HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-14 EEC Meeting PacketAgenda
Energy and Environment Commission
City Of Edina, Minnesota
City Hall Community Room
Thursday, June 14, 2018
7:00 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A.Minutes: May 10, 2018
V.Special Recognitions And Presentations
A.St Paul's Sustainable Building Policy, Kurt Schultz
VI.Community Comment
During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share relevant issues
or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments 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 Board/Commission Members to respond to their
comments tonight. Instead, the Board/Commission might refer the matter to sta% for
consideration at a future meeting.
VII.Reports/Recommendations
A.Partners in Energy Closeout Report
B.Residential Organics Recycling
VIII.Correspondence And Petitions
A.Working Group Minutes
IX.Chair And Member Comments
A.Council Work Session Update
B.Education and Outreach
X.Sta2 Comments
XI.Calendar Of Events
A.2018 Schedule and Roster List
XII.Adjournment
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 ampli6cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: June 14, 2018 Agenda Item #: IV.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Sharon Allison, Executive Assistant
Item Activity:
Subject:Minutes: May 10, 2018
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Review and approve the minutes of May 10, 2018.
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Minutes: May 10, 2018
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
Minutes
City of Edina, Minnesota
Energy and Environment Commission
Edina City Hall, Community Room
May 10, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
I. Call To Order
Chair Jackson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. `
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Fernands, Hoffman, Horan, Hussain, Jackson, Kostuch, Manser, and Seeley
Late Arrival: Glahn (7:30 p.m.)
Absent: Madhok, Satterlee and Waddick
Staff Present: Staff Liaison Tara Brown and Sharon Allison
III. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Motion made by Commissioner Hoffman and seconded by Commissioner Manser to approve
the May 10, 2018, meeting agenda. All voted aye. Motion carried.
IV. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Motion made by Commissioner Kostuch and seconded by Commissioner Manser to approve
the April 12, 2018, meeting minutes. All voted aye. Motion carried.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
A. Emerald Ash Borer and Tree Ordinance Update
Forester, Luther Overholt, reported that Emerald Ash Borer larvae was found on approximately 10
privately owned trees in the city. He said some owners were treating or removing their tree. He said he
was taking proactive steps to save trees on City property by treating large, high-quality trees over a three-
year period. He said there were 77 Emerald Ash trees in Arden Park and the Parks and Recreation
Commission recently recommended that the Council approve replacing all of them with the largest size
trees within budgetary constraints. The Council was schedule to receive the recommendation at their May
15 meeting. Mr. Overholt said he was revising the Tree Ordinance to add Emerald Ash Borer like Dutch
Elm disease.
B. Fleet Emission Reduction Project
MN GreenCorp intern, Mehjabeen Rahman, updated the EEC on her work to identify opportunities to
reduce City fleet emissions. Her presentation included:
• Fleet Sustainability Goals
• Fleet Current Fuel Usage and Estimated Emissions
• Three Proposed Changes (No Idling Policy/Technology Changes/Setting Vehicle Use
Requirements)
• Next Steps (including roll out and implementing no-idling policy to City employees June 1
and final report to Council in July)
Ms. Rahman said the same presentation was made to the City’s leadership team recently and they were
very receptive. She said there were no-idling exceptions for ambulances, some fire, police and public
works vehicles.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
VI. Community Comment – None.
VII. Reports and Recommendations
A. City Council Work Session
The EEC updated their Work Plan in preparation for their work session with Council on May 15.
B. Partners in Energy Closeout Report
Staff liaison Tara Brown shared a summary of the Partners in Energy Program and recommended next
steps to continue the Electricity Action Plan. Her presentation included:
• Planning Phases
• Goals
• Accomplishments on Municipal Facilities
• House Parties
• Outreach & Community Events
• Windsource Campaign
• Other Residential Outreach Materials
• Business Outreach
• Office Tenant Engagement
• Impact on Municipal Energy, Residential Information Campaign, Business Energy
• Next Steps and Ongoing Tracking
Chair Jackson asked commissioners Hoffman and Hussain to work with their working groups to review
the report and identify outcomes.
VIII. Correspondence and Petitions
A. Working Group Minutes
• Minutes received from Business Energy Working Group.
Chair Jackson said she received a letter from a resident that grants were available from MPCA for
stormwater management and she contacted Community Development Director Cary Teague and shared
the letter with him.
IX. Chair and Member Comments
Chair Jackson updated the group on several events she attended.
Commissioner Hoffman said a volunteer sign-up sheet was available for the July 4th Parade.
X. Staff Comments
Ms. Brown presented an annual update on the City’s Purchasing Policy as it relates to sustainability. She
said the Request for Purchase includes a section on environmental impact and the City’s accounting
software has a dataset for tracking sustainable purchases.
XI. Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Glahn to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Commissioner
Hoffman. All voted aye. Motion carried.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date:
Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
J F M A M J J A S O N D # of Mtgs. Attendance %
Meetings/Work Sessions 1 1 1 1 1 5
NAME
Glahn, William 1 1 1 1 4 80%
Hoffman, Howard 1 1 1 1 4 80%
Horan, Michelle 1 1 1 1 4 80%
Hussian, Paul 1 1 1
Jackson, Carolyn 1 1 1 1 1 5 100%
Kostuch, Keith 1 1 1 1 1 5 100%
Manser, Richard 1 1 1 1 1 5 100%
Satterlee, Lauren 1 1 1 1 4 80%
Seeley, Melissa 1 1 1 1 1 5 100%
Waddick, Louise 1 1 1 3 60%
Fernands, Madeline (s) 1 1 1 1 1 5 100%
Madhok, Gauri (s) 1 1 1 3 60%
Date: June 14, 2018 Agenda Item #: V.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Tara Brown
Item Activity:
Subject:St Paul's Sustainable Building Policy, Kurt Schultz Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
Kurt Schultz, a St P aul Program Manager, will present St. Paul's Sustainable Building Policy and answer
questions on the policy and program management.
