HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-10 EEC AgendaAg enda
Energy and Environment Commission
City Of E dina, Minnesota
Public Works - Multi-purpose R oom
Meeting will take place in person. Masks are requested.
Thur sday, March 10, 2022
7:00 PM
I.Ca ll To Ord er
II.Roll Ca ll
III.Approva l Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approva l Of Meeting Min u tes
A.Min u tes: E n ergy and Environ m ent Com m ission Februa ry 10,
2022
V.Special Recogn ition s An d Presentation s
A.Presen ta tion: City of Edin a Asst. Parks Director
B.Presen ta tion: Clim a te Action Plan Year 1 Im plem en ta tion Plan
VI.Com m u n ity Com m ent
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. G enerally 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.Rep orts/Recom m en d ation s
A.2022 W P #1: Su p p ort Na tura l Habita t
B.2022 W P #2: Green Business Recogn ition Progra m
C.2022 W P #5: Plastic Bag Policy
D.2022 W P #6: Cities Networking Events
E .Mon thly call for com m u n ication req u ests
VIII.Cha ir An d Mem ber Com m ents
IX.Sta7 Com m ents
X.Adjournm en t
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 ampli9cation, an
interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861
72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: Marc h 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: I V.A.
To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type:
Minutes
F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:Minutes : Energy and Environment C ommission
F ebruary 10, 2022
Ac tion
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED:
Approve E E C meeting minutes, February 10, 2022.
I N TR O D U C TI O N:
AT TAC HME N T S:
Description
EEC Minutes February 10, 2022
Agenda
Energy and Enviro nment C o mmissio n
City Of Edina, Minnesota
VIRT UAL ME E T IN G
This meeting will be held electro nically using Webex so ftware. The meeting will be streamed live o n the
C ity’s Yo uTube channel, Yo uTube.co m/EdinaTV o r yo u can listen to the meeting via telepho ne by calling
1-415-655-0001 with A ccess co de: 2451 198 0398.
Thursday, F ebruary 10, 2022
7:00 P M
I.C all To O rder
Vice C hair Horan called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.
I I.R oll C all
Ans wering roll c all were Vice C hair Horan, C ommissioners Haugen, Lanzas,
Lukens , Tessman, Dakane, S tudent C ommissioners R awat and S humway.
Late: C ommissioner Hovanec (7:03); C hair Martinez (7:12)
I I I.Approval O f Meeting Agenda
Motion by Cory Lukens to Approve Meeting Agenda. Seconded by J ohn
Haugen. Motion Carried.
I V.Approval O f Meeting Minutes
A.Minutes : Energy and Environment C ommission January 13, 2022
Motion by Teri Hovanec to Approve J anuary 13 Meeting Minutes.
Seconded by Ukasha Dakane. Motion Carried.
V.S pec ial R ec ognitions And P res entations
A.P res entation: C ity of Edina F orester
C ity of Edina F orester Luther O verholt joined the C ommission to ans wer
ques tions related to EEC Work P lan Initiative #1.
VI.R eports /R ec ommendations
A.2022 W P #1: S upport Natural Habitat
Hilda Martinez and Mic helle Horan pres ented an update on Initiative #1
planning. Teri Hovanec and Tom Tes s man joined the initiative.
B.2022 W P #3: Multi-F amily organic s
Hilda Martinez pres ented an update on initiative related to multi-family
organic s planning. Hilda Martinez and Teri Hovanec agreed to co-lead the
initiative, Bayardo Lanzas will s upport.
C .2022 W P #5: P las tic Bag P olicy
Michelle Horan presented a Working G roup G reenprint for approval by the
EEC , to rec ruit working group members for the initiative pertaining to plas tic
bags . T he working group greenprint was approved.
Motion by J ohn Haugen to Motion. S econded by Ukasha Dakane. Motion
Carried.
D.Monthly call for c ommunication requests
S taff Liaison Hancoc k called for any communic ation reques ts from the
EEC pertaining to their work plan initiatives. None were rec eived.
E.Annual C hair/Vic e C hair Nomination & S elec tion
Bayardo Lanzas nominated Hilda Martinez as C hair, and Mic helle Horan as
Vice C hair. C ory Lukes sec onded the nomination.
C hair Martinez and Vice C hair Horan were elected for another term.
Motion by Bayardo Lanzas to Motion. Seconded by Cory Lukens. Motion
Carried.
VI I.C hair And Member C omments
C ommissioner Haugen c ommented on the legal brief rec eived by email to
the EEC from the C ity of Edina's C ity Attorney regarding organized tras h
c ollection. In light of this brief, C ommis s ioner Haugen determined not to
bring a sec ond draft of the EEC advis ory communic ation on this topic bac k
to the EEC at this time.
C ommissioner Haugen announc ed a conferenc e on April 30th related to
c limate and environment. S taff Liaison Hancoc k will s hare more details by
email.
VI I I.S taff C omments
I X.Adjournment
T he EEC meeting was adjourned at 8:32pm.
Motion by Hilda Martinez S algado to Adjourn. S econded by Bayardo
Lanzas. Motion Carried.
T he C ity of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. I f
you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large-print
documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
Date: Marc h 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: V.A.
To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type:
O ther
F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:P res entation: C ity of Edina As s t. P arks Direc tor Information
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED:
R eceive a presentation from Assistant D irector for P arks and Natural Resources, Tom Swenson, regarding E E C
2022 Work P lan I nitiative #1.
I N TR O D U C TI O N:
W P #1 reads: S upport new ordinance development or the modification of current ones to protect tree canopy and
explore the benefit from initiatives like No M ow M ay that can help expand the green ground coverage on the
C ity.
Deliverable: Review and recommend to Council on trees, greenspace, pollinators, and more sustainable private
lawn management such as water sensor on lawn irrigation systems, bee lawns, pollinator friendly gardens,
fall/spring cleanup practices.
AT TAC HME N T S:
Description
Staff Memo: Turf Management
City Res toration Projects List
2020 Pollinator Res olution
Turf Management Plan Executive Summary
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Parks & Recreation Department
Phone 952-927-0367 • Fax 952-826-0390 • EdinaMN.gov
Date: March 6, 2022
To: EEC
From: Tom Swenson, Assistant Director Parks and Natural Resources
Subject: 2022 Updates from Turf Management Plan
Intro
The Turf Management Plan process started in 1994, was revised in 2012 and was approved in 2016. From
2016 to 2022 there have been many positive improvements that reduce herbicide use in Edina’s parks.
Turf Conversion
The Park Strategic Plan of 2016 stated goals include incorporating more native landscaping, native gardens
and buffers around ponds and streams. The biggest impact throughout Edina has been the conversion of
buckthorn infested areas and traditionally maintained turfgrass to bee friendly restored natural prairie.
These conversions have many benefits including eliminating irrigation and reducing mowing, reducing
maintenance time and reduced herbicide use.
Typically, multiple partners with a variety of goals come together to facilitate these conversions. Large area
examples include Braemar Golf Course reconstruction in 2018 and Arden Park reconstruction in 2020.
Fire Station #1in 2020 stands out as smaller scale success. This full site turf conversion to bee lawn and
prairie converted approximately 0.25 acres of mowed grass. This project also decommissioned the
irrigation system saving a vital resource during the drought of 2021.
Future large area sites include plans for Weber Park and Bristol & Mavelle Park in 2022. The Fred Richard’s
Park Master Plan is a planned $17.7 million project. Funding for this project has not been secured. If funded,
this project would convert a 43.61 acre former golf course site to a park that includes native vegetation
restoration and a nature bank.
Category A and B weed tolerance classification
These areas are comprised primarily of high wear activity sports turfgrass with a weed tolerance of 0-25%.
Category A and B turfgrass is maintained using Integrated Pest Management. Specifically, the areas that
currently can receive a herbicide treatment for weeds also have an irrigation system. Rosland Park baseball
field is identified as a B category, but it is not irrigated. Therefore, Integrated Pest Management would not
be applicable in this situation, so it will not receive a herbicide application. Other Category A and B
typically do require one application of a herbicide annually to stay within the acceptable weed tolerance
using Integrated Pest Management. Consider Countryside Park as a typical example. Countryside Park has 2
baseball fields that are irrigated and are Category A. These 2 fields are comprised of approximately 2.1
acres of turfgrass. Countryside Park is 12.8 acres. If the baseball fields are treated with herbicide, only 16%
of this park will be treated. The remaining 84% of the park will not receive a herbicide treatment and have
a 100% tolerance for weeds.
