HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-12 PacketMinutes of the Regular Meeting of the
Energy and Environment Commission
Edina City Hall Community Room
Thursday, August 12, 2010, 7:00 P.M.
Members In Attendance and Roll Call: Dianne Plunkett Latham, Michael Platteter, Paul Thompson, Surya
Iyer, Susan Tucker, Bob Gubrud, M. Germana Paterlini, Karwehn Kata, Alma Pronove
Absent: Bill Sierks, Julie Risser
Staff Present: Jane Timm, Heather Worthington
1. Welcome
Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Latham.
2. Approval of Agenda and Topic Time Allocation
The agenda was approved as written with additions — 3 Rivers Multi Use Trail Recommendation
and use of Graduate Students as interns.
3. Approval of July 8 minutes
The July 8, 2010 minutes were unanimously approved.
4. Community Comment
None
5. Chair Report
Chair Latham introduced the new student commissioners Alma Pronove and Karwehn Kata. They each
introduced themselves with some background information.
Chair Latham asked for approval of new Working Group members.
Commissioner Tucker made a motion to approve Nina Holiday -Lynch, Jon Moon and Bill Johnson to
the Air and Water Quality Working Group, and Gary Wahman and John Spanhake to the Alternative
Energy Working Group. Commissioner Thompson seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
6. Policy and Project Report
Commissioner Platteter made the requested changes to the "Edina Energy and Environment Commission
Endorsement Policy". The commission discussed the draft policy.
Commissioner Paterlini made a motion to remove "clearly opinionated" from the Endorsement
Policy. There was no second. Motion failed.
The Commission adopted the "Edina Energy and Environment Commission Endorsement Policy"
with one change. The change was the word slanderous to libelous.
There was a discussion on a letter to the City Council regarding the 3 Rivers Multi Use Trail. After
discussion and some minor changes there was a motion to approve. Chair Latham asked the
commission if the letter could be also published in the Sun Current.
Commissioner Thompson made a motion to approve the slightly modified 3 Rivers Multi Use Trail
letter to be submitted to the Edina City Council. Commissioner Iyer seconded. Motion carried
unanimously.
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7. Education and Outreach Working Group Report
Commissioner Thompson gave an update on the distribution plan of Door Hangers. The goal is to get
the residents to the workshop in Morningside on August 24, 2010.
8. Residential Energy Project
The main goal of the project at this time is the August 24, 2010 Workshop at Weber Park. The next time
they would promote the project would be October 9, 2010 at Edina's Day of Service.
9. Recycling and Solid Waste Report
Chair Latham asked the Commission to approve the letter to Edina City Council regarding residential
compost. The MPCA would like to amend the rules governing compost facilities. The commissioners
made a decision to remove the hauler names and submit to Council.
Commissioner Platteter made a motion to remove all hauler names in the response letter to the
MPCA and forward the letter to the Edina City Council for approval. Commissioner Iyer
seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Chair Latham gave an update on the Art Recycling Containers.
Chair Latham went over the revised Best Practice #22 Solid Waste.
10. Air & Water Quality Working Group Report
Commissioner Tucker gave an update regarding the NEMO 7-14-2010 workshop on Lake Minnetonka.
The next NEMO workshop was scheduled for November 8, 2010 with Edina City Council, Planning
Commission, Energy and Environment Commission, and Park Board.
Commissioner Tucker gave a quick update on the small revisions to Best Practice #17 Stormwater and
Best Practice #19 Surface Water.
11. Alternative Energy Working Group
Commissioner Iyer gave and update regarding the solar grant that was submitted to the State of MN.
12. Staff Report
Heather Worthington scheduled the Hara software demonstration for the September 2010 EEC meeting.
13. GreenStep
Chair Latham gave an update on the Mobility Options Best Practice #12. This step would be delegated
to the Transportation Commission and the Bike Edina Task Force.
There was a revision to the Urban Forest Step #16.
14. Policy on Community Input Letters
There was a discussion about all resident letters sent to commissioners. it was decided that if the
resident wanted to send an official letter, it would need to be addressed to the Commission and if it is
addressed to an individual commissioner they would ask the resident if they wanted it to be forwarded to
a Working Group or the Commission.
15. Future Meetings
Commissioner Platteter asked if there was anything for need for the services of graduate intern students
for the fall semester. It was suggested that this be forwarded to the Policy and Project Working Group.
Commissioner Tucker asked to have EEC priorities put on the agenda for next month.
There was a reminder that the November meeting would be moved to November 18, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Commissioner Thompson asked the Commission if they wanted the City of Edina to send a
representative to the Sept 24 — 26 Local Action Summit (LAS) in Washington DC. He will get clarification
as to what role LAS would like the City to participate in the conference.
Commissioner Paterlini made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Thompson seconded. Motion
carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The next meeting will be the regularly scheduled meeting
at 7:00 p.m. September 9, 2010 at Edina City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane M. Timm, Deputy City Clerk
EDINA PUBLIC MEETING PROCEDURES
During "Public Hearings," the Chair will ask for public testimony after City staff m.enibers make their presentations. If you wish to
testify on the topic, you are welcome to do so as long as your testimony is relevant to the discussion. To ensure fairness to all speakers
and to allow the efficient conduct of a public hearing, speakers must observe thefollowing guidelines:
• Individuals must limit their testimony to three minutes. The Chair inay modify times, as deemed necessary.
• Try not to repeat remarks or points of view made by prior speakers and limit testimony to the matter under consideration.
• In order to maintain a respectful environment for all those in attendance, the use of signs, clapping, cheering or booing or any other
form of verbal or nonverbal communication is not allowed.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
MEETING AGENDA
Sept. 22,2010,7:00 PM — 9:00 PM — Council Chambers, Edina City Hall
1. Welcome, Call to Order and Roll Call (2 min)
2. Approval of Agenda and Topic Time Allocation (2 min)
3. Approval of Aug. 12 minutes. See attached. (1 min)
4. Community Comment (10 min) Policy on recording those non commissioners in attendance at EEC meeting
5. Hara Software Demonstration (30 min) Pilot within a pilot report
6. Chair Report (10 min)
a. Attached revised EEC roster; Revised by-laws for approval — See attached
b. Approve new WG members (See attached 9-22-10 GmSteps List. Delete Ron Rich & Laura Benson
c. Proposed policy on seminar tuition reimbursement (See attached) — Decision needed on Sept. 24 — 26 Local
Action Summit (LAS) in Washington DC — Fri = $165, Sat = $200, Both = $300.
d. Farmer's Market recommendation — Propose extending weeks of operation for 2011 season.
7. Education Outreach Working Group Report — Paul/Bob (7 Min) Energy Champions (recommend dropping after
Paul's attached article (Packet I1) is published on the current winners, eg. John Henry); Next meeting 10/5/10
8. Residential Energy Project (Home Energy Squad) — (7 min) Michael Platteter — 8-24-10 Training Session
9. Recycling & Solid Waste WG (8 nun) DP Latham — 8-5-10 RSW minutes attached, Next meeting 10/7/10.
Compost Rule: EEC Comments approved on 8-17-10 Council consent agenda and forwarded to MPCA 8-23-10.
Art Recycling Container Task Force (ARC TF) Report; Container deposit legislation — See attached HF 1128;
Overview of proposed licensing ordinance revisions.
10. Air & Water Quality WG (7 min) Susan Tucker — 8-17-10 minutes (awaiting approval); Report on 9-16/17 Clean
Water Summit at MN Arboretum and approval of $100 tuition; Next meeting 9/20/10 and 10-18-10;
NEMO workshop scheduled for Nov. 8 — approval requested for $500 worth of Water Quality Manuals.
Propose adding substep #1 (Blue Star Assessment) to BMP #17 (Stormwater)
11. Alternative Energy WG — (7 min) Surya Iyer —Minutes of 7-20-10, 8-17-10 meeting (awaiting approval).
Next meetings are 9-21-10 & 10-19-10.
12. GreenStep (10 min) — See http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPractices.cfm for updated practices as well as
www.MnGreenStep.org; Edina is a Class A city for Green Step purposes.
a. Commissioners would like a meeting with their GreenStep commissioner counterparts — When? (5 min)
b. Priority proposal for Green Steps — 9 required steps are higher priority than the 6 optional steps.
c. Motion for final approval of attached PDF of EEC's 15 selected GreenSteps (counts as 17). Upon EEC
approval it will be put on the City Council agenda for final approval to join the program.
13. Budget — (10 min) Germana. See attached in Packet II.
14. Future Meetings — Oct. 14 Regular Meeting 7:00 Community Rm; Note that Nov. 11 Regular Meeting has been
moved to Thurs., Nov. 18 at 7:00 in Mayor's Conference Rm.
9-3-10
BY-LAWS OF THE CITY OF EDINA .
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT COMMISSION
OFFICES:
1. The principal office of the Commission shall be at 4801 West 50th Street in
the City of Edina, County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota, 55424
2. The Members of the Commission may designate, for administrative
convenience, the legal address of the Edina City Hall as an office for
receipt and transmittal of Commission communications.
MEMBERS:
3. Membership. The Commission shall consist of eR ten voting members
appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the majority of the Council.
Bae -Two additional members of the Commission shall be a non-voting
high school students appointed by the Mayor with the
consent of the mJority of the Council. All members of the Commission
shall be residents of the City and shall be appointed for a term of three
years, except that a student members shall be appointed for a term of one
year to begin in September. Of the eleVeR ten voting members, one
member shall also be a member of the Planning Commission turd E)Re
member shall aiso be-amernbeF of the Rar E3 . Members shall serve
until a successor has been appointed. Upon termination of a member's
term, that member's successor shall be appointed for the remainder of
such term. Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation
and may resign voluntarily or be removed by a majority vote of the Council
pursuant to Section 180 of #4s -City Code. Commission members who
discontinue legal residency in the City may be removed from office by the
Mayor with the consent of a majority of the Council.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMISSION:
4.The Commission shall:
A. Examine and recommend best practices for energy conservation for
Edina's citizens and businesses, including recommendations for a "green"
building code, use of Energy Star appliances, and other energy reduction
targets.
B. Examine and recommend changes in City Government purchasing and
operations to conserve energy.
C. Evaluate and monitor the provision of a residential recycling program.
D. Evaluate and monitor the provision of a privately provided solid waste
program, as well as a reduction in municipal solid waste produced by
Edina residents and businesses.
E. Evaluate and encourage improvements in air and water quality.
F. Promote the establishment of targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions produced by the City's buildings, equipment and operations.
G. Educate the public about energy issues, reduction, conservation, reuse,
recycling and environmental protection.
H. Examine and promote renewable energy options for transportation,
heating, and cooling, and other energy uses.
I. Prepare such studies, reports and recommendations as the Council may
request.
MEETINGS OF MEMBERS:
5. The Commission shall hold meetings monthly at 4801 West 50th Street in
the City of Edina, Minnesota.
6. A majority of the members of the Commission shall be requisite and shall
constitute a quorum at all meetings of the members for the transaction of
business. If, however, such majority shall not be present within 30
minutes of the scheduled starting time, the members present shall have
power to adjourn the meeting or continue as a work session posting the
minutes in either case.
7. At each meeting of the members, each member shall be entitled to one
vote. All elections shall be had and all questions decided by a plurality
vote.
8. Special meetings of the members for any purpose or purposes may be
called by the Commission Chairperson, or upon the request of a majority
of Commission members.
9. All regular and special meetings of the Commission at which official action
is taken shall be public meetings, and no person shall be excluded there
from.
10. The Commission may request assignment of a staff secretary from the
City. If a secretary is assigned by the City, the secretary shall perform
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only such clerical duties on behalf of the Commission as may be assigned
by the Chairperson with the consent of the City Manager.
OFFICERS:
11.The officers of the Commission shall consist of a Chairperson and Vice -
Chairperson. Both officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the
Commission members at each February meeting for a term to end at the
next February meeting.
12. In the absence of the Chairperson or Vice -Chairperson, a Chairperson Pro
Tem can be appointed by the members present.
13.The officers shall hold office until their successors are chosen and qualify
in their stead.
CHAIRPERSON:
14. The Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the Commission. The
Chairperson shall sign all documents approved by the Commission. The
Chairperson shall prepare agendas for each meeting of the Commission.
If Working Groups are established by the Commission under Paragraph
17, the Chairperson shall, with the approval of a majority of Commission
members, appoint the chair of each Working Group for a term to end at
the next February meeting. A Working Group Chair may be removed by
the Chairperson with approval of the majority of the Commission.
VICE -CHAIRPERSON:
15.The Vice -Chairperson, in the absence or disability of the Chairperson,
shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Chairperson and
shall perform such other duties as the Commission shall prescribe.
