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Home My WebLink About2022-02-10 EEC AgendaAg enda Energy and Environment Commission City Of E dina, Minnesota VIR TUAL MEE TING This meeting will be held electronically using Webex software. The meeting will be streamed live on the City’s YouTube channel, YouTube.com/EdinaTV or you can listen to the meeting via telephone by calling 1-415-655-0001 with Access code: 2451 198 0398. Thursday, February 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 Ja n u ary 13, 2022 V.Special Recogn ition s An d Presentation s A.Presen ta tion: City of Edin a Forester VI.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 #3: Multi-Fam ily orga n ics C.2022 W P #5: Plastic Bag Policy D.Mon thly call for com m u n ication req u ests E .An n u al Cha ir/Vice Cha ir Nom in ation & Selection VII.Cha ir An d Mem ber Com m ents VIII.Sta5 Com m ents IX.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: F ebruary 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 January 13, 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, J anuary 13, 2022. I N TR O D U C TI O N: AT TAC HME N T S: Description EED Minutes : January 13, 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, J anuary 13, 2022 7:00 P M I.C all To O rder C hair Martinez c alled the meeting to order. I I.R oll C all Ans wering roll c all were C hair Martinez, Vic e C hair Horan, C ommis s ioners Dakane, Haugen, Hovanec, Lukens , Tessman, S tudent C ommissioner S humway C ommissioner Lanzas and S tudent C ommis s ioner R awat were absent. I I I.Approval O f Meeting Agenda Meeting Agenda was approved Motion by Cory Lukens to approve meeting agenda. Seconded by Michelle Horan. Motion Carried. I V.Approval O f Meeting Minutes Meeting Minutes were approved Motion by Ukasha Dakane to approve meeting minutes. S econded by Tom Tessman. Motion Carried. A.Minutes : Energy and Environment C ommission Dec ember 9, 2021 V.S pec ial R ec ognitions And P res entations A.Edina C ommunications S taff P res entation C ommunic ations Direc tor Bennerotte pres ented. VI.R eports /R ec ommendations A.2021 W P Initiative #7: R eview and C omment on ET C reports C ommissioner Haugen presented a draft Advisory C ommunic ation on organized trash c ollection to C ouncil. EEC determined to c onsider drafting the Advisory C ommunic ation, for further disc ussion at their F ebruary meeting. B.2022 EEC Work P lan EEC opened the disc ussion for 2022 work plan initiatives EEC requested a s tanding agenda item each meeting foc used on initiative c ommunications C .2022 W P #2: G BR P 2022 Working G roup C harge EEC received the updated Working G roup C harge for G reen Bus iness R ec ognition P rogram. VI I.C hair And Member C omments C hair Martinez reminded the EEC that C hair and Vice C hair nominations and voting will take plac e at the F eb. 10 EEC meeting VI I I.S taff C omments I X.Adjournment Meeting was adjourned. Motion by J ohn Haugen to adjourn. S econded by Tom Tessman. 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: F ebruary 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 F orester 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 follow-up discussion with C ity F orester from his 2021 E E C staff report 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 2021 Edina Forestry Staff Report 2021 Tree Forum Video 2021 Tree Forum Follow-up Resources August 12, 2021 Energy & Environment Commission Luther Overhold, City of Edina Forester Current Edina Tree Practices Information / Background: 1. What is your City's practice for tree preservation as a component of development or redevelopment? A. Ordinance No. 2014-25 (edinamn.gov) This is our current tree protection ordinance. 2. What is your City's tree replacement process/policy. A. Currently we replace trees at least 1:1 in our projects and follow the tree ordinance. 3. What is your City's practice regarding boulevard trees? (installation, maintenance, costs, etc.) A. Residents are responsible for trees on the boulevard. We maintain only trees on city property and provide all the maintenance on city trees. 4. What resources community education programs does your City provide to promote trees? A. We currently have an Arbor day celebration every year and invite the public to it. For the past 2 years we have had a tree giveaway and it has gone very well and we plan to continue it. We have a spring and fall buckthorn dump for residents. I also speak periodically at EPS from kindergarten to high school when asked. 5. What are your City's policies or practices regarding trees in parks or other public properties? A. We maintain them for as long as safely possible. We have a tree donation program that allows residents to donate trees to city parkland. Currently they get to pick location and species. 