Page 2
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Category C and O weed tolerance classification
Category C has a 100% tolerance for weeds. Category O has a 15-25% tolerance
for weeds and can only have an organic treatment or they revert to category C.
Organic treatments have not worked on a commercial scale in Edina Parks.
Therefore, all Category O turfgrass is being considered as a Category C with a
100% tolerance for weeds.
Relevant City-led projects related to EEC 2022 WP #1
Projects/implementation
• Pamela Park, Rosland Park, Bredesen Park, Van Valkenburg Park, Yancey Park buckthorn control (about 9.5 acres total)
• Centennial Lakes Park pollinator plantings
• Braemar Golf Course reconstruction (2015-2018) – wetland buffer, prairie, oak savanna, woodland (approximately 70
acres).
o December 17, 2019 presentation to City Council; Braemar Natural Resources Improvements Outcomes.
o Wetland monitoring data shows restoration has been very successful in restoring plants and hydrology.
• Pamela Park (2019-2020) restored prairie on north side of 58th street
• Arden Park (2020) – stream remeander, stormwater management, natural resources restoration
• Lake Cornelia buffer (2020) – buckthorn removal and turf conversion to 30 ft native buffer (2.78 acres)
• Fire Station 1 (2020) – full-site turf conversion to bee lawn and prairie, decommissioning of irrigation system (0.25
acre)
• Melody Lake Park (2021-2022) – buckthorn removal and turf conversion to full native restoration (0.5 acre)
• Nine Mile Creek shoreline buffer enhancement (planned for 2022) - on 6 reaches (about 8 acres)
• Bristol & Mavelle Park/Lynmar Basin (planned for 2022) – vegetated infiltration basin
• Weber Park reforestation and oak savanna restoration (planned for 2022)
Engagement
• Annual ‘Resilient Yard Workshop’ and ‘Pollinator Lawns Workshop’. Presented by Metro Blooms on behalf of Blue
Thumb and supported by the City of Edina.
• Project-specific engagement through BetterTogetherEdina.org. Examples include Melody Lake buffer restoration, Lake
Cornelia buffer restoration, Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project.
• Public education signs at Braemar golf course, Fire Station 1, and Centennial Lakes Park (in progress).
• Natural Resources Interactive storymap - https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/7358631381524a909959f4ef9480edb2
Planning
• Parks Strategic Plan
• Capital Improvement Plan
• Climate Action Plan
• Water Resources Management Plan
Management
• Install/establishment maintenance contracts are typically three years, then acres graduate to our long-term
maintenance program which is issued in 3-year contracts. Coordination for the 3rd generation of long-term natural area
maintenance contracting kicks off in 2022.
• We evaluate our natural areas and update our inventory every few years. We’re due this year. Metrics will be available
after this year. We intend to report on our progress using 2015 as our baseline year. The Parks Strategic Plan was
approved in 2015.
• Integrated Pest Management. Right place, right time (i.e. spot spray, cut stem and basal bark treatments). Combined
with monitoring and other strategies (burning, mowing, overseeding with native). Early detection and rapid response.
Contractors are qualified ecological professionals.
RESOLUTION NO. 2020-42
A RESOLUTION ENDORSING POLLINATOR FRIENDLY
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, the Edina City Council recognizes that bees and other pollinators are integral to pollination of
plants in order to grow a wide diversity of essential foods including fruit, nuts and vegetables; and
WHEREAS, pollinator populations are threatened due to habitat loss, neonicotinoid use, pathogens and
parasites; and
WHEREAS, recent research suggests there is a link between certain systemic pesticides, especially those
that contain neonicotinoids and the die-off of plant pollinators such as honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths
and other insects; and
WHEREAS, broad application of systemic herbicides may reduce pollinator habitat; and
WHEREAS, alternative land management practices to mowed turf grass are available that dramatically
increase pollinator foraging and nesting; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the public interest and consistent with adopted City policy for the
City to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy community environment through the implementation of
pest and turf management practices in the maintenance of city parks, open spaces and city property
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Edina:
1. The City shall continue its efforts to become a pollinator friendly City by continuing best management
practices for management of vegetation, and continuing to adhere, update and report on the stated goals of
the Turf Management Plan which incorporates the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
2. The City shall limit the purchase and use of systemic pesticides on city property to the extent practicable, with
emphasis on avoiding use of pesticides from the neonicotinoids family. In addition the City will avoid the
purchase of plants or seeds where neonicotinoids have been applied or coated.
3. The City shall continue to identify actively maintained areas that could be converted back to vegetation
favorable to bees and other pollinators, or left natural to promote nesting areas for bees.
4. The City shall continue best efforts to purchase and plant vegetation favorable to bees and other pollinators in
the City's public spaces, emphasizing native plants where possible.
5. The City shall undertake best efforts to communicate to City residents and businesses the importance of
creating and maintaining a pollinator friendly landscape.
6. The City shall provide resources on the City website like lists of native and naturalized pollinator-safe plants
for reference by the community.
Adopted this 21st Day of April, 2020.
Attest:
Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN) SS
CITY OF EDINA )
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting City Clerk for the City of Edina do hereby certify that the attached
and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Edina City Council at its Regular Meeting of April 21, 2020 and
as recorded in the Minutes of said Regular Meeting.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this _____ day of __________, 20___.
_______________________________
City Clerk
☐City Council Approved: 2/24/2016
☒City-Wide Revised: 1/13/2012
☐Department
EDINA PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TURF MANAGEMENT
PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
The City of Edina owns and maintains over 1,500 acres of beautiful park land, wooded areas and open space within
its city boundaries. Approximately 600 acres are grassy areas that are routinely maintained on a mowing schedule.
In addition, the Edina Park and Recreation
Department also maintains many acres of highway islands and boulevards. Part of the maintenance responsibility
includes controlling undesirable and/or injurious pests, such as weeds, insects and fungus to an acceptable level of
tolerance. Some of the Edina Park Maintenance Department turf management practices that have been used in
the past have included the use of fertilizers and herbicides.
Terminology
By dictionary definition, pesticides are chemicals used to kill pests, such as insects and rodents. Herbicides are
chemicals used to eradicate (kill) plants, such as weeds and grasses. In fact, the term “cide” means killer. The
word “pesticides”, however, is commonly used as the term that includes all the “cides” in the industry, such as
fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. In other words, all herbicides are considered to be a type of pesticide.
There are 18 major pesticides that are used in approximately 2,100 different lawn care products.
Selective herbicides are chemicals that are designed to eradicate specific plants, such as broad leaf weeds, while
not harmfully affecting other plant species that share common turf, such as desirable grasses. One of the most
commonly used selective herbicide chemical is 2,4-D.
Non-selective herbicides are chemicals that are designed to eradicate all “green” plant life. In other words, Non-
selective herbicides, such as Roundup (a water soluble Non-selective herbicide brand name manufactured by
Monsanto Company), are used to kill all green plants, such as all turf grasses and weeds. Non-selective herbicides
essentially block the photosynthetic process in plants. Turf areas that have been treated with Non-selective
herbicides can be re-turfed (seeded or sodded) within a week after application. Non-selective herbicides are
commonly used to kill green growth around trees and under fencing to eliminate the need for labor intensive
grass/weed trimming.
Organic herbicides are non-chemicals, often plant-based such as corn gluten, that work by inhibiting root
formation at the time of germination. The timing of application is very important for the treatment to be effective.
Turf must be treated before weeds germinate. Organic herbicides have low or no toxicity for humans and animals
and break down rapidly in the environment after application.
History
One of the turf management practices that has been used by the Edina Park Maintenance Department to control
weeds and other undesirable grasses has included broadcast applications of selective herbicides by licensed
herbicide applicators. This practice has long been viewed as an economical approach to weed control. The
largest grassy areas of the Edina Park System have typically been treated with selective herbicides (sprayed on in a
liquid form) once per year in the Spring. These large area applications have been carried out by Edina Park
Maintenance staff who have been trained and licensed by the Minnesota State Department of Agriculture. The
smaller areas, such as roadway triangles and islands, that are more labor intensive to maintain, have been annually
Page | 2
treated with selective herbicides in the Spring by contracted turf care companies, such as True Green ChemLawn.
The heavily scheduled athletic fields throughout the Edina Park System have typically been treated with selective
herbicides in a liquid form in the Spring and have received an application of weed and feed granular (combination
fertilizer and selective herbicide) in the Fall of the year. Fertilizers are typically applied once or twice annually to
turf areas in need of nutrients to maintain healthy grasses. Fertilizers are not herbicides and are not considered to
be a member of the “pesticide” family. Fertilizers are essentially nutrients (food) for grass plants. The large open
grassy areas throughout the Edina Park System have not been treated with fertilizers in past practices, mainly due
to economic reasons.
