HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/10/2026
Environmental Quality and Energy
Commission Meeting
March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Fridley Civic Campus 7071 University Avenue NE
Agenda
Call to Order
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Meeting of February 10, 2026
New Business
2.Active Transportation Plan Review
3.Memorandum of Understanding with Xcel Energy for Phase Three of the Partners in
Energy Program.
Old Business
4.Streets for All Plan Updates
5.Energy Action Plan Updates
6.Grant Updates
7.Outreach and Event Updates
Other Items
8.Informal Status Reports
Adjournment
Accessibility Notice:
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Si necesita ayuda de interpretación o traducción gratis, comuníquese con el personal de la ciudad.
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cove neeg ua hauj lwm.
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Magaalada.
Upon request, accommodation will be provided to allow individuals with disabilities to participate in any City of
Fridley services, programs or activities. Hearing impaired persons who need an interpreter or other persons who
require auxiliary aids should contact CityClerk@FridleyMN.gov or (763) 572-3450.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title: Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Meeting of February 10, 2026
Background
Approve the Minutes from the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Meeting of
February 10, 2026.
Recommendation
Staff recommend that the commission approve the minutes from the Environmental Quality and
Energy Commission Meeting of February 10, 2026.
Attachments and Other Resources
1.Environmental Quality Energy Commission 2026 02 10
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses.
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY & ENERGY
COMMISSION MEETING
February 10, 2026
7:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
MINUTES
Call to Order
Chair Klemz called the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to order at p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Aaron Klemz
Sam Stoxen
Emma Carter
Avonna Starck
Justin Foell
Absent: Dustin Norman
Mark Hansen
Others Present: Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Approval of Agenda
Motion Starck by Commissioner Starck to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Stoxen. The
motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Meeting Minutes
1.Approval of January 13 Environmental Quality and Energy Commission Meeting Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Carter to approve the January 13, 2026 meeting minutes with the spelling
corrected. Seconded by Commissioner Starck . The motion carried unanimously.
New Business
2.Election of Vice Chair
Motion by Commissioner Foell to elect Commissioner Norman as the Vice Chair. Seconded by
Commissioner Carter. The motion carried unanimously.
3.Natural Resources Update
Ms. Workin shared an update on the City’s Forest and Natural Resources including the workplan for the
conditionally awarded DNR Community Tree Planting and ReLEAF grants.
Environmental Quality & Energy Commission Minutes Page 2
Meeting 1/13/2026
Motion by Commissioner Starck to recommend the City Council authorize the DNR Community Tree
Planting and ReLEAF grants. Seconded by Commissioner Foell. The motion carried unanimously.
4.Streets for All
Ms. Workin provided an update on the Streets for All project.
Old Business
5.Energy Action Plan Updates
Ms. Workin said that the solar installation at Moore Lake was live as was the EV Charger. She said that
the Public Works array will be live soon. The City will be promoting energy programs at the Homeowner
Open House on February 12.
6.Grant Updates
Ms. Workin said that the City received additional forestry grants.
1.Outreach and Event Updates
Ms. Workin said that the City held a sewing machine cleaning class and Winterfest.
Other Items
2.Informal Status Reports
Commissioner Klemz shared that he met with staff and councilmembers to discuss the Met Council’s
L32 lift station project.
Adjournment
Motion by Commissioner Foell to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Stoxen. The Motion
carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________________________________
Rachel Workin
Environmental Planner
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title: Active Transportation Plan Review
Background
The City's Active Transportation Plan (ATP) guides the City's installation and maintenance of
infrastructure needed to achieve mobility equity and support opportunities for active
transportation. The first edition of the plan was adopted in 2013 and then subsequently revised
in 2020. The City is intending to update the plan in 2026 in conjunction with the
recommendations gathered through the Fridley Safe Streets for All Plan process. The ATP will be
included as an appendix in the Safe Streets for All Plan as well as referenced in the 2050
Comprehensive Plan. In anticipation of these updates, staff will review the current Active
Transportation Plan.
Recommendation
For informational purposes only.
Attachments and Other Resources
1.active-transportation-plan-final-no-watermark_202103221150069478 (1)
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses.
Active Transportation Plan
nd
2 Edition
Adopted by the Fridley Council
February 11, 2020
Engineering Department
Community Development Department
February 2020
1
Introduction
The City of Fridley is committed to providing residents with safe opportunities for walking,
biking, and other non-automobile transportation. The Active Transportation Plan (the Plan)
guides the CityÔs planning and construction of infrastructure needed for a well-maintained
sidewalk and trail system.
st
The 1 edition of the Plan was written in 2013 based on the CityÔs 2030 Comprehensive Plan. In
the following years, many of the PlanÔs original goals have been achieved and a new 2040
nd
Comprehensive Plan has been developed. This 2 edition reflects the progress that has been
made as well as the new Comprehensive Plan goals related to Active Transportation.
Purpose
This planÔs purpose is to guide the CityÔs installation and maintenance of infrastructure needed
to achieve mobility equity and support opportunities for active transportation (walking, biking,
assisted mobility, transit, etc.). It is well documented that increased walking and biking improves
health and quality of life. Additionally, improved active transportation infrastructure can increase
a communityÔs desirability, encourage higher spending at commercial establishments, and
reduce crime. Shifting travel from vehicles to transit, bikes, and walkways also decreases the
greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation, which is the largest contributor of
greenhouse gas emissions in the United States according to the Environmental Protection
Agency. In a city such as Fridley, where residents face many barriers to movement due to high-
volume roadways and railways, a well-developed trail and sidewalk network is particularly
important to increasing sense of place and community connection.
2.1% of Fridley residents walk to work compared to 2.8% on average; 0.4% of Fridley
residents bicycle to work; 4.8% of Fridley residents take public transportation to work
(2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates).
4.6% of working age Fridley residents do not have a car (2013-2017 American
Community Survey 5-Year Estimates).
62% of millennials, currently the largest generation of home buyers, prefer living in
walkable communities that have short commutes (National Association of Realtors, 2017
National Community and Transportation Preference Survey).
People under 35 are more likely to use a park or trail for commuting than for recreation
(2017 Minnesota Statewide Health Assessment).
Only 52% of Minnesotans meet physical activity recommendations; of these, 62% do so
by including walking as part of their regular physical activity (Minnesota Walks, 2016).
The percentage of children walking and biking to school had dropped significantly within
one generation- 48% in 1969 compared to 13% in 2009 (Hayes Elementary Safe Routes to
Schools).
Potential additional statistics
When engaging in active transportation planning, it is important to consider and account for the
causes and consequences of disparities related to racial and economic inequity. Populations of
color use parks half as often as white populations. Furthermore, populations of color experience
higher rates of poverty, which may limit transportation opportunities or ability to take time to
2
visit parks and trails. Age and disabilities are also factors that may lead to limited mobility.
According to Minnesota Walks, prevalence of inactivity is highest in rural areas, among people of
color, older adults, persons with disabilities, those with less education, women and lower-
income groups. These demographic trends are relevant, because they can help the City 1)
identify priority areas for needed trails and sidewalks and 2) address historical inequalities that
prevent full participation of different groups.
Vision
The vision for this plan is that Fridley residents and visitors of all ages, abilities, and socio-
economic status will feel safe and comfortable using the cityÔs active transportation infrastructure
to walk, bike, and roll for transportation and outdoor recreation.
All Ages and Abilities = Triple AAA infrastructure
ÑAll agesÒ means planning and designing infrastructure for independent users ranging from
school-aged children to seniors.
ÑAll abilitiesÒ means planning and designing for independent users utilizing mobility devices
such as motorized wheelchairs, as well as those with other impairments that may require special
accommodations.
updated vision and goals?
Goals
The goals of the Plan are to:
1)Improve the connectivity of the city by constructing active transportation infrastructure
2)Design active transportation infrastructure to provide a comfortable experience for users
of all ages, abilities, and socio-economic status
3)Integrate living streets concepts into reconstruction and development projects
4)Maintain trails and sidewalks to allow for satisfactory, year-round use
Supporting Documents
Increasing multi-modal options throughout the City was frequently identified throughout the
2040 Comprehensive Plan as a strategy to enhance Fridley as a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable
community. Relevant objectives of the Comprehensive Plan to the Active Transportation Plan
include:
Plan for safe transportation routes for all modes of transportation
Incorporate Living Streets design and operations principles during road reconstruction
and redevelopment
Provide a variety of transportation options to enable people to get to jobs, shopping,
and recreational opportunities in the community
Encourage increased car sharing, biking, walking, and transit usage to reduce traffic
congestion in the community
3
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan directed staff to update the Active Transportation Plan once
every five years to prioritize current needs for sidewalk and trail connections, and to incorporate
newly adopted Safe Routes to Schools Plans. In addition to the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the
following approved plans inform and support this document:
1)City of Fridley Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan
2)University Avenue and Highway 65 Corridor Study
3)East River Road Corridor Study
4)NorthStar TOD Master Plan
5)Regional Bike Barriers Study
6)Safe Routes to School Plans for Stevenson Elementary, Hayes Elementary, North Park
Elementary, and Fridley Middle School
City of Fridley ADA Transition Plan
The ADA transition plan was approved by the Fridley City Council on February 11, 2019. This
plan guides the City in its efforts to ensure that pedestrian facilities within the public right-of-
way are compliant with the American Disabilities Act and meet the accessibility needs of all
residents. New facilities are presumed and required by the ADA transition plan to be ADA
compliant. This plan recognizes the ADA Transition Plan as the guiding document related to
ADA compliance within the city.
Anoka County SS4A plan
Parks Master Plan
The CityÔs first Parks Master Plan was in the development process during the drafting of this
Plan. Both plans recognize the importance of trails for increasing opportunities for outdoor
recreation and exercise as well as improved community engagement through enhanced
connectivity. This plan recognizes the Parks Master Plan as the guiding document on trails and
sidewalks within the parks as well as wayfinding between parks and trails. The Active
Transportation Plan will serve as the guiding document for trails and sidewalks along roadways.
Community Outreach
In addition to the community outreach that was performed in conjunction with the above plans,
the City conducted community surveys related to trails and sidewalks as part of the Finding Your
Fun in Fridley campaign. This campaign was used to gather feedback on the Fridley Parks and
Trails systems to be used for the Parks Master Plan and Active Transportation Plan. Feedback
was gathered using the Polco platform, a survey tool, and the Social Pinpoint platform, a
mapping and survey tool. 503 unique users visited the Social Pinpoint site 1488 times. 103 of
those users left comments on the map (see Appendix A, Figure 1). A total of 223 comments
were left on the map and 78 surveys were completed. An identical survey was posted on Polco
and received 24 responses. An example of the survey is included in Appendix B. A list of all
comments related to trails is included in Appendix C. Common themes throughout the survey
were:
updated community outreach info
An overall desire for increased connectivity throughout the City
4
Difficultly and feeling of unsafety at certain crossings (e.g. along University Avenue,
rd
Highway 65, and 53)
Increased maintenance of existing trails
Need for improved wayfinding signage
Increased lighting along trails
When asked where they preferred to ride their bike, residents indicated:
ŷĻƩĻ ķƚ Ǥƚǒ ƦƩĻŅĻƩ Ʒƚ ƩźķĻ ǤƚǒƩ ĬźƉĻͪ
hƓ ƷŷĻ Ʃƚğķ Ві
{ƷƩźƦĻķ ƚƓ Ʃƚğķ ĬźƉĻ ƌğƓĻ ЋЋі
tƩƚƷĻĭƷĻķ ƚƓ Ʃƚğķ ĬźƉĻ ƌğƓĻ Λź͵Ļ͵ ƭĻƦğƩğƷĻķ ĬǤ ƦƚƭƷƭΜ ЋЎі
hŅŅ Ʃƚğķ ĬźƉĻ ƷƩğźƌ ЎБі
Table 1. Preferred bike location
Additionally, surveys were distributed amongst the Fridley Senior Center in February of 2019; 14
surveys were completed. Respondents indicated that they wanted more trails closer to home;
increased maintenance of trails; more benches; more fountains, and more wayfinding signage.
Specific content related to plan development, outreach, and implementation was solicited from
the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission, which served as the steering committee for
this Plan.
Existing Conditions
While Fridley began growing in the 1940s, the cityÔs population rapidly increased during the
1950s through 1960s before leveling off. Fridley is once again experiencing a period of growth
with an expected population increase from current levels of approximately 27,500 to an
estimated 32,500 residents by 2040. This growth is driven in large part by a transition from
single family to multi-family housing. As the city has grown, it has become a younger and more
diverse community. While Fridley was 96% white in 1990, the most current data indicates that
Fridley is 67% white (Fridley 2040 Comprehensive Plan). The average age of the population has
decreased from 37.1 years old in 2010 to 35.4 old in 2015.
Race 2000 Percent 2015 Percent
White 88.7 67.2
Black or African American 3.4 14.0
American Indian/Alaskan Native 0.8 1.1
updated census data
5
Race 2000 Percent 2015 Percent
Asian 3.0 7.1
Two or more races 2.9 3.4
Hispanic or Latino 2.6 7.2
Other 1.2 0.0
Table 2. Fridley demographics
Like many first-ring suburbs, FridleyÔs developed during a time when land use planning and
travel modes were shifting away from walking and mass transit to auto-focused design. Highway
65, Trunk Highway 47, and Interstate 694 carry cars at high volumes and speeds through Fridley,
presenting many barriers to free movement throughout the city. Other arterial roads, like East
River Road, Osborne Rd, and Mississippi St, can also create safety issues for pedestrians and
bicyclists. Railways and natural features, like Rice Creek present further barriers, dividing the city
into a grid. The Regional Bikeways Barriers Study identified several Tier 1- Tier 3 freeway and
railroad barrier crossing areas in the City including East River Road and TH 47.
FridleyÔs existing trail system provides residents with opportunities to walk and bike to key
locations (see Appendix A, Figure 2). The primary regional trail corridors through Fridley
include the Mississippi River Trail and the Rice Creek West Regional Trail which continues from
the Fridley border with New Brighton to its intersection with the Mississippi River Trail near
Locke Lake. The Mississippi River Trail is a route through ten states along the Mississippi River,
and includes both on-road, unstriped sections and off-road trail in Fridley.
As part of the Plan development, the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission completed
a Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of the cityÔs active
transportation system:
redo SWOT?
Strengths Opportunities
Strong regional employment Prioritize regional connections and
Net gain of commuters destinations, new campus, new residents, and
NorthStar Train stop community groups/volunteers
Public Works/engineering Many county roads are up for resurfacing
departments that are open to trails (goal trail one side, sidewalk other side)
Strong partnerships with watershed Residents have new needs, ability to
districts beautify/regreen/placemaking
More awareness of benefits of trails ADA Transition Plan
and their ability to connect people to
the cityÔs amenities
6
Weakness Threats
Many roads are outside city control Development may increase numbers of
City is bisected by transit corridors automobiles
Financial conditions, Plans to increase active transportation
City originally formatted without walks opportunities can be sidelined by lack of
easements or a few vocal residents
Increased infrastructure requires increased
maintenance
University Ave and TH 65 crossings are
dangerous
Table 3. SWOT analysis of FridleyÔs Active Transportation Network
The Fridley trail system is not on a regular maintenance schedule. Patching of the trails is
performed on a complaint driven basis. A condition rating of the trail was last performed in 2013
(see Appendix A, Figure 3).
Future Improvements
While there are options for walking and biking in Fridley, significant gaps in the network still
st
exist. A list of streets designated for trails and sidewalks was developed for the 1 edition of the
Active Transportation Plan (see Appendix D). Many of the priority connections from this map
that were identified in the original version of the Plan have since been completed (Main Street,
West Moore Lake Drive). However, some of the identified connections have yet to be completed,
and other segments have risen or fallen in priority. Based on resident feedback, staff analysis,
and best practices, the following routes were identified as focus areas for this planning cycle:
1)Roads shown in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan as existing or planned Ñmajor collector
and Ñother arterial roads,Ò and Ñminor expander streetsÒ (see Appendix A, Figure 4).
2)Sidewalks adjacent to high density residential or employment areas, including along
rd
Fireside Drive, 83 Avenue, and Main Street (see Appendix A, Figure 5, 6, and 7).
3)Sidewalks and trails identified in Safe Routes to Schools plans or other destinations of
interest
4)Sidewalks within the Transit-Overlay District
modify focus areas?
These routes were evaluated for bi-directional walking and bike facilities, and then prioritized
based on the following categories (Appendix E):
The service level along the existing route
The number of connections made within the active transportation network
continue or change scoring?
7
Destinations of interest along the route including employment centers, transit stops,
high density housing, commercial areas
Based on each routeÔs attributes, it was assigned a point score on a 0-3 scale for each of the
categories (see Table 3). Segments with a total of 6-9 points were deemed highest priority
during this plan cycle and are bolded. However, other routes within this list or identified in
Appendix D may be pursued based on factors such as new development or road construction.
Demand (0= no
demand; 1= low
Existing facilities (0
Trail demand; 2=
= facility exists on
connections medium
focus side of the
(0= no trail demand; 3=
road; 1=
connections high demand
Route Form comparable facility Total
formed -3= based on
on other side of
multiple number of
road; 2= safe
connections destinations,
shoulder; 3= no
formed) transit,
facilities)
employment,
density)
East-West Routes
83rd Avenue
(Springbrook
Apartments to
University) Walk 3 1 2 6
Osborne Rd (Central
Ave to City border) Walk 1 1 1 3
Fireside Walk 3 1 2 6
8
Demand (0= no
demand; 1= low
Existing facilities (0
Trail demand; 2=
= facility exists on
connections medium
focus side of the
(0= no trail demand; 3=
road; 1=
connections high demand
Route Form comparable facility Total
formed -3= based on
on other side of
multiple number of
road; 2= safe
connections destinations,
shoulder; 3= no
formed) transit,
facilities)
employment,
density)
Bike (or
expand
southside
rd
73 avenue; trail) and
northside walk 1 3 3 7
Mississippi St Bike 3 3 3 9
East Moore Lake
(Highway 65 to Old
Central) Walk 1 1 2 4
Rice Creek Rd Bike and walk 2 3 1 6
61st Avenue Bike 3 3 3 9
Gardena Avenue Bike and walk 2 1 3 6
th
60 Avenue (Main St
rd
to 3 St) Walk 1 1 2 4
th
59 Avenue (Main St
rd
to 3 St) Walk 1 1 2 4
th
58 Avenue (Main St
rd
to 3 St) Walk 1 1 2 4
th
57 Place (Main St to
rd
3 St) Walk 1 1 2 4
9
Demand (0= no
demand; 1= low
Existing facilities (0
Trail demand; 2=
= facility exists on
connections medium
focus side of the
(0= no trail demand; 3=
road; 1=
connections high demand
Route Form comparable facility Total
formed -3= based on
on other side of
multiple number of
road; 2= safe
connections destinations,
shoulder; 3= no
formed) transit,
facilities)
employment,
density)
Bike and
walk except
where
57th Avenue existing 3 3 3 9
North Park
Elementary Sidewalks
(Lynde, Filmore and
Regis) Walk 3 1 2 6
Bike and
walk except
where
53rd Avenue existing 3 3 3 9
49th Avenue Bike and walk 3 2 1 6
Bike and
44th Avenue walk 3 3 2 8
North- South routes*
East River Road Walk 1 2 3 6
(Osborne Rd to
Manomin Park)
East River Road Bike and 3 3 3 9
(Manomin Park to Walk
Mississippi St)
10
Demand (0= no
demand; 1= low
Existing facilities (0
Trail demand; 2=
= facility exists on
connections medium
focus side of the
(0= no trail demand; 3=
road; 1=
connections high demand
Route Form comparable facility Total
formed -3= based on
on other side of
multiple number of
road; 2= safe
connections destinations,
shoulder; 3= no
formed) transit,
facilities)
employment,
density)
East River Rd Bike and 3 1 3 7
Mississippi St to walk
River Edgeway)
rd
Main Street (83 Bike and walk 2 2 2 6
Avenue to Osborne
Rd)
st
Main Street (61 Ave Walk 1 1 2 4
th
to 57 Ave)
ndst
2 Street (61 Ave to Walk 1 1 2 4
th
57 Ave)
st
2 ½ Street (61 Ave Walk 1 1 2 4
th
to 57 Ave)
rdst
3 Street (61 Ave to Walk 1 1 2 4
th
57 Ave)
University Ave Walk 1 3 3 7
(Osborne Rd to
69th); eastside
University Ave (69th Bike and walk 1 2 2 5
to Mississippi St);
westside
11
Demand (0= no
demand; 1= low
Existing facilities (0
Trail demand; 2=
= facility exists on
connections medium
focus side of the
(0= no trail demand; 3=
road; 1=
connections high demand
Route Form comparable facility Total
formed -3= based on
on other side of
multiple number of
road; 2= safe
connections destinations,
shoulder; 3= no
formed) transit,
facilities)
employment,
density)
University Ave Bike and 3 3 3 9
(Mississippi St to walk
57th); westside
7th St (Mississippi Bike and 3 3 3 9
to 53rd) walk except
where
existing
Central Ave (Osborne walk 1 2 2 5
Rd to Highway 65);
eastside
Matterhorn Drive Bike and walk 2 1 2 5
*references to University Avenue refer to University Avenue and/or associated service road and/or associated
service road
Table 3. Identification and prioritization of focus areas
Transit Overlay District
The Transit Overlay District (TOD) is an overlay zoning district surrounding the NorthStar
Commuter Rail Station. The purpose of this zoning district is to encourage dense, mixed use,
pedestrian-friendly development, increase multi-modal connections, and decrease automobile
use. In order to achieve these goals, this zoning overlay district has different requirements
related to active transportation infrastructure including:
Northstar vs BRT
Decreased setbacks
Reduced parking
Improved lighting
Required installation of minimum six-foot sidewalks by developer
12
Sidewalk installation is a necessary component to achieving the goal of the Transit Overlay
District; however, a patchwork of sidewalks creates an unsafe walking experience. When a
property is developed within the Transit Overlay District in a manner that would require
installation of minimum six-foot sidewalks, the City will require the installation of sidewalks at
the property if there will be a connection formed with an existing sidewalk or imminently
planned sidewalk. If there is no existing sidewalk or imminently planned sidewalk, the property
owner shall grant the City an easement sufficient for installation of the six-foot sidewalk as well
as a fee equal to the cost of installation of that sidewalk based on standard square footage
rates. This fee shall be kept in a separate TOD fund and used exclusively on sidewalk installation
within the Transit Overlay District.