6. What challenges has your City faced related to tree management and conservation? A. Construction and development is the biggest issue in my opinion. We could also use more staff, currently we only have 1 forester to manage all the trees in the city. 7. Where have you seen success in tree management and conservation? A. The tree preservation ordinance has been successful but is due for an update. Before it came into fruition 5 years ago you could remove all the trees on your property and put sod down in its place. The tree giveaway has been the perfect way to get trees into the hands of STAFF REPORT Page 2 our residents. We launched an ash tree inspection program at the beginning of July and have advised hundreds of residents on their ash trees. Most were still treatable. 8. Anything you would flag from other communities who spoke at the tree forum that you particularly liked/would like help implementing? A. I really think we need to enhance our tree protection ordinance and make it stricter on all of the builders. All of the regulations the other cities have are great and I am all for implementing them here in Edina but we will need more staff to make sure that it is effective. From:Grace Hancock To:Grace Hancock Subject:FW: Tree Forum Meeting Video Date:Thursday, July 29, 2021 8:39:25 AM Attachments:image001.gif Hi EEC, The Tree Forum was a success Monday afternoon, and I’d encourage you to check out the below video link to inform your consideration of a work plan item around trees in 2022. We heard from St. Louis Park, Highland Park, IL, and Bellevue, WA about their tree management practices and community connections. Thanks, Grace Hancock, Sustainability Coordinator 952-826-1621 | Fax 952-826-03907450 Metro Blvd. | Edina, MN 55439 GHancock@EdinaMN.gov | EdinaMN.gov Share your thoughts and ideas with the City online! Visit www.BetterTogetherEdina.org. From: MJ Lamon <MLamon@EdinaMN.gov> Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 10:54 AM To: Cary Teague <cteague@EdinaMN.gov>; Perry Vetter <PVetter@EdinaMN.gov>; Andrew Scipioni <ascipioni@EdinaMN.gov>; Grace Hancock <GHancock@EdinaMN.gov> Cc: Scott H. Neal <sneal@EdinaMN.gov>; Tom Swenson <TSwenson@EdinaMN.gov>; Luther Overholt <loverholt@EdinaMN.gov> Subject: Tree Forum Meeting Video Hello Liaisons, Thanks to those who attended our event last night. We believe this was a great learning experience for our Commissioners and our own City staff. The recording of the event is available on our YouTube channel if you’d like to view it or share with others (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmeT7FJB-uA). The recording starts during introductions, but the entirety of the panel discussion and Q&A is included. Please share this link with the Commissioners! Thanks, MJ MJ Lamon, Community Engagement Coordinator 952-826-0360 | Fax 952-826-0390 MLamon@EdinaMN.gov | EdinaMN.gov Stay informed about the City’s response to COVID-19 at EdinaMN.gov/Coronavirus. Need a hand or want to help? Visit BetterTogetherEdina.org/COVID-19. Share your thoughts and ideas with the City online! Visit www.BetterTogetherEdina.org. From:Carolyn Jackson To:Andrew Scipioni; Grace Hancock; Cary Teague; Perry Vetter Cc:MJ Lamon; Scott H. Neal Subject:RE: Tree Panel Follow-Up Date:Wednesday, August 11, 2021 11:53:00 AM Attachments:image001.gif Thank you Andrew! --Carolyn From: Andrew Scipioni <ascipioni@EdinaMN.gov> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 11:43 AM To: Grace Hancock <GHancock@EdinaMN.gov>; Cary Teague <cteague@EdinaMN.gov>; Perry Vetter <PVetter@EdinaMN.gov> Cc: MJ Lamon <MLamon@EdinaMN.gov>; Scott H. Neal <sneal@EdinaMN.gov>; Carolyn Jackson <CJackson@EdinaMN.gov> Subject: Tree Panel Follow-Up Liaisons, Following up from the tree panel event last month, here are links to the municipal codes and staff contacts for the cities who participated if you’d like to share with your respective Commissions; St. Louis Park City Code: https://www.stlouispark.org/government/city-code Staff Contact: Mike Bahe, Natural Resources Manager, mbahe@stlouispark.org Minnetonka City Code: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/minnetonka/latest/overview Staff Contact: Hannibal Hayes, City Forester, hhayes@minnetonkamn.gov Highland Park, IL City Code: https://library.municode.com/il/highland_park/codes/code_of_ordinances Staff Contact: Joe O’Neill, Assistant Superintendent of Public Works, joneill@cityhpil.com Bellevue, WA City Code: https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development/codes-and- guidelines Staff Contacts: Jennifer Ewing, Environmental Stewardship Manager, jewing@bellevuewa.org Rachel Wells, Urban Forestry Specialist, rwells@bellevuewa.org Thanks, Andrew Scipioni, Transportation Planner 952-826-0440 | Fax 952-826-03927450 Metro Blvd. | Edina, MN 55439 ascipioni@EdinaMN.gov | EdinaMN.gov Share your thoughts and ideas with the City online! Visit www.BetterTogetherEdina.org. Date: F ebruary 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI.