HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-12 EEC Meeting Packet
Meeting location:
Edina City Hall
Community Room
4801 W. 50th St.
Edina, MN
Energy & Environment Commission Meeting Agenda
Thursday, June 12, 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. Minutes
5. Special Recognitions and Presentations
5.1. Welcome New Member Sloane LaCasse
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. 2026-27 Commission Work Plan
7.2. Work Plan Item 1, CAP Prioritization
8. Chair and Member Comments
9. Staff Comments
Page 1 of 25
9.1. Tree Ordinance Update
9.2. GreenCorps Member Update
10. Adjournment
Page 2 of 25
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: June 12, 2025 Item Activity: Approve
Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission
Agenda Number: 4.1
Prepared By: Chad Millner, Engineering Director
Item Type: Minutes Department: Engineering
Item Title: Minutes
Action Requested:
Approve meeting minutes.
Information/Background:
Receive and approve May 8, 2025 Meeting Minutes.
Supporting Documentation:
1. May 8 EEC Minutes
Page 3 of 25
MINUTES OF THE
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
7:00 PM THURSDAY, MAY 8, 2025
Meeting location:
Edina City Hall
Community Room
4801 W. 50th St.
Edina, MN
1. Call to Order
Chair Lukens called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. then shared the procedure for
public hearing and community comment.
2. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Commissioners Lukens, Weber, Bartholomew, Tessman,
Schima, and Martinez-Salgado.
Absent were Commissioners Walker, Haugen, Dakane, and student Commissioners
Langsweirdt and Srivastav.
3. Approval of Meeting Agenda
Schima made a motion, seconded by Bartholomew, to Approve Meeting Agenda. Motion
carried.
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes
4.1. Approval of Meeting Minutes
Schima made a motion, seconded by Martinez-Salgado, to Approve Meeting Minutes.
Motion carried.
5. Special Recognitions and Presentations
5.1. Water Resources Update
Water Resources Manager Jessica V. Wilson presented the annual water resources
update.
6. Community Comment
Edina Resident and Minnesota Water Steward Sue Nissen reminded the Commission
about the importance of chloride pollution from her presentation in April and requested
they add something to their future workplan. Sue also thanked the Commission for their
work on the tree protection ordinance and how it helped save a tree in her
neighborhood.
7. Reports/Recommendations
Page 4 of 25
7.1. Work Plan Item 1, CAP Prioritization
Liaison Bayer reviewed the CAP Prioritization summary for Buildings & Energy sector.
EEC discussed and provided comments.
8. Chair and Member Comments
• Chair Lukens thanked fellow commissioners for tabling at the Earth Day Festival,
as well as other events.
9. Staff Comments
9.1. Bag Fee Reporting
Liaison Bayer shared a memo summarizing the bag fee reporting data collected for July 1-
December 31, 2024. The report is available on the city website and was shared with
Council. The same data request will be made in 2026 for 2025 full year reporting.
10. Adjournment
Bartholomew made a motion, seconded by Schima, to Adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting
adjourned at 8:47 p.m.
Page 5 of 25
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: June 12, 2025 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission
Agenda Number: 5.1
Prepared By: Chad Millner, Engineering Director
Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Engineering
Item Title: Welcome New Member Sloane LaCasse
Action Requested:
None
Information/Background:
Welcome New Member Sloane LaCasse to the EEC.
Supporting Documentation:
None
Page 6 of 25
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: June 12, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion
Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission
Agenda Number: 7.1
Prepared By: Chad Millner, Engineering Director
Item Type: Other Department: Engineering
Item Title: 2026-27 Commission Work Plan
Action Requested:
No action.
Information/Background:
Edina Boards & Commissions are moving to a 2-year work plan cycle. EEC will create a 2026-27 work
plan this year, including participating in a City Council work session on July 15 to discuss priorities.
EEC should discuss work plan priorities ahead of this meeting. Priorities should be as specific as
possible but do not need to be tied to a specific council charge yet. Liaison Bayer prepared a list of
ideas based on previous commission discussions, suggestions from community comment or special
presentations and staff suggestions.
Supporting Documentation:
1. Staff Memo, Commission Work Plan Transition
2. Guide to Commission Charges
3. To EEC - Work Plan Ideas 2026-2027
4. 2026-2027 Commission Work Plan Template
Page 7 of 25
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Background
The City Council establishes boards and commission to increase resident engagement in city work and
provide opportunities for residents to serve the community and participate in meaningful work. Currently,
the work plan process is conducted on an annual basis. For up to six months, commissions simultaneously
work on their current initiatives while discussing and developing a new annual work plan. Work plan
development starts in June and final work plans are approved in December.
There were no proposed adjustments to the 2024 work plan process. Starting in 2025, commissions will
transition to a two-year work plan process.