Date: June 14, 2018 Agenda Item #: VII.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Carolyn Jackson, Chair
Item Activity:
Subject:Partners in Energy Closeout Report Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Comment on report and identify any goals or actions that need to change moving forward.
INTRODUCTION:
2018 EEC Work Plan Initiative #2 states: Review and comment on the PiE staff report. Discuss of Partner's in
Energy Closeout Report and actions going forward to meet Electricity Action Plan Goals.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
PiE Closeout Meeting Presentation
Closeout Meeting
April 17, 2017
2
Agenda
2
Time
(mins)
Agenda
10 Welcome & Introductions
Agenda Overview & Meeting Objectives
10 Electricity Action Plan Overview
10 Review of Accomplishments
10 Review of Progress Toward Goals
30 Feedback and Lessons Learned
•Planning
•Plan itself
•Implementation
10 Best Opportunities to Continue the Momentum
10 Next Steps
3
Edina’s Electricity
Action Plan
3
4
Community Energy Action Team
4
Energy Action Team included City staff, Energy and
Environment Commission members, residents, Chamber
of Commerce, Edina School District, and Xcel Energy
Planning Phase: September 2015-July 2016
5
Electricity Action Plan
5
Vision:
Edina’s residents, schools,
businesses, and government
will successfully reduce the
community’s greenhouse gas
emissions by 30% by the
year 2025 through strategies
and actions that are
sustainable, practical, and
measurable.
6
Municipal Facilities
6
Goals:
•Lower the City’s GHG emissions by 7.5% over 18
months
•Reduce the City’s GHG emissions 30% by 2025 from a
2012 baseline
Strategies:
•Implement recommended energy use reduction projects
from CR-BPB building study
•Negotiate renewable purchase for municipal electricity
7
Residential Information Campaign
Goals:
•750 homes take energy saving actions each year
•Double the number of subscribers to Windsource®, and
double the average subscription amount within 18 months
Strategies:
•Drive traffic to City-operated web resource through City
communication channels
•Foster neighborhood-based outreach and leadership
•Leverage outreach events for Windsource sign-up
7
8
Business Energy
Goal:
•Reduce and/or off-set 2% of electricity usage annually
Strategies:
•Engage the top business energy users to take action on
greenhouse gas through offsets and reductions
•Target smaller businesses such as restaurants, retail, and
others with recognition programs
•Ongoing management and tracking
•Assess and recommend policy options to support
greenhouse gas reductions for Edina businesses
8
9
Accomplishments
9
10
Municipal Facilities
•Setting a strategy and budget to
make energy efficiency a facility
management priority
–Facility Management is 1 of 4 City
Work Plan and Budge Pillars. Six of
the 30 actions are related to
sustainability
–Increased the CAS Fund to support
work
•Acting on 15 lighting and HVAC
replacements
•Utilizing experts for a Turnkey
Service at Centennial Lakes and a
recommissioning study at Braemar
Arena
•Continuing to identify future
opportunities in office computers
and street lights
11
City Communications
Energy House Parties
www.EdinaMN.gov 12
13
Outreach at Community Events
13
Windsource Campaign
14
15
Home Energy Fair
16
Other Residential Outreach
Materials
17
Business Outreach
•Business survey
•Email through account
managers
•Turn Key presentation to 50th
and France business
association
•Turn Key walk-throughs
18
Office Tenant Engagement
19
ROI on Residential Outreach
Efforts
19
Outreach Effort Input Output Outcome
Tabling –Edina Open Streets
(2016)
Volunteer time, city staff 16 pledges Unknown
Conservation MN Presentation Partners in Energy
presenter time, city staff
31 attendees, 8
pledges
Unknown
Xcel Energy email to residents
(April 2017)
Partners in Energy and
Xcel staff time
1,753 emails delivered 28% open rate, 2%
click through rate
Home energy party City staff time to prep,
volunteer host
40 attendees, over 20
pledges
9 actions taken
Film Series Volunteer time, city staff 15 pledges
Fourth of July Parade Volunteer time, city staff Unknown
Tabling –Edina Open Streets
(2017)
Volunteer time, city staff 30 pledges Unknown
Xcel Energy email to residents
(September 2017)
Partners in Energy and
Xcel staff time
4,455 emails delivered 61% open rate, 4%
click through rate
Xcel Energy email to residents
(October 2017)
Partners in Energy and
Xcel staff time
6,705 emails delivered 15% open rate, 5%
click through rate
Home Energy Fair City staff and volunteer
time
150+ attendees 17 HES signups, 7
Windsource
20
ROI on Business Outreach Efforts
20
Outreach Effort Input Output Outcome
Business survey sent through Xcel
Energy account managers
Letter and survey link ? Letters sent 1 response
Turn Key presentation to 50th &
France business association
Presentation,door-to-
door outreach
24+ attendees 24 signups for
walk-throughs
Turn Key walk-throughs 2 Turn Key staff for 1 day 20 walk-throughs 1 signup
One-on-one outreach to large
businesses
City staff and EEC time 7 businesses
contacted
Unknown
Centennial Lakes office tenant
engagement presentation
Partners in Energy and
City staff time
5 attendees Unknown
21
Resources utilized
21
Printing,
production,
postage or ad
placement
Social Media
Advertising
Business Energy
Conservation
Event (Large)
Business Energy
Conservation
Event (Small -
Med)
Xcel’s PiE MOU Fund $ 3,000 $ 500 $ 1,000 $ 1,000
Spent $ 1,500 $ 218 195$
Left to spend $ 1,500 $ 282 $ 805 $ 1,000
4th of July $ 2,100
Business/Resident Outreach
October 750$
Windsource Social Media
test on YouTube $ 280
Coffee Talk $ 450
Continued Actions
22
Impact
22
23
Municipal Energy
Goal Actual Percent of
Goal
