
13. Fleets
any two actions
71
72
14. TOD / TDM
any two actions
YES
ENVIRON MGT: 4 BPs required; are 4 done?
15. Purchasing
1: COMPLETE, 2 STAR
1; and one additional action
YES
4: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
16. Trees
1: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
any two actions
YES
4: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
17. Stormwater
1: COMPLETE, 2 STAR
any one action
YES
5: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
6: coal tar ban was already listed under 17.5
18. Parks & Trails
5: COMPLETE, 3 STAR
any three actions
YES
6: COMPLETE, 2 STAR
8: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
19. Surface Water
if state public water: 4; and
one additional action
if no state water: any one action
20. Water/ Wastewater
1 & 2; and one additional
21. Septics
any one action
22. Solid Waste
2: COMPLETE, 2 STAR
1 or 2; & one from 4-8
YES
5: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
6: COMPLETE, 2 STAR
23. Local Air Quality
1: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
any two actions
YES
3: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
YES
ECON & COMM DVLP: 3 BPs required; are 3 done?
24. Benchmarks & Involvement
1: COMPLETE, 3 STAR
1&2
YES
2: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
4: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
5: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
25. Green Businesses
2: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
any two actions
YES
4: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
26. Renewable Energy
1: UNDERWAY
any two actions
YES
3: COMPLETE, 3 STAR
5: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
27. Local Food
YES
3: COMPLETE, 1 STAR
any one action
28. Business Synergies
2,3or4
72
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Page 1 of 12
I Snreh
home I 1 h 28 best practices I How to become a GreenStep City I Model Ordinances City log -In ContacVPeedback Stay Connected of
City of Edina
Background Information
Ccunty Hennepin
Population 47.941
GreenStep City category A
Fuli-4me equrcal-nt city staff iappros ) 275
Panicipanting township, s, I school tlistnUis)
GreenStep City resolution Click here to view the file.
GreenStep City registration date 0310112011
GreenStep City status and date STEP 1 (05/1312011)
Best Practice Actions Underway and Completed
Completed actions are denoted by stars Mouse over a star for its defreit on
Yxtei.l Buildings and Lighting
GreenStep Coordinator
Karen Kurt
Cm- staff
KKuntlijCl Edina LIN US
(952)825-0415
City weh page relating to s.rs:emabdrty/GreenStep almvties
hap /h- c, edina mn us/
Efficient Existing Public Buildings Action 1: Enter baseline infoimatcn into the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking database any 'o-dinely enter rr;;�thly
( BP no. 1 ) energy cse data Pcin alt ciiy-owned buildings [ Hide city details)
Date coinpleted,enWed 04'2712012
Implemeniatioi details
Benchmark cata for 2007 residental. mun,cipal E commercial for all sectors as well as for 2003 for mumcipat for for
all sectors except water using the ICLEI CACP software 133 data has been entered for all rnjrlcipal buildings iron
2008 through June 22011 An Intern is in the process of updating the data On 4-19-11 :he Edina City Council
approved benchmarking using ULI's Regional Indicator Project and a report was produced for the 9-20-11 City
Council Work Session for 2008 - 20.0.
Outcome measuresinet-cs
Dcscr:btive I.r.l,<_
For more :nfom-iat,on contact
Jesse Struve (City staff) JStruve@CI.Edina MN US 1 952) 903-5713
Action 2: h4a n_, low cost facility operations & maintenance chance=_ to c,;) -owned ouild,r�cs to eouce energy
costs ( Hide city details)
Date completed'ertereo 04'272012
Implementation details
B3 data has been entered for ',f09-6111 City Courcil approved a contract v:lth McKlnstry on 10.4-11 to complete
this step via the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program During the development of the energy efficiency'renewable
energy project McKinsiry was able to leverage much of the Cltys 83 data Under the contract the 12 largest
municipal facilities were audited This energy audit identified the following efficiency improvements whim were
approved by City Council and fully implemented as of April 5th 2012. building envelope rnprovements water
conservation improvements interior lighting retrofits Those projects will result In a reduction of over 540 000 kV,41
and 19.600 tnerms of gas on an annual basis reducing the Cdys carbon footprint by 540 metric tons of CO2
annually
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Page 2 of 12
X. Land Use
Comprehensive Plan and Action 1: Acoptnave an adopted comprehensive plan OR Category B and C ores may simply adopt a land use
Implementation plan tnat ,,.as adopted by a rcg onai ertity er the co-r;ty ( Hide city details)
(BP no. 6)
74
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Jut;�me meas.res m=_tics
Desc,rptve ries
For more informator co^.taci
Karen Kurt (City staffi KKurt@CI.Edina MN US i 952) 826-6415
Action 7: Instal, in at easl one cit, -n;; ne•d bun dir0 at least le of the energy efficiency measures
Hide city details;
Date comoleted'entered 03/26r2012
mplememation details
Complete. A closed loop geothermal system was installed at the PuD11C ANarks building with a minimum coefficient
of performance of 3 3 The facilr,y vias opened in Auaust 2010
OgtCgme measurEs met !cs
Desc,iotve in,
Fc, mo,e inform -=.tor contact
Karen Kurt (City staff) I KKurt@Cl.Edina MN US t952) 822-0415
Efficient Existing Private
Action 1: Create or participate in a marketing an -o outreach program to promote res dentia! enercy i.se reduc: or
Buildings
and energy ef`icrenry ( Hide city details]
{ BP no. 2 }
Date completed'entered 04;15;201 i
In-.plempmanon aclails�
Edrra partnered with Xcel and Centerpo nt to bring the Horne Energy Squad (HES) to residents The program was
Dromoted through the EEC's Education & Outreach Working Group Door hangers were distributed, literature was
