EQECA 12/08/2015 � ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center,643t University Ave Ne
�p� Agenda
December 8, 2015, 2015, 6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
Location: Conference Room A (Main Level, Fridley City Hall) �
Call to Order
Approve Environmental Oualitv and Energv Commission Minutes
Review November 10�', 2015 minutes(sent under separate cover).
New Business
Minnesota Go: a collaborative look at Minnesota transportation moving forward;presentation by Tess Nejedlo
University of Minnesota student group presentations: Urban Forestry and Right of Way Planting groups present
their semester research
Old Business
Second discussion, goals and objectives of the EQEC for 2016. Please review Crreenstep Cities handout.
Other
CMAQ Grant
Mn-DOT Landscaping Grant potential
Next Meetin�s/Announcements
Tuesday, Jan. 12�', 2015, 7:00 p.m., Conference Room A(Main Level, City Hall);presentations
Adiourn
� ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND ENERGY COMMISSION
Fridley Municipal Center,643� University Ave Ne
F�p�� Draft Minutes
November 10, 2015, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Draft Minutes
Location: Conference Room A (Main Level, Fridley City Hall)
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Vice Chairman Mark Hanson(Chairman Olin having called in
as excused).
Aqqrove Environmental Qualitv and Energv Commission Minutes
Approve Minutes of October 13, 2015.
MOTION by Commissioner Westby and seconded by Commissioner Stoxen to approve the October 13th, 2015
minutes of the Environmental Quality and Energy Commission was made. The motion passed
unanimously.
New Business
Commissioner Westby is working toward the Master Water Steward certification through a program offered by
the City's water resource partner, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. He stated that he was very
impressed by the program and it furthers his interests in water quality issues and improves his skill set in that
regard.
In other new business, acting Chair Mark Hanson asked that Commissioners state their goals for the coming
year to prepare a working plan of priorities for EQEC, fulfillment of Greenstep Cities steps, etc. He asked that
each Commissioner come to the December EQEC meeting on Dec. 8 with their top three goals for 2016.
Commissioner Hanson stated that stormwater reduction would be one of his top goals. Commissioner Westby
mentioned water usage and other Commissioners mentioned trail/walk gap identification&prioritization and
park use/urban forestry.
Staff handed out maps of Congested Principal Arterial roads showing 2013 and the same map projected for
2040, as excerpted from the 2040 Metropolitan Council Transportation Policy Plan(attached). The use of
alternate forms of transportation for errands and work will need to increase in priority,based on these
proj ections.
Old Business
Staff inember Kay Qualley gave an update of the projects that Greencorp Member Erika Van Krevelen is
working on, including inventorying all City park trees, which will be completed on November 25, and trees on
school grounds, which was completed on November 13t1i. This information will be used to determine the
number of Ash trees in the urban canopy to use as input into management strategies for Emerald Ash borer.
Other
The University of Minnesota students will be confirming soon if they are able to make a presentation to the
EQEC,prior to their final presentation to City Council at the Dec. 14�'Council meeting. All EQEC member are
encouraged to attend the Council meeting, as well, in support of their hard work and research on behalf of the
City. The EQEC meeting will start a half hour earlier than usual, at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8.
Adiourn
MOTION bv Commissioner Stoxin and seconded by Commissioner Westbv to adjourn at 8•35 The motion
passed unanimousl�
Respectfully submitted,
Kay Qualley
Environmental Planner
City of Fridley
. �
GreenStep Cities—City of Roadmap to Becoming a Step 3 City
Category A
Fridley has already made great strides in taking action to make their community more sustainable. They have
completed 2 best practices so far and qualify as a Step 1 city. The following is a detailed report and guide on
what besr practices and actions the city has to complete to become a Step 2& 3 city. To gei to step two you
are only required to complete an addition of any 6 Best practices however it is advised to focus on the Best
practices below because they will eventually be required to reach step 3.
Number of best practices to complete before Step3:
10
Specific Requirements Distribution Reauirements Total BP Requirement
❑ 1 ❑ 16 ❑ 1 from (2-5) ❑ At Least 16 BPs
❑ 6 ❑ 17 ❑ 1 from (7-10)
❑ 11 ❑ 24 ❑ 1 from (18-23)
❑/� 12 ❑ 25 ❑/� 1 from (26-29)
❑ 15
Buildings & Lighting Best Practices Category
❑ Comp/ete Best practice 1 action 1
❑ Comp/ete Best practice 1 action 2
❑ Complete one additiona/action for Best practice 1
❑ Complete one other Best practice in this section(2-5)
Best Practice#1: Efficient Existing Public Buildings: Benchmark energy usage, identify savings
opportunities in consultation with state programs, utilities and others to implement cost-effective
energy and sustainability improvements.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete actions 1, 2 and one additiona/action �
1. for this best practice: Enter baseline information into the Minnesota B3 database and
routinely enter monthly energy use data from city-owned buildings, and consult with best
practice advisor about the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program (GESP).