Purpose
The purpose of adjusting the timeline allows better connection of work plan initiatives to the organization’s
overarching strategic priorities, long-term objectives and available resources. The goal is to make work plan
initiatives more intentional and include the budget values (Sustainability, Stewardship, Engagement, Equity,
Health). Two-year work plans provide the opportunity to adopt a phased approach and allocate time to
ensure each aspect of a project or task is executed and implemented effectively.
Commissions are asked to continue to keep their work plans to 4-5 work plan items and use a phased
approach for work plan items. For example, a commission will use year one to study and report and in year
two, develop recommendations if directed by Council after the study and report. This alignment will provide
focus, track progress, adapt to evolving needs and optimize our resources to deliver impactful results.
Administration Department
EdinaMN.gov
Date:December 16, 2024
To:Commission Members
cc:Staff Liaisons
From:MJ Lamon, Special Projects & Engagement Manager
Subject:2025 Commission Work Plan Transition
June - August
•Work Plan Development
October
•Chair presents proposed work plans
November
•Staff presents proposed changes
December
•Council approves work plans
Page 8 of 25
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
1. Strategic Alignment: Strategic alignment ensures that the budget and work plans are directly tied to
the organization’s overarching goals and objectives. It involves mapping resources and planned actions
to strategic priorities, ensuring all efforts contribute to long-term success and addressing the
community's needs effectively.
2. Prioritization & Resource Allocation: Prioritization and resource allocation focus on ranking initiatives
and distributing available resources—such as funding, personnel, and time—according to their
importance and impact. This process ensures that the most critical and high-value projects receive
the necessary support while balancing constraints and competing demands.
3. Phased Approach & Completion: A phased approach breaks down the work plan into manageable
stages aligned with realistic timeframes and resource capacities. This approach acknowledges the
limits of what individuals or teams can achieve within a two-year period, prioritizing tasks to avoid
overcommitment. Each phase sets clear, attainable goals, ensuring steady progress while maintaining
quality and efficiency. Completion emphasizes finalizing deliverables for each phase before advancing,
promoting accountability and the feasibility of meeting long-term objectives.
Highlighted Changes
•Commissions develop two-year work plans
•Divide commissions into two groups and annually four commissions will develop their two-year plan
while the other group will do a review and update, if needed
•Adjust the purpose of joint work session meetings with Council to focus on discussion around
development of the two-year work plan. Council will be asked to provide more direction on projects
for the upcoming work plan.
Timeline
Group 1 = HRRC, CHC, ACC, PARC Group 2 = HPC, EEC, ETC, PC
2025 2026
June-Aug
• Group 2 Joint Meetings with Council
Aug-Sept
• Group 1 work plan review & amendments
Sept-Dec
• Group 2 Develop Two-year Work Plan
June-Aug
• Group 1 Joint Meetings with Council
Aug-Sept
• Group 2 work plan review & amendments
Sept-Dec
• Group 1 Develop Two-year Work Plan
Page 9 of 25
Guide to Commission Council Charges Created January 2025
Purpose:
The following definitions outline the purpose, requirements, and expected outcomes for each of the
five council charges: Review and Comment, Study and Report, Review and Recommend, Review
and Decide, and Events. These charges guide commissions in fulfilling their roles effectively and
ensuring alignment with council expectations.
Council
Charge
1: Review &
Comment
2: Study &
Report
3: Review &
Recommend
4: Review &
Decide 5: Event
Level of
Impact
Council Charge 1 Review & Comment
Commission Role
The commission provides feedback on specific proposals, plans or city
documents. The feedback may include productive feedback, identification of
gaps, or suggestions for improvements.
Requirements
• Thorough review of materials provided
• Discussion to compile diverse community perspectives
• Submission of written or verbal comments within a designated timeline
Purpose To ensure Council decisions are informed by a range of perspectives, enhancing
the quality and inclusiveness of policies and plans.
Commission Vote No vote unless Advisory Communication report is written. Advisory
Communication report requires majority vote.
Commission Recommendation No official recommendation is provided to Council or staff.
Commission Deliverable
Commission comments provided to city staff. Written comments should be
submitted in the form of an Advisory Communication. Verbal comments will be
collected by staff.
Commission Deliverable
Requirements
• Summary of reviewed materials
• Key comments or critiques provided by the commission
• Any areas of uncertainty identified during the review process
Staff Deliverable Comments included with item sent to Council.
Staff Deliverable Requirements • Written attachment or verbal comments included staff report
Presentation to Council None
Council Action None
Council Communication
Review & Comment No Council Vote
Commission Comments included in staff report or written report submitted with project docs.