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 Disc ussion 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 from Vice C hair H oran regarding past work on pollinators in E dina: report and resolution. R eceive information from Chair M artinez regarding proposed actions regarding tree canopy ordinances. I N TR O D U C TI O N: 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 2020 Pollinator Res olution Pollinator Report - 2019 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 Protecting Pollinators Morgan Mellum Michelle Horan 6/2019 What are pollinators? Pollinators are animals and insects that fertilize plants by moving pollen from the male flower structures to the female structure of plants within the same species. These pollinators include honey bees, native bees, butterflies, moths, flies, ants, bats, hummingbirds, lizards and beetles. Why are pollinators important? “Pollinators contribute substantially to the food production systems of the United States, to the economic vitality of the agricultural sector, and to the health of our environment.” 1 Pollinators are necessary for the majority of our food crop production. Without pollinators fertilizing plants, the variety and nutrition needed in our diets to remain healthy, would be severely limited. Pollinators are necessary for a healthy ecosystem. 80-95% of plants found in nature are dependent on pollinators for their survival as a species. These plants form the diets of many insects and animals, which are in turn food for other insects and animals. In order to maintain the diversity and health of these ecosystems healthy populations of pollinators need to be maintained. 2 According to the 2017 Minnesota State Agency Pollinator Report, “Pollinators provide enormous ecological, economic and aesthetic benefits. They are critical to maintaining the healthy natural ecosystems that Minnesotans value.” “Pollinators also create stable environments. They pollinate plants that stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. These plants can buffer waterways, store carbon, and provide habitat for other wildlife. Plus, flowering landscapes are beautiful. Without pollinators, our environment would look very different.” 3 There are between 235 billion and 577 billion US dollars of global food production per year that rely on bees and other pollinators 4 Why do Pollinators Need Protection? Pollinator populations are declining. The decline of honey bees has been well publicized with reports of some beekeepers losing between 30-90% of their colonies. In the winter of 2015-2016 Minnesota beekeepers reported losing nearly 36 percent of all colonies, a 15% winter loss is considered acceptable. Pollinator-Friendly Best Management Practices for Federal Lands, 1 [https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/BMPs/documents/ PollinatorFriendlyBMPsFederalLandsDRAFT05152015.pdf], May 11, 2015 What are pollinators and why do we need them? [https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-2 outreach/what-are-pollinators-and-why-do-we-need-them] Minnesota’s Pollinators, MN DNR, [https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/pollinators/index.html]3 Pollinators Vital to Our Food Supply Under Threat, 4 [https://www.ipbes.net/article/press-release-pollinators-vital-our-food-supply-under-threat] However, native bees are also seeing a decline in population nationwide. A report put out by the Center for Biological Diversity has concluded that “52 percent of (native bee) species with a determinable status are declining and 24 percent are threatened with extinction.” 5 According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service “Of the hundred or so crops that make up most of the world’s food supply, only 15 percent are pollinated by domestic bees, while at least 80 percent are pollinated by wild bees and other wildlife.” Minnesota is also home to over 400 species of native bees. Other pollinators in decline are the Monarch butterfly. Monarch butterfly populations have seen an 80% decrease since the mid 1990s. Some of the reasons attributed to these losses are pesticides, parasites, poor nutrition, loss of habitat and monoculture agriculture. 6 All species of hummingbird are currently listed on the endangered species list. 7 How to Protect Pollinators There are three main components to pollinator protection 1.Protect and Restore Pollinator Foraging, Nesting and Egg-laying Habitat ●Foraging. Pollinators need a consistent food source. Flowering plants, which provide protein and carbohydrates, need to be available throughout the growing season. ●Choose a variety of plants, especially natives, that provide pollen, and nectar during the spring, summer and fall. Try to include at least three different flowers in bloom during each season. A diverse selection of flower color, size, shape, and height, as well as higher density will play a role in the attractiveness to pollinators. ●Convert more turf to flowering habitat. Turf is a “food desert” for pollinators. However, if you have a higher tolerance to weeds, the flowering “weeds” in turf provide a good source of food for pollinators. ●Create continuous areas of pollinator habitat. Habitat fragmentation has played a role in the decline of pollinators. Some pollinators do not roam more than 200 yards or less between nest and foraging sites. ●Create policies/practices that increase pollinator habitat on roadsides. Roadsides are not in danger of redevelopment, and can provide habitats for pollinators, and add connectivity to fragmented sections. Pollinators in