RULES OF ORDER:
16.The rules of parliamentary procedure comprised in the latest edition of
Robert's Revised Rules of Order shall govern the Commission in its
deliberations except where they are in conflict with the By -Laws. In the
event of conflict, the By -Laws shall take precedence. Rules may be
amended at any meeting by a majority vote. The order of business may
be suspended at any meeting by mutual agreement or by a majority vote.
WORKING GROUPS:
17.A majority vote of the Commission shall authorize such Working Groups
as it deems appropriate and shall define their scope and duration. Each
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Working Group shall be chaired by a member of the commission and may
include other commissioners, city staff, and residents of the community.
Such members shall be recommended to the Commission by the Working
Group Chair and must be confirmed by a majority vote of the Commission.
A Working Group member may be removed by the Working Group Chair
upon approval of a majority of the Commission.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
18. No member shall use their position on this Commission for financial gain
for themselves or for others. If such gain could reasonably be expected,
the member shall abstain from voting.
AMENDMENTS:
19. These By -Laws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a quorum at
any meeting of the Commission called for that purpose; provided that the
substance of the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in
writing to the members at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting.
History: Adopted 2-16-08; amended 8-19-09. 9-9-10
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Energy and Environment Commission
Public Contact Information
9-10-2010
Last Name First Name Address Zip Term Phone #1 Phone #2 Email Address
Gubrud Bob 4421 Ellsworth Drive 55435 2/1/2013 952-920-1442 requbrud1 c( aim.com
Vacancy 2/1/2012
Iyer Surya 6621 Southcrest Drive 55435 2/1/2012 952-922-2924 612-309-2392 suryaiyer@yahoo.com
Kata Karwehn 5328 West 64th St. 55439 9/1/2011 karkata14@gmail.com
Latham Dianne Plunkett 6013 Comanche Court 55439 2/1/2012 952-941-3542
Paterlini
M. Germana
5117 Duggan Plaza
55439
2/1/2013
germana.paterlini@gmail.com
Platterter
Michael
4304 Branson Street
55424
2/1/2012 952-922-1984
612-761-4947 platteters@comcast.net
Pronove
Alma
5641 Interlachen Circle
55436
9/1/2011
almpronove@gmaii.com
Risser
Julie
6112 Ashcroft Ave
55424
2/1/2013 952-927-7538
651-962-5512 jarisser@stthomas.edu
Sierks
Bill
5713 Brooks Drive
55439
2/1/2013
651-757-2722 wsierks@comcast.net
Thompson
Paul
4244 Crocker Ave
55416
2/1/2013 952-920-1547
ptflydisc@aol.com
Tucker
Susan Sheridan
5200 Meadow Ridge
55439
2/1/2012
sstucker5200@comcast.net
Best Practices Selected by Edina for the Green Steps Program
GreenStep Cities - www.MnGreenStep.org and best practices page at
http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/best Practices. cfm (See icon upper left hand side)
9 Required Steps for Category A Cities
Counts as 11 Steps with 2 Floating BP's - #24.4 & #24.5
Sept. 3, 2010 - Draft
GrnStep# Responsible Commissioner/Staff
1. Public Buildings & Lighting — #1 & 2 are required for Cat. A & B plus 1 additional for Cat. A
#1 B3 data base — Required - Complete Heather
#2 Building Audit - Required (Long Term Goal) Michael/GennanalHeather
#6 Internal Loan Fund - Complete Heather
6. Comp Plan - #1 and #2, required for Cat. A & B — Complete — Heather
#1 Adopt a Comp Plan that is less than 10 years old — Required - Complete
#2 Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the Comp Plan including having the zoning
ordinance explicitly referenced in the Comp Plan - Required
11. Complete Streets — #1 required plus 2 additional sub steps for Cat. A — Referred to Transportation
Commission (Jennifer- Janovy) & Bike Task Force (Kirk Johnson).
#1 Required - Adopt a Complete Green Street Policy that addresses street trees and stormwater and
modify street standards accordingly — Complete for arterials but could be expanded to side streets
#4 Identify and remedy non -complete street segments by, for example, adding a bike lane or sidewalk
#6 Traffic Calming measures on at least 1 street redevelopment project — Complete but expand
12. Mobility Options — Required for Cat. A - Two sub steps are required — Referred to Transportation
Commission (Jennifer Janovy) & Bike Edina Task Force (Kirk Johnson).
le. Promote walking, biking and transit by an active living campaign in concert with your local
community health board.
2. Launch a Safe Routes to School program with educational, public health and other partners.
4. Promote carpooling or on -demand ridesharing among community members, city employees,
businesses, high schools and institutions of higher education.
15. Purchasing — Required for all cities - #1 is required for all plus 1 additional (A & B cities) sub step
#1 Purchasing Policy — Required - Complete Germana
#4 Require Purchase of US EPA Water Sense Certified Products Heather & Gerniana
16. Urban Forests — Required for A & B cities with 2 Sub Steps for A Cities — Dianne & UFTF
#1 Qualify as Tree City USA — City Forester Tom Horwath to apply for 2011
#4 Maximize tree planting on your main downtown street (50`h & France) - Complete
#5d Enact ordinances to protect trees in the development process.
17. Efficient Stormwater Management — Required for Cat. A — Susan & AWQ WG (Dianne & Julie)
Complete at least one Sub step:
#1 Complete Blue Star City stormwater management assessment & achieve a minimum threshold of
specific activities detailed in the program (proposed to add as of 9-6-10).
#4 Create a stormwater utility, which uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater reduction and fund
community stormwater infrastructure and assistance.
#5 Adopt and implement design standards or guidelines for renovations or new construction in the
city addressing at least one of the following: Rain gardens, Green alleys, Green parking lots,
Green roofs with or without cisterns & water/grey water reuse systems
#6 Adopt, with modifications as needed, the model Stormwater and Erosion & Sediment Control
Ordinance.
24. Benchmarks and Community Engagement - Required for all cities with #1 & #2 required for Cat. A
#1 Carbon Benchmark — Required - Complete Germana
#2 City Measurement Reporting - Required Germana
#4 Energy efficiency Education Campaign (Floating BP) Paul, Bob & EO WG plus HES
#5 Conduct community education, visioning & planning using a sustainability framework (Floating
BP) Natural Step Framework Complete
25. Green Business Development — Required for Cat. A & B cities with at least 2 sub steps — Dianne, Bill
& RSW WG
#2 Invite Assistance providers such as Minnesota Waste Wise, EnergySmart to conduct personalized
energy, environmental sustainability, and waste audits with at least 5 businesses.
#4 Support businesses using local waste products — Complete - City brush currently goes to St. Paul
District Energy
EEC's 6 Top Optional GreenSteps for a Total of 15 Steps Plus #24.4 & #24.5
For a total of 17 BP's (16 Required for Category A Cities)
GrnStep# Responsible Commissioner/Staff
2. Efficient Private Existing Buildings & Lighting: 5 votes (2 sub steps must be selected)
#1 Work with local utility, tailor a utility conservation improvement pgm (CIP) for your city. Bill/Michael
#5b Watering Ordinance, Conservation Rate Structure — Complete — Heather
18. Green Infrastructure: 2 votes - Choose 3 sub steps - Dianne & Urban Forest Task Force
#5 Park Management Standards for at least one of the folowing:
a) Low Maintenance native landscaping
b) Organic or Integrated Pest Management — Germana & Edina Turf Management Task Force
c) Sources of Non potable water for irrigation — Complete - Braemar uses retired well #14
#6 Certify 1 golf course for Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary — Complete for Braemar & Richards
#8 Develop a program that involves community in land restoration and stewardship
19. Surface Water Oualitx: 4 votes — Susan (Dianne and Julie) & AWQ WG, 9MCWD, MCWD
Sub Step #4 is required plus 1 additional sub step.
#3 Adopt measurable lake, stream and wetland health indicators or improvement targets, work with
private and non-profit organizations to support citizen education efforts and involve stakeholders in
actions to attain the targets, and annually report successes and failures. Targets may include measures
such as trophic state, pollutant levels, health measures, water levels, and recreational carrying
capacity.
#4 Adopt a shore -land ordinance consistent with MN Dept of Natural Resources rules as modified
22. Solid Waste: 2 votes - Dianne & RSW WG
#1 or #2 is required plus one of #4 - #8
#1 Percentage reduction goals from city operations in at least 3 areas — Areas chosen are: 1) Parks 2)
Junk mail 3) Toxicity reduction of cleaning supplies.
#5 Arrange for a residential organics collection program - Complete
#6 Organized Hauling — Dianne, Surya & RSW WG (long term goal) Invite MPCA's Peder Sandhei
to give PowerPoint presentation to City Council Work Session, survey residents regarding their
hauling preferences & work to amend MS 115A.94.
#23 Local Air Quality_ 4 votes Susan (Dianne, Julie) & AWQ WG
Complete at least 2 sub steps
#2 Regulate outdoor wood burning, using model ordinance language, performance standards and bans
as appropriate for at least one of the following:
■ Recreational burning
■ Outdoor wood boilers
#3 Conduct one or more education/behavior change campaigns on the topics below and document:
■ Decreased vehicle idling in specific locales or by specific fleets
■ Increased sales by retail stores of low and no-VOC household products
■ Replacement of gasoline -powered equipment with lower polluting equipment.
26. Renewable Energy: 6 votes — At least 2 sub steps are required Surya & Alt. Energy Working Group
#5 Install renewable capacity on at least one city -owned building, street light, speed display or
chargeable message sign - Bill Sierks and Greg Nelson working on obtaining ARRA grant to install
solar panels on City Hall.
#6 Work with private/public partners to create renewable energy generation capacity with one or
more of the following attributes
a. Fueled by wind — Utilize WindSource
Process Recommendation:
1. Each selected step and sub step has a Working Group or Champion to implement it. Every
Commissioner volunteers for at least 2 steps/sub steps and drafts the report for at least 1 step or sub step
using the template provided by Heather to report their (sub)step. Each report will include
recommendations & establish an implementation schedule.
2. July 6 - The report was discussed at the City Council Work Session, at 5:00 in the Community Rm.
3. July - Lay groundwork for the next step in the process, which will likely be that the City become a
formal Green Steps community. Meet with counterpart GreenStep city commissioners — When?
Counterpart staff have already met.
4. August- Sept. - Prioritize implementation schedule, conducting demos for staff, and getting the buy -in
needed for Council approval.
5. Anticipate Council approval in October.
Working Groups, Task Forces and Projects
Air and Water Quality Working Group (AWQ WG) — 3rd Tuesday at 7:00 pm - Chair Susan Tucker — Commissioners -
Julie Risser, DP Latham; Members - Julie Mellum (Air) , Ryan Wilson, Jon Moon, Nina Holiday -Lynch, Bill Johnson
Eric Kilberg (Air)
Approval Requested for the following with water quality interest: Mary Jo Straub (Conservation League of Edina
member)
Alternative Energy Working Group (AE WG)— 3`d Tuesday at 7:00 pm - Interim Chair Surya Iyer - Members Richard
Griffith, Bob Gubrud, Richard Oriani, Greg Nelson, Renee DiVicino, Gary Wahman, John Spanhake
Resignation received from the following: Ron Rich 8-19-10
Art Recycling Container Task Force (ARC TF) — Meets as needed - Chair Michelle Horan (RSW WG) — Members -
Melissa Seeley (RSW WG), Solvei Wilmot (Staff), Nicolle Mills-Novoa (Edina Art Center Instructor), Amy Kerber
(Edina Public Art Committee) and Julie Wohlford (Edina resident and Event Planner); Ex Officio member DP Latham.
Education Outreach Working Group (EO WG) —15` Tuesday at 7:00 pm - Co -Chairs Paul Thompson and Bob Gubrud -
Members Wendy Morris, Bob Genovese
Approval Requested for the following: Annie Berge ('07 Macalester grad with Environmental Science minor,
apprenticed at an organic farm in Hawaii and managed professional development seminars), Flora Delaney
(Communications major from MI St with home solar panels and compost bin), Scott Weicht (Works in commercial
construction that installs geo-exchange, solar systems, LEED certified buildings and invests/constructs biomass facilities
as well as water treatment/waste water plants around the country. His home has a geo-exchange ground loop system for
heating/cooling, and a rain water capture system for lawn/plant watering. The home is designed for future solar when it
becomes more efficient), Todd Willinert (Architect & Free Lance Writer).
Consider EEC sponsoring a house tour with Delaney and Weicht's homes on it!