In the past, the Edina Park and Recreation Department has used non-selective herbicides, such as Roundup, to
eliminate green growth around trees, under fencing, around hockey boards and in cracks that develop in tennis
courts and hard surface areas, such as basketball courts. This practice has been an economical approach to grass
and weed trimming, mainly for aesthetic purposes. The eradication of weeds and grasses that develop in cracks in
tennis courts and hard surfaces courts has been done for two main reasons:
1 Eliminate hazardous play surface conditions (safety reasons).
2 Minimize further damage to the hard surface area (economic reasons).
The main goal of the Edina Park and Recreation Department’s turf management plan has long been to maintain
safe and aesthetic turf in the most economical fashion allowed by law. The Edina Park and Recreation
Department’s past practices have been carried out by hard working, dedicated and well trained maintenance
personnel who take great pride in their work. The City of Edina and its Park Maintenance Department have
always been concerned and conscious of the impact of its turf maintenance practices on human and animal health
and the environment. Because the most important factor in applying herbicides is safety (especially that of
children), the Park and Recreation Department has voluntarily made (and continues to make) changes in its own
methodology in the application of herbicides to help minimize herbicide exposure to children.
During the Spring of 1994, several concerned residents questioned the potential health hazards associated with
the Edina Park and Recreation Department’s turf management practices. At the Edina City Council meeting on
Monday, June 20, 1994, the Edina City Council directed staff to work with Edina Community Health Advisory
Committee (ECHSAC) to establish a plan and a process that addresses the concerns of the use of herbicides on
City owned property.
ECHSAC July 13, 1994, Meeting
The ECHSAC met on Monday, July 13, 1994, to discuss this issue. After lengthy discussion, it was determined that
the goal should be to find alternative methods of turf management to control pests, such as weeds, that require
considerably less or no herbicides. The issue regarding the potential health hazards and environmental impact
associated with the use of herbicides was discussed and there was clearly debate on both sides of the issue. It was
determined by the ECHSAC that, at this point in time, there is not enough undisputed conclusive evidence that
suggests that the Edina Park and Recreation Department’s current use of herbicides does or does not pose
potential health or environmental hazards. Therefore, the recommendation of the ECHSAC was for the City of
Edina to establish a turf management plan that errs on the safe side of herbicide use. The action taken by the
ECHSAC at that meeting was as follows:
Bob Wilkins MOVED TO RECOMMEND THAT THE PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT WORK WITH
THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN CREATING A CLASSIFICATION
OF PARK PROPERTIES AND RECOMMEND AN APPLICATION PROCESS THAT WOULD LIMIT AND
REDUCE USE OF HERBICIDES IN RESPONSE TO CITIZENS CONCERN. AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO
HERBICIDE USE, THE COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS
INVESTIGATING INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM), A PROGRAM EMPHASIZING FERTILIZING,
SEEDING, AND MOWING. THIS PROGRAM WOULD BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMUNITY HEALTH
SERVICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR IMPLEMENTATION IF THERE IS PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS. Audrey
Runyan SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED.
Page | 3
At the August 1, 1994, City Council meeting, the Edina City Council directed the staff to research and
recommend a plan to reduce the use of herbicides on public properties and present the recommendations initially
to the Edina Community Health Services Advisory Committee. The ECHSAC was asked to review staff’s
recommendations for alternatives for turf management during the month of December, 1994. The plan was to
then have staff take the ECHSAC’s recommendations to the Edina Park Board at the January, 1995, Park Board
meeting. The Edina City Council has further directed that the matter then be brought before the Edina City
Council on Monday, February 6, 1995.
At the November 16th ECHSAC meeting, the ECHSAC was concerned about the long term effects of herbicide
use, as well as, recommending a realistic and acceptable plan using preventative measures that will benefit people
20 to 30 years from now.
The ECHSAC determined that there is good reason to establish a plan and policy that reduces the amount of
herbicide use on public and private lands. Through this study, it was learned that the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) registers, rather than licenses, herbicides and pesticides. Therefore, the EPA does not guarantee
the safety of the products they review. The EPA can, however, require testing of products and recently stipulated,
for example, that the 2-4, D manufacturers repeat an animal-cancer study. The EPA has also asked the industry to
take voluntary risk-reduction measures while the study proceeds. According to the 1993 General Accounting
Office (GAO) Report, the EPA is more concerned with the health effects of one-time or short-term exposures to
MCPP and dicamba along with 2,4-D (which are “licensed herbicides” currently used by the Edina Park and
Recreation Department). The 1993 GAO Report also states that dicamba and 2,4-D are deemed “restricted use
candidates” by the EPA due to groundwater concerns.
The one fact that is most commonly misunderstood by the public is that an EPA “licensed herbicide” is not
necessarily “safe” with regards to human and /or environmental health.
Through this study we have further learned that the EPA has not yet developed guidelines to assess the health
effects of human exposure to pesticides after they are applied to lawns. In particular, the EPA is concerned about
the persistence of pesticides in the environment and potential effect on children, who may have more contact with
treated lawns than adults (1993 GAO report).
Edina Park Board January 10, 1995 Meeting
At the January 10, 1995 Edina Park Board meeting, the Edina Park Board took the following action:
Mr. Fee MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT WE ACCEPT THE
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ECHSAC AND RECOMMEND TO THE
CITY COUNCIL THAT THEY ADOPT THE TURF MANAGEMENT PLAN AS PRESENTED IN THE REPORT
SUBJECT TO ANNUAL REVIEW OR SOONER IF DETERMINED NECESSARY. John Dovolis SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
There are various but limited turf management practices that promote healthy grass growth and turf stability while
minimizing weed growth without the use of herbicides. The goal is to create a strong and healthy grass that
dominates weed growth. Ideally, the goal is to maintain healthy turf grasses while controlling the percentage of
pests (weeds) within a predetermined tolerance level without the use of herbicides.
Desirable grasses need four main elements to survive:
1. Air
2. Water
3. Food (nutrients)
Page | 4
4. Sunlight
Grasses cannot survive when any of the above elements are absent. The most important element is air. In other
words, if soil is too compacted, grasses cannot breath. The second most critical element is water. Desirable
grasses do not compete well against weeds and undesirable grass plants in drought conditions.
The fact is that weed plants (such as knotweed) and undesirable grass plants (such as sandbur) are typically much
hardier plants than desirable grasses (such as bluegrass or ryegrass). If left to nature without any interference of
turf maintenance, weeds and undesirable grasses will eventually dominate the turf. In some cases, a weed
dominated turf can lead to unsafe or intolerable turf conditions for certain turf users, such as softball, baseball,
soccer and football players and golfers.
Integrated pest management practices that help desirable grasses best compete with weeds are as follows:
1. Irrigation
2. Aeration
3. Proper drainage
4. More frequent mowing schedule whenever possible (ideally never cut more than 1/3 of the grass
plant each cut)
5. Set mowers higher (cut grasses ideally at 2 ½”)
6. Proper fertilization schedule (more frequent and smaller quantities per application, plus proper
timing)
7. Over seeding (slit seeding)
8. Top dressing
9. Use most durable grass seed mixture selections
10. Sodding where practical
11. Minimizing thatch where needed
12. Spot use applications (as opposed to broadcast applications) of least toxic herbicides only in cases
where the intended activity would be intolerably compromised or when an economic or potential
human injury is at risk
To achieve the goal to use the least amount of herbicides possible, staff is proposing the following IPM based turf
management plan:
TURF MANAGEMENT PLAN (GOALS)
1. Identify existing pests, such as weeds, and their current percentage make up of existing ground cover.
2. Identify stressed areas of turf and evaluate IPM based options for treatment of the problem.
3. Establish a classification of Edina’s public-owned park lands and open space and establish a weed tolerance
level to each property.
4. Establish reasonable investments needed and desired to assure best results utilizing IPM based principles in turf
management.
5. Routinely monitor and analyze success of IPM based turf management program in writing:
a) Identify the pest (weed) and the size (density) of its infestation.
b) Keep records of effectiveness of treatment on solving each turf problem; irrigation, fertilization,
mowing, aeration, dethaching, and, as a last resort, use of least toxic chemical.
c) Keep records of citizen complaints and comments related to turf management program.
