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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-13 EEC Meeting Packet Meeting location: Edina City Hall Community Room 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN Energy & Environment Commission Meeting Agenda Thursday, March 13, 2025 7:00 PM Accessibility Support: The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large-print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Meeting Agenda 4. Approval of Meeting Minutes 4.1. Approval of Meeting Minutes 5. Special Recognitions and Presentations 6. Community Comment During "Community Comment," the Board/Commission will invite residents to share issues or concerns that are not scheduled for a future public hearing. Items that are on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment. 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. 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 staff for consideration at a future meeting. 7. Reports/Recommendations 7.1. Work Plan Item 1, CAP Prioritization 7.2. Earth Day 2025 8. Chair and Member Comments 9. Staff Comments 9.1. Annual Sustainability Update Page 1 of 30 10. Adjournment Page 2 of 30 BOARD & COMMISSION ITEM REPORT Date: March 13, 2025 Item Activity: Approve Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission Agenda Number: 4.1 Prepared By: Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager Item Type: Minutes Department: Engineering Item Title: Approval of Meeting Minutes Action Requested: Approve Meeting Minutes. Information/Background: Receive and approve Feb. 13, 2025 Meeting Minutes. Supporting Documentation: 1. EEC Feb 13 Minutes Page 3 of 30 Page 4 of 30 Page 5 of 30 BOARD & COMMISSION ITEM REPORT Date: March 13, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission Agenda Number: 7.1 Prepared By: Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Engineering Item Title: Work Plan Item 1, CAP Prioritization Action Requested: Receive information. Provide comments. Information/Background: EEC Work Plan Item 1 is a "review and comment" on Staff's work to re-prioritize Climate Action Plan actions. Staff will present information each month for ease of review by the EEC. This meeting will include a review of "Water & Wastewater" sector actions. Supporting Documentation: 1. To EEC - W, Water Wastewater Actions Page 6 of 30 CAP LabelEnvisio StatusDescriptionPrioritization StatusCity Role Division Lead Budget Staff Capacity Staff Notes EEC CommentsW 1-1Status PendingAdvocate for updated building codes to require water conservation measures (e.g., grey water infrastructure, water-efficient irrigation systems, native and drought-resistant landscaping) in new construction and renovations.Keep, No Change SupportWater ResourcesSustainabilityn/a Capacity neededStaff have limited capacity and role in advocacy. Staff could support other organizations who do this work directly when priorities are established for the next building code adoption, which is anticipated to occur closer to 2032. W 1-2 UpcomingEvaluate the potential to update the City's Green Building Program to include installation of rainwater collection systems at City facilities for graywater uses, and investigate opportunities for graywater reuse at existing and new City facilities and properties. Implement graywater systems identified capable of reducing energy/water demand in other areas (for example, watering urban tree canopy to reduce heat island effect and air conditioning needs).Keep, Change Lead Sustainability n/a Existing capacityNot feasible until State agency work to establish health recommendations related to graywater and stormwater capture is completed. Reword to indicate key milestone needed before this can be implemented.Evaluate Sustainable Building Policy to create new Edina overlay requirement related to graywater and stormwater recapture once State agency health recommendations are issued.W 1-3 UpcomingFacilitate 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.Keep, Change LeadFinanceWater ResourcesSustainabilityNot budgeted Capacity neededChange action to be more specific:Complete analysis to identify top quartile of commercial and residential water users. Use data results to complete targeted water reduction and conservation campaign through engagement and connection to technical assistance. Ongoing outreach and software updates needed to track and achieve measurable reductions for highest users. W 1-4 CompletedEvaluate opportunities for real-time water and energy metering that may help customers better understand and reduce their water and energy consumption.Keep, Change LeadPublic WorksFinanceWater Utility Fund Existing capacityChange action to be more specific and within scope of City. Energy metering is handled by Xcel Energy and should not be included. Complete Capital Improvement Plan upgrades to replace residential and commercial water meters over the next 5+ years with goal to transition to streamlined monitoring software and new monthly billing cycle. W 1-5 UpcomingImplement a policy to require installation of rainwater collection systems and WaterSense water efficient fixtures and appliances at all