Home Energy Squad Task Force (HES) — Meets as needed - Chair Bill Sierks — Members - Michael Platteter, Paul
Thompson and Heather Worthington (Staff)
Project & Policy Group — Meets as needed - Bill Sierks, Surya Iyer and Michael Platteter
Purchasing — Meets as needed - Chair Germana Paterlini, Heather Worthington (Staff)
Approval Requested for the following: Keith Kostuch (Retired Alltel VP of Strategic Planning where he was
responsible for $3B in procurement delivering $113 in cost reduction)
Recycling & Solid Waste Working Group (RSW WG) — 1" Thursday at 7:00 pm - Chair DP Latham- Members Susan
Tucker, Michelle Horan, Jim Jones, Tim Rudnicki, Melissa Seeley & Solvei Wilmot (Staff)
Removal Requested by WG Chair: Laura Benson
Tuff Management Plan Task Force (TMP TF) — Meetings TBD - Chair Germana Paterlini (EEC) — Members - Ellen Jones
(Pk Bd), Mary Jo Kingston (Community Health), Vince Cockriel (Staff); Ex Officio DP Latham and John Keprios
Urban Forest Task Force (UF TF) — Meets as needed over lunch hour - Chair DP Latham — Members - Joseph Hulbert
(Pk Bd), Michael Schroeder (Planning Commission) & City Forester Tom Horwath (Staff)
4
EEC Policy on Seminar Tuition Reimbursement
Draft of 9-3-10
1. Seminars must be held in the Twin City metro area and be relevant to local Edina issues. Travel expenses will not
be reimbursed.
2. Tuition maybe reimbursed for one voting EEC commissioner per seminar meeting this policy's criteria upon
approval of the EEC. Multiple EEC voting commissioners may be reimbursed if the total tuition for all
commissioners is less than $200 for seminars meeting this policy's criteria.
3. A voting commissioner will not be reimbursed for more than a total of $100 per year for all seminars attended,
provided that the total seminar tuition amount budgeted by the EEC for that year has not been exceeded.
4. If more than one voting commissioner seeks reimbursement and the topic is relevant to a specific Working Group
(WG), the WG Chair will have the first opportunity to attend. If the WG Chair cannot attend, other voting
commissioners from the relevant WG will be given the next opportunity to attend. If none of the voting
commissioners from the relevant WG are able to attend, then other non WG voting commissioners can be invited
to attend on a first come, first served basis. If no WG is relevant to the seminar, but the seminar meets the criteria
for this policy, other voting commissioners may attend on a first come, first served basis.
Recycling and Solid Waste Working Group
A subcommittee of the Edina Energy and Environment Commission
Community Conference Room, Edina City Hall
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Working Group Members Present: Chair, Dianne Plunkett Latham; Tim Rudnicki, and
Michelle Horan
Members Absent: Laura Benson, Melissa Seeley, and Jim Jones.
Guest: Mike Barcelow, resident
Staff Member Present: Solvei Wilmot, Recycling Coordinator and Assistant Sanitarian
Mike Barcelow was introduced. He is interested in a Garbage Man franchise and is attending the
meeting to observe and hear what the work group is working on. He also sells recycling bins and
rents advertising space on recycling bins.
Meeting called to order at 7:08 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Minutes from April 1, 2010 meeting were approved as written.
Reports
Conzinercial Recycling
Ms. Latham reported that Mary Brindle is working on scheduling Jim Jones as an Edina
Morningside Rotary speaker to present the commercial recycling power point and then answer
questions they may have about the process. Hopefully, the presentation will be given to the
Chamber of Commerce and the other Noon Edina Rotary in the near future.
Athletic Association Recycling
Lewis Park's new recycling bins are being used. Ms. Latham reported that there are two
containers next to the trash cans in the parking lot. The recycling has recycling in it and the trash
bin was about 1/i full of trash. However, the recycling container by the playground is not next to
the trash container and is receiving a lot of trash. As a result, Ms. Wilmot will request the Park
Maintenance staff move the playground recycling container next to the trash container. This will
also be requested for Pamela Park containers.
Art Recycling Container (ARC)
Ms. Horan reported that the ARC project has been scaled back. The focus will be the 50`h and
France business district. Ms. Rachel Hubbard of the 501h and France Business Association met
with the ARC task force and indicated the project would be of interest to the district. Agreement
was not reached as to price however. ARC wants to charge $1,000 - $1,500 for a container for 3
years. Ms Hubbard recommended $300 - $500 for 3 years. Ms. Horan will continue the
negotiation. The project was scaled down because of not knowing what the maintenance and
participation would be for the containers in a city wide program. However, the project may have
an obstacle. Edina's sign ordinance may not allow a sponsor sign on the containers. This may
impact the project if businesses aren't recognized for their support there may not be any
businesses interested in sponsoring a container. Chair Latham to review this with Heather
Worthington to determine alternatives.
Local Government Workshop
Ms. Latham attended a 5-04-10 Local Gov't workshop in Bloomington sponsored by the Alliance
for Sustainability. In addition she attended a 4-26-10 panel discussion at Golden Valley City
Hall regarding organized hauling. Golden Valley is reviewing what is happening in neighboring
communities regarding organized hauling as they explore the possibility of initiating organized
hauling for their community.
Bottles
In order help reduce the demand for plastic bottles members discussed reducing the availability
to purchase bottled water at city functions.
Ms. Horan made a motion to add to the Green Step #22 Solid Waste, a policy to reduce
usage of bottle water at City run facilities to mitigate the energy usage in producing bottled
water. Mr. Rudnicki seconded. Motion carried.
Licensing update
Ms. Latham reported that Edina City ordinances will be updated to include:
1. Larger disparity between refuse container sizes in order to benefit residents that are
producing less trash.
2. Yard waste carts would be required to be provided to residents requesting them
3. Haulers would be required to report refuse tonnages so that Edina can comply with
GreenStep #24 on Benchmarks.
Organic%ompost rule making
The MPCA has requested input from citizens in regard the rules that are in place for organic
collection sites. Currently the rules follow landfill site rules and the MPCA would like to know
if there is a need to change those rules for organic operations. Ms. Latham presented a
recommendation to submit to the MPCA to encourage reviewing the rules to change the
requirements to better fit the needs of an organic operation.
Ms. Horan moved to approve the recommendations and forward them to the Energy and
Environment Commission. Mr. Rudnicki seconded. Motion carried.
New Business
Ms. Wilmot shared an article regarding requiring refuse and recycling collection to be done at
night. Members discussed. No further consideration will be given to it given that members
believed that this process would not fit Edina resident's needs.
Hennepin County is proposing new collection strategies. They are suggesting recycling be co -
collected with organics. Currently, the collection of organics could be offered by a city only
after it has gone through the organized collection process.
4
Ms. Wilmot reported that she wrote a successful grant for 15 desk side recycling containers
from Recycling Association of Minnesota for the new public works building.
Adjourn
Mr. Rudnicki motioned to adjourn. Ms. Horan seconded.
Respectfully Submitted
Solvei Wilmot
City of Edina Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator
3
02/17/09 REVISOR CKM/HH 09-2260
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request State of Minnesota
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
EIGHTY-SIXTH 1128
SESSION HOUSE FME No.
February 26, 2009
Authored by Hortman, Geiling, Clark, Wagenius, Hayden and others
The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment Policy and Oversight
1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to environment; requiring a recycling refund value to be placed on
1.3 recyclable beverage containers; requiring labeling of beverage containers;
1.4 providing for refunds for containers returned; requiring payment of unclaimed
1.5 recycling refunds; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2008,
1.6 section 13.7411, subdivision 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota
1.7 Statutes, chapter 115A.
1.8 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.9 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 13.7411, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
1.10 Subd. 4. Waste management. (a) Transfer station data. Data received by a
1.11 county or district from a transfer station under section 115A.84, subdivision 5, are
1.12 classified under that section.
1.13 (b) Solid waste records. Records of solid waste facilities received, inspected,
1.14 or copied by a county pursuant to section 115A.882 are classified pursuant to section
1.15 115A.882, subdivision 3.
1.16 (c) Customer lists. Customer lists provided to counties or cities by solid waste
1.17 collectors are classified under section 115A.93, subdivision 5.
1.18 (d) Beverage container reporting. Data received by the Pollution Control Agency
1.19 under section 115A.1355 are classified under that section.
1.20 Sec. 2. [115A.13501 DEFINITIONS.
1.21 Subdivision 1. Scope. For the purposes of sections I I5A.1350 to I I5A.1357, the
1.22 following terms have the meanings given.
1.23 Subd. 2. Beverage. (a) 'Beverage" means:
Sec. 2. 1
02/17/09 REVISOR CKM/HH 09-2260
2.1 (1) any soft drink, soda water, carbonated or uncarbonated natural or mineral water,
2.2 juice, tea, or coffee;
2.3 (2) beer, ale, or other malt liquor;
2.4 (3) distilled spirits, wine, or mixed wine; and
2.5 (4) other drinks in liquid form intended for human consumption.
2.6 (b) 'Beverage" does not include a liquid that is:
2.7 (1) a syrup;
2.8 (2) in concentrated form;
2.9 (3) typically added as a minor flavoring ingredient in food or drink, such as extracts,
2.10 cooking additives, sauces, or condiments;
2.11 (4) a drug or infant formula, as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
2.12 Act, United States Code, title 21, section 321, paragraph (g), clause (1), and paragraph
2.13 (z), respectively; or
2.14 (5) a medical food, as defined in the 1988 Orphan Drug Act Amendments, United
2.15 States Code, title 21, section 360ee, paragraph (b), clause (3).
2.16 Subd. 3. Beverage container. 'Beverage container" means an airtight metal, glass,
2.17 or plastic container or a container composed of a combination of these materials that,
2.18 when sold or offered for sale, contains one gallon or less of a beverage.
2.19 Subd. 4. Distilled spirits. 'Distilled spirits" has the meaning given in section
2.20 340A.101. subdivision 9.
2.21 Subd. 5. Distributor. 'Distributor" means a person who sells beverages in beverage
2.22 containers to a retailer in this state, including a manufacturer who engages in such sales.
2.23 Subd. 6. Malt liquor. "Malt liquor" has the meaning given in section 340A.101,
2.24 subdivision 16.
2.25 Subd. 7. Manufacturer. "Manufacturer" means a person who places beverages in
2.26 beverage containers for eventual sale to consumers.
2.27 Subd. 8. Mixed wine. "Mixed wine" means a drink containing less than seven
2.28 percent alcohol by volume, consisting of wine and plain, sparkling, or carbonated water
2.29 and other nonalcoholic ingredients.
2.30 Subd. 9. Person. 'Person" has the meaning given in section 116.06, subdivision 17.
2.31 Subd. 10. Retailer. 'Retailer" means a person who sells beverages in beverage
2.32 containers to a consumer for consumption of the beverage.
2.33 Subd. 11. Unclaimed recycling refunds. "Unclaimed recycling refunds" means the
2.34 difference between the dollar value of the total recycling refunds collected by a distributor
2.35 or manufacturer on beverage containers sold in this state and the total recycling refunds
2.36 paid for beverage containers redeemed by the distributor or manufacturer within this state.
Sec. 2. 2
02/17/09 REVISOR CKMdM 09-2260
3.1 Subd. 12. Wine. "Wine" has the meaning given in section 340A.101, subdivision 29.
3.2 Sec. 3. [115A.13511 BEVERAGE CONTAINER LABELING.
3.3 (a) After January 1, 2010, no beverage container may be sold or offered for sale in
3.4 the state unless it clearly indicates by embossing or imprinting on the product label, or in
3.5 the case of a metal beverage container, on top of the container, the word "Minnesota" or
3.6 the letters "MN" and the recycling refund value of the container in type at least one-eighth
3.7 inch in height, or an alternate indication as may be approved by the commissioner. The
3.8 names or abbreviations of other states that have enacted legislation comparable to that in
3.9 sections 115A.1350 to 115A.1357 may be indicated on the container.
3.10 (b) The commissioner may allow beverage containers containing distilled spirits or
3.11 wine to be affixed with a continuous adhesive sticker to indicate the information required
3.12 in paragraph (a), provided the size, placement, and adhesive qualities are as approved by
3.13 the commissioner.
3.14 (c) This section does not apply to permanently labeled beverage containers.
3.15 Sec. 4. [115A.13531 BEVERAGE CONTAINERS; RECYCLING REFUND
3.16 VALUE.
3.17 (a) A recycling refund value of not less than ten cents must be paid by the purchaser
3.18 on each beverage container sold in this state by a retailer.