6. Develop a list of acceptable management strategies for eradication of weeds when weed dominance exceeds
predetermined tolerance levels, such as:
Page | 5
a) Predetermine a list of herbicides that are effective against the targeted pest (weed) but is least
disruptive to the environment, and human and animal health.
b) Use methods of selective spot treatments instead of broadcast treatments whenever possible.
c) Post signage before, during and after applying herbicides. Signs should carry the following
information: 1) date of application; 2) any advisory required by State law.
d) Apply herbicides only as a last resort.
e) Consult a professional turf restoration professional before determining that herbicides are
necessary. It is recommended to continue this practice for a minimum of two years.
f) Making sure that herbicides are applied by only licensed herbicide applicators.
7. Designate a responsible individual (or individuals) for making decisions to carry out and evaluate the turf
management plan.
8. Educate full-time maintenance staff as to best turf management practices using integrated pest management
approaches to pest control. In other words, become self-reliant to avoid long-term reliance on consulting
expertise.
9. Promote and educate the public as to responsible effective private lawn care practices. Encourage the public to
implement integrated pest management practices on their private properties.
Turf Management Task Force
The Turf Management Task Force was formed in September 2010 at the request of the Energy and Environment
Commission (EEC) as a response to Edina residents’ concerns on the use of herbicides in parks and children play
areas. The Task Force consisted of one member each from the EEC commission, the Community and Health
Committee and the Park Board. The City was represented by the Superintendent of Parks. The Task Force
reviewed the original Turf Management Plan and evaluated how it was implemented from 1994 to date. It was
discovered that herbicides were not always applied according to the plan. Residents' concerns about excessive
dandelion weeds in untreated areas (classified as “C” in the plan) had prompted treatment of those areas with
one-time spraying of the herbicide 2,4 D early in the spring.
Organic herbicides have been shown to be as an effective non-toxic alternative for lawn care. Unlike chemicals,
however, organic applications require additional attention to proper timing and weather conditions. Typically, it
takes three to four seasons to eliminate weeds, compared with just one application per season for the chemicals.
The Turf Management Task Force concluded that organics can be easily integrated within the current turf
management practiced by staff. Organics will be the environmental preferable alternative to treating areas that
have 25% tolerance for weeds and are located at or near children play areas. The revised plan uses a new label
“O” to indicate turf areas that will be treated with organics. A statement will be added to the City website
indicating that there will be no spraying within 30 feet of children’s play areas. The Turf Management Task Force
recommends that the Edina Energy and Environment Commission review turf management practices every five
years in consultation with the Park Board, with the goal of progressively decreasing the use of chemical pesticides.
Page | 6
WEED TOLERANCE CLASSIFICATION FOR CITY OF EDINA
OWNEDPROPERTY PROPERTY
WEED TOLERANCE CLASSIFICATION FOR CITY OF EDINA OWNED PROPERTY
In 1995, the City of Edina adopted the following standards to Edina’s public-owned parklands and open
space. Next to each classified public land or open space, is a suggested category (A-D) designation as to
the level of weed tolerance proposed for that particular area. In turn, each classification dictates the
type of turf management needed for that specific ground cover.
The definition of each category is as follows:
CATEGORY A
These areas shall have a 0-5% tolerance for weeds. In other words, herbicides will not be applied to
these ground covers until weed growth makes up 5% of the total ground cover and it has been
determined that there are no other reasonable methods of weed control.
CATEGORY B
These areas shall have a 15%-25% tolerance for weeds. In other words, herbicides will not be applied to
these ground covers until weed growth makes up 15%-25% of the total ground cover and it has been
determined that there are no other reasonable methods of weed control
CATEGORY C
These areas shall have a 100% tolerance for weeds. In other words, herbicides will not be used as a
means to eradicate weeds with the exception of noxious weeds or other exotics mandated by State
Law. If necessary, where needed or desired, these areas will undergo a returfment, (restoration) which
will replace or restore existing ground cover.
CATEGORY D
These are areas that are subject to special herbicide applications, such as eradication of noxious weeds
as mandated by Minnesota State law and the creation of oak savanna forests. In essence, all public-
owned and private-owned properties are subject to category in the event that noxious weeds are
present.
CATEGORY O
These areas shall have a 15%-25% tolerance for weeds. These areas are scheduled and non-scheduled
athletic fields located near schools or untreated areas. It is desirable to reduce the amount of chemicals
in these areas to avoid unnecessary health and environmental risks. These areas shall either be treated
with organics, or revert to category C. These areas are indicated below as “O/C”
*These areas were changed from staff’s recommended category “B” to category “C” by the Edina
Community Health Services Advisory Committee. These were changed for reasons of minimizing
potential herbicide exposure to children (Cornelia School fields, Creek Valley School fields and the
Yorktown Park field next to the Southdale YMCA).
Page | 7
CATEGORY
1 GOLF COURSES:
Braemar Golf Course (36 holes) A
Braemar Golf Driving Range A
Normandale Golf Course (9 holes) A
2 FLOWER GARDENS:
72 different sites throughout park system A
Formal Gardens at Arneson Acres Park A
3 SCHEDULED ATHLETIC FIELDS (CAN BE LOCKED/SECURED):
Braemar soccer field (one field) A
Courtney Fields Baseball Complex (4 fields) A
Garden Park baseball field (one field) A
Van Valkenburg Park Softball Complex (3 fields) A
4 MULTIPLE-USE SCHEDULED ATHLETIC FIELDS:
Alden Park soccer field (1 field) B
Cornelia School softball fields (1 field) B
Cornelia School baseball field (2 fields) B
Countryside Park baseball fields (2 fields) B
Creek Valley soccer fields (5 fields) B
Garden Park softball field (1 field) B
Garden Park soccer fields (4 fields) B
Highlands Park soccer field (3 fields) B
Highlands Park softball field (1 field) B
Rosland Park baseball field (1 field) B
Rosland Park Disc Golf (1field) O/C
Rosland Park (1 baseball) B
Lewis Park soccer/football fields (3 fields) B
Normandale Park baseball field (1 field) B
Pamela Park softball fields (3 field) B
Page | 8
Pamela Park soccer fields (3 fields) B
Strachauer Park (2 soccer) B
Todd Park softball field (1 field) O/C
Walnut Ridge Park (2 Lacrosse) B
Weber Park baseball (1field) softball fields (2 fields) B
Wooddale Park baseball/softball field (1 field) B
5 MULTIPLE-USE NON-SCHEDULED ATHLETIC FIELDS:
(one field each)
Arden Park O/C
Birchcrest Park O/C
Bristol O/C
Browndale O/C
Chowen Park O/C
Heights Park O/C
Kojetin Park O/C
McGuire O/C
Sherwood Park O/C
St. Johns’s Park O/C
Tingdale Park O/C
York Park O/C
6 SPECIAL USE MAINTAINED FACILITIES (Outdoor areas):
Arneson Park (arboretum and general grounds) A
Braemar Arena grounds area B
Braemar Golf Dome grounds area C
Centennial Lakes A
Edina City Hall O/C
Edina Art Center C
Edina Fire Department A
Edina Public Works Building grounds O/C
Page | 9
Edinborough Park (one acre exterior area) A
Frank Tupa Park (historical site) O/C
Williams Park (historical site) O/C
7 MAINTAINED OPEN PLAY AREAS/OPEN GREEN SPACE:
All 38 parks (approx. 400 acres) C
8 DESIGNATED PICNIC AREAS:
Lake Cornelia Park C
Braemar Park C
9 PLAYGROUND AREAS:
24 playground equipment sites C
10 MEDIAN GRASS AREAS (ISLANDS AND TRIANGLES):
Frontage roads B
Boulevards B
Triangles/medians B
York Ave. Island B
Boulevards adjoining Bredesen Park O/C
Boulevards adjoining Duggan Plaza O/C
The “Circle” area of Duggan Plaza O/C
11 WOODED/NATURE AREAS:
Braemar Park savanna forest areas D
Bredesen Park C
Lake Cornelia Park C
12 NON-MAINTAINED OPEN SPACE/WOODED AREAS
AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PARK LAND:
Fox Meadow Park (park land) O/C
Garden Park Addition (open space) C
Highlands Park O/C
Page | 10
Krahl Hill (open space) C
Lincoln Drive Floodplain (open space) C
Moore Property on Melody Lake (open space) C
Todd Park O/C
Walnut Ridge Park C
13 HARD SURFACE AREAS:
Basketball courts (8 sites) A
Parking lots A
Pathways A
Tennis courts (15 sites) A
14 INDOOR PARK AREAS WITH PLANT GROWTH:
Edinborough Park (trees, shrubs and flowers) A
Arneson Park greenhouse (primarily flowers) A
15 PLANT GROWTH IN AND AROUND LAKES, PONDS AND CREEKS:
Islands D
Shoreline D
16 OUTDOOR HOCKEY RINKS:
10 sites C
17 AREAS WITH NOXIOUS WEEDS:
Public-owned property D
Private-owned property D
The premier athletic fields that are classified as “A” all have two things in common:
1 Irrigation
2 Fencing
Because all class “A” athletic fields have irrigation, they require the least amount of herbicides (and
possibly none) (delete) to maintain healthy turf with very few weeds. Irrigation is an important tool and
key component in implementing IPM based turf management practices. The only irrigated athletic fields
Page | 11
that are suggested to have a class “A” tolerance to weeds are those with fencing. If herbicides are ever
needed to maintain their 5% weed tolerance, the entire area can be locked and secured from users
during and shortly after herbicide applications (typically 24 hours as recommended by herbicide
manufacturers). This practice will minimize the potential human exposure to herbicide chemicals.