Increasing impact on decision
Page 10 of 25
Guide to Commission Council Charges Created January 2025
Council Charge 2 Study & Report
Commission Role The commission is tasked with conducting a detailed examination of a specific
issue or topic. This involves gathering data, consulting with staff or impacted
parties, and analyzing findings to produce a comprehensive report.
Requirements • Define the scope and objectives of the study
• Research using credible sources, including input from staff or impacted
parties, case studies and expert opinions. Veryify information with
multiple sources
• Develop a structered report with findings, analysis and conclusions
Purpose To provide council with in-depth insights and evidence-based options that helps
council decide on navigating complex issues.
Commission Vote Majority vote required for commission report.
Commission Recommendation No official recommendation is provided to Council or staff.
Commission Deliverable Report to Council or staff.
Commission Deliverable
Requirements
• Detailed methodology of the study
• Key findings, supporting data and analysis
• A study and report should focus on presenting data and analysis without
formal recommendations
Staff Deliverable If item goes to council, staff report and/or item report.
Staff Deliverable Requirements • Additional data and any relevant city policies applicable to the topic not
already cited
• Identify budget and staff resource impacts.
• If there are actionable next steps for staff, ask Council to refer study to
staff
Presentation to Council Optional. City Council Special Presentation or scheduled Joint City Council
Work Session.
Possible Council Actions 1. None 2. Receive and refer to staff
3. Direct commission to review and recommend (charge 3)
Council Communication:
Study & Report No Council Vote
Presentation
Special Presentations & Recognitions
Joint Work
Meeting with Council
No Presentation Commission Correspondence
Page 11 of 25
Guide to Commission Council Charges Created January 2025
Council Charge 3 Review & Recommend
Commission Role The commission is tasked with evaluating options, proposals or policies to
provide a formal recommendation to the Council.
Requirements • Assess all relevant materials and data
• Consider potential impacts and community needs
• Present formal recommendations to council, including rationale and supporting evidence
Purpose To assist the Council in selecting the most effective or beneficial course of
action by leveraging the commission analysis and community perspective.
Commission Vote Majority vote required for Advisory Communication
Commission Recommendation An official recommendation is provided to Council.
Commission Deliverable Advisory Communication
Commission Deliverable
Requirements
• Overview of evaluated options or proposals
• Pros and cons of each option
• Final recommendation with justification and alignment to city goals
Staff Deliverable Staff report and/or item report
Staff Deliverable Requirements • Staff must provide recommendations
• Identify impacts including staff time, operational impacts, policy
changes, etc.
Presentation to Council A presentation is encouraged. Representatives of the commission are
responsible for creating materials and presenting them to city council. Staff are
in a support role.
Possible Council Action 1. None
2. Receive and refer to staff
3. Majority vote by Council (approve, deny)
Council Communication
Review & Recommend
No Council Vote
No presentation Commission
Correspondence
Presentation Special Awards &
Recognitions
Council Vote Presentation Report &
Recommendations
Page 12 of 25
Guide to Commission Council Charges Created January 2025
Council Charge 4 Review & Decide
Commission Role The commission has the authority to make final decisions on specific matters
within its purview, as delegated by Council.
Requirements • Ensure decisions align with established policies, guidelines and legal
requirements
• Ensure decisions are made based on thorough evaluation of relevant
data, policies and staff/expert advice
• Document and communicate the decision and justification to Council
Purpose To allow commissions to take independent action on small initiatives within their
scope, such as presenting awards, participating in community outreach, and
collaborating with neighboring commissions.
Commission Vote Majority vote required for Advisory Communication
Commission
Recommendation
None
Commission Deliverable Advisory Communication
Commission Deliverable
Requirements
• Summary of decision and its rationale
• References to relevant policies or guidelines
• Any anticipated impacts or next steps
Staff Deliverable Staff report and/or item report
Staff Deliverable
Requirements • Provide staff perspective
• Provide procedural guidance if necessary
Presentation to Council Optional. City Council Special Presentation or scheduled Joint City Council Work
Session.
Council Action None
Council Communication
Review & Decide No Council Action
Presentation
Special Presentations & Recognitions
Joint Work Session Meeting
No Presentation Commission Correspondence
Page 13 of 25
Guide to Commission Council Charges Created January 2025
Council Charge 5 Event
Commission Role This charge involves planning, organizing, and executing events that align with the
commission’s mission and council’s goals, such as community outreach,
educational programs or celebratory gatherings.
Requirements • Develop a detailed event plan, including objectives, budget requests, and
logistics using event planning template
• Coordinate with presenters, vendors, organizations, and volunteers
• Evaluate the event’s success, gather participant feedback and provide a
post-event summary or report to Council
Purpose To foster community engagement, raise awareness about key issues and
strengthen the relationship between council and the public.
Commission Vote Majority vote for event plan only.