3.19 (b) The recycling refund value must be paid to a person upon return of an empty
3.20 beverage container upon which a recycling refund value has been paid:
3.21 (1) by a retailer, provided that the beverage container is of a kind, size, and brand
3.22 offered for sale by the retailer; or
3.23 (2) by an operator of a redemption center approved under section 115A.1354.
3.24 (c) A retailer or an operator of an approved redemption center is not required to
3.25 accept and redeem a beverage container that:
3.26 (1) is broken;
3.27 (2) contains residue other than water, the beverage it originally contained, or dust;
3.28 (3) is damaged to the extent that the brand on the container cannot be identified; or
3.29 (4) was not purchased in this state.
3.30 (d) A manufacturer or distributor must accept for redemption from a retailer that
3.31 sells its beverage containers or from an operator of an approved redemption center any
3.32 beverage container of a kind, size, and brand sold by the manufacturer or distributor,
3.33 unless the beverage container is not redeemable under paragraph (c), and must pay
3.34 the retailer or operator of an approved redemption center the recycling refund value
Sec. 4. 3
02/17/09 REVISOR CKM/HH 09-2260
4.1 established in paragraph (a) for each beverage container accepted for redemption, plus
4.2 one cent per beverage container.
4.3 Sec. 5. [115A.13541 REDEMPTION CENTERS.
4.4 (a) Any person may establish a redemption center, subject to the approval of the
4.5 commissioner, at which any person may return empty beverage containers and receive
4.6 payment of the containers' recycling refund value.
4.7 (b) Application for approval of a redemption center must be made on a form
4.8 prescribed by the commissioner.
4.9 (c) The commissioner must approve a request to establish a redemption center if
4.10 the commissioner determines that the redemption center provides a convenient service to
4.11 persons for the return of empty beverage containers. The approval of the commissioner
4.12 for a redemption center must state the kind and brand names of empty beverage containers
4.13 that the redemption center must accept.
4.14 (d) The commissioner may review approval of a request to establish a redemption
4.15 center at any time and may, after public hearing, withdraw approval of a redemption
4.16 center if the commissioner finds that the redemption center has not been in compliance
4.17 with the commissioner's oricinal approval or if the redemption center no longer provides a
4.18 convenient service to the public.
4.19 Sec. 6. j115A.13551 REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
4.20 Subdivision 1. Report, Beginning January 1, 2011, and each year thereafter, a
4.21 distributor or manufacturer must file a report with the agency, on a form prescribed by
4.22 the commissioner, stating the dollar value of both the total recycling refunds collected on
4.23 beverage containers sold in this state and the total recycling refunds paid for beverage
4.24 containers redeemed by the distributor or manufacturer within this state.
4.25 Subd. 2. Data. Data reported under subdivision 1 by an individual distributor or
4.26 manufacturer are classified as nonpublic data, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision
4.27 9, except that the agency may release the data in summary form in which individual
4.28 distributors or manufacturers are not identified and from which neither their identities
4.29 nor anv other characteristics that could uniouely identifv an individual distributor or
4.30 manufacturer are ascertainable.
4.31 Sec. 7. [115A.13561 UNCLAIMED RECYCLING REFUNDS.
Sec. 7. 4
02/17/09 REVISOR CKM/HH 09-2260
5.1 Subdivision 1. Payment. Not later than March 1, 2010, and each year thereafter,
5.2 a distributor or manufacturer must pay to the commissioner the unclaimed recycling
5.3 refunds for the previous year.
5.4 Subd. 2. Enforcement. (a) The Department of Revenue must enforce the
5.5 obligation to pay the amount of money reflecting unclaimed recycling refunds owed to
5.6 the state. The audit, assessment, appeal, collection, enforcement, disclosure, and other
5.7 administrative provisions of chapters 270B, 270C, and 289A that apply to chapter 297A
5.8 apply to unclaimed recycling refunds owed to the state. To enforce this subdivision, the
5.9 commissioner of revenue may grant extensions to pay, and impose and abate penalties and
5.10 interest on, unclaimed recycling refunds in the manner provided in chapters 270C and
5.11 289A as if the unclaimed recycling refunds were imposed under chapter 297A.
5.12 Subd. 3. Nonpublic data. The Department of Revenue may disclose nonpublic
5.13 data to the agency only when necessary for the efficient and effective administration of
5.14 the activities regulated under sections 115A.1350 to 115A.1357. Any data disclosed
5.15 by the department to the agency retains the classification it had when in the possession
5.16 of the department.
5.17 Subd. 4. Creation of account; appropriations; deposits. (a) The unclaimed
5.18 recycling refunds account is established in the environmental fund. The commissioner of
5.19 revenue must deposit receipts collected under subdivision 1 in the account. Any interest
5.20 earned on the account must be credited to the account. Money in the account at the end of
5.21 a fiscal year remains in the account and does not cancel to the general fund.
5.22 (b) Money in the account is annually appropriated to the agency for the purpose of
5.23 implementing sections 115A.1350 to 115A.1357.
5.24 (c) The commissioner shall expend all remaining revenues in the account as follows:
5.25 (1) 50 percent shall be deposited in the environmental fund; and
5.26 (2) 50 percent shall be allocated in equal amounts to counties for the purpose of
5.27 solid waste management.
5.28 Sec. 8. [115A.1357] RULES.
5.29 The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement sections 115A.1351
5.30 to 115A.1356.
5.31 Sec. 9. EFFECTIVE DATE.
5.32 Sections 1 to 8 are effective the day following final enactment.
Sec. 9. 5
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMISSION
COSTS TO DATE
INCEPTION TO DATE 8/31/10
2008 BUDGET
REVENUE
35,000.00
2009 BUDGET
REVENUE
35,000.00
2010 BUDGET
REVENUE
10,000.00
STATE GRANT
REVENUE
10,000.00
BANNER
TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES
90,000.00
SALARIES REGULAR
PAYROLL
22.15
SALARIES OVERTIME
PAYROLL
4,700.58
SALARIES TEMPORARY
PAYROLL
3,613.73
PERA
PAYROLL
327.61
SOCIAL SECURITY
PAYROLL
642.89
HOSPITALIZATION
PAYROLL
691.35
WORKERS COMP
PAYROLL
23.79
XCEL ENERGY
H WORTHINGTON
SIR SPEEDY
SIR SPEEDY
SUN NEWSPAPERS
H WORTHINGTON
SIGN PRO
ROBERT GUBRUD
GERMANA PATERLINI
PAUL THOMPSON
SANDY'S PROMOTIONAL STUFF
SANDY'S PROMOTIONAL STUFF
SANDY'S PROMOTIONAL STUFF
ROCKEFELLER PHILANTHROPY
GLOBAL SYNERGY GROUP
ICLEI
HAI LEY LEE
PANERA BREAD
PANERA BREAD
EDINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
CITY OF EDINA -COMMUNICATIONS
ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
TERRY GIPS
USG BC -MINNESOTA
PAUL THOMSON
CENTRAL ENVELOPE CORPORATION
DIANNE LATHAM
HELMER PRINTING
ENERGY STUDY
800.00
CONFERENCE
525.00
FLYERS/POSTERS
3,794.05
BUSINESS CARDS
46.44
ENERGY FAIR AD
525.00
REIMBURSEMENT
68.98
BANNER
296.49
SUPPLIES FOR ENERGY FAIR
30.74
ICLEI REGISTRATION
897.00
DOOR PRIZES FOR ENERGY FAIR
217.26
RE -USABLE GROCERY BAG
2,238.31
PROMO STICKERS
1,061.42
EEC MAGNETS
1,399.00
CARBON DISCLOSURE PROJECT
1,000.00
EEC CONSULTANT
4,732.20
MEMBERSHIP
1,200.00
CONFERENCE
250.00
MEETING
189.46
ENVIRONMENT PLANN RETREAT
152.93
EVENT CO-SPONSORSHIP
1,000.00
EEC -DVDS
106.90
PREP WORK
1,500.00
FRAMEWORK
4,500.00
EVENT CONFIRMATION
225.00
FOOD FOR MEETING
65.90
SIGN - MARKETING
76.17
UMN EXTENSION WORKSHOP
75.00
DOOR HANGERS
1,179.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 38,174.35
EEC NET REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES 51,825.65
Nov. 8, 2010 NEMO Workshop Planning
(NEMO - Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials)
From: seri0026@umn.edu [mailto:seri0026@umn.edu]
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2010 9:01 AM
To: Dianne Plunkett Latham
Cc: Susan Tucker; Kevin Bigalke
Subject: Re: NEMO Flier announcing the Nov. 8 Program
Dianne - I am currently working with staff to make sure we are all on the same page
for the workshop. The invitations for the workshop have been finalized and
are ready to go in the mail. They will be sent after all staff know and are
aware of the upcoming workshop. I am hoping in having this done by
tomorrow.
I can give you a copy of the invitation tomorrow at the Fall Tour (Copy of
the invite is below). I have not yet finalized the presentation for the
workshop and don't anticipate on having this done until the end of October.
Our presentation will be based on our outline provided to you on August
17th via email. I will forward you a copy of this email.
Please also note that my email address is cbleser@ninemilecreek.org.
Thanks, Claire
The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District and the Nine Mile Creek Watershed
District in partnership with the City of Edina invites you to a Non Point
source Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) workshop focusing on
keeping our water resources healthy in Edina. The workshop will identify
the various water and natural resources in Edina and at the same time
explore techniques and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that help keep our
waters clean.
At this workshop, you will:
• Learn about water and natural resources in Edina
• Map out local natural resource issues and opportunities
• Collaborate with other city leaders and staff on water resource issues
• See how incorporating Best Management Practices in Edina can meet
multiple goals and save money
Date: Monday, November 8, 2010
Time: 5:30pm — 7:00pm
Location: Council Chambers, Edina City Hall
Please RSVP by October 25, 2010 to:
Claire Bleser at 952-358-2276 or via email at cbleser@ninemilecreek.org
We look forward to seeing you there.
Claire Bleser Julie Westerlund
Nine Mile Creek Watershed District Minnehaha Creek Watershed District
John Billota Heather Worthington
University of Minnesota City of Edina
From: Claire Bleser [mailto:cbleser@ninemilecreek.org]
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 12:41 PM
To: Heather Worthington
Subject: NEMO workshop
Hi Heather,
I met last week with my counterpart Julie Westerlund at Minnehaha Creek WD and John Billota, Coordinator of
Northland and NEMO and have outlined our Edina workshop.
Based on our discussion, we believe that we need to schedule this education opportunity into two workshops in order to
meet needs and objectives identified at our meeting at City Hall. The first would focus on the water resources of Edina,
what might be some of the issues with them and an introduction to Best Management Practices. The second would focus
on Best Management Practices identified at the first workshop (focus more in depth) but also the weaknesses identified
through the Blue Star Assessment Program followed with our recommendations (Policy changes at city level and
practices).
Here were our thoughts for the first workshop:
1. Edina Natural Resources Primer (exploring the natural resources of Edina - mapping exercise – 20 min)
2. NEMO 101 (An introduction to how land use and local decisions impact water quality – 30 min)
3. Issues, Problem and value (identify what might be some problems in Edina – exercise for participants – 20min)
4. BMP exercise (exploring best management practices – using the cards identify 10 BMP that could be used to
"fix" the problem – 10min)
Follow up to workshop, Edina will need to complete Blue Star Assessment
Workshop 2 (February)
1. Use finding of number 4 and Blue Star Assessment to cover in further details BMPs
2. Introduce recommendation, policy changes and practices that can be done at the City level
Is this along the lines of what you were thinking? Let me know what your thoughts are. Thanks, Claire
From: Heather Worthington [mailto:hworthington@ci.edina.mn.us]
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 1:31 PM
To: Claire Bleser
Cc: Dianne Plunkett Latham; Susan Tucker
Subject: RE: NEMO workshop
Claire—I think that sounds very good. This is a big topic, so I understand that it may require more time to fully
explore. I also like the focus on an implementation section in Workshop 2, because this is an important focus for us. By
way of cc, I'll ask Dianne and Susan to weigh-in as well. Thanks, HW
Edina Energy and Environment Champions
As part of the work of the Edina Energy and Environment Commission (EEC)
we like to recognize leading individuals and organizations in our community
for their work in lowering emissions, building beautiful and healthy
neighborhoods and creating smart city policies for a sustainable future.
This fall's Energy and Environment Champs are John Henry, Jane Levin,
Judith Reisman and Good Shepard Church.
John Henry has worked tirelessly on buckthorn abatement at Garden Park since
approximately 2004. He has held buckthorn abatement events several times a year.