2. Make no/low cost changes to operational practices in city-owned/school buildings to
reduce energy costs.
3. Invest in energy efficiency opportunities through GESP or, if not feasible, smaller retro-
commissioning/retrofit projects in city-owned/school buildings.
4. Implement information technology efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug
loads and building energy use.
5. Document that the new construction or major remodeling of a public building has met or
qualifies under a green building or energy framework.
6. Document that the operations & maintenance of city-owned/school buildings meets or
qualifies under a green building framework.
7. Install for one or more city-owned/school buildings at least one of the following energy
efficiency measures:
a. A ground-source, closed loop geothermal system.
b. A district energy/microgrid system.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Laura Millberg, MBA, LEED AP BD+C,Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience Principal Planner, MN
Pollution Control Agency,for B3&green building improvements:651-757-2568,
Laura.Millberg@state.mn.us,http://www.pca.state.mn.us/yhiz6ef
Peter Lindstrom, Local Government Outreach Coordinator, Clean Energy Resource Teams,for assessment&GESP
&other financing of energy improvements:612/625-9634, plindstr@umn.edu,http://tinyurl.com/PeterCERTS
Best Practice#2: Efficient Existing Private Buildings: Provide incentives for energy, water and
sustainability improvements in existing structures.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any two of the following acrions
1. Create or participate in a marketing and outreach program to promote/achieve
residential energy/water use reduction and energy efficiency.
2. Integrate green building practices information and assistance into the building permit
process.
3. Implement an energy rating/disclosure policy for residential and/or commercial
buildings.
4. Describe energy/water efficiency actions and other green building practices at
businesses located within/nearby the city.
5. Conserve drinking/groundwater resources by adopting a watering ordinance, water-
wise landscaping ordinance/guidance, or a WaterSense purchasing program.
6. Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy/sustainability
improvements or renovate using a green building or energy framework.
7. Customize a model sustainable building renovation policy and adopt the language to
govern commercial renovation projects that:
a. Receive city financial support, and/or
b. Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permits, rezonings,
variances, PUD status).
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Laura Millberg, MBA, LEED AP BD+C, Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience Principal Planner, MN
Pollution Control Agency:651/757-2568,1aura.millberq(c�state.mn.us,http://www.pca.state.mn.us/vhiz6ef
Best Practice#3. New Green Buildings: Construct new buildings to meet or qualify under a green
building framework.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete action 1 or 2, and an additional action from 3-5
1. Require by city policy that new city-owned buildings built in the future use a green
building framework.
2. Work with the local school district to ensure that future new schools are built using a
green building framework
3. Customize a model sustainable building policy and adopt language governing new
private development projects that:
a. Receive city financial support, and/or
b. Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permit, rezoning, variance, I
PUD).
4. Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who build new buildings that
utilize a green building framework
5. Adopt environmentally preferable covenant guidelines for new common interest
communities addressing issues such as stormwater, native vegetation, growing food,
clothes lines and renewable energy.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Laura Millberg, MBA, LEED AP BD+C,Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience Principal Planner, MN
Pollution Control Agency:651/757-2568,1aura.millberq(a�state.mn.us,http://www.qca.state.mn.us/yhiz6ef
Best Practice#4. Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals: Improve the efficiency and quality of street
lighting,traffic signals and outdoor public lighting.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete at least two actions one being from (5-8)
1. Require energy efficient, Dark-Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures
on city-owned/private buildings and facilities.
2. Purchase LEDs for all new street lighting and traffic signals.
3. Facilitate rapid replacement of inefficient street lighting with LEDs, modifying any city
franchise/utility agreement and adding smart grid attributes.
4. Coordinate traffic signals and/or optimize signal timing so as minimize car idling at
intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds.
5. Use LED/solar-powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project.
6. Relamp/improve exterior building lighting for city-owned buildings/facilities with energy
efficient, Dark-Sky compliant lighting.
7. Replace city-owned parking lot/ramp lighting with Dark-Sky compliant, energy efficient,
automatic dimming lighting technologies.