Highway 65
While Highway 65 is currently not identified as a focus area route, opportunities may arise as a
result of land use changes to make the roadway safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Long range
planning of this corridor should incorporate active transportation and living streets principles.
Design Options
It is the CityÔs intent to provide adequate infrastructure to accommodate walking and biking on
both sides of a given roadway in order to reduce unsafe crossings and provide convenient
access to destinations. However, occasions may arise where it is not feasible either financially,
logistically, or spatially to accommodate infrastructure on both sides. In these cases, the City will
seek to provide infrastructure of sufficient width to accommodate users in both directions as
well as provide adequately spaced crossing facilities.
Providing active transportation infrastructure that allows users of all ages and abilities to feel
safe and comfortable extends beyond simple installation of a trail or sidewalk. The experience of
the user must be incorporated into the design in order to avoid non-functional facilities.
Examples of undesirable design flaws include conflicts with other modes or users, barriers in the
travel path, or unsafe/nonexistent termini and connections. When trails and roadways are
designed or reconstructed, these barriers should be reduced and eliminated to the extent
feasible. Examples of such design features include:
Pedestrian crosswalks that require crossing more than two lanes of traffic at a time
Lack of facilities on one side of the road, without sufficient crossing facilities
Narrow sidewalks (less than 5 feet in width)
Narrow shared-use paths (less than 8 feet for one-way traffic or less than 10 feet for two-
way traffic)
Roundabouts without designated crosswalks
Short signal times without pedestrian refuges
Lack of buffer zones between sidewalks and fast-moving street traffic
Obstruction of walkways due to telephone poles, signage, etc.
Trails or sidewalks that terminate with unsafe landings or subsequent connections.
Bike lanes with insufficient bicyclist protection on high traffic streets (i.e. sharrows only)
13
Change of design options
Infrastructure Design
Additionally, the following types of design options may be employed to improve the pedestrian or bicyclist experience.
Photo Advantages/Disadvantages Use
Advantages: High pedestrian
Increases pedestrian visibility traffic intersections
Decreases crossing distance Areas with high
Creates additional public space that speed issues
can be used for stormwater
management or landscaping
Prevents parking near intersections
Pavement reduction
(nacto.org)
Disadvantages
Cost of new curbing
Conflicts with turn lanes
Increased green space to maintain
Challenges snowplowing
Advantages: High traffic
Improved flow of traffic intersections
Decreased wait times at intersections Roundabouts in
Creates additional public space that Fridley will follow
can be used for stormwater accepted practices
management or landscaping for installing
Disadvantages pedestrian facilities
Cost of new curbing
Increased space requirement
Pedestrian barrier if crosswalks are
not installed
Challenges snow plowing
(MnDOT.org)
14
Advantages: Residential or low
Decreased driving speeds volume streets that
Increased public space need traffic calming
Creates additional public space that Can be created
can be used for stormwater using temporary
management or landscaping measures such as
Disadvantages bollards or traffic
Cost of new curbing control
Conflicts with turn lanes
Increased green space to maintain
(nacto.org)
Challenges snow plowing
Advantages: Intersections where
Decreased exposure time for pedestrians must
pedestrian in the intersection cross more than two
Creates additional public space that lanes of traffic or
can be used for stormwater adjacent to schools.
management or landscaping Medians should
Disadvantages have a ÑnoseÒ which
Cost of new curbing extends past the
Use of space cross walk
Maneuverability of plows
(nacto.org)
Advantages: Areas with excessive
Decreased driving speeds road widths
Increased available space for
alternative modes
Low cost to re-stripe
Reduced crossing distances
Potential for less impervious surface
Disadvantages
Accommodation of emergency
(nacto.org)
vehicles or heavy-duty vehicles
15
Potential for decreased driver
comfort
Advantages: High traffic cross
Increased pedestrian visibility walks
Decreased speed Roads where target
Disadvantages speeds canÔt be
Interrupted trail flow achieved using
Difficulty plowing conventional
Increased signage calming method
(nacto.org)
Advantages: Mixed use areas
Increased visibility such as on-road
Increased awareness of illegal bike lanes
parking
Disadvantages
Increased cost and maintenance
(nacto.org)
Advantages: Mixed use areas
Increased visibility and protection such as on-road
Decreased speeds bike lanes
Disadvantages
Installation/uninstallation time or
conflict with snowplows and snow
storage
(dezignline.com)
16
Advantages:Signalized
Increases visibility intersections with
Gives pedestrian priorityheavy amounts of
Low costpedestrian traffic
Shown to reduce collisions as much and turning traffic
as 60% (nacto.org)(i.e. University Ave;
DisadvantagesHighway 65)
Requires retiming other signals
(nacto.org)
Increased delay for cars
Advantages:High traffic
Increases visibility crosswalks
Advanced warning for cars
May substitute for stop signs where
warranted by traffic counts
Disadvantages
Increased cost
Requires driver education
(fhwa.dot.gov)
17
Keep or change?
Living Streets
Often, the most cost-effective time to install pedestrian and bike facilities and other supporting
infrastructure, is during road reconstruction. Many of FridleyÔs roads were designed over-wide
rendering them suitable candidates for updates. For this reason, the City has adopted the
following Living Streets Policy to guide the City in road-redesign.
Living Streets refers to streets designed to be safe, efficient, balanced, and environmentally
sound. Living Streets create more livable communities by promoting the mobility, accessibility
and convenience of all modes, purposes, and users while also mitigating the environmental
impacts of impervious surface.
Components of a Living Street
The components of Living Streets include infrastructure that allows for the safe transportation of
all modes, purposes, and users as well as the accompanying landscaping and stormwater
management facilities. Within the City of Fridley, there is no singular design prescription for
Living Streets. Each Living Street will be designed based upon the unique characteristics of the
project area. Examples of the components of a Living Street include:
Trails, sidewalks, and on-street, striped bike lanes
Median islands
Accessible pedestrian signals
Curb extensions/bump outs
Narrower travel lanes/road diets
Speed limits and other traffic calming improvements
Safe crossing facilities, including pavement markings
Safe and effective lighting
Diverse tree plantings
Stormwater management
Pollinator-friendly/water efficient landscaping
Bike racks
Benches
Water fountains
Waste receptacles
Public art
Other components as determined based on latest and best ÑLiving StreetsÒ standards
Project Triggers
The City will incorporate Living Streets components into the CityÔs transportation network during
new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, and changes in allocation of pavement space on
an existing roadway or following a corridor study.
18
Factors for analysis
The City will use the Policy and the attached Living Streets worksheet included in Appendix F to
determine if incorporation of Living Streets components is practical and feasible for each
project. The worksheet will be presented to Council and included with the project file.
Exceptions
The City will incorporate Living Streets Components in all projects except for the following
reasons:
A) The project involves a transportation system on which certain modes and users are
prohibited either by law or significant safety reasons
B) The street jurisdiction (Anoka County of the State of Minnesota for non-city streets)
refuses suggested plans
C) The cost of accommodation is excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use
D) The corridor has severe topographic, environmental, historic or natural resource
constraints
E) There is a well-documented absence of current and future need
F) Other exceptions are allowed when recommended by the Public Works, Building &
Community Standards, Parks and Recreation, and Police and Fire departments, and
approved by the City Council
Where segregated facilities cannot be provided for pedestrians and cyclists, the constructed
roadway shall reflect the character of shared space, with appropriate mechanisms to calm
vehicular traffic and provide a safe, reliable, integrated, and interconnected surface
transportation network.
Jurisdiction:
Where projects involve other jurisdictions, such as Anoka County or the State of Minnesota, the
City will fully work with those jurisdictions to ensure compliance with this policy.
Private Development
Private development is an important component of creating a comfortable experience for bikers
and pedestrians. In some situations, a biker or pedestrian may reach their destination safely,
only to encounter significant obstacles between the public right-of-way and front door. Design
guidelines such as the Hennepin County Active Living Design Checklist (Appendix G) have been
created as tools to make the built environment more conducive to active transportation.
Winter Maintenance
Maintaining passable sidewalks and bus stops in the winter is essential to ensuring that
residents can live car free and pursue active lifestyles year-round. Additionally, Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II Regulation §35.133 requires maintaining ADA-compliant access to
walkways year-round, which includes snow and ice clearing.
19
As sidewalks and trails directly benefit public users rather than just the immediate property
owner, and as passable sidewalks require a continuously cleared path, it is the CityÔs policy to
undertake a municipality-led snow removal program. Under this program, the City takes
responsibility for clearing snow and ice from all City-owned sidewalks and trails using municipal
staff.
updated
The City prioritizes snow removal in the following order:
1)Collector streets (red lines)
2)Local streets and priority sidewalks and trails (i.e. trail leading to schools)
3)Remaining sidewalks and trails
4)Bus stops
A map of the CityÔs 2020 plowing policy is included in Appendix H. As new trails and sidewalks
are constructed, they will be incorporated into this policy.
Infrastructure Maintenance
Trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes require regularly scheduled maintenance to remain functional.
Potential trail maintenance includes repainting, seal coating, crack sealing, pavement patching,
resurfacing, reconstruction, vegetation removal, etc. The City has developed the following
maintenance schedule for active transportation infrastructure:
Activity Description Frequency
Trail and bike lane Physical removal of debris in Three times a year minimum
sweeping trails and bike lanes that can and in response to known
pose safety hazards; bike lanes issue
positioned next to the gutter
line frequently accumulate
gravel and other debris
Vegetation removal Physical removal of vegetation Two times per year and
that overhangs onto the response to known issue; in
sidewalk poses a safety hazard cases in which vegetation
originates from private
property will be referred to
the Neighborhood
Preservation Specialist
Restriping Striping of bike lanes and Every year for latex; for other
crosswalks can deteriorate materials as identified by
overtime, reducing visibility inspection
20
Pavement condition Inspection of pavement and Bi-annually
inspection and rating striping using a standardized
inspection method to
determine needed
maintenance
Seal coating Seals the surface and small Based on pavement condition
cracks of existing asphalt rating and programming
pavement to prolong
pavement life
Crack sealing Material application to seal Based on pavement condition
cracks in order to prevent rating and programming
intrusion of water and debris
and create a smooth riding
surface
Pavement patching Material application to patch Following staff inspection or
potholes in order to prevent
reported issues
intrusion of water and debris
and create a smooth riding
surface
Resurfacing Removal and replacement of Based on pavement condition
the top layer of asphalt rating and programming
Reconstruction Full removal and replacement Based on pavement condition
of asphalt or concrete rating and programming
Based on the bi-annual pavement condition rating, trails and sidewalks will be placed on a
schedule for sealing, resurfacing, and reconstruction.
Implementation
During this plan cycle, the City will implement the following activities:
1)Install active transportation infrastructure in conformance with the PlanÔs goals
o Provide funding through the Capital Investment Program
o Pursue grant funding to support the construction of active transportation
infrastructure
2)Evaluate zoning code language to ensure conformity with Plan
3)Implement Living Streets policy within street reconstruction projects
21
4) Coordinate with other agencies maintaining jurisdiction over roads in Fridley to align
their projects with the purpose and goals of the Active Transportation Plan
5) Develop and fund pavement maintenance plan to program trail and sidewalk
maintenance
6) Perform winter maintenance of trails and sidewalks in conformance with the goals
outlined in this plan
7) Conduct education, outreach, and engagement to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers
related to active transportation and safety
Sources
City of Fridley. 2040 Comprehensive Plan. 2019
Metropolitan Council. Regional Bicycle Barriers Study.
https://metrocouncil.org/Transportation/Planning-2/Transit-Plans,-Studies-Reports/Bike-
Pedestrian-Planning/Regional-Bikeway-Barriers-Study.aspx. Accessed October 14, 2019.
Minnesota Department of Health. 2017 Minnesota Statewide Health Assessment.
https://www.health.state.mn.us/statewidehealthassessment. Accessed September October 14,
2019
Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Safe Routes to Schools. Hayes Elementary Safe
Routes to Schools. https://springbrooknaturecenter.org/DocumentCenter/View/4702/Hayes-
ElementaryFinal-Plan?bidId=. Accessed October 14, 2019.
Minnesota Department of Transportation. Minnesota Walks, 2016.
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/peds/documents/planning-research/minnesota-walks-2017-final.pdf.
Accessed October 14, 2019
National Association of Realtors, 2017 National Community and Transportation Preference Survey.
https://www.nar.realtor/reports/nar-2017-community-preference-survey. Accessed October 14,
2019
United States Census Bureau. 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs/technical-documentation/table-and-geography-
changes/2017/5-year.html. Accessed October 14, 2019
22
Appendix A. Figures
(Page Intentionally Left Blank)
23
Figure 1: Map of Social Pinpoint Comments
24
Figure 2. Map of existing active transportation network
25
Figure 3. Trail conditions
26
Figure 4. Existing and Planned Functional Class Roads
27
Figure 5. Relative Employment Density
28
Figure 6. Relative Transit Ridership
29
Figure 7. Relative Population Density
30
Appendix B. Social Pinpoint and Polco Survey
The City of Fridley is taking a close look at our parks and trails as part of a new campaignÐ
Finding Your Fun in Fridley. We want to know more about how and where you find your fun in
Fridley parks, trails and other outdoor spaces. We are asking for feedback through an optional
survey. We want to hear what you like, donÔt like, and would like to see in our outdoor
recreation areas. Your feedback will be used to help guide our programming, amenities, and
future development make sure parks and trails meet the needs of all residents. Thank you!
How often do you/your family visit a Fridley Park?
Daily Weekly Monthly A few times a year Never
Where are your favorite parks and trails outside Fridley? What do you love to do there?
What improvements or additions to existing parks and amenities would you/your family
support in Fridley parks? Circle all.
Improve playgrounds
Improve wayfinding signage
Expand/improve walking loops in parks
Add/improve picnic shelters and benches
Provide shared equipment/ability to check out recreation equipment (lawn games, paddle
boards, canoes, sports equipment, kick sleds, ice skates, sleds)
Add park buildings with community gathering rooms and bathrooms
Add dog park
Add splash pad
Add wading pool
Add community gardens
Add pickleball
Add multi-use fields/courts for all sports
Add frisbee golf
Other: _____________________________________________________________
How you you/your family like to utilize Fridley parks in the wintertime? Circle all.
Ice Skating Hockey Sledding Cross-County Skiing
Warming House Hiking/waling/snowshoeing Broomball
Other: _____________________________________________________________
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Where do you/your family prefer to ride your bikes in Fridley? Circle all.
On the road
Striped on-rod bike lane
Protected on-road bike lane (separated from cars with posts)
Off road bike lane (separated from road by boulevard)
What recreation and community programs would you like to see in Fridley parks and
facilities?
Looking ahead 10-15 years, how would you like to be using FridleyÔs parks, programs, and
facilities?
What other comments, ideas, concerns, or suggestions do you have regarding Fridley
parks, trails, and recreation programs?
Do you live and/or work in Fridley? Circle all.
I live in Fridley
I do not live in Fridley
I work in Fridley
I do not work in Fridley
Please circle all the age groups that include your you/your family.
5 and younger 6-9 10-13 14-17 18-24
25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74
75 and older
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Appendix C. Social Pinpoint and Polco Comments
Social Pinpoint Demographics
Age Group in Family (76 responses) Percentage
5 and under 17.9%
6-9 11.1%
10-13 6.8%
14-17 8.0%
18-24 4.9%
25-34 13.6%
35-44 17.9%
45-54 5.6%
55-64 5.6%
65-74 6.8%
75 and older 1.9%
Social Pinpoint and Polco Trail Comments
Location Comment
44th Ave bridge A protected bike path over the 44th Ave bridge would be a
great connector between Main and the River Road.
44th Ave bridge This bridge has too wide of lanes for 30MPH cars - it also
has too narrow a sidewalk for *anyone*. Reduce the lane
sizes and increase the sidewalk and/or add a bike lane.
Also, there's consistently a huge pile of sand on the east
side of the bridge where the sidewalk begins.
49th Ave HORRIBLE CROSSING UNIVERSITY
53rd Ave 53rd desperately needs a sidewalk to connect the bus route
with retail between university and central.
53rd Ave Bus stops along 53rd are an embarrassment prioritizing car
to the safety of those who take the bus is an equity issue.
Putting a sign on the side of the road without any place to
stand but in the street is awful and keeps people from
getting out of their cars to take public transit.
53rd Ave Crossing the street from Sullivan Lake to Target is extremely
dangerous.
57th Ave Dedicated bike/walking paths along 57th would help
connect the neighborhoods to the new shopping at Fridley
Market
33
57th Ave This is a statement from this website. It appears that the city
agrees with you on this issue. The City has received grant
funding for a future trail on the east side of 7th Street from
53rd Avenue to 61st Avenue, and on the north side of 57th
Avenue from 7th Street to University Avenue. This
construction is currently planned for 2021. Open houses will
occur during the design phase of the project prior to
construction.
61st Ave A dedicated set of bike trails between the NorthStar line
and shopping off 65 would benefit all the new housing at
61st and University.
61st Way by Tri-Star Insulation I know this isn't the city directly but the section of the trail
directly North of this business was not plowed at all for the
last 2 or so months of snowfall this year. How is anyone
supposed to safely use the Fridley Station/Run/Park and
walk their children across to Stevenson from the park and
ride lot?
69th Ave trail at Shamrock Lane I know it's not a "park" area, but Shamrock Lane is a
deadend that is hidden from view and has frequent....
issues....at the end of the road after dark. Needs to be either
closed completely off, better patrolled, or developed. Is it
city-owned land? Could housing go here? At the very least,
some street lighting could go a long way.
69th Ave trails at Shamrock The trail on the north side of 69th ends right before the
Lane tracks at the edge of the city. Would be great if it extended
all the way to Shamrock and could connect with the
Moundsview sidewalk on the other side. Really unsafe for
pedestrians that get squeezed into oncoming traffic at the
RR crossing here, especially in winter.
69th Ave trails at Shamrock The sign here needs to be much better to indicate which
Lane direction is for the rice creek trail and which is for the
southbound trail.
73rd Ave Bike path/trail in poor shape, needs
improvement/resurfacing.
73rd Ave I bike-commute to work and agree: this trail is in poor
shape. I'd bike in the road, but right east-bound lane is
almost as bad as the trail.
73rd Ave Idea: create a "neckdown" here on 73rd where traffic
temporarily reduces to two lanes using bollards. People
using this trail could travel directly to Madsen Park which is
about to get a shiny new basketball court.
73rd Ave If you ever see bicyclists (including kids) riding in the road
instead of on the trail that is immediately adjacent - it is
34
likely because the road is like glass - kept in pristine shape,
but the trail is sadly neglected.
7th St 7th could use a dedicated, and separated bike/walking lane
on its entire length.
7th St I wish Columbia Heights would change the curbing here to
make it clear to cyclists that it's OK to continue 7th St.
Central Avenue Trail Would be awesome if the Old Central trail could be a
"raised path" - one that eliminates the "whoops" of going
up and down through the driveways and intersections. The
trail itself would act as a wide speedbump. There is only
one stoplight along its entire stretch, and it wouldn't
interfere. All other intersections are 4-way stops.
City-wide Add more sidewalks between parks
City-wide I wish there were safer ways to cross the roads that the bike
trails are on. Cars frequently ignore the crosswalk signs and
drive right through as our family is preparing to cross.
City-wide Install Emergency Call Boxes in appropriate parks/places
around town (picture is from UMN Campus).
City-wide Work with Columbia Heights/Minneapolis to connect us to
the downtown skyway system. Central Ave would never
need plowing again.
L1: Vehicles/Rail/Bike/Peds
L1.5: Bike Expressway (optional)
L2: Bikes/Pedestrians
Roof: Walkway/Park/Gardens
Or, go all out on an artery and push rail underground with
parking/utilities/water storage/emergency shelter. We
should build underground more in MN...
Construct it all in logical phases. Plan a hyperloop phase,
and Elon might be onboard...haha!
City-wide As the transportation department does road renovation, I
would like to see more parks and neighborhoods being
connected to the Rice Creek and Mississippi trail systems.
City-wide Please plow the trails in the winter. A lot of people use
them year around, but they get very dangerous in the
winter.
City-wide Add accessible spaces, and perhaps electric vehicles, on a
rental basis if needed, to convey people without mobility,
or who have no ability to walk so far to enjoy what others
can enjoy, at community gardens, docks to fish, paths to
35
enjoy (even if those path times are restricted with vehicles
with wheels).
City-wide Connect the parks to one another via improved or
additional trails so we can bike further as a family. I would
like to bike from where we live (near Fridley high school) to
the Mississippi River but crossing University is dangerous.
City-wide More dedicated bike paths that connect all of the parks,
including Anoka County Locke Park
City-wide Keep bikes off the road
City-wide just keep the trails maintained
City-wide Add lighting through the trails so our community feels safe.
Community Park Continue the trail north to connect to spring brook and
continue the flow of bike/pedestrian traffic off of East River
Road and University.
Connection between Rice Creek Trail is in need of maintenance
Trail and 73rd Ave Trail
East River Rd This section of the trail along E. River Road (from Ironton
Street to Osborne Rd is never cleaned in the winter. Why? I
noticed that other parts of the trail further south are kept
open and cleared.