Sometimes the buckthorn abatement events involve residents who live near the park, and
who are known as the Friends of Garden Park. But other times it is just he and the City of
Edina Forester, Tom Horwath laboring in the woods to remove the noxious weed tree,
buckthorn. Many truckloads of the invasive buckthorn have been hauled away by the city
of Edina Public Works Department to the City of Edina tree dump, where the city of St.
Paul District Energy chips them up and takes the chips to St Paul, where they are burned
for energy. After the buckthorn trees are cut down, John Henry and the volunteers paint
the stumps with Roundup to prevent them from resprouting. Our city owes volunteers
like John Henry a debt of gratitude. The city budget does not have sufficient funds for
buckthorn abatement. Without tireless volunteers like John Henry, little ecological
restoration could be accomplished in our city woodlands.
Jane Levin and Judith Reisman were awarded a National Wildlife Federation Certified
Wildlife Habitat plaque for making their yard in Morningside a truly eco -friendly place.
Some of the things Jane and Judith did were to stop using fertilizers and pesticides to
grow healthy food and improve water quality, compost kitchen and garden waste in their
garden and send items that need commercial composting to Vierkant Disposal's "go
green' program, share an electric mower with neighbors and save water by allowing grass
to go dormant during dry periods. In the future they are planning use of rain barrels, add
more native bushes and build a rain garden near their street to minimize runoff. People
who are interested in qualifying their home for this certified wildlife habitat designation
can check the criteria at ww«7.nwf.ora.
Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church on Blake Road has a history of doing good things
for the environment. They had the EEC speak to their adult education hour about the
projects that the city is working on and how the congregation can help. After every
service they serve and sell fair trade coffee and hot chocolate to their members and
guests, and last spring they participated in an Earth Week clean up along 9 mile creek in
neighboring Hopkins. For more information about the environmental projects of the
church contact Emily Barker at
hqp://www.sothchurch.comlsocial-justice.htm
Thank you to this Fall's Champions and the EEC hopes that this will inspire more
families and organizations to take action towards a clean energy future.
http://www.sothchurch.com/social-justice.htm
ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMISSION
COSTS TO DATE
INCEPTION TO DATE 8/31/10
2008 BUDGET
REVENUE
35,000.00
2009 BUDGET
REVENUE
35,000.00
2010 BUDGET
REVENUE
10,000.00
STATE GRANT
REVENUE
10,000.00
BANNER
TOTAL FUNDING SOURCES
90,000.00
SALARIES REGULAR
PAYROLL
22.15
SALARIES OVERTIME
PAYROLL
4,700.58
SALARIES TEMPORARY
PAYROLL
3,613.73
PERA
PAYROLL
327.61
SOCIAL SECURITY
PAYROLL
642.89
HOSPITALIZATION
PAYROLL
691.35
WORKERS COMP
PAYROLL
23.79
XCEL ENERGY
H WORTHINGTON
SIR SPEEDY
SIR SPEEDY
SUN NEWSPAPERS
H WORTHINGTON
SIGN PRO
ROBERT GUBRUD
GERMANA PATERLINI
PAUL THOMPSON
SANDY'S PROMOTIONAL STUFF
SANDY'S PROMOTIONAL STUFF
SANDY'S PROMOTIONAL STUFF
ROCKEFELLER PHILANTHROPY
GLOBAL SYNERGY GROUP
ICLEI
HAILEY LEE
PANERA BREAD
PANERA BREAD
EDINA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
CITY OF EDINA -COMMUNICATIONS
ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
TERRY GIPS
USGBC-MINNESOTA
PAUL THOMSON
CENTRAL ENVELOPE CORPORATION
DIANNE LATHAM
HELMER PRINTING
ENERGY STUDY
800.00
CONFERENCE
525.00
FLYERS/POSTERS
3,794.05
BUSINESS CARDS
46.44
ENERGY FAIR AD
525.00
REIMBURSEMENT
68.98
BANNER
296.49
SUPPLIES FOR ENERGY FAIR
30.74
ICLEI REGISTRATION
897.00
DOOR PRIZES FOR ENERGY FAIR
217.26
RE -USABLE GROCERY BAG
2,238.31
PROMO STICKERS
1,061.42
EEC MAGNETS
1,399.00
CARBON DISCLOSURE PROJECT
1,000.00
EEC CONSULTANT
4,732.20
MEMBERSHIP
1,200.00
CONFERENCE
250.00
MEETING
189.46
ENVIRONMENT PLANN RETREAT
152.93
EVENT CO-SPONSORSHIP
1,000.00
EEC -DVDS
106.90
PREP WORK
1,500.00
FRAMEWORK
4,500.00
EVENT CONFIRMATION
225.00
FOOD FOR MEETING
65.90
SIGN - MARKETING
76.17
UMN EXTENSION WORKSHOP
75.00
DOOR HANGERS
1,179.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 38,174.35
EEC NET REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES 51,825.65
EEC DRAFT BUDGET - OCTOBER 2010 -SEPTEMBER 2011
Name of Activity
Requested By
Scope of Activity
Goals of activity
Item List
Start Date End Date Estimated Expected
Note
Costs Revenue
Water & Air
Water Quality
City Staff and
Best
Management
resource to define
NEMO Workshop
Quality WG
workshop
muncipal officers
Practice
08 -Nov -10 08 -Nov -10 $500 $ -
bmps for EEC and
(Susan Tucker)
learn BMP
municipal officials
booklets
Learn about new tools
Clean Water &
Water &Air
Presentations on
to adapt to changing
Susan Sheridan
Climate Adaptation
Quality WG
Green Infrastructure
climate conditions
Tucker's
16 -Sep -10 17 -Sep -10 $100 $
more information on
Summit 2010
(Susan Tucker)
BMPs in urban &
and green
Attendance at
potential solutions
redevelopment areas
infrastructure
Summit
opportunities
To gain more
Water &Air
information on BMP.
Future Workshops
Quality WG
Water/Air Quality
To learn more BMPs
? ? $300 -
Periodic workshops
(Susan Tucker)
are offered
throughout the year.
Best guess estimate
Water &Air
Wild guess - still
Lake Water testing
Quality WG
bi-weekly water tests
to assess water
payment for
01 -Apr -10 30 -Oct -10 $2,500 -
researching! Grants
(Susan Tucker)
quality
tests
may be available
Lawn signs for HES
E&O WG (Bob
Lawn sign
Promote Home
200 signs @
01 -Oct -10 $ 500
Gubrud)
Energy Squads
$2.5 each
Edina Go Green
E&O WG (Bob
Create and Produce a
Promote the Edina Go
Banner
Gubrud)
banner
Green Brand
$500 each
01 -Oct -10 $ 500
$100 in door
Elementary school
E&O WG (Bob
Game and door prices
Environmental Youth
prices per
carnivals
Gubrud)
at six school carnivals
Education
school, total of
01 -Nov -10 $ 600
six schools
Edina Go Green
E&0 WG (Bob
Reward Businesses
Promote and support
award
Business Certification
Gubrud)
with Green
green practices by
certificates,
01 -Nov -10 $ 500
Project
Certificates
businesses
25@$20 each
Matching Funds: E&O WG (Bob
Edina Day of Service
Gubrud)
HES installs,
"10 Steps to Energy E&O WG (Bob
Independence
Gubrud)
Flyers
Elementary School E&O WG (Bob
curriculum project Gubrud)
matching funds
Home Energy Sqad: for energy
Provide matching Promote HES at Edina savings installs
funds to qualifying Day of Service - at the Edina Day
residences of Service,
25@$25
Produce Flyers that
Energy Saving 5000 flyers X
promote energy
Education $.010
savings
Develop a curriculum Educate children
for elementary about energy &
Schools environment
10 -Oct -10 10 -Oct -10 $ 625
01 -Dec -10 $ 500
01 -Dec -10 $ 1,000
Edina Go Green
R&SW WG
4th July
E&O WG (Bob
4th July Parade
Promote the Edina Go 5000 stickers
01 $ 1,100
stickers: of
Gubrud)
of
-Jul -11
Green Brand @$0.22
Parade
organizing the
Quality
Printing of event
E&O WG (Bob
Miscellaneous
Promote Edina Go
flyers and posters
Gubrud)
Printing needs
open $ 500
Green
$ 500 to be scheduled
Conduct a survey of
R&SW WG
Green Step #?
Green Step #22,
resident preferences
Implement Green
(Michael
(Dianne Plankett-
Cost of survey
Solid Waste
Residential Energy
for recycling and solid
Step Cities #22
Latham)
Platteter/Bill
Materials
program
waste.
01 -Mar -11 $ 5,000 tentative date
R&SW WG
Cost of
Green Step #23: Air
Organize educational
Promote Air Quality
(Dianne Plankett-
organizing the
Quality
Latham)
program
Education
program
$ 500 to be scheduled
Policy WG
Green Step #?
(Michael
Promotional
Promote the HES
Cost of
Residential Energy
Platteter/Bill
Materials
program
materials
Program
Sierks)
10 01 -Se
p- $ 1,000
Policy WG
Green Step # School
Michael
Promote Residential
Educational Program
Energy Program
Platteter/Bill
Energy Program
Sierks)
2 000
Quantify
Cost of software
energy,savings, ROI
license and
Yes, based
Green Step #24: CO2
PROCUREMENT
Purchase the HARA
on green energy
initial
on ROI of
reporting and
(Germans
software platform
projects; monitor
implementation
projects,
inventory
Paterlini)
progress in achieving
support
renewable Annual fee schedule,
goals
($8,000)
energy include training
$ 28,000 production Fee may change
RE -WG (Surya
Renewal Energy
$
IYER)
TOTAL
$45,725
9/20/2010
Green Step Cities Pilot Report
City of Edina
Energy and Environment Commission
of Edina
Green Step Cities Pilot Report
OVERVIEW:
On October 9th, Edina was selected as one of five Green Step Cities. St. Louis Park, Bloomington, Falcon
Heights and Victoria were also selected. Staff, Commissions, and the City Council will work jointly on this project, with
the assistance of Kristina Smitten, the Project Manager. The Policy Areas chosen by, ULI encompass the work of several
Edina Commissions, including the Energy and Environment (EEC), Planning, and Transportation Commissions, as well
as the Park Board. The following background information is from the ULI website: minnesota.uli.org
The Urban Land Institute Minnesota (ULI MN)"and the nationally recognized Regional Council of
Mayors (RCM) actively engage public and private sector leaders to foster collaboration, share
knowledge and join in meaningful strategic action to create thriving, sustainable communities.
Focus areas include housing, transportation, the environment and job growth.
Environmental objectives include the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, protection of
natural resources and the support of healthy living. To foster the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions, ULI MN/RCM was selected by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to
demonstrate best practices from the Minnesota Green Step Cities program in five RCM
communities. Green Step Cities is a new program; the Green Step Cities Demonstration Project
will provide a platform for application. The following goals have been adopted:
• Green Step Cities best practices. Green Step Cities is an action -oriented voluntary program
offering a cost-effective, simple pathway leading to implementation of sustainable best
practices that focus on greenhouse gas reduction. Green Step Cities include best practices in the
areas of: buildings and facilities, land use, transportation, environmental management, and,
community and economic development.
• Assessing and identifying opportunities. The Green Step Cities Demonstration Project will
partner with five RCM cities to identify and implement Green Step Cities best practices. With
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of Edina
support from the Green Step Cities Project Manager, the five demonstration cities will assess
their current related practices and sustainability goals to identify areas of opportunities. In
collaboration with the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), best practices that are proven
to have the greatest effect on reducing greenhouse gas emissions will be prioritized.
• Communication and Learning. ULI MN/RCM encourages and expands peer-to-peer support
and learning among Twin Cities regional mayors, and provides access to key expertise and
technical resources. The Green Step Cities Demonstration Project will provide, a base of
knowledge, project review, and lessons learned through the implementation of Green Step
Cities best practices. Outcomes and project examples will be documented, and findings will be
made readily available on the ULI MN web site. Practices that have a proven ability to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and are readily replicable will be selected as `priorities for promotion.
GREENSTEP CITIES DEMONSTRATION PROJECT:
The ULI MN/RCM Green Step Cities Demonstration Project seeks to address the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions through advancing and implementing energy efficiency and
sustainability best practices, and by motivating public officials to transition to a green economy.
Goals include:
• Educating leaders about Green Step Cities best practices,
• Identifying actionable steps that are proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
• Promoting the implementation of these best practices, and
• Communicating the results of these efforts through peer-to-peer advising.