There are currently ten (10) irrigated athletic ball fields that are suggested to have a “B” classification for
weed tolerance because they do not have security fencing:
1 Garden Park soccer fields (4fields)
2 Lewis Park soccer/football field (3fields)
3 Pamela Park soccer fields (3fields)
There are currently three (3) irrigated athletic ball fields that are suggested to have a “O/C”
classification for weed tolerance because they are located next to Creek Valley Elementary School.
1 Creek Valley soccer field (3 fields)
The “B” classification irrigated athletic fields will rarely (if ever) need herbicide applications to maintain a
weed tolerance of 25%, whereas, the non-irrigated class “B” athletic fields present a greater challenge to
control weed dominance without the use of herbicides. The main reason for the recommended “B”
classification for the five irrigated athletic fields is due to their lack of fencing to secure access to these
areas. With proper equipment, labor and materials, IPM based turf management practices should
dramatically reduce or eliminate the use of herbicides on all irrigated athletic fields.
The “Hard Surface Areas” have an “A” classification for 3 main reasons:
1 Undesirable weeds that grow in cracks on hard surface areas can create an unsafe surface for
users.
2 Non-treated weeds in hard surface cracks can lead to further hard surface damage which could
lead intolerable or unreasonable economic injury.
3 Human exposure to spot treatment herbicide use on hard surface areas is very minimal
(exposures are typically limited to footwear).
At this time, none of the class “C” turf areas have irrigation except the three Creek Valley soccer fields.
If this Turf Management Plan is adopted, it is staff’s recommendation to direct the Edina Park
Maintenance Department to use IPM based turf management techniques to maintain these class “C”
weed tolerance areas to as high a standard as possible without the use of herbicides and using organics
when needed Even though these are classified to have the highest level of tolerance for weeds, it is
staff’s recommendation to attempt to maintain the best turf possible with the available resources and
labor (without the use of herbicides).
Without irrigation, even good turf management cannot avoid eventual domination of weeds, however,
good turf management can successfully deter the inevitable. The length of time for which a good turf
management program will succeed on non-irrigated turf depends on turf use, and soil and weather
conditions.
As mentioned earlier, all property within the City of Edina boundaries (public or private) are subject to
a “D” classification if noxious weeds are present. Under the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law (Minnesota
Statutes Chapter 18, Sections 18.75 to 18.88), there are thirteen noxious weeds that have been deemed
Page | 12
by the Commissioner of Agriculture to be injurious to public health, public roads, crops, livestock. In
addition, there are any number of fifty-one (51) secondary weeds that may be added to the noxious
weed list by the Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture without a hearing or upon petition by the
Edina City Mayor and approval by the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. The following is a list
of the thirteen noxious weeds:
Common Name Botanical Name
1. Yellow Star Thistle Centaurea solstitialis L.
2. Grecian Foxglove, Digitalis lanata Ehrh.
3. Oriental Bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb.
4. Leafy Spurge Euphorbia esula (L.)
5. Canada Thistle Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.
6. Musk Thistle Carduus nutans (L.)
7. Plumeless Thistle Carduus acanthoides (L.)
8. Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.)
9. Purple Loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, virgatum (L.),
10. Wild Parshnip, Pastinaca sativa L.
11. Common Tansy Tanacetum vulgare (L.)
12. Spotted Knapweed Centaurea stoebe spp. micranthos
13. Poison ivy Toxicodendron radicans (Ktze.)
CONCLUSION
It is reasonable to expect that the Edina Park and Recreation Department will likely receive many
complaints about increased visible weeds in the parks, however, this should not be viewed as a lack of
the program’s success.
A moratorium on herbicide use is not a practical, realistic, or responsible approach to turf management
and weed (or pest) control. As previously mentioned, if left to nature without any interference of turf
maintenance, weeds and undesirable grasses will eventually dominate the turf. It would be economically
unreasonable to routinely replace ground cover with new turf in efforts to avoid use of all herbicides in
all areas at all cost. An IPM based Turf Management Plan is the most reasonable approach to a
reduction and, in some cases, elimination of herbicide dependency.
To be successful, citizens should be expected to accept higher weed tolerance in many areas of the park
system that have previously been managed at a relatively low weed tolerance level. It is reasonable to
anticipate that the most visibly noticeable presence of weeds will be the few weeks in early spring when
dandelions (annuals) have flowered.
As pointed out at the December 14, 1994, Edina Community Health Services Advisory Committee
meeting, there are approximately 4,700 acres of privately owned and maintained residential lawn turf
and approximately 150 acres of commercial lawn turf. Combined, there are approximately 4,850 acres
of privately owned and maintained lawn turf within the City of Edina, which is about 800% more ground
cover than that which is maintained by the Edina Park and Recreation Department. The point is that
public education regarding environmentally conscious approaches to lawn care is an important part of
this proposal.
Date: Marc h 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: V.B.
To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type:
R eport and R ecommendation
F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:P res entation: C limate Action P lan Year 1
Implementation P lan
Information
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED:
R eceive report from City Manager with supporting presentation from S ustainability Manager to fulfill the
following C AP action:
“T he City Manager will work with staff to develop a year 1 implementation plan that specifies a work sequence
and timeline for implementation tasks, estimates necessary funding and staffing resources, and outlines an
accountability process, to be presented to the E nergy & E nvironment C ommission for comment by the end of
M arch 2022. P rogress updates will be reported to the Edina E nergy & E nvironment C ommission and C ity
C ouncil on a semi-annual basis.”
I N TR O D U C TI O N:
AT TAC HME N T S:
Description
Staff Report: CAP Year 1 Implementation Plan
March 10, 2022
Members of the Energy & Environment Commission
Scott Neal, City Manager
Year 1 Implementation: Climate Action Plan
Executive Summary
City Council passed Edina’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) in December 2021, which includes the
following action:
“The City Manager will work with staff to develop a year 1 implementation plan that specifies
a work sequence and timeline for implementation tasks, estimates necessary funding and staffing
resources, and outlines an accountability process, to be presented to the Energy & Environment
Commission for comment by the end of March 2022. Progress updates will be reported to the Edina
Energy & Environment Commission and City Council on a semi-annual basis.”
This staff report and accompanying presentation at EEC’s regular meeting on March 10, 2022,
serves to meet this action’s requirement.
Information / Background:
Edina’s CAP includes nine categories, and 41 strategies encompassing 219 actions. Year 1
implementation relies on the 2022-23 bi-annual City budget passage and work plans approved for
departments, staff and commissions. These approvals took place over the course of December
2021 and January 2022.
Work Sequence: With the budget and work plans in place, the Year 1 implementation plan is
complete and includes a City commitment to initiate approximately 34 new actions and continue or
expand another 29 actions already underway pre-CAP passage. This represents more than 25% of
the total actions needed to meet 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, touching on nearly
half (19) of the strategies and involving 10 City departments or divisions.
Selection of Year 1 actions considered the CAP’s proposed sequencing of actions based on
potential for GHG reduction, resilience increase and impact on equity. Year 1 also takes into
STAFF REPORT Page 2
account how long an action will take to accomplish (longer actions need to be started earlier) and
contextualizes CAP actions into other City priorities.
Resources: 2022 is unique since the new bi-annual budget, CAP and Commission work plans were
passed at the same time by City Council. Thus, year 1 implementation relies on existing staff
resources and commission priorities in addition to new resources approved in the 2022-23 budget
related to forestry management and street sweeping. With the CAP in place through 2030, future
budgets and work plans for commissions and city departments can holistically incorporate CAP
actions.