Commission Recommendation None
Commission Deliverable Advisory Communication
Commission Deliverable
Requirements
• Event objectives and intended outcomes
• Coordination and attendance at the event
• Evaluation
Staff Deliverable Progress update should be recorded on the work plan progress portal.
Staff Deliverable
Requirements
• Event summary
• Considerations for future years
Presentation to Council None
Council Action None
Council Communication
Events No Council Action No Presentation Commission Correspondence
Page 14 of 25
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
EEC requested work plan ideas and priorities from staff. This memo summarizes ideas shared in
previous Commission meetings and from internal staff discussions, plus provides a summary update on
the Climate Action Plan Prioritization process.
The following are presented as ideas only and the EEC is encouraged to discuss new ideas and initiatives
beyond this list ahead of their July 15 City Council work session discussion. As a reminder, the EEC will
develop a two-year work plan for 2026-2027 implementation with four to five initiatives.
Ideas from Previous Discussions and Staff
This is a compiled list from previous discussions with commissioners and suggestions received during
community comments, special presentations or from staff.
• Green Business Outreach Program (GBOP)
o Continue, as-is
o Evaluate program for impact and opportunity for improvement
• Tree Recognition Program (TRC)
o Continue, as-is
o Evaluate program for impact and opportunity for improvement
• Support Winter Salt Awareness Week in 2026 and 2027 (January timing annually)
o Support resolution to recognize Winter Salt Awareness Week
o Volunteer for water sampling organized by Watershed District
o Attend or support local education event
o Promote No Salt, Low Salt program to businesses directly
• Social Media Takeover
o Led by student and/or regular members to promote EEC actions and sustainability
initiatives
• Table or volunteer at existing events
o Promote EEC actions / CAP actions
Sustainability Division, Engineering Department
EdinaMN.gov
Date: June 12, 2025
To: Energy & Environment Commission (EEC)
cc: MJ Lamon, Engagement Manager
From: Marisa Bayer, Sustainability Manager
Subject: Future Commission Work Plan Ideas & Update on Climate Action Plan Prioritization
Page 15 of 25
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
o Event selection could include Earth Day Festival – April/Earth Day, community swap
events (clothing swap, gear swap, buy nothing swap), Farmers Market – Ongoing
through Summer, Arbor Day Tree Planting, or buckthorn removal
• Edina Schools Connection/Engagement
o Leverage PTA or other connections to have EEC present to students on EEC actions or
CAP actions
• Support ETC on transportation-related emission reductions
o Would need to connect with ETC Chair and Staff Liaison to discuss
• Follow-ups from the 2025 WP Item related to food security and access
o Is there a secondary or follow-up item from the work group?
• Business License Discount for Food Rescue and Donation
o Develop outreach campaign to engage and connect with businesses for food rescue and
donation
o Support outreach campaign to promote Discount to local businesses
• Low Salt Design & Winter Maintenance
o Study & report on peer city and other cold-climate city criteria and standards for low
salt design
Staff Priorities
The following are selected Climate Action Plan priorities identified by staff and the 2023 GHG Inventory
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet our Climate Action Plan goals.
• Expand multimodal transportation infrastructure in streets and other projects to encourage
VMT reduction.
• Incentivize and educate community about home weatherization and electrification projects.
• Participate in regulatory processes for 2027-2029 utility triennial filings to support existing and
new electrification and efficiency incentives.
• Complete analyses to identify top water users for targeted engagement and technical assistance.
• Integrate climate resiliency and adaptation considerations into 2050 Comprehensive Plan.
• Collaborate with Bloomington Public Health and member health boards to integrate climate
resiliency into emergency response plans.
CAP Actions to achieve these will be included in future department work plans, if not already.
Climate Action Plan Prioritization Takeaways
Summarized here are the Climate Action Plan Prioritization sectors reviewed by the EEC to date by
updated prioritization status.
• BE, Buildings & Energy
• CC, Cross Cutting
• TL, Transportation & Land Use
• W, Water & Wastewater
• WM, Waste Management
Page 16 of 25
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Table 1. Prioritization Status by CAP Sector
CAP Sector Complete
Keep,
Change
Keep,
No Change On hold Ongoing Remove New
BE 6 9 6 1 20 4
CC 1 11 2
TL 6 6 5 6 5 3
W 5 3 2 7 3
WM 4 8 9 3
Grand Total 21 26 12 3 53 17 3
Also included is a count of Climate Action Plan actions that still need to be implemented that require
staff capacity and funding to implement (e.g., budget allocation, grants, etc.). Typically, staffing resources
and budgetary requests are made during the budgeting process as departments evaluate resource needs
across all responsibilities and services. Ad-hoc requests can be made between budget cycles if a new
program or policy is proposed that would require resources for successful implementation.