Lower the City’s GHG
emissions by 7.5% over 18
months, or 1.35 million kWh
Estimated 336,992 kWh in
savings over 18 months of
implementation
25%* awaiting
Braemar #’s
Reduce the City’s GHG
emissions 30% by 2025 from a
2012 baseline
6,229 MTCO2e emissions in
2017, a 22% reduction below
2012 baseline
73%
Image by Gephart | CC BY
Residential Information Campaign
Goal Actual Percent of Goal
750 Actions Annually 1,185 Actions in 2017 158%
1,350 Windsource subscribers 926 Windsource®Subscribers*68%
700 kWh Average Windsource
Subscription 346 kWh/month 49%
24 *Edina had 917 Windsource subscribers as of the end of December 2017. An estimated 9 new residential
customers subscribed to Windsource between December 2017 and March 2017
25
Business Energy
25
Goal Actual Percent of Goal
Save 7.3 million kWh
annually
10,027,003 kWh saved
in 2017 137%
26
Emissions Reductions from
Conservation and Renewables
26
Focus Area Emissions Reduction over
Implementation Period*
(MTCO2e)
Municipal (only rebate programs)131**
Residential –Energy Efficiency 398
Residential –Renewable Energy 1,477 (annually)
Business 4,420
TOTAL 6,426
*Does not include savings from Saver’s Switch **Does not include other municipal energy reduction action
27
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
27
*Data Notes
-Emissions factors from Xcel Energy-Energy Use for 2017 is from Xcel Energy
-Energy Use for 2009 is a MMBtu value for Edina’s electricity use from the Regionals Indicators Initiative, converted to kWh
and MtCO2 using Xcel Emissions Factors
-Use is not weather normalized
•33%reduction in electricity-related greenhouse gas
emissions from 2009-2017*
•Electricity use accounted for approximately 55% of
CO2 emissions in 2009, and 37% of emissions in 2013
28
Next Steps for Edina
•Continue actions to meet annual goals
•Review 18 month goals and actions
•Look at policies that support efficiency
and renewables
28
Residential Information Campaign
Goal Actual Percent of
Goal
City Facilities
Lower emissions by 7.5%
over 18 months, or 1.35
million kWh
Estimated 336,992 kWh in
savings
25%*
awaiting
Braemar #’s
Residential goals
750 Actions Annually 1,185 Actions in 2017 158%
1,350 Windsource
subscribers
926 Windsource®
Subscribers*68%
700 kWh Average
Windsource Subscription 346 kWh/month 49%
Business goal
Save 7.3 million kWh
annually
10,027,003 kWh saved in
2017 137%
30 *Edina had 917 Windsource subscribers as of the end of December 2017. An estimated 9 new residential
customers subscribed to Windsource between December 2017 and March 2017
Date: June 14, 2018 Agenda Item #: VII.B.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Report and Recommendation
From:Tara Brown, Sustainability Coordinator
Item Activity:
Subject:Residential Organics Recycling Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Review staff report and comment on recommendation to Council.
INTRODUCTION:
2018 EEC Work Plan Initiative #4 states: Review and comment on policy options for residential organics
recycling.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Staff Report on Residential Organics Recycling
June 8, 2018
Mayor and City Council
Tara Brown, Sustainability Coordinator
Solvei Wilmot, RS, Environmental Health Specialist/Recycling Coordinator
Residential Organics Recycling
Information / Background:
Vision Edina’s Environmental Stewardship Strategic Focus Area states: ‘Edina community is focused and invested
in world-class citywide resource management systems, built around the leading principles of environmental
sustainability.’ In the 2018-2019 Budget Work Plan, a strategy under Budget Goal #3 Connected & Sustainable
Development is to ‘Determine strategy and timeline for meeting waste reduction goals with residential organics
recycling by Q2 2018.’ This report details key information and policy options to support the community in
meeting the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) and Hennepin County’s goal to recycle 75% of waste
as well as the city’s sustainability goal to reduce our GHG emissions 30% by 2025.
Current waste management success in Edina
• Residents’ participation rate for the curbside recycling program is at 91%.
• Edina school system’s organics recycling makes up 21% of total waste; one of the highest diversion rates.
• Based on reporting from haulers, estimated residential waste mix is 50% waste, 26% recycling, 20% yard
waste, and 3% source separated compostable material collected by hauler that offers organics recycling.
MPCA and County Direction
• MPCA’s Metropolitan Solid Waste Mater Plan 2016-2036 was approved on April 6, 2017 and outlined
the goals of municipal solid waste:
• See Appendix A for organics waste, yard waste, co-mingled, and other waste definitions
STAFF REPORT Page 2
• State statute requires Hennepin County to respond to MPCA’s plan to reach the goal of recycling 75%
of waste by 2030. To meet this, the County developed the 2018 Solid Waste Management Master Plan
and in it:
o County proposes to amend Ordinance 13 in 2018 to require cities to provide residents the
opportunity to recycle organics by 2022.
o County will focus more on organics; including allocating 50% of SCORE Funding to organics
recycling residents by 2020.
• As a County, residential organics recycling sits at 3-4%, and the organics with yard waste sits at 10%.
Edina’s rate was approximately 23% (organics with yard waste) in 2017. There has not been an uptick
in this number for seven years at the County level, which is one reason they are mandating organics
recycling to assist in getting the organics recovery to 12% by 2020 countywide. The other reason is
organics make up the largest percent of residential waste.
Why organics?