Peril [https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/native_pollinators/pdfs/5 Pollinators_in_Peril.pdf U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,[https://www.fws.gov/pollinators/pollinatorpages/6 aboutpollinators.html] Hummingbirds, [https://defenders.org/hummingbirds/basic-facts]7 ●Egg-laying sites. Good foraging habitat will also provide egg-laying sites for pollinators. Grow more plants that are specific to egg-laying, such as milkweed for Monarch Butterflies. Milkweed is the only plant that Monarch butterflies will lay their eggs on, and it is the only plant that a monarch caterpillar will eat. Monarchs prefer to lay their eggs on small patches of milkweed versus large areas. ●Nesting. Most native bees require areas that are undisturbed for nesting and reproduction. Unlike honey bees, who are social and live in hives, most native bees are solitary, and are ground or cavity nesters. In fact, 70% of Minnesota native bees nest underground in abandon burrows or dig tunnels. 30% of native bee species are cavity nesters, and will use pre-existing cracks in concrete, or abandoned insect tunnels in dead wood as a nest. Some will use hollow plant stems or dried stands of grass. Ways to preserve and promote nesting sites for bees: ●Leave undisturbed areas undisturbed. Most native bees need areas that are untilled or unmulched, especially near or adjacent to pollinator habitat. ●Maintain grasses where rodents can nest and create future nests for bees. ●Preserve downed logs, leaf litter, flower stems and hollow grasses. ●Maintain bare spots so bees can directly access the soil surface to dig nests. ●Mowing. Another important practice that will affect pollinator habitat is mowing. ●Avoid mowing an entire area at once. Mow one-third to one-half at a time, rotating areas. ●Mow a path through an area instead of mowing the entire plot. This can create a walkway through a “meadow” for observing pollinator and wildlife activity. ●Raise mowing blades to 3.5-4 inches to allow the flowers of the ”weeds” to survive and provide food for pollinators. ●Mow roadsides as needed to maintain sight lines and safety. 2. Decrease the use of Pesticides and herbicides. The effect of heavy doses of pesticides is lethal for pollinators, and lesser doses can affect reproduction, navigation, foraging, memory, and mobility. Herbicides can kill the very plants that pollinators need for food and egg-laying. ●Avoid neonicotinoids, or plant materials that have been treated with neonicotinoids. Neonicotinoids are systemic pesticides. When absorbed by the plant they circulate throughout its vascular system, making the entire plant toxic. ●Amend purchasing policy to require plants be free of neonicotinoids. ●Spot treat instead of broadcast applications whenever possible. ●Avoid pesticide applications when winds are higher. ●Spray when pollinators are less active - early morning or evening. ●Implement an Integrated Pest Management program. 3. Education. It is important that the City and Edina residents, understand the value of pollinators and the need to protect their populations. Outreach needs to go hand in hand with policy. There are many resources to help educate the public about the plight of pollinators and the actions that can be taken to protect them. Some of these are listed in the Source section below. What the City of Edina is Currently Doing to Protect Pollinators On February 24, 2016, The Edina City Council approved a Turf Management Plan, which, along with Integrated Pest Management Practices (IPM ), guides the City on how public turf is managed. The term turf refers to any area that the city treats, mows or irrigates. This includes sports fields, golf courses, parks, boulevards, medians, cracks in sidewalks or other hard surfaces controlled by the City. The stated goals of the Turf Management Plan are as follows: 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 (the goal of an IPM is to maintain healthy turf grasses while controlling the percentage of weeds within a predetermined tolerance level without the use of herbicides. 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: ●Identify the pest (weed) and the size (density) of its infestation. ●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. ●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: ●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. ●Use methods of selective spot treatments instead of broadcast treatments whenever possible. ●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. ●Apply herbicides only as a last resort. ●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. ●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. Some of the strategies to accomplish the above goals have already been enacted. The City has already established a weed tolerance classification for city owned property. All herbicide applicators are licensed, and the city has hired Tom Swenson as Assistant Director of Parks and Natural Resources. Along with the Turf Management Plan, the City has begun a survey of all the property they manage. This will help them be more strategic in identifying the