East River Rd finish the trail or sidewalk down to Mississippi St.
East River Rd We really need to connect this area to Manomin Park along
the west side of ERR as well without the need to cross ERR
and then back over again. Actually, this is a problem all
along the western side of ERR going north to Osborne.
Walking in general in this part of Fridley is frustrating at
best.
East River Road Trees and brush need to be trimmed. Trees have dead
branches hanging from them and could fall on somebody
using the Mississippi River trail. Brush is growing out into
the trail.
East River Road Bush growing through someone's fence on the west side of
East River road and Glencoe street. Blocks the sidewalk and
makes it unsafe.
East River Road There is a stretch with no sidewalk from Mississippi Street
to Rice Creek Way. ItÔs extremely dangerous walking on East
River Road with traffic.
East River Road While I would dance a happy dance if a sidewalk was put in
here (on the western side of EER), I'm sure that's unlikely. So
how about a segregated walking / biking lane to keep
traffic and pedestrians / bikers safe? People do it anyway,
so some safety features would be amazing.
36
East River Road Bike trail along East River Rd
East River Road north of No sidewalk on this stretch of East River Road.
Mississippi St
Edgewater Gardens Connect trail to the street with a paved path
Edgewater Gardens Connect trail to street with a paved path
Flanery Park Perimeter paved trail, as there are no sidewalks or
shoulders for passing walkers to travel safely on.
Fridley High School This asphalt path needs to be replaced. We use this quite
often for biking and walking and it is in really bad
condition.
Harris Park Harris Park would really benefit by having a crossing area
on Mississippi St. This park doesn't have a parking area and
the sidewalk on Mississippi is across the street. It would be
much safer for walking/biking families if a crosswalk existed
here.
Highway 65 Could there be sign telling drivers on Hwy 65 to yield to
pedestrians in crosswalk? I have seen someone hit when a
driver didn't stop behind the crosswalk.
Innsbruck Nature Center The signage within the park needs repair. Would suggest
that local schools field trip here to learn more about the
local ecosystem, and possibly to facilitate a clean up effort.
Innsbruck Nature Center Too hidden.
Ironton Street NE to 85th Ave We need a path from end of Ironton Street NE to 85th Ave
so this neighborhood can safely access the nature center
and cross the railroad properly. Clear out the woods/
homeless at the end of Ironton Street. Alcohol usage and
drug sales is very apparent at Ruth circle and in the woods.
Making a bike / walking path for children is very necessary.
Bringing more people outside will help keep this activity
down.
Islands of Peace Regional Park IT's too secluded for me to feel comfortable there alone.
Islands of Peace Regional Park Enjoy walking the paths at Islands of Peace
Islands of Peace Regional Park Great access over River for biking and Is of Peace Park
offers a unique water level view of River, which makes you
feel one with the River at the shoreline. City should
promote the unique access/views for the handicapped at
this park. Group homes for the handicapped would love to
come here if there were accessible restrooms.
Islands of Peace Regional Park I don't feel safe walking here.
Lifetime Fitness Would like to create a shortcut trail here to connect Old
Central and East Moore Lake for walkers and cyclists that
don't want to go all the way around Moore Lake Commons.
Locke County Park This is another part of the trails that can be quite secluded,
maybe a few blue posts in the more secluded areas?
37
Locke County Park Enjoy the access to both paved and dirt trails, dirt trails
were kept well groomed last year. Keep it up!
Locke County Park Really like these trails
Locke County Park I parked here once to access the Rice Creek trail (had to
jump through the woods to get to the trail). Felt very unsafe
- it feels secluded and not well cared for. Noticed a car
loitering when I got back. Might have been nothing but felt
like an unsafe situation for sure.
Locke County Park This parking area is closed. There is also no parking along
either Old Central or 69th Ave. This makes it pretty difficult
to find and get to an entrance to these trails if you don't
live in the neighborhood. I know the parking area is Anoka
Cty and that it is closed due to dumping. But I'd like to
think there is a better solution than just closing it.
Locke County Park I did notice some homeless men at this point in the woods
30 Apr 19. They didn't seemed to be causing issues but still
i would keep an eye open for them if you have Kids.
Locke County Park The entrance to the trails here could be clearer
Locke County Park Definitely agree it would be nice to be cleared of ice in the
winter
Locke County Park I would like it if the trail in Locke Park was cleared in the
winter. However I realize that it is a county park and is also
not heavily used.
Locke County Park Locke Park needs more lighting and less vangrences.
Locke Lake Strongly agree! This is the perfect place to add a bridge
over the tracks and create a loop walk for Locke Lake
Locke Lake Circular path around Locke Lake
Locke Lake neighborhood Neighborhood does not have a safe way to connect to the
trail and park on the other side of the train tracks.
Main St trail Please continue the great new bike path on Main further
south.
Main St Trail Right now on the walking path along the side of main
street. Looking to expand that area
Main St trail at 49th Ave trail does not connect with street.
Main St trail at 49th Ave Would be nice to connect the new trail on Main with some
other major roads. 49th between is very dangerous with
cars and semis.
Manomin Regional Park I love the trails at Manomin.
Medtronic Parkway This bike path along Medtronic pkwy needs
repair/repaving. Maybe Medtronic $$$ can "adopt" it and
fix it up with a grant/donation to the city?
Mississippi St Sidewalks on Mississippi are so close to the road! They can
feel very unsafe when walking or running, especially with
small children. Lower the speed limit, make a 2 lane with
38
the shared center turn lane or widen the boulevard
between the sidewalk and the road.
Mississippi Regional Trail at 694 Trail under the bridge and just before and after could use
some attention, The mirror that was on the north side of
the bridge was great for seeing around the bend, I would
love to see that replaced (recently disappeared.)
Mississippi Regional Trail along The Mississippi River Regional Trail is poorly lit and can be
East River Road creepy.Tonight from my house, I saw a woman walking
strictly on the center median down East River Road; I
assume she felt unsafe on the trail.
Mississippi St Would be nice to see blinking lights around the stop signs
for drivers on Mississippi. Recently I saw a driver run this
stop sign. They were approaching fast, and I believe they
did not see the sign in time to stop.
Mississippi St I agree, the water needs to run under the sidewalk and the
sidewalks should be cleaned often.
Mississippi St I rode my bike here several times a week and these
sidewalks are narrow and right next to the road. I'mÚªm
always nervous about being hit even though I'mÚªm on
the sidewalk.
Mississippi St With dense residential, several N/S crossings, the library
and Hayes, Mississippi is heavily used by pedestrians.
Sidewalks are narrow and deteriorated. They are unfit for
bikes. It's terrifying to ride a bike E/W on Mississippi for the
entirety of the 4-lane part, there is no where to go except in
the right traffic lane. Widen the north sidewalk (Hayes
school side) to a full shared-use bike path from E River Rd
to Old Central or reduce Miss St. to 2 lane with center L/R
turn lane + bike path.
Mississippi St The sidewalk under the railroad bridge is so dangerous. It is
slippery with algae all summer and super icy in the winter.
Mississippi St Many of us agree with this statement. These are some of
the most heavily used sidewalks in Fridley.
Mississippi St I agree with this as do many others. The sidewalk is very
narrow and old. The traffic on Mississippi Street is traveling
too fast and drivers arenÚªt looking for pedestrians or
bikers. I have noticed a lot more people walking, running
and biking on this street and the sidewalk than had been
using it in years past.
Mississippi St Mississippi Street feels very unsafe as a biker. Please
consider changing it to a single lane each direction, with a
center shared turn lane, and adding protected bike paths
along it to connect with the River Road
39
Mississippi St Sidewalks on Mississippi are so narrow and traffic is so fast!
Mississippi Regional Trail under The walking path, under the road, looks like a spook house.
East River Rd between Locke Any chance it could be hosed down? Thank you for
Lake and Manomin Regional painting over the graffiti.
Park
Mississippi Regional Trail under I'd prefer an over-the-road option here anyway. I won't use
East River Rd between Locke this area for safety reasons.
Lake and Manomin Regional
Park
Mississippi St Take Mississippi Ave down to 3 lanes (center turn lane) the
entire stretch from East River Road to Old Central.
Mississippi St at Monroe St Possibly a sign for drivers saying "yield to pedestrian in
crosswalk". I recently was walking in the crosswalk across
Mississippi when a driver essentially tried to beat me
through the intersection instead of let me finish crossing.
Mississippi St It also has a small pebble problem which is quite dangerous
esp. when I'm running with my double wide stroller. I
would also like to emphasize the MAJOR ice/snow build up
problem besides for my selfish running reasons there is NO
WAY anyone in a wheelchair would be able to use this
entire section from 2nd St to Hickory St during the winter, I
often have to run ON Mississippi for that entire section
during the winter.
Mississippi St On Mississippi - traffic is 4 lanes which seems unnecessary
and encourages higher speeds, yet leaves little room for
peds and bikes.
Moore Lake Dr trails I agree with the other commenter - this trail is in terrible
condition. My son (age 10) and I ride in the road on E
Moore Lake as it's smooth as glass compared to the trail.
Also this small section of road DOES NOT need to be 4
lanes - two would be just fine.
Moore Lake Dr trails The trail along this road seems to be old and the asphalt is
really starting to disintegrate.
Moore Lake Park There is not sufficient lighting to make the park safe for
evening walks.
Moore Lake Park I would like to see a full walking loop around Moore Lake
Moore Lake Sand Dunes I'd love to see more science or historical info here (what are
we protecting? Why?)
Moore Lake Sand Dunes Add pathways, signage, historical info, and parking
North of Little League Fields This asphalt path needs to be replaced. We use this quite
often for biking and walking and it is in really bad
condition.
40
North of Little League Fields The asphalt sidewalk along the north side of the Little
League fields is crumbling and badly needs repair. This
sidewalk connects 59th Ave. with the road on the south
side of the High School, and is frequently used by bikers,
joggers, and students walking to FMS & FHS. It is also
frequently used by Little League baseball & High School
softball fans.
Old Central Ave at Moore Lake Need a trail here - it's a busy interchange
Park
Osborne We enjoy walking and biking a lot. The trail along Osborne
is abysmal, and really needs improving, and I'm
disappointed with the lack of sidewalks and paved paths in
general.
Plaza Park This is the one and only place I've experienced an event
where I felt threatened, ONE TIME ONLY. This is a place I
run 3x a week and I'm confident on the trial overall but
having a 'blue post' light/emergency button/camera in this
secluded of an area would be great!
Plaza Park Connect trail to street with a paved path
Railroad In general, I'd like to see more and safer railroad crossings
for bikes. There are only a few and using the underground
situation at the station with a bike is both annoying and
creepy when there are few other people around. Seems like
an assault waiting to happen.
Rice Creek The Rice Creek Water Trail is a beautiful asset, but be
warned: it is treacherous in spots with downed trees.
Rice Creek Rice Creek Water Trail needs some attention. Two of us
tried kayaking it from Long Lake to Locke Lake in May (yes,
the water is much higher than most years), but it is really
treacherous. This is where we both were dumped out of our
boats by 3 downed trees spanning the creek (picture shows
a tree that was maneuverable).
Rice Creek Trail between Trail from Edgewater Gardens Park to Community Park is
Edgewater Gardens and very scary the way it is designed with chainlink fence on
Community Park both sides of trail - no where to escape an
attacker/secluded.
Rice Creek Trail underpass The lights haven't been on for a few years now. Vandals
under 65 broke them and no one seems to realize how important
they are to the safety of the users. I have gone through this
wet and dark tunnel many times passing other people who
would also appreciate some lighting to see what we are
stepping in.
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Rice Creek Trail underpass As a female who walks alone, I don't feel safe using the
under 65 underpass. The only other option is crossing the road.
Traffic speeds horribly here, so I would prefer a crosswalk
(even just a painted one with flashing warning lights).
Rice Creek Trail underpass The tunnel under 65 needs lighting turned back on.
under 65 Additionally, with a bus stop located on either side of 65,
the tunnel need to be cleared and maintained throughout
the winter. I've seen people trying to cross 65 through the
median, and it's horribly unsafe.
Rice Creek Trails I enjoy running on these trails
Rice Creek Trails Like hiking here and it is supposed to end up at MS river.
Signage is very poor, confusing which way to go or no
directions. No clearing during winter which is very
dangerous when icy.
Rice Creek Trails Like hiking here, but is should be connected to other trails.
Signage is very poor, confusing which way to go. No
clearing during winter which is very dangerous when icy.
Rice Creek Trails Need regular police patrol. A kid swung a branch at me
while biking through the trail one Saturday morning.
Rice Creek Trails One time I biked there, I met up with a bunch of kids
walking there. One of the kid made some racial gesture at
me and one of the kid swung a branch at me. Fortunately,
he missed. I am a trained 5th Degree Black Belt so I was not
afraid. However, after that incident, I feel safety is an issue.
Law enforcement should regularly patrol the area. It's just a
matter of time before a crime occur.
Rice Creek Trails Lack of parking to trail seen from central/69th ave near
Medtronics. I drive by there daily, see there is a trail and
would like to walk, but never have because I don't know
where to park.
Rice Creek Trails The trail along the train tracks is nice but needs to be
repacked and needs more lighting.
Rice Creek Trails in Community Or a pedestrian bridge over the tracks to the Mississippi
Park River Regional Trail (there are city-owned parcels to the
west side of the tracks where a non-existent road was
planned).
Rice Creek Way and 66 1/2 Ave Wayfinding for Mississippi River Trail when it leaves the
path and follows the road (like here) is not easy to see or
follow. Perhaps something right under the street sign with
clear north/south direction markings would be better.
River corridor It would be AWESOME if there were bike trail along the
whole river corridor through Fridley. The lack of
connectivity seems really limiting for anyone looking for a
long ride.
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River Edge Way How do you get here? Only by boat, or along the shoreline
from the Islands of Peace? I didn't even know the park
existed until this map illuminated it.
Riverfront Regional Park I like Riverfront Park, but sometimes I feel safety can be a
concern.
Ruth Circle Park We need to have Ruth Circle Park updated and added a
walking/bike path around the Green space for children to
be safe. These business's trucks drive fast. No place for kids
to ride bikes safely. A lot of drug and alcohol usage and
sales at Ruth Circle. We need a safe path from Ruth Circle
to Springbrook Nature Center. Please clear out
homelessness and trash at the end of Ironton St NE by Ruth
Circle. Doesn't feel safe here. We need to bring up the
value and safety of this neighborhood!
Springbrook Nature Center love walking the boardwalk loop
Sylvan Hills Park Traffic always speeds by park and runs stop sign.
Dangerous for children who wander to close to road.
Nearby neighbors trying to help to no avail
University Ave at 57th Ave Very dangerous pedestrian intersection
University Avenue at 57th Ave Agreed to "Very Dangerous Pedestrian Intersection"
University Ave at 69th Ave I would like to see a safer crossing here for bikers and
walkers
University Avenue at Mississippi Seems either the move of the fire station the service road
could be closed and turns on red allowed.
University Ave Trail Looks like there are some signs in place and there is some
progress on the new road and trail! As someone that is in
the new housing, I hope people will use the trails instead of
cutting through our back yard like they have been.
University Ave Trail Trail or sidewalk on both sides of university so you don't
need to cross back and forth as you walk or bike.
University Ave Trail This trail is in poor condition
University Ave Trail Agreed especially currently as it is the only way to get into
the Locke park trail system unless you want to run/walk
along 71st Ave
University Ave Trail Maybe it is already in the works but adding the last stretch
of trail to be able to walk to city hall - not really sure what
to do in the roundabout when I am on foot.
University Ave Trail The trail is pretty bad. Tree roots are pushing up through
the path and the asphalt is crumbling.
University Ave Trail I have seen a lot of families and individual bikers, walkers,
and runners trying to get use this trail that has been closed
for quite a while now. It seems that it could be reopened a
lot sooner if the city chose to make it happen. It is a vital
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link between University, Locke Park, and points east and
west.
University Ave Trail Excited to see how this trail gets repaired/replaced as the
new housing goes in and city hall is completing. Hoping it
is well-integrated with existing trails! In the meantime, it
would be nice to have some "trail closed ahead" signs as a
courtesy.
University Ave Trail Trail is in need of maintenance and repaving
University Ave Trail Trail is in need to maintenance
University Ave Trail Trail is in horrible condition and needs to be resurfaced.
University Ave Trail The university trail could use some trees to provide shade
and also maybe block some wind.
University Ave Trail The bike trail that is along University Avenue around Rice
Creek and Mississippi is in bad shape. I would like to see
the black top kept free of mud, sand, small branches,
leaves. Maybe sweep once in awhile because it's a great
bike path system.
University Avenue On the walking trails... from Peace Islands all the way to
Medtronic park and beyond. Love the walking and biking
trails. WOULD LOVE to have biking trails that go over/under
University Ave. Very
dangerous intersection to go with families
University Avenue General Comment: I realize this may fall under Metro
Transit, but as a former transit-user, it would be great to
make the crosswalks on University safer for transit users at
the bus stop locations.
University Avenue Trail in Send this section of University Ave underground to connect
Community Park the Fridley Civic Complex to the Community Park.
Survey Results- Where do you wish you could walk/ride your bike but don't feel safe
Sidewalk by Park Plaza Cooperative
7th St south of where the sidewalk ends
Drainage under Highway 65 underpass
49th between Main and University
Anywhere near Cub foods
Around Flanery Park
Gardena, Old Central Ave corridor
East River Road
Under pass under ERR to Manomin
A route over railroad not shared by cars on Mississippi and Manomin
Crossing 73rd to walk on the trail between University and 65
The underground tunnel at the North Star.
44
Crossing University
The grocery store (57th ave).
We enjoy biking and would like to see more bike amenities
Crossing university to continue on the Rice creek trail - I wish there was a pedestrian/bike
bridge
Osborne Rd, trails to coon rapids dam regional park
Moving north and south across Rice Creek and 694 requires biking in traffic or following a
winding route
We don't feel safe anywhere in the city. We do not want to walk or bike anywhere we have a
automobile!
Crossing Hwy 65 and University.
The trail through the woods by Locke Park is secluded with no lights and can be unnerving
even during the day
Crossing University at 61st is very dangerous. I would love to go to the other side and walk
but I usually stay on one side because it is safer not to cross University.
Springbrook - The bike path along University is unpleasant and has too many busy crossing to
be usable by families. Ideally, the bike path that enters the SW corner of Community park
would continue to follow the train track to the SW corner of Springbrook. But that is maybe a
long term pipe-dream. Also, the bike path from Riverfront Regional Park connects well to the
694 bridge but needs to continue North to Chase Island and Manomin Park. The existing
connections are embarrassments and basically unusable by anyone not intimately familiar
with the neighborhood. From 61st (Northstar) north to Manomin the only options are to bike
on University (not safe for adults let alone kids) or have enough knowledge to be cross to the
station, use the bike path to Rice Creek Way, and be able to bike through the neighborhood.
There are few sidewalks/paths in almost any area that are good for running/biking. We run
around the community center in the winter and while the path near Medtronic is good,
everything else is mostly on the streets. The path on Osborne is terrible, we tried to bike to
Bob's Produce last summer and the potholes made it not worth it to use the path, even with
little kids with us. Rice Creek Trail is wonderful, but I don't always feel safe in that area due to
a lot of questionable characters around. I hope the new center in place of the arena will help
with that, and I'm happy to see patrol cars going through there every so often.
The bike tunnel under Hwy 65 needs lighting and is almost always flooded, especially in the
Spring. I can't ride thru there without getting splattered and dirty.
I feel safe throughout Fridley.
Nowhere
The bike tunnel under Hwy 65 needs lighting and is almost always flooded, especially in the
Spring. I can't ride thru there without getting splattered and dirty.
On the Mississippi River trail, but it's so dark.. Not many street lights and trees are over grown
45
Appendix D. Streets Designated for Trails/Sidewalks
46
Appendix E. Focus and Priority Areas
47
Appendix F. Living Streets Worksheet
Project Narrative
1) Project Name:
2) Roadway Jurisdiction:
3) Project Boundaries:
4) Project Manager
5) Is the project area, or streets it intersects, referenced in any of the following plans?
CityÔs Active Transportation Plan
CityÔs ADA Transition Plan
Safe Routes to School Plan (Hayes, North Park, Stevenson, Fridley Middle)
Roadway Corridor Study (ex: East River Road corridor study, TH 47/65 corridor study)
Transit Overlay District
Parks Master Plan
Local Water Management Plan
Watershed Management Plans
Emerald Ash Borer Mitigation Plan
Other
6) If so, how does the plan reference Living Street components within the project area or
streets it intersects?
Existing Conditions
7) Describe existing and projected modal volumes, if available:
Volumes Existing Projected (Year)
Average Daily Traffic
Pedestrian Counts
Bicycle Counts
Truck Volumes
Transit Volumes
Speed Conditions
8) Detail crash data, if available, and known conflict locations:
a. Do crashes tend to be between certain modes?
b. Are there known conflict points between specific modes?
9) Who are the users of the project area and through what mode do they travel?
48
10) How does the existing area accommodate different modes travelling north-south and/or
east-west?
11) Describe any public transit facilities along the project area:
12) Describe any significant destinations along the routes or for which the project area is a
connector (schools, parks, libraries, Civic Campus, commercial corridors):
13) Are there areas of identified speeding or other dangerous driving?
14) Describe any barriers to pedestrian/bicyclist movement in the project area:
15) How does the existing area manage stormwater?
16) Are there known water quality or quantity concern in the project area or downstream of
the project area?