Each year, 40 percent of food in the
United States goes to waste. Not only
is an individual’s money spent on
purchasing food and hauling wasted
food, but there is the resource
investment in fertilizer, energy, water,
cropland, and production costs
expended that is a loss to the greater
community when food is sent to
landfills.
In 2016, Hennepin County completed a
residential waste study report. The
study found 25% of the trash was
organics; yet only 4% of all residential
organics is being recovered (recycled). Figure 1 shows the recycling rates by material. Clearly, Organics has the
biggest opportunity and impact in reducing waste to landfills.
Other municipalities, counties and states are seeing the value in separating organics at a larger scale including
Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, and our city comparables of Highland Park, IL, Manhattan Beach, CA, and Menlo
Park, CA have all implemented some form of organics recycling to recapture the resource, reduce waste and
reduce GHG emissions.
Figure 1: Graph from 2016 Hennepin County
Waste Study Organics makes up 25% of the
trash
STAFF REPORT Page 3
City City
Contract
Everyone
Pays Hauler(s) Collection Method Program Cost Structure
Cost/
Year
Households
w/ Organics
Households
w/ Curbside
Recycling
Partici
pation
Rate
Minneapolis Yes Yes City & MRI Organics alone Included in solid waste cost NA 46,228 106,855 43%
St. Louis Park Yes Yes Advanced Collected w/ yard waste Included in solid waste cost NA 3,596 12,362 29%
Wayzata Yes Yes Randy's Co-collected w/ trash Included in recycling cost ($96/year)* NA 379 1,285 29%
Medina Yes Yes Randy's Co-collected w/ trash Included in recycling cost ($60/year) NA 385 2,035 19%
St. Bonifacius Yes Yes Randy's Co-collected w/ trash Included in recycling cost ($60/year) NA 86 843 10%
Osseo Yes Yes Randy's Co-collected w/ trash Included in recycling cost ($70/year) NA 41 595 7%
Medicine Lake Yes Yes Randy's Co-collected w/ trash Included in recycling cost ($60/year) NA 37 168 22%
Maple Plain Yes No Randy's Co-collected w/ trash Additional cost $59-79 35 916 4%
Loretto Yes No Randy's Co-collected w/ trash Additional cost $59-80 16 268 6%
21 cities with
blue bag
organics
No No Open:
Randy's
Co-collected w/trash) Additional cost $59-89 1,226 149,157 0.8%
Edina No No Open:
Vierkant
Collected w/ yard waste Additional cost $59-89 not
reported
14,185 NA
Totals 52,029 288,669
Organic Recycling Programs in Hennepin County
Current programs reported in September 2017 as a part of SCORE grant applications
*Wayzata has a higher than average recycling and organics cost due to receiving a discount on trash
**See Appendix D for a list of 21 cities summarized in ’21 cities with blue bag organics’
STAFF REPORT Page 4
Current Policy Options
After engaging with multiple stakeholders, below is a high-level summary of potential policies. By 2022, Edina
will need to provide residents the opportunity to recycle organics. Additionally, to improve the organic
recycling rates, encouragement, education, and services will need to go beyond current actions.
Ordinance/
Policy
Meets
County
Mandate
Potential
Impact to
Organics
Recovery
Rate
Pros Cons Estimated cost
to residents
Resource
needs
No action No Remain at
3%
participation
Keep status quo Does not meet County
mandate. Penalty unknown.
None None
Include organic
collection
service as a
requirement for
hauler licensing
Yes Unknown.
No other
city has
tested this
policy.
- Be a test for the policy
- Gives parties interested in
organics the ability to
request service from hauler
- Ties organics recycling to
trash choices
-Delivery of service is left to
haulers which can lead to
inconsistent delivery and
education of service
-Depending on collection,
method there could be
more trucks
Organics is $59-
$89 per year by
two haulers that
choose to provide
the service in the
county
0.5 FTE
for
education
and
outreach
Curbside
Organics
Collection:
Voluntary Sign-
up, charge to
only those that
sign-up
Yes Of the 2
MN cities,
participation
ranges from
4% to 6%
-Gives parties interested in
organics the ability to
request service
- Will be challenging to get
the best rate, as the count of
participants will be a moving
target
- Cities that started with this
have moved to dispersing
cost of service to all
-Depending on collection
method there could be
more trucks
No current data
on cost.
1 FTE
headcount
to manage
organics
and
recycling
Curbside
Organics
Collection
similar to
recycling
program: cost
of service
dispersed to all.
Yes Of the 7
MN cities,
participation
ranges from
7% to 43%,
average is
23%
-Increase in participation
-Consistent service and
communication
-More consistent and
complete metrics
-Depending on collection
method, there could be less
trucks
- Depending on collection
method there could be
more trucks
- Depending on collection
there could be more bins to
move in and out
-Residents not composting
will subsidize residents in
citywide collection
Organics +
recycling is $60-
$96 per year
1 FTE
headcount
to manage
organics
and
recycling
Further breakdown of Policy Options
No action – The proposed Hennepin County ordinance does not require the City to offer organic recycling
upon request to residents until 2022. The City can choose to take no action at this time and relook at the topic
in the future before the 2022 deadline. Note that the Energy and Environment recommended against this type
of action in their recommendation to Council in their Advisory Communication on September 14, 2017:
‘…Edina should look to institute city-wide curbside organics collection sooner than the 2022 date set forth by
the MPCA Solid Waste Master Plan. With the recycling contract up for bid in 2019, staff time would be best
spent drafting an RFP for organics collection by the end of 2018…’
STAFF REPORT Page 5
Hauler license requirement – There is currently no city in the metro area with this type of policy and
therefore, there is no data on how this impacts recycling rates. This policy is an opt-in for residents on
participation and rates. If this policy was chosen, staff would recommend updating the licensing requirements to
include in renewal of licensing that residential waste hauler must provide organic recycling services if requested
by an Edina customer. This ties organic recycling to trash haulers. Additionally, staff would recommend requiring
haulers to disclose organic recycling household counts to ensure SCORE funding is received and can be passed
on to residents. Depending on how organics is picked up by each hauler, there could be an increase or a
decrease in trucks.