Accountability: Tracking progress and sharing accountability with the public is paramount to
success of the CAP. The City has committed to the following accountability actions:
1. Report to the City Council twice annually on City commitments and progress. Council will
receive a report in the spring of each year outlining City commitments and will receive a
report in the fall of year outlining progress on these commitments.
2. Conduct bi-annual greenhouse gas inventory to inform metrics progress. The City will
conduct a community-wide greenhouse gas inventory every two years to inform metrics
and identify successful actions or where more work is needed. The next inventory will take
place in Fall 2022 for the year 2021.
3. Publish progress via the Community Climate Action Report. This report will make public
commitments and progress; the “Track Progress” tab will be updated twice annually to
reflect the information received by Council.
Appendix
1. 2022 Implementation Action List
Strategy Action
Planned
Dept/Div
Underway
Pre-CAP?
Year
Started
BE 1-1 Partner with established Energy Audit/Energy Efficiency Program(s) to accomplish significant residential energy efficiency improvements and make the program accessible to all Edina residents,
including reduced participation costs for low income households. The program should offer building envelope tests, infrared thermal scanning, light weatherization projects, LED light bulb Sustainability 1
BE 1-2 Work with Xcel Energy, Centerpoint Energy, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and other partners to establish commercial/industrial energy efficiency audit and upgrade program. Develop
specific energy efficiency programs for hard-to-reach segments of commercial properties (e.g., commercial rental, restaurants, affordable multifamily housing, schools). Program to be similar
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s EnergySmart commercial energy savings program with enhanced energy efficiency targets meeting City of Edina CAP Goals. Goal: 15% of
commercial/industrial buildings by 2030 achieving a 20% efficiency increase per location.Sustainability 1
BE 1-3 Require City-financed projects to meet an energy efficiency standard, like Sustainable Buildings 2030 (SB2030), LEED Gold, Enterprise Green Communities, the 24 National Green Building
Standard ICC/ASHRAE 700, or an equivalent certification. Consider requiring projects receiving PUD, CUP or other zoning action to meet the energy efficiency standard.Sustainability 1
BE 1-11 Work with partner organizations to promote building retrocommissioning and operation and maintenance practices that improve affordability, comfort, indoor air quality and energy efficiency
in all commercial and multifamily buildings.Sustainability 1
BE 3-1 Create a community-wide Clean Energy Equity plan to support low-income residents and small organizations in purchasing renewable energy.Affordable
Housing 2022
BE 3-2 Explore the development of renewable energy program(s) which increase utilization of on-site / in-community renewable energy while creating benefit for low-income community members.
Example programs include City of Dubuque Low Income Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC), Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Community Solar for Community Action, and Texas Energy Poverty
Research Institute Community Solar Program Model. Goal: 16,000 MWh clean energy delivered through programs annually by 2030.Sustainability 1
BE 4-3 Identify opportunities for facilities to repurpose waste to energy without burdening residents.
Eng (Facilities)1
BE 5-4 Promote green power purchase options such as those provided by Xcel Energy's "Renewable Connect" and "Windsource". Collaborate with utilities on promotion and education of available
options. Goal: 220 households and 50 businesses annually.Sustainability 1
BE 5-9 Organize education and outreach programs to promote rebates and tax credits available for energy efficiency projects. Outreach should focus on effectively communicating with households of
lower income and BIPOC owned businesses.Sustainability 1
BE 6-1 Introduce a policy that requires all new and existing municipal buildings to be built to meet or exceed IGCC code and State of Minnesota B3 energy goals. Require new and existing municipal
buildings without solar PV installations in place or planned to install cool roof or green roofing. Require all new construction or major renovation projects to use the City's Net Zero Energy
Building Guide and Checklist to explore opportunities to advance towards Net Zero Energy. Invite County, School District, and other public agencies located within the City to participate in City's
energy efficiency policy effort.Sustainability 1
BE 6-2 Conduct a City Facilities Energy Audit on all buildings and sites (including outdoor lighting conversion to Dark Sky approved LED lighting). Use results from City Facilities Energy Audit to prioritize Eng (Facilities)1
CC 1-1
The City Manager will work with staff to develop a year 1 implementation plan that specifies a work sequence and timeline for implementation tasks, estimates necessary funding and staffing
resources, and outlines an accountability process, to be presented to the Energy & Environment Commission for comment by the end of March 2022. Progress updates will be reported to the Sustainability 2022
CC 1-2 Establish clear guidance and direction for the participation in and support of the CAP implementation actions by all City of Edina departments.Sustainability 2022
CC 1-3
Establish a City "CAP Team" comprised of staff representatives from all key City departments. The task of the CAP Team should be to meet regularly to support the initial and on-going
prioritization and implementation of annual implementation actions and projects and to support reporting and progress updates.Sustainability 2022
CC 1-4
Establish and implement a policy to review existing and future City of Edina policy and ordinance changes as well as building and zoning variance requests against the goals, strategies, and
actions of this Climate Action Plan to ensure alignment of changes with this plan.Sustainability 2022
CC 1-5 Fund and support sustainability staffing required to: Sustainability 1
CC 1-6
Review Climate Action Plan implementation progress and impacts on a regular basis (1-2 year cycle). Review should include development of an updated community wide and municipal
operations GHG inventory. Strategies and actions should be reviewed for implementation progress and for continued appropriateness. Based on the review, adjust, add, and remove detailed
CAP actions as appropriate.Sustainability 2022
CC 2-1
Establish the Energy and Environment Commission (EEC) as a primary community member body to support the implementation of the CAP. Commission’s annual work plans should include
support of the implementation of the Climate Action Plan; supporting City staff in any relevant departments; receiving updates on City CAP projects and progress; being provided with
opportunity to comment on identification of annual CAP implementation priorities, projects, and budgets; and providing input on plan adjustments as needed.Sustainability 2022
CC 2-2 Establish a designated City Council representative and EEC representative participant in the City’s internal CAP Team in support of CAP implementation.Sustainability 2022
CC 2-3
Establish a coordinated communication and education campaign supporting the communication and educational needs of each of the CAP sections. The campaign should also look to help
community members:
•Understand climate change in general, anticipated impacts, and the function and importance of implementing a Climate Action Plan.Sustainability 1
CC 2-4
Continue and expand sustained outreach and engagement efforts that seek to build and maintain direct relationship with under-resourced, traditionally marginalized, and climate vulnerable
communities within Edina.Sustainability 2022
CC 2-5
Establish jurisdictional partnerships that advance CAP strategies to advance and accelerate action. This can include government entities like the Hennepin County, 9 Mile Creek Watershed
District, the State of Minnesota; utilities like Xcel Energy; institutions like Edina Public Schools; Edina businesses, and community groups.Sustainability 2022
CC 3-1 Maintain a budget and identify funding sources for staff dedicated to the implementation of the CAP.Sustainability 2022
CC 3-2 Identify a budget necessary to support projects on an annual basis as per the detailed actions outlined in the Climate Economy section of the plan and climate actions.Sustainability 2022
CC 3-3 Utilize no-cost technical assistance offerings as available.Sustainability 1
CE 1-5 Explore options to collaborate to create and promote a market for Certified Compost from local sources using City of Edina organic waste.Health 1
CE 2-3
Collaborate to establish a jobs training program focused on building workforce with deconstruction skills and capacities. Job training program should focus on establishing job skills and
placement for low income individuals.
Building
Inspections 2022
CE 3-3
Support climate resilience of local economy by preparing water, road, utilities, and other public infrastructure for increased demands from climate change based on Edina Climate Risk and
Vulnerability Assessment, Emergency Management Plan, and State climate change data and projections.
Eng
(Design/Constru
ction)1
CE 4-1
Advocate climate action related funding at State level including support of new state multimodal transportation funding source for transit, bicycle and pedestrian services and facilities and
statewide carbon tax or carbon cap generating new decarbonization funding sources.Sustainability 1
CE 4-3
Establish a policy that accounts for all energy efficiency and renewable energy operational cost savings of City buildings and fleets. All savings to be invested into a Climate Action Fund as one
source of financing for the City's climate action efforts. Sustainability 2022
GS 1-1 Explore the integration of trees into a Stormwater Credit Program to increase trees and manage stormwater.
Eng
(Environmental
Services)2022
GS 1-5
Update current tree preservation ordinance requirements to protect tree root systems and large legacy trees during construction. Explore options for increases in legacy tree protection and
increases in performance based requirements of tree planting within parking lots.