Table 2. Estimated Staffing and Budget Needs by CAP Sector
Staffing Budget
CAP Sector Capacity
needed
Existing
capacity Budget needed Funding
identified
BE 5 10 5 10
CC 1 1
TL 2 12 6 8
W 1 2 1 2
WM 6 2 5 3
Grand Total 14 27 16 25
Page 17 of 25
Page 1 of 2
Commission Name
2026-2027 Proposed Work Plan
Initiative Title: Short, concise
Initiative Description:
Provide more detail on what the intent of the initiative
Deliverable:
Initiative outcome (i.e. report to council)
Targe Completion Date:
Date when item will be complete
Owner:
Must list at least one person
Contributors:
Other members helping
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Is financial support needed for this initiative? Are funds available? If there are
not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Who in addition to the staff liaison will have to support this initiative?
How many hours of support are needed? Communications/marketing?
Liaison Comments: Liaison comments should be completed prior to submitting the proposed work plan to MJ.1Administration Comments:
Initiative Title: Short, concise
Initiative Description:
Provide more detail on what the intent of the initiative
Deliverable:
Initiative outcome (i.e. report to council)
Targe Completion Date:
Date when item will be complete
Owner:
Must list at least one person
Contributors:
Other members helping
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Is financial support needed for this initiative? Are funds available? If there are
not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Who in addition to the staff liaison will have to support this initiative?
How many hours of support are needed? Communications/marketing?
Liaison Comments: Liaison comments should be completed prior to submitting the proposed work plan to MJ.2Administration Comments:
= commission
= staff
Page 18 of 25
Page 2 of 2
Initiative Title: Short, concise
Initiative Description:
Provide more detail on what the intent of the initiative
Deliverable:
Initiative outcome (i.e. report to council)
Targe Completion Date:
Date when item will be complete
Owner:
Must list at least one person
Contributors:
Other members helping
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Is financial support needed for this initiative? Are funds available? If there are
not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Who in addition to the staff liaison will have to support this initiative?
How many hours of support are needed? Communications/marketing?
Liaison Comments: Liaison comments should be completed prior to submitting the proposed work plan to MJ.3Administration Comments:
Initiative Title: Short, concise
Initiative Description:
Provide more detail on what the intent of the initiative
Deliverable:
Initiative outcome (i.e. report to council)
Targe Completion Date:
Date when item will be complete
Owner:
Must list at least one person
Contributors:
Other members helping
Council Charge: ☐ 1: Review & Comment ☐ 2: Study & Report ☐ 3: Review & Recommend
☐ 4: Review & Decide ☐ 5: Event
Budget Required (completed by staff): Is financial support needed for this initiative? Are funds available? If there are
not funds available, explain the impact of Council approving this initiative.
Staff Support Required (completed by staff): Who in addition to the staff liaison will have to support this initiative?
How many hours of support are needed? Communications/marketing?
Liaison Comments: Liaison comments should be completed prior to submitting the proposed work plan to MJ.4Administration Comments:
Page 19 of 25
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: June 12, 2025 Item Activity: Discussion
Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission
Agenda Number: 7.2
Prepared By: Matthew Gabb, Sustainability Specialist
Item Type: Other 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 "Transportation and Land Use" sector actions. Transportation
Planner Andrew Scipioni and Community Development Coordinator Addison Lewis will join the
meeting to answer questions.
Supporting Documentation:
1. To EEC - TL, Transportation Land Use Actions
Page 20 of 25
TL - Transportation Land Use Sector
EEC REVIEW COMMENT, JUNE 2025
CAP Label Envisio StatusDescription Prioritization StatusCity Role Division Lead Budget Staff Capacity Staff Notes EEC Comments
TL 1-1 Status
Pending
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.
Keep, Change Lead Transportation Grants Existing capacity
Remove safety and training skills scope because of limited capacity and State legislature
established guidance for public school districts to create age appropriate mobility safety
training.
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. City will use Safe Streets and Roads for All
(SS4A) Grant to create Safe & Equitable Mobility Action Plan (SEMAP) to do this.
Implementation to kickoff in 2026 with new grant funding requests from SS4A program.
TL 1-2 On Track
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.
Ongoing Lead Transportation Pedestrian & Cyclist
Safety (PACS) Fund Existing capacity
Bike and pedestrian infrastructure improvements included in street recon and stand alone
projects. City continues to implement this work via Living Streets Plan. New SEMAP project
will inform new priority areas to expand network. PACS Fund allocation will need to
increase to continue to accelerate infrastructure.