In 2016, Energy and Environment Commissioners, Michelle Horan and Melissa Seeley, and Recycling
Coordinator, Solvei Wilmot, met with four haulers to discuss the impacts of an organics recycling mandate.
Haulers voiced similar feedback. Feedback included:
1. The main concern is the lack of compost processing facilities. In 2016, there was no facility taking new
customers with mix yard waste and organics.
2. Concern over raising all customers’ yard waste rates if organics are collected with yard wastes.
3. Haulers are unsure if they will subcontract organics hauling or add truck to existing route. Concerned
about additional distance to travel to process and collect
4. Frustration regarding County’s mandate to reduce solid waste by 12% without the proper infrastructure
to collect/process organics.
5. Felt that it was too early for the city, but would comply if customers request organics
6. Overall, not entirely opposed to the organics collection, more concerned about the process of
collection and processing.
Since this discussion, additional site capacity opened in 2018 to take on organics collection, which lessens
concerns 1 and 4. This is a moving target as the market is always changing. While the program could launch
under current staff resources, it would take away from current education and staffing could not take on the
additional educational support and outreach for both haulers and residents to increase organics participation
rates. It is recommended that funding up to $50,000 be provided annually for a part-time staff resource to meet
educational needs. Additional cost beyond staff resource for this policy would be a small budget for marketing
and outreach which could be covered by SCORE funding.
Curbside Organics Recycling – City-wide organics recycling program will allow residents a consistent
service like the city-wide curbside recycling program, will likely provide reduced rates for recycling and organics
collection to residents, will create more rigor around metrics, and allow consistent education to reduce
contamination and improve recycling rates. Case study cities have seen large participation and recovery that
continue to grow year over year from this service, but note this is a large endeavor as it would mean the City
would launch a new service to residents.
To support the new service a full-time staff resource is necessary; estimated funding would be $90,000 annually.
This request is based on learnings and efficiencies from neighboring cities that have implemented services. A
headcount is needed to answer residential requests, manage vendor, create and manage marketing engagement
plan, deliver ongoing education, and manage reporting. A full headcount is needed as there is a significant
learning curve for many residents. Similar to curbside recycling, funding the staff resource could be a part of the
organics recycling service fee. Depending on the collection type, additional cost could include marketing
materials to launch the program or carts for organics collection. SCORE grant can be used to offset some these
costs as well contract cost of the curbside organics.
STAFF REPORT Page 6
While neither of these are a guarantee, there are two resources that might be available to launch a program.
Hennepin County is looking to support two to three organic recycling pilots. The County may grant $20,000 to
$30,000 per year for two to three years. The second opportunity is GreenCorps members dedicated to waste
minimization that Edina could apply to host.
Some Edina residents complain about the number of trucks on the road as they add to noise pollution, air
pollution, and wear and tear on the roads. While the amount of trucks on the road cannot be known for
organic recycling policies until operation is planned, curbside organics does present the greatest opportunity for
a reduction in trucks. Depending on pickup, a curbside recycling program could reduce the amount of trucks on
the road if co-collected with yard waste and/or recycling and organics were picked up in a split truck.
Through the stakeholder process, Council directed staff to reach out to those that offer organics service to
Edina residents now. When asked how about organics recycling could look in the future, Vierkant Disposal
stated that if the city wanted to get ahead of organics, bidding out recycling and organics recycling across the
entire city would be the best bet. Edina’s current recycling contract ends December 31, 2019. At the end of
2018, Edina will have to bid out for a recycling contract that will begin in January, 2020. If curbside organics
recycling is taken on, bidding it out for organics at the same time as recycling could make the process efficient,
present savings, and reduce the amount.
Other considerations
No matter what policy Edina moves forward with, the below topics are considerations to advance organics.
• Capacity at processing sites – The capacity and type of materials accepted at processing continues
to change. Previously, a large hurdle to organics recycling was the little to no new capacity at processing
sites. However, this year Specialized Environmental Technologies (SET) site opened with additional
capacity with source separated for organics only (not co-mingled organics and yard waste). Shakopee
Mdewakanton Sioux Community Compost Facility (SMSC) has expanded capacity co-mingled organics
recycling and yard waste. The current capacity removes one of the largest barriers to increased organic
collections, but this could change if capacity is contracted out.
• Data and its impact on measuring success and attaining grant money. Currently, data is
inconsistent for waste collection, which makes it challenging to measure progress. For organics
recycling, the hauler that does provide organics recycling will not disclose the count of households
signed up for organics recycling. Without this data, we cannot report to Hennepin County the organic
recycling rates within the city. Not only does this leave us without an understanding of adoption rates,
we cannot request SCORE funding to support organics recycling.
• Shifts in SCORE Funding - County has already begun to shift the SCORE funding from general
recycling to organics. By 2020, half of the $3,600,000 in SCORE funding will be allocated to organics
recycling. This means the current funding of $172,857 Edina receives will be reduced to $108,035 in
three years. Edina’s ability to apply for the $1,800,000 SCORE funding available to organics recycling
will depend on the count of households recycling organics as a percent of the total county households
recycling organics.
Final recommendation
Vision Edina’s Environmental Stewardship Strategic Focus Area states: ‘Edina community is focused and invested
in world-class citywide resource management systems, built around the leading principles of environmental
sustainability.’ Council stated their goal was to increase the residential organic recycling rate. All policies have
trade-offs, but the policy that will go beyond incremental increase in organic recycling rates and has proven
STAFF REPORT Page 7
results in the metro area is creating a policy and program around curbside organics recycling. The program
would bid out with the next recycling program, and would require one full-time person to manage the RFP,
launch the program, and manage the program.