distributed in the 7-3-10 parade twolhs were set up at school football games and a program was given for the
Rotary Club Altnouoh the initial outreach action is complete. the pubbr-. awareness campaign regarding the HES
,will be continuing
Oulcone n10a5urers rlel'Ics
DescnpLVe Irnks
For more information contact
Bob Gubrud )Community volunteer) i REGubrudl @Aim com j (552; 920-1442
Action 5: Conserve drinkinglgroundwater resources Dy adopting a watering ordnance conservation rale
suJClure dynamic user feedback model landscaping ordinance. cr WaierScrse pgrc lasng program ( Hide city
details}
Date completeo'enterec G-415(201',
1=ncternentation details
Complete Edna has a water bit ring with a Conservatron rate structure That structure has 3 residential ters 11 first
35 units 2) 36 - 65 units 3) over 65 units This action is complete
Or,tcorne measures'rnetr,cs:
Desc-101 ve ligks
Fo• more information cnntad
Jesse Struve tCtly staff) JStruve@CI Edina MN.US l S52) t+03-5713
X. Land Use
Comprehensive Plan and Action 1: Acoptnave an adopted comprehensive plan OR Category B and C ores may simply adopt a land use
Implementation plan tnat ,,.as adopted by a rcg onai ertity er the co-r;ty ( Hide city details)
(BP no. 6)
74
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Minnesota GreenStep Cities Page 3 of 12
Dale ccmril=ted entered 04 2G11
In 2008 Edina updated Its Comprehensive Par-', Tnis step is cnmc ate
Outz', -ie measures nel,ics
Delinks http.J/wvwv ci.edina mn us/departments/CompPlan him
Fcr 'nxe In'On71a lin-) contact
Carry Teague (City staff, CTeague@ciEdina MN.US 952i
Action 2: De,nonstrate mat regulatory ordinances comply with. trio- cc- ehensve olar -irJudirg cut not'rn:tec
hav no the zanlrg a'dlnanze ex;hGity , _ _erre the gCmp,rr.n5':'e ..c:. ab tree f_'.lrcatslal documert f0`
ceclson mating ; Hide city details)
Date co,nneteo-enterec 1,7'10'2011
Impierlentabon details
Complete Edina's regulatory ordirances comply vvitii the comorehensve plan ir.c!ucing but not limited to having
the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan, as the foundational document for decision
makma See City Code 850 01 ' Tne Council fincs that Edina has eme,oed from an era exemplified by unparalleled
growth and development and has entered a period of stability. reuse and redeve!opmemthat some of the
standards and regulations which guided initial development of the City are not appropriate for guidmg 'uture
development and redevelopment. and that standards and regulations fo' guiding future development and
redevelopment should be based upon the states goals. objectves and policies of the Comprehensive Plan of this
City as 'rom time to time amended. which constitutes the City's statement of philosophy concemino the use of land
within its jurisdiction Through the eractmenl of this Section, the Council intends to implement this slatemem of
philosophy so as to provide for the orderly and planned development and edevelopment of lands and waters in
Edina to maintain an attractive living and working env ronment in Edina to preserve and enhance the high quality
residential character of Edina and to promote the public health. safety and genera' welfare Specifically th s
Section is intended to implement the following objectives some of v.hich are contained In the Comprehensive
Plan. _ '
Outcome measures mat cs
Desc-int vE l.nv,s:
For more info: nation contact
Karen Kurt City staff] KKurt@CI.Edina .MN US ! !952] 826-0415
Mixed Uses Action 1: Organize Dr participate in a community planning/design process for the ct.v of a r xed use area
{ BP no. 8) ) Hide city details]
Date comoletecrentered 05!02'2012
nlplementanon details
Complete and Ongo ng - A tvvo-year GrandView District protect led by a 52 -member steering committee to envision
the fut-ire of the district culminated in the unanimous approval by the Edina City Council o' the GrandView District
Development rramewori. on April 17 2012 This long-term protect for the 37 acre district cats for a plaza and
community cuilding a bike and pedestrian bridge over Hvfy 100 moving the frontage roac along southbound Hay
100 to allay cars to Circumvent the area adding more parking. and a potential use for a rail line for mass transit
Consultants were employed to help guide the design process by holding public meetings at'.vhich any resident
could participate and comment All stakeholders were included such as business schools and residents
Ouli:ome measures'melr is
�DesCricuvE Irnks
For more information contact
Carry Teague (City staff', CTeague@ci.Edina. MN.US j (552) 626-0460
Action 3: IAocify a planned unit development - PUD - ordinance to emohasize mired cse develco,reri or 10 hm;t
resicent',al PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial deve'opmart f Hide city details)
Date completediertered 05%6-2+2012
I cc:a'15
Edina has a PUD ordinance In City Code S50 05 to allow f:exibility from standard zoning in exchange for
75
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n
f1U
Transportation
Page 4 of 12
strengthened City control over developmert Edina also h2s IA ed Developmert Dffv,ttS defined .r Cty Code
85D 14
OcICO-C netriC5
DeSC'I;Jt'.,'e links
Fa mole ndonnation contact
Carry Teague (City staff) i CTeague@ci Edina.MN US 1 (552) 826-D4b0,
Complete Green Streets Action 1: Acept a complete streets policy :hat a.so add•esses street uees and storrv;ate ; Hide City details,
(Wno. 11j
Dare ci,nplelel entered 5224 2012
Implementation details
Complete In May 2011. the Edina City Co:mCi', authorized the Edina Transportation Commission to develop a
Living Streets Policy: Plan in collaboration with City staff Living Streets are complete g,eer streets teat also
address needs for community identity ih Inti and aesthetics Pracress to date includes receiving a S15 000 grant
from Bloomington Public Health to develop a Living Streets Pol cy_Plan framework (RFP to hire consultant pendrnc;
and a donated complete streets workshop to be led by an instructor from the National Complete Streets Coalition
This was held in Feb 2012 Edina plans to use Statewide Health Irnpwvemenl funding to hire a "living streets"
