HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-09 Packet5
DRAFT MINUTES
CITY OF EDINA MINNESOTA
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
EDINA CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM
Thursday May 9, 2013
7:02 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER 7:02p.m.
II. ROLL CALL Answering Roll Call was Gubrud, Heer, Howard, Latham, Rudnicki, Sokol, Thompson, Zarrin and Chair
Sierks
Absent: Brandt, Risser
Late Arrival: Kostuch
Staff Present: Ross Bintner and Rebecca Foster
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Motion made by Member Thompson and seconded by Member Rudnicki to approve the Agenda. Motion carried
unanimously.
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes.
Add "Staff recommended that" EEC should hold a workshop on pg. 2 in first sentence.
Edit motion on pg. 2 "to approve the work product of the Task Force".
Edit VI.B.S to "Living Streets tree planting initiatives can only be completed by using contractors or additional
resources. "
Edit motion on pg. 3 add "at the April 18th What's Up with the Weather? "
Add "Member Zarrin would like to discuss Business recycling at the June City Council Workshop." to VI.F.i.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Zarrin to approve the amended Minutes. Motion
carried unanimously.
B. Attendance report and roster. No Comment.
C. Workgroup list and minutes. No Comment.
Member Kostuch arrived at 7:10p.m.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Rudnicki to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion
carried unanimously.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT. Valley View Middle School students observing public meetings. Robert Aderhold,
3529 W. 54th St, would like residential added to Edina Emerald Energy Program. Mark Hancock, Center for
Energy and Environment, is helping Mr. Bintner with Comprehensive City Building Energy Efficiency project.
Michele Swanson, Xcel Energy, is interested in the 'franchise agreement change' HF1450/SF1490 review.
VI. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Comprehensive City Building Energy Efficiency Project. Mr. Bintner shared a proposal to build off of the
success of EEEP and broaden the program to include all local energy services in three categories:
commercial, residential and public buildings. Bintner introduced Center for Energy and Environment
saying the proposal envisions a strategic partner with statewide project based experience in residential,
commercial and institutional building energy. Mr. Bintner said the effort supports Comp Plan Ch. 10
policy and goals including carbon reduction of 15% by 2015, 25% by 2025, and 80% by 2050 greenhouse
gas reduction.
Public Buildings: The City has staff in HVAC, Electrical and a Facilities Manager, but needs technical
expertise in house to interface with them that is trusted and can review the mechanical system for
energy efficiency. Mr. Bintner said the B3 data tells us which buildings need energy efficiency help.
Center for Energy and Environment will audit all the public buildings and with a goal to reduce carbon by
10-15% in 3yrs by replacing the low retro fits. Chair Sierks said that the State Guarantee Energy Savings
Program reviews deep energy retrofits which achieve bigger energy savings than do all low retrofits first.
Chair Sierks would like to have McKinstry report on their 1St year savings to the EEC. McKinstry did
building envelope and lighting improvements not mechanical.
Commercial: Mr. Bintner described the commercial portion of the proposal, saying it provided a reduced
cost energy audit to building owners and then promote their project success. Member Kostuch
suggested that the City should lead by example and audit their own buildings first and promote our
success.
Residential: Mr. Bintner described the residential portion of the proposal as CEE Home Energy Squad
Enhanced visit to Edina residents at the cost of $20 per visit, limited 200 per year.
B. Energy Efficiency Community Outreach and Education. Chair Sierks suggested the City open PACE to
residents that don't have a mortgage or receive consent of mortgage holder. Member Latham thinks
there is not enough staff time to manage residential PACE, because residents will call with questions,
but don't follow through with loan. Then, the 2% from PACE for staff time will never be achieved.
Members also have concerns that the residents won't pay their loan off before they sell their house.
Members think it'd be cheaper to get other loans and it'd only be the term that residents would want,
but it'd be at a higher price.
rl
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Kostuch to drop residential PACE, because it
costs more at this time, pending new details. Motion carried.
Nay: Gubrud
C. Promote Edina Emerald Energy Program. Discussed above.
D. Air and Water Quality WG. No Comments.
E. Education Outreach WG. Chair Sierks thanked everyone involved with the planning of the April 18th
event. Member Thompson said there were 115 attendees despite the snow storm. The working group
was hoping for 300 attendees. 69 people filled out postcards for the Home Energy Squad drawing and
29 people signed up for the Home Energy Squad Enhanced program. Member Gubrud would like to do
an article in City publications on the Home Energy Squad. Member Thompson would like to start a Film
Series. The EEC would also like questions on the City wide quality life survey of what environment
initiatives the residents would like to see accomplished.
F. Energy WG. Member Heer gave an update on the 'franchise agreement change' HF1450/SF1490 review
done by the working group.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Gubrud to recommend an attorney that has
expertise in utility licensing and franchise agreements to review the HF1450/SF1490 and give a recommendation
to Council on how to proceed. Motion carried unanimously.
Abstain: Heer
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Gubrud to approve that if expertise is sought EEC
would like to hear the report. Motion carried.
Nay: Kostuch
Abstain: Heer
i. Home energy squad task force. No Comments.
G. Recycling & Solid Waste WG. Member Latham gave an update saying the city has been receiving
complaints on how recycling carts were being stored improperly during the winter. Member Latham is
fine with carts being stored in front of the house to promote recycling during winter.
Member Rudnicki excused himself from the meeting at 9:15p.m.
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i. Business recycling task force. Member Zarrin gave an update on how business recycling
meetings are being moved to City Hall from the Chamber of Commerce. Hennepin County
printed posters, container stickers and labels to promote business recycling. The Galleria said
their hauler isn't accepting recycling due to contamination. Bill Neuendorf will contact 10
businesses and offer them a free waste assessment. New businesses per state law must include
space for trash and recycling. Member Zarrin would like the EEC Bylaws to reflect Commercial
and Residential Recycling. A report needs to be written about the Business Recycling Pilot
project describing what the working group did besides education before Commercial can be
added to the bylaws.
H. Student Initiatives.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Heer to request Member Sokol to continue as the
EEC student member for 2013-14 term. Motion carried unanimously.
VII. CORRESPONDENCE & PETITIONS
A. CPD Cities. This topic was tabled.
B. Green Step Cities 2013 Assessment. This topic was tabled.
VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS. No Comments.
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
A. EEC Advisory — Community Garden. Mr. Bintner said the EEC Community Garden Advisory was pulled
from the Council agenda.
B. June 13 meeting, ETC Living Streets presentation. Karen Kurt is presenting the ETC Living Streets policy
at the June meeting.
C. Draft EEC meeting schedule. Information only.
There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Chair Sierks declared the meeting adjourned at 9:36p.m.
Motion made by Member Latham and seconded by Member Zarrin to adjourn meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Rebecca Foster
GIS Administrator
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 Meetina Held (ON MEETINGS' LINEI Attendance Recorded (ON MEMBER'S LINEI
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 1" under the month for each attending member.
Joint Work Session
Type 1" under "Work Session" on the meetings' line.
Type 1" under "Work Session" for each attending member.
Rescheduled Meeting`
Type "1" 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:
10
Edina Energy & Environment Commission
Working Groups, Task Forces and Projects
Draft of 4-11-13
Air QualitX Working Group (AQ WG) — Temporarily deactivated 9 Feb. 2012
Water Quality Working Group (WQ WG) — 4`h Thursday at 6:30pm - Chair Julie Risser — Members: Jon Moon, David B.
VanDongen
Eng= Working Group (AE WG)— 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 pm — Chair Bill Sierks, Co -Chair John Heer - Commissioners Bob
Gubrud - Members Richard Griffith, Richard Oriani, Greg Nelson, Gary Wahman, John Howard, Brad Hanson, John
Dolphin
Prospective Members
Chad Bell
Education Outreach Working Group (EO WG) — 1" Tuesday at 7:00 pm - Co -Chairs Paul Thompson and Bob Gubrud —
Members: Sarah Zarrin (EEC), John Howard
Home Energy S9uad Task Force (HES) — Meets as needed - Chair Bill Sierks — Commissioners - Paul Thompson, Bob
Gubrud
Purchasing — Meets as needed — Chair Keith Kostuch
Recycling & Solid Waste Working Group (RSW WG) — I" Thursday at 7:00 pm - Chair DP Latham, Commissioners Sara
Zarrin and Tim Rudnicki - Members Michelle Horan, Melissa Seeley — City Staff Solvei Wilmot
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)
Bylaws Working Group — Chair Dianne Plunkett Latham (EEC),
Carbon Disclosure Project Committee — Commissioner John Heer
Edina Business Recycling — 3rd Wednesday - Chair Sarah Zarrin — Members: Lori Syverson (Chamber of Commerce),
Ben Knudson (Hennepin County Environmental Services), Andre Xiong (HCES), Aileen Foley
CITY OF EDINA MINNESOTA
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
EDINA CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM
Thursday June 13, 2013
7:00 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
111. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
IV. ADOPTION OF CONSENT AGENDA (5min)
A. Minutes
B. Attendance report and roster
C. Workgroup list and minutes
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
During "Community Comment," the Energy & Environment Commission will invite residents to share new issues
or concerns that haven't been considered in the past 30 days by the Commission, or which aren't slated for future
consideration. Individuals must limit their testimony to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of
speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic. Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere on
tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. Individuals should not expect the Chair or
Commission Members to respond to their comments tonight. Instead the Commission might refer the matter to
staff or to an EEC Working Group for consideration at a future meeting.
VI. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Living Streets Policy (25min)
B. Prepare for June 18 CC/EEC Workshop (60min)
i. Energy Recommendations (WP1-3)
ii. Integration of Comp Plan Chapter 10 into City operations (WP4)
iii. Residential Recycling Recommendations (WP6)
iv. Commercial Recycling Recommendations (WP6b)
v. Urban Forest Recommendations (WP9)
C. Air and Water Quality WG
D. Education Outreach WG
E. Energy WG
i. Home energy squad task force
F. Recycling & Solid Waste WG
i. Business recycling task force
G. Student Initiatives
VII. CORRESPONDENCE & PETITIONS
A. Tim Rudnicki — Franchise Agreements Email
B. Paul Thompson — Film Festival Email
C. Green Step Cities Invite
VIII.CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS
IX. STAFF COMMENTS
A. Sustainable Infrastructure tools and examples (10min)
B. EEC 2013 summary and draft schedule
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS: http://www.edinamn.gov/ <click calendar>
6/18/13 EEC/CC Workshop City Council Meeting — City Hall
7/11/13 EEC July Meeting — City Hall
7/16/13 City Council Meeting — City Hall
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way
of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large -print documents or something else, please call 952-927-886172 hours in
advance of the meeting.
CITY OF EDINA MINNESOTA
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
EDINA CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM
Thursday May 9, 2013
7:00 PM
AGENDA ITEM 6.A Living Streets Policy
ATTACH M E NTS
1. ETC Draft living streets policy
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AGENDA ITEM 6.6 Prepare for June 18 CC/EEC Workshop
NARRATIVE
1. 10 Copies of the EEC work plan will be available at the meeting, this key relates item numbers denoted as "WP#"
to an individual work plan item.
ATTACHMENTS
1. WP6 Residential Recycling, Organics composting
a. Residential Recycling Licensing Report updated June 4, 2013
b. Council Member Mary Brindle's residential hauler survey of June 16, 2011
c. Solvei Wilmot Staff report
2. WP6b Commercial Recycling
a. Summary Slideshow
3. WP9 Urban Forests
a. Urban Forest Task Force Report updated June 4, 2013
b. Draft of Current Ordinances revised with respect to trees (updated 3-28-13)
c. Draft of Emerald Ash Borer Policy dated 3-27-13
d. 2004 PRI Spreadsheet showing amount of Buckthorn infestation by park and updated through 2012 to
show which parks are complete and which are in progress.
e. 2004 PRI explanation of park priority for buckthorn removal
f. 4-17-10 Listing of plants not recommended for planting in Edina city parks
Item #
WP1
Workplan
City building energy project
WP2
Energy efficiency community outreach
WP3
Promote EEEP,
WP3b
Review residential PACE
WP4
Integrate comp plan Ch 10 into city operations
WP5
Surface water quality policy
WP6
Update solid waste license ordinance,
WP6b
Provide commercial recycling recommendation
WP7
Greenstep reporting
WP8
Purchasing policy
WP9
Urban Forestry
CCaddl
Research MPLS group request to support franchise
agreement legislation
ATTACHMENTS
1. WP6 Residential Recycling, Organics composting
a. Residential Recycling Licensing Report updated June 4, 2013
b. Council Member Mary Brindle's residential hauler survey of June 16, 2011
c. Solvei Wilmot Staff report
2. WP6b Commercial Recycling
a. Summary Slideshow
3. WP9 Urban Forests
a. Urban Forest Task Force Report updated June 4, 2013
b. Draft of Current Ordinances revised with respect to trees (updated 3-28-13)
c. Draft of Emerald Ash Borer Policy dated 3-27-13
d. 2004 PRI Spreadsheet showing amount of Buckthorn infestation by park and updated through 2012 to
show which parks are complete and which are in progress.
e. 2004 PRI explanation of park priority for buckthorn removal
f. 4-17-10 Listing of plants not recommended for planting in Edina city parks
4
AGENDA ITEM 7 Correspondence
ATTACH M E NTS
1. Tim Rudnicki Email
2. Paul Thompson Email
3. Green Step Cities invite
AGENDA ITEM 9 Staff Comments
ATTACHMENTS
1. Sustainable Infrastructure Examples
a. ISI Envision ratings
b. 54" street proposal (page 23-49)
c. MNDOT Complete streets seminar (slide 31-38 describe Charlotte example; good matrix of tradeoffs to
aid decision making)
2. EEC 2013 summary and draft schedule
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS:
City Events Calendar (link)
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E&OWG May Meeting
5/7/13 in the Community Room
Meeting commenced around 7:05 PM
1. Members present: Paul Thompson, Bob Gubrud, John Howard. At 7:28, Bill Griffith and John Heer
joined the meeting
2. Minutes from 4/2/13 meeting were approved unanimously.
3. EWG & E&OWG collaboration: two groups joined at 7:28 PM in the community room. Possibility
of doing an energy themed movie. Happy with collaboration on April 18th event.
4. April 18 Forum Debrief:
• Send email to the attendees, thanking them for coming, give them another chance to opt in to the
EEC email list.
• 16 people signed in and asked to be plugged in with Edina.
• 29 registered/signed up at the event for Home Energy Squad visits.
• 67 total cards filled out by attendees.
• Get a page in about Town summarizing the event. July 19th deadline for fall issue, which would
have good energy tie in potential.
• Sun Current did a picture and caption of event.
John Heer described heating use, how it is almost linear, decreasing to near zero use by 60F
5. Community Events
a. 4th of July Parade ideas: people are there for fun, so how do we get them engaged? Bob has
been working on getting the EEC registered.
b. Monthly video discussion groups: Plan was to do Saturday afternoon at Edina library, show
Carbon Nation, maybe Switch movie? Combine with Linden Hills Power and Light? Possibly tie in with
Chuck, who is an Edina resident and does a climate movie every few months at a local library. Could we
do movie at Edina theater? Edina film festival tie in would be ideal. Current plan is to do trial run with
commissioners with the Bill McKibben/350 movie, which is only 40 minutes long. The group will
contact Ross about getting a room at City Hall for the screening.
c. Partners: Non-partisan citizen engagement (Environmental Initiative template). Goal is to get
people engaged in a meaningful way.
6. Ideas for 2013-14: John Howard inquired about getting a question or two into the resident survey that
gets sent out during the summer. The questions would ask whether residents are satisfied with the city's
environmental initiatives, and what residents feel are important issues. Ross later informed John that the
survey had already been sent out, with the next opportunity being in two years.
7. New member recruiting: John Howard is to scan in the registrant cards so the data can be used by the
group.
8. Next meeting: June 4, 2013 at City Hall, 7 pm.
12
Of LIU
Living Streets Policy
Introduction
Living streets balance the needs of motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and transit riders in ways that promote
safety and convenience, enhance community identity, create economic vitality, improve environmental
sustainability, and provide meaningful opportunities for active living and better health. The Living Streets Policy
defines Edina's vision for Living Streets and the principles and plans that will guide implementation.
The Living Street Policy ties directly to key community goals outlined in the City's 2008 Comprehensive Plan.
Those goals include safe walking, bicycling and driving, reduced storm water runoff, reduced energy
consumption, and promoting health. The Living Streets Policy also compliments voluntary City initiatives such the
"do.town" effort related to community health, and the Tree City USA and the Green Step Cities programs related
to sustainability. In other cases, the Living Street Policy will assist the City in meeting mandatory requirements set
by other agencies. For example, the Living Streets Policy will support the City's Storm Water Pollution Prevention
Plan which addresses mandates established under the Clean Water Act.