Appendix
APPENDIX A: Definitions
Organic Waste: includes compost ingredients such as: coffee grounds, food wastes, fresh fruit, vegetable scraps,
fish and animal waste, plant materials, sanitary products, tissues, paper towels and paper that is not recyclable
because the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has determined that no other
person is willing to accept the paper for recycling. It does not include yard waste.
Yard waste: grass clippings, plants, leaves and small branches
Source Separated Compostable Material: includes organic waste and may include yard waste. Collected
separately from refuse for the purpose of biodegradation at an approved compost facility.
Co-mingled: Organic waste and yard waste have not been separated and are mixed together in one cart or bag.
Co-collected: Organic waste and yard waste are separated by placing organics into a sealed compostable bag and
placed into a cart with yard waste, or a cart with recycling, or a cart with refuse. The bagged organic material is
then removed later at a recovery facility and then delivered to a compost facility. The other materials in the cart
(yard waste or recycling or refuse) are processed separately.
STAFF REPORT Page 8
APPENDIX B: Content from Hennepin County Staff from reviewing organic collection programs
What do we know from existing organics programs?
The following program elements yield better results:
• Curbside (vs. drop-offs)
• City contract (vs. open system)
• Everyone pays (vs. only subscribers pay)
• Opt out (vs. opt in)
o Opt in means only those who sign up get a cart/service
o Opt out means everyone gets a cart/service to begin with
All programs are currently opt in (sign up to participate) with weekly pickup.
The table below summarizes the most commonly cited barriers to implementing organics recycling.
Barriers to Organics Experience
Don’t really want another cart
Minneapolis has successfully implemented organics with another
cart. St. Louis Park residents receive another cart if they sign up
for organics. Both those cities are higher density cities with less
space. Wayzata initially used a separate cart for organics and
participation was actually higher than it is now with the Blue Bag
system.
Don’t want another truck on the streets
Trash collection is responsible for putting the most trucks on the
roads. Cities with open trash collection often have 4+ garbage
trucks driving around. St. Louis Park has 3 trucks total, for all its
programs. Cities with the best organics programs have fewer
trucks than cities without organics.
Low demand from residents
The same was said about Minneapolis and St. Louis Park. It’s
difficult to promote a program that doesn’t exist. First, people
need the opportunity to participate. Then participation will grow
over time with education and outreach, following a path similar
to the development of recycling.
STAFF REPORT Page 9
It’s an additional cost
Residents that live in cities with the best organics programs often
pay less for waste services than residents in cities without
organics. Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Medina, and Wayzata
charge less than $275/household/year for recycling, organics and
trash. Most residents pay $275 to $315 per year just for recycling
and trash service.
STAFF REPORT Page 10
How can we move forward on organics?
Organics Options County Staff Comments
Status quo
Without requirements, progress has been slow. The county has provided
extensive technical and financial support to get organics programs going.
The only new citywide programs in the last 6 years are Minneapolis and St.
Louis Park. The county board required Minneapolis to implement curbside
organics. St. Louis Park has a progressive council.
Drop-off sites
Drop-offs are a good way to build awareness and support for organics, but
only the dedicated participate. Drop-offs helped Minneapolis with a smooth
transition to a curbside program by educating residents on why organics
recycling is important and what’s accepted.
Hauler licensing conditions
If every licensed hauler had to provide organics service upon request, the
market would be fragmented. This fragmentation would likely inhibit
efficient collection and financial viability. Haulers may choose to sub-
contract or essentially price themselves out of the market by only offering
organics service at an exorbitant price.
Organics with recycling RFP
Organics are defined as a recyclable material by state statute. Of the 44
cities in the county, 42 contract for recycling. Including organics with the
recycling RFP is a low-risk way to see what options are available. The city
reserves the right to choose if and how to proceed with organics after
proposals are received and reviewed.
Separate contract for organics
If a city doesn’t want to include organics with their recycling RFP, they can
put out a separate RFP for organics. This is an option if the expiration of the
recycling contract doesn’t align with the timeline for organics
implementation and the city prefers not to amend the recycling contract.
Organized collection This would allow cities to create the organics program of their choice at the
best price; however, it’s not politically feasible in most cities.
County requirement
Hennepin County staff proposal to increase organics diversion is to revise
Ordinance 13 to require cities to contract for organics by January 1, 2021.
The goal is to give residents the opportunity to participate in organics
recycling and create programs that yield the best results.
STAFF REPORT Page 11
APPENDIX C: List of cities using blue bag
City Blue Bag Participants Open or Organized
Brooklyn Center 4 Open
Brooklyn Park 9 Open
Corcoran 115 Open
Crystal 27 Open
Dayton 7 Open
Golden Valley 41 Open
Greenfield 4 Open
Greenwood 6 Open
Hanover 4 Open
Independence 16 Open
Long Lake 5 Open
Loretto 16 Organized
Maple Grove 52 Open
Maple Plain 35 Organized
Medicine Lake 37 Organized
Medina 385 Organized
Minnetonka 596 Open
Minnetrista 13 Open
Mound 18 Open
New Hope 11 Open
Orono 96 Open
Osseo 41 Organized
Plymouth 99 Open
Richfield 50 Open
Rogers 13 Open
Shorewood 40 Open
St. Bonifacius 86 Organized
Wayzata 379 Organized
Total 2,205
STAFF REPORT Page 12
APPENDIX D: Example of City Promotions that Launched Organics Programs
St. Louis Park
New customer incentive. As of May 1, 2016 the city is offering two free quarters (a $20 value) to the first 1,000
new customers who sign up for organics recycling. This will appear as a one-time credit on the quarterly utility
bill. Already part of the program? Receive one free quarter (a $10 value) for each new customer you refer who
signs up and mentions your name and address.