consultant to join city staff when ;hey meet to draft a new streets policy. The Bicycle Transportation Plan (see
webl nk above) and sidewalk plan (see http 'hvv %, ci edma mn us'PDFs'CompPlan-Finalrlhi crosoft:. 20Vdord`
20Chapter%2C7S42OTransporiationik2OTravel`i42OForecasting`r'�2ONoveniberc/ 202008 pdf) need to be integrated
into a Complete Green Streets plan for all streets On 20 Cci 2011 the Edna Transportation Commission tETC)
recommended that a Lovina Streets Policy Review Working Group be formed its purpose .s to review current
Living Streets policies from other communities and report tneir findings to the ETC for consideration r the
formation of Edina's Living Sheet's policy
Outcome measwcs'meirics
Descriptive links http://www,ci.eclina mn us/PDFs/CompPlan/FinauMicrosoft c20Wor(i°/620-4,;20Chapter / 207%
20Transportationl/ 2OBike`,' 2ONovember%202008.pdf
For mcre rtformaLon c_mtact
Jesse Struve (City staff) JStruve@CI.Edina.MN US I 952)9C,3-5713
Action 4: Iderd,fy, priortlze aoc remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connecrra, wRinn yo:u 'oae rehvork
by for example add.no a b ke rouletane truck route or sidewalk j Hide city details)
Date comoretec entered. 01 0612012
Irnple -,eriation details
COMPI FTF A hike lane was panned for West 70th Street and was completed in Ndv 2D i 1
Outcome meas;res,metri::s
Descriptive links http //www ci.edina.mn.usrdepartments/L5_ConstructionProjects_103 W70th him
For :more InforinaPon coeliac:
Jesse Struve ;City staff) ; JStruve@CLEdina.MN.US I 952) 903-5713
Action 6: (mpement traffic calming measures in at least orae street redevelopment pr�,,ect ; Hide city details';
Date compietedentered 1000,12011
irr�ple:nentatron details
COMPLETE Valley View is was reconstructed at France Ave with a roundabout acded summer 2011 Complete
Outcome mEas'..ics ntet-c=
Det, :, ptive iri,
htip //www ci.edma mn.us/includes/departments'L5 ConstructionProjecls_S095ValleyV ewRoad-htm
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Minnesota GreenStep Cities Page 5 of 12
Fo• none nfo•n-at,,:)-, Contac:
Jesse Struve (City staff, JStruve@Cl Edina MN US 8521, 903-5 t3
Mobility Options Action 1: Promote walking. hiking and transit use : 3re or store sf the folioorir^ -- ea -s j'Hide city details;
( BP no. 12 )
Dateccmpletedertered 04'2020)11
I Pp ernentaton de:a is
The Edna Transportation Commission (ETC) will be focusing or, "active transportation' such as developing the
policies and procrarrs that suppon the implementation of complete green streets and improve the iransponatlon
richt of way for walking and biking lo that end on 4-21-11 the E IC passed a resolutior supporting the "Living
Streets concept (complete green streets) and wdi forward that to the Council Upon approaval ETC and City staff
will develop a process for getting stakeholder input (other boaro<_ and commissions d.iblic etc to develop a poncv
or plan The Bike Edina Task Force (BETF) he pi; to lead commi;rnty rides for exatnpie Rides wan the hlayor
annual Bike to Vdork training and events {such as the 50th aria France event held in May or June) and on-den-ard
skills ride events to increase bicycling sk lls and riding options in Edina The BETE promotes safe bicycling with its
website. Ree wallet cards and hosting infonna:,on tables at severai coiviiunity events thruughvut the year
Outcome measuresvmetncs
Descnptve fur s http:/!www.ci.edina.mn.us/PDFs/CompPlan/Final!Microsoft%20Word%20-`/o20Chapter%207%
20Transporlation%2OBike%20November%202008. pdf
Fo� more information contact.
Jesse Struve tCity staff) 1 JStruve@CI.Edina. MN.US ; 9152)902-571--,
Action 2: Launcn ar Active Living campaign in concert wrh your vocal contmunry health beard s,icn as a Sift
Roule<- to School program ) Hide city details]
Date comp'etedierteree 01'2820 12
Imolementalion deta:is
COMPLFTF Fdina rece!ved a Safe Routes To School e,ant a couple of years agc and did the Speed zone stuffy
The Bike Edina Task Force (BETF) successfully completed a Bicycle Rodeo at Highlands Elementary in 2010 and
is working with Edina Schools to continue similar events for 2011 to increase both bicycling and walking for both
staff and students- Edina is pan of the Bioonw igion_ Richfield Edina DO Town program
Outcome rneasu'e5'^'etri.75
Desciot ve links
For more information? cones,,cl
Jesse Struve (City staff) I JStruve@CI Edina-MN.US l 952) 803-5713
Environmental Management
Purchasing Action 1: Adopt an p;eferablc puieflabing policy of piacuoes ane:.;i lg
t SP no. 15 y that the oty pin-IlaSe at e=st ( Hide city details)
Date cornpletea erered 03'21'2012
Implernentatnn details
The Edina City Council approved the Environmental Purchasinc Policy at the 3-20-12 City Council meeting The
draft policy requires a) Energy Star certifies equipment and appliances and bl Paper containing at least 3011; post-
consumer recycl=e Conten*
OLICOme i`ie35UreSnetnCS
Descriptive i,n: s view file
For more informatiJn contact
Jesse Struve ;City staff) l JStruve@CLEdina.MN.US ( 952) 803-5713
Action 4: Reemre purchase of U S EPA WaterSense cen;Red p,oducts Hide city details]
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Date cgmpiet?c ,�rtereo 01,05 2,012
Page 6 of 12
Irr,,kmeNaLon seta. -.
The Eneroy and Environment Commission (EEC) has approved a draft of an em-uoninental purcnas,no policy
wiuc) :s yet to be reviewec try City Council at the 2-21-12 EEG!City CUURCII 1Noi�. Session Puicr,asmg choices will
requ're the purchase of U S EPA Water Sense-cert,f,eo D --Ousts for ail product cateprries covered by the Water
Sense program
Outcome measu1e5'm etrg5
Descrrptwe links
Fo- mere rrtfo,matix contacl
Jesse Struve (City staff; 1 JStruve@CI.Edina.MN US 952, 903-571.'
Urban Forests Action 1: Ceitfy as a Tree City USA ; Hide city details;
{ BP no. 16 )
Date coripleteo,erilefcd 02.11'2012
I'*r glenlentatar. detars _
The City of Edina has heen a Tree City USA in past years and s ,n the process of reapplying for the designation
The City Forester expects to be qualified again in Spring 2012
OL.teOrTie measureslmetrics.