The Living Streets Policy provides the framework for a Living Streets Plan. The Living Streets Plan will address how
the Policy will be implemented by providing more detailed information on street design, traffic calming, bike
facilities, landscaping and lighting, as well as best practices for community engagement during the design
process. Lastly, supporting plans such as the Bicycle Plan, Active Routes to Schools, Sidewalk Priority Plan and the
Capital Improvement Plan will help to identify which projects are priorities with respect to this Policy.
Living Streets Vision
Edina is a place where...
• Transportation utilizing all modes is equally safe and accessible;
• Residents and families regularly choose to walk or bike;
• Streets enhance neighborhood character and community identity;
• Streets are inviting places that encourage human interaction and physical activity;
• Public policy strives to promote sustainability through balanced infrastructure investments;
• Environmental stewardship and reduced energy consumption are pursued in public and
private sectors alike; and
• Streets support vibrant commerce and add to the value of adjacent land uses.
Living Streets Principles
The following principles will guide implementation of the Living Streets Policy. The City will incorporate
these principles when planning for and designing the local transportation network and when making
land use decisions.
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All Users and All Modes
The City will plan, design, and build high quality transportation facilities that meet the needs of
the most vulnerable users (pedestrians, cyclists, children, elderly, and disabled) while enhancing
safety and convenience for all users, and providing access and mobility for all modes.
Connectivity
• The City will design, operate, and maintain a transportation system that provides a highly
connected network of streets that accommodate all modes of travel.
• The City will seek opportunities to overcome barriers to active transportation. This includes
preserving and repurposing existing rights-of-way, and adding new rights-of-way to enhance
connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit.
• The City will prioritize non -motorized improvements to key destinations such as public
buildings, public transit, the regional transportation network and commercial areas.
• The City will require new developments to provide interconnected street and sidewalk
networks that connect to existing or planned streets or sidewalks on the perimeter of the
development.
• Projects will include consideration of the logical termini by mode. For example, the logical
termini for a bike lane or sidewalk may extend beyond the traditional limits of a street
construction or reconstruction project, in order to ensure multimodal connectivity and
continuity.
Application
• The City will apply this Living Streets Policy to all street projects including those involving
operations, maintenance, new construction, reconstruction, retrofits, repaving, rehabilitation,
or changes in the allocation of pavement space on an existing roadway. This also includes
privately built roads, sidewalks, paths and trails.
• The City will act as an advocate for Living Street principles when a local transportation or land
use decision is under the jurisdiction of another agency.
• Living Streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally through a series of
smaller improvements or maintenance activities over time.
• The City will draw on all sources of transportation funding to implement this Policy and
actively pursue grants, cost sharing opportunities and other new or special funding sources
as applicable.
• All City departments will support the vision and principles outlined in the Policy in their
work.
Exceptions
Living Streets principles will be included in all street construction, reconstruction, repaving, and
rehabilitation projects, except under one or more of the conditions listed below. City staff will document
proposed exceptions as part of the project proposal.
Exceptions:
• A project involves only ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable
condition, such as mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair, concrete joint repair, or pothole
14
filling, or when interim measures are implemented on a temporary detour. Such maintenance
activities, however, shall consider and meet the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians.
The City exempts a project due to an excessively disproportionate cost of establishing a
bikeway, walkway, or transit enhancement as part of a project.
The City determines that the construction is not practically feasible or cost effective because of
significant or adverse environmental impacts to waterways, flood plains, remnants or native
vegetation, wetlands, or other critical areas.
Design
The City will develop and adopt guidelines as part of the Living Streets Plan to direct the planning,
funding, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of new and modified streets, sidewalks,
paths and trails. The guidelines will allow for context -sensitive designs.
The City's design guidelines will:
• Keep street pavement widths to the minimum necessary.
• Provide well-designed pedestrian accommodation in the form of sidewalks or shared -use
pathways on all arterial and collector streets and on local connector streets as determined by
context. Sidewalks shall also be required where streets abut a public school, public building,
community playfield or neighborhood park. Termini will be determined by context.
• Provide frequent, convenient and safe street crossings. These may be at intersections designed
to be pedestrian friendly, or at mid -block locations where needed and appropriate.
• Provide bicycle accommodation on all primary bike routes.
• Allocate right-of-way for boulevards.
• Allocate right-of-way for parking only when necessary and not in conflict with Living Streets
principles.
• Consider streets as part of our natural ecosystem and incorporate landscaping, trees, rain
gardens and other features to improve air and water quality.
The design guidelines in the Living Streets Plan will be incorporated into other City plans, manuals,
rules, regulations, and programs as appropriate. As new and better practices evolve, the City will
update the Living Streets Plan.
Context Sensitivity
Although many streets look more or less the same, every street is a unique combination of its
neighborhood, adjacent land uses, natural features, street design, users, and modes. To accommodate
these differences, the City will:
• Seek input from stakeholders;
• Design streets with a strong sense of place;
• Be mindful of preserving and protecting natural features, such as waterways, trees, slopes, and
ravines;
• Be mindful of existing land uses and neighborhood character; and
• Coordinate with business and property owners along commercial corridors to develop vibrant
commercial districts.
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Benchmarks and Performance Measures
The City will monitor and measure its performance relative to this Policy. Benchmarks demonstrating
success include:
• Every street and neighborhood is comfortable place for walking and bicycling;
• Every child can walk or bike to school safely;
• Seniors, children, and disabled people can cross all streets safely and comfortably;
• An active way of life is available to all;
• There are zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries;
• No unfiltered street water flows into local waterways; storm water volume is reduced; and
• Retail streets stay or become popular regional destinations.
The City will draw on the following data to measure performance. Additional performance measures may
be added as this Policy is implemented.
• Number of crashes or transportation -related injuries reported to the Police Department.
• Number and type of traffic safety complaints or requests.
• Resident responses to transportation related questions in resident surveys.
• Resident responses to post -project surveys.
• The number of trips by walking, bicycling and transit (if applicable) as measured before and
after the project.
• Envision ratings from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.
• Speed statistics of vehicles on local streets.
Implementation
The goal of this Policy is to define and guide the implementation of Living Streets principles on every
street in Edina, as applicable. Several steps still need to be taken to reach this goal. The first step will
be to develop a Living Streets Plan to guide the implementation of the Policy. The Plan will:
• Identify and implement standards or guidelines for street and intersection design, universal
pedestrian access, transit accommodations, and pedestrian crossings;
• Identify and implement standards or guidelines for streetscape ecosystems, including
street water management, urban forestry, street furniture, and utilities;
• Identify regulatory demands and their relationship to this Policy (ADA/PROWAG, MPCA,
MNMUTCD, MnDOT state aid, watershed districts);
• Define the process by which residents participate in street design and request Living Streets
improvements; and
• Define standards for bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to ensure access to key public, private
and regional destinations.
Additional implementation steps include:
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• Communicate this Policy to residents and other stakeholders; educate and engage on an
ongoing basis;
• Update City ordinances, engineering standards, policies and guidelines to agree with this
Policy;
• Inventory building and zoning codes to bring these into agreement with Living Streets
principles as established by this Policy;
• Update and document maintenance policies and practices to support Policy goals;
• Update and document enforcement policies and practices to ensure safe streets for all modes;
• Incorporate Living Streets concepts in the next circulation of the City's general plans
(Comprehensive Plan, Bicycle Plan, Safe Routes to School Plan, etc.);
• Incorporate Living Streets as a criteria when evaluating transportation priorities in the Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP);
• Review and update funding policies to ensure funding sources for Living Streets projects; and
• Coordinate with partner jurisdictions to achieve goals in this Policy.
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Proposed Edina City Ordinance Amendments
Section 1300 - Collection and Disposal of Refuse and Recyclables
Draft of 6-04-13
PURPOSE: The Edina Energy and Environment Commission (EEC) recommends that haulers be required to collect
residential organics at such time as the new regulations for processing yard waste and Source Separated Compostable
Materials (SSCM) at the same composting site have been implemented, and when the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
quarantine is extended from Hennepin County to Carver, Dakota and Scott counties. The EEC also notes that hauler
residential billing practices are not always transparent to residents. It is possible to lend greater transparency to hauler
billing practices through licensing ordinance amendments as proposed below should the Edina City Council desire to
make residential hauler billing practices more transparent to residents.
1300.05 Collection of Compostable Materials. Haulers shall collect from residential customers and segregate from other
refuse, all grass clippings and leaves which have been separated from other refuse and placed in bags designed for
compostable materials. Haulers shall report to the Sanitarian the amount, by weight, of the leaves and grass clippings
delivered to compost disposal sites approved by the County for the four-month periods ending April 30, August 31 and
December 31. The reports shall be submitted within 15 days following the end of each four month period. Licensed
haulers shall provide to customers, upon a customer's request, a yard waste container with close -fitting top for grass
clippings, leaves and Source Separated Compostable Materials (SSCM). The containers shall be constructed of non-
combustible materials including the cover. The containers shall be at least thirty (30) gallons in size, and provided to
customers at a charge, if any, determined by the licensed hauler. Licensed haulers shall provide to any residential
customer, upon a customer's request, service for collecting SSCM at a minimum during that hauler's yard waste season
On the annual license application, the site(s) at which the SSCM and yard waste will be processed must be indicated
1300.10 Residential Hauler Billing Practices — All licensed haulers must conform to the following residential billing
practices.
Subd. 1 Notice of Rate Increase - Licensed haulers must give all affected residential customers a written notice of any
rate increase at least one billing cycle in advance of the rate increase.
Subd. 2 Base Rate - All taxes, fees and surcharges must be included in the licensed hauler's residential base rate even
when such taxes, fees and surcharges are separately itemized.
Subd. 3 Discontinued Service — Upon discontinuation of residential service a licensed hauler must retrieve their cart(s) at
no charge to the customer.
18
JUSTIFICATION OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
1300.05 Collection of Compostable Materials — According to Hennepin County Environmental Services (HCES),
Source Separated Compostable Materials (SSCM) constitute 24% of Hennepin County landfills. It is the largest untapped
source for recyclable material. Composting SSCM avoids the state tax and county fee on garbage, incurs a smaller tipping
fee, and prevents anaerobic digestion of organics from producing the potent methane greenhouse gas from slowly
escaping landfills. Composting organics will save its users money due to its lower tipping fees and lower taxes. EEC
recommends that all licensed Edina haulers be required to collect SSCM at a minimum during yard waste season if
requested by their residential customers. The only issue which the EEC notes is that of when this ordinance should go into
effect.
Background - During yard waste season haulers have a truck providing yard waste service and, with very little additional
effort, could also collect SSCM. Under the proposed ordinance amendment, haulers will have the following options: 1)
Collecting SSCM alone (this may require an additional truck on the route, which would be unpopular with residents); 2)
Comingling yard waste and SSCM; 3) Co -collecting SSCM with either yard waste or solid waste, where the SSCM is
bagged separately and the SSCM bag is placed either in the yard waste cart or in the solid waste cart. The SSCM bags are
then removed and processed separately prior to processing the yard waste or the solid waste. Currently Vierkant Disposal
Services is the only Edina residential hauler collecting SSCM and yard waste, and does so on a comingled basis 12
months out of the year.
Obstacles - Most haulers believe that the most cost effective method for collecting SSCM with the least number of trucks
is to comingle SSCM with yard waste. Some haulers cite two obstacles to comingling yard waste with SSCM at this time.
These are: 1) the EAB quarantine, and 2) MPCA's yet to be implemented yard waste/SSCM site regulations for organic
composting. Hennepin County Recycling does not believe these two factors to be a barrier because sufficient capacity
exists at Hennepin County's Malcolm Ave. transfer station in Minneapolis to accommodate all Edina haulers' organic
composting. Assuming that capacity exists, haulers indicate that the yard waste cost will increase because brush must be
ground, due to the EAB quarantine, before transferring to a composting site (all of which are outside of Hennepin County)
for processing. The higher cost would then be passed on to residents.
In addition to the above two obstacles, at least one hauler, Suburban, cites a third obstacle. The Malcolm Ave. transfer
station is leased by SET from Waste Connections. The concern is that Waste Connection is one of their competitors.
Hennepin County Recycling believes that this is not a problem because it is the SET who sets the price and other terms
and conditions at the Malcolm Ave. transfer station, not Waste Connection.
EAB Quarantine - Due to the EAB quarantine presently in effect in Hennepin County, yard waste including brush and tree
branches cannot leave Hennepin County unless ground to less than one inch in diameter. Since there are no organic
composting sites located in Hennepin County, all yard waste comingled with SSCM is required to be ground before it is
transported out of Hennepin County. The drawback of grinding SSCM, in addition to the increased cost, is that any
19
contaminates, e.g., plastics, such as straws, beverage lids, plastic bags, as well as tin foil, are ground to a size that is too
small for the compost screening process to capture. This results in a poor compost mix.
Hennepin County Recycling does not expect the EAB quarantine to be lifted from Hennepin County in the foreseeable
future, but does expect that as the EAB range expands, the quarantine will eventually expand to Carver, Dakota and Scott
Counties, where additional SSCM composting sites will have been established pursuant to future SSCM composting site
rules. At that time haulers will be able to take comingled yard waste and SSCM to composting sites outside of Hennepin
County without the need of first going to the Malcolm Ave. transfer station for grinding brush to less than a one inch
diameter.
MPCA Regulations - MPCA is currently proposing changes to the SSCM composting site rules, which will increase the
number of sites for comingled SSCM and yard waste. Currently there are only two sites near the metro which accept
SSCM: Empire township operated by SET, which has a Demonstration Permit from the MPCA, and the Mdewakanton
Sioux facility in Dakota County. Neither site is in Hennepin County and consequently the EAB quarantine presently
applies.
SSCM composting sites must follow landfill rules, which require daily cover and a liner for the management of waste.
The rules for the management of SSCM composting sites are currently being revised to remove the daily cover and liner
requirements for composting, thus reducing the cost of establishing SSCM composting sites. For an update on this rule
making status see: http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/waste/waste-permits-and-rules/waste-rulemaking_/proposed-
changes-to-compost-rules.html. Publication of notice is anticipated in October 2013 with final rule adoption 3 months
thereafter if no hearing is required, and 6 months thereafter if a hearing is required. Hennepin County Recycling
anticipates that the new regulations will be implemented by mid 2014, or by late 2014, at the latest. Once implemented,
SSCM haulers will have more options than the Malcolm Ave. transfer station.
The EEC has identified at least two choices with respect to increasing SSCM collection: 1) Council can require SSCM
pick-up comingled with yard waste beginning with the 2014 yard waste season with the understanding that residential
yard waste rates will increase by a greater delta then if implementation of this amendment is delayed until such time as a)
the EAB quarantine is extended to Carver, Dakota and Scott Counties, and b) MPCA completes the rule making process
for the SSCM composting sites. In the alternative, 2) Council can delay the SSCM collection requirement until such time
as a) the EAB quarantine is extended to Carver, Dakota and Scott Counties, and b) MPCA completes the rule making
process for the SSCM composting sites. The EEC recommends alternative #2 because residents presently have the
alternative of switching service to Vierkant, which does offer an SSCM service.
1300.10 Hauler Billing Practices — Hauler billing practices are not always transparent to residents and as a result can
become misleading. The lack of transparency makes it difficult for residents to accurately determine which hauler may
have the best price and/or most service. Although a confirmed violation of this proposed licensing requirement could
result in the revocation or non renewal of a license, a fine would more likely first be imposed. Does Council prefer
3
20
licensing requirements which foster residential rate transparency, or does Council prefer a Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)
policy? The EEC was not unanimous on this issue.
Subd. 1 Notice of Rate Increase — Under this proposed residential licensing amendment, licensed haulers must give all
affected residential customers a written notice of any rate increase at least one billing cycle in advance of the rate increase.
Many haulers frequently increase their rates. If a customer complains, they immediately drop the rate, only to begin
increasing the rate again. Only the squeaky wheels receive a price decrease. Long-time compliant customers pay the
highest rates to some haulers. Residents receiving the same service from the same hauler on the same street can all pay
different rates. This results in an inherent unfairness. Under the proposed licensing amendments, licensed haulers must
give all affected residential customers written notice of any rate increase at least one billing cycle in advance of the rate
increase. It is recognized that customers may have different billing cycles — monthly, bimonthly, quarterly or annually, for
example. Giving notice of the rate increase one billing cycle in advance of the rate increase will give customers an
opportunity to complain and have the rate increase removed/reduced, or to switch to a hauler that may have lower rates
and/or which may not make frequent rate increases.
Subd. 2 Base Rate — Two transparency problems are sometimes found in base rate practices; 1) the exclusion of taxes,
fees and surcharges, and 2) budget plan practices. Under the proposed residential licensing amendment, all taxes, fees and
surcharges must be included in the licensed hauler's quoted residential base rate even when such taxes, fees and
surcharges are separately itemized.