8. Replace the city's existing traffic signals with LEDs.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Susan Zarling,Traffic Electrical Systems Engineer, MN Dept.of Transportation:651/234-
7052,susan.zarlinq(a�state.mn.us
Best Practice#5: Building Redevelopment: Create economic and regulatory incentives for
redeveloping and repurposing existing buildings before building new.
In order to be recognized for this best practice coinplete any one of the following actions
1. Adopt an historic preservation ordinance/regulations to encourage adaptive reuse.
2. Implement the Minnesota Main Street model for commercial revitalization.
3. Plan for reuse of large-format retail buildings, or work with a local school to either add-on
space or repurpose space into non-school uses.
4. Create/modify a green residential remodeling assistance/financing program to assist
homeowners in adding space to their existing homes.
5. Adopt development and design standards that facilitate infill, redevelopment and adaptable
buildings.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Anne Ketz, Real Estate Coordinator, Preservation Alliance of Minnesota:651-293-
9047,aketz c(�_mnpreservation.orq,http://www.mnpreservation.org
� _.
1 Land Use Best Practices Category
,_
�;
� Complete Best practice 6 action 1
❑ Comp/ete Best Practice 6 action 2
❑ Complete one other Best practice in this section(7-10)
Best Practice#6. Comprehensive Plan and Implementation: Build public support and legal validity to
long-term infrastructural and regulatory strategy.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete Action 1 and 2
1. Completed
2. Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including
but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive
plan as the foundational document for decision making.
3. Include requirements in comprehensive and/or other plans for intergovernmental
coordination addressing land use and watershed impacts, infrastructure, economic
development and city/regional services.
4. Include ecological provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to minimize open
space fragmentation and/or establish a growth area with expansion criteria.
5. Adopt climate protection/adaptation, resiliency or energy independence goals and
objectives in the comprehensive plan or in a separate policy document, and link these goals
to direct implementation recommendations.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Suzanne Rhees,AICP,Water Policy Consultant, MN Dept. of Natural Resources:651/259-
5677,suzanne.rheesCa�state.mn.us
Best Practice#7. Efficient City Growth: Promote financial and environmental sustainability by enabling
and encouraging walkable housing and commercial land use.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any one of the following actions
1. Limit barriers to higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning
map:
a. Neighborhood single-family density at seven units per net acre or greater.
b. Multi-family housing at a gross density of at least 15 units per acre adjacent to a
commercial zoning district or transit center.
2. Encourage higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies:
a. Incorporate a flexible lot size/frontage requirement for infill development.
b. Use density and floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses in selected residential zoning
districts.
c. Tie a regulatory standard to comprehensive plan language defining compact city
expansion zones that limit low-density development.
d. Allowing accessory dwelling units or co-housing or tiny houses/ apartments by right
in selected zoning districts.
3. Encourage a higher intensity of commercial land uses through at least one of the following
strategies:
a. Include in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map a commercial district with
reduced lot sizes and zero-lot-line setbacks, or a FAR minimum of 1.
b. Set targets for the minimum number of employees/acre in different commercial
zones.
4. Provide incentives for infill projects, or for life-cycle housing at or near jobs or retail centers,
or for achieving an average net residential density of seven units per acre.
5. Modify the city zoning ordinance and zoning map to allow, without variance or rezoning in
at least one district, developments that meet the prerequisites for LEED-Neighborhood
Development certification.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Carissa Schively Slotterback, Urban and Regional Planning Program of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs,
University of Minnesota: 612/625-0640,cschively�a�umn.edu,http://www.hhh.umn.edu/people/cschively/
Best Practice#8. Mixed Uses: Develop efficient and healthy land patterns that generate community
wealth.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any two of the following actions
1. Organize or participate in a community planning/design process for the city/a mixed use
district.
2. Locate or lease a school, city building or other government facility that has at least two of
these attributes:
a. Adjacent to an existing employment or residential center.
b. Designed to facilitate and encourage access by walking and biking.
c. Accessible by regular transit service.
3. Modify a planned unit development— PUD - ordinance to emphasize mixed use
development or to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development.
4. Certify a new development as complying with LEED for Neighborhood Development
standards, including the mixed-use credits.
5. Have a downtown zoning district that allows residential and compatible commercial
development.
6. Incorporate form-based zoning approaches into the zoning code, in those areas where a
diverse mix of uses is desired
7. Create incentives for vertical mixed-use development in appropriate locations (downtown,
commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts).