areas that continually need to be mowed and how often, the areas they can stop mowing and the areas that can be turned into native gardens. The changes made, as a result, will reduce carbon emissions and mowing creep, create less risk to equipment operators, produce mowing efficiency, and allow for focused time on premier fields, and active use areas. Braemar Golf Course is a good example of this transition from highly managed to native. Large portions of the golf course, not actively used for golfing, have been converted to native plant gardens. To ensure these transitions have the best possible outcomes and desired results, the City partners with various third parties that are experts in designing, restoring and managing native plant communities, wildlife ecology, engineering, and landscape architecture. State Actions for Pollinator Protection There is support for pollinator protection at the state level. On August 2016 Governor Dayton issued Executive Order 16-07, directing the state to take immediate action to reduce the decline of pollinator health in the state. This led to the creation of the Interagency Pollinator Protection Team. Their first report to the Environmental Quality Board was in 2017. This report catalogs existing agency initiatives and programs and provides various options for pollinator policy, budget and research. It is also a living document (https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/ 180838.pdf). The “Recommendations for Pollinator Protection in Minnesota, REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR” , https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/181289.pdf , helped the Governor’s office, state agencies and the legislature prioritize and create policy and positive changes for pollinators in the state of Minnesota. There are other state organizations supporting pollinator protections actions. The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), has established a Pollinator Initiative https://bwsr.state.mn.us/practices/pollinator/index.html, which includes a Pollinator Toolbox https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox, and a Pollinator Plan https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/ 2019-01/2019%20Revised%20Pollinator%20Plan%2012-26-18.pdf . These explain why it is important to protect pollinators and their habitats, provides resources and guidance to other conservation organizations, and establishes future actions to help protect and restore pollinator habitat. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has also published the “Best Management Practices for Pollinators and Their Habitat”. https:// www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/best-management-practices-pollinators-and- their-habitat. The Minnesota DNR has created a Best Management Practices and Habitat Restoration Guidelines for DNR managed lands (https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/ natural_resources/npc/2014_draft_pollinator_bmp_guidelines.pdf). 2019 has seen a record number of legislation being proposed for the protection of pollinators. Many as a result from the Governor’s Committee on Pollinator Protection (GCPP) recommendations. Most were absorbed into the SF2314 HF2209 Environment Omnibus Bill. The specific bills and their fate after the 2019 session are listed in the Resource section below. Actions Cities Can Take 1. Pollinator Friendly Resolutions Thirty-eight Minnesota municipalities have passed pollinator friendly resolutions, including Austin, Duluth, Eden Prairie, Minneapolis, Shorewood, St. Louis Park, St. Paul, and Still Water. Both Ramsey and Washington County, as well as a few school districts, have also passed pollinator friendly resolutions. Pollinate Minnesota is an education and advocacy organization for pollinators and has worked with various cities to help them pass resolutions that pledge to protect pollinators .They have created a tool kit [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5499e7fce4b0ca516ac4d941/t/ 5706fd798a65e2783abaaee4/1460075899145/ Pollinator+Friendly+Resolutions+Rubric+March16.pdf] ]on best language for a pollinator friendly resolution as well as a model resolution for cities to use to create their own resolutions, [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/ 5499e7fce4b0ca516ac4d941/t/5904f323bf629a577a90bed1/1493496611942/ MODEL+resolution++4_2017+.pdf] 2. Pollinator Protection Strategy Another tactic is a “protection strategy”, which is what the City of Toronto has established. It begins with a vision statement which is supported by guiding principles, priorities and actions to reach their goals. https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/ 2018/05/9676-A1802734_pollinator-protection-strategy-booklet.pdf 3. Support state legislation that Protects Pollinators 4. Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM)program An IPM is, according to the EPA is “is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.” Resources Sample Resolution https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5499e7fce4b0ca516ac4d941/t/ 5904f323bf629a577a90bed1/1493496611942/MODEL+resolution++4_2017+.pdf Resolution Tool Kit [https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5499e7fce4b0ca516ac4d941/t/ 5706fd798a65e2783abaaee4/1460075899145/ Pollinator+Friendly+Resolutions+Rubric+March16.pdf] Toronto’s Pollinator Protection Strategy https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/9676-A1802734_pollinator- protection-strategy-booklet.pdf Minnesota State Legislation https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59fcf40ab1ffb6ee9911ad2a/t/ 5c90de696e9a7f1b8a383987/1552997995018/ Minnesota+legislation+for+pollinators+2019.pdf Outcomes of Bills at end of session noted in bold type, as prepared by Chris Cowan of the Pollinator Action Network: 1. Restricting Neonics to Licensed Applicators: This proposal limits the sale and use of neonics for cosmetic purposes. Residential products pose considerable hazards for pollinators because of their permissive labeling, with some approved for use at rates up to 120 times higher than levels approved on farm fields.4 This proposal protects urban waterways from neonic contamination and the habitat of the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, which largely covers the Twin Cities metropolitan area. 2. Banning Neonics in Wildlife Management Areas HF 721/SF 941: While the Department of Natural Resources currently prohibits the use of neonicotinoid insecticides (neonics) in Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) across the state, this bill guarantees that WMAs remain a safe haven for pollinators well into the future. This bipartisan bill is a practical way to preserve healthy pollinator forage for generations to come. This was not included in the final SF2314 HF2209 House Environment Omnibus Bill 3. Providing Assistance to Farmers Using Neonic- Free Seeds: This program offers financial assistance to farmers to plant corn and soybean seed not treated with neonics. These treatments are widely used but provide little to no yield benefit for corn and soybeans, especially in Minnesota’s climate. Still, transitioning seed supply can be logistically and financially challenging for many farmers. This program helps interested farmers make the switch. 4. Restoring Local Control Over Pesticides HF 212/ SF 1157, HF 1255: Since 1987, Minnesota has preempted localities from passing their own pesticide control ordinances. State policies should be a floor, not a ceiling—and communities that decide to go above and beyond should not be stopped from doing so. Two bills currently address this issue. HF 212 restores local control to Minnesota’s four largest cities, while HF 1255 extends local control to all cities in Minnesota. No language included in the Omnibus bill. 5. “Lawn to Legumes” Cost Share Program HF 776/ SF 1276: This bill establishes cost share grants for homeowners, cities, counties, and public schools to replace lawns with pollinator-friendly forbs, legumes, and native vegetation. $900 one time funding from Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). 6. Creating a Pollinator Protection Account HF 1252: This bill funds programs, research, and outreach for pollinators through an increased pesticide registration fee—paid by the pesticide producers—on products listed by the EPA as harmful to bees. (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/ 59fcf40ab1ffb6ee9911ad2a/t/5c90de696e9a7f1b8a383987/1552997995018/ Minnesota+legislation+for+pollinators+2019.pdf) — Agriculture committee in both bodies and did not receive a hearing, so did not move this session. 7. Designates the endangered Rusty Patched Bumble Bee as Minnesota's state bee. Agreement on Rusty Patched Bumble Bee as state bee, but no enforcement provisions to protect endangered species. Educational materials Pollinator Toolbox - Community Outreach https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox-community-outreach Bee Lawn, https://www.beelab.umn.edu/sites/beelab.umn.edu/files/floweringlawninfoenrtflogo.pdf Best Management Practices for Minnesota Yards and Gardens. https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/inline-files/pollinatoryardbmps.pdf Selecting Plants https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox-selecting-plants-and-seed-mixes Rusty Patch Bumble Bee Plant Guide https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/pdf/MidwestPlantGuideRPBB.pdf Bring Back the Pollinator Campaign www.bringbackthepollinators.org Nests for Native Bees https://xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/ nests_for_native_bees_fact_sheet_xerces_society.pdf Xerxes Society Facts Sheets https://xerces.org/fact-sheets/ Sources http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/pollinator-health.aspx https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-outreach/what-are-pollinators-and-why-do-we-need- them https://www.fs.fed.us/wildﬂowers/pollinators/BMPs/documents/ PollinatorFriendlyBMPsFederalLandsDRAFT05152015.pdf https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-outreach/what-are-pollinators-and-why-do-we-need- them https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/sites/default/ﬁles/documents/ 