Taxes, Fees & Surcharges - For transparency, all taxes, fees and surcharges must be included in the licensed hauler's quoted
base rate even when such taxes, fees and surcharges are separately itemized. Suburban, Garbage Man and Vierkant include all
tax, fees and surcharges in the base rate. Allied Waste, Waste Management and Aspen give a base rate without taxes, fees and
surcharges, which are separately itemized. See attached, Council Member Mary Brindle's residential hauler survey of June 16,
2011. When base rates are quoted without taxes, fees and surcharges, it can give the impression that those haulers who itemize
separately are offering a lower base rate, when in effect it is a higher rate than competitors.1 The burden of proof of a violation
of this proposed licensing amendment is on the resident who often receives a verbal quote as opposed to a written quote, which
makes it difficult to substantiate. EEC believes that including such charges in the base rate quote is not product pricing
control, but merely making the base rate transparent, similar to what is done in other industries such as UPS, Fed Ex or the
Airlines, which also have fuel surcharges.
1 For example, on a sample customer's Allied invoice dated Feb. 20, 2012 for the period March 1, 2012 through April
30, 2012, for a 32 gal solid waste cart, the `Residential Service' cost was $39.30 with itemized Fuel/Environmental
Recovery Fee, County Surcharge and Solid Waste Management Tax (State) total charges of $23.38. The total cost for two
months was therefore $79.28. During the same time period, Vierkant's monthly charge for a 35 gal solid waste cart was
$18, or $36 for two months with all taxes fees and surcharges included in that rate. Allied's residential service cost of
$39.30 for 2 months thus appears comparable to the Vierkant $36 two month charge, if Allied's $23.28 in additional
charges is not included in the quoted base rate. Ben Knudson of Hennepin County Environmental Services (HES)
indicated on 11-1-12 that "The state's (Solid Waste Management Tax) rate is 9.75% and the county's (Surcharge) rate is
9%. I don't think either of these has changed since they were implemented. Of course, (if) the dollar amount of the service
changes, depending on what the hauler charges, therefore the total amount of the tax/fee collected also changes."
4
21
Budget Plan Practices — This lack of transparency applies to some yard waste service budget plans. When a monthly yard waste
rate is quoted, residents sometimes do not understand that for some haulers they will be billed 12 months out of the year, though
service is provided for only 7.5 months. Such haulers maintain that they charge for 12 months of the year in an effort to load
level the cost of the yard waste service, much like the utility company budget plans do. Yet these haulers fail to appreciate that
the utility companies deliver service 12 months out of the year, whereas such yard waste haulers only deliver service 7.5 months
of the year. On an energy budget plan, for the last month of the year, the charge is raised or lowered in order to result in the
customer being fully caught up or reimbursed for over or underpayment. The next year's monthly budget amount is then
adjusted to reflect the actual usage during the prior year. Clearly the haulers are not offering a budget plan because the monthly
charge does not reflect usage and it is charged whether any service is delivered or not.
The result misleads residents when one hauler quotes a monthly yard waste base which appears comparable to another hauler's
monthly rate, although the first hauler collects yard waste only 7.5 months of the year, and another hauler collects yard waste 12
months of the year.2 The EEC stopped short of requiring that the monthly yard waste rate quoted should be applicable to only
those months during which service is delivered so that residents have an option of uniform service charges if they so choose.
Subd. 3 Discontinued Service — Upon discontinuation of residential service, the proposed licensing amendments require a
licensed hauler to retrieve their cart at no charge to the customer. When a Waste Management residential customer
discontinues service, for example, Waste Management bills the customer $25/cart to pick up the cart(s) or requires the
resident to bring the carts to Waste Management's facility. This acts as a barrier to a customer's ability to switch haulers.
But if the customer threatens to complain to the City Recycling Coordinator, Waste Management removes the charge and
picks up the cart. Residents usually do not realize that they need to threaten to complain to the City Recycling Coordinator
in order to have this charge removed. Allied does not bill for picking up the cart(s) after discontinued service. Carts are
the property of the hauler. A customer should not have to pay to have a hauler pick up the hauler's property. This practice
should be uniform among haulers.
2 For example, a sample customer's Allied invoice dated Feb. 20, 2012 for the period March 1, 2012 through April 30,
2012 for a 68 gal yard waste cart included a charge of $16.50, despite no service being given from March 1 through April
14. The 2012 spring was unusually warm permitting vegetation to begin growing early. Lawns were being mowed during
late March of 2012 and residents were able to begin spring clean-up much earlier than April 1. The customer requested
Allied to begin yard waste service earlier than April 15. The request was denied despite the fact that Allied customers
were paying for service during this time period. Vierkant's charge for yard waste AND SSCM during the March and April
2012 period was $6.25/month or $12.50 for two months. Vierkant picks up yard waste/SSCM during all 12 months out of
the year, but picks up only twice a month from Dec. 1 to April 1 instead of the usual weekly pick-up per City Code
705.05. The result misleads residents when Allied then quotes a monthly yard waste base rate of $8.25, for example,
which then appears somewhat comparable to the Vierkant $6.25 monthly rate, although Allied collects yard waste only
7.5 months of the year, and Vierkant collects 12 months of the year. If the Allied $99 yearly cost were prorated across 8
months, the actual monthly charge is $12.38, nearly twice the cost of the Vierkant service, whose service includes SSCM
as well.
5
22
Subd. 4 Market Rate — Because Edina is an `open hauling' system, haulers can allow a resident or group of residents to
negotiate a service contract that may have a lower rate than their neighbors. EEC considered the requirement that after an
introductory rate, licensed haulers must offer the same market rate to all residential customers of the same service, the
introductory rate not to exceed one year. Customers currently receiving the same service from the same hauler on the
same street can pay greatly different rates. This results in an inherent unfairness. Some EEC commissioners had concerns
as to whether City government should become involved in product pricing of non -monopoly industries, and recommend
consulting the City Attorney. The decision was not unanimous with Gubrud, Latham and Zarrin voting in favor of
including this provision. Heer, Risser, Rudnicki, Thompson and Sierks voted against including it. Kostuch abstained.
Absent implementing this proposed licensing amendment, the only other way to implement uniform hauling rates is to
organize residential solid waste hauling.
23
City of Edina
Informal Comparison of Solid Waste Haulers
Information provided by Mary Brindle
Recently, there has been casual conversation in our neighborhood about solid waste haulers'
rates. It seems that the rates for the same service vary for no reason other than the length of time a
resident has been a customer. So I did a little telephone comparison.
I contacted the six solid waste haulers that appear on the City of Edina website, which Edina
residents are to choose from when selecting the solid waste hauler for their property.
The conversation with each hauler included the following two questions:
What are your rates?
How often do you bill?
It is important to note that I did not ask about yard waste. I focused by questions simply on
household trash.
Here is what I learned from each hauler:
SUBURBAN WASTE
Bill every three months.
Rates:
Large (96 gallon) $20/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
Medium (64 gallon) $19/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
Small (35 gallon) $18/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
* Katie from Suburban Waste offered that they do not require customers to sign contracts.
ALLIED WASTE
Bill every two months
Large (95 gallon) $16/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
Medium (68 gallon) $15/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
Small (32 gallon) $14/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Bill quarterly
Large (96 gallon) $20.93/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
Medium (64 gallon) $19.43/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
Small (32 gallon) $17.94/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
* Customers sign a Service Agreement which states the rate. Rates increase following the
contract period and do not occur strictly on an annual basis.
ASPEN
Bill quarterly
Large (95 gallon) $16.95/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
Medium (65 gallon) $15.95/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
Small (35 gallon) $14.95/month + Tax, fees & fuel surcharges
* New customers sign a 1 -year or 2 -year contract and agree to remain a customer through the
period of the contract.
June 16, 2011 Page 1 of 2
24
GARBAGE MAN
Quarterly billing
Large (95 gallon) $25/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
Medium (65 gallon) $24/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
Small (35 gallon) $22/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
VIERKANT DISPOSAL
Bill every two months
Large (96 gallon) $22/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
Medium (64 gallon) $20/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
Small (35 gallon) $18/month Includes tax, fees & surcharges
CONCLUSION
Allied Waste is our trash hauler. When I heard the rates quoted by the representative, I questioned
why we are paying a higher rate. I was immediately offered a rate reduction to comply with the
schedule provided here. I find this interesting. Prior to the rate reduction offered, we were paying
$25.25 per month which is $10.25 more than the rate that was quoted.
RATE INCREASES?
Customers are not notified in advance that rates will increase. Instead, notification is included on
the customer's statement that the amount owed/paid includes a rate increase. Since trash hauling
could be considered a utility which has a regular billing cycle, many customers pay for this
service using automatic bill pay. Therefore, these rate increases often go unnoticed.
MY RECOMMENDATION
If you were to call residents in our city to inquire about what they are paying for solid waste
disposal, I believe that you'll find rates that vary greatly for the same service. This appears to be
most prevalent when the hauler is Allied, Waste Management or Aspen. I was assured by
Vierkant Disposal and Suburban Waste that they do not charge different rates for the same
service to their customers.
The next time that solid waste contracts come up for renewal with the City of Edina, I would like
to require solid waste haulers to:
Provide notification to customers 30 days prior to a rate change.
Charge the market rate to all customers without exception.
June 16, 2011 Page 2 of 2
KI
Edina Business Recycling
Task Force Preliminary Report
Sarah Zarrin, EEC member
Edina way of bringing Recycling to 2e
Businesses
Collaboration between City of Edina, Chamber of commerce,
Residents, businesses, Hennepin County, and EEC
27
EBR active members
Task Force chair
— Sarah Zarrin, Edina Energy and Environment Commissioner,
Edina Go Green
Task force members
• Ben Knudson, Hennepin County Environmental Services
• Andre Xiong, Hennepin County Environmental Services
• Aileen Foley, Edina Go Green
• Bill Neuendorf, Edina City Hall
• Lori Syverson, President of Edina Chamber of Commerce
28
Background Info
• City of Edina is involved and have over site on the residential recycling but no
general involvement on the business/commercial sector as is written on the
section 1502.02 below:
1502.02 Duties. The Commission shall:
• C. Evaluate and monitor the provision of a residential recycling program.
• D. Evaluate and monitor the provision of a privately provided solid waste
program, as well as a reduction in municipal solid waste produced by Edina
residents and businesses.
• A group of the Edina residents, some member of EGG group, presented a
presentation at the EEC meting, Dec 2009, reviewed the benefit of business
recycling on the community/environment and requested city to have more
oversight on the business recycling
• City Council has approved to have Edina Business Recycling on the EEC's 2013
priority list
Background
EBR Task Force
— Was formed Nov 2012
29
— With a collaboration between EEC, City of Edina representative, Edina Chamber of commerce, a
member of Edina resident, and Hennepin county
— Has meet once a month on 3rd Wed of each month since 12/6/2012
— All meeting notes have been captured and shared/presented at the EEC meetings
— 3 haulers were invited to the meeting to exchange information and get their feedbacks, Allied waste,
Randy's Environmental Services, and Vierkant Disposal LLC
— Have approached a couple of businesses for input/feedback on business recycling
— All 3 Edina liquor stores are assessed on recycling waste by the Hennepin county, 1St wk of June 2013
30
Financial Benefit of business Recycling
At the minimum businesses save 31.5% by
recycling. Please refer to the presentation by
Allied Waste, 2 other haulers have confirmed
the saving on the recycling pages 16-20
There is no tax on recycling but there is at least
40-50% tax on garbage hauling
31
Environmental and community Benefit of Business Recycling
paper
• Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill
space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4000 kilowatt hours of electricity. This is enough energy to power the
average American home for 5 months.
• The process of recycling paper instead of making it from new materials generates 74 percent less
air pollution and uses 50 percent less water.
Metal
When you throw away an aluminum can you waste as much energy as if you'd filled the can half
full of gasoline and poured it into the ground.
Americans use 100 million tin and steel cans each day.
Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a 100 watt light bulb for 20 hours, a
computer for 3 hours, and a TV for 2 hours.
Plastics
• Enough plastic is produced in the United States each year to shrink wrap Texas.
• In 1998 Americans used 2 billion pounds of HDPE to make plastic bottles for household products.
That's the equivalent weight of 90,000 Honda civics.
• Approximately 88 percent of the energy is saved when plastic is made from plastic rather than
from the raw materials of gas and oil.
• Enough plastic bottles are thrown away in the United States each year to circle the Earth four
times.
32
Business recycling in other neighboring cities
Recycling is mandatory for all residential and commercial properties in Saint
Paul. Recycling conserves energy, saves natural resources and keeps valuable
materials out of landfills and incinerators. At the same time, recycling can
save you money!
• As of Sept. 1, 2011, all Minneapolis commercial and business property
owners are required to offer recycling, and there are resources to help
those who need to set up a new system. Most Minneapolis businesses
already recycle.
33
Hennepin County Material on Business Recycling
• Andre showed us posters, container stickers and labels that have just been
printed by Hennepin County.
http://wwwl6.co.hennepin.mn.us/forms/commercial-recycling-order-
form.
• These clearly explain what items to recycle. Bill would like a box to
distribute to businesses. He will include a stuffier on recycling in mailings
to businesses, offering a free waste assessment to the first ten to respond.
• The recently updated Hennepin County website on business recycling
offers great information.
A simple, step-by-step guide to setting up a new recycling system is at
RethinkRecycling.com/business.
• Hennepin County provides technical assistance and education resources at
www. hennepin.us/businesswaste or (612) 348-3777.
34
EBR task Force
To promote and encourage businesses in Edina to recycle
— Hennepin county has selected city of Edina as a pilot run to approach businesses and
encourage them to recycle
— Hennepin county has grant on business recycling
— Hennepin county has prepared some stickers and informational materials to provide
businesses free of charge to facilitate to start recycling or increasing recycling
— Hennepin county has a dedicated person, Andre Xiong, to assess businesses on recycling
and help them to set up business recycling
35
EBR task Force short and Long Term plan and Goal
• To promote and encourage businesses in Edina to recycle
— Start with the selected list and approach them with the help from city, Bill N, to set up
appointment to assess their recycling process by the Hennepin county, Andre
— Learn from each assessment and use that as a lesson learned to come up with the list of
recommendation to the EEC and the City Council members.
— The goal is to approach the next page list by Nov 2013
— Come up with a comprehensive list of recommendations by March 2014
— Publicity and invite businesses to join on recycling
• City website
• Publication in the about town, Fall 2013
• Publication in the Chamber's monthly news letter
• A meeting with all haulers in Edina, EBR task force, and a couple of city staff
— To get feedbacks from haulers on the EBR
— To encourage haulers on promoting business recycling
— City to send a letter on recycling to the hospitality, restaurants, and
other businesses when sending the info on renewing licenses or other
information, before Oct 2013
36
A List of Businesses to Assess before 11/2013
offering a Free Waste Assessment
• Edina Liquor stores, 3
• Braemar golf course
• Edina Public Works
• Brueggers
• Galleria
• Pentagon Park
• Colliers
• Southdale
• Hello Pizza/Convention Grill
• Durham Apartments
• Grandview Square
• Nash Finch Office and Retail
37
What we have Learned So Far
There is shared recycling (serves north side) in the ramp that is kitty corner to Walgreen's, serving
D'Amico's, Rice Paper, Talbots etc. He will follow up as to whether there is recycling available for
the south side ramp to serve Salut, Edina Grill, and Barrio etc. The City of Edina provides parking,
waste hauling and recycling for businesses in the 501h and France area, the cost of which is billed to
businesses at the end of the year.
Beth, the manager at Galleria, strongly supports the concept of recycling and wants it to work in
Galleria. Paper, cardboard and glass are recycled. There is reasonable participation from
businesses. However, the general public often contaminates the recycling. The hauler has, at times,
refused to take the contaminated recycling. The garbage truck then has to make a special trip. The
hauler charges for each trip. The contamination of recycling is costing Galleria money and it is a
source of frustration for the manager. Andre will make a trip to Galleria to advise and assist them.
Composting at 50th and France was discussed. A request for an organics/composting program was
made in a letter from the manager of Salut to Mayor Hovland. The 501h and France Association
holds the disposal contract and the City of Edina provides administrative assistance. Dick's
Sanitation is the current hauler and the contract is up for renewal shortly.
38
Recommendations to the City Council from EBR
Taskforce
• A change in wording in the code for new businesses, new construction and
significant remodeling going forward "to include a space for trash and
recycling".
• A change in the wording of all city contracts and codes to include
recycling.