Descnpt,ve lints
For more nforrnanon contact
Tom Horwath (City, staff) ! THorwath@CI Edina.MN US 952-828.0308
Action 4: Maximize tree planting along your Mal' cewntown sYeet o) throughout the city ( Hide city details]
Date completed,entered 0110112012
Imo;ementation details
Complete Trees were plartec along the 50t1h and France shopping cistn-t Sidewalk.s on both sides of the street
The tree .velk are approximately 40 ft or less apart excluding dirve=:ays and utility vaults In 2011 the city also
planted 21 trees in Creel. Valley Park
O tics ne •neasu-esn-etrics
Descnptrve finks
For mere information contact
Tom Horwath iCity staff) i THorwath@CI-Edina MN US i 952-826-C306
Efficient Stormwater Management Action 1: Com, -2 ete the Blue Star City sicrrtt:raier m8nagemert assesgnent and be ieco rized for irnp''.einertmo
( BP no. 17 ) the ar,;ions iherein ; Hide city details]
Date czmpletedente-ed 10 10'2011
1—,� cmentaUon deiaii.s
The Bluc Star City Stormwater Management Assessment has been completed and at least the rnimmum threshold
obtained City Council received the Blue Star ce,Ufcate at the 10-411 City Councii meefng
Outi.ume measur'eS1rnetncc
Descrip!i�e links
For nfom.alic:r 1 -.,)most
Karen Kurt (City staff) i KKurt@CI Edina.MN US ' 1�,521 526-0415
Action 5: Adopt and rmplernent guideiines'or gr adept repured design standards'cr s least on- of the
follor;mg stormwater infiltrationlreuse techniques i Hide city details]
Date con-pletedleniered 11;1512011
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Ccmpiete Tne use of Coal Tar sealants were banned w¢h the Leao,,e of Cues mooel oriinance ceino
rnplemented at the 5 Nov 2011 Ecina Cit; C-incil meef,np Clapter 4 ,.as arne,lced to add section 490
�I.SGJ'i,E "�E25Ures"".ebi:s
Descnpt ve 1 ni.s http //www ci edina.mn.us/PDFs'PublicNotices'Ord°X202011-159'�20Regulation5'.20on%20CoaI9:
20Tar%2OSealer pdf
Foi n1oie uforr.auon contact
Jesse Struve :City staff, JStruve@CI.Edina MN US 9521 X03-5. 1
Action 6: o:)pt an cidmance witr erosion and sediment control : s as r:Hi as re;;uuement<_ for
necr,anent storm,:aier treatment j Hide city details;
Date cornpEteoenterec 01!06'2012
la-,pkmertallc,- 9etans
Ecina City Council bannec the use of cOal tar sealants at the 11.15-11 City Council Meeting Th s is codified at bty
cooe 490'Regu1at1on of Coal Tar Based Sealer Products "
Ciutcxne meas.res;ner!cs
Desc iot ve Wins
For more information contact
Jesse Struve t,City staff) JStruve@CI.Edina MN.US ; 952j 503-5713
Parks and Trails Action 5: Create park management standards/practices :hat raximize a: east one of me fciiov.' ne j Hide
{ BP no. 18) city details)
Date co--,oieteo entered 05x1220'2
Impkr".entat,oc oeta1s
t!Organ,c or integrated pest management - Councii considered the -e: sed Turf Management Plan at the 2-21-12
EEC'Counct Wc,f: Sessioi and advanced it to a May 2012 Counci! acenda for approval c)Sources of Non potable
water tot irrigation is Complete City well 914 was lai:en out of service in apprormate'y 2006 due to elevated
Radium 226 levels Well #14 was then repurposeo to irrigate Braemar Coif Ccurse
Outcome meas;uesmemcs
Descnotve ��nt.s
For more rifon»ation contact
Tom Swenson (Cty staff, TSwenson@Ci Edina MN US j 952.641.2443
Action 6: Ce t'1 at isast one golf course .n il-e Audubon Cooperat ve Sanc:L.a-y PTo,xarr j Hide city details'.
Dave compieed-Entered 04'222011
1-11:;.eluentc11ort de:a'ls.
Certification s con-plete for the Braemar and the Fred Richards golf courses In 200 the EEC reurlmended to
the Park Boerc that city parts be verified as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries as well
Otdronl2 r'�casures metrics
Descnp!wE finis
fo, m -ie contact
Tom Swenson tCity staffs 1 TSwenson@Ci.Edina.MN.US 952-94'.-2443
Action 8: Deveicp a program to involve community members in hands-on land restoration and stet+ardship
;.�gects ( Hide city details)
Date compieteJ eraered 04:222011
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Edina has comrlIun:ty irvo-vement in fano restoration and stewardship ,n the form of conlnlun,ty inrtatec buckinorr
busts W1en a group volunteers to rernove buckthorn the City Forester gives them a presentation on hov; tc co it
The Cit, provides the roundup anti tools such as weed wrenches arc hand saves Tne City nails the tc
the city bftlst' :lump Finn'. there the Cay of St Pau, Di;inrt Fnerny corner to cn,p t up and for a tots fee haul it tc
St Paul to be burned fbr energy
Otitci ,ne rieasures
Des,r,ptve iir,t;s
Fcr n are informal cortad
Tom Horwath lCny, staff, , THorwath@Cl.Edina.t,4N.US 952-825-0306
Solid Waste Reduction Action 2: Adopt and ac :acrpiisr recycling goals for waste generated from internal city operations ( Bide
( BP no. 22) city details!
Date CJ-npleied c ilcrcc 0_'112'2012
Imp!ementauon oeta,ls
A municipal waste reduction goal is sought Te determine hoe: effective Edina's waste reduction st-aseoies are
and to establish a baseline City Co,ncil updated city cade 1300 on 11-15-11 to require all I tensed haulers to
report q-iarterly the pounds of waste being removed from Edina Edina v%ill begin to have an estmate of its
baseline waste ,n April 2012 when :he first .vaste reports become available Muncoal waste reduction strategies
nclude 1! Establishing a Recycling Bin Task Force it February 2012 vrh ch recommended recyc ing bins in all
major parks (these were provided ir Lewis Pk and Pamela Pk as Nell as scattered areas of Braemar Pk prior to the
task force) 2) Complete - Reduce municipal paper use & junk mail by the City Recycling coordinator requesting
that the City address be removed from mailing I sts 3) The City began organics recycling at some facilities in 2012
Effective 1-1-' 3 organics recycling will be included in the municipal recycling contract 4! Implement a facddy-wide
policy tc reduce the use of bottled water The C ty Purchasing Policy discourages the use of bottled water r)
Implement facility -wide policy on us:rig compestable table ware once the new municipal RFP including organics is
mplemented on 1 1 2013
Outcome measures me-ics
Descrhifve r,nk:s
For more informanon ccntact
Solvei Wilmot (City staff) SWlmot@ci Edina.MN.US 1 552-62£-0463
Action 5: Arrange for a resident.al or :L,s tress instttubonal source separated organics collection/management
oiograin [ Hide city details)
Date completer: entered 0415'2011
Implementation detc.ils
Of Edina's 6 res dential haulers, one residential haver co -collects cigar) cs with yard waste A(thouoh this step is
complete the ocais to have all waste haulers provide an organics option
Outcome measures )metrics
Descnptve lin-,s
For inure information contact
Solve) Wilmot (City staff) 1 SWimotgo Edina-MN.US i 552-3=6-046
Action 6: Implement enc or io•e oty-e,ide solid waste collectionirecycling systems ) Hide city details)
Date completed'entered D1: 12 2012
hnplen-eraatioo de'ails
Complete - Edina has had an organized mandatory city-vrioe residential recyc'ing progran- since 1985 Collection
of recyclables from multi -unit residential ouldings of 6 ,inns or less is mandatory and is offereo for the sane cost as
single farni!y households
Outcome measures r-Lics
Descnptit,e tni5 http7rwww ci edina inn usldepartmentsl1-4-
30_HealthRecycle htm#Recycling_Service Contract 8amp,amp.amp:_Costs
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Page 9 of 12
Fcr ."`;)re s,:sor—.anc!,
Solves Wilmot, CitY staffl , SWimot@a Edina MN US ?52-82C-045-'-
Local
52-825-045-Local Air Quality Action 1 : C-cr.^',;r,: F-1 educebon la campa'gn aro.md o 1e o' the f D"..r1a wood burning/auto
{ BP no. 23) exhaust Issues Hide city details!