City facility projects and all projects receiving $50,000 or more in City tax abatement, financing or funding. Provide information and technical assistance to projects as needed.RemoveDuplicate to Action W 1-2 which also requires projects to meet our Sustainable Building Policy (e.g., City facilities and projects receiving financial assistance). Page 7 of 30 CAP LabelEnvisio StatusDescriptionPrioritization StatusCity Role Division Lead Budget Staff Capacity Staff Notes EEC CommentsW 1-6 CompletedConduct 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.Ongoing Lead Water ResourcesStormwater Utility FundExisting capacityOperationalized. Ongoing outreach conducted by Water Resources Division leveraging existing community channels. Opportunities for in-person engagement with new capacity or commission engagement.W 1-7 CompletedConsider 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.Ongoing Lead Finance n/a Existing capacityOperationalized. New water rate design implemented in 2023. City evaluates rates on an occasional basis directed by Council. W 2-1 UpcomingPartner with Xcel or the PUC to study ways to off-peak or time water, sanitary, and storm utility electric use to provide grid services or increase the preferential use of renewable energy, or provide reliable power with grid controlled batteries, rather than diesel or natural gas generators.RemoveOutside city scope to study or partner on grid service evaluation. City cannot shift water, sanitary or storm utility services to alternative times (must provide ongoing, uninterrupted services). City achieves carbon-reduction through green power purchase programs and Xcel Energy investment in carbon-free generation.W 2-2 CompletedNegotiate 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.RemoveNot feasible to negotiate offsets for regional Metropolitan Council services. Metropolitan Council passed internal Climate Action Work Plan with goal to move wastewater operations to clean energy. W 3-1 On TrackMonitor chemical snow and ice management treatments and update regulations as needed to respond to changing ice, freeze/thaw, and rain events in a way that supports a healthy watershed while maintaining an appropriate level of service and snow clearing; within city owned properties.Ongoing LeadWater ResourcesPublic WorksStormwater Utility FundExisting capacityOperationalized. Priority identified in Clean Water Strategy plan. W 3-2 On TrackIncrease frequency of street sweeping for priority lakes and creek sub-watersheds based on the 2015 City of Edina Street Sweeping Plan. Promote the “Adopt-a-Drain” program to continue to improve removal of debris from storm drains and waterways. Consider renewable natural gas, or electric sweeper at next equipment replacement plan.Ongoing LeadWater ResourcesPublic WorksCapital Improvement PlanExisting capacityOperationalized. Action included in Clean Water Strategy plan.W 3-3 CompletedImplement strategies to mitigate stormwater impacts due to development and redevelopment of properties currently exempted from stormwater management requirements.CompleteBuilding Safety and Policy Information sheet for stormwater management guidance for grading, site plans and other construction available. Policy SP-003-E. W 3-4 CompletedFund and construct the Morningside Flood Infrastructure Project, and complete preliminary concepts, prioritize and schedule mitigation projects for next 3-4 major flood risk areas.CompleteMorningside Flood Project complete in 2024. Future infrastructure projects identified in Capital Improvement Plan.Page 8 of 30 CAP LabelEnvisio StatusDescriptionPrioritization StatusCity Role Division Lead Budget Staff Capacity Staff Notes EEC CommentsW 3-5 CompletedPrioritize managing stormwater before it enters the sewer system through a combination of overland flow, detention, and infiltration strategies (for example, permeable surfaces).Ongoing Lead EngineeringStormwater Utility FundExisting capacityOperationalized through discrete stormwater management projects, street reconstruction, operations and maintenance plan to inspect and maintain stormwater resources, natural resource restoration, and the creation of regulatory programs and stormwater management plans.W 3-6 CompletedComplete ordinance amendment that reduces allowable impervious surface of R-1 single family zoning. Target: 50% allowable impervious surface decrease.CompleteOrdinance adopted in 2022 amending zoning code to define and establish impervious surface requirements.W 3-7 CompletedPromote, share and create additional "Actions you can take" fact sheets for businesses, homeowners, rental property owners, and renters. Establish an accessible outreach and engagement plan to reach at-risk properties during infrastructure projects. Incorporate other resources such as "landscaping for absorption" practices (like native plantings, rain gardens, and bioswales) and MyRain Ready.Ongoing Lead SustainabilityConservation & Sustainability FundExisting capacityOperationalized. Ongoing outreach leveraging exising communication channels, including website, project engagment and other methods.W 3-8 UpcomingBuild more permeable parking lots and driveways