• City involvement and oversight in business/commercial recycling, e.g, 50th
and France
• The main concern has been how to maintain and encourage businesses to
recycle. At this point not many multiple rental properties are recycling. If
manager/owner changes, recycling might not continue. However, if we
have it in the city code then businesses know that recycling is required by
law. If business recycling is enforced or not is not the point here.
39
Haulers Are Excited on EBR
• Allied Waste will donate ten awards for business recycling to businesses
that meet certain criteria. These awards will be presented annually at a
City Hall meeting. These awards could be publicized by Chamber of
Commerce, About Town, Sun Current. Lori and Bill will identify businesses
(small, medium and large) for pilot projects.
• Allied is willing to collaborate with the EBR task force on promoting
business
• Newly adopted single stream residential recycling has been hugely
successful in Edina.
Container Options
40
MOL -110
2 cubic yards to 8 cubic yards
Large Compactors
Residential Style Carts
7
Allied's Single Sort Recy
Yes —Recycle These Items!
Newspaper & Newspaper inserts
Magazines & Catalogs
All Junk Mail & Envelopes
Cardboard (break -down boxes)
Office & School Paper (all colors)
Phone Books
Cereal & Cracker -type boxes
Brown paper sacks/bags
Aluminum, Steel & Tin cans
Glass bottles & Jars
Plastics: #1 thru #7 — bottles, cups,
plastic food containers, tubs, bowls,
yogurt cups & margarine/whip cream tubs
Plastic milk jugs & Paper milk cartons
��eeti� mase �n1N�a ��� i�is� in : /i►n in�i��
%0
Al
NO --Do T &
qgLdes
No garbage
No food waste
No food -tainted items (used paper plates)
No paper towels or paper napkins
No pizza boxes
No egg cartons
No wax -coated cartons
No ice-cream cartons
No aluminum foil
No Styrofoam cups/plates or packaging
No aerosol cans, propane tanks or helium t,
No batteries
Two `Financial Appeals'
For Business Recycling
Current: 6 yard TRASH container, emptied 3 times a week:
$430 per month
$73 per month State of Minnesota tax (17%)
$62 per month Hennepin Co tax (14.5%)
$565 total per month
Std: Add a Recycling 6 yard container:
6 yard TRASH container, emptied 2 times a week, plus a
6 yard RECYCLING container, emptied 1 time a week:
$320 per month for TRASH
$ 88 per month for RECYCLING
$54 per month State of Minnesota tax (17%)
d2
6 yard TRASH container, emptied 1 time a week, plus a
6 yard RECYCLING container, emptied 2 times a week:
$175 per month for TRASH
$164 per month for RECYCLING
$30 per month State of Minnesota tax (17%)
$25 per month Hennepin Co tax (14.5%)
$394 total per month
Save $1,584 per year
' Step #2:
2 yard TRASH container, emptied 1 time a week, plus a
2 yard RECYCLING container, emptied 2 times a week:
$80 per month for TRASH
$105 per month for RECYCLING
$14 per month State of Minnesota tax (17%)
$11 per month Hennepin Co tax (14.5%)
$210 total per month
(Save $1,104 per year)
FA-
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Urban Forest Task Force (UFTF) Report
DRAFT of 6-4-13
The Urban Forest Task Force was established by the Edina Energy and Environment Commission at the February 17,
2010 Meeting. It consists of Chair Dianne Plunkett Latham (EEC), Joseph Hulbert (Park Board), Michael Schroeder
(Planning Commission), Staff - Tom Horwath (City of Edina Forester). Attending meetings related to City Planning code
was staff Carry Teague (Planning Director) as well. The Urban Forest Task Force met eleven times between 3-18-10 and
4-02-13.
The UFTF's purpose was to:
A. Develop a policy for the future Emerald Ash Borer infestation on public and private property
B. Make recommendations to increase tree planting on public and private property
C. Update existing city ordinances with respect to trees
D. Propose a tree preservation ordinance for redevelopment projects — Referred to the Planning Commission's
Residential Task Force on 3-25-13
E. Make recommendations for trees in Living Streets initiatives
F. Make recommendations for applicable Green Step City best practices
A. Proposed policy for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
Infestation on Public and Private Property
The attached proposed EAB policy was developed by the City Forester and endorsed by the UFTF on 3-26-13.
B. Increasing Tree Planting on Public and Private Property
1. Public Property
UFTF endorses the City Forester's recommendation of increasing by $10,000 the current Park and Recreation
Department budget of $10,963 for tree replacement in city maintained areas due to anticipated future Ash loss
occasioned by Emerald Ash Borer. It is expected that virtually no Ash trees will survive EAB unless treated with
systemic pesticide, which has its own set of hazards. The only natural barrier to EAB in Minnesota is temperature
below -30F. Given that the USDA upgraded the metro zone hardiness by +517 in 2012, it is not expected that
temperatures in the metro will exceed -25F. Thus, Ash trees are likely to survive only in Northern Minnesota where
temperatures still drop to -30F. Tree loss on city property will soon accelerate due to Ash tree losses. Ash trees
constitute approximately 10% of the trees city property. Given that EAB loss is still 3-4 years away, the city should
proactively plant diversified tree species in available space in anticipation of future EAB losses.
Approximately 100 —150 trees are lost annually on city property to Dutch Elm Disease (DED). A further 2 — 3 trees
are lost annually due to oak wilt, as well as 5 —10 trees due to storm damage. Most of these losses are in city
woodland areas, where trees are replaced naturally. The annual tree loss in city maintained areas is approximately 20
trees. Funding and staffing exists for planting 25 — 30 trees/year in city maintained areas. These tree loss/replanting
figures exclude Braemar, which also plants an additional 25 — 30 trees/year in its maintained areas. In addition,
residents donate or receive grants and plant approximately 35 additional trees annually. See Appendix A for listing of
citizen tree planting donations. Edina's history of citizen involvement in tree planting is very much appreciated and
should continue to be encouraged.
Increasing the Park and Recreation tree replacement budget from $11,000 to $21,000 will increase the annual tree
planting rate from 25 — 30 trees to 65-70 trees. This will replace the 63 Ash trees the City Forester has inventoried in
city maintained areas (excluding Braemar) as well as plant additional trees. Braemar had approximately 180 Ash trees
in 2010. The City Forester estimates that the cost of planting one tree is approximately $250. This includes
contracting for a 2" DBH tree, delivery, planting, mulching and watering for the first year.
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In the past the City Horticulturalist had a policy of planting twice as many trees as required and then not watering
them. The understanding was that although many would die, some would survive. Given weather extremes and
warmer summers, this practice should be discontinued. Before trees are planted a plan must be in place for their
mulching and watering. This plan may include avoiding planting trees during the hot summer and instead restricting
tree planting to spring and fall during cooler and wetter weather. Furthermore, available city staff is very limited
during the summer when many other seasonal duties are required.
2. Private Property
An additional 500 — 600 Elms are lost annually on private property. More Ash trees exist proportionately on private
property then on city property in Edina. Residents should be encouraged to plant more trees. Recommendations to
encourage residents to plant more trees include the City Forester giving an annual program on tree planting, perhaps
in conjunction with the Annual Arbor day tree planting project for which volunteers are requested. The City Forester
also responds to the public's questions about tree health and planting and provides written material about tree planting
upon request.
The EEC Education and Outreach Working Group should also be encouraged to host educational programs on the
benefits of trees and on how to plant for success.
The City of Plymouth uses the city discount to order trees for residents in the spring. Residents pay in advance, and
then come to the Public Works building to pick up the trees on a specified day in the spring. The Edina City Forester
indicated that he does not have sufficient staff to undertake such a project. Whereas Plymouth has a full-time forester
and a full-time forestry technician, the City of Edina has only a part-time forester and a part-time forestry assistant.
The UFTF's impression was that there may be sufficient opportunity to purchase discount trees through sources such
as mail order, Home Depot, Sam's Club, etc., without the need to have a city sponsored discount tree purchase
program.
C. Update City of Edina Tree Ordinances
A summary of the amendments proposed for the current city code pertaining to trees and the rationale therefore is as
follows:
1. 1200 Use and Maintenance of Streets
a. Ash has been added to the list of prohibited trees for boulevard planting. Aspen, seedless cottonwoods and
Dutch Elm Resistant Elms have been removed as prohibited trees for boulevard planting.
Ash - In light of EAB, Ash trees will not survive absent the use of systemic chemical pesticides. Though not
yet banned in the US, some of these chemicals have been implicated in France and other European countries
for bee colony collapse disorder (CCD) and consequently banned. Residents applying chemical pesticide soil
drenches in proximity to city gutters are also problematic.
Poplar - Aspen and seedless cottonwoods had been previously inadvertently excluded for boulevard planting
under the prohibited popular species. These were not intended to be excluded and have been specifically
allowed.
Elm - New cultivars are Elms have been hybridized, which effectively resist Dutch Elm Disease (DED) and
residents should be given an opportunity to utilize them given that the City Forester has found them to be
effective in his trial plantings in city parks.
2. 850.10 Landscaping and Screening
2
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a. The performance standard for tree canopy in commercial developments has been changed from one overstory
tree per 40 feet of perimeter of the lot or tract to that of a performance standard of the following. "The living
overstory and understory canopy shall cover at least 50% of that portion of the lot, which has been disturbed
by improvement excluding the parking lot, which shall have at least 15% canopy coverage. Coverage shall be
calculated as that percent when the trees are at maturity and shall exclude the footprint of the building or other
structures."
The performance standard for the area of the lot disturbed by improvements was changed because plantable
space on some lots cannot accommodate the number of overstory trees, which one per 40 linear feet of
perimeter would yield. EEC noted that it did not have enough information to either agree or disagree with
this recommendation.
A performance standard of 15% canopy is need for parking lots to improve water retention, improve air
quality and also for heat island mitigation. The Edina City Hall parking lot would conform to this standard
and can provide a model.
The 2012 MPCA Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Air Quality Improvements Through Urban Forestry draft
report of January 2013 indicates that:
Urban areas tend to be warmer than their surroundings due to less natural vegetation, more pavement and
built surfaces, the orientation of buildings in cities, impacts of a wide range of mechanical devices
(vehicles, furnaces, motors, etc.), and other factors.
According to US EPA's web site on the Heat Island Effect, "the term `heat island' describes built up areas
that are hotter than nearby rural areas. The annual mean air temperature of a city with 1 million people or
more can be 1.8 — 5.417 (1-3C) warmer than its surroundings. In the evening, the difference can be as high
as 22F (12C). Heat islands can affect communities by increasing summertime peak energy demand, air
conditioning costs, greenhouse gas emissions, heat -related illness and mortality, and water quality."
Increased air temperature can have a significant impact on air quality by increasing formation of ozone
and particulate matter. Higher air temperatures can also lead to increased demand for air conditioning,
resulting in greater air emissions from electricity generation.
b. Groundcover is included as an alternative to sod. Native groundcovers, in particular would require less
maintenance.
c. See rationale for Ash, Aspen, seedless cottonwood and DED resistant Elms above in section 1200. Planting
female Gingko trees will be allowed in new developments, but not on boulevards. Female Gingko trees
produce numerous acorn -sized seeds, which when stepped upon produce a foul odor, making them unsuitable
for boulevards where the seeds may be crushed on sidewalks or streets. If planted in sod areas this may not
represent a problem in a development.
3. Section 1055 — Control and Prevention of Shade Tree Diseases
a. Burning is excluded in the list of approved methods to remove the wood of infected trees given that some
residents are sensitive to wood smoke, e.g. asthmatics. Chipping is substituted instead of burning.
D. Propose a Tree Preservation Ordinance (TPO) for Redevelopment Projects
One of the original objectives of the UFTF was to propose Ordinances to protect trees in the development process and
to enhance the urban forest. The topic of the Edina Planning Commission's Feb. 10, 2010 Zoning Ordinance Update
Committee (ZOUC) was Tree Preservation. The Feb. 10, 2010 ZOUC packet included an Edina Tree Preservation
Ordinance (ETPO), which was proposed in 2002, along with its legislative history. Concerns expressed by the
Planning Commission and City Council in 2002 included:
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The increased involvement of the City Forester, who, as a part-time employee, could not comply with
additional duties.
Concern for making the entire city a tree preservation zone, which subjects residents to a tree removal
permit requirement each time they relandscape and remove a tree.
The February 10, 2010 ZOUC meeting recommended to refer the Tree Preservation issue to the EEC. At the Feb. 17,
2010 EEC meeting, the EEC established the UFTF and the Tree Preservation issue was referred to the UFTF. The
Planning Commission subsequently established the Residential Task Force (RTF) in 2013 consisting of Michael
Platteter, Arlene Forrest and Ken Potts. On March 25, 2013, the RTF Chair, Michael Platteter and the UFTF Chair,
Dianne Plunkett Latham agreed that the issue of protecting trees in the development process should be referred to the
RTF.
The UFTF found that generally, there was little wonton removal of trees on public or private property within Edina
other than in isolated instances. It is very costly to remove a mature tree and consequently trees are generally only
removed in cases of disease or of relandscaping; such tree removals are not in need of regulation. When trees are
removed in such circumstances they are generally replaced with new trees within a few years.
The current concerns over tree removal stem instead from the recent increase in teardowns generally found in the
Northeast quadrant of Edina on small lots less than 75' wide. Even there, when trees are removed to expand a home
footprint, however, they are generally replaced within a few years. Often new homes' landscapes look bare initially
given that the expense of a new home means that the homeowner must wait a few years to replenish their funds before
they can finish landscaping. Residents generally do not invest $500,000 - $1,000,000 in building a new home and then
leave the lot bare, but instead relandscape in due course.
In reviewing Minnesota case law with respect to trees, note that tree branches that overhang another's property or tree
roots that push up a sidewalk or driveway or clog a sewer are considered a nuisance. Property owners in every state
have the right to use self-help to prune branches or roots of a neighbor's tree that encroaches onto their property. The
leading Minnesota case on nuisance trees is Holmberg v. Berglin, 172 N.W.2d 739 (Minn. 1969). See also "In the
Sade of a Tree: Analyzing the Tree -related Legal Problem" by Steve Pihlaja and Lorrie Stromme, Bench & Bar
March 2002.
The City of Minnetonka Tree Protection ordinance at City Code 300.28, Subd. 19 states that:
"R-1: For the construction of a principal structure on a vacant R-1 lot or for redevelopment of an existing R-1 lot,
protected trees may be removed with no mitigation only within the "basic removal area". The "basic removal area" is
defined as:
a. Within the areas improved for reasonably -sized driveways, parking areas and structures without frost
footings and within ten feet around those improvements;
b. Within the footprints of, and 20 feet around buildings with frost footings; and
c. In areas where trees are being removed for ecological restoration in accordance with a city -approved
restoration plan.
Some consideration should, nevertheless, be given to the preservation of tree roots during the construction process.
Critical Root Zone in the City of Minnetonka Tree Protection ordinance is defined as:
[T]he minimum area around a tree that must remain undisturbed. The critical root radius is calculated by
measuring the tree's diameter at breast height. For each inch of tree diameter, 1.5 feet of root zone radius must be
protected. For example, if a tree's dbh is 10 inches, then its critical root zone radius is 15 feet (10 x 1.5 = 15)."...
A tree will be considered removed if girdled, if 30 percent or more of the trunk circumference is injured, if 30%
or more of the crown is trimmed, if an oak is trimmed between April 1 st and July 15th, or if the following
percentage of the critical root zone is compacted, cut, filled or paved: 30 percent of the critical root zone for all
species, except 40 percent for ash, elm, poplar species, silver maple and boxelder.
Contractors sometimes pile excavated soil to a height of 6 ft against the trunks of trees on a temporary basis until it
can be filled back in along the foundation or removed. This practice does not necessarily have a negative effect on a
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dormant tree, only on a growing tree. This practice has been successfully used in Indian Hills on Oak trees during the
tear down process and those Oaks were not negatively impacted given that the soil was stored there only during the
Oak's dormant season.
Contractors sometimes sever tree roots when they trench for footings, etc. This does not necessarily mean that the tree
will die. Survival depends on the tree species, tree age, how deep the trench is, how close the trench is to the tree
trunk, and the percent of roots severed. The City Forester has found that in over 75% of these cases the trees survive.
Although teardowns occur throughout Edina, most complaints stem from those teardowns on lots less than 75 feet
wide. As such the UFTF believed that it would not be prudent to design an ordinance applying to the entire city to
address the localized problem of small lot teardowns. Problems unique to small lots teardowns should be addressed by
the Planning Commission's Residential Task Force (RTF) and any enforcement accomplished by the proposed city
teardown overseer.