TL 1-3 Status
Pending
Partner with institutions and businesses within Edina to
secure commitments to implement transit demand management
(TDM) strategies and practices to support the goals of this
Climate Action Plan including increased utilization of
public transit and alternative carbon free mobility,
increased vehicle electrification, and decreased vehicle
miles. Strategies to pursue include promoting and
incentivizing public transit use, bicycle programs, shared
van services for employees, facilitate carpooling,
telecommuting options, parking buyback programs, and
collaborating with Metro Transit to promote the Guaranteed
Ride Home program.
Ongoing Support Transportation General Fund Existing capacity
Operationalized through membership of regional Transportation Management Organization
(TMO): 495 Corridor Commission. The TMO's outreach and engagement arm is Commuter Services
who works with local businesses on TDM strategies and engagement.
TL 1-4 Completed
Review and recommend policies necessitating a TDM Plan
and/or a transit component with all types of development
and redevelopment. Review and implement substantive
requirements associated with these TDM Plans to support the
goals of this Climate Action Plan, potentially including
TDM escrow accounts, transit passes, preferential parking
for car-poolers, and other measures.
Complete TDM policy adopted 2021.
TL 1-5 Status
Pending
Establish a branded communications campaign to promote
increased alternative transportation use, with a particular
focus on short distance trips (i.e. <2 miles) including
school and other daily commutes.
Keep, No Change Lead Transportation
Communications Budget needed Capacity needed
Budget and capacity needed to create branded campaign related to short-distance trips and
multi-modal travel. Outreach will need to take into account limited network/opportunities
for Edina residents to accomplish this (e.g., limited transit access, bike network and
safe travel options, accessibility).
TL 1-6 On Track
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.
Keep, No Change Lead Transportation Grants Existing capacity
Awarded Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant to evaluate safe routes to schools
with new Safe & Equitable Mobility Action Plan (SEMAP). Edina Public Schools
representative part of SEMAP task force. Implementation to kickoff in 2026.
TL 1-X New Lead Sustainability Conservation &
Sustainability Fund Existing capacity
New action. Currently implemented via Climate Action Fund with opportunity to explore more
incentives or approaches.
Develop citywide incentives to accelerate electric bicycle (“e-bike”) adoption,
particularly as partial or full replacements for trips less than 3 miles currently made in
private automobiles.
TL 1-X New Lead Sustainability
Transportation Budget needed Existing capacity
New action focused on e-bike charging and parking, which is not included in other actions.
Explore opportunities to install public charging stations and secure parking for electric
bicycles at City facilities to increase the bicycle mode share of Edina residents' trips.
TL 1-X New Partner Sustainability
Transportation Budget needed Existing capacity
New action focused on bikeshare, which is not included in other actions.
Explore partnerships that would create a citywide or regional bikeshare and/or e-bikeshare
fleet and program to increase the bicycle mode share of Edina visitors
TL 1-X New Partner Sustainability
Transportation Budget needed Capacity needed
New action focused on carsharing, which is not included in other actions.
Explore opportunities to join a regional carshare program and charging network (e.g., EV
Spot Network) to offer carsharing to Edina residents and visitors.
Page 21 of 25
TL - Transportation Land Use Sector
EEC REVIEW COMMENT, JUNE 2025
TL 2-1 Status
Pending
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.
Ongoing Support Transportation n/a Existing capacity
Operationalized. City advocates for increased transit access to the Metropolitan Council
via the current Network Now and future Network Next planning processes. Advocacy includes
expanding access within the city, as well as making connections to areas of Edina with
access to LRT stations. City actively partners with large Metro Transit projects, such as
the E-Line BRT construction, to ensure access and alignment with city goals.
TL 2-2 Completed
Preserve and enhance affordable housing, especially near
bus service, to prevent displacement of vulnerable
populations.
Ongoing Lead Community Development Budget needed Existing capacity
Operationalized through affordable housing initiatives, including Housing Preservation
Program, NOAH property tax abatement program, Resilient Homes Grant, and Home Ownership
Rehab Program. Ongoing funding is needed to continue to deliver these programs.
TL 2-3 Upcoming
Work with Metropolitan Council, Hennepin County, and other
local governments to identify, and promote increased
commuter and light rail train options capitalizing on
existing infrastructure in the community and the Southwest
Light Rail Transit line.
Remove There will be no Southwest LRT stops in Edina, so priority will be to connect residents
and visitors via bus service. Action TL 2-1 addresses bus connections and service.
TL 2-4 Upcoming
Establish an ordinance limiting combustion engine idling.
Support ordinance adherence through a public education and
enforcement campaign.
Keep, Change Partner Sustainability Budget needed Capacity needed
Change wording to initial focus on outreach and education before policy. Peer cities have
shared issues with ordinance and lack of capacity to enforce in meaningful way. City would
need to partner with local agencies to implement a campaign for this.
Create education outreach campaign about the environmental and public health impacts of
engine idling. Partner with local businesses and institutions to display signage or other
materials. Evaluate new ordinance limiting combustion engine idling, including evaluation
of staff and budget capacity needed for implementation and enforcement.