(-late cc:mpletE-o entereo 03'2' 2012
1- ementatc— oe;ars
Complete In nn effort to educate the public on tho dangers of wood smoke and ;o set an example tc the
commurdy at the Nov 15 2011 Edina City COgnCd meeting CounC.r agreed to convert the two ineoor wuud
bunnng fireplaces in the Centrum of the Hughes Pawhor to gas This generated rn;rcr educational puhhcdy In the
Edina Sun Current the Minreapol s Star Tribune and local Blogs The conversion was complete in time fo• tt:e
winter 2011, 12 season The payback peered for converting to gas was doc.imented to be _ years
Outcome measu-es •nerics
Descnctve iini:s
For mane Infor:na;ion coniac:t
Jesse Struve :City staff) JStruve@CI EdinaJAN US 5t2; 903-671?
Action 3: COndgC' one or more policy or educationlbehavior change campaigns cin the topics oelow and
goc:rnent ) Hide city details)
Date con-:pleteorertereo 02,16'2012
Irnolementaton deta Is
COMPLETE The Air Quality Working Group o` the EEC has conducted and continues to conduct
educatlon'behawor change campaigns on the topics below a Decreased vehicle Idling in specific locales of by
specific fleets - Edina schools prohibit bus of iqg at the schocls Boulevards at two schools have also been chosen
(Creek Valley and Concord) where parents vehicles line up wa ting for their children EEC vrrl request that no idling
signs be posted b Increased sales by retail stores of low and no-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) nouseholc
products - An Air Quality iiYorking Group member had letters to the Editor published in the Edina Sun Current to
educate residents about the dangers of VOC products Edina also banned the use of Coal Tar which releases
harmful VOC's c Replacement of gasoline -powered equipment .vith lower polluting equipment On -31-11. the
EEC sponsored an ECO House and Garden Tour featuring 5 homes with ECO frie idly practices which included
featurino electric r-ov,,ers and pusn mowers in addition to homes with solar panels geothermai rain barrels drip
Irrigation, composting and organic gardening The ECO tocr ;:as written up in the Edina Sun Current Edina Patch
and Edina Ivlaoaz ne
Outcoine measu-es metrics
Desc,iot ve Irl ;s
Fo mc -e info,mabon Contac:
Karen Kurt (City s'a'f) 1 KKurt@CI.EcIma.MN US (952) 826-0415
Mz Economic and Community Development
Benchmarks & Community Action 1: Report progress :o cornn).ir,dy memters on implementation of GreenStep City best practices ; Hide
Engagement city details]
{ BP no. 24 )
Date compieteo:entered 01/06 2012
Impiemclratlon de'a+Is
Complete As a member of ICLEI the City gf Edna completed Milestone 1 using ICLEI's CACP software for the
year 200; A baseline inventory of carbon emissions generated by city operations such as buildings water pumps.
city feet etc was collected Aggregate data ;:ere also collected for oty-wide residential commereal and industrial
emissions. For 2D08 all municipal sectors were entered into the CACP softy.are except for water For 2009. B3
data was entered for the 10 largest rnuniapa: buildings The B3 data is complete for all buildings for 2010 and 2C11
through June. Green Step City progress zs reported to the community at the annua January meeting of the Energy-
& Environment Commission, v:hich is televised on Edina Cable Ch 16 Each selected Best P•actice in Edina's
Green Step Cities program is reporled on as v. -ell as each action within ti -.at best pract,ce.
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GJ1,OmE mEaSUres lite-irICS
The results from the carbon emission inventory were used ma pilot project with the Carbon Dls.clos.:re Project
ICDPI and published on their website 'n 2039-201D (vwv: cdpro)ect net) Note that the 2- D results are publ.shed
in the 2011 report Edina also part cipates in the Regional Indicators Project for which is data s complete for 200E-
2010 Each January EEC meeting is televised and includes a status report to the community on each Best Fracfice
in the Green Step Cities Program This was neld on 1-12-12 aro televised on cable Cl, 16 and is available to the
pubic to dov; nloac
Descriptve hnks http !Hive c40cities orgtstorage'CDP`'b20Cities°62020115b20Global`420Report pdf
Fo: n:xe iifor, ator co:-.taG
Karen Kurt (City staff) I KKurt@Cl Edina MN US 1952) 826-041 b
Action 2: Organize ooa!sowcome measures from all city plans and iepor, to cc. ,inuntty rnernbers cai.a that
sno�. t•^:."ard ^�eeting these oca's [ Hide city details)
Date completed entered 02`0512012
Im Diemen;ation details
Complete Each January EEC meeting is televised and includes a status report to the community en each Best
Practice n the Gieen Step Cities Program Tnis was held on 1-12-12 and televised on cable Ch 16 and is available
to the public to download Rick Carter presented the Regional Indicator s Project where Edna's Indicators (energy
usage recycling Ibs'HH. transportation cycling water usage! were compared with Vadnals Hts and St Louis Pa•k-
Drinking water indicators are annually reported to the community in the About Town publ cation
Oulcoc-ie measures metrics
Descnpti�c hnl,s httpalwww ci edira.mn us+departments/1NatchaMeeting htm Scroll down to Other Programming
for EEC 1- 12-12 meeting
1 -or more ntormation cev tact
Jesse Struve (City staff) JStruve@CI.Edina MN US ; 652) 613-5713
Action 4: Conduct or support an energy ett�aency a susiamatility education and action campaign mvo!vina
( Hide city details!