If the Planning Commission's RTF were to adopt a Minnetonka -like Tree Protection ordinance for small lots of 75
feet or less wide, query how many trees would actually fall within the tree mitigation zone? Likely none on either side
of the home and few to the front or rear of the home given that few trees are removed more than 20 feet beyond the
home footprint or 10 feet beyond the driveway and other structures without frost footings. In deep lots, trees at the
back lot line could fall in to the mitigation zone, but it is rare that such trees would have been removed in any event. If
few trees fall within the mitigation zone reasonably defined by the City of Minnetonka, then a development process
Tree Protection ordinance cannot be realistically looked to for solving many of the neighbor's perceived tree problems
occasioned by teardowns on lots of 75 feet or less wide.
E. Recommendations for Trees in Living Streets Initiatives
1. Living Streets objectives with respect to trees as listed on p. 29 of 2-11-13 Living Streets draft:
a. Develop a comprehensive tree ordinance for the preservation and addition of boulevard trees
b. Define standards for preserving and/or adding boulevard trees to all street reconstruction projects
Proposed Standards
a. All street reconstruction plans will include adding 1.5" to 2" DBH overstory trees along the boulevard such
that at maturity their drip lines will nearly touch, except in such areas where rain gardens or driveways are
anticipated. Minnesota native overstory trees are preferred. Survival rates are the best for trees within the 1.5"
to 2" DBH range.
b. Funding for the trees will be part of the cost of street reconstruction project. This will include planting and
mulch as well as a watering contract for the first year. Thereafter residents will be responsible for watering
and pruning the trees.
c. The homeowner on whose property the trees are to be planted will have the opportunity to select the species
of trees to be planted on their property from a list of tree species approved by the City. Selections will be
made on a first come, first served basis for each project so that no more than 50% of the trees in any street
reconstruction project will be of any given species. The City will make the selection for any resident not
declaring their selection by the required date. Residents will be asked to list their first, second and third
choices.
F. Recommendations for Applicable Green Step Cities Best Practices
1. GreenStep Best Practice #16 Urban Forest
http://p-reenstep.pca.state.mn.us/ciiylnfo.cfm?ctu code=2394621. At least two actions are required. Actions
#1 and #4 are complete for purposes of GSC level 3certification. Action #6 is recommended for future
implementation.
Action #1- Qualifying as a Tree City USA. The City Forrester will initiate a new application annually (Complete)
Action #4 - Maximize tree plantingalongyour main downtown street (Complete) Trees were planted along the 50th
and France shopping district sidewalks on both sides of the street. The tree wells are approximately 40 ft or less
apart excluding driveways and utility vaults.
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Action #6 - At least two practices must be chosen. This action was not required for Edina's level 3 certification, but
if implemented, can be used to obtain a higher GSC certification. The UFTF recommends substeps a. and b.
a. Enact Ordinances to protect trees in the development process and to enhance the urban forest.
Referred to the Planning Commission's Residential Task Force on March 25, 2013.
b. Adopt Landscaping performance standards that specify ree cover and other vegetation to be used in
parking areasmaintenance yards and in other areas of mostlypervious surface. This can be
accomplished by amending 850.10 (Landscaping and Screening) as follows, "The living overstory
and understory canopy shall cover at least 50% of that portion of the lot, which has been disturbed by
improvement excluding the parking lot, which shall have at least 15% canopy coverage. Coverage
shall be calculated as that percent when the trees are at maturity and shall exclude the footprint of the
building or other structures."
2. GreenStep Best Practice #18 Green Infrastructure. At least three actions are required. The UFTF
recommended actions #5, #6, and #8, all of which are complete for purposes of GSC level 3 certification.
Action #S Park Management Standards that maximize at least one of the following. Sub steps b. and c. are complete.
Sub step a. is recommended for future implementation.
a) Low Maintenance native landscaping — UFTF recommends Park Board institute the following
policies:
1) 50% Minnesota native plantings for all new perennial plantings in city parks excluding
Edinborough and Arneson parks.
2) Implement a policy similar to Minneapolis Park Department's list of plants NOT recommended
for planting in city parks. These plants are high maintenance because they are either invasive,
have chronic pest problems, or are designated as noxious weeds by the State of Minnesota. See
attached list of 4-17-10.
b) Organic or Integrated Pest Management — (Complete) The UFTF 4-6-10 meeting recommended
establishing a Task Force to update the 1995 Edina Turf Management Plan (TMP) as amended on 6-
13-01. The EEC approved the establishment of TMP Task Force at its 4-8-10 meeting. Germana
Paterlini represented EEC and Chaired it, Ellen Jones represented the Park Board, Mary Jo Kingston
represented Community Health and Vince Cockriel represented city staff. Park Director John
Keprios and EEC Chair Dianne Plunkett were ex officio members. New organic practices and
products became available since 2001 and were evaluated and incorporated into the TMP; the list of
noxious weeds was updated to comply with state statute, as well as provision made for woody
invasive control with appropriate chemicals. Council considered the revised Turf Management Plan at
the 2-21-12 EEC/Council Work Session and the plan was implemented during the summer of 2012 on
a pilot basis. Council formally approved the TMP at the March 5, 2013 Council meeting with some
revisions.
c) Sources of non potable water for irrigation — (Complete) City well #14 —was taken out of service in
approximately 2006 due to elevated Radium 226 levels and was repurposed to irrigate Braemar Golf
Course.
Action #6 Certify golf courses for Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary — Complete for Braemar as of 2004 and
also for Fred Richards Golf Course. In 2009 the EEC recommended to the Park Board that city parks
be certified as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries as well. This is especially applicable to Bredesen
Park, which is Edina's passive nature center. The Park Board should initiate certifying selected city
parks.
Action #8 Develop a prop -ram that involves community in land restoration and stewardship (Complete) Edina
currently has community involvement in land restoration and stewardship in the form of community
initiated buckthorn busts, but they are inadequate to deal with Edina's 600 acre parkland infestation
given that the city has no budget and no institutionalized program of buckthorn abatement. Noxious
weed control needs to be annually funded on a wider scale, through an institutionalized program as
opposed to relying on volunteers or on the Forestry staff lag time during the Fall.
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CURRENT PROCESS - When a group volunteers to remove buckthorn, the City Forester gives them a
training presentation. The City provides the roundup and tools such as weed wrenches and hand saws.
Volunteers cut, paint the stumps with Roundup, and stack the buckthorn brush. The City hauls the buckthorn
to the city brush dump at Braemar Arena. From there the City of St. Paul District Energy chips it up and, for a
low fee, hauls it to St Paul District Energy to be burned for energy.
For examples of past citizen involvement in buckthorn and other noxious weed control, see Appendix B.
Woodland Health - The City Forester has found that buckthorn is negatively impacting oaks at Van Valkenburg Park as
well as other parks, causing premature oak death. To improve oak health, he and his staff annually remove buckthorn at
Van Valkenburg Pk as well as by the pool at Roseland Park. Oaks, however, also exist in a dozen other parks, including
Alden, Arden, Bredesen, Braemar, Browndale, Garden, Highlands, Lake Cornelia, Lewis, Melody Lake, Normandale,
and St. Johns Parks. City staff and volunteers are insufficient to do the work needed. Their work must be augmented by
professional buckthorn removal services. The city forester's buckthorn abatement budget is currently zero. It must be
augmented by at least $15,000 per year to hire professional buckthorn removal services to remove buckthorn and
annually maintain select woodlands. See attached listings of the 2004 inventory of Edina woodlands with their associated
levels of infestation, which was made by Prairie Restoration, Inc. (PRI) pursuant to a $5,000 grant.
Sentence to Service (STS) was utilized to remove buckthorn for two weeks in 2002 and for two weeks in 2003 at no
charge to the City of Edina. The first two weeks of STS labor are offered at no charge to a city in an effort to induce the
city to hire an STS crew on a paid basis. Although more workers were provided via STS than on a professional crew, the
quantity and quality of work accomplished was substantially less and with more damage to non target trees than when
using a professional crew. Furthermore, STS crews require considerable amounts city staff time whereas professional
crews require little city staff time.
The problems encountered with STS crews in 2002 and 2003 buckthorn abatement projects included:
• A different crew came daily and thus the training had to be repeated daily.
• Non -target plants were inadvertently removed by STS crews who had little knowledge of native plants, despite training
given by the city staff or volunteers.
• STS crews are not allowed to apply chemicals, which then had to be applied by city staff or a volunteer. A State license
is required to apply Roundup or other chemicals when anyone is paid for chemical application.
• STS crews were poorly supplied with equipment. The chain saw equipment which STS crews brought was poorly
maintained and frequently broke down necessitating the use of city equipment. No weed wrenches and few if any bow
saws were supplied to the crews. Thus City staff or a volunteer had to get the equipment from Public Works and return
it daily.
• STS crews came poorly motivated and prepared to work. Some STS crew members came in sandals, wearing sun
dresses, and one even had an arm in a cast. Some crew members hid in the brush to avoid work. A single correction
supervisor was supplied with the crew and they had to operate the chain saw and could not see what all the workers
were doing.
• STS crews require close supervision when brought into a facility for a break. In 2002, items were stolen by STS
personnel from city staff lockers at the public works building.
The City of Minneapolis found that the only buckthorn abatement activity that STS crews could do effectively was to
drag and stack buckthorn and that city staff had to cut down the buckthorn and paint the stumps themselves. Some
believe that it is not necessary or desirable to drag buckthorn out of the woods because it is more beneficial to chip
buckthorn brush and blow it back into the woods as mulch to suppress buckthorn and other noxious weed seedlings.
Kelodale Garden Club donates the funds to do this in the Edina Art Center woodland with success. Some parkland
managers leave buckthorn brush in the woods to biodegrade in place, which can easily be done in areas not frequented by
the public.
In summary, professional crews are more cost effective, require considerably less staff time and do a better job of
removing buckthorn and identifying non target species than STS crews. Commercial companies that have been hired to
successfully remove buckthorn in Edina include:
• Minnesota Conservation Society — 2011 Countryside Park
7
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• Minnesota Native Landscapes — 2009 to the present by Kelodale Garden Club at the Edina Art Center at Lake Cornelia
Though STS crews are not well suited for buckthorn abatement, they can do effective work for cities in other areas such
as the maintenance work they did at the Braemar Ice Arena. For buckthorn abatement projects, STS crews may be better
suited for removing buckthorn in maintained areas such as under specimen trees or along fence lines. There non target
trees are not an issue, though supervision, motivation and poor equipment would likely continue to be issues.
Creative funding should also be considered to pay for additional buckthorn removal and habitat restoration services.
Consider options such as:
1. Grants - The city must become more proactive in taking advantage of habitat restoration grants. Consider grants such
as the DNR Conservation Partner grants or Legacy funds. To date the city has not received any habitat restoration
grants. The DNR does not give grants to remove buckthorn. The DNR only gives grants for habitat restoration. The
grant must state that not only buckthorn, but all noxious weeds within the restoration area will be removed and
subsequently controlled. List all applicable noxious weeds — garlic mustard, canary reed grass, tartarian honeysuckle,
buckthorn, etc. Indicate how the habitat will be restored including techniques to minimize erosion, to replant or to
reseed. Indicate also how the restoration will be maintained, such as by controlled burn (for prairies or Oak savannah),
weed whipping, mulching or foliar chemicals, etc.
2. Interns - Greater use of summer interns who could be incentivized with $1,000 stipends solicited from community
organizations (Garden Council, Rotary, Lions, etc).
Create an adopt -a -woodland program, similar to the adopt -a -park program, which would work on controlling
buckthorn and other noxious weeds. These volunteers would be trained by the city Forester and hopefully would
volunteer on an annual basis, which they are more likely to do if the target park is in their neighborhood. They would
need to sign a waiver of liability and get the Forester's approval prior to any work continuation after the initial
project.
4. Bonding - Minnetonka included noxious weed abatement funding in their Park bonding process for both woodland
and wetland.
Maintenance - Once an area is cleared of buckthorn it must be maintained indefinitely as the buckthorn will otherwise
reseed and again cover the area within about ten years. This can be done by any of the following methods: mulching,
foliar chemical spraying, controlled burns (applies to prairies or oak savannah), or by annual brush cutting. When
buckthorn is initially cut, it can be chipped up and evenly blown back into the woodland, supplying mulch to suppress the
next generation of buckthorn seedlings. Thereafter, fall leaves can be spread in a woodland for mulch to a thickness of not
more than 4 inches. Kelodale Garden Club used buckthorn wood chips, followed in some years by leaf mulch at the Edina
Art Center with success. Oak leaves constitute the best leaf mulch because they persist the longest given that earth worms
choose them last because of their acid content. The City of Edina Forester weed whips buckthorn at Van Valkenburg Park.
When professionals are hired, foliar chemical spraying is their preference.
The UFTF recommends that the City Forester and Dianne Plunkett Latham give the EEC Liaison, The Park
Superintendent, the Park and Recreation Director, the City Manager and any other interested city staff a tour of the habitat
restoration sites at Van Valkenburg supervised by the City Forester, the Edina Art Center woodland restoration led by
Dianne Plunkett Latham and at the Lake Cornelia wildflower restoration led by Kevin Clay. These areas demonstrate that
planned habitat restoration can be accomplished successfully. A walk in May when the wildflowers are blooming would
be ideal.
Garlic Mustard - After buckthorn is removed, care must be taken to prevent Garlic Mustard and other noxious weeds
from filling the void. The State of Minnesota requires control of Garlic Mustard. Opening the canopy by removing
buckthorn permits Garlic Mustard and other noxious weeds to germinate. Shade must be maintained with mulch or by
replanting with native trees or other native plants. The Edina City Forester prefers to remove buckthorn only in the
understory where the canopy would not be opened. Weed whipping, hand pulling or spraying are the typical options for
Garlic Mustard control. The Park Board budget needs to include annual funding for noxious weed maintenance once
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buckthorn is removed if Edina's native plants, wildlife and scenic natural resources are to be enjoyed by today's residents
and preserved for future generations.
Natural Resource Manager - To more effectively control noxious weeds and address other environmental issues in the
park system, the UFTF recommends hiring a full-time Natural Resource Manager, as opposed to a part-time Forester.
More knowledge of ecology is required today given the arrival of many invasive plant, insect and aquatic species. A
passive forestry program with a philosophy of `Natural Forest Succession' and one primarily focused on tree diseases
such as oak wilt and Dutch Elm Disease, is no longer adequate. Cities having full time staff include the following:
Eden Prairie — FT Forester, FT Forestry Technician (has Forestry degree), FT Environmental Coordinator (Leslie
Stovring)
Golden Valley — FT Environmental Coordinator (Al Lundstrom)
Mtka — FT Natural Resource Manager (Jo Colleran), FT Forester (Emily Barbo Ball), FT Water Resource Specialist, FT
Natural Resource Restoration Specialist (Janet Larson)
Plymouth — FT Forester (Paul Buck), FT Forestry Technician
St. Louis Pk — FT Forester (Jim Vaughn), Seasonal Forestry Technician
With a full-time Natural Resource Manager the following can be accomplished: more grants can be applied for, more
parks can be certified as Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, more trees can be planted, more buckthorn and other noxious
weeds can be controlled, more habitat can be restored, and more educational programs can be offered to residents. In
addition, full-time positions attract candidates with more extensive applicable natural resource education and more
applicable experience as opposed to part-time positions.
Trail System - The 2007 Park Needs Assessment Survey indicated that residents' top park need was hiking and walking
trails. The City Forester has identified an area of Walnut Ridge Pk, Bredesen Park and Heights Park, which has the
potential for an interconnected park trail system. Buckthorn should be removed in these parks along the proposed
interconnecting trail, followed by native plant restoration. Thereafter annual brush cutting or annual foliar spraying would
be needed to maintain these areas to enable users to experience native vegetation, by enabling users to walk into these
areas, which are currently impenetrable due to buckthorn.
Bredesen Park - Given that Bredesen Park is the city's passive nature center and is Edina's most frequently visited park
natural area, it should receive special attention. The native vegetation is highly degraded by buckthorn and other noxious
weeds and in great need of restoration. No buckthorn has been removed in Bredesen Park in the past 10 years. Volunteer
efforts in Bredesen Park should be augmented by professional crews. Bredesen Park should also be certified as an
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Public Education - The City of Edina Forester, Tom Horwath has a presentation on buckthorn control. Dianne Plunkett
Latham has a PPT presentation on buckthorn and other noxious weed control. Michael Schroeder also has a presentation
on the importance of trees to a community. All are willing to give their programs for any group of residents wanting more
education in these areas.
9
54
Appendix A
Citizen Involvement in Tree Donation and Planting 2008 - 2012
• From 2005 through the present the Kelodale Garden Club led by Dianne Plunkett Latham has donated native trees
and shrubs from seeds started in their yards for the habitat restoration project in Rosland Park near the Art Center.
They were assisted by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Monument Chapter in planting them. About 3 per
year are donated.