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Carissa Schively Slotterback, Urban and Regional Planning Program of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs,
University of Minnesota: 612/625-0640,cschively@umn.edu,http://www.hhh.umn.edu/people/cschively/
Best Practice#9. Efficient Highway-Oriented Development:Adopt commercial development and
design standards for auto-oriented development corridors and clusters.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any one of the following actions
1. Establish design goals for at least one highway corridor.
2. Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from
surrounding townships, cities, the and business interests to:
a. Estimate commercial/industrial needs among all jurisdictions.
b. lointly implement recommendations to stage highway commercial development in
order to avoid overbuilding and expensive low-density development.
3. Adopt transportation infrastructure design standards that protect highway, economic and
ecologic functions of the corridor through clustering of development and incorporating
access management standards.
4. Adopt a highway commercial zoning district that permits only auto-oriented land uses.
5. Require decommissioning in development agreements for large format developments
should they remain vacant for several years.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Frank Douma, State and Local Policy Program of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota:
612/626-9946, douma002Ca�umn.edu,http://www.hhh.umn.edu/qeople/fdouma/
Best Practice#10. Conservation Design:Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect
natural systems and valued community assets.
In order to be recogni2ed for this best practice complete any one of the following actions
1. Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI and NRA); incorporate protection
of priority natural systems or resources through the subdivision or development process
2. For cities outside or on the fringe of inetropolitan areas, conduct a cost of public services
study for development outside the city grid and adopt development standards or a
concurrency ordinance to ensure staged urban growth that protects natural systems.
3. For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate by policy woodland best management
practices into zoning or development review.
4. For cities with undeveloped natural resource areas use, or adopt as policy the use of a
conservation design scorecard as a tool in negotiating development agreements.
5. Develop/fund a conservation easement program, such as a purchase of development rights
program, in collaboration with a land trust.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Paul Radomski, Conservation Ecologist, MN Dept.of Natural Resources:218/833-
8643,paul.radomski(a)dnr.state.mn.us
� � Transportation Best Practices Category
r,
�' . . ❑ Complete Best practice 11 action 1
❑ Complete one additiona/action from Best practice 11
❑ Complete a second additiona/action from Best practice 11
� Comp/ete any action from Best practice 12
� Complete any one additional action from Best practice 12
Best Practice#11. Complete Green Streets: Create a network of green complete streets that improves
city quality of life and adds value to surrounding properties.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete action 1 and 2 additional actions
1. Adopt a complete streets policy that also addresses street trees and stormwater.
2. Adopt zoning language or approve a development agreement for a selected area/project
that is substantially equivalent to the LEED for Neighborhood Development certification,
including credits for Walkable Streets and Street Network.
3. Document inclusion/installation of green infrastructure elements as well as grey
infrastructure elements in at least one complete streets reconstruction project.
4. Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity within your
road network by, for example, adding a bike route/lane, truck route or sidewalk.
5. Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and offroad trails/bike trails to
better facilitate walking and biking.
6. Implement traffic calming measures, including road diets, roundabouts, shared space and
depaving, in at least one street redevelopment project.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
David Larson, Landscape Architect, Office of Environmental Stewardship, MN Dept. of Transportation: 651/366-
4637,david.larson(c�state.mn.us,http://www.dot.state.mn.us/qlanninq/completestreets
Best Practice#13. Efficient City Fleets: Implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance
plan.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any two of the following actions
1. Efficiently use existing fleet of city vehicles by encouraging trip bundling, video conferencing,
. carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives/technology.
2. Right-size/down-size the city fleet with the most fuel-efficient vehicles that are of an optimal
size and capacity for their intended functions
3. Phase-in no-idling practices, operational and fuel changes, and equipment changes including
electric vehicles, for city or local transit fleets.
4. Phase in bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other city staff.
5. Document that the local school bus fleet has optimized routes, start times, boundaries, vehicle
efficiency and fuels, driver actions to cut costs including idling reduction, and shifting students
from the bus to walking, biking and city transit.
6. Retrofit city diesel engines or install auxiliary power units, utilizing Project GreenFleet or the
like.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Fran Crotty, Electric Vehicle State Program Administrator, MN Pollution Control Agency:651/757-
2297,fran.crottvl�a state.mn.us
Best Practice#14. Demand-Side Travel Planning: Implement Travel Demand Management and Transit-
Oriented Design in service of a more walkable city.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any two of the following actions
1. Right-size or eliminate parking minimum development standards and add parking maximums/a
parking assessment district in pedestrian-friendly or transit-served areas.
2. For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of retail
services at transit/density nodes.