The Green Step Cities Demonstration Project activities include:
1. Selection of five demonstration RCM Cities (September 2009);
2. Peer communication and learning (October 2009 —July 2010);
3. Review of selected cities' goals and policies that support the reduction of green
house gas emissions (October -December 2009);
4. In partnership with each city, identify and prioritize Green Step Cities best practices
(November 2009 -February 2010);
5. Provide suggested action -steps and access to experts to assist cities in the
implementation of desired best practices (January -April 2010);
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of Edina
6. Assessment of best practices planned for implementation and their potential to
reduce greenhouse gas reductions (April -May 2010);
7. Share and conununicate results (June -July 2010).
RECOMMENDED BEST PRACTICES:
Edina is rated as a Class A city for Green Steps City purposes, which requires the completion of a total of 16 best
practices. EEC recommends completing the following 15 best practices in addition to two optional sub steps within best
practice #24 Benchmarks, which counts as a total of 17 best practices. Having an extra step; is a precaution in case any of
Edina's chosen steps is deemed inadequate, or if Edina determines that it cannot complete one of the 17 best practices.
Council should note that the GreenSteps Cities packet presented at the 7-6-10 Council/EEC work session did not include
the best practices for #12 Mobility and #23 Air Quality. #12 Mobility was omitted because the MPCA changed it from an
optional best practice to a required best practice and Edina had not been so advised., Representatives of the Edina
Transportation Commission (ETC) and the Bike Edina Task Force (BETF) have agreed to implement this step, thereby
making EEC confident that Edina can complete it. #23 Air Quality had been inadvertently omitted from the 7-6-10 Work
Session packet. If Council has any questions about best practice #12 or #23, they should feel free to contact Dianne
Plunkett Latham.
The following narratives describe each step, and lay out the background, timeline for implementation, and barriers to
implementation for each best practice.
The Energy and Environment Commission is recommending adoption of this set of best practices, and an endorsement by
the City Council of continued involvement in the Green Steps Cities program through pursuit of a certificate as a Green
Step City.
At a future meeting, the EEC will present a document outlining the needed resources for each best practice, including
personnel, budgetary and policy requirements. Staff will conduct a review of the best practices and identify projects and
programs where capital dollars have been allocated, and where there is overlap between practice and planning for future
projects and programs contained in this documents
d
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of Edina
Best Practice: #1 Efficient Existing Public Buildings
Description: Work with utilities and others to assess and finance energy and sustainability improvements of existing
public structures.
Current Practice: The B3 database of city building data is complete and is currently being updated with the utility data.
City buildings have not had full energy audits, nor have they been ranked for energy performance. The City has a five-
year Capital Improvement Plan that can be utilized to fund building improvements internally. This may be augmented by
grants or other revenue sources specific to projects.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
Substep #1: Enter yearly public building data into the Minnesota B3 database and rank buildings in regard to energy
performance. The City will have utility data on its buildings over 5,000 square feet in the B3 Database by July 2010;
other buildings can be added to the database as needed.
Substep #2: Audit all buildings in the bottom third of energy performance ranking and implement all energy efficiency
opportunities with a payback under 5 years. City buildings will need energy audits completed, either through a utility
sponsored program or an independent third party.
Substep #6: Internal Loan Fund — Complete
Barriers to implementation:
1) Human and financial resources needed for conducting the initial audit and continuously monitoring energy
consumption.
2) The financial resources to implement the energy efficiency opportunities identified by the audits.
Step Effectiveness — Buildings make up 60% of carbon emissions by the City. Best Practice #1 is essential to curb carbon
emissions in a meaningful way. However, implementation of the substeps, such as the Audit requirement, may incur
substantial organizational and financial barriers. Staff will work with Xcel and Centerpoint Energy to determine cost of
audits and establish a budget for the implementation of this step.
Implementation schedule:
This step can be implemented in phases over a two-year period, beginning in September, 2010, and ending in September
2013.
Best Practice: #2: Efficient Existing Private Buildings
Description: Increase Energy Efficiency in Private Buildings and Lighting
Current Practice: The city does not have a specific energy efficiency program for private buildings. Edina has a watering
ordinance as well as a two tier conservation rate structure.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
#2 Working with a local utility, tailor a utility conservation improvement program (CIP) for your city.
#3 Promote residential energy efficiency programs in city mailings/newsletters.
To implement sub step #2 and #3, a project team consisting of City staff (Worthington), EEC members
(Thompson, Platteter, Sirkes), CEE, Xcel, and Centerpoint has been established. The message in the city mailing
is being developed by Platteter and Worthington with content from Xcel and Centerpoint and distributed through
the Education Outreach Working Group's efforts. There will be close coordination on educational efforts like the
3rd of July parade.
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of Edina
#5 Implement a robust watering ordinance and conservation rate structure — This sub step is complete.
Barriers to implementation: Finding sufficient volunteers to champion the residential project rollout, especially in
Highlands. Financial barriers for project implementation, mailings, flyers, etc, etc.
Step Effectiveness — No Comments
Implementation schedule: Multi -phase plan that begins in May 2010:
1. Spring 2010
a. Focus on Saver Switch and Appliance Rebates (refrigerator recycling) and the Home Energy Squad
(HES) program
b. Door hanger project in Morningside.
c. Use liquor stores and Wamer-Stellian to promote refrigerator recycling
Spring 2010 and ongoing -- Look for opportunities to promote city-wide:
d. Cable TV / PSA promotion
e. Magnets and/or buttons
f. City will create internet links to utility programs
g. Third of July Parade: possibly distribute information &,buttons%magnets
2. Fall 2010 (Beginning mid to late August, continuing through October/November)
a. A flyer in the city utility bill, developed by the city and approved by Centerpoint and Xcel, that
emphasizes home audits, Home Energy Squad (HES), appliance'rebate, and saving energy as the heating
season approaches.
b. Door hangers with the same themes will be distributed (Morningside, Highland, other neighborhoods?)
c. Develop and include `testimonials' for neighborhood HES meetings
d. Develop competition for energy savings — City council v. EEC v. Edina Go Green (EGG) Publicize
quarterly to encourage community interest
e. Highland neighborhood/school outreach program
3. Edina Day of Service— 10/9/2010
a. Have a major focus on energy — home audits, HES.
4. Coordination with School District
a. Fall 2010 -- Energy challenge between EHS schools?
b. PSA energy announcements at football games?,
c. Coordinate with EHS on Edina Day of Service energy projects
Best Practice: #6 Comprehensive Plan
Description Adopt a Comprehensive Plan and tie regulatory ordinances to it.
Current Practice:
The 2008 Comp Plan Update includes mixed-use housing as a goal, and provides areas in the city to accommodate such
uses. It also includes a full-scale report on bicycle and pedestrian access prepared by the Bike Edina Task Force (BETF)
in conjunction with the Transportation Commission.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina: In 2008, the City Council adopted the final draft of the 2008 Comprehensive Plan
Update. In 2009, the Planning Commission began meeting twice a month to update the zoning ordinance, and address any
inconsistencies between the city's ordinances and the Comprehensive Plan. Their work continues, and will likely be done
this year. The Comprehensive Plan addresses land use, zoning, transportation, water resource, environmental, and
housing issues. The Comprehensive Plan is updated every ten years, according to state statutory requirements. The
Metropolitan Council oversees the formulation and implementation of each city's comp plan.
Barriers to implementation:
5 a.
of Edina
This plan represents very few barriers to implementation, apart from the more typical budgetary and community -related
matters that arise to block or prevent implementation. Since it is a required document in state law, it is typically
understood to be a guiding mechanism for planning activities.
Implementation schedule:
The City is currently in the implementation phase of the updated comp plan. This implementation will continue over the
next ten years, and will be formally reviewed at the end of that period as part of the decennialupdate of the comp plan.
Staff and elected officials will use this document as an overall guide for development, changes to transportation facilities,
and other regional planning issues during that time. Changes to the document must follow'a prescribed process which
includes community input and approval by the City Council, followed by review and approval by the Metropolitan
Council.
Step Effectiveness:
This step is a required step. The statute prescribing the requirement for Comp Plans has been in place for about 40 years.
No changes are recommended.
Best Practice: #11 Complete Streets
Description: Increase safety and mobility options for pedestrians, bicycles and all other vehicles, as well as creating
more inviting public spaces and increased economic viability of businesses, while reducing maintenance costs, reducing
storm water management, plus reducing emergency response' times.
Current Practice: Edina has a City of Edina Comprehensive Bicycle Transportation Plan, which is not fully implemented.
See http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/PDFs/CompPlan/Final/Microsoft%20Word%20-
%20Chapter%207%2OTransportation%2OBike%2ONovembIer%202008.pdf. Edina also has a sidewalk plan, but it is not
fully implemented. See p. 23 of the Travel Forecasting section of the Comprehensive Plan at:
http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/PDFs/CompPlan/FinaUMicrosoft%20Word%20-
%20Chapter%207%2OTransportation%2OTravel%2OForeca'sting%2ONovember%202008.pdf Traffic calming measures
such as sidewalks or bicycle routes have been implemented on a few streets, but the vast majority of streets do not have
sidewalks or bicycle routes. The City of Edina does not have a Complete Streets plan involving all streets, only the
arterials.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina.-
#1
dina.#1 Complete Green Streets Policy —'The Bicycle Transportation Plan and sidewalk plan need to be integrated into a
Complete Green Streets plan for all streets with a schedule for the implementation of each segment.
#4 Identify and Remedy non -complete green street segments by, for example, adding a bike lane or sidewalk.
#6 Traffic Calming measures on at least 1 street redevelopment project — This should be expanded beyond the
proposed bicycle lanes for the current West 70'h project. Each time a street is resurfaced, sidewalks and bicycle
routes should be added' as per the Bicycle Transportation Plan and sidewalk plan and reviewed by the
Transportation Commission as well as the Bike Task Force.
Barriers to implementation:
Opposition to sidewalks due to:
1) Construction costs assessed to residents living in the designated travel -shed
2) Homeowner winter shoveling requirement for most sidewalks
3) Reduction of privacy
4) Hazard of pedestrians crossing the homeowner's driveway
Opposition to bike routes due to:
1) Loss of parking in some cases for bicycle lanes
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of Edina
2) Hazard of cyclists crossing in street below homeowner's driveway.
Step Effectiveness — The bar is too low in some cases. For example, traffic calming measures should be required for more
than one street.
Implementation schedule: Chair Latham informally spoke with the Bike Edina Task Force (BETF) Chair and gave a
PowerPoint program on the GreenStep Cities program to the Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) on May 20, 2010,
with emphasis on the Complete Green Streets BP #11. The Transportation Commission (ETC) and BETF Chair
informally expressed an interest in participating in BP #11 and await City Council approval for becoming a GreenStep
City, after which the ETC and BETF could formally begin working with staff to make a determination as to which BP #11
sub steps to undertake, as well as develop a strategy for their implementation.
Best Practice: #12 Mobility Options
Description: Promote active living and alternatives to single -occupancy car travel.
Current Practice: The City of Edina has an Edina local bike routes map, produced by a private company that is available
free at City Hall. The City comprehensive plan has maps showing walking zones for business, school and parks. Transit
information is also available at City Hall. The City received a grant for bike racks in 2010 and 12 new racks will be
installed at local schools and the Community Center, plus 12 new racks at Centennial Lakes, Braemar and Garden Park.
The City of Edina does not have jurisdiction over Metro Transit and therefore cannot increase the number of bus facilities,
signage, benches or shelters. The City can consult with Metro Transit and request more service, but Metro Transit makes
the final decision. Metro Transit has a program(http://www.metrotransit.org/federal-and-state-tax-resources.aspx) for
City employers, which offers transit passes as a benefit with pre-tax dollars.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina: The Edina Transportation Commission (ETC) and Bike Edina Task Force (BETC)
propose undertaking sub steps #le, #2 and #4, subject to confirmation by those bodies.
#le. Promote walking, biking and transit by an active living campaign in concert with your local community health board
- ETC will be focusing on "active transportation" such as developing the policies and programs that support the
implementation of complete streets and improve the transportation right of way for walking and biking. The BETF helps
to lead 3 annual community rides, including the Annual Ride with the Mayor. The BETF also offers monthly skills ride
events to increase bicycling skills and riding options in Edina'. The BETF also organizes the annual Bike to Work event
starting at the 50th and France area. The BETF promotes safe bicycling with its website, free wallet cards, and hosting
information tables at several community events throughout the year.
#2. Launch a Safe Routes to School program with educational, public health and other partners - Edina received a Safe
Routes To School grant a couple of years ago, and did the speed zone study. The BETF successfully completed a Bicycle
Rodeo'at Highlands Elementary in 2010 and is working with Edina Schools to continue similar events for 2011 to increase
both bicycling and walking for both staff and students.