17) Describe the existing landscaping:
18) Mark any Living Streets components that exist in the project area and on intersecting
streets:
_____ Trails, sidewalks, and on-street, striped bike lanes
_____ Median islands
_____ Accessible pedestrian signals
_____ Curb extensions/bump outs
_____ Narrower travel lanes/road diets
_____ Speed limits and other traffic calming improvements
_____ Safe crossing facilities, including pavement markings
_____ Safe and effective lighting
_____ Diverse tree plantings
_____ Stormwater management
_____ Pollinator-friendly/water efficient landscaping
_____ Bike racks
_____ Benches
_____ Water fountains
_____ Waste receptacles
_____ Public art
_____ Other components as determined based on latest and best ÑLiving StreetsÒ standards
19) Are there any areas that are Ñunder-litÒ?
49
20) Describe any user needs/challenges along the project corridor that you have observed or
been informed of:
Proposed Conditions:
1) What public engagement has been done or is planned related to Living Streets
components?
2) What additional bike/pedestrian connections does the proposed facility accommodate?
3) How does the proposed facility accommodate different modes north-south and/or east-
west?
4) How does the proposed facility assist different modes in reaching significant
destinations?
5) How does the proposed conditions align with any applicable long-term plans?
6) How does the proposed conditions address any areas of identified speeding or driving?
7) Does the project propose any tree removal? How does the proposed landscaping
enhance the urban forest or promote pollinator habitat/water-efficient landscaping?
8) How does the proposed project improve any identified water quality or quantity
concerns within or downstream of the project area?
9) Does the proposed project remediate any design challenges that prevent
pedestrian/bicyclist movement?
10) Provide an alternative cross section that was considered, list trade-offs associated with
alternative cross-section:
11) If Living Streets components are not included, what is the reason for exception:
_____ The project involves a transportation system on which certain modes and users are
prohibited either by law or significant safety reasons.
_____ The street jurisdiction (Anoka County of the State of Minnesota for non-city streets)
refuses suggested plans.
_____ The cost of accommodation is excessively disproportionate to the need or probable
use.
_____ The corridor has severe topographic, environmental, historic or natural resource
constraints.
_____ There is a well-documented absence of current and future need.
50
_____ Other exceptions are allowed when recommended by the Public Works, Building &
Community Standards, Parks and Recreation, and Police and Fire departments, and
approved by the City Council.
Please explain and provide supporting evidence why this project meets \[should be
allowed?\] the above exception:
51
Appendix G. Hennepin County Active Design Checklist
(Page Intentionally Left Blank)
52
Appendix H. Winter Maintenance Policy
53
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title: Memorandum of Understanding with Xcel Energy for Phase Three of the
Partners in Energy Program.
Background
Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program provides Cities with facilitated support to determine
and reach energy goals. The City first entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to
participate in the program in 2018 and subsequently developed the Energy Action Plan (EAP).
The EAP set goals of
Overall Goals:
5% Energy reduction by 2020 compared to business as usual
20% Energy reduction by 2030 compared to business as usual
Participation Goals
Fridley residents will take 1,200 additional energy actions
200 additional premises will subscribe to Windsource
Under the original MOU, Xcel Energy provided support to implement the plan through June 30,
2020. Highlights during this phase included two business energy breakfasts, a renewable energy
campaign, and increased outreach of Home Energy Squad. While the 2020 energy reduction
goals were not met, participation goals were exceeded. The City subsequently entered into a
MOU with Xcel Energy to develop a Phase 2 of the EAP with an implementation period of 2022-
2023. Highlights of this implementation period included a business blitz promoting the One-
Stop Lighting Shop, a renewable energy campaign, and support for electric vehicle outreach.
The City is currently preparing to begin developing the 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The plan
must include a climate chapter with new requirements to address climate change mitigation.
Additional support from Partners in Energy to analyze the City’s energy usage and develop
mitigation strategies will be useful for meeting these requirements. Additionally, receiving
project implementation support from Xcel Energy will support the City’s ongoing energy
outreach. Xcel Energy would like to formalize their support in a new MOU to include these
planning activities and cover implementation from 2026-2027.
Recommendation
Staff recommend that the EQEC recommend the approval of the attached Memorandum of
Understanding with Xcel Energy for Phase Three of the Partners in Energy Program.
Attachments and Other Resources
1.MOU with Xcel Energy for Phase Three of Partners in Energy
2.City of Fridley Energy Action Plan (2018)
3.City of Fridley Energy Action Plan (Phase 2)
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses.
MemorandumofUnderstanding
2026-2027GraduateSupport
City of Fridley
Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
7071 University Ave. NE
Fridley, MN 55432
The intent of this Memorandum of Understanding is to recognize the achievement of the City
of Fridley in continuing to prioritize energy efforts and education by updating its Energy
Action Plan (EAP). This document will outline how the City of Fridley and Xcel Energy will
work together through the Partners in Energy program in the next 12 months to finalize an
Energy Action Plan (EAP) addendum to be incorporated into the City of Fridley’s
Comprehensive Plan.
The term of this joint support, as defined in this document, will extend from March 3, 2026
through February 28, 2027. This is a voluntary agreement and is not intended to be legally
binding for either party.
XcelEnergywillsupporttheCityofFridleyinachievingthegoalsofits2026-2027workplan
inthefollowingways:
EnergyActionPlanAddendumPlanning
Providing facilitation, technical and programmatic expertise to inform the drafting of
the EAP addendum through two internal planning workshops with City staff.
Engagement in developing workshop agendas, participating in regular check-in meetings,
and supporting follow-up work between workshops.
Assess the Comprehensive Plan survey results and other planning input for
incorporation in the EAP addendum draft.
Utilize available 2025 energy data to inform EAP addendum development.
Create a final EAP addendum for incorporation into the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
Support funded by Xcel Energy for this section of the plan is not to exceed 111 hours.
These hours will include those provided through our Partners in Energy team and does
not include support provided by Xcel Energy internal staff.
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
EnergyActionPlanAddendumImplementation
Providing event support for City energy efficiency outreach at the 2026 Touch-a-Truck
event.
Providing support for Income-Qualified (IQ) and manufactured home park energy
savings and affordability support outreach by facilitating partnerships with local
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs).
Utilize case studies to promote programs such as Xcel’s Home Energy Savings
Program (HESP) and other Income-Qualified (IQ) programs.
Support funded by Xcel Energy for this section of the plan is not to exceed 20 hours.
These hours will include those provided through our Partners in Energy team from Center
for Energy and Environment and does not include support provided by Xcel Energy
internal staff.
ProjectManagement
Facilitate regular monthly check-in calls.
Provide overall project management for the term of this agreement.
Provide data consulting and observations bi-annually to support tracking, data
analysis, and reporting.
Host two (2) internal workshops with City staff for collaborative planning of the EAP
addendum.
Up to $500 for reimbursed expenses related to printing, supplies and distribution of
co-branded marketing materials, venue fees, food, and other related needs
associated with outreach and education. Xcel Energy funding will not be provided for
the purchase of alcohol.
Support funded by Xcel Energy for this work plan is not to exceed 31 hours. These hours will
include those provided through our Partners in Energy team from the Center for Energy and
Environment and does not include support provided by Xcel Energy internal staff.
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
TheCityofFridleywillsupporttheworkofPartnersinEnergyinthefollowingways:
Designate one primary point of contact to attend biweekly check-ins, serve as a point
of contact with other key city staff and local stakeholders, review and approve
materials, and provide feedback on the city’s strategic approach and priorities.
LegalApplicabilityandWaiver
This is a voluntary agreement and not intended to be legally binding for either party. This
Memorandum of Understanding has no impact, nor does it alter or modify any existing
Franchise Agreement or other existing agreements between Xcel Energy and the City of
Fridley. Parties agree that this Memorandum of Understanding is to memorialize the intent
of the Parties regarding Partners in Energy but does not create a legal agreement between
the Parties. It is agreed by the Parties that nothing in this Memorandum of Understanding
will be deemed or construed as creating a joint venture, trust, partnership, or any other legal
relationship among the Parties. This Memorandum of Understanding is for the benefit of the
Parties and does not create third party rights. Nothing in this Memorandum of
Understanding constitutes a waiver of the City of Fridley ordinances or the State of
Minnesota’s utility regulatory jurisdiction.
SinglePointsofContact
All communications pertaining to this agreement shall be directed to Rachel Workin, on
behalf of the City of Fridley, and Sofia Troutman, on behalf of Xcel Energy.
Xcel Energy is excited about this opportunity to continue supporting the City of Fridley in
advancing their goals. The resources outlined above and provided through Partners in
Energy are provided as a part of our commitment to the communities we serve and Xcel
Energy’s support of energy efficiency and renewable energy as important resources to meet
your future energy needs.
Xcel EnergyXcel EnergyCity of Fridley
By: _________________________________ By: _________________________________
Date: ________________ Date: ________________
XCEL ENERGY PARTNERS IN ENERGY
An Energy Action Plan for
Approved by City Council on November 26, 2018
Acknowledgements
Thanks to the following organizations and individuals for participating in developing this
Energy Action Plan.
Energy Action Planning Team
The planning team was formed from a varied group of City staff and commissioners,
local businesses, and committed community members.
City of Fridley
Scott Lund, Mayor
Wally Wysopal, City Manager
Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Jeannie Benson, Facilities Operations
Annie Leibel , Intern, Housing and Redevelopment Authority
Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Mark Hanson, Chair
Nick Olberding, Vice Chair
Fridley Residents
Amy Dritz
Natividad Seefeld, Manager, Park Plaza Cooperative
Business Representatives
Lance Voigt, Owner, Voigt Bus Service
Mike Wardwell, Associate, Hyde Development
Institution Representatives
Tim Pastoors, Director of Facilities and Technology, Totino-Grace High
School
Russ Couwenhoven, Facilities Manager, Redeemer Lutheran
Energy Utility Representatives
Elena Foshay, Partners in Energy Facilitator
Marisa Bayer, Partners in Energy Facilitator
Brady Steigauf, Partners in Energy Facilitator
Tami Gunderzik, Partners in Energy Program Manager, Xcel Energy
Yvonne Pfeifer, Community Energy Efficiency Manager, Xcel Energy
Colette Jurek, Community Relations Manager, Xcel Energy
Jennifer Abbott, Account Manager, Xcel Energy
Emma Schoppe, CenterPoint Energy
Nick Mark, CenterPoint Energy
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................... i
Our Vision ................................................................................................................. i
Our Energy Mission ................................................................................................... i
How Will We Get There? ........................................................................................... i
Focus Area Goals .....................................................................................................ii
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
........................................................................ 1
The Case for a Community Energy Action Plan ....................................................... 4
............................................................................. 4
Plan Development Process ...................................................................................... 5
Where Are We Now? Baseline Energy Analysis ....................................................... 7
Energy Data Overview ............................................................................................. 7
Baseline Energy Analysis ......................................................................................... 7
Premises .................................................................................................................. 7
Energy Consumption ................................................................................................ 8
Current Energy Conservation ................................................................................... 9
Renewable Energy ................................................................................................. 12
Where Do We Want To Go? Community Energy Vision, Focus Areas, and Goals 13
Our Energy Vision & Mission ................................................................................. 13
Focus Areas ........................................................................................................... 13
Goals ...................................................................................................................... 15
How Are We Going To Get There? Actionable Strategies ...................................... 16
Focus Area 1: Residential Energy .......................................................................... 17
Focus Area 2: Businesses and Multifamily Buildings ............................................. 25
Focus Area 3: Institutions ....................................................................................... 33
Focus Area 4: Transportation and Electric Vehicles ............................................... 40
Impact of Energy Action Plan .................................................................................... 44
Plan Implementation .................................................................................................. 46
Roles and Responsibilities ..................................................................................... 47
Implementation Launch .......................................................................................... 48
How We Will Stay On Course ................................................................................ 48
Appendix 1: Implementation Memorandum of Understanding ................................... 50
Appendix 2: Who Are We? Community Background .............................................. 51
Appendix 3: Methodology for Measuring Success ..................................................... 54
Appendix 4: Glossary of Terms ................................................................................. 56
Appendix 5: Work Plan and Timeline ......................................................................... 57
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Executive Summary
Fridley has set a goal to reduce community energy use 5 percent by the year 2020, and
20 percent by 2030. This goal will set Fridley on a path toward long-term resilience
against the impacts of climate change, while generating immediate benefits such as
energy cost savings; ensuring Fridley achieves its energy vision and mission.
The purpose of this plan is to identify specific goals and strategies for increasing energy
efficiency and renewable energy use among residents, businesses, and institutions in
the community. Community support will be critical to the success of this plan, and the
strategies outlined emphasize broad engagement in energy action.
Our Vision
Fridley will continue leading by example and engaging residents, businesses, and
institutions to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of
everyone in the community.
Our Energy Mission
Fridley will continue improving upon its values of being a safe, vibrant, friendly, and
stable home for families and businesses by:
1. Increasing sustainable, reliable energy in the grid;
2. Strengthening energy efficient practices and participation; and
3. Supporting innovative strategies and technologies to achieve Fridley's energy
vision.
How Will We Get There?
To achieve our goal, Fridley will prioritize four short-term focus areas:
Focus Area 1: Residential Energy, inclusive of homeowners, renters, and
under-resourced residents.
Focus Area 2: Businesses and Multifamily Buildings, inclusive of all
businesses in the community, as well as multifamily buildings with more than five
units.
Focus Area 3: Institutions, including municipal premises, worship facilities,
schools, and hospitals and medical facilities.
Focus Area 4: Transportation and Electric Vehicles, noting that this area is
important for long-term greenhouse gas emission reductions.
Renewable energy was also noted as an important component and will be included in
all focus areas as a goal or strategy.
i
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
1
Focus Area Goals
Residential Energy
By 2020, Fridley residents will take 1,200 additional actions toward energy
conservation and renewable energy.
By 2030, residents will reduce total energy use 10 percent, as compared to
business as usual.
Businesses and Multifamily Buildings
By 2020, business and multifamily buildings will achieve 5 percent energy
savings.
By 2030, business and multifamily buildings will reduce total energy use 20
percent, as compared to business as usual.
Institutions
By 2020, institutions will achieve 5 percent energy savings.
By 2030, institutions will reduce total energy use 15 percent, as compared
to business as usual.
Transportation and Electric Vehicles
By 2020, conduct an outreach campaign to raise awareness about electric
vehicles, with the goal of reaching 500 residents and individuals who work
in Fridley.
By 2020, reach 10 businesses and multifamily buildings through a targeted
outreach campaign to encourage installation of charging infrastructure.
By 2020, install one electric vehicle charging station at a City-owned
building or location.
1
The businessas usual scenario represents a presumed slight increase in energy demand based on
residential and commercial energy demand of about 0.5 percent per year. It is assumed institutions
demand will increase in 2019 when the new civic campus opens, but stay relatively flat in future years.
ii
Introduction
Fridley prides itself on being a safe, vibrant,
friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses. Sustainability is a core value, as
demonstrated by the history and variety of
actions taken by the community. Through the
guidance of the Environmental Quality and
Energy Commission, the City of Fridley has a
solid framework to position itself as a local
leader. This plan represents an exciting first
step in energy action planning, and will
Photo Credit: City of Fridley
launch the community toward a more
sustainable and resilient future.
Fridley is a community in transition: its population is changing, growing more diverse
and younger; and redevelopment of industrial and commercial areas will add new,
2
denser multifamily housing and mixed-use buildings. Redevelopment opportunities give
Fridley the chance to ensure development is sustainable long term. Initial progress has
been made through City policy and community initiatives that promote on-site solar
generation, and in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
In the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the City of Fridley identifies food security, native
landscaping, and solar resources important to planning for the impacts of climate
The Energy
-related greenhouse
gas emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy subscriptions, and
encouraging on-site renewable energy generation. These strategies will increase
energy resiliency for residents, businesses, and institutions ensuring everyone in the
community benefits.
Commitment to Energy Efficiency
Fridley has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency
over the past few years. To date, the City has achieved Step 2 in GreenStep Cities, a
statewide voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities
achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. Fridley is on track to become a Step
3 city by 2020.
The City has invested in efficiency in many of its own facilities. Some of the upgrades
completed include replacing old equipment with energy efficient units, upgrading to LED
lighting in public buildings, installing variable frequency drives throughout
water treatment system, and replacing city street lights with LED bulbs. The City of
2
See Appendix 2 for community demographic data.
1
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Fridley updated their zoning ordinance to make it easier to permit photovoltaic solar
installations. The City is also completing a fleet analysis with Xcel Energy and
34
FleetCarma, and is participating in the Cities Charging Ahead! initiative to understand
ways to integrate electric vehicles (EVs) into the City fleet and become EV ready at the
new civic campus.
The most exciting effort to reduce energy use in City facilities is tied to construction of
the new civic campus. This campus will consolidate City Hall, Public Safety, and Fire
Station 1 into the same facility, and relocate Public Works and vehicle storage. The City
nergy Design Assistance program to include energy
savings in the planning and design phase of the new civic campus project
Public Safety and City Hall building are anticipated to save 32 percent compared to
baseline, and the new Public Works facility is anticipated to save 43 percent compared
5
to baseline. The City is committed to exploring additional opportunities in these
buildings and other City-owned facilities to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
6
Figure 1: City of Fridley New Civic Campus Site Plan
3
Fleet analysis assesses electric vehicle suitability in City-owned fleet and charging infrastructure needed
based on the deployment of electric vehicles.
4
Cities Charging Ahead! is sponsored by CERTs and Great Plains Institute. Participating cities receive
technical assistance focused on actions and best practices local governments can implement to
accelerate adoption of electric vehicles.
5
Energy Design Assistance CD Review Report, 2017.
6
City of Fridley, Town Hall Meeting, 2016.
2
The City of Fridley also prioritizes energy efficiency for its residents by offering
®7
discounted Home Energy Squad Enhanced visits through the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority. In 2014, the first year of the partnership, participation rates
were the highest, but participation has decreased over the last two years. An important
target of this plan is to increase participation in Home Energy Squad. Fridley also offers
low-interest home improvement loans, administered by the Center for Energy and
Environment. However, while energy efficiency upgrades are allowable in the loan
scope, past applicants have not generally incorporated efficiency into their project. This
plan will also address increasing the use of loans for efficiency projects.
The 2040 Comprehensive Plan update has been an important opportunity for the City to
establish long-term energy and sustainability initiatives. In the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan, the Cs are to establish policies and implement programs that support
al sustainability in the community and region, and
to increase resiliency. Specific components of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan include
8
supporting the Next Generation Energy Act goal; encouraging the use of solar devices,
especially in under-utilized spaces; and ensuring equitable access to alternative energy
and energy efficiency programming. Action steps detailed in this plan, such as
participating in programs to promote and incentivize energy efficiency and renewable
energy, and integrating green building best practices into the permit process, will help
the City of Fridley meet its Comprehensive Plan goals.
7®
Home Energy Squadis a joint program offered by Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy to help
customers reduce energy use. Energy experts deliver customized energy solutions, including installation
of energy-saving measures. Enhanced visits include blower door test, thermal image testing, combustion
safety check, and carbon monoxide check.
8
Next Generation Energy Act passed in 2007 established statewide goals for reducing greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions 30 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050 below 2005 levels.
3
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Table 1
GreenStep Cities
Recognition
Tree City USA Community through the Arbor Day Foundation
Programs
Pollinator-friendly city with Pollinate Minnesota
Zoning districts allow roof-mount solar as permitted use and
ground-mount solar installations as a special use
Policies & Plans 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Solid Waste Management Plan
Active Transportation Plan
Home Energy Squad buy-down through Housing &
Community
Redevelopment Authority
Initiatives
Curb-cut raingarden grants
Completed Energy
Design Assistance program to improve efficiency in new civic
campus buildings in 2017
Upgraded to LED fixtures in City-owned buildings, parking lots,
City-owned
and street lights
Buildings &
Replacing old equipment with energy efficient models
Fleet
Updating building operations to include energy efficiency
practices
Completing a fleet analysis through Xcel Energy and FleetCarma
Participating in Cities Charging Ahead!
The Case for a Community Energy Action Plan
The City of Fridley has successfully integrated energy efficient policies and practices
into many of their own operations. Looking to approach energy efficiency more
holistically, the C
motivate different sectors of the community in \[energy action planni, to ensure that
9
This process allows inclusive
engagement across all sectors and helps the community reduce energy use and
greenhouse gas emissions. City staff saw Partners in Energy as a great opportunity to
participate in a community-driven, data-led approach to energy action planning.
Xcel Energy Partners in Energy
Xcel Energy is the main electric utility serving the City of Fridley. In the summer of 2014,
Xcel Energy launched Partners in Energy to support communities like Fridley in
developing and implementing energy action plans that supplement existing
9
4
sustainability plans, strategies, and tools. The content of this plan is derived from a
series of planning workshops held in the community with a planning team committed to
representing local energy priorities and implementing plan strategies.
The Partners in Energy planning process consisted of a series of five workshops where
the Energy Action Team learned about community energy use to develop goals and
Partners in Energy will work with the City of Fridley to coordinate support for
implementing the plan and will develop a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines
specific support Xcel Energy will provide, including resources diagrammed in Figure 3,
to help Fridley deploy its strategies and achieve its goals.
Figure 2: Partners in Energy Process for Figure 3: Resources from Xcel Energy for
Success Implementation
Communication
Project
Assistance and
Management
Resources
Celebration and
Tracking and
Recognition of
Measurement
Successes
Plan Development Process
Energy Action Plan, the City of Fridley recruited a diverse group of
business and institution representatives, residents, City staff, Environmental Quality and
Energy Commission members, and utility representatives serving Fridley. See the
Acknowledgements section at the beginning of this document for a complete list of
participants.
The Energy Action Team met over the course of five months to review community
energy use data, set priorities and goals, and develop strategies to meet those goals. A
summary of the workshops can be found in
Table 2.
Between workshops, Energy Action Team members completed surveys to provide
additional input on goals and strategies; and a sub-group met outside of the regular
5
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
workshop schedule via conference call to establish goals and strategies for the Electric
Vehicles Focus Area.