Parks &
Recreation 2022
GS 2-4
Manage city-owned natural areas to enhance and maintain diverse native communities, increase green infrastructure, implementation of best practices for stormwater management, increased
plant diversity, and improved pollinator-friendly habitat.
Parks &
Recreation 1
GS 2-5
Manage city-owned lawn/turf areas to enhance and maintain diverse native communities, increases turf replacement with native wildflower and prairie grasses, increased plant diversity,
improved pollinator-friendly habitat, and Carbon Gardening practices including elimination of synthetic fertilizer and pesticide use, high mow deck settings, use of biochar amendments, and
polyculture lawn mixture.
Parks &
Recreation 1
GS 2-9 Establish and effectively manage native-habitat corridors along trails and utility easement areas to restore and maintain landscape connectivity.
Parks &
Recreation 1
GS 3-2
Develop a "Cool Roof" / "Cool pavement" pilot project to educate on and exhibit heat island mitigation strategies and measure potential for effectiveness. Identify city building with low solar PV
prioritization/feasibility for inclusion as pilot project location. Alternatively, pilot program could be advertised for submission by City of Edina residents, businesses and neighborhoods for
potential sites to be considered for pilot project selection. Preference should be given to sites serving low income or at risk communities with high heat island impact potential. Eng (Facilities)2022
GS 3-3
Promote the expansion of tree canopy in urban heat islands or areas that need air conditioning such as schools. Prioritize efforts based on City's 2021 Ground Cover, Tree Canopy, and Carbon
Sequestration Study. Collaborate with school district, regional agencies, or institutions to identify and implement a pilot project, including community educational and interpretive content.Sustainability 2022
HS 4-1 Encourage cross-sector collaboration (government, business, agency, tribes, non-profit organizations) between entities working on climate change mitigation and adaptation/resiliency.Sustainability 1
TL 1-1
Revise street design standards and prioritize funding to align with Vision Zero strategies to create safe streets for people walking, biking, micro-mobility options, and riding transit while also
accommodating vehicles. Provide bicycle and pedestrian safety and skills training to all school-aged children in Edina with an accompanying program to educate parents and all interested
adults.Transportation 1
TL 1-2
Accelerate building on-street and off-street protected bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, and other walking infrastructure in high-need areas and fill connectivity gaps as identified in the City's
Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. Transportation 1
TL 1-6
Conduct Active Routes to Schools audits for all Edina elementary and middle schools to identify infrastructure improvements that would enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety and encourage
trips to school on non-polluting modes of transportation. Establish timeline and plan for implementing all recommended improvements.Transportation 2022
TL 2-1
Advocate with Metro Transit to improve efficiency, convenience, frequency, and reliability of bus service as well as improved bus shelter infrastructure. Collaborate with Metro Transit and
Hennepin County to improve public transit infrastructure including dedicated lanes, dedicated bus routes, and create high-frequency rapid transit in corridors to improve "time equity / parity"
of the route transit time with what it would be to drive a car. Prioritization to be given on routes serving the city’s employment centers and areas with higher shares of people with mobility
challenges.Transportation 1
TL 2-2 Preserve and enhance affordable housing, especially near bus service, to prevent displacement of vulnerable populations.
Affordable
Housing 2022
TL 2-6 Explore options to secure funding and provide transit passes to all youth, households with low incomes, and individuals with restricted mobility.Transportation 1
TL 3-3
Continue to integrate mixed use development close to neighborhoods to provide walkable destinations for daily needs. Update and conduct new small area plans for business and mixed use
nodes while exploring "15 minute city" concepts and strategies (50th/France, Southdale, Cahill, etc.).Planning 1
TL 4-1
Create an Electric Vehicle (EV) Action Plan. An EV Action Plan should: 1) address increased public access to chargers, 2) identify locations for chargers in commercial areas, 3) identify DC Fast
Charging locations 4) explore charging infrastructure technologies including streetlight integration and smart cable technologies, 5) address barriers to charging at homes and rental properties
(such as households without garages), 6) identify strategies to increase use of EVs in car sharing programs, and 7) assess the potential to partner with third-party EV charging station providers to
lower program and construction costs.Transportation 2022
TL 4-2 Implement an "EV Ready" building ordinance that requires new developments to have wiring capacity to charge electric vehicles and establish minimum EV parking requirements.Sustainability 2022
TL 5-1
Adopt a policy requiring 100% of new light-duty City fleet vehicles to be electric vehicles, or use no/low carbon alternative fuels by 2030, and 100% of new medium and heavy-duty city fleet
vehicle purchases to be electric, use no/low carbon alternative fuels, or meet high-efficiency standards, by 2040.Sustainability 2022
TL 5-2
Conduct a municipal fleet inventory and EV transition Implementation plan. Effort to identify opportunities for electrifying, right-sizing, and improving overall efficiency of vehicles to meet CAP
Goals. Include implementation recommendations to incorporate EV's through right-timing purchases with a planned vehicle-replacement schedule.Sustainability 2022
W 1-3
Facilitate reduction of water use by top customers annually through an opt-in water reduction program targeting water reduction goals of 20% or more per site. Offer free technical resources
to large institutions and businesses to identify specific opportunities for employees or customers to conserve water and incorporate water efficiency into internal operations. Program can be
coordinated with the City's Waste Audit and Diversion Assistance program. Goal: 30 business water use audits completed annually with customers engaged in measuring and reducing water
consumption.
Eng
(Environmental
Services)2022
W 1-4 Evaluate opportunities for real-time water and energy metering that may help customers better understand and reduce their water and energy consumption.
Eng
(Environmental
Services)2022
W 1-6
Conduct a Water Conservation "challenge" campaign ask participants to reduce water consumption through water use behavior change strategies, irrigation system utilization, and replacement
of fixtures like shower heads with WaterSense certified fixtures.
Eng
(Environmental
Services)2022
W 1-7
Consider rate design structures that incentive reductions in water consumption. Include utility services and capacity support to implement income-based payment plan. Include education and
engagement plan to raise awareness about change and water efficiency. Finance 1
W 2-2
Negotiate or contract with Metropolitan Council Environmental Services for renewable, biodigestion, or other wastewater treatment offset technology to offset 100% of Edina wastewater
treatment demand carbon emissions by 2030.
Eng
(Environmental
Services)2022
W 3-3 Implement strategies to mitigate stormwater impacts due to development and redevelopment of properties currently exempted from stormwater management requirements.
Eng
(Environmental
Services)2022
W 4-1
Prepare a flash flood risk map, or modify existing City of Edina flood mapping tools, to identify areas within City that are particularly vulnerable to flash flood impacts based on current and
projected climate change impacts. Train and educate emergency responders about this risk. Create and implement a mitigation and response plan. Share and promote the information
developed by the flash flood risk map, particularly among vulnerable populations and neighborhoods.
Eng
(Environmental
Services)2022
W 4-3
Work with FEMA to update flood zone maps. Update watershed management plans with current understanding of climate change related weather patterns to identify properties vulnerable to
flooding and help prepare property owners to implement adaptation actions.
Eng
(Environmental
Services)1
WM 1-5
Eliminate petroleum-based, single-use products through phasing out the use of single-use plastics including plastic bags by 2025. Require food service retailers to use re-usable, biodegradable,
compostable or recyclable packaging and utensils (including for take-out). Explore the feasibility of establishing a reusable takeout container service.Health 1
WM 2-1 Make City worksites a model for organics composting by developing a collection program for City buildings (owned and leased) and park spaces.Eng (Facilities)2022
WM 2-2 Require that compost be used as a soil amendment for public and private construction projects that disturb the soil cover by a set amount.
Eng
(Design/Constru
ction)2022
WM 3-4
Explore establishing or expanding requirements for recycling and organic waste collection for multi-family residential buildings, and commercial/industrial buildings. Promote, educate and
advocate for equal access to organics collection as well as collection of other common items typically requiring drop off at the recycling center to support participation by all, including
individuals with limited mobility Health 1
WM 4-1
Promote and explore partnership with clothing businesses, reuse non-profits and textile recycling businesses to create a Clothing Reuse and Recycling pilot project to advance zero waste textiles
within the City.Health 2022
WM 4-5 Promote and partner to support a Fix It Fair at the Library and create a resource list for reuse.Health 2022
Date: Marc h 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI I.A.
To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type:
R eport and R ecommendation
F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:2022 W P #1: S upport Natural Habitat Ac tion
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED:
Approve proposed Resolution of Support temporarily suspending enforcement of some parts of E dina's Weed
Ordinance to encourage N o Mow May participation. T he approved Resolution will be submitted to Council at
their next meeting.