and use more recycled materials with concrete. Identify, implement, and promote pilot projects to provide examples of permeable and recycled paving systems.Ongoing Lead Engineering Project specific Existing capacityOperationalized. Facility and street reconstruction projects incorporate recycled material and low carbon alternatives. Demonstration projects for permeable pavers and other materials considered during project design. Jay Place street recon used permeable pavers as demonstration. Reconstruction projects also reduce impervious surfaces through road size reductions.W 4-1 CompletedPrepare 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.CompleteInteractive map hosted on Edina website for property owners to see the flood risk of their home and updated annually.Page 9 of 30 CAP LabelEnvisio StatusDescriptionPrioritization StatusCity Role Division Lead Budget Staff Capacity Staff Notes EEC CommentsW 4-2 On TrackEnhance stormwater system plans and infrastructure to handle an increase in severe weather events based on climate change projections rather than historic trends.Keep, Change Support Water ResourcesStormwater Utility Fund Capital Improvement Plan Existing capacityUpdate wording to clarify scope and identify flood impacts. This will be an ongoing action that is operationalized through Edina's Flood Risk Reduction Strategy, using available climate projections, and other Water Resource Management Plan strategies. Enhance stormwater system plans and infrastructure to comprehensively reduce flood risk, due to increase in severe weather and extreme precipitation, throughout the community.W 4-3 CompletedWork 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.CompleteFlood zone maps and management plans updated. Cannot influence timing of future FEMA map updates but will coordinate updates once new maps are released.Page 10 of 30 BOARD & COMMISSION ITEM REPORT Date: March 13, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission Agenda Number: 7.2 Prepared By: Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Engineering Item Title: Earth Day 2025 Action Requested: No action requested. Information/Background: Commissioner Bartholomew will discuss EEC's involvement in the Morningside Neighborhood Association Earth Day event. Supporting Documentation: None Page 11 of 30 BOARD & COMMISSION ITEM REPORT Date: March 13, 2025 Item Activity: Information Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission Agenda Number: 9.1 Prepared By: Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager Item Type: Other Department: Engineering Item Title: Annual Sustainability Update Action Requested: No action requested. Information/Background: Staff Liaison Bayer will be presenting the Annual Sustainability Update to City Council on March 18. She will preview the presentation with EEC. Supporting Documentation: 1. Staff Presentation, 2025 Sustainability Update Draft Page 12 of 30 EdinaMN.gov Sustainability Update Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager March 18, 2025 Page 13 of 30 Climate Action Plan (CAP) Our Climate Action Vision: Help those who live and work in Edina imagine and achieve a future where the earth and all who live on it thrive. 8 Sectors 36 Strategies 218 Actions 9 years to achieve Achieved Through: Page 14 of 30 CAP Sectors Transportation & Land Use Buildings & Energy Waste Management Water & Wastewater Local Food & Agriculture Greenspace & Trees Climate Health & Safety Climate Economy Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions Climate Resilience and Equity Estimated emission reductions based on Edina 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Page 15 of 30 - 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000 500,000 600,000 700,000 800,000 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Progress Toward Goals Buildings Transportation Waste Water Progress Toward Goal Climate Action Plan Goals Reduce community-wide greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 17% reduction achieved as of 2023 GHG inventory Biennial GHG inventory completed for 2023 progress 2030 Goal 45% Reduction 2023 Progress 17% reduction Source: Edina 2023 Greenhouse Gas InventoryPage 16 of 30 Source: Edina 2023 Greenhouse Gas InventoryPage 17 of 30 Drivers of Change Emission reductions in electricity used for water distribution and wastewater collection Decreased organics and recycling participation, increased waste-to- energy diversion Electric grid decarbonization, renewable energy investment Increase vehicle miles traveled, low EV adoption and public transit use Source: Edina 2023 Greenhouse Gas InventoryPage 18 of 30 City of Edina’s Municipal Emissions Emissions Source 2019 2023 % Change Drivers of Change Electricity 3,970 2,276 -43%Grid decarbonization, efficiency projects, renewable energy subscriptions Natural Gas 3,213 2,742 -15%Efficiency projects, warmer winter and less need for gas use Transportation 1,214 1,052 -13%Fleet electrification and low carbon fuels Solid Waste 161 66 -59%Decreased estimated waste generation, waste diversion Water & Wastewater 1,980 1,694 -14%Decreased in energy emissions associated with treatment Total