Photo: Fridley Energy Action Team at Workshop 5
Table 2: Planning Workshop Summary
Planning Workshop Summary
Workshop 1
Introduced team and Partners in Energy process.
April 24, 2018
Reviewed baseline energy data, including past City energy
initiatives.
Discussed community energy vision and priorities.
Workshop 2
Identified focus areas that emerged from workshop 1 and
June 8, 2018
pre-workshop 2 survey.
Provided an overview of available utility programs and
incentives.
vision.
Workshop 3
Introduced the group to the goal setting process and sample
July 9, 2018
community goals.
Established community-wide goal language.
Broke into focus area groups to draft focus area goals and
strategies to reach those goals.
Workshop 4
Reviewed impact of focus area goals.
July 23, 2018
Gained an understanding of community-based social
marketing.
Evaluated strategies identified at workshop 3 and pre-
workshop 4 survey.
Identified implementation resources for each focus area.
Workshop 5
Confirmed process and timeline for plan approval.
August 30, 2018
Finalized community-wide goal and focus area goals.
Completed a SWOT analysis of the Energy Action Plan.
Assessed necessary resources for implementation of plan
6
strategies.
Where Are We Now? Baseline Energy Analysis
Energy Data Overview
An integral part of the Partners in Energy planning process is reviewing historic energy
data for Fridley. This included data on energy use and participation in utility energy
conservation programs, as well as savings associated with participation in those
programs. Data was provided by both Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy for all
Fridley premises for 2015-2017. The data helped the Energy Action Team decide where
Baseline Energy Analysis
This section summarizes community-wide energy use, conservation program
10
participation, and historic energy savings. Data included in this section establish a
baseline against which progress toward goals will be compared to in the future.
Premises
A premise is a unique identifier for the location of electricity or natural gas service. In
most cases, it is a facility or building location. In Fridley, there are 13,433 electricity
premises served by Xcel Energy and 9,768 natural gas premises served by CenterPoint
Energy. The distribution of electric and natural gas premises among residential,
commercial and industrial, and municipal premises is shown in Figure 4.
10
The electricity and natural gas data in this plan complies with Xcel , which
require all data summary statistics to contain at least 15 entities, with no single entity responsible for more
than 15 percent of the total. Following these rules, if an entity is responsible for more than 15 percent of
the total for that data set, they are removed from the summary. No premises were removed from the
summary.
7
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Figure 4: Distribution of Premises, 2017
Electric Premises Natural Gas Premises
Xcel Energy CenterPoint Energy
.3%
1%
11%
11%
88%
88%
Residential
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
Municipal
Energy Consumption
Fridley consumed a total of 397,416,249 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity and
23,280,262 therms of natural gas in 2017. Combined, all sectors spent an estimated
11
$52.8 million on energy in 2017. Although the majority of premises are residential,
most electricity and natural gas are consumed by commercial and industrial premises
(Figure 5). Commercial and industrial premises consumed 80 percent of electricity and
69 percent of natural gas in 2017, spending an average of $20,583 on electricity and
12
$6,583 on natural gas per premise per year. Residential premises consumed 19
percent of electricity and 31 percent of natural gas, spending an average of $776 on
electricity and $677 on natural gas per premise in 2017. Fridley homes spent an
average of $120 per month on energy. The remaining energy was consumed by
municipal premises, representing 1 percent of electricity and less than 1 percent of
natural gas.
11
This excludes any taxes and fees.
12
The commercial and industrial customer usage and spend can be highly variable, which can have an
impact on customer averages.
8
Figure 5: Energy Consumption, 2017
Electricity ConsumptionNatural Gas Consumption
Xcel Energy CenterPoint Energy
31%
19%
0.3%
1%
80%
69%
Residential
Residential
Commercial and Industrial
Commercial and Industrial
Municipal
Municipal
Current Energy Conservation
Both Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy offer programs and rebates to help residents
and businesses save energy. Over the past three years, Fridley residents and
businesses have taken important steps toward reducing energy use, saving an average
of 1.6 percent of electricity consumed, and 1.4 percent of natural gas consumed per
13
year through participation in conservation improvement programs.
13
Conservation improvement programs include the portfolio of approved utility energy efficiency and
demand management programs. Minnesota electric utilities have a goal of saving 1.5 percent of their total
energy sales each year via customer conservation efforts. Minnesota natural gas utilities have a goal of
saving .5 percent of their total energy sales each year via customer conservation efforts.
9
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Figure 6: Electricity Savings from Xcel Energy Conservation Improvement Program Participation
10,000,000
9,000,000
8,000,000
7,000,000
6,000,000
h
5,000,000
W
k
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
-
201520162017
ResidentialCommercial/Industrial
Figure 7: Therm Savings from CenterPoint Energy Conservation Improvement Program
Participation
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
s
250,000
m
r
e
h
200,000
T
150,000
100,000
50,000
0
201520162017
ResidentialCommercial/Industrial
10
Figure 8 summarizes residential conservation program participation for the past three
years. Total participation in residential conservation programs has declined slightly
since 2015, with 9 in 100 premises participating in an Xcel Energy conservation
program in 2017. In 2017, Fridley residents saved 209,351 kWh and 79,647 therms,
representing 0.9 percent of total residential energy use. Residential program
participation has been highest in home efficiency rebates, primarily tied to replacement
of heating and cooling equipment.
14
Figure 8: Residential Conservation Improvement Program Participation
5
New Construction Rebates
1
-
10
Insulation Rebates
15
26
32
Refrigerator Recycling
23
45
58
Low-income Programs
37
79
114
Home Energy Squad/Energy Audit
140
259
633
Home Efficiency Rebates
814
698
- 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
201720162015
Figure 9 shows that commercial and industrial program participation rates have been
slightly higher than residential sector participation over the past three years 7 in 50
commercial premises participated in an Xcel Energy conservation improvement
program in 2017. Lighting and natural gas equipment rebates have been most popular
among commercial and industrial customers. In 2017, commercial and industrial
premises saved 9,094,217 kWh and 78,420 therms, representing 1.4 percent of total
sector energy use.
14
Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy Conservation Program Participation Counts, 2015-2017.
Programs grouped based on common themes defined by Partners in Energy.
11
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
15
Figure 9: Commercial and Industrial Conservation Improvement Program Participation
0
Multi-family Programs
0
0
3
New Construction
3
0
1
Energy Audits & Assessments
3
3
3
Process Efficiency
11
7
17
Other Efficiency Programs & Rebates
29
18
12
Heating & Cooling Efficiency
20
13
43
CenterPoint Commercial Programs
99
53
115
Lighting
94
88
020406080100120140
201720162015
Renewable Energy
Fridley has taken initial strides to support on-site renewable energy installations and
renewable energy subscription programs. The City of Fridley removed a barrier to
ground-mount solar by updating their zoning ordinance to allow ground-mount
installations with a special use permit. Five residential and eight commercial and
industrial premises have installed on-site solar installations in Fridley between 2014 and
2018, according to City permit records. Renewable energy subscriptions have also been
®
popular among Fridley residents. In 2017, 490 households subscribed to Windsource,
a voluntary subscription program that allows customers to source some or all of their
electricity from wind energy. Of these, 68 households elected to cover 100 percent of
their annual electricity use with wind energy, representing 0.6 percent of total residential
electricity use in 2017. There are two commercial Windsource subscribers; both
subscribe 100 percent of their annual electricity use. Fridley residents and businesses
®
also subscribe to Renewable*Connect, a voluntary subscription program from Xcel
Energy that allows customers to subscribe up to a 100 percent of their annual electricity
15
Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy Conservation Program Participation Counts, 2015-2017.
Programs grouped based on common themes defined by Partners in Energy.
12
use from a blend of wind and solar energy. In 2018, 17 residents, and 4 commercial and
16
industrial customers subscribed to Renewable*Connect.
Where Do We Want To Go? Community Energy Vision, Focus Areas,
and Goals
Our Energy Vision & Mission
During the first and second planning workshops, the Energy Action Team worked
together to develop a shared vision and mission
and mission represent the priorities of the team and the community throughout the
energy planning process.
Vision
Fridley will continue leading by example and engaging residents, businesses, and
institutions to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of
everyone in the community.
Mission
Ensure Fridley will continue improving upon its values of being a safe, vibrant,
friendly, and stable home for families and businesses by:
1. Increasing sustainable, reliable energy in the grid;
2. Strengthening energy efficient practices and participation; and
3. Supporting innovative strategies and technologies to achieve Fridley's
energy vision.
Focus Areas
After analyzing baseline energy use and historical program participation, four priority
focus areas were chosen:
Focus Area 1: Residential Energy, inclusive of homeowners, renters, and
under-resourced residents.
Focus Area 2: Businesses and Multifamily Buildings, inclusive of all
businesses in the community, as well as multifamily buildings with more than five
units.
Focus Area 3: Institutions, including municipal premises, worship facilities,
schools, and hospitals and medical facilities.
Focus Area 4: Transportation and Electric Vehicles, noting that this area is
important for long-term greenhouse gas emission reductions.
16
Renewable*Connect was fully subscribed at time of plan adoption and was not accepting new
subscriptions.
13
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Focus areas 1-3 are sectors in the community that the Energy Action Team believes
can realize short-term measurable results through the strategies outlined in this plan.
Focus area 4 is a long-term priority the Energy Action Team acknowledged
transportation and electric vehicles are important for long-term greenhouse gas
emission reductions, public health, and cost-savings for electric vehicle owners over the
lifetime of the vehicle. A small sub-group met outside of the regular workshop schedule
to identify strategies for this focus area.
Through the planning process, renewable energy was also noted as an important
component for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy resilience.
Rather than defining renewable energy as a separate focus area, the group determined
that renewable energy was an important component of all focus areas and should be
integrated throughout the plan for a more comprehensive approach.
17
Figure 10: Energy Consumption by Focus Area, 2017
4%
26%
70%
ResidentialBusiness & MultifamilyInstitutions
17
Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, estimates based on modeling and projections by Partners in
Energy. Total energy consumption based on actual 2017 electricity consumption for classified premises
and a natural gas consumption estimate. The natural gas consumption estimate was completed using
actual 2017 therm consumption for all commercial and industrial premises and applying a ratio to
institution consumption based on actual kWh consumption for classified premises.
14
18
Goals
During workshops 3-5, the Energy Action Team worked together to develop a
community-wide goal, and in small groups to develop goals and strategies for each
focus area. The group wanted to make sure that goals were data-driven and would
include both short-term and long-term time horizons. The Energy Action Team believes
shorter time frames will provide immediate, tangible results that can garner support for
the Energy Action Plan, while also building toward more ambitious outcomes in the
future. Appendix 3 explains methodology of how goals will be measured and success
reported.
18
Goals measured against the business as usual scenario, where noted. The business as usual scenario
represents a presumed slight increase in energy demand based on residential and commercial energy
demand of about 0.5 percent per year. It is assumed institutions demand will increase in 2019 when the
new civic campus opens, but stay relatively flat in future years.
15
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Community-wide Goal
Reduce energy use 5 percent by 2020, and 20 percent by 2030, as
compared to business as usual.
Residential Energy
By 2020, Fridley residents will take 1,200 additional actions toward energy
conservation and renewable energy.
By 2030, residents will reduce total energy use 10 percent, as compared to
business as usual.
Businesses and Multifamily Buildings
By 2020, business and multifamily buildings will achieve 5 percent energy
savings.
By 2030, business and multifamily buildings will reduce total energy use 20
percent, as compared to business as usual.
Institutions
By 2020, institutions will achieve 5 percent energy savings.
By 2030, institutions will reduce total energy use 15 percent, as compared
to business as usual.
Transportation and Electric Vehicles
By 2020, conduct an outreach campaign to raise awareness about electric
vehicles, with the goal of reaching 500 residents and individuals who work
in Fridley.
By 2020, reach 10 businesses and multifamily buildings through a targeted
outreach campaign to encourage installation of charging infrastructure.
By 2020, install one electric vehicle charging station at a City-owned
building or location.
How Are We Going To Get There? Actionable Strategies
The following sections detail actionable strategies to achieve the goals outlined in this
plan. The Energy Action Team worked in teams to create strategies they believed would
have high impact and measurable results.
In addition to strategieslisted within each focus area, there are general strategies that
fall within the scope of all four focus areasto broadly address energy efficiency and
renewable energy throughout the community.These include:
Providing general informational materials through City communication channels,
including website, newsletter, social media, and events;
Leveraging existing City relationships and programs to promote targeted energy-
saving and renewable energy opportunities; and
16
Coordinating with the Cbuilding department and Development Review
Committee to integrate information about energy efficiency and renewable
energy into the development process.
Specific actions to support these strategies are further detailed in each focus area
section.
Focus Area 1: Residential Energy
Residents are an important component for the success of the Energy Action Plan. The
residential sector represents 23 percent of total community energy use. In addition to
conserving energy, this sector creates an opportunity for broad community engagement
and support for energy goals.
Homeowners are the primary target for this
focus area. A majority of Fridley residents own
19
their home (62.5 percent) and most owner-
occupied homes are single-family units (65
20
percent). The housing stock in Fridley is
aging 8 9 percent of housing units are more
21
than 30 years old. These homes likely have
many opportunities to improve efficiency,
particularly as part of planned kitchen, bath,
Source: City of Fridley
and other remodeling projects.
Under-resourced Households
The residential sector also includes under-resourced households. Data show that
under-resourced residents are energy burdened meaning the household spends a
high percentage of their income on home energy bills (see Figure 11). Fridley has a
22
high rate of people living in poverty (12.3 percent), as compared to Anoka County (7.4
percent). The number of Fridley households earning less than 50 percent of state
median income (SMI), the threshold for utility low-income program eligibility, is
23
estimated to be 2,750. This represents 24.9 percent of all households in Fridley. The
highest concentration of households below the 50 percent SMI threshold is in the
census tract located north of Interstate 694, west of University Avenue, and south of
Mississippi Street (see Figure 12). Understanding the geographic distribution of under-
resourced households will help the Energy Action Team target their efforts. There are a
19
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2012-2016 5-year Estimates.
20
City of Fridley, 2018.
21
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2012-2016 5-year Estimates.
22
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2012-2016 5-year Estimates.
23
Estimate based on American Community Survey 2016 Household Income in the Past 12 Months (2016
Inflation-Adjusted Dollars).
17
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
variety of programs and strategies for these households that help reduce energy bills
and offer grants and low-interest financing to make repairs.
24
Figure 11: Energy Burden for City of Fridley
30%3,000Average annual energy expenditures ($/year)
y
g
r
e
n
e
25%2,500
n
o
t
n
e
20%2,000
p
s
e
m
o
c
15%1,500
n
i
d
l
o
h
10%1,000
e
s
u
o
h
f
5%500
o
t
n
e
c
r
e
0%0
p
++
%%%%%%%%
e
000000
00%
%
g
00
358358
00
a
------
11
00
r
0-0-
0000
11
e
350350
v
88
A
Owner-occupiedRenter-occupied
Area median income
Fraction of incomeAverage annual expenditure
24
U.S. Department of Energy, Better Buildings Initiative, Clean Energy for Low Income Communities
Accelerator. Average annual expenditure based on U.S. Energy Information Administration reported
electric utility revenue per residential customer, and statewide natural gas expenditures per residential
customer.
18
25
Figure 12: Percent of Households Below 50 percent of SMI by Census Tract
Renters
There is also large percentage of renters in the community 37.5 percent of
26
households are renters. Ensuring cost of living remains affordable for renters was
important to the Energy Action Team, so strategies include those that target renters in
single family, multifamily, and other housing types.
27
Table 3: Household Tenure by Housing Type
Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Single family 6,293 1,046
Multifamily, 2-4 units 103 278
Multifamily, 5+ units
128 2,759
Other
363 55
Total 6,887 4,138
25
Estimate based on American Community Survey 2016 Household Income in the Past 12 Months (2016
Inflation-Adjusted Dollars).
26
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2012-2016 5-year Estimates.
27
Ibid.
19
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Since renters do not own their housing unit, most are limited in the types of energy
improvements they can make. Some ways that renters likely can save energy include
managing indoor temperature using thermostats, replacing lightbulbs with LEDs,
unplugging electronics when not in use, and using ENERGY STAR-rated products.
Strategies identified to target renters include energy conservation and energy efficiency
to ensure renters are able to achieve energy savings. In addition, income-qualified
renters can utilize a free energy efficiency program that also replaces appliances.
Residential Energy Goal and Strategies
s in the residential sector are to increase program participation in
conservation programs and renewable energy subscriptions:
By 2020, Fridley residents will take 1,200 additional actions toward energy
conservation and renewable energy.
By 2030, residents will reduce total energy use 10 percent, as compared to
business as usual.
To achieve this goal, the Energy Action Team identified specific programs to promote
during outreach see Table 4. In addition to increasing participation in utility
conservation programs, behavior changes inspired through education and awareness
are a critical component to successfully reducing residential energy use.
Table 4: Residential Program Participation Targets
Baseline Participation Target
Program
(2017) by 2020
Home Energy Squad 55 340
Refrigerator Recycling 32 150
Income Qualified Programs 58 190
®
Windsource 490 200 additional
These programs were chosen because of the opportunity to have a big impact on
residential energy savings. The City of Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority
(HRA) offers discounted Home Energy Squad visits to all Fridley residents. Home
Energy Squad is a key first step to identifying cost-effective opportunities to reduce
energy use. However, participation has been decreasing since 2014, when the discount
program launched.
During planning, Energy Action Team members spent time considering perceived
benefits among residents of taking energy action, and barriers that might get in the way
(Table 5). Energy Action Team members noted that lack of awareness and distrust in
the message and/or messenger were barriers to taking action; so strategies were
crafted to overcome those barriers.
20
Table 5: Residential Energy Barriers and Benefits
Barriers Benefits
Cost to take action Cost savings
Language barrier Sense of community & pride in Fridley
Lack of trust in the message and/or
Helping the environment
messenger
Lack of knowledge Comfort and safety in the home
Effort needed to take action Awareness of impact
Cost to take action was also identified as a barrier to taking an energy efficiency or
renewable energy action. Refrigerator recycling was targeted because there is no cost
to participate and a rebate is given to the customer after pick up.
®
Windsource was chosen as an easy, low cost way for residents to access renewable
energy. The planning team also prioritized income-based programs from both Xcel
Energy and CenterPoint Energy since they are available at no cost for income-eligible
households. These programs include low-income Home Energy Squad, Home Energy
Savings Program, Stay Safe Stay Warm, and weatherization services.
Table 6: Residential Energy Strategies
Focus Area: Residential Energy
Strategy 1: Engage residents in taking action through a community-wide
marketing campaign.
Actions:
Analyze resident survey to understand what messaging resonates with residents
and who the trusted messengers are.
-ecklist to guide residents on easy actions to take at
home.
Create a checklist for installing solar panels on residential structures.
Create informational materials focusing on program participation and rebates as
a way to conserve energy and use renewable energy.
o Include behavior change information as part of campaign materials.
o Use testimonials, success stories, and case studies to encourage
participation.
o Target programs: Enhanced Home Energy Squad, Refrigerator Recycling,
®
renewable energy programs (e.g. Windsource, community solar garden
subscriptions), and the Fridley Home Loan Program.
Create and distribute informational materials with targeted messaging for key
populations.
o Target neighborhoods with older homes with home rehabilitation
information.
o Target new residents using new resident packet with energy audit and
rehab information.
o Door-knock at manufactured home parks with program and rebates
information.
21
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Focus Area: Residential Energy
Translate materials into other languages, such as Somali and Spanish.
o Identify nonprofit and service organizations to share and support
translated materials and program offerings.
o Partner with leaders in language communities to help ensure messaging
will resonate with community.
Partner with local businesses where home improvement or construction materials
are purchased to display informational materials.
Use existing communication channels and community events to share materials
and information.
Strategy 2: Integrate energy efficiency language into existing points of City
communications; and train staff to share message with residents.
Actions:
Update Home Loan Program application, website, and program marketing to
emphasize energy efficient improvements.
Include energy efficient information in Building Permit display and application
materials.
Create energy efficiency inserts for water utility bills.
Strategy 3: Partner with schools and community groups to reduce energy use by
promoting behavior change.
Actions:
Partner with school district to reach senior citizens and senior center on actions
they can take at home.
Partner with local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops to do energy badge activity.
Create materials and messaging scouts can share with their family.
Design energy efficiency course with Community Education and offer course
during one session.
Strategy 4: Conduct marketing and outreach specifically targeting under-
resourced households.
Actions:
Create materials summarizing income-qualified program options from all utilities
and local service providers.
Collaborate with local food shelves and other service providers to reach under-
resourced populations.
o Distribute marketing campaign materials at their locations and events.
o Co-brand materials with service providers.
Establish partnerships with property managers at income-eligible multifamily
buildings to share informational materials.
Leverage existing contacts, networks, and events to reach under-resourced
residents.
Implementation Partners
The following partners were identified as needed to help with implementation of
residential energy strategies:
22
City of Fridley staff, including City Lead, Communications Division, and Building
Inspections
Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Business Retention and
Expansion Team
Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Home Energy Squad implementers
Partners in Energy
Impact
Achieving goals outlined here will generate important impacts on both community
engagement and energy use. Increasing energy conservation and renewable energy
program participation by 1,200 additional actions will result in almost 3,000 homes
taking action by 2020, representing 25 percent of all households in Fridley. If the goals
of this focus area are achieved, residential energy use will decrease by 1.5 percent by
2020, saving an estimated 700,922 kWh and 94,694 therms between 2019 and 2020.
Residential energy-related greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced 955 MTCO2e by
2020, which is approximately equivalent to the carbon emitted from 204 passenger
28
vehicles in one year. These actions will also improve the quality of life for Fridley
residents by improving the health and comfort of their homes, and lowering their energy
bills. On average, Fridley residents who participate in an energy conservation program
are expected to save $52 per year.
28
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (March 13, 2018). Greenhouse gas equivalencies calculator.