TL 2-5 Status
Pending
Work with Metropolitan Council and other local governments
to: a ) Establish a method for projecting the lifecycle
carbon emissions of land use and transportation
investments. Include consideration of embodied energy,
operations and maintenance. b ) Align regional mode share
targets with carbon reduction targets and encourage the
development of mode share targets specific to the varying
community needs and transit infrastructure around the
region.
Remove
State legislature established requirements for Metropolitan Council and MnDOT to evaluate
lifecycle emissions from transportation investments. Agencies are in process of creating
requirements to be approved.
TL 2-6 Completed
Explore options to secure funding and provide transit
passes to all youth, households with low incomes, and
individuals with restricted mobility.
Complete
Metro Transit already offers program with free or reduce passes for these target
audiences. Edina CloverRide offers additional accessibility via circulator bus service in
southeast Edina.
TL 3-1 Upcoming
Continue to advocate for growth through appropriate
increased density: a ) Prioritize elements of the MPCA
GreenStep Cities best practices that have the greatest
potential for reducing carbon emissions. b ) Give priority
to state and local goals for carbon emissions reduction and
climate change preparation in growth management decisions.
c ) Maximize benefits and consider impacts to communities
of color and low-income populations when making growth
management decisions. d ) Protect natural resources and
increase access to nature and open space within the
community and development nodes.
Keep, Change Lead Community Development n/a Existing capacity
Change wording to note 2050 Comprehensive Plan process for establishing new density
targets. Process to start in 2026-27 planning cycle.
During 2050 Comprehensive Plan development, prioritize increased density targets in
current and future areas of change and along high-frequency transit routes with adequate
sewer capacity. Focus density targets in areas that promote transit-oriented development
(TOD) to reduce carbon emissions while also ensuring green space preservation and
equitable housing access for vulnerable populations.
TL 3-2 Upcoming
Eliminate parking minimums to reduce surface parking and
institute new parking pricing models to maintain 85%
utilization (performance-based parking, off-street parking
tax, dynamic pricing, etc.).
Keep, No Change Lead Community Development
Sustainability n/a Existing capacity
To be accomplished during zoning code updates and comprehensive plan updates to evaluate
parking minimums as conditions change. Note, Planning Commission evaluated parking as part
of 2024 work plan with their report sent to Staff for review.
TL 3-3 Status
Pending
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.).
Ongoing Lead Community Development n/a Existing capacity Operationalized through current Comprehensive Plan and Small Area Plan implementation that
include mixed use zoning districts that promote increased walkability.
TL 3-4 Upcoming
Identify underutilized paved areas and incentivize
conversion to sustainable green space or infill
development. Conversion focus should take into
consideration neighborhood's greenspace, heat island
mitigation, affordable housing, and bike/walk mobility
needs and prioritize site utilization based on addressing
the greatest needs at each site as determined through
appropriate engagement with the community, particularly
people traditionally under represented.
Remove
Remove. Infill incentives not a specific priority for city (focusing on redevelopment
through other actions) and difficult to influence for private property development. Green
Space sector includes action focused on de-paving for extreme heat and greenspace
expansion in underutilized paved areas, so staff will focus implementation under that
sector/action.
CAP Label Envisio StatusDescription Prioritization StatusCity Role Division Lead Budget Staff Capacity Staff Notes EEC Comments
Page 22 of 25
TL - Transportation Land Use Sector
EEC REVIEW COMMENT, JUNE 2025
TL 3-5 Upcoming
Assess whether or not to purchase and preserve greenspace
in and surrounding the city by quantifying the equitable,
environmental, and economic benefits, along with the costs
of maintaining and owning the property.
Remove
City would not pursue out of boundary land acquisition. Interior land acquisition
determined parcel by parcel based on infrastructure needs (e.g., new fire station).
Existing in boundary green space already owned by City or other government agencies.
TL 3-6 Upcoming
Incentivize the development of brownfields, vacant land,
and abandoned buildings within the City. Identify unused
industrial-zoned areas and explore rezoning to increase
viability of development opportunities. Offer tax or other
incentives to those who agree to implement such green
technology as green roofs, LEED certified buildings, solar
arrays, geothermal heating, etc.
Remove
Remove. Edina has no existing brownfields, very little vacant land and all existing
industrial zoning districts are active. If opportunities do come forward, tax and grant
incentives already exist from City, Hennepin County and Metropolitan Council for
brownfield development.
TL 3-7 Completed
Allow and encourage the construction of accessory dwelling
units ("ADU") to increase rental opportunities in both
established neighborhoods and new development. This will
add additional housing options for the City’s workforce,
seniors, families with changing needs, and others for whom
ADUs present an affordable housing option.