• The Edina Garden Council donates funds for planting trees at Arneson Park. About 2 per year are donated.
e Fall 2008 Jeannie Hanson's Carbon Footprint Forest project at Pamela Park in, in which about 45 trees were planted
pursuant to a $4,000 Krieg grant from the Minnehaha Watershed District. Planting was assisted by the Friends of the
Edina Nature Center and other residents.
• Spring 2009 - Joseph Hulbert obtained a $16,000 MNDOT grant and organized his neighborhood to plant 75 trees
and 190 shrubs along Hwy 100.
• Fall 2009 Rob Erickson organized a tree planting of approximately 10 trees at Triangle Park. The trees were
donated by Grove nursery and planted by the park's neighbors.
9 April 30, 2010 — On Earth Day 10 trees were planted on the West side of the Pamela Park parking lot made possible
through a grant from Dow Water Process Solutions. Thirty Dow employees assisted with the planting.
• May 2010 — The St. John's Park neighborhood planted 11 trees
• Oct 2010 Eagle Scout Triangle Park project to plant 5 trees donated by Grove nursery
• 2011 City Forester Tom Horwath estimates 5 trees were donated and planted.
• 2012 City Forester Tom Horwath estimates 5 trees were donated and planted.
• 2013 - EEC anticipates a tree planting project using the $1,058 in proceeds from the 7-31-11 ECO Tour, which EEC
sponsored. City Forester Tom Horwath recommends using the funds to interplant Ash trees at Heights Park, where
there are 13 mature Ash trees surrounding the playground. The number of trees, which can be purchased with the
available funds, depends on the size of the trees. If 2.0 inch diameter balled and burlaped trees are ordered, 4 can be
purchased. This size tree would need to be delivered and professionally planted. The available funds would
covering delivery and planting for 4 trees of 2.0 inch diameter DBH. If 1.5 inch diameter DBH trees in pots are
ordered, 10 can be purchased. These can be picked up by the City Forester and planted by volunteers. The planting
would occur in the Fall. Would EEC commissioners and EEC Working Group members and their families like to
personally plant the trees in the Fall?
10
55
Appendix B
Past Citizen Involvement in Buckthorn and Other Noxious Weed Control
• Fall 2003 & 2004 - Edina Garden Council (EGC) and League of Women Voters of Edina (LWVE) organized by Dianne
Plunkett Latham canvassed the city and hung nearly 2,000 door hangers on resident's front doors where buckthorn
was found growing on the property. Many residents removed their buckthorn as a result. EGC and LWVE each
donated $200 for the door hangers with $25 donated by Jean White for a total of $425.
• May 2003 - Sentence to Service (STS) was joined by members of the Kelodale Garden Club organized by Dianne
Plunkett Latham to remove buckthorn near the Edina Art Center parking lot. Thereafter, Kelodale Garden Club and
the Conservation League of Edina led by Jean White planted trees and wildflowers in the area, as well as the City
Horticulturalist planting 90 River Birch trees.
• 2004 to Present - John Henry has organized annual neighborhood buckthorn busts at Garden Park and in some years in
both spring and fall.
• 2005 — 2012 - Kelodale Garden Club organized by Dianne Plunkett Latham donated over $8,000 to hire professionals to
annually remove buckthorn and other noxious weeds at the Edina Art Center and replant it with native trees and
wildflowers, with planting assistance from Daughters of the American Revolution, Monument Chapter. Kelodale also
donated over $500 to educate the public about buckthorn and other noxious weeds.
• Fall 2005 Todd Park neighbors, organized by Suzanne Kerwin removed buckthorn at Todd Park.
• Fall 2006 Todd Park neighbors, organized by Suzanne Kerwin removed buckthorn at Todd Park.
• 2006 - A group of neighbors removed buckthorn from the pond at Benton Ave. & Johnson Drive.
• 2006 — Fox Meadow Park — A group of Eagle Scouts removed buckthorn followed by an adjacent resident who donated
the funds to have the balance of buckthorn removed in the park.
• 2006 — Wooddale Park led by student Park Board member, Gordon Rolland
• May 2008 - Edina Garden Council removed garlic mustard in the woodland at Arneson Acres Park behind the City
greenhouse.
• July 2008 — Kevin Clay led a buckthorn and garlic mustard bust at Lake Cornelia
• Fall 2009 - Neighbors removed buckthorn at Melody Lake
• Winter 2009 — Kevin Clay organized volunteers to girdle female buckthorn trees at Lake Cornelia
• Spring 2010 - George Klus organized a buckthorn bust for Highlands
• 2010 — St John's Park — Buckthorn disappeared suddenly and neighbors are suspected of removing it
• 2011 — Wooddale Park — Led by neighbors
• 2012 — Browndale Park — Led by neighbors
• Fall 2012 — John Howard participated in a buckthorn bust for Wooddale Park
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City of Edina Ordinances Related to Trees
Revised 3-28-13
The following City of Edina Code sections related to trees were reviewed and determined NOT to be in need of revision:
Section 810 - Plats and Subdivisions
810.09 Application; Fees; Charges; Application Requirements. Subd. 4 Application Data.
Section 830 - Tree Removal, Grading and Excavations
Section 1050 - Maintenance of Vegetation
Section 1035 - General Nuisances
The following City of Edina Code sections related to trees were reviewed and determined to be in need of revision as
follows:
850.10 Landscaping and Screening.
Subd.l Landscaping.
A. Application of Requirements. All properties shall comply with the requirements of this Section except for single
dwelling unit or double dwelling unit lots, public parks, playgrounds and athletic facilities, and public and private golf
courses, except that club houses, parking areas and other structures accessory to the golf courses shall comply.
B. Landscape Plan Requirements. Landscape plans shall be prepared by a landscape architect or other qualified
individual acceptable to the Planner. Landscape plans shall be drawn to a scale of not smaller than one inch equals 30 feet
and shall include the following information:
1. Boundary lines of the property with accurate dimensions.
Locations of existing and proposed buildings, parking lots, roads and other improvements.
Proposed grading plan with two foot contour intervals.
Location, approximate size and common name of existing trees and shrubs.
5. Planting schedule containing (i) symbols; (ii) quantities; (iii) common names and botanical names; (iv) size of plant
materials, (v) root condition, and (vi) special planting instructions.
6. Planting details illustrating proposed locations of all new plant material.
7. Locations and details of other landscape features including berms, fences and planter boxes.
8. Details of restoration of disturbed areas including areas to be sodded or seeded.
9. Location and details of irrigation systems.
10. Details and cross sections of all required screening.
57
C. Minimum Requirements. All open areas of a lot which are not used and improved for required parking areas, drives
or storage shall be landscaped with a combination of overstory trees, understory trees, shrubs, flowers and ground cover
materials.
f��!!"!!!!!ll:S�\ff!!SI".�aSF7►�1'�T-�'SST.TI11117SS71 Y!R!!!R!!f!*!!! .. TfRIR�iS�:�S!'3.T.fft!EIT.Sf�TS�IR!!!�i!*�
pefimeter- of the let of tfaet as measuf:ed in 4;aet divided by 40.
2. Understory Trees and Shrubs. In addition to the r-equifed n,,..,l of of overstory trees, a full complement of understory
trees and shrubs shall be provided to complete a quality landscape treatment of the site.
3. Minimum Size and Reet G-R-nd:tiara of Required 9verstefy-Trees. The living overstory and understory canoe, shall
cover at least 50% of that portion of the lot, which has been disturbed by improvement excluding the parking lot, which
shall have at least 15% canopy coverage. Coverage shall be calculated as that percent when the trees are at maturity and
shall exclude the footprint of the building or other structures.
Tree Tie Deeiduatls Eeni€eretts Less than 24' 24' of Greater
Ornamental 2" A- r- 5' or- less 5-% 5%
Camp! imentary21,� " ergreater 6' or- greater 6990; 25%
O4eeent 31,� " or- reater 8 ` of greater 29°T;2
primary 41,4"er greater 19' @F greater 10-% 204 -
Full 5 Viz=' ergreater 12' er-gfeater G94 209%
height.Galeuia4iefis to detefmine minimtifn number of trees afe always founded tip. T -Fee size, as te deeiduous, is the diaffietef of
All new overstory trees shall be balled and burlapped or moved from the growing site by tree spade.
4. Species.
a. all required overstory trees shall be composed of species which are classified as overstory trees by the American
Nurseryman's Association.
be : eltided in the eount of feEltiifed e Este fy trees.
b. not more than 50 percent of the required number of overstory trees shall be composed of one species;
C. no required overstory trees shall include (i) all species of the genus Ulmus (elm) with the exception of Dutch Elm
Disease resistant elm cultivars; (ii) box elder; (iii) all species of the genus Populous (poplar) with the exception of Aspen
as well as seedless Cottonwood cultivars, or (iv) gifikgefemale ) ash; and
d. all plant materials shall be indigenous to the hardiness zone of the area in which the City is located.
5. Credit for Existing Trees.
58
The Planner shall determine the amount of the credit for existing trees based upon their location and distribution on the
lot.
6. Ground Cover. All unimproved portions of the lot or tract shall be sodded or planted with groundcover plants.
Provided, however:
a. areas reserved for future approved building expansions may be seeded;
b. undisturbed areas containing existing viable natural vegetation which can be maintained free of weeds may be left
undisturbed; and
C. slopes steeper than 3:1 may be seeded or planted with groundcover plants.
D. Landscaping Inspection Fee. A landscaping inspection fee in the amount set out in Section 185 of this Code shall be
paid to the City at the time a building or other permit is issued for work to be done on the same property as the
landscaping work, and as a condition to the issuance of the permit.
Subd.2 Screening.
A. Screening Required. The following uses shall be screened in accordance with the requirements of this Subdivision
850.10:
1. Non-residential principal buildings or structures, and any building or structure accessory thereto, shall be screened
from lots in the R-1 District which are used for single dwelling unit buildings and which are located within 200 feet of the
non-residential use. The distance shall be the shortest distance between the non-residential building or structure to be
screened and the nearest lot line of the R-1 District lot, but shall not extend across a street;
2. Principal buildings or structures, or any building or structure accessory thereto, located in the Planned Industrial
District or Planned Commercial District shall be screened from lots used for any residential purpose which are located
within 200 feet. The distance shall be the shortest distance between the PID or PCD building or structure to be screened
and the nearest lot line of the residential lot, but shall not extend across a street;
3. Off-street parking facilities containing six or more spaces and all loading facilities shall be screened from streets
located within 50 feet, and from lots which are used for any residential purpose which are located within 50 feet. Said
distance shall be the shortest distance between the parking facility or loading facility and the nearest part of the street or
the nearest lot line of the residential lot;
4. Trash storage facilities including recycling storage facilities shall be screened from all lot lines and public road
rights-of-way; and
5. All mechanical equipment accessory to any building, except single dwelling unit and double dwelling unit buildings,
shall be screened from all lot lines and streets.
B. Responsibility. The owner of the principal or accessory building or structure to be screened shall install and maintain
all screening required without cost to the City.
C. Materials. Required screening may be achieved with fences, walls, earth berms, hedges and other landscape
materials. All walls and fences shall be architecturally harmonious with the principal building. Earth berms shall not be
steeper than 3:1. All materials, including landscaping, shall have a minimum opacity of 90 percent year round.
59
D. Location. All required screening shall be located on the lot occupied by the use, building, facility or structure to be
screened. No screening shall be located upon any public road right-of-way, or within 20 feet of the traveled portion of a
street.
E. Height. The minimum height for screening required by this Section is as follows:
1. Screening required by subparagraphs 1 and 2 of paragraph A. of Subd. 2 of Subsection 850.10: ten feet above
property line;
2. Screening required by subparagraph 3 of paragraph A. of Subd. 2 of Subsection 850.10: four feet above level of
parking lot and ten feet above level of loading facility; and
3. Screening required by subparagraphs 4 and 5 of paragraph A. of Subd. 2 of Subsection 850.10: high enough to
completely screen from property lines, but not less than five feet or greater than ten feet in height.
Subd.3 Maintenance.
A. Responsibility. The owner of the lot upon which the required landscaping or screening is located shall maintain all
materials in a sightly and healthy growing condition without cost to the City.
B. Security. Security shall be filed with the Planner in accordance with Section 405 of this Code to guarantee the
installation and vigorous growing condition of all landscape elements and required screening. The security shall remain in
effect for two full growing seasons. Lots provided with an irrigation system covering 100 percent of the area improved
with landscaping need provide security for only one growing season. The growing season guarantee period for plant
material installed after June 1 shall begin the following year.
Section 1200 - Use and Maintenance of Streets,
Alleys, Sidewalks, Easements, Parks, and Other City Owned Property
1200.02 Encumbrances or Obstructions.
Subd. 1 Prohibited Encumbrances or Obstructions. Except as provided in Subd. 2 of this Subsection, no person shall
obstruct, encroach upon, encumber, or interfere wholly or partially, with any street, boulevard, alley, sidewalk, easement,
park or public ground by placing or installing any of the following:
H. Trees and other plantings which overhang the traveled portion of streets or sidewalks, provided that no portion of such
tree or planting is less than 16 feet above the traveled portion of the street or less than 8 feet above the sidewalk.
Subd. 2 Exceptions. The following are exceptions to Subd. I of this Subsection:
F. Shade trees planted on boulevards, provided that the following species are prohibited unless permission is granted in
writing by the Park Director:
1. Willows.
2. Elms, with the exception of Dutch Elm Disease resistant Elm cultivars.
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3. Box Elder.
4. Cottefiweeditllar (with the exception of seedless cultivars of cottonwood), asi e , poplar or other members of the
genus Populus, with the exception of aspen.
5. Pine, spruce, fir, yew or other conifers.
6. Silver maple.
7. Ash.
G. Trees, shrubs, landscape materials, fences, driveways and parking lots installed on easements held by the City for
underground utility purposes.
H. Trees and other plantings which overhang the traveled portion of streets provided that no portion of such tree or
planting is less than 16 feet above the traveled portion of the street.
I. Grass clippings and leaves placed in containers on boulevards subject to Subsection 705.04 of this Code.
1200.06 Work Undertaken by the City.
Subd. I Items of Work. Pursuant to Chap. 59, State Laws of 1988, the City may undertake the following items of work:
A. Removal of snow, ice and rubbish, including litter, from sidewalks, streets and alleys and public parking facilities.
B. Elimination of weeds, including aquatic weeds, from sidewalks, streets, alleys, waterbodies and other public or private
property.
C. Sweeping, oiling, sprinkling or other dust treatment of public streets or alleys, including incidental maintenance work.
D. Trimming and care of trees and the removal of unsound or diseased trees on streets or alleys.
History: Ord 1201 codified 1970; amended by Ord 1201-A 12-6-73, Ord 1993-5 4-28-93, Ord 1994-6 12-27-94; Ord 1995-6 8-17-95; Ord 2003-12
12-16-03; Reference: M.S. Chapter 59, State Laws of 1988; 429.101, Subd. 2 & 3, 463.15 to 463.26
Cross Reference: Sections 705, 721, 1050, 1205, 1400; Subsections 705.04, 1230.01, 1230.07
Section 1055 - Control and Prevention of Shade Tree Diseases
1055.01 Declaration of Policy. The Council has determined that the health of elm and oak trees within the City is
threatened by diseases to these trees, commonly referred to as "Dutch elm disease" and 'oak wilt disease," such diseases
being known in scientific terms as Ceratocystis ulmi and Ceratocystis fagacearum, respectively. It has further determined
that the loss of elm and oak trees growing upon public and private property will substantially depreciate the value of
property within the City and impair the safety and general welfare of the public. It is declared to be the intention of the
City to control and prevent the spread of these diseases, and this Section is enacted for that purpose.
1055.02 Tree Inspector. The position of Tree Inspector is hereby created within the City pursuant to M.S. 186.13, Subd. 5
to carry out the provisions of M.S. 18G.13. The Manager is directed to employ or retain on a continuing basis a suitably
qualified person as Tree Inspector, who shall be certified as a tree inspector by the State Commissioner of Agriculture. It
is the duty of the Tree Inspector to coordinate, under the direction and control of the Council, all activities of the City
61
relating to the control and prevention of Dutch elm disease and oak wilt disease. The Tree Inspector shall recommend to
the Council details of the program for the control of such diseases, and perform the duties incident to such a program
adopted by the Council.
1055.03 Shade Tree Disease Control Program. It is the intention of the City to conduct a program of plant pest control
pursuant to the authority granted by M.S. 18G.13. The Tree Inspector shall develop a program plan in compliance with
M.S. 18G.13 and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, for the identification and control of diseased elm and oak trees,
and shall be responsible for the making and maintenance of all records and reports related to the program. The Tree
Inspector shall act as coordinator between the State Commissioner of Agriculture and the City in the conduct of this
program.