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator.
23
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Figure 13: Projected Residential Energy Use and Savings
1,060,000
1,040,000
1,020,000
1,000,000
980,000
u
t
B
960,000
M
M
940,000
920,000
900,000
880,000
860,000
2015202020252030
BAU GrowthHistoric ParticipationEnergy Action Plan Impact
Long-term Residential Energy Strategies
Strategies outlined in this plan will help Fridley achieve its goal of residents taking 1,200
additional actions toward energy conservation and renewable energy. To achieve
reducing total energy use 10 percent by 2030, additional strategies and
resources will need to be identified. Initial ideas from the Energy Action Team include
continuing promotion of rebates and programs using City communication channels and
trusted messengers, and identifying additional funding sources or incentives to help
residents make energy-related improvements or install on-site renewable energy. The
Energy Action Team also noted that evolving technology and new utility programs and
rebates will have an impact and should be utilized as they become available.
24
Focus Area 2: Businesses and Multifamily Buildings
Businesses are typically among the
largest energy users in a community
and can therefore make a significant
impact on reducing overall energy
use.
Manufacturing is the primary
employment sector in the community;
representing 37 percent of all jobs in
Fridley (see Figure 14).
Manufacturing businesses are
primarily concentrated along the
Source: City of Fridley
railroad corridor on the western side
rd
of the City, and near the intersection of University Avenue and 73 Avenue.
Health care, retail, and wholesale trade also employ a large number of people. Job
growth is steady Fridley is home to several large industrial and manufacturing
companies, and its proximity to Minneapolis will help the community continue to attract
and sustain business growth. Fridley businesses source most of their employees from
outside of Fridley (see Table 7).
29
Figure 14: Employment by Industry
Finance and Insurance
115
Public Administration
245
Professional and Technical Services
271
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
424
Educational Services
777
Transportation and Warehousing
1,196
Administrative and Waste Services
1,247
Wholesale Trade
1,770
Retail Trade
2,076
All Other Industries
2,932
Health Care and Social Assistance
3,277
Manufacturing
8,407
01,0002,0003,0004,0005,0006,0007,0008,0009,000
Number of Employees
29
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Quarterly Census of Employment
nd
and Wages, 2 quarter data, 2017.
25
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
30
Table 7: Top 10 Cities of Residence for People Who Work in Fridley
Residences Workers
Minneapolis 1,661
Blaine 1,535
Coon Rapids 1,442
Fridley 1,286
St. Paul 924
Brooklyn Park 776
Andover 687
Maple Grove 575
Plymouth 449
Ramsey 425
Other 8,952
Industrial Premises
For the purposes of this plan, industrial premises are businesses that are heavy
manufacturers and industrial processors. Industrial premises account for approximately
55 percent of total energy consumption (see Figure 15). Industrial premises typically
include larger energy users, such as manufacturing, machining, and metal and coating
facilities.
30
Census Bureau Local Employment-Household Dynamics.
26
31
Figure 15: Total Energy Consumption, 2017
4%
26%
55%
15%
ResidentialCommercialIndustrialInstitutions
Historically, industrial customers have been the most active energy efficiency
participants among commercial energy users, with particular emphasis on four areas:
lighting, fluid system optimization, process efficiency, and motors efficiency. Opportunity
exists for additional energy efficiency services, in particular walk-through energy
3233
audits and recommissioning, which historically have had low participation.
Multifamily Buildings
Multifamily buildings with more than five units were grouped into this focus area
because they are typically operated like a business and it is up to building owners to
make energy efficient improvements, not tenants. Additionally, utility conservation
programs that serve buildings with more than five units are typically part of the
commercial program portfolio.
34
There are 149 multifamily buildings with more than five units in Fridley. Nine buildings
are classified as low--Income Rental Classification
31
Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, Estimates based on modeling and projections by Partners in
Energy. Partners in Energy classified electrical commercial and industrial premises based on Xcel
32
Turn Key Services is a full-service program designed to provide our customers with on-site energy
efficiency assessments and/or free implementation services they need to make energy-saving
improvements.
33
Recommissioning is a study that looks to improve the efficiency of existing building operations by
identifying and tuning up less-than-optimal equipment within the facility.
34
City of Fridley, 2017.
27
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
(LIRC) certification. According to the American Community Survey, of the households
living in multifamily properties, 65 percent live in multifamily buildings built before
35
1980. These older buildings are likely in need of energy efficiency improvements,
which can benefit residents through increased comfort, and building owners through
cost savings.
Multifamily building energy use may show up as part of the residential or commercial
sector, or both, depending on how they are metered. Most commonly, individual units
pay electricity bills but there is a single natural gas account for the whole building. As a
result, multifamily engagement strategies must reach both building owners and tenants,
to ensure benefits are shared among all. Historically, there has been no participation in
conservation programs aimed at multifamily buildings with more than five units,
presenting an important program opportunity. Two barriers to engaging this sector are
identifying the owners and operators of these multifamily buildings and identifying the
message that resonates with them. Strategies were crafted to engage trusted
messengers to help reach the multifamily sector.
36
Table 8: Multifamily Buildings by Unit Count
Housing Unit Type Unit Count Building Count
Multifamily Building, 2-4 units 244 64
Multifamily Building, 5+ units
3,263 149
Total 3,507 213
37
Table 9: Age of Multifamily Structure by Units in Structure
Multifamily Building, Multifamily Building,
2-4 units 5+ units
Built 1939 or earlier:
- 13
Built 1940 to 1959:
51 286
Built 1960 to 1979:
189 1,469
Built 1980 to 1999:
38 894
Built 2000 to 2009: - 68
Built 2010 or later: - 29
Total 278 2,759
Business and Multifamily Buildings Energy Goals and Strategies
Below are s for businesses and multifamily buildings:
By 2020, Business and Multifamily Buildings will achieve 5 percent energy
savings;
35
Multifamily buildings defined as buildings with five or more units.
36
City of Fridley, 2017.
37
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2012-2016 5-year Estimates.
28
By 2030, Business and Multifamily Buildings will reduce total energy use 20
percent, as compared to business as usual.
A short-term goal was chosen to motivate -
wide goal. To achieve this goal, the Energy Action Team identified specific actions to
promote during outreach, including lighting upgrades, motor efficiency, and heating and
cooling efficiency. Energy assessments and audits are also a focus, since these are
often recommended as the first step toward energy efficiency.
Team chose to target all businesses to have the most impact, noting there should be
specific strategies for manufacturing businesses and multifamily buildings.
During planning workshops, Energy Action Team members spent time considering
perceived benefits among businesses and multifamily buildings for taking energy action,
and barriers that might get in the way. Similar to the residential sector, cost and lack of
knowledge about programs were identified as key barriers. To overcome these barriers,
financing resources and information materials will be shared with both businesses and
multifamily buildings. Businesses who rent commercial or office spaces have additional
barriers for taking action, since tenants are not always responsible for improvements
and utility bills. The Energy Action Team noted that it may be easier to motivate
businesses in tenant occupied spaces with one property manager.
Table 10: Business and Multifamily Buildings Barriers and Benefits
Barriers Benefits
Cost Energy-savings opportunities
Time (no dedicated staff) More money for other projects
Lack of knowledge about available Increased property value and public
programs and financing options image
Multiple decision makers More comfortable space
Happier tenants/better occupancy
No incentive as tenant
retention
Property owner uninterested in taking One point of contact for energy action
action in multi-tenant buildings
Lack of trust in the message and/or
City is trusted messenger
messenger
Increased safety through improved
Identifying the decision maker
lighting
Better tenant retention and more
competitive space
More production/higher profit margin
29
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Table 11: Business and Multifamily Buildings Strategies
Focus Area: Business and Multifamily Buildings
Strategy 1: Create and distribute informational and marketing materials educating
businesses and multifamily building owners about actions and programs.
Actions:
Distribute informational materials at building permit counter and City
communication channels, with a particular focus on utility programs and
renewable energy opportunities that are free and/or provide follow-up support.
Create checklist for on-site solar installation and include on City website.
Distribute informational materials at City business retention and expansion
program visits.
Publish case studies of local businesses who have taken action on City
communication channels.
Include energy efficiency messaging in the City business e-newsletter with
concrete, simple ways to save energy; highlight case studies.
Promote Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), Trillion BTU, and other
financing opportunities to inspire businesses to take action.
Develop informational materials for the Minnesota Technical Assistance Project
(MNTAP) engineering intern program and conduct outreach to businesses that
would be likely candidates.
Establish partnerships with business green teams to share informational
materials.
Strategy 2: Leverage existing events and trusted communication channels to
educate and raise awareness.
Actions:
Recognize businesses who have taken action.
o Promote businesses that have taken energy efficiency action on Small
Business Saturday (November).
o Ask an independent retailer who has shown interest in making energy
saving advancements to accept the Proclamation for Independent Retailer
Month (July).
o Leverage City communication channels to recognize businesses who take
action.
Encourage manufacturers who have made advancements in energy savings to
host a community tour of their business highlighting those projects for
Manufacturing Week. (October).
Utilize the s and communication channels to inform
businesses about energy-saving opportunities.
30
Focus Area: Business and Multifamily Buildings
Strategy 3: Conduct door-to-door outreach to businesses to encourage energy
action.
Actions:
Target outreach to high energy users with efficiency programs and energy audits.
Enlist partners to assist with door-to-door outreach, such as CERTs.
Sign up businesses on the spot for energy audits or free assessments/walk-
throughs.
®
Include Windsource and other renewable energy options as part of informational
materials.
Strategy 4: Host a lunch and learn event for businesses about energy actions the
City has taken to share experience and encourage best practices.
Actions:
Partner with both local Chambers of Commerce and local business green teams
to co-host and promote event.
Strategy 5: Conduct outreach specifically targeting multifamily buildings to
engage them in energy action.
Actions:
Create information materials targeting for multifamily building owners and
operators.
Identify and prioritize engagement to under-resourced areas and multifamily
buildings in the City that are eligible to participate in income-qualified programs.
Utilize trusted communication channels and networks of building owners to share
energy-saving actions.
o Multifamily housing associations.
o
Collaborate with rental inspectors on multifamily energy efficiency information.
o Add a question on the rental license application that asks whether the
property owner or manager is interested in learning more about energy
efficiency.
Implementation Partners
Partners identified to help during implementation include:
City of Fridley staff, including City Lead, Communications Division, Building
Inspections, Rental Inspection, and Police Department
Fridley Housing and Redevelopment Authority and Business Retention and
Expansion Team
Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)
Multifamily housing associations and property managers
Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs)
Partners in Energy
31
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Impact
Achieving the goals outlined here will generate important benefits for business
engagement and retention, as well as lower energy use. Achieving 5 percent energy
savings by 2020 will result in an estimated 16,836,281 kWh and 717,088 therms saved,
which would be equivalent to 12,010 MTCOe in avoided emissions. Through increased
2
efficiencies, businesses are anticipated to save an estimated $1.8 million between 2019
and 2020.
Figure 16: Projected Business and Multifamily Building Energy Use and Savings
2,800,000
2,700,000
2,600,000
2,500,000
u
t
B
2,400,000
M
M
2,300,000
2,200,000
2,100,000
2,000,000
2015202020252030
BAU GrowthHistoric ParticipationEnergy Action Plan Impact
Long-term Business and Multifamily Energy Strategies
Achieving the goals outlined in this section and continued engagement of businesses
and multifamily buildings will result in businesses and multifamily buildings reducing
their energy use an estimated 17 percent by 2030, as compared to business as usual;
which is 3 percent below their goal of a 20 percent reduction in energy use by 2030.
The Energy Action Team identified opportunities to achieve their goal of a 20 percent
reduction in energy use capitalizing on advancing technology and processes for
increased efficiency in manufacturing; expanded funding resources and incentives to
inspire businesses and multifamily buildings to take action; and new multifamily and
mixed-use redevelopment being more efficient than the older industrial or commercial
properties they replaced. Resources, partners, and specific actionable strategies will
need to be identified by the Energy Action Team, the City of Fridley, and the
Environmental Quality and Energy Commission to address these opportunities.
32
Focus Area 3: Institutions
38
While Institutions represent approximately 4 percent of total energy use, they
constitute important .These organizations
demonstrate leadership through action. Institutions are viewed as responsible public
stewards and are often in a position to influence others to take action. The City in
particular is an important leader in reducing energy use and achieving the Energy
The institutions focus area includes schools, worship facilities, hospitals and medical
service centers, government buildings, day care centers, and nonprofit organizations.
39
There are a total of 211 electric premises in this category, including 104 that belong to
the City of Fridley.
40
Figure 17: Institution Energy Consumption, 2017
27%
73%
City of FridleyOther Institutions
Municipal Energy
The City of Fridley consumed 4,674,909 kWh of electricity and 73,357 therms of natural
gas in 2017. The water treatment plants consume the most energy among municipal
facilities three treatment plants represented 45 percent of total municipal energy
consumption in 2017 (see Figure 18). In the past, the City of Fridley received treated
38
To classify institutions, Partners in Energy reviewed NAICS codes and premise names on the
commercial and industrial electric premise list.
39
Four premises were removed for 15x15 violations and their energy use is included in the Business and
Multifamily focus area.
40
Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy, Estimates based on modeling and projections by Partners in
Energy.
33
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
water from the City of New Brighton at virtually no cost. In the last three years, the City
of Fridley no longer receives the treated water from New Brighton, resulting in the City
needing to increase capacity at their wells and pumps about 27 percent. To reduce
energy use of its water infrastructure, the City installed more efficient variable frequency
drives in the last five years. The Cityalso made some
operational changes to help offset increased energy use.
The City of Fridley is currently constructing a new civic campus to consolidate four
departments: City Hall, Public Safety, Public Works, and Fire Station 1. The new civic
campus, which will open in the fall of 2018, is estimated to increase municipal electricity
consumption by 350,000 kWh and 20,000 therms. As part of the design process, the
program to learn how to
increase energy efficiency and identify cost-savings opportunities. Additional
opportunities may exist at these buildings, but municipal strategies in this sector will be
primarily focused at other City-owned buildings and properties.
41
Figure 18: Total Municipal Buildings Energy Consumption, 2017
Water - Water Department
Municipal Center
Liquor Store
Public Works
Signals
Parks - Shelter
Water - Well/Pump
Springbrook Nature Center
Fire Department
Parks - No Shelter
Police Department
Water - Storm Water
Historical Society
New Municipal Center
02,0004,0006,0008,00010,00012,000
MMBtu
Other efficiency opportunities include upgrading to energy efficient lighting at parks,
including field lighting, tennis court lighting, park shelters, and parking lots; upgrading
41
Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy.
34
lighting at water treatment plants and facilities; and completing a commercial
refrigeration efficiency assessment at a municipal-owned liquor store.
Worship Facilities
Worship facilities can be important energy leaders and trusted resources that value
responsible environmental stewardship. In addition to addressing efficiency in their own
buildings, congregations can play an important role in engaging members in energy
action at home.
Worship facilities are unique because there are variable times of heavy use, which can
change depending on the day of the week or season. Opportunities for energy efficiency
include upgrading lighting to LEDs, installing occupancy sensors to control lighting in
rooms when they are not in use, and using programmable thermostats to control room
temperatures. Strategies to engage worship facilities include one-on-one outreach with
information about actions the facility can take related to energy efficiency and
renewable energy. Strategies also include engaging congregants to take action at their
home, which can contribute toward the greater good and benefit the worship facility.
Schools
There are six public schools and five private schools in Fridley. The public schools are
spread between three different school districts Fridley ISD 14 has five elementary,
middle, and high schools in the community, plus two elementary schools from Spring
Lake Park ISD 16 and Columbia Heights ISD 13. The private schools include Totino-
Grace, a large high school with some on-site residents, as well as three charter and
religious schools.
Schools tend to be high-energy users, and are often housed in older buildings. Similar
to worship facilities, schools can demonstrate leadership through energy action at their
buildings. Schools can also integrate learning into efficiency projects, building in
engagement with students. Through increased energy efficiency, cost savings can be
used toward other student programming.
Since Fridley ISD 14 and other schools in Fridley have their own facility managers and
capital improvement plans, strategies in this plan focus on technical assistance to help
schools develop energy plans and sharing information about resources. As schools
develop energy plans, there is an opportunity for the City of Fridley to further engage
schools in taking additional energy action.
Institution Energy Goals and Strategies
s for institutions are to increase energy savings and reduce total energy
use:
By 2020, institutions will achieve 5 percent energy savings;
By 2030, institutions will reduce total energy use 15 percent, as compared to
business as usual.
35
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
To achieve these goals, the Energy Action Team placed emphasis on increased
participation in lighting efficiency programs, and free energy audits and assessments.
The Energy Action Team identified a wide range of barriers to engaging institutions
because of the different building and organization types included in this focus area.
Strategies were developed to overcome barriers, and the team agreed that focusing on
communicating the benefits to taking action will help inspire action among the
Table 12: Institution Barriers and Benefits
Barriers Benefits
Often rent building Cost savings
Long budget cycle Responsible public steward
Not in line with primary mission Align with organization goals and values
Management and decision making Influencing others; be in a position to
structure influence
Not aware of energy costs Available budget can be spent elsewhere
Older building Sense of responsibility
Hard to understand cost-benefit Contributing to the public good
Limited resources
Lack of staff
No up-front cash
Lack of interest
Table 13: Institutions Strategies
Focus Area: Institutions
Strategy 1: Engage worship facilities in energy action.
Actions:
Make a contact list and complete phone surveys to identify decision makers and
management structures within worship facilities.
Conduct one-on-one outreach and follow-up to engage interest in building energy
audits and assessments.
Assess interest in renewable energy and on-site community solar gardens as
part of outreach, with the potential for connecting interested congregations to
renewable opportunities.
o Share case studies of worship facility action.
Establish partnerships with church creation care committees/green teams to:
o Develop small scale energy plans with specific actions to implement.
o Promote residential energy efficiency through energy challenge, linking
energy savings with donations to help the facility make energy upgrades.
o Use Congregation Toolkit to inspire action.
36
Focus Area: Institutions
Strategy 2: Demonstrate City leadership in reducing energy use in City facilities.
Actions:
Educate City staff on municipal efforts to reduce energy use and efficient building
operations, and share information on office behavior changes.
Evaluate and pursue opportunities to reduce energy use, including:
o Liquor store participation in refrigeration efficiency program;
o Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) for irrigation and fountains;
o Updating outdoor and parks lighting with LEDs.
Highlight efficient features at new Civic Center and other city facilities using City
communication channels.
Publish case studies about efficient and renewable features at new Civic Center,
Springbrook Nature Center, and municipal-owned liquor stores.
Track City facility energy use in benchmarking software.
Strategy 3: Identify ways to reduce energy use in water treatment plants located
in Fridley.
Actions:
Identify actions already taken by water treatment facilities located in Fridley to
reduce energy use.
Partner with Xcel Energy to reach out to representatives from water utilities with
plants located in Fridley to discuss additional opportunities to reduce energy use.
Partner with MnTAP to support Fridley water utility in implementing energy
management best practices.
Strategy 4: Partner with schools, hospitals, and other medical or education
centers located in Fridley to reduce energy use in their facilities.
Actions:
Provide technical assistance to school and hospital facility managers interested
in benchmarking or developing energy-savings plans, and share financing
opportunities.
o Work with utility account managers to support implementing efficiency
projects and accessing rebates.
Identify schools or medical facilities that have taken action toward energy
conservation or renewable energy to feature in case studies.
Work with students to create a video about energy efficient behavior changes
that can help save on energy costs.
37
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Focus Area: Institutions
Strategy 5: Integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy into City
development review process.
Actions:
Collaborate with Development Review Committee to identify areas of opportunity
to encourage energy efficiency or renewable energy use during review process.
Create packet to provide developers at Development Review Committee with
information on how to integrate efficiency and renewable energy into new
construction and building rehabilitation/additions.
Research available policy and program options for sustainable building policy,
with examples of similar initiatives in other cities.
Develop policy proposals with assistance of the Environmental Quality and
Energy Commission and present to the Planning Commission and City Council
for consideration.
Implementation Partners
Partners identified to help during implementation include:
City of Fridley staff, including City Lead, City Facilities Manager, Communications
Division, Development Review Committee, and Police Department
Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Nonprofit organizations, including Interfaith Power and Light, Alliance for
Sustainability, and EnerChange
Congregation and faith leaders
Creation Care teams at congregations
Student-led green teams at schools
MnTAP
Partners in Energy
Utility Account Managers
Relationships have not been established with all partners identified. City Lead and
EQEC will be responsible for establishing initial partnerships.
Impact
Institutions are projected to achieve their goals of 5 percent energy savings by 2020 and
15 percent reduction in energy use by 2030 (Figure 19). By 2020, Institutions are
estimated to save 1,963,473 kWh and 2,104 therms, which would be equivalent to 854
MTCOe in avoided emissions. Impact will also be seen through increased engagement
2
where institutions acting as public energy stewards will
inspire action among others. These actions will likely be seen in the residential sector
through inspiration from worship facilities; and in businesses through leadership from
the City of Fridley, medical facilities, and other government buildings.
38
Figure 19: Projected Institutions Energy Use and Savings
140,000
135,000
130,000
125,000
u
t
B
120,000
M
M
115,000
110,000
105,000
100,000
2015202020252030
BAU GrowthHistoric ParticipationEnergy Action Plan Impact
39
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Focus Area 4: Transportation and Electric Vehicles
Transportation and electric vehicles were identified as important focus areas with short-
term actions that will generate long-term benefit. Electric vehicles help reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, benefit public health by improving air quality, and increase
cost-savings for owners over the lifetime of the vehicle. A small working group met
outside the five planning workshops to identify strategies that will help push Fridley
forward in adoption of electric vehicles. The group noted that it is important to help raise
awareness and provide education about alternative transportation opportunities and
electric vehicles. Lack of knowledge, negative perception, and upfront costs to owning
an electric vehicle were identified as barriers to taking action; strategies focus on
educating and increasing awareness for Fridley residents, workers, and businesses.