Minneapolis
Education campaign:
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/www/groups/public/@publicworks/documents/webcontent/wcmsp-187850.pdf
Minnetonka
In Minnetonka Memo newsletter: The first 150 Minnetonka residents who sign up for organics recycling in 2016
will receive one free year of service, paid for by the city. Existing organics customers, don’t feel left out! As part
of the grant program, the city is providing a limited supply of compostable bags and kitchen containers to both
new and existing organics customers for no charge. Stop by the Public Works Facility at 11522 Minnetonka
Boulevard to get a container and 25 bags.
http://eminnetonka.com/images/Minnetonka%20Memo/Memo_feb2016_final.pdf
Medina
$20 credit on your garbage bill if you are a new organics recycling customer and or an existing organics
customer who refers new participants. This offer is limited to the first 340 new customers and referrals and
only available to Medina residents. The referral incentive is only available to organics recycling customers who
were part of the program prior to August 1, 2016. Referrals must mention your name and address when signing
up. You can receive a $20 credit for each new customer you refer, up to 4 new households – that means you
could receive up to an $80 credit on your garbage bill!
http://medinamn.us/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Aug-Sept-2016-Newsletter-Story-Organics-Incentive-20-
Credit.pdf
Date: June 14, 2018 Agenda Item #: VIII.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Minutes
From:Sharon Allison, Executive Assistant
Item Activity:
Subject:Working Group Minutes Discussion
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
None.
INTRODUCTION:
Receive minutes from the Education & Outreach and Business Energy Efficiency and Conversation Working
Groups.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Minutes: EOWG April 5, 2018
Minutes: EOWG May 3, 2018
Minutes: BEEC May 22, 2018
Minutes
Education and Outreach Working Group Energy & Environment Commission
Edina City Hall, Mayor’s Conference Room
I. Call To Order: April 5, 2018 at 7:20 pm
II. Attendees: Lauren Satterlee, Jeff Lundgren, Bob Gubrud, Chuck Prentice,
Paul Thompson
III. Agenda approved
IV. Minutes from last meeting approved unanimously
V. Topics Discussed
a. 2018 Events
i. Tabling series - The committee agreed to focus efforts on events
that would be most impactful, and concluded on selective sporting
related events and selective Family Fun Nights.
1. Paul agreed to reach out to city staff and athletic leaders to
identify a list of potential events in both categories.
2. Once targeted events are identified, Lauren will create and
coordinate the volunteer sign-up, connecting with MJ as
appropriate.
3. Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate donations are to be solicited
and/or costs understood for the 2018 budget.
ii. 4th of July Parade
1. The group concluded that pinwheels were preferable to hand
fans.
2. There was concern 3,500 pinwheels was not adequate. If
Xcel only provides 3,500, the EOWG will look to increase
numbers to at least 5,000 using it’s 2018 budget as
necessary.
b. 2018 Budget
i. Lauren confirmed the 2018 budget is $1,500.
ii. Brief discussion on fundraising opportunities, suggestions included:
1. Charging a nominal amount for coffee/hot chocolate (amount
to be waived if pledge card filled out)
2. Design and sell t-shirts
iii. Lauren to inquire if fundraising of these natures would be permitted
by the City.
iv. Jeff volunteered to manage the budget process for 2018.
c. Energy Fair Follow-up Calls
i. Lauren offered to divvy up the list and circulate it along with the
tracking spreadsheet and script to all working group members.
ii. It was agreed that callers were to leave a message with their
contact details, and also to call back one other time (maximum of 2
contact attempts).
d. 2019 Home Energy Fair or Home Energy Tour
i. It was agreed to explore collaborating with other cities to broaden
the reach of the event, increase its size and share in the
responsibilities to coordinate it.
1. Metro Commission meeting on 4/7 – Lauren will attend part
of event to gain insight as to the appetite of other
communities.
2. Also discussed reaching out to neighboring SW metro
suburbs to gauge interest.
e. 2017 Sign-up Data
i. Bob requested further data from Xcel regarding 2017 sign-ups /
actions so we could better gage the impact of 2017 EOWG actions.
ii. Lauren to follow up with Howard to try to obtain more granular data.
VI. Adjournment: 8:45 pm
VII. Next Meeting: May 3, 2018, 7:00pm, Mayor’s Room
Minutes
Education and Outreach Working Group Energy & Environment Commission
Edina City Hall, Mayor’s Conference Room
I. Call To Order: May 3, 2018 7:20
II. Attendees: Howard Hoffman, Bob Gubrud
III. Agenda approved
IV. Minutes from last meeting approved unanimously
V. Topics Discussed
a. Tabling events
b. 2019 Earth day
Adjourned 7:50
VI. Next Meeting: May 3, 2018, 7:00pm, Mayor’s Room
BEEC working group Meeting
May 22nd, 2018
In attendance:
Michelle Horan
Paul Hussian
Carolyn Jackson
Culmination of the work from PiE and the BEEC Working Group
Business Recognition Program
Benchmarking ordinance
Handout/questionnaire created for commercial building permit requests
Make sure that everyone in the permitting office is aware of the document
Make sure it gets handed out to anyone who requests a permit
Who - tara?
Tennant /Owner Presentations
PiE close out report
Celebrate what we accomplished and not focus on the negative.
Create 5 bullet points that we can use to share with the community
What will happen with the results of PiE and how can that be brought to the
business community?
Promote it through publications
About town
Sun Current
Other?
Who- Tara?
Business Recognition Program (BRP)
Mayor is in favor of a Business recognition program
An award
An event.
Lots of man hours. Does EEC want to take this on?