Date completed'enlereo 05102'2012
Implementation deta Is
The City of Edina continuously engages members of the public through various activities organized by the
Education and Outreach tNorkino Group of the EEC The EEC works with energy utilities to organize energy audits
for residents Working with a task force of EEC members representatives frorr Xcel Energy Centerpoint Energy
and the Center for Eneroy and the Environ•nent (10N Energy Challenge staff) attention was focused on two Ed n,a
neighborhoods for Summer and Fall of 2010 to promote the HES (Home Energy Squaw) Program The Ivlorrnngside
Neighborhood Association (MNA) assisted efforts to mobilize residents to attend HES educational meetings to
enroll households in participating n the HES program in the Summer of 2010 in the Fall of 2010 focused on the
Hiahiands Neighborhood of Edina Summer 2010 av:areness was raised about the HES program
Outcome nlEasu-es meti cs
Edina has one of the highest participation rates in HES in Inc metro
DESC'IbtvE limb
Fo• more mformator contact
Karen Kurt (Cty staff) KKurt@CLEdina.MN US (6521 626-0415
Action 5: Conduct or support a community education, visioning and planning mdiative us ng a slstainaoilrty
fra newo* sucn as [ Hide city details)
Date comofeted'entereo D5i02r2012
Impierrienlalion decals
Flealing Rest Practice - The City of Edina pan c paved in a Natural Step workshop for City staff City Council, City
Commissioners and residents at large or July 27. 2,009 and Aug 6 20D9 Thereafter various City Commissioners
residents and City Council n embers attend the quarterly workshops sponsored by the Sustaulabil ty Alliance
Outccirle measures'metr.cs
Descrlptwe Ilnks.
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Karen Kurt lC ty sta'f, KKurt@CI Edina.MN US : 9521 526-0415
Green Business Development Action 2 C:; _ct t,;- -:ses ;.; ,•• assistance providers nclud,n_ u:[iPeE,. e,, ho o4� u't , -Sor-aI-
{ BP no. 25) .;atr c it- - or ;, .cte a.id is ang assstance i Hide cottetails)�
Gate a,mpleted erterec 04 2_ 201-.
1^udemental�o' CEto !s
A recycing and Sold V✓ante VVorkine Group member of the EEC developeo-a Pewerpoint program entitled' Easy
Offc-- Recyciutg which v; as piesented at a coca' Rotary meeting MPCA, is bfiercrtig ass stance to t0 txJsihes5es7n -
tne form of prowdino sample contracts (see nttp .vr;r: pea state mn us -ilea f12:fg1prt;grams cfm) forfiaufmg o
assist ccmmercial businesses to modify exis:ing contracts or Create:ne'w reSourcE management C'dhReC1S :',lith - -
waste haulers :o manage recyclables cenlpos:ibles and hazardous materials-- Y -RSVV VVG will work -S -nth ideal '
rade assoz atiors and g ve educational presentations or, recycling as well As *Nn�,",m with the Fasy UMcs
Recycling progran•,. Tradeassociations include the Edna Chamberof Con7n''efcEr. `The Energy$mart-prc.gtann - -
sponsored by the Minncso:a Chamber of Commerce w,li be used to; get Edi a husi ;es'ses to focus do ent'Fj�
effiuency
OutCo"',e n1ea5U'eS"Ttcln CS
Descriptive links.
For mere lnfamation contact
Solvei Wilmot (City staff) I SWilmot§ci Edina MN US 652826-046,
Action 4: Support or support the creanon of a value -cooed )usrnEcM'iitllginyltrcal-waste pfoduct$ ('Hide`
city details;
Date completed'ertered 01 12!2012
Imp,eirentation de+aiis
Complete St Paul Dis:ncl Energy picks up and chips the woos from#he'Ex?ma bfus? dump at BraC-mar-•c i,AitslF
to St Paul Dlstnct Energy plant at a cost to Edina far less than hauling tile-brrsh'tb a hrkAh durnriri HaMings' as
was previously done The ch ps are used to fuel St Pauls District Energy pAant' Tho brOsh in the City brusll dtrrrj7
comes from municipal waste as well as rnciudmg resoentlal bugkthorn=wfri iesf »lsare a lolveb-fd�6if ro atil g`
the last two weekends of Octuber. Res:dents must shin: an ID and can oHty: im5he outing approVep fioWs -- ;. • -
Ot.lC7ne mea EorES: m2tn CS.
Descriptwe irks
For more information coriart
Tom Horwath lCav staff; I THorwathCC1,Edina MN US E.62-826-0306
Renewable Energy Action 1: Adopt solar energy standards or a wind energy ordinance rrHide•city' details; -
r ( BP no. 26 )
Date completed entera 'Ji cc, '012
InplementaUnn oe'ars
A Solar.VVno Ordinance Task Foce has been formed with a first draft'crealed as a4January 2012 ThetaskTorce is
a joint effort of the Energy 3 Environment Cornm:ssion and the Planning Commrsslon
Oux,--s n•:easwes netncs
Descnpt,..ve rr-.F.s
Fol more wfonnat,x.