Complete ADU policy adopted 2024.
TL 4-1 On Track
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.
Keep, No Change Lead Sustainability n/a Existing capacity Sustainability staff partnering with Xcel Energy's Partners in Energy program to create EV
action plan and report.
TL 4-2 Completed
Implement an "EV Ready" building ordinance that requires
new developments to have wiring capacity to charge electric
vehicles and establish minimum EV parking requirements.
Complete
EV ready ordinance adopted 2023. MN Building Code updates in 2026 will require new
construction to have EV ready and EV installed infrastructure based on number of parking
spaces in project.
TL 4-3 Upcoming
Encourage and incentivize purchase of electric vehicles and
installation of electric vehicle charging capacity.
Incentives and rebates should prioritize support for low-
income households and opportunities to increase equity.
Keep, Change Lead Sustainability Budget needed Existing capacity
Change wording to note need for new funding to incentivize EV infrastructure.
Incentivize EV charging through cost-share model for existing buildings with priority for
low-income and vulnerable populations.
TL 4-4 On Track
Partner with fleet operators and transit providers to work
towards a goal that buses and fleets based and operating in
Edina, including school buses, be 50% electric by 2030 and
100% by 2035. Work with transit agencies and bus companies
to take advantage of federal transit grant opportunities to
purchase new electric vehicles.
Keep, Change Support Sustainability
Public Works n/a Existing capacity
Change wording to clarify city's role as a supporter for other agencies, including helping
them set goals vs. prescribing goal for them. Work would be ongoing and operationalized
with engagement with school district, Clover Ride and other agencies.
Support with fleet operators and transit providers to set goals and implement fleet
decarbonization by providing letters of support for grants and other funding, sharing city
fleet case studies for city vehicles and making connections to peer resources and
partners.
TL 4-5 On Track
Develop incentive and educational programs to transition
lawn care companies and homeowners from using fuel-burning
lawn equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, blowers) to electric.
Ongoing Lead Sustainability Conservation &
Sustainability Fund Existing capacity
Operationalized through sustainability outreach. Climate Action Fund project eligibility
updated in 2025 with new incentives for electric lawn and snow care. Staff to focus on
education and outreach of incentives.
TL 4-6 Upcoming
Collaborate with waste haulers, or require in waste hauler
agreements, to deploy alternative fueled vehicles -
biodiesel/electric vehicles used in solid waste collection
and disposal.
Keep, Change Partner Sustainability
Public Health n/a Existing capacity
Rewrite to remove "requirement" due to limitation of haulers and timing of capital
invesmtents (e.g., difficult to require fleet transition). Rewrite to say future contracts
to include preference points for haulers that have alternate fuel vehices in fleet.
Include preference points in future RFPs and agreements for waste haulers with alternative
fuel fleet vehicles.
TL 5-1 Completed
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.
Complete Green Fleet Policy adopted 2021.
TL 5-2 Completed
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.
Complete Fleet Study for medium and heavy duty fleet completed 2024. Operationalized through Green
Fleet Policy.
TL 5-3 On Track
Introduce a policy to replace City off-road and lawn
equipment with electric and low-carbon fuel alternative
options at the time of replacement with traditional
internal combustion engine (ICE) as optional requiring
proof of need.
Keep, No Change Lead Sustainability Budget needed Existing capacity
City staff discussing with peer cities on policies and implementation of off-road
equipment electrification, including meeting service needs. Sustainability staff will need
to partner with Park Mainenance and Public Works to understand appropriate policy
requirements to meet service needs. Budget will be needed to cover equipment replacement
costs.
CAP Label Envisio StatusDescription Prioritization StatusCity Role Division Lead Budget Staff Capacity Staff Notes EEC Comments
Page 23 of 25
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: June 12, 2025 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission
Agenda Number: 9.1
Prepared By: Chad Millner, Engineering Director
Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Engineering
Item Title: Tree Ordinance Update
Action Requested:
No action.
Information/Background:
Staff will provide a process update on the draft revisions to the Tree Protection Ordinance. Staff
intend to bring the draft ordinance to the July EEC meeting and seek official comments from the
commission at the August EEC meeting. Ordinance heading to council in September.
Supporting Documentation:
None
Page 24 of 25
BOARD & COMMISSION
ITEM REPORT
Date: June 12, 2025 Item Activity: Information
Meeting: Energy & Environment Commission
Agenda Number: 9.2
Prepared By: Matthew Gabb, Sustainability Specialist
Item Type: Report & Recommendation Department: Engineering
Item Title: GreenCorps Member Update
Action Requested:
No action.
Information/Background:
Staff will provide an update on the GreenCorps member and program.
Supporting Documentation:
None
Page 25 of 25