1055.04 Nuisances Declared. The following are public nuisances, wherever they may be found within the City:
Subd. 1 Live Infected Trees. Any elm tree infected with Dutch elm disease, or any oak tree infected with oak wilt disease;
and
Subd. 2 Dead Infected Wood. Any dead elm or oak tree or part thereof, including logs, branches, stumps and firewood or
other material from which the bark has not been removed.
1055.05 Abatement. It is unlawful for any person to permit any public nuisance, as defined by Subsection 1055.04, to
remain on any premises or boulevard owned or controlled by that person within the City. Such nuisances may be abated in
the manner prescribed by this Section.
1055.06 Inspection and Investigation. The Tree Inspector shall inspect all premises and places within the City as often as
practicable to determine whether any nuisance described in Subsection 1055.04 exists. The Tree Inspector shall
investigate all reported incidents of infestation by Dutch elm fungus of elm bark beetles or oak wilt. The Tree Inspector,
or the duly authorized agents, may enter upon private premises at any reasonable time for the purpose of carrying out any
of the duties assigned the Tree Inspector under this Section. The Tree Inspector, upon finding conditions indicating Dutch
elm disease or oak wilt disease infestation, may send appropriate samples to the State Diagnostic Laboratory for diagnosis
as may be recommended by the State Commissioner of Agriculture.
1055.07 Abatement and Spraying of Shade Tree Disease Nuisances. In abating or ordering the abatement of the nuisances
defined in Subsection 1055.04, the Tree Inspector shall cause or order the infected tree or wood to be sprayed, removed,
chipped, or otherwise effectively treated so as to destroy and prevent as fully as possible the spread of the
diseases. Such abatement procedures shall be carried out in accordance with prescribed methods approved by the State
Commissioner of Agriculture. Whenever the Tree Inspector determines that any elm or oak tree or elm or oak wood
within the City is infected with Dutch elm or oak wilt disease, the Tree Inspector may spray all nearby elm or oak trees
with an effective pesticide. Spraying activities authorized by this Section shall be conducted in accordance with the
technical and expert opinion and plans of the State Commissioner of Agriculture and under the supervision of the State
Commissioner or agents of the Commissioner whenever possible.
1055.08 Procedure for Abatement of Nuisances.
Subd. 1 Public Streets or Boulevards. Whenever the Tree Inspector finds with reasonable certainty that a nuisance defined
in Subsection 1050.04 exists in any tree or wood within a public street or boulevard in the City, the Tree Inspector shall
notify the abutting property owner or owners by mail of the infestation, and specify a time in which the infestation shall
be sprayed, removed or otherwise treated by such owner or owners to the satisfaction of the Tree Inspector. The notice
shall also state that if the nuisance shall not have been abated by the owner within the time provided, it will be abated by
the City and that the entire cost will be billed to the owner and if not paid shall be assessed against the abutting property
under M.S. 429.101.
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Subd. 2 On Private Property. Whenever the Tree Inspector finds with reasonable certainty that a nuisance defined in
Subsection 1055.04 exists in any tree or wood located on private property in the City, the Tree Inspector shall notify the
owner of the property by mail of the infestation, and specify a time in which the infestation shall be sprayed, removed or
otherwise treated by the owner. The notice shall also state that if the nuisance shall not have been abated by the owner
within the time provided, it will be abated by the City and the entire cost will be billed to the owner, and if not paid shall
be assessed against the property under M.S. 429.101.
Subd. 3 Assessment of Costs. The Tree Inspector shall keep a record of trees removed and the cost of abatements done
under this Subsection 1055.08 and shall report monthly to the Clerk all work done for which assessments are to be made,
stating and certifying the description of the land, lots and parcels involved and the amounts chargeable to each. On or
before September 1 of each year, the Clerk shall list the total unpaid charges for each abatement against each separate lot
or parcel to which they are attributable under this Section. The Council may then spread the charges or any portion against
the property involved as a special assessment under M.S. 429.101 and other pertinent statutes for certification to the
County Auditor and collection in the following year along with current taxes.
1055.09 Interference Prohibited. It is unlawful for any person to prevent, delay or interfere with the Tree Inspector or the
agents while they are engaged in the performance of duties imposed by this Section.
History: Ord 1035, repealed by Ord 1035-A1; Reference: M.S. 18G.13, 429.
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From: Tom Horvath [mailto:THorwath@EdinaMN.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 10:54 AM
To: 'Dianne Plunkett Latham'
Subject: Emerald Ash Borer
Thomas Horwath, City F
orester
`6114 952-826-03081 Fax 952-826-0392
THorwath(ZDEdinaMN.gov I www.EdinaMN.gov
...For Living, Learning, Raising Families & Doing Business
Prepared for URBAN FORESTRY TASK FORCE
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was first identified in Michigan in 2002. This wood borer is native to Asia. In its native range the
borer/host relationship is similar to other species of wood borers: they attack only trees with weakened defensive
systems. Outside of this native range, however, these borers will lay eggs in all species of Ash trees regardless of the
health of the trees. This factor greatly expands the incidences of tree mortality. In the infested middle eastern states this
disease is responsible for killing millions of trees.
EAB has been positively identified in our metro region in 2009. Since then, despite control efforts, these isolated pockets
of EAB have continued to spread slowly. In 2012 EAB has been positively confirmed at Lakewood Cemetery, the closest
to Edina at 3 miles NE.
Since the initial discovery of EAB in the metro area I have inventoried all of our maintained areas of our parks for Ash
populations. Generally I have found our parks to be well diversified, with low populations of significant Ash trees. I have
identified three sites that are at risk for being the most affected by Ash tree losses. They are:
1)Heights Park. There are 13 mature Ash trees around the playground
2)Lewis Park. There are 10 mature Ash trees along Cahill Rd. Also within the park are 11 Ash of 12"dbh or less; 11
Ash 13-20"dbh and 15 Ash 20"dbh or greater.
3)50`h St median — Between Wooddale Ave. & City Hall. 17 Ash of approx. 6-8"dbh.
The total number of significant Ash trees, or other Ash trees that may need to be removed for public safety purposes on
city maintained properties is estimated to be less than 500. Fortunately I believe this potential extended work load could
be able to be handled in house, especially since the number of trees dying will be spread out over a period of years.
Chemical treatments are available for individual trees. There are various brands and formulas and different application
methods. Due to the complexity of these factors, at this time I will mention an excellent web site for further review for
anyone interested in this information. It is: emeraldashborer. info. This web site is compiled by various university
researchers in the initial infested areas. A topic that should be addressed is: should the city consider using preventative
chemical treatment for any significant Ash trees on city property? In my opinion tree replacement — proactively and/or
as trees die —should be paramount management strategy, but not to the exclusion of selective chemical protection of
the most valuable Ash trees.
64
Another issue is: Should EAB be added to our city's disease tree ordinance along with Dutch Elm Disease and Oak Wilt to
mandate the removals of EAB infested trees on public and private property? Since EAB cannot be controlled through a
removal/sanitation process, I personally don't believe it should be added. Dead or dying Ash trees that should be
removed for public safety purposes can be ordered to be removed by existing ordinance.
With the potential for increased tree losses from EAB, an increase in annual tree replacement becomes necessary.
Currently $10,963 is budgeted for tree planting. To achieve any increase in annual planting, I would recommend an
increase in this annual amount. Due to limited staff resources during planting periods, I wish to base the proposed
increase amount on nursery contracted delivery and planting rates. For larger size trees an average cost per tree for tree
cost, delivery and planting would be about $250. If $10,000 was added to this budget, 40 additional trees could be
planted. However it is also important to remember that the annual number of trees planted should not exceed staff
capability to maintain these new trees, after they are planted, in a manner that will increase the odds of successfully
raising healthy and aesthetically pleasing trees throughout our park system. Tree planting is only the initial stage of a
reforestation program.
In summary, EAB is in the metro area and is expected to slowly increase from the infested scattered pockets for the next
several years. However, from lessons already learned, the mortality curve will drastically swerve upward as more trees
die and EAB populations increase exponentially. Edina is fortunate not to have high densities of Ash trees lining the
boulevards (which are the abutting property owners' responsibility anyway) and manageable densities in maintained
parklands. However, not to minimize the potential devastating impact, many landowners throughout the city are at risk
for losing many important and significant Ash trees on their property. For many years now the Ash tree has been the
overwhelming choice of tree species to plant.
Braemar golf course EAB plan — Prepared by Tom Swenson
Braemar golf course had approximately 180 ash trees within the park as of 2010. Unfortunately, many of these trees
were planted as monoculture groupings. Although none of these trees have been determined to be significant in
nature, the groupings of these trees have value to the golf course. Chemical treatments are not viewed to be a long
term solution to the EAB situation. During the last 3 winters Braemar staff has removed individual trees in these
groupings that have storm damage or are unhealthy. These trees have been replaced with new plantings. The goal is to
replace the worst of the ash trees with a diverse planting ahead of the EAB infestation. As Braemar moves forward with
this program, the increase in tree diversity will help reduce the impact of EAB and any future pests that have not been
identified.
Edina Park Summary-Prioritv Based (2004 PRI)
* Completed by 2012
Removal Time and Method
Types of Infestation
** Some Progress by2012
Hodge/Park Ede
Specimen
trees
Natural Areas
Park Name
In order of priori
Estimated
Removal
Time hrs) Cut/Slash
Cut/Haul or Volunteer
Cut/Bum Cut/Chip/Haul Help FeasibleNumber
Location
Number
Size
(acres)
% ST
Infestion
Level
H M L
Herbaceous
layer
VG G P
Natural Area Type
Van Valkenbur —
550-600
X X 1
15
100
H
VG
Oak Savanna
Arden""'
275-325
X
10
85
ML
G
Oak Woods
Normandale
150-175
X
X
4
75
M
G
Oak Woods
Krahl Hill
250300
X
5
100
H
P
Oak Woods
Highlands"
450-500
X
X
50-75
12
90
MH
VG
Oak Woods
Garden"
200-250
X
X
6
100
H
G
Oak Woods
Melody Lake—
100-125
X
4
75
M
G
Oak Woods
Braemar*
3500-4000
X
250
90
MH
G
Oak Woods
Lake Cornelia**
250300
X
X
10-15
90
MH
G
Oaks, Boxelder
Pamela Park
350-425
X
X
10
75
M
G
Oaks, Cottonwoods
Todd—
250-300
X
10
95
MH
G
Cottonwood, Oak
Lewis—
250-300
X
10
85
M
G
Oak Woods
Lincoln Drive Flood Plain
35000
X
8
85
M
P
Cottonwoods
York Park
30-40
X
165
M
P
River Bottom
Creek Valley—
150-175
X
6
75
M
G
Cottonwoods
Heights
65-85
X
3
65
M
P
River Bottom
Walnut Ridge
150-175
X
8
70
ML
G
Cottonwoods
Bredesen**
45005000
X
175
100
H
P
Aspen, Oaks
Wooddale**
45
X
2 W. N
L
Boxelder, Oaks
Utel
15-20
X
3 E, S, W
L
Rivers Edge
Williams/Mill site*
1-2
X
.02
15
L
Boxelder
Arneson Acres*
20-25
X
2030
L
Alden
2-3
X
Y
0.1 1
20
L I
G
Oak Savanna
Browndale—
4-6
X
0.25
25
L
Oak, Pines
St. Johns—
45
X
1 W
L
Oaks
Birchcrest
2-4
X
0.2
40
L
Boxelder
Countryside*
25-30
X
1 W
M
Cottonwoods
Sheerwood Pum
2-4
X
Y
1 S
L
Pines
Cornelia School
2-4
X
Y
20
L
Frank Tupa*
45
X
0.2
70
M
Shrub type
Bob Kojetin**
6-8
X
2 S, W
L
Chowen
20-25
X
2 S, W
L
BT Hedge
Weber
65-85
X
X
1 E
L
Cottonwoods
Lake Edina
75-100
X
4
100
H
Fred Richards Golf
36-72
X
X
1 SE
lots
L
Fox Meadow*
1-2
X
Y
I
I L
ss
Edina Park Summary -Priority Based (2004 PRI)
Removal Time and Method
Types of Infestation
Specimen
Hed a/Park Ede trees Natural Areas
Park Name
In order of priority
Estimated
Removal Cut/Haul or Volunteer Size
Time hrs) Cut/Slash Cut/Bum Cut/Chip/Haul Help Feasible Number Location Number (acres) % BT
Infestion Herbaceous
Level layer
H M L VG G P Natural Area Type
Bristol
2-3 X
Y
10
L
Yorktown
2-3 X
Y
3
L
McGuire
1 X
Y
1
L
Strachauer
0
Tin dale
0
67
Edina Parks Priority Rankings
Prepared by Prairie Restoration, Inc.
(Revised 2004 Report including Braemar, Bredesen and some Open Space)
High Priority: Van Valkenburg, Arden, Normandale, Highland, Garden, Melody Lake,
Krahl Hill, Braemar Park and Lake Cornelia.
The parks listed above get the highest priority according to our standards by having high
quality natural areas. These areas have the greatest diversity and quality trees along with
a quality herbaceous layer. These parks may have higher percentage of buckthorn
infestation and require the most hours of removal but I believe have the greatest potential
of reclamation from buckthorn.
Van Valkenburg is a great example of an oak savanna. By removing all the vegetative
buckthorn material from the site it will look cleaner and in the future, after a few years of
herbicide treatment, the buckthorn seedlings could be managed by the use of prescribed
burns. Burning controls the buckthorn seedlings and enhances the native herbaceous
layer. Oak savannas are one of the rarest natural ecosystems we have in Minnesota and
when possible we should try to maintain the quality examples we have left.
Arden Park is a great park with oak woods along the west side of the creek. I believe
the removal of buckthorn would greatly enhance the park along with educating citizens of
the importance of buckthorn removal. The removal should not affect many neighbors
and you would have a quality oak woodlot for people to enjoy.
Normandale is a great park with oak woods on south and west facing hillside. There is
good herbaceous layer and nice tree diversity. A buckthorn removal would affect some
of the neighbors but would greatly enhance the parks woodland.
Highlands and Garden Parks are beautiful parks in Edina. The Highlands Park itself
has a lot of specimen trees with buckthorn growing up in them and on the northeast
corner has great oak woods. Garden Park lacks specimen trees but has a large diversity
of trees including oak woods and cottonwoods. Garden Park would also benefit from
buckthorn removal by the park entrance for better visibly.
Melody Lake is an underdeveloped park that is hidden away in its neighborhood. There
is a great potential in keeping this park a natural area for all to enjoy.
Lake Cornelia is a park that has it all. I believe it a highly visited park with its aquatic
center and large natural area with the lake in the middle. The buckthorn removal here
should include cut/slash and cut/chip/haul in the highly visited portions of this park.
ss
Krahl Hill is a very nice oak woods that is heavily infested with buckthorn. The
topography of the park is extremely interesting and difficult to work but is well worth
reclaiming from the buckthorn invasion.
Braemar Park is a large park with a fair amount of quality natural areas. The buckthorn
removal in a park this size should be taken in stages. It is an area with great public
education potential on the hazards of buckthorn in our natural areas.
Middle Priority: Pamela, Todd, Lewis, York, Creek Valley, Heights, Walnut Ridge,
Wooddale, Utley, Williams, Lincoln Drive Floodplain, Bredesen Park and Arneson
Acres.
The middle priority parks get a mid -priority ranking by their lower quality natural areas.
These areas have a lower diversity and not as desirable trees as the high priority natural
areas, plus a minimal herbaceous layer. The removal of buckthorn from these woodlots
is still important, but when ranking all the parks, they do not rank as high in importance
when compared to the high priority parks. Some of these parks include specimen trees
that have buckthorn growing under them as well as infested natural areas.
Bredesen Park is a huge undertaking for buckthorn removal. There will be need for a
discussion of options of removal by using more mechanical means than by chainsaw.
Low Priority: Alden, Browndale, St. Johns, Birchcrest, Countryside, Sherwood Pump,
Cornelia School, Frank Tupa, Bob Kojetin, Chowen, Weber, Lake Edina, Fred Richards
Golf Course, Fox Meadow, Bristol, Yorktown, McGuire, Strachauer, and Tingdale.
These parks have the lowest priority ranking due to the nature of their buckthorn
infestation. Buckthorn is common on the woodland edges of these parks and generally is
not very heavily infested. The buckthorn removal in these low priority parks would make
great community involvement projects because of their lower hour requirements for
removal and minimal impact they would have on the overall appearance of the park.