2017%20State%20Agency%20Pollinator%20Report_%20accessible.pdf https://ento.psu.edu/pollinators/resources-and-outreach/what-are-pollinators-and-why-do-we-need- them https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/sites/default/ﬁles/documents/ 2017%20State%20Agency%20Pollinator%20Report_%20accessible.pdf https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/campaigns/native_pollinators/pdfs/Pollinators_in_Peril.pdf https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/best-management-practices-pollinators-and-their- habitat https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/pollinators/index.html http://www.bwsr.state.mn.us/practices/pollinator/pollinator-faqs.pdf https://ﬁles.dnr.state.mn.us/natural_resources/npc/2014_draft_pollinator_bmp_guidelines.pdf www.bringbackthepollinators.org https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/181289.pdf https://bwsr.state.mn.us/pollinator-toolbox-selecting-plants-and-seed-mixes https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/ﬁles/ 2019-01/2019%20Revised%20Pollinator%20Plan%2012-26-18.pdf https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/ﬁles/inline-ﬁles/pollinatoryardbmps.pdf https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/MichiganPollinatorBiologyandHabitat.pdf https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/issues/2015/jul-aug/minnesota-native-bee-survey.html http://www.hummingforbees.org/index_ﬁles/Humming%20for%20Bees%2002-24-2014.pdf https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/9676-A1802734_pollinator-protection-strategy- booklet.pdf https://earthsky.org/earth/monarch-butterﬂy-egg-laying-farmlands-vs-roadsides https://www.fs.fed.us/wildﬂowers/pollinators/BMPs/documents/ PollinatorFriendlyBMPsFederalLandsDRAFT05152015.pdf https://www.fs.fed.us/wildﬂowers/pollinators/BMPs/documents/ PollinatorFriendlyBMPsFederalLandsDRAFT05152015.pdf https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ FOE_LocalPolicyToolkit_2.pdf https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/roadside-guidelines_xerces-society1.pdf https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/MichiganPollinatorBiologyandHabitat.pdf https://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/MichiganPollinatorBiologyandHabitat.pdf https://1bps6437gg8c169i0y1drtgz-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/ FOE_LocalPolicyToolkit_2.pdf https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59fcf40ab1ffb6ee9911ad2a/t/ 5c90de696e9a7f1b8a383987/1552997995018/Minnesota+legislation+for+pollinators+2019.pdf http://www.pollinatemn.org/pollinator-friendly-twin-cities https://bwsr.state.mn.us/practices/pollinator/index.html https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/ﬁles/ 2019-01/2019%20Revised%20Pollinator%20Plan%2012-26-18.pdf https://www.mda.state.mn.us/pesticide-fertilizer/best-management-practices-pollinators-and-their- habitat https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/181289.pdf https://www.leg.state.mn.us/docs/2018/other/180838.pdf https://xerces.org/monarchs/ Date: F ebruary 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI.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 #3: Multi-F amily organic s Disc ussion 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 proposal from Chair M artinez regarding process to accomplish I nitiative #3. I N TR O D U C TI O N: W P #3: Review and comment on recycling and organic multi-family building program. Deliverable: Comment on developed program Date: F ebruary 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI.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 proposed working group Greenprint to recruit members. I N TR O D U C TI O N: I nitiative Title: P lastic Bag P olicy - Revise and update 2017 report on possible recommendations for a plastic bag ordinance. Deliverable: updated report with recommendation. AT TAC HME N T S: Description Plastic Bag Policy Working Group Greenprint Advisory Board and Commission Working Group Greenprint This form must be completed prior to a board or commission approving the establishment of a working group. BOARD OR COMMISSION: Energy and environment Commission WORKING GROUP NAME: Plastic Bag Policy WORKING GROUP OBJECTIVE: The working group will be charged with Revising and updating the 2017 report on possible recommendations for a plastic bag ordinance. WORKING GROUP CHAIR/CO-CHAIRS: Michelle Horan Project Title A working group may have more than one project. Report and recommend on a City plastic bag ordinance Description Describe the project and how it supports the approved work plan. A report was created in 2017 about plastic bags; if and why they should be regulated, the economic and environmental impacts of plastic bags and what to consider in a plastic bag ordinance. At that time the Energy and Environment Commission was charged with study and report, and the city decided not to move forward with a plastic bag ordinance. In the 2022 work plan, city council has now charged EEC to update the report and make a recommendation on what direction to take regarding plastic bag regulations. Purpose Describe the purpose or objective of the project. e.g. develop a process, review the work The objective will be to create an updated report along with a recommendation about whether or not to proceed with a plastic bag ordinance and what should be included or considered in a plastic bag ordinance. Advisory Board and Commission Working Group Greenprint This form must be completed prior to a board or commission approving the establishment of a working group. Deliverables Tangible or intangible object produced as a result of the project intended to be delivered to the indicated audience. There will be two deliverables: 1. A report on plastic bag regulations. 