Existing Policy and Practice
The City of Fridley is participating in Cities Charging Ahead!, a municipal cohort
organized by Great Plains Institute and Clean Energy Resource Teams. The cohort
receives technical assistance on actions and best practices that local governments can
implement to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles. Cities Charging Ahead!
participants identify a GreenSteps Cities best practice they will work toward. The City of
Fridley chose best practice action 6.5 Adopt climate mitigation and/or energy
independence goals and objectives in the comprehensive plan or in a separate policy
document.
City of Fridley is also completing a fleet analysis with FleetCarma through an Xcel
Energy pilot. This analysis looks at the C
and identifies where opportunities may exist to electrify fleet vehicles.
Existing Infrastructure
There is limited public charging infrastructure in the City of Fridley. There is one public
charging station located near two major thoroughfares, University Avenue and Interstate
694. To increase access to public charging stations, strategies in this plan include
educating businesses about the different options available for adding on-site charging
stations and installing at least one station at a City-owned building or property. The City
is also installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure at their new civic campus, so
that it is electric vehicle ready.
Transportation and Electric Vehicles Goals and Strategies
Success in this focus area is measured through participation counts and points of
contact; and is dependent on establishing partnerships with electric vehicle
organizations and advocates.
By 2020, conduct an outreach campaign to raise awareness about electric
vehicles, with the goal of reaching 500 residents and individuals who work in
Fridley;
By 2020, reach 10 businesses and multifamily buildings through a targeted
outreach campaign to encourage installation of charging infrastructure;
40
By 2020, install one electric vehicle charging station at a City-owned building or
location.
Action Team identified messaging that overcomes barriers such as lack of knowledge,
mindset/perception, and lack of awareness as important components of all strategies in
this focus area.
Table 14: Electric Vehicles Barriers and Benefits
Barriers Benefits
Variety of vehicles available Emissions reduction/environmental impact
Lack of knowledge or expertise at Lower maintenance costs over lifetime of
dealerships vehicle
Lack of charging infrastructure Tax credits/rebates
Growing public infrastructure (free
Mindset/perception
charging)
Lack of awareness Better mileage
Upfront cost to purchase Health
Upfront cost to install charging station at
Ability to charge at home
home
Driving range (miles per charge) Ability to source fuel renewably
Table 15: Transportation and Electric Vehicles Strategies
Focus Area: Transportation and Electric Vehicles
Strategy 1: Raise awareness about electric vehicle ownership to residents and
individuals who work in Fridley.
Actions:
Table at five events to educate attendees about electric vehicle ownership.
o Leverage existing community events for tabling: 49er Days, Springbrook
Environmental Fair, Farmers Market.
o Identify channels to bring electric vehicles to tabling events (e.g. existing
owners, car dealerships, electric vehicle organizations).
Design informational materials to help educate and normalize electric vehicle
ownership.
o Craft message using barriers and benefits list, focusing on benefits most
.
o Use City social media to distribute materials and promote tabling events.
o Work with City videographer to create short PSA about ownership.
Establish partnerships with electric vehicle organizations to co-host tables
Write articles for City newsletters (Community Connection and Business e-
Newsletter).
o Interview electric vehicle owners for testimonials to include in newsletter
articles.
o Interview Fridley business with electric vehicle charging stations.
o .
41
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Focus Area: Transportation and Electric Vehicles
o
charging infrastructure.
Partner with Fridley Community Education to have a class on electric vehicles
and plug-in hybrids.
Strategy 2: Conduct one-on-one outreach to business and multifamily buildings
to encourage installation of charging infrastructure.
Actions:
Create information materials to distribute during outreach.
o Materials should focus on types of charging infrastructure and benefits to
customers.
Partner with electric vehicle organizations to assist with outreach.
Identify destinations, large employers, hotels, and major attractions where
charging infrastructure makes sense.
Partner with businesses applying to MPCA Volkswagen settlement grant to
spread awareness and get testimonials.
Partner with Xcel Energy to deliver presentations about electric vehicle charging
stations and special rate programs.
Strategy 3: Integrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure into development
review process to encourage action.
Actions:
Work with City planning staff to add language to development review process
encouraging charging infrastructure.
Strategy 4: Educate City staff about electrifying fleet vehicles and installing
charging stations.
Actions:
Partner with local auto dealerships and other electric vehicle organizations to
host one ride and drive event for City staff.
o Coordinate event near Earth
Partner with Xcel Energy to present to City staff about electrifying fleet vehicles.
o Coordinate presentation to align with 2020 budget cycle kick-off.
Use findings from FleetCarma study and Cities Charging Ahead! to craft
message.
Identify City-owned opportunity sites for a charging station.
Implementation Partners
Partnerships with electric vehicle organizations and volunteers are important to realizing
success in this focus area. During the planning process, the Energy Action Team
identified the following organizations as potential partners for implementation of this
PlugInConnect
Minnesota Electric Vehicles Owners group
Cities Charging Ahead!
42
American Lung Association
Drive Electric Minnesota
Midwest EVOLVE
43
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Impact of Energy Action Plan
The combined goals and strategies outlined in this plan will have a significant impact on
decreasing energy use and reducing carbon footprint. Overall, achieving the
short-term goals laid out in this plan will result in an estimated 5 percent reduction in
energy use below business as usual by 2020, and 14 percent by 2030 (Figure 20). This
represents an incremental increase in kWh savings of 4.6 percent and therm savings of
2.1 percent over projected historic participation savings by 2030.
42
Figure 20: Projected Energy Consumption and Savings
4,500,000
4,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
u
2,500,000
t
B
M
2,000,000
M
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
2015202020252030
BAU GrowthHistoric ParticipationEnergy Action Plan Impact
42
Projected energy consumption and savings includes both electricity and natural gas. BAU Growth
scenario represents a presumed slight increase in energy demand based on residential and commercial
energy demand of about 0.5 percent per year. It is assumed institutions demand will increase in 2019
when the new civic campus opens, but stay relatively flat in future years.
44
43
Figure 21: Projected Energy Consumption and Savings by Focus Area
4,500,000
4,000,000
3,500,000
3,000,000
u
2,500,000
t
B
M
2,000,000
M
1,500,000
1,000,000
500,000
-
2015202020252030
Remaining EnergyResidential
Business and MultifamilyInstitutions
BAU Growth
Fridley is expected to make strides toward reducing its energy-related greenhouse gas
emissions, which will contribution toward climate change. The
44
combined impact of the focus area goals beyond anticipated grid decarbonization is
projected to result in a 30 percent reduction in energy-related greenhouse gas
45
emissions (Figure 22). This reduction is important to Fridley increasing resiliency in
the community. Further reductions are possible through increased renewable energy
subscriptions, renewable energy generation, and energy efficiency.
43
Projected energy consumption and savings includes both electricity and natural gas. BAU Growth
scenario represents a presumed slight increase in energy demand based on residential and commercial
energy demand of about 0.5 percent per year. It is assumed institutions demand will increase in 2019
when the new civic campus opens, but stay relatively flat in future years.
44
Grid decarbonization is the current planned reduction in the carbon intensity of electricity provided by
Xcel Energy through the addition of low or no carbon energy sources to the electricity grid.
45
Reduction based on 2017 baseline.
45
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Figure 22: Projected Energy-related Greenhouse Gas Emission Reductions
350,000
300,000
250,000
e 200,000
2
O
C
t
150,000
M
100,000
50,000
-
2015202020252030
Remaining EmissionsResidential
Business and MultifamilyInstitutions
Grid DecarbonizationBAU Growth (No Change in EF)
2017 Baseline
Long-term Strategies
The Energy Action Team will need to identify additional strategies, resources, and
partners in all focus areas to achieve its community-wide goal of 20 percent reduction in
energy use by 2030 current strategies result in a 14 percent reduction in energy use.
The Energy Action Team identified businesses and multifamily buildings, which includes
large energy users, as an opportunity to achieve additional energy savings. Continued
engagement in this focus area will be important to ensuring energy action and increased
efficiency. With the help of grid decarbonization, achieving a 20 percent reduction in
energy use by 2030 will result in a 37 percent reduction in energy-related greenhouse
gas emissions.
Plan Implementation
The goals and strategies outlined in this plan represent priorities for action over the next
two years, with the intention that the momentum generated will continue into the future.
A detailed work plan that outlines tasks, roles, and timeline is included in Appendix 4.
46
City staff, and the Environmental Planner in particular, will serve as project lead on plan
implementation, and the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission will provide
boots-on-the-ground support. However, engagement of additional community volunteers
and business representatives will be critical in successfully achieving plan goals. A core
team will be designated by the Energy Action Team to work closely with Partners in
Energy on strategy implementation during the first 18 months. Partners in Energy will
provide support in four main areas: project management, technical expertise, data
tracking to measure progress toward goals, and marketing and communications. An
implementation Memorandum of Understanding will be signed as a first step, outlining
specific actions and energy conservation goals to be achieved during this time period.
Roles and Responsibilities
Implementing the strategies laid out in this plan will require leadership and collaboration
from a team of partners, including City staff, Environmental Quality and Energy
Commission members, and the Energy Action Team. To ensure plan success, this
section outlines the following roles and responsibilities for the first 18 months of
implementation. Specific responsibilities are further detailed in Appendix 5.
City of Fridley
Invest staff resources in supporting plan implementation.
Dedicate one or more pages on the City website for providing information and
resources to help residents and businesses access utility programs and rebates,
and support renewable energy.
Leverage existing City events and communication channels to promote energy
efficiency and renewable energy.
Integrate energy efficiency into Home Loan Program application, Development
Review Committee, and City permitting process.
Establish partnerships with local service providers, institutions, and creation care
teams.
Assist with door-knocking efforts in multifamily buildings, manufactured home
parks, and business blitz.
Lead by example through investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy
in City facilities.
Benchmark City energy use.
Engage City staff from all departments in supporting energy conservation and
energy efficient operations.
Provide information about residential and commercial energy efficiency programs
and rebates at the City permit desk and Development Review Committee.
Recognize businesses using existing events and website.
Encourage manufacturers to host energy tours.
Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Assist with door-knocking efforts in manufactured home parks and business blitz.
47
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Table at existing events and leverage existing communication channels to
promote energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Establish partnerships with local service providers, property owners, institutions,
creation care teams, and electric vehicle organizations.
Research policy and program options for sustainable development, and present
to City Council.
Energy Action Team
Become advocates for achieving Energy Action Plan goals.
Promote engagement of residents in energy action.
Identify strategies and resources to support energy use reductions to achieve
long-term goals.
Partners in Energy
Assist with designing informational materials for residents, businesses,
multifamily buildings, and institutions.
Write and publish case studies, newsletter articles, and press releases.
Identify ways to reduce energy use in water treatment plants located in Fridley.
Provide technical assistance in energy benchmarking or development energy
saving plans.
Leverage existing relationships to connect the City of Fridley and EQEC with
local service providers.
Support door-knocking and tabling efforts with marketing materials, talking
points, and tabling kits.
Provide biannual reports for tracking progress toward goals.
Provide overall project management support and coordination during the first 18
months of plan implementation.
Implementation Launch
The Energy Action Team and City staff will work together to promote the Energy Action
Plan with press and social media coverage announcing the adoption of the plan, and an
engagement page will be added to the City website with additional information for
residents, businesses, multifamily buildings, and institutions.
How We Will Stay On Course
As part of implementation support, Partners in Energy will provide biannual progress
reports that include metrics of success and overall progress toward goals. These
reports will be made available to the public through the City of Fridley website. Results
of these reports will be analyzed to assess whether a change in course is needed. An
in-person meeting will take place at the mid-point of implementation to evaluate overall
progress in each of the focus areas and set priorities for the remaining time period. The
Energy Action Team and Environmental Quality and Energy Commission will be invited
to reconvene at the halfway point of implementation to evaluate whether Fridley is on
48
track to meet its goals, and whether goals should be revised to be more ambitious or
expanded to include additional priorities.
49
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Appendix 1: Implementation Memorandum of Understanding
50
Appendix 2: Who Are We? Community Background
The City of Fridley is a fully developed community just north of the City of Minneapolis.
Its area is approximately 10 square miles, and it is located in Anoka County.
Geography, Population, and Demographics
Fridley is a first-ring suburb located just 15 minutes north of downtown Minneapolis with
major transit corridors, including Interstate 694, Central Avenue (TH-65) and University
Avenue (TH-47), and access to the Mississippi River along its western border.
Although population has remained steady, with 27,447 residents in 2016, Fridley has
become increasingly diverse and younger:
Median age has decreased 2.5 years from 38.3 in 2010 to 35.8 in 2016;
18.2 percent of families speak a language other than English at home; and
46
14 percent of the population is foreign-born.
Fridley is home to six public schools in three school districts and five private schools,
47
totaling over 3,500 students. Ninety percent of the population has graduated from high
school and 27.2 percent
Median household income in Fridley is $55,006 and 12.3 percent of residents live in
poverty (compared to 11.3 percent statewide). An estimated 2,750 households earn
less than 50 percent of state median income (SMI), the eligibility threshold for utility low-
income programs. The highest concentration of households below 50 percent SMI is in
the census tract located north of Interstate 694, west of University Avenue, and south of
Mississippi Street.
Housing
Fridle-occupied and renter-occupied units,
-nine percent of units are more than
30 years old.
Tenure breakdown is 62.5 percent owner-occupied and 37.5 percent renter-occupied
units. One third of housing units are in multifamily buildings, creating a unique
opportunity for multifamily and renter engagement.
Business and Economy
Fridley has a strong economic base the City is home to the largest number of
employees in Anoka County with 22,737 jobs. Fridley employment is forecasted to grow
48
to 26,100 jobs by 2040. Manufacturing is the largest industry, representing 37 percent
46
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2012-2016 5-year Estimates.
47
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2012-2016 5-year Estimates, Fridley Public
Schools, and Totino-Grace High School enrollment.
48
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Quarterly Census of Employment
nd
and Wages, 2 quarter data, 2017.
51
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
49
of all jobs in the City. The C average at
50
3.8 percent in 2017 but is below the national unemployment rate.
Major employers include Medtronic, Cummins Power Generation, and Unity Medical
Center.
51
Table 16: Major Employers in Fridley
Major Employer Sector Number of Employees
Medtronic, Inc. Medical/Technology 3,464
Cummins Power Generation Energy Generators 1,210
Unity Medical Center Medical 1,138
Target Retail 696
BAE Systems Security 600
ISD 14 (Fridley Schools) Education 580
Minco Products, Inc. Manufacturing 515
Walmart Retail 312
Kurt Manufacturing Manufacturing 295
Treehouse Foods Food Manufacturing 206
Local Outreach and Communication Channels
Engaging the community is critical to reaching Action Plan goals. Table
17 lists some of the ways that residents and businesses currently receive information.
These communication channels will be helpful during implementation efforts.
49
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Quarterly Census of Employment
nd
and Wages, 2 quarter data, 2017.
50
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Local Area Unemployment
Statistics, 2017.
51
City of Fridley, 2016.
52
Table 17: Local Outreach Channels
Local Outreach Channels
City Communications
Website
Social media (Facebook, Twitter,
NextDoor)
CityTV
Email updates (Fridley4U)
Community Connection, bi-monthly
newsletter
Quarterly business newsletter
Business retention visits
Cops & Clergy group
Electronic billboard on University Ave.
New Resident Packet
Other Communication Channels
Local newspapers
o Sun Focus
o Northeaster
Fridley Patch
Civic Organizations
Source: City of Fridley, Community
Homeowners Associations
Connection, May/June 2018 Issue
Neighborhood Associations
Mississippi Library bulletin board
Events
Farmers Market
49er Days
Springbrook Environmental Fun Fair
Night to Unite
Municipal Open House
Manufacturing Week
Small Business Saturday
Independent Retailer Month
Summer Concert Series
Springbrook Nature Center Camps
53
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Appendix 3: Methodology for Measuring Success
As part of implementation support, Partners in Energy will provide biannual progress
reports that include metrics of success and overall progress toward goals. The following
section defines how progress toward goals will be measured. All 2020 goals will be
measured through the implementation closeout date, as agreed to in the
Implementation Memorandum of Understanding. All 2030 goals will be measured
through the end of the year 2030.
For purposes of this plan, the business as usual scenario represents a presumed slight
increase in energy demand based on residential and commercial energy demand of
about 0.5 percent per year. It is assumed institutions demand will increase in 2019
when the new civic campus opens, but stay relatively flat in future years.
Community-wide Goal:
1. Reduce energy use 5 percent by 2020, and 20 percent by 2030, as compared to
business as usual.
The community-wide goal will be measured by comparing actual kWh and therm
consumption, measured in MMBtu, against projected community-wide MMBtu
consumption based on the business as usual scenario. Projected community-wide
MMBtu consumption in 2020 is 3,747,985 MMBtu, and in 2030 is 3,932,786 MMBtu.
Residential Energy Goals:
1. By 2020, Fridley residents will take 1,200 additional actions toward energy
conservation and renewable energy.
2. By 2030, residents will reduce total energy use 10 percent, as compared to
business as usual.
Goal one assumes the three-year participation average of 964 actions will continue in
2018, 2019, and 2020. The baseline that goal one will be measured against is the three-
year participation average of 964 actions. Goal one will be measured by counting all
actions taken in 2019 and 2020 above the 964 actions baseline.
Goal two will be measured by comparing actual kWh and therm consumption, measured
in MMBtu, against projected residential MMBtu consumption based on the business as
usual scenario. Projected residential business as usual MMBtu consumption for 2030 is
1,037,362 MMBtu.
Businesses and Multifamily Buildings Goals:
1. By 2020, business and multifamily buildings will achieve 5 percent energy
savings.
2. By 2030, business and multifamily buildings will reduce total energy use 20
percent, as compared to business as usual.
54
Goal one will be measured by combining actual kWh and therm savings, measured in
MMBtu, in 2019 and 2020 (MMBtu). MMBtu will be measured against 2017
savedsaved
MMBtu consumption.
Goal two will be measured by comparing actual kWh and therm consumption, measured
in MMBtu, against projected business and multifamily buildings MMBtu consumption
based on the business as usual scenario. Projected business and multifamily buildings
business as usual MMBtu consumption for 2030 is 2,761,076 MMBtu.
Institutions Goals:
1. By 2020, institutions will achieve 5 percent energy savings.
2. By 2030, institutions will reduce total energy use 15 percent, as compared to
business as usual.
Goal one will be measured by combining actual kWh and therm savings, measured in
MMBtu, in 2019 and 2020 (MMBtu). MMBtu will be measured against 2017
savedsaved
MMBtu consumption.
Goal two will be measured by comparing actual kWh and therm consumption, measured
in MMBtu, against projected institutions MMBtu consumption based on the business as
usual scenario. Projected institutions business as usual MMBtu consumption for 2030 is
134,349 MMBtu.
Transportation and Electric Vehicles Goals:
1. By 2020, conduct an outreach campaign to raise awareness about electric
vehicles, with the goal of reaching 500 residents and individuals who work in
Fridley.
2. By 2020, reach 10 businesses and multifamily buildings through a targeted
outreach campaign to encourage installation of charging infrastructure.
3. By 2020, install one electric vehicle charging station at a City-owned building or
location.
Goals one and two will be measured through points of contact. Points of contact will be
quantified by sign-in sheets at presentations and lunch and learns, count of collateral
pieces distributed at tabling events, count of individuals spoken to at tabling events,
count of businesses and multifamily buildings contacted through door-knocking, and
count of one-on-one outreach calls completed.
Goal three will be measured by the count of charging stations installed at City-owned
buildings and properties. The baseline is zero.
55
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Appendix 4: Glossary of Terms
Energy Action Plan: A written plan that includes an integrated approach to all aspects
of energy management and efficiency. This includes both short- and long-term goals,
strategies, and metrics to track performance.
Goals: The results toward which efforts and actions are directed. There can be a
number of objectives and goals outlined in order to successfully implement a plan.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation
and significantly contribute to climate change. The primary greenhouse gases in the
earth's atmosphere are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
GreenStep Cities: Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance
and recognition program managed by a public-private partnership to help cities achieve
their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. More information is available at:
greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/.
kWh (kilowatt-hour): A unit of electricity consumption.
MMBtu (million British thermal units): A unit of energy consumption that allows both
electricity and natural gas consumption to be combined.
MTCOe (metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent): A unit of measure for
2
greenhouse gas emissions. The unit "COe" represents an amount of a GHG whose
2
atmospheric impact has been standardized to that of one unit mass of carbon dioxide
(CO), based on the global warming potential (GWP) of the gas.
2
Premise: A unique identifier for the location of electricity or natural gas service. In most
cases it is a facility location. There can be multiple premises per building, and multiple
premises per individual debtor.
Therm: A unit of natural gas consumption.
Trade Ally: Trade Allies, or Business Trade Partners, are vendors and contractors
who work with business and residential customers servicing, installing, and providing
consulting services regarding the equipment associated with utility rebate programs.
Their support for utility programs can range from providing equipment, assisting with
rebate paperwork, to receiving rebates for equipment sold.