Carry Teague (City staff) CTeague@ciEdina-MN US ? (9521 526-6466
**'*Action 3: Crea:e a rener.,abic energy financing program such cs PACE' p ny ,,.hers to i'15W!
oeneraton capacityrer•ergy eff r emr-) equmrent ( Hide city details)
Cate cornpietedentere,i 04/12201'
1-1,01cmentabur. Beta. s
Complete - Edina City Council adopted a PACE f:nancino program rEdrna Emerald Energy Program. EEEPI for
83
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Page 12 of 12
6DmmE'C,a! efunes a!!,)& 11-15-11 Counci meeting A SIC -COD grant f -on toe fvlinnesota Department of
Co-vne,:e v+ as eoiamec to set ip a pilot protect If successful. EEEP inay be extenciec to resile -tial aic'cr,rater
p•oects As of 4-'C-12 G, an ovie& Tire ano A.ite has taker, advantage of the program wiih a loan f om the C can
Fund fcr a 271-1N ph, c tovoltaic system Tne amcunt of fin anang to IOUrphy Auto was 831 636 amount of the bond
E 3' E93 the dafEie ire $2 OC4 was capitalized inte,est
n
Desc-ict'✓e
For more Informa!iDn cnrtact
Jesse Struve (C,ty staff) JStruve@CL Edina IVIN US 952! 903-5 -3
Partners
Minnesota Solar Energy Inaustnes Assn h4nSEIA (Lynn Hinkle Policy Dlreclon 'v4,nnesota Dept of Commerce
Action 5: Install a public sector renewable energv technology such as sola, elec:n, ;F`Vi so ai r:,: vraier Cr hot
air rrr-o-hyc'r.n or tvnc : Hide city details;
Date CorcnJeled erterc; 03'13.2C,
Imple?Tentalion Beta is
Complete The city of Edina received a 2011 grant fron- the American Recovery and Reinvesin-ent Act )ARRA)
which is the 54 5 million Federal stimilus furrdmg for renevrable energy for local government=_ The grant was used
to install a 20 l photovoltaic solar system on City Hall The protect was approved at toe 10-4-11 City Council
meeting and was installed by 1- i-12 The system v:dl be activated after passing nspectson and well cost the City
nothing due to the 20122 Xcel Sofar Rewards reoAe and a 20', 2 Llade in America rebate The solar panels save
approximately 51 330/yr on energy costs
outcome measares metrics
DescriDbve links
For more mfo,mat,on contact
Karen Kurt (City staff) KKurl@CI-Edina MN US 952t 826-04 t 5
Local Food Action 3: Expand;strengthen or create al. least ore of tnE falka:vino moors c.f e<oand ng local food access
t BP no- 27 3 j Hide city details)
Date co-pieted-eniered 02%15,2012
Imple-mentation details
Complete In July 2010 Edria instituted a Farmer's Market in Centennial Lahes Par; from mid Julv through Sept It
was very successful resulting in isle dates of operation being expanded in 2011 to June through Sept. The pleasant
environment on the snady side of Centennial Lake where the air is filled vnth live n-,usic to accompany the marke:
on Thursday afternoons and evenings is a great pleasure not only to the adjacent businesses and town homes. but
to the entire community A wide selection of loraly grov;r. food Is available Tnis enahled Borne small husinesses to
expand It was a VJrnN.4n for everyone'
O.itcome measures meif cs
Descriptive links
For more inforr3t,on conta,t
Tom Shirley (City staff) 1, TShirley@C I. Edina. MN. US 952-833-9582
Minnesota Pol ut.on Control Agency Contact i VJeo site policy
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REPORT/RECOMMENDATION
To:
Energy and Environment
Agenda Item
Commission
From:
Karen Kurt
❑ Action
Assistant City Manager
❑ Discussion
® Information
Date: May 2, 2012
Subject:
Staff Updates
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INFORMATION/BACKGROUND:
Emerald Energy Efficiency Program (EEEP) Revisions
Staff revised the EEEP program to include apartment buildings as eligible properties. The program
revisions were adopted at the May VY Council meeting.
Solar Panels
The solar panels are current operational. City staff members received training on the panels on May 4th.
Our IT division is working with the vendor to connect the output reading to the City's website. When
that connection is complete, we will issue a press release.
Turf Management Policy
The City is following the new turf management policy but it has not yet been adopted by Council. The
policy needs some editing to fit the standard city policy format. This item remains on my to-do list.
No -Idling Signs
The signs have arrived. We are waiting for the maps showing install locations.
85
B3 Database
Sarah S was able to connect with the City of Edina's account manager at Xcel to expedite the data entry
process and currently updating our data.
Finance Report
Year to date spent is $3,044.79 from City budget. Edina Community Fund has a balance of $1,749.
Search for Environmental Engineer
Public Works Director Houle, Human Resources Director Lisa Schaefer and I interviewed three finalists
for the position on April 301h. We are currently in the process of conducting background checks. If all
goes well, I would expect an announcement sometime the week of May 11th with a start date in early to
mid June.
EEC Banner
I need to get the banner back from the Edina Dialogue event!
Recycling Bins
We have received delivery of 10 recycling bins. They will go into the parks in mid-May when our summer
seasonal help arrives. Vince will be placing an order for an additional 10 bins in June.
86
Working Groups
Air Quality
Open
Bylaws
Dianne Plunkett Latham
Education & Outreach
Jan 3rd
Feb 8th
Mar 6th
Apr
3rd
May
2nd
Jun 5th
Jul 3rd
Aug7th
Sept 4th
Oct 2nd
Nov 6th
Dec 4th
Paul Thompson & Bob Gubrud
X
X
X
X
Energy
Jan 17th
Feb 21st
Mar 20th
Apr
17th
May
15th
Jun 19th
Jul 17th
Aug21st
Sept 18th
Oct 16th
Nov 20th
Dec 18th
Bill Sierks & John Heer
X
X
X
Recycling & Solid Waste
Jan 5th
Feb 2nd
Mar 1st
Apr
5th
I May
3rd
Jun 7th
Jul 5th
jAug2nd
Se t 6th
Oct 4th
Nov 1st
Dec 6th
Dianne Plunkett Latham
X
X
X
Canc.
X
Water Quality
Jan 23rd
Feb 23rd
Mar 22nd
Apr
26th
May
24th
Jun 28th
Jul 26th
Aug23rd
Sept 27th
Oct 25th
Nov 22nd
Dec 27th
Julie Risser
X
Canc.
X
Task Force
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
AugSet
Oct
Nov
Dec
Carbon Disclosure Project
Germana Paterlini & John Heer
Home Energy Squad
Bi$Sierks
Park Rec clin Bin
Dianne Plunkett Latham
X
Purchasing
Keith Kostuch & Germana Patedini
Solar S Wind Ordinance
Open
Turf Management Plan
Germana Paterlini
Urban Forest
Dianne Plunkett Latham
ATTACHMENT C - Questionnaire
Please provide requested information to the items listed below. All questions should be
answered fully in order to provide the City with an understanding of the services you would
provide. Information and answers can be attached on separate sheets as needed.
1. Provide a list of acceptable materials you are currently able to collect, process and market,
other than the listed materials the City requires in the RFP. Do you have any concerns about
the City's list of designated recyclables?
2. Provide clear descriptions of the means used to calculate monthly recycling tonnage. For
example, will you collect Edina loads of residential curbside recyclables separate from other
customers? Will you weigh each load? If not, state any other assumptions, sources of data,
and methods of calculation (e.g., average recovery rates in pounds per household served or
pounds per stop).
3. Describe your interest and capability of adding materials in the future. Please note the
types of materials that may be included in the future.
4. Describe what you propose as plans for education to better the quality of the program, to
increase participation and volume of materials collected, both initially and over the term of
this contract.
5. Describe how your company proposes to conduct set -out rates and participation studies.
6. Please describe your proposed means to provide annual materials composition for the City.
7. State your means to estimate process residuals from your (or subcontracted) recycling
facility.