#4. Promote carpooling or on -demand ridesharing among community members, city employees, businesses, high schools
and institutionsof higher education - When the City reviews a new development, there is opportunity to attach conditions
related to travel demand management. Typically, this is a section of the transportation impact analysis report that is under-
developed. The focus is on motor vehicle traffic, with very little analysis of pedestrian, bike, or transit. The City should
strengthen its travel demand management conditions and more firmly require both an analysis of pedestrian, bike and
transit movements as well as require, through zoning, facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users.
Barriers to implementation:
1) Obtaining sufficient publicity to educate the public.
2) Obtaining cooperation from multiple governmental units.
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of Edina
Step Effectiveness — Adequate
Implementation schedule: Two years
Best Practice: #15 Purchasing
Description: Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy.
Current Practice: The existing Purchasing Policy of the City of Edina does not consider environmental factors in its
purchasing directives.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
The Energy and Environment Commission of the City of Edina approved a newly drafted Environmental Purchasing
Policy at its April 8, 2010 meeting. This Policy will be recommended to the Edina City Council for approval.
The Environmental Purchasing Policy includes several of the substeps of this Best Practice. The following two substeps
were recommended for Green Steps:
Substep #1: Adopt a policy or administrative policy directing that the city purchase only:
a. EnergyStar certified equipment and appliances and
b. Paper containing at least 30% post -consumer recycled content.
Substep #4: Require purchase of U.S. EPA Water Sense -certified products for all product categories covered by the Water
Sense program.
Barriers to implementation:
3) Creation of a Purchasing Task Force: a best practice should be the formation of a Task Force among city
employees from the various city departments. The Task Force must show commitment and leadership to
effectively transform and, if necessary abandon, current purchasing practices.
4) Education and information sharing: city staff must keep up to date on the environmental impact, and best disposal
practices of purchased products and the availability of new, more environmentally friendly products. The Task
Force must effectively communicate this information among the various departments.
Step Effectiveness - The step is adequate as defined.
Implementation schedule:
1) Approval of the Environmental Purchasing Policy by City Council — 4 months
2) Creation of Purchasing Task Force — 6 months
3) Creation of an implementation strategy by the Purchasing Task Force — 6 months to 1 year
4) Implementation of purchasing recommendations — 1 year or longer. It will be based on the best practice of
continuous improvement.
Best Practice: #16 Urban Forest
Description: Increase city tree and plant cover.
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of Edina
Current Practice: The City of Edina has received the Tree City USA designation in the past, but let it lapse. It should not
be difficult to get recertified as a Tree City USA. The City of Edina, has no tree preservation ordinance. The City of
Edina has landscaping performance standards in 850. 10, but they do not require any tree cover in parking lots. The main
street area of Edina at 50'' and France is landscaped with trees within the sidewalk area including Dutch Elm Disease
resistant Elms.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
The Urban Forest Task Force (UFTF) recommended undertaking the following sub steps:;
#1 Qualify as a Tree City USA. City Forester Tom Horwath will draft the application for 2011.
#4 Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street - Complete
#5 At least two practices must be chosen to count this sub step. The UFTF recommends the following:
d. Enact Ordinances to protect trees in the development process and to enhance the urban forest. The UFTF has
drafted an Edina Tree Preservation Ordinance (ETPO) based on the unsuccessful ETPO ordinance proposed in
Edina in 2002.
Note that green parking lots is found under BP # 17 Efficient Stormwater management under 5d. The UFTF is
undertaking recommendations for green parking lots.
Barriers to implementation: The 2002 Edina Tree Preservation Ordinance (ETPO); on which the proposed UFTF
amendments are based, was defeated. Concerns expressed by the Planning Commission and the City Council in 2002
included the increased involvement of the City Forester, who, as a part-time employee, could not comply with additional
duties, as well as concern for making the entire city a tree preservation zone, which subjects residents to a tree removal
permit requirement each time they wish to relandscape. The; proposed ETPO does not involve City Forester time and
applies only to public property or to private property where the level of development requires that the project come before
the Planning Commission for approval. Thus, it is believed that the barriers to implementation have been overcome.
Step Effectiveness — No comments.
Implementation schedule:
1) Achieve Tree City USA certification by 2011.
2) Ordinance revisions to be implemented in 2011.
Best Practice: #17 Efficient Stormwater Management
Description: Prevent stormwater generation
Current Practice The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District (NMCWD) has jurisdiction over surface water quality in
Edina with the exception of northeast Edina where the Minnehaha Watershed District (MWD) has jurisdiction. The policy
of the district is to require that onsite retention and regional water quality treatment systems operate together to provide
complete and effective runoff management through managing volumes, providing effective water quality treatment to
remove sediment, pollutants & nutrients from stormwater before discharging to surface water bodies and wetlands and to
provide nondegradation of surface water bodies in the watershed.
City already meets 1" retention rate based on NMCWD requirements.
City of Edina is utilizing pervious pavers throughout the Edina Promenade.
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of Edina
Encourages the use of better site design and low impact development as well as other techniques that minimize impervious surfaces or
incorporates volume control purposes.
Stormwater utility exits, fees are examined every 2 years. There are variable fees based on land use. Edina currently charges $18.13
per home per quarter for storm drainage. Property owners may petition for lower rates if they can prove reduction.
Rain gardens have been added to Highlands and Concord Elementary schools.
City of Edina does not use coal tar products.
Construction site operators must conform to NPDES Phase II, Watershed District and City ordinances pertaining to erosion &
sediment controls and waste controls as stated within the May 2006 BMP Implementation Program of the City of Edina's Stormwater
Pollution Prevention Plan.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
#1 Complete the Blue Star City stormwater management assessment and achieve a minimum threshold of specific activities detailed
in this program.
NEMO workshop scheduled for February 2011 will include learning about the program and the City will
consider a time table to complete the assessment.
#4 Create a stormwater utility, which uses variable fees to incentivize stormwater reduction and fund community stormwater
infrastructure and assistance.
Water quality working group will research the potential of, creating an incentivized fee plan and will make a
recommendation for future action.
#5 Adopt and implement design standards or guidelines for renovations or new construction in the city addressing at least one of
the following:
o Rain gardens
o Green roofs with or without cisterns & water/grey water reuse systems
o Green alleys Green parking lots
Will research design and guideline standards for rain gardens, green roofs, green alleys and parking lots and
will make recommendations to the ECC for potential ordinance development.
#6 Adopt, with modifications as needed, the model Stormwater and Erosion & Sediment Control Ordinance.
Draft report has been prepared by Barr Engineering, currently under review.
Barriers to implementation:
• Potential resistance from citizens/commercial properties to higher usage fees (Step #4).
Step Effectiveness - The creation and/or adoption of standards/ordinances that reduce the overall amount of imperious surfaces will
lead to lessening the overall volume of drainage that enters the stormwater system and diminishes the negative effects on wetlands and
surface waters within the watershed area.
Implementation schedule:
• Comprehensive Water Management Plan Draft November 2009 is now under review and should be back to City Council for
review in 6 to 8 months.
• A full set of BMP (Best Management Practices) included in Table 1 of Storm Water Pollution Prevention May 2006 includes
extensive timeline for storm run-off issues beginning September 2007.
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of Edina
• EEC will provide ordinance recommendations to City Council within 18 months.
• EEC will continue to monitor progress and make additional recommendations if needed.
Best Practice: #18 Green Infrastructure
Description: Use parks and trails to enhance the city's green infrastructure.
Current Practice: The city of Edina has no policy on low maintenance native landscaping. The 1995 Edina Turf
Management Plan was last updated in 2001. Well #14 is used to irrigate the City of Edna's Braemar Golf Course, which
is also certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Edina has community involvement in land restoration and
stewardship in the form of community initiated buckthorn busts. When a group volunteers to, remove buckthorn, the City
Forester gives them a presentation on how to do it. The City provides the roundup and tools such as weed wrenches and
hand saws. The City hauls the buckthorn to the city brush dump at Braemai Arena. From there the City of St Paul District
Energy comes to chip it up and, for a low fee, haul it to St Paul to be burned for energy.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina: The Urban Forest Task Force (MF) recommended undertaking the following three
sub steps:
#6 Park Management Standards of:
a) Low Maintenance native landscaping — UFTF recommends Park Board institute the following policies:
1) 50% Minnesota native plantings for new plantings in city parks excluding Edinborough & Arneson Park
2) A policy similar to Minneapolis with a list of plants NOT recommended for planting in Edina Parks. This
includes those on the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture's, noxious weed list, or which are invasive and
destructive to native plant communities, as well as those which have chronic insect/disease pest problems that
would result in higher maintenance costs and/or early mortality rates.
b) Organic or Integrated Pest Management — A Task Force to update the Turf Management Plan (TMP) was
established at the 4-8-10 EEC meeting. Germana Paterlini will represent EEC, Ellen Jones will represent Park
Board and Vince Cockriel will represent city staff.' Mary Jo Kingston will represent the Community Health
Commission. New, organic practices and products have become available since 2001 and need to be evaluated
and incorporated into the TMP. The TMP's List of noxious weeds also needs to be updated to comply with state
statute, as well as provision made for woody invasive control with appropriate chemicals.
c) Sources of Non potable water for irrigation —City well #14 was taken out of service in approximately 2006 due to
elevated Radium 226 levels and was repurposed to irrigate Braemar Golf Course.
#7 Certify Golf Courses for Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary — Complete for the Braemar and the Fred Richards golf
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courses. In 2009 the EEC recommended to the Park Board that city parks be certified as Audubon Cooperative
Sanctuaries as well. This is especiallyapplicable to Bredesen Park, which is Edina's passive nature center.
#9 Develop a program that involves community in land restoration and stewardship — A program exists but needs to be
expanded. Maintenance after noxious weed removal must be funded and institutionalized.
Barriers to implementation: Community land restoration is hampered by 1) insufficient funding for noxious weed
removal and subsequent maintenance, 2) lack of a full-time City Forester, and 3) insufficient numbers of volunteers to
deal with Edina's 600 acre parkland noxious weed infestation.
Step Effectiveness — This step is adequate.
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Implementation schedule: Turf Management Plan update and the Low Maintenance Native Landscaping policy
implementation in 2011.
Best Practice: #19 Surface Water Quality
Description: Improve local surface water quality
Current Practice: The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District (NMCWD) has jurisdiction over surface water quality in Edina with the
exception of northeast Edina where the Minnehaha Watershed District (MCWD) has jurisdicti h.1 MCWD has had a project to
improve water quality in Pamela Lake. Macroinvertebrate testing is being done by authority of the MCWD at Minnehaha Creek in
Utley Park in Edina, as well as 4 other sites along Minnehaha creek. MCWD lakes were tested for mercury as well as CAMP
evaluations of clarity, chlorophyll and nutrients. Water is currently being tested in Edina by NMCWD at Cornelia, Mirror, Arrowhead
and Indian Head Lakes.
The Conservation League of Edina (CLE) began water quality testing in 2004 at Lake Harvey, Pamela Lake, Lake Edina and Lake
Cornelia. In 2005 CLE dropped Lake Harvey and completed testing for Pamela; Edina and Cornelia lakes. From 2006 to 2009 only
Lake Cornelia was tested.
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Edina's setback requirements are consistent with the DNR's regulations and in a few locations are more restrictive than what the
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources allows. City of Edina is working; on'an inventory on all public sites that will be
completed in 2 years. Buffer is currently 20-60' depending on lot size.
Edina's Public Works Department has developed a public outreach program to promote best management practices as outline in its
May 2006 report. Distribution of literature and programs' began in September 2007 and scheduled through May 2011.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
#3 Adopt measurable lake, stream and wetland health indicators or improvement targets, work with private and non-profit
organizations to support citizen education efforts and involve stakeholders in actions to attain the targets, and annually
report successes and failures: Targets may include measures such as trophic state, pollutant levels, health measures, water
levels, and recreational carrying capacity.
• Water Quality, Working Group of EEC will write petition to NMCWD to fund water testing on Arrowhead and
Indian Lakes. Residents around these lakes have expressed interest in participating in improving water quality
and getting the lake associations involved would likely be achievable.
#4 Adopt a shore -land ordinance consistent with MN Dept of Natural Resources rules as modified.
• Water Quality' Working Group of EEC will review MPCA's Minimum Impact Design Standards (MIS) and
deterIn.ine future recommendations for stricter standards.
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• Water Quality Working Group of EEC will plan a NEMO workshop for fall 2010.
Barriers to implementation:
• Difficult to find volunteers for water quality testing.
• Public opposition to ordinance revisions that protect water quality when their perception of aesthetics is
compromised, or when convenience is compromised.
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• Limited city staffing.