2. A recommendation on whether or not the City of Edina should regulate plastic bags. Community Benefit How does this project benefit the Edina community? Many Edina residents have voiced their concern about the environmental impacts of plastic bags. They have also shared their desire to ban plastic bags because of their negative impact both in the form of litter and green house gas emissions. The research done and the report created will help inform the working group on whether plastic bag regulations will reduce the negative impact that plastic bags create on our environment. Key Dates Is there an event or a timeframe to complete certain steps? The report and recommendation shall be completed by Q4, 2022. Promotion & Implementation What is the plan to share the project findings/completion or how will the completed project be implemented? The report and recommendation will be shared with the city’s Energy and Environment Commission, which will then vote on whether they agree with the working groups recommendations. Evaluation How will the group evaluate the findings or end result of the project? After extensive research and a thorough final report, the working group will be able to evaluate both pros and cons of any plastic bag policy. This will allow the working group to put forward to the EEC a recommendation on whether or not to support plastic bag legislation. Duration of the Group Typically six months to two years. The duration for this working group is from March, 2022 through December, 2022. Advisory Board and Commission Working Group Greenprint This form must be completed prior to a board or commission approving the establishment of a working group. Membership & Time Commitment Working group size cap recommendation is 7 members. Estimate how much time a working group member needs to commit to. The time commitment for a working group member will be once per month meetings and a potential for those interested, 1-3 hours/month of at home research/report writing. Public Notice & Member Recruitment Public notice will be given of the formation of any working group and individuals will have a minimum of 14 days after the public notice to express interest to join before members are selected. Forward the completed Greenprint to MJ Lamon for public notice. Date of working group approval from board/commission: March 10, 2022 Date for release of public notice: February, 2022 Date for working group member selection (must be at least 14 days after release of public notice date): March 1, 2022 Date for working group’s first meeting: Date: F ebruary 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI.D. 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 Date: F ebruary 10, 2022 Agenda Item #: VI.E. 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:Annual C hair/Vic e C hair Nomination & S elec tion 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: Nominate and select the Chair and Vice-Chair of the E E C for the 2022-2023commission cycle. T he selection results of Chair and Vice-Chair will be effective on M arch 1, 2022. R efer to the C ommission Member Handbook for more information. I N TR O D U C TI O N: AN N U AL O F F I C E E L E C T I O N S Annual E lections Timeline. P er C ity C ode, each board and commission is required to annually elect a Chair and Vice Chair. As outlined in all board and commission bylaws, boards and commissions are asked to hold their annual elections in February. T he results of each annual election must be reported to the Community Engagement M anager for record-keeping purposes. Election P rocess. A quorum must be present in order to hold elections (a quorum is half of the voting members plus one). At the regular scheduled meeting selected for annual elections, the current Board or Commission C hair opens the floor for nominations. Once all members have had the chance to nominate a member or themselves, the B oard or C ommission can take a vote or member can make a motion to nominate a chair and/or vice chair. In the case of a split vote, a Board or Commission could table their annual elections to the next scheduled meeting to allow more member input. Office Terms. P er C ity C ode, each appointed C hair and Vice Chair shall serve a term of one year. No person shall serve more than three consecutive one-year terms as Chair of a board or commission. A C hair elected to fill a vacancy shall be eligible to serve three full terms in addition to the remainder of the vacated term.