56
Appendix 5: Work Plan and Timeline
Residential Energy
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Other Resources
Actions 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020 Responsible Support Required
Partners in
Analyze resident
Energy,
survey to inform City Lead Polco results
City
marketing campaign
Communications
Create materials to
promote energy
efficiency at home,
including materials City Lead, Money for printing
Partners in
in other languages City materials,
Energy
and materials Communications Translation services
targeted at under-
resourced
households
Create solar panel
City Lead,
installation checklist City
Partners in Website page
and include on City Communications
Energy
website
Target
neighborhoods with Partners in Assessing data,
City
older homes with Energy Postage for mailing
informational mailer
Target new
Partners in
residents using new City Informational materials
Energy
resident packet
Door-knock at Informational
City Lead, Partners in
manufactured home materials,
EQEC Enregy
parksTalking points
Use existing events Tabling kits,
and communicaion Informational
channels to promote City Lead, Partners in materials,
energy efficiency EQEC Energy Volunteers,
and residential Social media content
campaign materials and press releases
Update Home Loan
Program application, City
website, and City Lead, Communications, Content,
marketing materials HRA Partners in Talking points
to emphasize Energy
energy efficiency
City
Include energy Communications,
efficiency at City's Building
City Lead Informational materials
building permit desk Department,
and on website Partners in
Energy
Create energy
efficiency insert for Partners in City
Insert
City's water utility Energy Communications
bills
Partner with senior
center on actions Partners in Behavior change
City Lead
senior citizens can Energy information
take home
57
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Residential Energy
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Other Resources
Actions 2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020 Responsible Support Required
Collaborate with
local food shelves
and service
City Lead EQEC Informational materials
providers to reach
under-resourced
populations
Leverage existing Property
partnerships with City Lead, managers,
Informational
property managers City Rental Home Energy
materials,
at multifamily Department, Squad,
Talking points
buildings to share EQEC Local service
information organizations
Leverage existing
contacts, networks,
events to reach City EQEC Informational materials
under-resourced
residents
Businesses and Multifamily Buildings
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1
Other Resources
Actions
2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020
Responsible Support Required
Create informational
materials about
actions and City
programs for Communications,
Partners in Case study examples,
business and Business
Energy Information on ROI
multifamily, Retention and
including case Expansion Team
studies and funding
information
Distribute
informational Building Money for printing
materials at building Department materials,
City Lead
permit counter and City Talking points,
city communication Communications Website
channels
Include energy
efficiency City
messaging in City Communications
Newsletter content,
business e- City Lead Business
Informational materials
newsletter and Retention and
business rentention Expansion Team
visits
City
Communications,
Conduct outreach Business
on MNTAP intern City Lead Retention and Informational materials
program Expansion
Team,
MNTAP
Launch door-
Business
knocking Informational
Retention and
campaign(s) to City Lead, materials,
Expansion
promote energy EQEC Talking points,
Team,
audits, energy Volunteer training
CERTs
efficiency, and
58
Businesses and Multifamily Buildings
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1
Other Resources
Actions
2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020
Responsible Support Required
renewable energy to
local businesses
City Lead, Partners in
Host lunch and learn Meeting location,
Business Energy,
for businesses Meeting refreshments
Retention and Utility Program
about City and lunch
Expansion Reps,
actions/experiences Presentation content
Team EQEC
Identify and target List of under-resourced
engagement in City Lead, areas and buildings
EQEC
under-resourced HRA Targeted informational
areas and buildings materials
Multifamily
Use existing
housing
communication
associations,
channels and
City Police Information materials
relationships to
Communications Department, for different platforms
share information
City HRA,
with multifamily
Buildings
buildings
Department
Collaborate with
Partners in
rental inspections to
Energy, Information materials,
promote energy City Lead
Rental Talking points
efficiency in
Inspectors
multifamily buildings
Institutions
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1
Other Resources
Actions
2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020
Responsible Support Required
List of worship
EQEC,
facilities,
Interfaith Power
Engage worship Mailing funds,
and Light,
facilities in energy Scripts and talking
City Lead Alliance for
action and points,
Sustainability,
renewable energy Informational
Cops and Clergy,
materials,
EnerChange
Case studies
Establish
partnerships with
creation care teams Congregation toolkit,
EQEC,
to promote Scripts and talking
City Lead Partners in
residential energy points,
Energy
efficiency and create Informational materials
small scale energy
plans
Educate city staff
Partners in
about efficient
Energy, Presentation materials,
building operations,
City Lead Xcel Energy Behavior change
utility rebates and
Account materials
programs, and
Manager
behavior changes
59
FRIDLEY ENERGY ACTION PLAN
Institutions
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1
Other Resources
Actions
2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020
Responsible Support Required
Pursue opportunities City Lead, List of future
to reduce energy City Facilities Xcel Energy projects/improvements,
use in city buildings Manager Account Rebate information,
and properties Manager ROI information
Information on
improvements,
Publish case studies Photos of
for new civic City Lead, improvements,
Partners in
campus and Facilities ROI and rebate
Energy
Springbrook Nature Manager information,
Center Communication
channels to share
highlights
Highlight efficient
features at Civic
Center open house Informational materials
using City Partners in and posters,
City Lead
communication Energy Social media content
channels and and press releases
informational
materials
Complete energy Xcel Energy
benchmarking for City Lead Benchmarking B3 support
City Facilities tool
Identify ways to
reduce energy use
Xcel Energy
in water treatment
Account
plants located in Partners in
Managers, Talking points
Fridley in Energy
MnTAP,
partnership with
City Lead
Xcel Energy and
MnTAP
Provide technical
Informational
assistance to school
Xcel Energy and materials,
and hospital facility City Lead,
CenterPoint ROI information,
managers interested Partners in
Energy Account Communication
in benchmarking or Energy
Managers channels to share
developing energy
information
saving plans
One-on-one
outreach to school Xcel Energy and
and hospitals to CenterPoint
City Lead
identify existing Energy Account
actions and potential Managers
resources
City
Funding to film and
Communications,
Work with students Identify school edit video,
Partners in
to create behavior partner to take Content for video,
Energy,
change video lead Volunteers to
School green
participate
teams/students
Collaborate with
DRC to identify Development
areas of opportunity City Lead Review
for energy efficiency Committee
in review process
60
Institutions
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1
Other Resources
Actions
2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020
Responsible Support Required
Create energy
City Lead
efficiency and
Partners in Development
renewable energy Informational materials
Energy Review
packet for
Committee
developers at DRC
Transportation and Electric Vehicles
Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1
Other Resources
Actions
2018 2019 2019 2019 2019 2020
Responsible Support Required
Tabling kits,
Table 5 events to Informational
City Lead,
educate attendees materials,
EQEC Partners in
about electric Volunteers,
Energy
vehicle ownership Social media content
and press releases
Design electric
vehicle information
Case study examples,
materials for
Partners in Printing funds,
residential, x City Lead
Energy EV-oriented
business, and
information
multifamily building
outreach
Establish
partnerships with
electric vehicle
Informational
organizations and City Lead,
materials,
dealerships to co- EQEC Partners in
Talking points,
host tabling events Energy
Contact information
and ride & drive,
and assist with door
knocking
City Lead,
Write newsletter Partners in
City Newsletter topics
articles Energy
Communications
Identify community
destinations and
EQEC
large businesses to
help target outreach
Add language to
DRC process Development
encouraging City Lead Review Draft language
charging Committee
infrastructure
FleetCarma study
Present to city staff Partners in
results,
about electrifying Energy,
City Lead Space for
fleet vehicles and Xcel Energy,
presentations,
FleetCarma study FleetCarma
Presentation materials
List of city-owned
Identify city-owned
property,
opportunity sites for City Lead
Criteria for charging
charging station
station
61
ENERGY ACTION PLAN ADDENDUM
October 2021
INTRODUCTION
Fridyprides itself on being a safe, vibrant, friendly,
and stable home for families and businesses; and
Energy Vision
created an Energy Action Plan with input from a diverse
Frideywill continue to lead by example
group of community stakeholders representing
by engaging residents, businesses, and
businesses, residents, city government, and other
institutions to save money and reduce
institutions. This
greenhouse gas emissions for the
Action Plan adopted by the City
benefit of everyone in the community
Council in November 2018.
During 2018planning process, Fridley set a goal to
reduce community energy use 5%by 2020 and 20%by 2030;and identified four priority focus areas to
achieving this goal:Residential Energy, Businesses and Multifamily Buildings, Intitutions, and
Transportation and Electric Vehicles. This addendum identifies new strategies and near-term targets in
each focus area to support Fridley in achieving its energy reduction goals through a second phase of
impl
Energy Action Plan Impact
SinceadoptingitsEnergy Action Plan Fridley has madetremendous strides in increasing participation
in energy conservation and renewable programs.
Energy Reduction Goal
Fridley did not meet its goal to reduce community energy use 5% by 2020. Bythe end of 2020, total
energy consumptionincreased 1% compared to baseline.Community electricity consumption
decreased by 7%, while community natural gas consumption increased by7%.The increase in natural
gas consumption can be attributed to colder wintersin 2019 and 2020 as compared to baseline years
andthe additionof many new buildings inthe city. Additionally, it is important to notethat this energy
consumption data is not normalized for weather, economic trends andmarket changes;and COVID-19
uniquely influenced energy use across all sectors.
Participation Goals
Add 1,200 new program participants by 2020 measured against business as usual scenario.
®
Add 200 new Windsourcesubscribers by 2020 against baseline.
Participation in Xcel Energyresidentialprograms increased dramaticallywith morethan 1,300
residential premisessaving4.86 million kWhthrough program participation, which is approximately
1.3% of community electricity consumption in 2020.Popular residential programs include Home Energy
®
Squad, refrigerator recycling, and cooling and heating efficiency.
Fridley also exceeded its Windsource subscription goalwith 211 new subscribers joining the program
by end of 2020total renewable subscription participation to 706 participants and
30.62 million kWh.
Other Participation Impacts
Businesses and multifamily buildings alsostepped upto help FridleyTwenty
multifamily buildings received energy aduits from the Multi-family BuildingEfficiency Program,
compared to zerovisits between 2015 and 2018. Commercialbuilding ownersalsoparticipated in Xcel
Energy programs,with 12 Commercial Refrigeration Efficiency assessments,77 One-Stop Efficiency
Shop assessments, and 109 lighting efficiency upgrades.
2022-2023WORK PLAN
Focusing on the next two years, the City of Fridley and Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
(EQEC) prioritized a number of strategies to reduce energy consumption, support renewable energy,
and be more energy efficient. To create these strategies, City staff and the EQEC reviewed existing
Energy Action Plan strategies and 2019-2021 implementation activitiesto identiy strategies to keep or
update and and brainstormed new strategies.
Goals
For the purposes of this addendum, Fridley will continue to strive to reduce energy consumption,
working toward a 20% reduction by 2030.
In addition,the followingnear-term targets willmeasure success of the 20222023 workplan:
Residential: Add new residential program participants by 2023.
Business & Multifamily Buildings: Add 50 new commercial and industrial program
participants by 2023.
Renewable Energy: Add 200 new renewable energy subscribers by 2023.
Achieving the near-term targets above will result in more than 2,000residents and businesses saving
energy through increased energy efficiencyand more than 900 residents and businesses supporting
renewable energy by participating in utility subscription programs.
Fridley Energy Action Plan Addendum 2
Strategies
Focus Area: Residential Energy
Strategy A: Conduct a community-wide residential marketing campaign.
Actions:
Update existing marketing materials and website with current program information.
Create outreach calendar for events, newsletter and social media to promote a clear
call to action with each season.
Create new appliance and equipment electrification materials, including case study of
residents who have electrified their home.
Target:
Add 500 new residential program participants.
Strategy B: Host a renewable energy challenge.
Actions:
Update existing challenge materials with new information, including website, postcard,
and social media.
Integrate challenge into Strategy Aoutreach calendar as primary message and call to
action.
Target:
Host two challenges (2022 and 2023).
Add 200 new renewable energy subscribers.
Strategy C: Target under-resourced households.
Actions:
Update existing marketing materials and website with current program information.
Identify community partners to share resources, includingthe Fridley HRA,local food
shelves, affordable housing property managers, and faith organizations.
Target:
Support Strategy Atarget to add 500 new residential program participants.
Focus on promoting Low-Income Home Energy Squad and Home Energy Savings
Program participation.
Focus Area: Business & Multi-Family Buildings
Strategy D: Conduct a businesses and multifamily building owner marketing campaign.
Actions:
Update existing marketing materials and website with current program information.
Create outreach calendar for events and social media to promote a clear call to action
with each season.
Target:
Add 50 new commercial and industrial program participants.
Strategy E: Host business energy breakfast events.
Actions:
Identify date, speakers, and host-site for breakfast events, and update Strategy D
outreach calendar with message and call to action.
Choose topics and identify businesses to invite to events.
Create agenda, slides, and invitation text to invite businesses to attend breakfast.
Host breakfasts events.
Target:
Host two breakfasts (2022 and 2023).
Fridley Energy Action Plan Addendum 3
Focus Area: Business & Multi-Family Buildings
Strategy F:Conduct one-on-one outreach to multi-family buildings to participate in free
energy assessments.
Actions:
Update existing marketing materials and website with current program information.
Leverage recycling outreach to contact property owners and managers.
Add program information to rental licensing application and website.
Target:
Support Strategy Dtarget to add 50 new commercial and industrial program
participants.
Focus on promoting Multi-family Building Efficiency Program.
Focus Area: Institutions
Strategy G: Achieve Sol-Smart designation.
Actions:
Review SolSmart designation criteria.
Submit written commitment to achieving designation.
Leverage free technical assistance from the Metropolitan Council.
Target:
Achieve SolSmart Bronze designation by the end of 2022.
Strategy H: Add electric vehicle and solar-readinessto City code during recodification
process.
Actions:
Review electric vehicle and solar-readiness language from other city code.
Champion readiness language during recodification process.
Target:
Include electric vehicle and solar-readiness language for all zoning districts.
Strategy I:Create new energy incentives for residents and businesses.
Actions:
Review existing incentives for residents and businesses to integrate energy as an
eligible expense.
Review case studies from other cities on energy incentives.
Create incentive infrastructure to reimburse residents and businesses.
Allocate funding for new bonus rebate incentive to support residents and businesses.
Target:
Allocate funding fornew energyincentive for residents and businesses.
Strategy J: Integrate energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicle charging
into City development review process.
Actions:
Update existing materials with current program information used during development
review process.
Create talking points for city staff to use during development review.
Target:
Update development review materials with current program information.
Fridley Energy Action Plan Addendum 4
Focus Area: Institutions
Strategy I:Demonstrate City leadership in reducing energy use in City facilities.
Actions:
Benchmark municipal building energy use.
Create building energy audit schedule to prioritize energy audits in high energy use
buildings.
Prioritize low-hanging fruit projects.
Update maintenance schedules and purchasing policy to prioritize energy efficient
equipment.
Create tip sheet for city staff for best practices in energy efficient behaviors.
Target:
Complete at least two building energy audits in municipal facilities.
Create one case study featuring City of Fridley energy projects.
FocusArea: Transportation & Electric Vehicles
Strategy G: Increase awareness about electric vehicle ownership.
Actions:
Create electric vehicle information materials.
Integrate electric vehicle information into Strategy Aoutreach calendar.
Partner with EV organizations and dealershipsto host EVevent withvehicles.
Target:
Host one electric vehicle event.
Strategy H:Educate community fleet electrification.
Actions:
Create fleet electrification case study.
Host event with city staff about benefits of anEV fleet.
Target:
Host one event with city staff.
Create one fleet case study.
Fridley Energy Action Plan Addendum 5
Implementation Plan
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
Strategy 2022 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2023 Lead Support
Conduct a community-wide residential -EQEC
City
X X X X X X X X
marketing campaign -Partners in Energy
-EQEC
Host a renewable energy challenge. City
X X X X
-Partners in Energy
-EQEC
Target under-resourced households. City
X X X X
-Partners in Energy
Conduct a businesses and multifamily -EQEC
City
X X X X X X X X
building owner marketing campaign. -Partners in Energy
-EQEC
Host business energy breakfast events. City
X X X X
-Partners in Energy
Conduct one-on-one outreach to multi-
-EQEC
family buildings to participate in free City
X X X X
-Partners in Energy
energy assessments
Achieve Sol-Smart designation. City
X X X
Add electric vehicle and solar-readiness to
City
X X X X X X X
City code during recodification process.
Create new energy incentives for -City
X
residents and businesses. -HRA
Integrate energy efficiency, renewable
energy, and electric vehicle charging into City Partners in Energy
X X
City development review process.
Demonstrate City leadership in reducing -Xcel Energy AM
City
X X X X X X X X
energy use in City facilities. -Partners in Energy
Increase awareness about electric vehicle -EQEC
City
X X X X
ownership. -Partners in Energy
Educate community fleet electrification. City Partners in Energy
X X
Fridley Energy Action Plan Addendum
METHODOLOGY FOR MEASURING SUCCESS
As part of implementation support, Partners in Energy will provide biannual progress reports that
include metrics of success and overall progress toward goals. The following section defines how
progress toward goals will be measured. All goals will be measured through the end of the stated year.
Goals include Xcel Energy data only unless stated otherwise.
Energy Reduction Goal
Reduce energy use 20 percent by 2030, as compared to business as usual.
The community-wide goal will be measured by comparing actual electricity and natural gas
consumption, measured in MMBtu, against projected community-wide MMBtu consumption based on
the business as usual scenario modeled in the Energy Action Plan. Xcel Energy will provide electricity
consumption data and CenterPoint Energy will provide natural gas consumption data.
The energy consumption projections included here are sourced from the original Energy Action Plan
baseline 20152017.
Table 1: Energy Consumption Projections
Forecasted
2030
Energy Consumption (MMBtu) 3,932,786
Participation Goals
Residential: Add 500 new residential program participants by 2023.
Business & Multifamily Buildings: Add 50 new commercial and industrial program
participants by 2023.
Renewable Energy: Add 200 new renewable energy subscribers by 2023.
Residential
Residential program participation assumes average participation
programs from 20152020 will continue in years 2021, 2022, and 2023 (Table 2). This goal will
measure participation in years 2022 and 2023, and include all Xcel Energy residential DSM programs.
This goal will be measured by comparing actual program participation in 20222023 to forecasted
participation.
Table 2: Xcel Energy Residential DSM Program Participation 2015-2023
Actual Forecasted
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Participants 506 436 559 587 635 943 612 862 862
Business and Multifamily Buildings
Commercial and industrial program participation assumes average participation in Xcel Energy
commercial and industrial DSM programs from 20152020 will continue in years 2021, 2022, and 2023
(Table 3). This goal will measure participation in years 2022 and 2023, and include all Xcel Energy
commercial and industrial DSM programs. This goal will be measured by comparing actual program
participation in 20222023 to forecasted participation.
Fridley Energy Action Plan Addendum 7
Table 3: Xcel Energy Commercial and Industrial DSM Program Participation 2015-2023
Actual Forecasted
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Participants 135 167 180 187 133 166 162 187 187
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy subscribers are
programs. This goal will measure participation in both programs and both sectors by comparing 2020
participation to 2023 participation.
Table 4: Xcel Energy Renewable Energy Program Participation
Actual Forecasted
2020 2023
Participants 706 906
Fridley Energy Action Plan Addendum 8
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title: Streets for All Plan Updates
Background
Staff will provide an update on the Streets for All Plan.
Recommendation
For informational purposes only.
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title: Energy Action Plan Updates
Background
At the November 9, 2021 meeting, the EQEC recommended adoption of Phase 2 of the Energy
Action Plan. The following activities were completed since the previous EQEC Meeting:
Began discussions with Xcel Energy on updating MOU
Tabled about energy at Homeowner Open House
The following activities are projected to occur:
Solar array on Water Treatment Plant #3 to be installed
Solar array on Commons Park to be installed
Solar charging benches to be installed at Commons Park
Recommendation
For informational purposes only.
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title: Grant Updates
Background
The purpose of this item is to provide Commissioners updates on sustainability grants held by
the City.
Grants in the Pre-Application Stage
Grants Under Review
EV Charger at Commons Park
Mississippi River Regional Trail Resurfacing (Anoka County Parks)
Active Grants
Recycling grant (ongoing)
MnDOT Active Transportation grant for University Avenue Trails
2024 DNR ReLeaf Grant
Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning Grant to create a Safety Action Plan
DNR Shade Tree Grant
Met Council Water Efficiency Grant pt 4
Solar for Public Buildings Grant for Moore Lake
Regional Solicitation Grant- Safe Routes to School
BWSR Pollinator Pathways Grant with ACD
MPCA- Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grants for Moore Lake Stormwater
Retrofit Analysis Update in partnership with RCWD
MPCA Climate Resilience Implementation Grant for Commons Park
Met Council Water Efficiency Grant (Equity Focus) for water efficient toilet replacement at
Park Plaza
Solar for Public Buildings Grant for Commons Park
Solar for Public Buildings Grant for Public Works
2026 Street Project Rain Gardens
Solar on Public Buildings Grant for Water Treatment Plant 3
DNR Community Planting Grant
2025 DNR ReLEAF Grant
Mississippi Library Branch Seed Library (Anoka County Libraries)
Grants Closed (1/1/2026+)
Local Climate Action Grant for an EV Charger at Moore Lake Park
th
Met Council Regional Solicitation Grant for 44 Avenue Bridge w/ Anoka County
Recommendation
For informational purposes only.
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title: Outreach and Event Updates
Background
Outreach at community events is an important strategy to build environmental awareness and
increase engagement. Events that have been completed since the last meeting as well as
upcoming outreach events are listed below.
Completed events (2/10/26-3/10/26)
Homeowner Program Open House (2/12)
Amazon Paint Tour (2/19)
Seed Swap (3/7)
Confirmed events and topics
Environmental Fun Fair (5/2)
Comp Plan Workshops- Climate and Natural Resources (9/8)
Comp Plan Workshops- Climate and Natural Resources (9/19)
Recommendation
For informational purposes only.
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses.
AGENDA REPORT
Meeting Date: March 10, 2026
Meeting Type:Environmental Quality and Energy Commission
Submitted By:Rachel Workin, Environmental Planner
Title: Informal Status Reports
Background
Staff and Commissioners will share informal status reports on programs happening in the City.
Recommendation
For informational purposes only.
Attachments and Other Resources
Vision Statement
We believe Fridley will be a safe, vibrant, friendly, and stable home for families and
businesses.