8. What techniques, controls and other innovations will you employ to increase efficiency
and maximize material quality and revenues.
9. Provide an estimate of the relative amounts (in percent of total) of all residential container
glass collected (all colors) by type of end use:
RECYCLED (by definition of recycling in Minnesota Statutes) including recycling into
glass containers = %
BENEFICIALLY USED (by definition and rules of the MPCA) such as fiberglass,
sand -blast and aggregate for construction projects (e.g., as gravel base for roads) _ %
RECOVERED using other applications including alternative daily cover (ADC) or other
use of aggregate for utilities (e.g., gas or leachate collection) at landfills= %; and
DISPOSED into landfills whether as a separate material (e.g., mixed, broken glass only)
or a part of the mixed process residuals from the recycling facility = %.
10. The City plans to expand its list of types of plastics to be recycled to be consistent with
the new Hennepin County recycling funding policy (as adopted November 2011). To help the
City evaluate the relative strength of your plastic markets, provide an estimate of the relative
amounts used by domestic (U.S. and Canadian) end-users for each of the following grades of
plastic:
(Percent of Plastic Grade
Marketed Domestically)
Plastic
Resin Type
Bottle
Grade
Non -Bottle
Grade
PETE (#1)
HDPE (#2)
PVC (#3)
LDPE (#4)
PP (#5)
Provide a list of your plastic end use markets for plastic types #3, 94 and #5. Provide a list of
your plastic end use markets for plastic tubs and lids/caps. (Note: This information may be
submitted as confidential, non-public data under a separate sealed envelope.) End use
markets do not include intermediate plastic processors that only grind, wash and/or pelletize
recycled plastics into flake or pellets. End use markets are defined as manufacturers that use
recycled resins to make new products.
What steps will you company take over the life of this proposed contract to market more of
your recyclable plastics to domestic markets? Can these plans be included into the proposed
contract as service standards?
I Oa. Can you provide monthly certification disclosure documentation of end markets for each
category of recyclable commodities?
l Ob. Verify that all recyclables that are collected in the city are not landfilled or incinerated.
M.S. 115A.94 prohibits the unapproved disposal of separated recyclable materials
1 Oc. How do you propose to estimate and report the amount of residuals from the end use
markets (e.g., mills) that receive your recyclables from municipal recycling programs? How
will you proposal assist the City in improving its understanding about the material quality and
environmental impacts of the end users you select to use as markets?
11. If awarded the contract, describe how you will staff and deliver quality customer service
during this Agreement. This includes, but is not limited to, collection service on the route,
and customer service in the office (e.g., answering residents' call; processing invoices;
reports; etc.).
12. Briefly describe previous recyclables collection, processing and marketing experience.
Highlight experience, municipal contracts, and recycling facilities within the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area (TCMA).
13. Specify if and how you will change your capacity (i.e., staff, vehicle fleet and processing
/ marketing) to fulfill the Agreement, if awarded.
14. Specify the management, supervisory and foreman staff that will be directly responsible
for the operations of recycling services (i.e., collection, processing and marketing). Resumes
of key individuals may be included, limited to one page per individual.
15. Describe plans for processing and marketing recyclables collected.
16. State your company safety philosophy. Provide written, signed confirmation that all
required safety plans are on file and available for review upon request. Include your safety
manager's name and contact information (i.e., phone number, e-mail) in the proposal.
17. Describe any environmentally sustainable initiatives in the TCMA that are currently a
part of your company's business operations. List any future plans for your operations in the
TCMA.
18. Minnesota's Global Warming Mitigation Act of 2007 commits to reducing the state's
greenhouse gas (GHG emissions by 15% by 2015. What actions will your company be taking
by the end of this contract term to help achieve this goal in Minnesota? Describe your plans
for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as part of the proposed recycling services for
the City of Edina. Itemize your GHC emission reduction plans in terms of the following four
categories of the recycling system (listed in order of priority to the City of Edina):
• On -route, curbside collection operations in the City of Edina (e.g., route efficiencies,
operator instructions and other driver policies, fleet maintenance, fuel types, and other
transportation related measures directly related to curbside recycling operations).
• Recyclables materials processing operations in the TCMA (e.g., overall processing
efficiencies, alternative means to reduce process residuals, facility energy efficiency,
and other measures directly related to operation of your recycling facility or your
subcontractor's recycling facility).
• Materials transportation to market (e.g., location of end markets, transportation
logistics, etc.).
• Selection of end markets and their own efficiencies (e.g., overall production
efficiencies, alternative means to reduce residuals from end use markets, etc.).
19. List at least three references. Provide the name, title, organization, phone number, e-
mail, information, dates service provided. You are encouraged to submit up to three reference
letters.
20. Marketing to highest and best use as a recyclable material, i.e. glass to glass, plastic bottle
to plastic bottle is an environmental preference. Describe how your company meets this
preference.
21. Description of single -sort operations details - If you are proposing under the single -sort
scenario, answer the following questions in sufficient detail:
21.a Are you proposing any changes or variances to the single -sort scenario
specifications as stated in the RFP (Section 10.2)? If so, itemize those changes and
fully describe the difference. Also, estimate the cost implications of the proposed
change.
21.b Can you make the RFP -specified start date of January 1, 2013? If not, what
"change date" do you propose for start of the new single -sort recycling collection
service?
21.c If you are submitting and alternate proposal, what size of recycling cart will be your
standard or "default"?
21.d What is your proposed policy for number of "free" cart switches that residents can
make per year? If a resident exceed this number of "free" cart switches, what is
your proposed administrative, handling and/or delivery cost for any switch above
this free level?
21.e What are your policies and truck -side procedures to manage prohibited items that
residents may place in the recycling cart? Will your proposed single -sort
operations have any public education "leave behind" tags for prohibited items? If
so, attach a reference example of such a leave behind public education tag.
21.f What is your proposed cart color? Lid color?
21.g. What is your proposed/example content of resident in mold label (IML) instructions
to be mounted on the lid? (Please include an example in your proposal.)
2 Lh What is your proposed policy and procedure for pick-up and recycling of the City's
old dual -sort curbside bins? Who is your proposed market for this type of plastic?
Contact person, email and phone number?
21d What is your proposed list of single -sort public education tools? Please describe in
sufficient detail and include examples from other existing City programs.
25. Provide an example of Contractor's annual report, trends in recovery rate and
participation. Include efforts to expand recyclable markets, summary of market trends,
contractor recommendations for improvements in city recycling program.
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