I N TR O D U C TI O N:
I nitiative
S upport new ordinance development or the modification of current ones to protect tree canopy and explore the
benefit from initiatives like No M ow M ay that can help expand the green ground coverage on the City.
Deliverable
R eview and recommend to C ouncil on trees, greenspace, pollinators, and more sustainable private lawn
management such as water sensor on lawn irrigation systems, bee lawns, pollinator friendly gardens, fall/spring
cleanup practices.
AT TAC HME N T S:
Description
Draft No Mow May Resolution 2022
RESOLUTION NO. 2022-XX
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT NO MOW MAY INITIATIVE 2022
WHEREAS, the Edina City Council approved Resolution No. 2020-42 endorsing pollinator friendly policies.
WHEREAS, the Edina City Council recognizes that bees and other pollinators are integral to pollination of
plants in order to grow a wide diversity of essential foods including fruit, nuts and vegetables; and
WHEREAS, pollinator populations are threatened due to habitat loss, neonicotinoid use, pathogens and
parasites; and
WHEREAS, the City of Edina passed in December 2021 a Climate Action Plan, that includes Greenspace and
Trees, with a specific strategy to increase pollinator supportiveness of lawns and grasslands; and
WHEREAS, recent research suggests that bee pollinators make use of no mow spaces as key floral resources
during early spring in the upper Midwest United States ; and
WHEREAS, pollinators and floral resources have a positive relationship, where the increase in pollinators can
increase the amount of flora and vice versa; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds it is in the public interest and consistent with adopted City policy for the
City to demonstrate its commitment to a safe and healthy community environment through the implementation of
initiatives that help increase the pollinator population.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Edina, Hennepin County,
Minnesota,
To continue its efforts to become a pollinator friendly City by ensuring best management practices for
management of vegetation, and
To continue to identify actively maintained areas that could be converted back to vegetation favorable to
bees and other pollinators, or left natural to promote nesting areas for bees, and
To proclaim May 1st -31st, 2022 as “No Mow May”, and encourage all residents of the city who wish to
participate in this initiative to register with the City and refrain from mowing their lawns in the month of May to
provide vital early spring flowers for bees that emerge from hibernation, and
To temporarily suspend enforcement for No Mow May registered participants of Edina City Code
requirements in Sec 30-118 and Sec 30-119, specifically that “Turf grasses shall be regularly cut such that no
individual plant shall exceed, at any time, ten inches in height or length” and “Weeds shall be regularly cut or
controlled such that no individual plant shall exceed, at any time, ten inches in height or length” from May 1, 2022
to June 15, 2022, while continuing to enforce the Minnesota State Mandate regarding the management of noxious
weeds, and
To continue enforcement of the above City Code requirements for any properties not registered for No
Mow May, and
To develop a registration portal online for those interested in participating in this initiative, where
participants will be required to register and where interested parties can learn about the importance of creating
and maintaining a pollinator friendly landscape.
ADOPTED this 22ND day of March, 2022
Attest:
Sharon Allison, City Clerk James B. Hovland, Mayor
STATE OF MINNESOTA)
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN)
CITY OF EDINA )
CERTIFICATE OF CITY CLERK
I, the undersigned duly appointed and acting City Clerk for the City of Edina do hereby certify that the attached
and foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Edina City Council at its Regular Meeting of March 1, 2022, and
as recorded in the Minutes of said Regular Meeting.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said City this 22nd day of March, 2022
City Clerk
Date: Marc h 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI I.B.
To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type:
R eport and R ecommendation
F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:2022 W P #2: G reen Busines s R ec ognition P rogram Ac tion
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED:
Approve new G B R P working group members.
I N TR O D U C TI O N:
I nitiative
Green B usiness Recognition P rogram - Strengthen and bring more business to the G reen Business R ecognition
P rogram (promotion, outreach, etc.)
Deliverable
double the number of businesses participating in Green B usiness Recognition program
Date: Marc h 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI I.C .
To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type:
R eport and R ecommendation
F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:2022 W P #5: P las tic Bag P olicy Ac tion
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED:
Approve new P lastic B ag P olicy working group members.
I N TR O D U C TI O N:
I nitiative
P lastic Bag P olicy - Revise and update 2017 report on possible recommendations for a plastic bag ordinance.
Deliverable:
updated report with recommendation.
Date: Marc h 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI I.D.
To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type:
O ther
F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:2022 W P #6: C ities Networking Events Information
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED:
R eceive information regarding April 30, 2022 E nvironment C ommissions C onference.
I N TR O D U C TI O N:
I nitiative
Host 1-2 networking meetings with metro cities environmental commissions
Deliverable
1-2 meetings
AT TAC HME N T S:
Description
2022 Environment Commissions Conference Flyer
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE
2022 ENVIRONMENT
COMMISSIONS CONFERENCE
The annual conference for cities’ environment commissions is back in 2022! We’ll be
meeting in-person to discuss commissions’ efforts on environmental issues and have a
chance to network and learn from each other’s experience working on these issues at the
city level. Opportunities to participate online will be available as well.
WHO
All city environment commission members and people interested in starting
a similar commission in their own community.
WHERE
Robert H. Rohlf Room at Ridgedale Public Library
12601 Ridgedale Drive, Minnetonka MN 55305
WHEN
Saturday, April 30th, from 10 am to 1:30 pm
A registration form will be coming shortly, for now just save the date!
QUESTIONS?
Please contact John Anderson with Conservation Minnesota at:
johna@conservationminnesota.org
Date: Marc h 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI I.E.
To:Energy and Environment C ommis s ion Item Type:
R eport and R ecommendation
F rom:G rac e Hancoc k, S us tainability Manager
Item Activity:
Subject:Monthly call for c ommunication requests Ac tion
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED:
S ubmit any communications requests to staff liaison for processing
I N TR O D U C TI O N:
AT TAC HME N T S:
Description
EEC Communication Channels
Energy and Environment Commission Communication Guidelines
Communication Channels
These channels are used by Edina’s Communication Department and can be accessed by the EEC. While
turnaround time is included, it is recommended that requests be made as early as possible for planning
purposes. There will be a call for communication requests as a standing agenda item at each EEC
meeting. The staff liaison will coordinate requests with Communications Director, Jennifer Bennerotte.
Type Content Materials from
EEC
Publishing
Frequency
Turnaround
Time
Website Press releases and stories,
hometown heroes,
Topic/
nomination,
willingness to be
interviewed
Ad hoc 1 week
Better Together
Edina
Green Business
Recognition Program
M. Horan leads Ad hoc 1 week
Sun Current Newspaper- Guest
Column
Draft text Weekly Independent
submission
or seek
support
from
Comm’s
Dept (2
weeks)
Edition Edina Newsletter Topic, willingness
to be interviewed
Monthly 60 days
Social Media Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram
Topic, # of posts Ad hoc 1 month
Agenda Edina Video/Youtube
Idea/Mayor’s Minute
Topic, willingness
to be interviewed
2x/month 1 month
Direct Mailers postcards, inserts, posters,
flyers, etc.
Budget, topic Ad hoc 1 month
Send Text Text Topic Opt-in 1 month
Other Newsletters PW Pipeline and Parks
Activities Directory
Topic, willingness
to be interviewed
2x/year 3 months
City Extra Emails Can choose topic area-bulk
emails
Topic, draft text Opt-in 1 week
Contact Information
Grace Hancock
Sustainability Manager
GHancock@EdinaMN.gov
Communication Department Project Lead Times
The following lead times are organized by level of work involved by Communication Department. These
are recommended by the staff to provide guidance for marketing and communication development.
Level 1 (1 day)
• Re-order of existing project
Level 2 (3 days)
• Re-sizing existing project (no other edits)
• Website banner images
• Basic photo editing
Level 3 (1 week- small changes)
• Copy changes where text doesn’t move
• Postcards
• Rack cards
• Social media graphics based on existing campaign
• PowerPoint presentation graphics for public event
Level 4 (2 weeks-updates)
• New social media graphics
• Updates to existing pieces (new copy, colors, photos or combination thereof)
• Posters and flyers
• Ads
Level 5 (3-4 weeks-significant projects)
• New campaigns
• New art
• Brochures
• Reports
• Pamphlets and booklets
Level 6 (More than 1 month (to be negotiated or determined with Director-large projects))
• Re-brand
• Logo design
• Publication redesign