Step Effectiveness — For cities that are part of a watershed district, this step needs to be augmented with activities that
cities can undertake apart from, and/or jointly with watershed districts. For example:
1) Educate the public to the direct relationship/connection between surface water quality and storm water
management including the following:
a) The benefits of vegetation buffers at shorelines vs. mowing to the shoreline.
• Researching potential ordinance adoption for all public and private shorelines.
b) Minimizing use of chemicals to control duckweed and educating the public to the different roles of
water vegetations, their benefits and causes.
c) Gain a better understanding of inspection & maintenance schedules on private and public holding
ponds and educate the public to the benefits/differences between duckweed and algae.
• Will research availability of less toxic materials to control algae and make
recommendations for eliminating use of fluridone.
d) Coal -tar usage
• Prepare and recommend to Edina's City Council to adopt an ordinance that bans
private/commercial usage of coal -tar products, similar to White Bear Lake's ordinance.
• EEC will also work for a state-wide ban of coal tar.
e) Lawn chemicals
EEC Turf Management Task force is reviewing and will make recommendations.
2) Create a pilot program at a local residential lake utilizing the CAMP methodology
Implementation schedule:
• Petition for water testing will be submitted to NMCWD for implementation for spring of 2011.
• Education pieces beginning to discuss the effects of stormwater and impervious surface practices for commercial
and residential uses, changing lawn practices, driveway maintenance, etc. are currently being generated through a
number of different mediums and outlets: articles in Sun Current, City of Edina's website and NMCWD
materials.
• EEC will monitor outreach program and supplement with additional recommendations over the next few years.
Best Practice: #22 Managing Solid Waste
Description: Increase Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling
Current Practice: The city of Edina has an organized hauling contract for residential recycling with payment made on the
resident's utility bill. Residential solid waste and yard waste are removed via an open hauling system having six
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participating haulers where residents pay haulers directly. One residential solid waste hauler provides an organics
collection option. City schools separate their organics. Recycling is not required for commercial businesses. There is
currently a pilot project in place in two city parks to provide recycling bins for park users. This program will be evaluated
prior to further placement of bins in city parks.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
The Recycling and Solid Waste Working Group will be undertaking sub steps #1, #5 and #7 as short term goals, plus sub
step #6 as a long term goal.
#1 Percentage reduction goals from city operations in at least 3 areas. The areas chosen are: a) Overall waste generation —
provide recycling bins in all parks; b) Paper use & junk mail; c) Pesticide/herbicide Use (a Turf Management Task Force
has been established to make recommendations) d) Water use/waste water generation — Recommend a policy to reduce the
use of bottled water in municipal facilities.
#5 Arrange for a residential or institutional organics collection - Complete The elementary,. middle and high schools
have organized their own Source Separated Compostable Materials (SSCM) collection program. Vierkant Disposal, Inc.
offers residents a yard waste and (SSCM) co -collection program.
#6 Organized Hauling — Invite MPCA's Peder Sandhei to give a PowerPoint presentation to a City Council Work Session
on MPCA's "Analysis of Waste Collection Service Agreements" published in June 2009 with a goal of amending MN
Stat 115A.94. Residents should be surveyed as to their hauling preferences.
#7 Offer Volume -based pricing for residential garbage so that the price differences are large enough to increase
recycling/composting — The hauling licensing ordinance must be amended to accomplish this.
Barriers to implementation:
1) Park Recycling Bins - Difficulties in raising funding for outdoor recycling bins costing from $415 - $665/bin for
forty parks given that the size of each park generally requires more than one bin.
2) Requiring Commercial Recycling - A sufficient education program must be undertaken to reduce push -back.
Cooperation is needed from business organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, etc. City
Ordinances need to be amended.
3) Organized Residential Solid Waste Hauling — MN Stat 115A.94 must be amended & residents educated.
Step Effectiveness — Best Practice #22' "should be required.
Implementation schedule:
3) Park Recycling Bins — 2 Years
4) Requiring Commercial Recycling — 2 years
5� Organized Residential Solid Waste Hauling — 3 years
Best Practice: #23 Air Quality
Description: Prevent generation of local air contaminants
Current Practice: The City of Edina Health Department works closely with the Minnesota Department of Health to
research concerns associated with mold, radon, tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide and chemical emissions from products
and furnishings. These pollutants can seriously impact public health, the environment and quality of life. The City of
Edina does not have any specific guidelines for public spaces that reduces or eliminates the distribution of noxious air
contaminants that are affecting a growing number of individuals and children. Asthma and other respiratory conditions are
on the rise, yet other than banning cigarette smoking from public places, there are no significant rules to inhibit the
introduction of many kinds of invisible air pollutants that cause significant health concerns.
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Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
#2 Regulate outdoor wood burning, using model ordinance language, performance standards and bans as appropriate
for at least one of the following:
■ Recreational burning
■ Outdoor wood boilers
#3 Conduct one or more education/behavior change campaigns on the topics below and document:
■ Decreased vehicle idling in specific locales or by specific fleets
■ Increased sales by retail stores of low and no-VOC householdproducts
■ Replacement of gasoline -powered equipment with lower polluting equipment.
Barriers to implementation: Both of these best practices will require a bit of upfront public education'a'n'd awareness to
the health and environmental effects these customs/habits have on growing numbers of the population. There is the
potential resistance from citizens/commercial properties to regulate a long-lived practice (fire -burning/ long car idling) by
many homeowners.
Step Effectiveness — Education, awareness and eventual understanding of the negative impacts that air pollution has on
individuals and a whole community will lead to a higher indoor and outdoor air quality, as well as the protection of the
most respiratory -vulnerable citizens and children. In turn', health care costs associated with respiratory treatments will be
reduced.
Implementation schedule: To be determined.
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Best Practice: #24 Benchmarks and Community Involvement
Description: Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other city sustainability efforts, and engage community
members in ongoing education, discussion, and campaigns.
Current Practice: The City of Edina has benchmarked its carbon emission footprint. As a member of ICLEI, the City of
Edina completed Milestone 1 for the year 2007: inventory of carbon emissions generated by city operations, such as
buildings, water pumps, city fleet, etc. Aggregate data were also collected for city-wide residential, commercial and
industrial emissions. The Energy and Environment Commission has a very active Educatibn and Outreach group that
organizes several community events throughout the year. Commission members regularlypublish articles on the local Sun
Current newspaper and About Town, the official publication of the City of Edina. The results from the carbon emission
inventory were used in a pilot project with the Carbon Disclosure Project and published on their website in 2009
(www.cdproject.net).
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
Substep #1: The City of Edina reported the results of the carbon emission audit on its website, in an article in About
Town, and in the pilot report with the Carbon Disclosure Project.
Substep #2: The Energy & Environment Commission is working with City staff to purchase software support tools that
will streamline data gathering, facilitate annual reporting to the community, and provide both financial and sustainability
measurement tools for future city plans.
Substep #4: The City of Edina continuously engages members of the public through the various activities organized by the
Education and Outreach Working Group of the Energy and Environment Commission. The Energy and Environment
Commission works with energy utilities to organize energy auditsfor; residents. Working with a task force of EEC
members, representatives from Xcel Energy, Centerpoint Energy and the Center for Energy and the Environment (MN
Energy Challenge Staff) we are focusing attention on two Edina neighborhoods this Summer and Fall of 2010 to promote
the HES (Home Energy Squad) Program. The Morningside Neighborhood Association (MNA) will assist efforts to
mobilize residents to attend HES educational. meetings to enroll households in participating in the HES program in the
Summer of 2010. In the Fall of 2010 we will begin working with the Highlands Neighborhood of Edina. This Summer we
are building awareness about the HES program and connecting neighbors in the Highlands neighborhood through hosting
the US Overall Flying disc Championships at their local park.
Substep #5: The City of Edina has organized a Natural Step workshop for City Staff, the City Council and residents at
large.
Barriers to implementation:
1) Technology Infrastructure: the City must invest in technology tools if it wants to effectively monitor emission and
implement carbon abatementstrategies that are quantifiable and financially sound.
2) The main barrier to the success of the HES program is to find enough volunteers to canvas the neighborhoods
without an active neighborhood association.
Step Effectiveness - Education: Encourage residents to take the MN Energy Challenge and to actively challenge
neighborhoods to decrease their energy use and take advantage of the energy efficiency programs available to them.
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Implementation schedule:
1) Implementation of Technology Infrastructure — 1 year
2) Completion of ICLEI Milestone 2 and 3 —1 to 2 years
3) Implementation of ICLEI Milestone 4: 2+ years
4) Education about the MN Energy Challenge and the Home Energy Squads- 1-2 years
Best Practice: #25 Green Business Development
Description: Economic and Community Development
Current Practice: The City has no current projects or programs in place.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina:
The Recycling and Solid Waste Working Group recommended undertaking the following two sub steps:
#2 Invite Assistance providers, such as Minnesota Waste Wise/Minnesota Energy Smart, the Minnesota Technical
Assistance Program and utility assistance providers, to conduct personalized energy, environmental sustainability, and
waste audits with at least 5 businesses.
MPCA is offering assistance to 10 businesses under G"reenStep #22 Solid Waste in the form of providing sample contracts
(see http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/1)2/rmprograms.cfffi for hauling to assist commercial businesses to modify existing
contracts, or create new resource management contracts with waste haulers to manage recyclables, compostibles and
hazardous materials. The RSW WG will work with local trade associations and give educational presentations on
recycling as well as aiding them with an Easy Office Recycling program. Trade associations include the Edina Chamber
of Commerce. The EnergySmart program sponsored by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce will be used to get Edina
businesses to focus on energy efficiency.
#4 Support the creation of a value-added business utilizing localwaste-products such as wood from trees felled by storms,
disease, insects and development.
St. Paul District Energy picks up and chips the wood from the Edina brush dump at Braemar and hauls it to St. Paul
District Energy's plant at a cost to Edina far less than hauling the brush to a brush dump in Hastings, as was previously
done. The chips are used to fuel St. Paul's District Energy's plant.
Barriers to implementation: Identifying 10 commercial businesses who would like to start a commercial recycling
program.
Step Effectiveness — No comments. The step is adequate.
Implementation schedule: One year.
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Best Practice: #26 Renewable Energy
Description: Adding local renewable energy generation capacity.
Current Practice: The city of Edina currently has no renewable energy capacity.
Best Practice as it applies to Edina: The Alternative Energy Working Group (AEWG) recommended sub step #2:
#2 Install renewable capacity on at least one city -owned building, street light, speed display or chargeable message sign.
Recommendation: Apply for a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which is the $4.5
million Federal stimulus funding for renewable energy for local governments. This grant will require a 40% match. The
grant would be used to install a 20 KW photovoltaic solar system on the public works building. We hope to satisfy a
significant portion of the matching fund requirements by relying upon in-kind contributions of equipment and labor from
the solar installer. The City will need to seek bids to install the system if it receives the grant. A solar installer who is a
member of the EEC Alternative Energy Working Group is willing to install a system at close to its cost. Approximately
$16,000 in additional matching funds would be required. If the grant fund rules are issued as we anticipate, the city of
Edina may be able to acquire a $200,000 solar panel system for approximately $16,000 in matching funds from the City.
GreenStep Pilot Effectiveness — PB #15 (Purchasing) Sub Step #2: "Purchase 15% renewable energy by 2015 consistent
with the State's Next Generation Energy goal" is miscast under the BP for Purchasing and should be included under this
Renewable Energy step instead. Under BP #15.2 the EEC makes the following recommendation. Invite Windsource to
give their PowerPoint presentation to a work session of EEC/City Council so that a determination can be made as to what
extent Windsource could be utilized to accomplish the 15%renewable energy objective.
Barriers to implementation:
1) Solar Panel Project
a) Funding issue: Although EEC's Alternative Energy Working Group (AE WG) member Greg Nelson's
corporation, EH Systems Inc., has generously agreed to supply in-kind matching services (site solar analysis,
planning and installation) and products, at least $16,000 must be supplied via other resources.
b) It is not yet known to what extent in-kind donations will receive credit under the Federal stimulus grant;
consequently, matching funding requirements could be much higher than $16,000.
c) There is no assurance Edina will be selected for the grant.
2) Windsource Project - There will be additional cost on the city energy bill for Windsource. Occasionally
Windsource is cheaper than coaUgas depending on energy prices. Currently coal/gas are very low because the
recession has decreased demand. Natural Gas is cheap presently because it has become more abundant.
Implementation schedule.
Solar panels — Applications are due July 26, 2010. A grant decision may be made after an additional 4 months.
Installation will require a further 6 months.
Utilizing Windsource would depend on the outcome of discussions with Xcel Windsource officials and pricing.
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