The removal of buckthorn is important within all the parks, the final decision of which
parks get cut first is ultimately up to the Edina Parks System. The above priority list is an
inventory of buckthorn and a guideline in determining a plan for the removal of
buckthorn within the park system of Edina. Some factors that need to be considered prior
to buckthorn removal areas follows: the quality of the natural area, percentage of
infestation, preferred buckthorn removal process and equipment required, economic
limitations and amount of time allotted to complete the removal process. The biggest
keys in the removal of buckthorn are having a long term management plan, flexibility and
persistence. The removal of buckthorn is the first step in a journey of reclaiming our
natural woodlots.
ss
CITY OF EDINA POLICY
PLANTS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR PLANTING IN EDINA CITY PARKS
4-17-10
Listed plants include those which are invasive, which have chronic pest problems, or which are noxious weeds in the State of
Minnesota. This list will be revised with additions on a regular basis due to changing climactic conditions.
• Invasive - Plants with invasive potential, or those already known to be invasive and destructive to native plant communities are
marked with an (I)
• Chronic Pest Problems - Plants that have chronic insect/disease pest problems that would result in higher maintenance costs and/or
early mortality rates are marked with a (P)
• Noxious Weeds — Plants on the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture's Noxious Weed list are marked with an (N)
Neither plants, cultivars nor seed of any of these plants should any longer be planted in the Edina park system.
Common Name
Latin Name
Problem
Woody Plants
Amur Maple
Acer ginnala
I
Box Elder (female)
Acer negundo
P
Norway Maple
Acer platanoides
I, P
Barberry- any species, cultivars
Berberis sp.
I
Siberian Peashrub
Caragana arborescens
I
Russian Olive
Glossy Buckthorn
Non-native Honeysuckles
Mulberry
Amur Cork Tree- female form
Eleagnus angustifolia
I
Frangula alnus, `Tallhedge', `Asplenifolia' I,N
Lonicera tatarica, morrowii, others I
Morus- any species or cultivar I
Phellodendron amurense I
70
Austrian Pine & other long needled pines Pinus nigra P
If Ponderosa and Red Pine are specified, they must be installed in windy locations to dry the foliage. They also need to be spaced with large distances between
plants to insure very good air circulation. All of these plants are being attacked by Sphaeropsis (Diplodia) in wet seasons and where there is poor air circulation.
Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica I,N
Alpine Currant Ribes alpinum P
Black Locust Robinia pseudoacacia I
Siberian Elm- aka Chinese Elm Ulmus pumila I
Winged Euonymus Euonymus alatus I
(currently becoming a problem in zone 5 areas and has potential here)
71
Herbaceous plants
Crown Vetch
Coronilla varia
I
Queen Anne's Lace
Daucus carota
I
Grecian Foxglove
Digitalis lanata
I
Orange Hawkweed
Hieracium aurantiacum
I
Dame's Rocket
Hesperis matronalis
I
Yellow Flag Iris
Iris pseudacorus
I
Bird'sfoot Trefoil
Lotus corniculatus
I
Ribbon Grass
Phalaris arundinacea and all cultivars
I
(variegated form of Reed Canarygrass)
Japanese Knotweed
Polygonum (Persicaria?) cuspidatum
I
Common Tansy
Tanacetum vulgare
I
Vetch
Vicia sp.
I
Smooth Brome Grass
Bromus inermis
I
Amur Silver Grass
Miscanthus sacchariflorus
I
Reed Canarygrass
Phalaris arundinacea
I
Curly Dock
Rumex crispus
I
Purple Loosestrife
Lythrum salicaria
I, N
72
From: Timothy J. Rudnicki
To: 'Bill Sierks"
Cc: Rebecca Foster: "Andrew Brandt"; 'Bob Gubrud (reaubrudVa4m.com)"; "Dianne Plunkett Latham "; "Elana
Sokol" "John Heer"; "Julie Risser"; "Keith Kostuch (kostuch.eec(a)gmail.com)"; "Paul Thompson
(otflvdisc(@aol.con ; Ross Bintner; "Sarah F. Zardn": Solvei Wilmot
Subject: Boulder and Xcel in the News on May 9 - Franchise Agreement
Date: Friday, May 10, 2013 6:55:25 AM
All -
A quick follow up on the matter of energy franchise agreements that arose at the EEC meeting last night. While
franchise agreements may be complex instruments in and of themselves and need to be analyzed with respect to
particular situations and applications (good referral of legislation to attorney last night), the basis for the pending
legislation in Minnesota might be explained in part by the underlying energy issues involving Xcel Energy and the
City of Boulder, Colorado. Note, the issue there is rather straightforward as illustrated by the short historical
article available through the first link below. - Boulder aims to rapidly decrease its GHG emissions through a
municipal utility. As for the second link below, it takes you to the May 9, 2013, short piece about the ongoing
battle between Boulder and Xcel. We should not be deterred from probing an issue and asking tough questions
even in complicated matters, especially when there are opportunities to more aggressively and significantly reduce
GHG emissions and lessons learned in other locales might be adapted to fit Edina.
See this link for the May 9, 2013 story about the battle between Xcel and Boulder:
. • . - u - • u - 1 - I . .. . - • 1 oil-
73
From: Paul Thompson
To: &5LBin= rreyuhrudl(cbaim.com; iwhoward3Qoma01com: Sarah, F.ZarrinOseagate.com
Cc: iwh9000(@yisi.com: BiII.Sierks@)state.mn.us; Dianne. Plunkett. Latham(cbcomcast.net
Subject: Re: "What"s Up With The Weather?" Video/ FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW
Date: Friday, May 10, 2013 9:55:54 AM
Ross, (and EEC friends)
link works great -thanks ... that's a great tool for us to use with folks who
couldn't get there
Get us 2-3 dates when we can use the council chambers from 6-9 pm (set up
and clean up) b/4 our next meeting (6/13) and we'll do a doodle to see what
date is best.
Dates that work for me are 5/20, 5/22, 5/23, 5/29, 5/30, 5/31, 6/4 (reg eowg
mtg date), 6/5, 6/8, 6/11, 6/12
I recommend the 5/31 date b/c it's Friday night, date night, movie and popcorn
kind of thing ... others????
bring the family, "EEC invites" council, commissioners and City staff and family
members 10 and over to an evening of socializing and coming together around
our changing climate and taking action to CUT OUR CARBON.
no snow is PROMISED
see if we could get a variance lifted on drinks and popcorn in the chambers ... if
not have refreshments in the lobby b/4 and during intermission
double feature???? "Do the Math" 42 minutes and "Switch" or "Carbon
Nation" (a little longer) or we find a documentary of a city that has really gone
green (Santa Monica, Portland, Chicago, NYC ... small city better) to counter the
350 message of urgency with the forward moving, hopeful vision.
Doing this b/4 our meeting with the council (6/18) will alter the conversation to
ACTION and RESULTS.
Thanks Ross for jumping on this.
Paul
Cool Planet- engaging new people to take action for a sustainable climate
Citizens Climate Lobby- political will for a livable world
74
From: Krish Loobeek
Cc: Phil*pn Muessia
Subject: GreenStep City recognition at LMC Conference
Date: Wednesday, June 05, 2013 2:45:59 PM
I am writing on behalf of Philipp Muessig to inform you that your city will be recognized as
a Minnesota GreenStep Program participant at the upcoming League of Minnesota Cities
Conference on June 20th following the award luncheon. GreenStep Cities in attendance at the
conference will be asked to gather for a group photo on Thursday (June 20th) at 1:15pm
outside the 2nd floor Ballroom near the registration area. Afterward, cities that are receiving
awards will be recognized. If someone from your city will be in attendance at the Conference
they will be presented with a certificate of participation in the GreenStep program. Cities
unable to attend will have their certificates mailed to them at a different time. In order to
register for the entire Conference, or for only the award luncheon ($25), please visit the
League of Minnesota Cities webpage at www.lmc.org and click on the 2013 Annual
Conference and Marketplace logo. Registration closes on Friday, June 7th.
Kristi Loobeek
CERTs Communications Assistant
kristi@cleaneneravresourceteams.ora I work 612.626.1028 1 cell 612.227.3230
University of Minnesota's Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
411 Borlaug Hall 11991 Upper Buford Circle I St. Paul, MN 55108
MN Energy Stories: Looking for great energy stories & project models?
Get new weekly digest from CERTs >>
0
More from CERTs: Website I Facebook I Twitter I Linkedln I Elig& I YouTube
75
CITY OF EDINA MINNESOTA
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
March 2013 — February 2014 Term DRAFT SCHEDULE
February 14, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus:
Presentations: Philipp Muessig
March 14, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: WP2 Outreach around April 18 Edina Forum
Presentations: City of Edina Communications Staff
April 11, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Solid Waste WP6, WP9 Recommendations for residential soil waste ordinance and commercial recycling,
review goals and methods, and education and outreach report. Urban Forest Task Force Report
May 9, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Energy WP1, WP2, W133 Results and decisions around contract methods, planning, scope and budget for
building energy.
Presentations: CEE, Xcel, Centerpoint
June 13, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Complete Streets and Prepare for CC Worksession, W131-3 Energy, WP9 UFTF, WP6 Solid Waste and
Recycling.
Presentations: Wayne Houle / Jennifer Janovy
June 18, 2013 JOINT EEC / CC Workshop
July 11, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Sustainability in City Operations WP4 and WP8 purchasing policy.
Presentations: W138 Karen Kurt, W134 St. Cloud / Burnsville / Minneapolis examples of organization? City of Edina Staff,
Brett Emmons
WorkplanItem
WP1
City building energy project
May preview of staff proposal, discussion of State GESP
alternative
WP2
Energy efficiency community outreach
March vote for Earth Day proclamation, review of CEE - HES
enhanced service; April 18 event; May preview of staff
proposal, film show idea;
WP3
Promote EEEP,
May preview of staff proposal
WP3b
review residential PACE
May vote not to pursue
WP4
Integrate comp plan Ch 10 into city operations
March review of staff summary of City environmental goals
WPS
Surface water quality policy
WP6
Update solid waste license ordinance,
April vote not to recommend, update only.
WP6b
Provide commercial recycling
recommendation
WP7
Greenstep reporting
February review of 2012 greenstep actions
WP8
Purchasing policy
WP9
Urban Forestry
April vote to recommend proposal with minor amendments.
February 14, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus:
Presentations: Philipp Muessig
March 14, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: WP2 Outreach around April 18 Edina Forum
Presentations: City of Edina Communications Staff
April 11, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Solid Waste WP6, WP9 Recommendations for residential soil waste ordinance and commercial recycling,
review goals and methods, and education and outreach report. Urban Forest Task Force Report
May 9, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Energy WP1, WP2, W133 Results and decisions around contract methods, planning, scope and budget for
building energy.
Presentations: CEE, Xcel, Centerpoint
June 13, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Complete Streets and Prepare for CC Worksession, W131-3 Energy, WP9 UFTF, WP6 Solid Waste and
Recycling.
Presentations: Wayne Houle / Jennifer Janovy
June 18, 2013 JOINT EEC / CC Workshop
July 11, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Sustainability in City Operations WP4 and WP8 purchasing policy.
Presentations: W138 Karen Kurt, W134 St. Cloud / Burnsville / Minneapolis examples of organization? City of Edina Staff,
Brett Emmons
76
August 8, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: WP1 GESP/Performance Contracting/Building Re -commissioning, WP2 Review EEEP program
implementation, education and outreach coordination
Presentations: WP1 CEE, State DoC/Energy, City facilities manager WP2 Environmental Engineer
September 12, 2013 Meeting
City- Infrastructure Tour — Lift Station 6, Water Treatment Plant 6, 4MG reservoir, Bridge, Pond
Item of focus: Business Recycling Task Force Report
Presentations: Sarah Zarrin, others?
October 10, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: WP5
Presentations: Local watershed districts, UMN Academic, Staff
November 14, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: Create 2014 Workplan
December 12, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus: WP7 Prepare and review annual reports, awards, recognition.
January 9, 2014 Meeting
Item of focus:
February 13, 2013 Meeting
Item of focus:
LIST OF OTHER MEETING IDEAS / PRESENTATION
City of Eagan composting example
Edina website revisions / communications
Urban ecology, nutrient flows, water quality
Pollution prevention / swppp / whpp /noaa atlas 14
MCES sanitary service and environmental goals and implementation
CIP/Budget
ond T u��� - `1�'hat's Next?
u u �i:cr�olplanetmn "�'�
For More Info Contact.•
Paul or Mindy
952-920-1547
paulCacoolpllanetmn.org
mindy@coolplanetmn.org
OVER
Cool Planet's project "Beyond TOLBY - What's Next?" is structured to give
kids and youth (k-12) a powerful voice and the tools to make eco friendly
changes in their schools, home and community. Beyond TOLBY will
encourage energy conservation, and engage students, staff and families in a
deeper discussion about finding solutions to their environmental concerns and
re-imaging a sustainable future.
Our free program can be presented to classrooms, assemblies, parent
teacher organizations and district wide audiences. Multiple visits encourage
students to take the message home and report on follow-up actions. Flexible
format works with your school community to meet educational standards,
conserve energy and save money.
Cool Planet's goal is to engage people in positive solutions to address our
changing climate. JOIN USII A smart energy future begins with our kids.
Y",
Funding for this project was
provided by Hennepin
ti County through the Green
Partners environmental
education program.
www.hennepin.us/GreenPartners
-Save this date! C001 Plaimet
>:
Edina
Schools
•COnfab
�.w f
r ni
w
kq'��:cool�lanetn�o `�.�
For More Info Contact:
Paul or Mindy
952-920-1547
pawl@coolplanetmn.org
mindy@coolplanetmn.or
OVER
4-
Back to school gathering of teachers, staff, parents & students wanting to
move Edina schools Beyond 'TOLBY (Turn Off Lights Behind You)
THURSDAY AUGUST 15, 10am — 2pm
SOUTH VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL - ROOM 312 (thanks to Steve Fresse)
Bring something yummy for a local food picnic lunch
Agenda:
• Cool Planet's Beyond TOLBY- What's it all about?
• Meet other district eco leaders
• Share School projects and visions
• How to involve parents and families
• Making the link from fearful forecast to positive engagement
What participants are saying:
"We save energy in our home by turning off lights, turning down the thermostat when gone and
opening windows instead of AC." - Creek Valley Elementary student, Grade 3
"Not only does [Beyond TOLBY] activate engagement with students, but the students then get
their families involved." - Countryside Elementary teacher, Grade 5
"TOLBY is really just the beginning and there is much more work to be done." - Highlands
Elementary Principal
"Cool Planet has been an invaluable resource for the South View Environmental Group." - South
View MKk%e Schaal ESL Teaches
Cool Planet Family Action Team
Cool Planet has presented the Beyond TOLBY - What's Next? program
to your child's class and we invite you to join in the fun!
We are a Cool Planet Family, here is our Action Plan
We save energy in our home by doing these things:
We reduce our waste in our home by doing the following:
We teach our neighbors, relatives and friends in our neighborhood about the following
sustainable behaviors:
We are re -thinking and re -imagining a better world by:
X Student leader signature
X Parent signature X date
Comments:
Thank you for leading the way to an energy efficient, informed, and healthier Edina!
Funding for this project was provided by Hennepin
County through the Green Partners environmental
education program.
www.henneoin.us/Green Partner
0VER
Cool Planet Family Action Team
We are a Cool Planet Family...
❑ We would like information on a Home Energy Squad
Visit
❑ We use power strips to stop "phantom" energy leaks
❑ We have located our electric and gas meters
❑ We have studied our electric and gas bills and are monitoring our kilowatt
hours and therms
❑ We would like to borrow a killowatt meter to measure our electric use
❑ We would like more information about Cool Planet Family Frisbee and other
activities
Energy Users Names:
Phone:
Email:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
School:
Teacher's Name:
Mail completed form to:
For More Info Contact:
Paul or Mindy
952-920-1547
paul@coolplanetmn•org
mind cool lanetmn.org
www.coolplanet_mn.or
Class:
Cool Planet
4244 Crocker Ave
Edina, MN 55416
Cool Planet informs and inspires people to be fit, have
fun and take action for a healthy and sustainable home,
neighborhood and planet.
Cool Planet's goal is to engage people in positive
solutions to address our changing climate. JOIN US!! A
smart energy future begins with our kids.
0VER
x
ON, Saturday, June 29 & Sunday, June 30 �!/NNE.lOTA
Experience how MN disc sports play began!!-R/lBEE
�► Disc Golf and 6 other events - learn new skills.
In conjunction with Cool Planet's Edina Family Frisbee FestivalAne 29
ii�,irc�,ulpinnctm«s,5+�
Saturday, June 29, 9am - 6pm
Highlands Park, Edina
Accuracy
MTA (Maximum Time Aloft)
Distance
DDC (Double Disc Court)
Sunday, June 30, 9am - 4pm
Bryant Lake Disc Golf Course, Eden Prairie
Disc Golf (18 holes)
Lone Lake Park, Minnetonka
Discathon
Freestyle
i a
Registration and more info www.coolplanetmn.org or contact
Paul 952-920-1547 Paul@coolplanetmn.org