Hard to get people to attend
Marshall Business Recognition
Michelle feels this program is a better way to get buy in from more businesses,
have staying power and impact
Carolyn and Paul agree
First Steps to create the Business Recognition Program (BRP)
Add more members to BEEC ( would like to change the name of the working group to
Business Environment Working Group)
Business people - especially those who have made sustainability decisions
David Fruanshuh
Byerlys/Lunds
Fairview person
Each of the BEEC members will tap into their network for possible members
Property rental owners
Create a Report for EEC about Marshall’s BRP - Michelle
Create presentation for various business groups and get in from of them - Tara
Rotary
Chamber of Commerce
How can we create a partnership with the Chamber?
Research and try to connect with the Chamber for Innovations and Clean
Energy (http://www.chambersforinnovation.com ) - Michelle will do some
research
How to reach more businesses
Can we tap into the food businesses through Solvei?
Design community - Mike Woosley
Incentify businesses to pass on the BPR questionnaire to other businesses
Go over and the tailor questions
Add open ended questions
Questions about how to finance - PACE
Clarify data collect process - IT person? Check with Tara about any city staff time from
publicity or IT person
Partner with the High School May Term program to see if we could create an on going
BPR May Term project.
Establish the means of promoting and recognizing those qualified businesses
Fourth of July Parade
Names of businesses on a sign
Invite those owners/employees to march
Business names on signs at any EEC event
About town
Sun Current
Possible advertising at any of the city facilities?
Window cling
Date: June 14, 2018 Agenda Item #: IX.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Carolyn Jackson, Chair
Item Activity:
Subject:Council Work Session Update
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
Chair Jackson to give an update on the May 15 work session with City Council.
Date: June 14, 2018 Agenda Item #: IX.B.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
From:Lauren Satterlee
Item Activity:
Subject:Education and Outreach Action
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
Sign-up for an event where you can volunteer.
INTRODUCTION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
EEC Volunteer sheet for 4th of July
The EEC registered as a participant in the parade! Let's be strong in our respresentation!
We are planning to meet at about 9:30am and will communicate via email what position the EEC is in the parade
and where to meet. We'll be carrying banners, driving the city's Nissan Leaf, have the CEE Home Energy
Squad van, and distributing plants and Windsource pinwheels.
We need help with assembling pinwheels to give out at the parade. When you sign up for the parade, please
indicate in the subsequent columns if you're available on the evening of July 2 or July 3 to assemble pinwheels.
[Please fill in all fields.]
Name Email Phone
EEC or EOWG
member who
invited you
Can you help with
assembly of
Windsource
pinwheels on July
2nd at 5:30pm at City
Hall?
Can you help with
assembly of
Windsource
pinwheels on July
3rd at 5:30pm at City
Hall?
Do you have a
wagon we could use
to transport the
WindSource
pinwheels?
Do you have
reusable shopping
bags and small
boxes we could use
to pack the
WindSource
pinwheels?
Will you invite
others to join us and
add their names &
emails to this list?
Start at Station #1 for
pinwheels/ fans - 50th
& Eden Ave
1
2
Start at Station #2 for
pinwheels/ fans - 50th
& Browndale
3
4
Start at Station #3 for
pinwheels/ fans - 50th
& Wooddale
5
6
Bring banners &
poles to starting
position of parade
7
8
Leave car at end of
parade and bring
poles/ banners, etc
back to City Hall
9
10
Start at starting
position of parade,
help hand out
pinwheels, plants, etc
throughout the
parade
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Date: June 14, 2018 Agenda Item #: XI.A.
To:Energy and Environment Commission Item Type:
Other
From:Tara Brown, Liaison
Item Activity:
Subject:2018 Schedule and Roster List Information
CITY OF EDINA
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
ACTION REQUESTED:
INTRODUCTION:
See attached with updated roster list.
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
2018 EEC Meeting and Roster List
Meetings and Events
Day Date Event Time Location
Thurs Jan 11 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Feb 8 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Mar 8 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Wed Mar 28 Commission Comp Plan Presentations 5:30 pm Council Chambers
Thurs April 12 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Mon April 16 BC Member Annual Reception 5:30 pm Braemar Golf Course
Mon April 23 Volunteer Recognition 5:30 pm Braemar Golf Course
Thurs May 3 Comprehensive Plan Mid-Term Check in 6:00 pm Public Works
Thurs May 11 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Tues May 15 Work Session w/ City Council 5:30 pm Community Room
Thurs June 14 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs July 12 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs August 9 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Sept 13 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Oct 11 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Nov 8 Regular Meeting 6:00 pm Community Room
Thurs Dec 13 Regular Meeting 7:00 pm Community Room
Attendance at Regular Meetings and Rescheduled Regular Meetings are counted towards attendance policy.
Chair and Vice Chair specific meetings
Mon March 21 Chair and Vice Chair Annual Meeting 6:00 pm Public Works
Tues Oct 2 Chair Only - 2018 Work Plan Review w/ Council 5:30 pm Community Room
Roster
Name Email
Glahn, Bill billglahn@aol.com
Fernands, Maddy maddyfernands@gmail.com
Hoffman, Howard howard.hoffman@gmail.com
Horan, Michelle mhoran00@gmail.com
Hussain, Paul pahussian@hotmail.com
Jackson, Carolyn
(Vice Chair) bjandcj@aol.com
Kostuch, Keith kostuch.eec@gmail.com
Lanzas, Bayardo blanzas@artaxstudios.com
Madhok, Gauri gaurim18720@isd273.org
Manser, Richard
(Chair) richardmanser@icloud.com
Satterlee, Lauren lauren.mpls.mn@gmail.com
Seeley, Melissa msee10@me.com
Brown, Tara (Liaison) tbrown@edinamn.gov
Allison, Sharon (Executive Assistant) sallison@edinamn.gov