Municipal Emissions 10,538 7,830 -26% Municipal emissions represent 1% of total community-wide emissions Source: Edina 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Page 19 of 30 Achieving Our Climate Action Plan Goals Accountability •Reporting •Online Dashboard •Biennial GHG Inventory Awareness •Communications •Outreach Activation •Events •Workshops •Incentives Page 20 of 30 Conservation and Sustainability (CAS) Fund •Supports implementation of Climate Action Plan strategies •Primarily funded through utility franchise fee revenue •Balance rolls over year-to-year •73% of 2024 expenses were spent on city vehicle electrification, facility upgrades and facility studies 2023 2024 % Change CAS Fund Franchise Fee Revenue $963,000 $1,035,250 7% CAS Fund Expenditures $1,682,800 $1,806,575 7% Page 21 of 30 2024 Accomplishments Maintain Division Capacity •Hired new Sustainability Manager •Selected as a host site for GreenCorps Member Community Engagement •Electrify Everything program focused on home electrification •Clothing Swap, Arbor Day tree plantings, Tree Sale •EEC workplan: Green Business Outreach Program, Tree Recognition Campaign and EV Showcase Community Investment •Community Climate Action Fund to support efficiency, electrification and renewable energy •Added e-bike as eligible project •Aligned funding with updated utility rebates City Building and Vehicle Investments •City Hall Energy Management Investments & Solar PV •Fire Station #2 sustainability integration •Fleet vehicle conversion •Lithium battery conversion for golf carts at Braemar and Centennial Lakes Grant Funding •Established Elective Pay process •Grant implementation for Bredesen Park restoration, public park ash tree removal, and Mobility Action Plan •Funding awards for biofuel fleet conversion project Evaluation and Studies •Medium and heavy-duty fleet electrification assessment •Public EV charging assessment •Solar suitability analysis •Greenhouse Gas Inventory Policy Implementation and Updates •Carryout Bag Fee Ordinance •Efficient Buildings Ordinance •Sustainable Building Policy •Updates to Tree Protection and Efficient Buildings Ordinances Elevating our Voice •Participated in Public Utilities Commission comment periods for key issues related to Edina •Sharing our success at national & local conferences and forums Page 22 of 30 Impact by the Numbers – Funding Bredesen Park Restoration •MN DNR: $550,000 Public Ash Tree Removal •MN DNR: $480,000 Safe & Equitable Mobility Action Plan •USDOT: $200,000 •MnDOT: $50,000 Clean Energy Tax Credits •IRS: $30,000 Biofuel Fleet Conversion •US DOE: $119,340 •USDA: $163,000 •MPCA: $50,000 •MN Commerce: $163,000 •Soybean Research Council: $100,000 Italicized text represents federal fundingPage 23 of 30 Impact by the Numbers – Programs Community Climate Action Fund •90 projects •$97k allocated •Almost $1M private dollars leveraged Energy Audit Cost- share •200 residential assessments •31 business assessments Page 24 of 30 Impact by the Numbers – Capital Investment City Hall Energy Management •Estimated 3 million kBTU/year in energy savings once fully commissioned •Estimated 540k kBtu/year generated with new Solar PV system Fleet Vehicle Conversion •11 electric vehicles •2 hybrid electric vehicles Page 25 of 30 Impact by the Numbers – Policies Efficient Buildings Ordinance •90% submitted •238 buildings Sustainable Building Policy •1 project kick off Carryout Bag Fee Ordinance •Reporting underway •Anticipate compliance reporting complete by April Page 26 of 30 Implementation Challenges Limited staff capacity and budget to tackle 200+ actions Some strategies outside of City scope (e.g., building code updates) and sphere of influence is limited (e.g., transportation mode choice) Residents and businesses choosing to delay projects until funding is available (e.g., IRA and State rebates coming 2025+) Individual actions result in small incremental changes that aren’t realized right away Land use and density strategies to be determined during future Comprehensive Plan process and affect long-term emission reductions Behavior changes can be difficult to implement and measure Page 27 of 30 CAP Sectors & Focusing Our Efforts Transportation & Land Use Buildings & Energy Waste Management Water & Wastewater Local Food & Agriculture Greenspace & Trees Climate Health & Safety Climate Economy 63% of Emissions Reduction Need Climate Resilience and Equity Less than 1% of Emissions Reduction Need 37% of Emissions Reduction Need Estimated emission reductions based on Edina 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Page 28 of 30 Looking Ahead 2025 •Ongoing policy and program implementation •Community education and outreach •Pursuing grants to fund CAP work •Mid-point CAP action prioritization informed by GHG inventory and other studies 2026–2030 •Implementation based on 2025 prioritization •GHG inventory based on 2025 data Buildings 37% Transportation 63% Waste 0.1% Water 0.3% GHG Reductions Needed by 2030 Estimated emission reductions based on Edina 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory Page 29 of 30 EdinaMN.gov Thank you! 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