3. For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of higher
density housing at transit/density nodes.
4. Adopt a travel demand management plan for city employees or incorporate into development
regulations TDM or transit-oriented development standards.
5. Document that a development project certifies under the LEED for Neighborhood Development
program and is awarded at least one of the following credits:
a. Transportation Demand Management.
b. Housing and Jobs Proximity.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
David Van Hattum,Advocacy Director,Transit for Livable Communities:651-789-
1418, DaveVHCa�ticminnesota.ora,http://www.ticminnesota.org/abouU#ourteam
Environmental Management Best Practices Category
� ❑ Complete Best practice 15 action 1
❑ Complete any one additional action from Best practice 15
❑ Complete any one action from Best practice 16
❑ Complete any additional action from eest practice 16
❑ Complete any action from Best practice 17
❑ Complete one other Best practice from this section (18-23J
Best Prattice#15. Purchasing: Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing policies and practices.
In order to be recognized for this besr practice complere action 1 and one additional action
1. Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy or administrative guidelines/
practices directing that the city purchase at least:
a. EnergyStar certified equipment and appliances and
b. Paper containing at least 30% post-consumer recycled content.
2. Purchase energy used by city government/distributed by a municipal utility from renewable
energy sources.
3. Establish a local purchasing preference and, working with a local business association,
develop a list of locally-produced products and suppliers for common purchases.
4. Require purchase of U.S. EPA Water Sense-certified products.
5. Set minimum standards for the percentage of recycled-content material in asphalt and
roadbed aggregate or other construction materials.
6. Require printing services to be purchased from companies certified by Minnesota Great
Printers or by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership.
7. Lower the environmental footprint of ineetings and events in the city.
8. Use state and national green standards/guidelines for at least 3 categories of
pu rchasing/investments.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR Johanna Kertesz, Environmental Purchasing Specialist, MN Pollution Control Agency:
651/757-2489,iohanna.kertesz(a�state.mn.us,httq://www.pca.state.mn.us/epp
Best Practice#16. Urban Forests:Add city tree and plant cover that increases community health,
wealth and quality of life.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any two of rhe following actions
1. Certify as a Tree City USA.
2. Adopt best practices for urban tree planting/quality; use them in at least one development
project.
3. Budget for and achieve urban canopy/tree planting goals.
4. Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city.
5. Adopt at least one of the following tree/landscape ordinances/policies:
a. Adopt a policy of no net loss of specified natural landscapes.
b. Adopt an ordinance/policy relating to protection of trees on public and private
parcels affected by city planning/regulatory processes.
c. Adopt landscaping/nuisance ordinances that promote, rather than create barriers
for, native vegetation.
6. Build community capacity to protect existing trees/to plant resilient species by certifying at
least one or more local staff/volunteers.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Ken Holman, Community Forestry Coordinator, MN Department of Natural Resources:651/259-
5269,ken.holman(a)dnr.state.mn.us,http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/urban
Best Practice#17. Innovative Stormwater Management: Minimize the volume of and pollutants in
stormwater runoff.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any one of the following actions
1. Adopt and use Minnesota's Minimal Impact Design Standards (MIDS).
2. Complete the Blue Star City stormwater management assessment and be recognized for
implementing the actions therein.
3. Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following:
a. A narrower streets provision that permits construction of 22- or 24-foot roads for
public, residential access and subcollector streets (with fewer than 500 average daily
trips).
b. A 1.5 inch rainfall on-site rainwater infiltration design requirement for construction
sites.
c. A stormwater runoff volume limit to pre-development volumes for the 5-year, 24-
hour rainfall maximum event.
4. Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize enhanced stormwater
management, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property
owners.
5. Adopt and implement guidelines for, or adopt required design standards/incentives for, at
least one of the following stormwater infiltration/reuse techniques:
a. Rain gardens, green roofs, green walls.
b. Cisterns and other stormwater reuse strategies.
c. Green alleys or green parking lots.
d. Pervious/permeable pavement or pavers.
6. Adopt an ordinance with erosion and sediment control provisions as well as requirements
for permanent stormwater treatment.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Anne Gelbmann, Green Stormwater Infrastructure Specialist, MN Pollution Control Agency: 651/757-
2384,anne.gelbmann@state.mn.us,http://www.pca.state.mn.us/M I DS
Trevor Russell,Water Program Director, Friends of the Mississippi River: 6511222-2193,
x18, info@bluestarmn.org,http://www.fmr.org/about/staff/trevor russell
Best Practice#18. Parks and Trails: Support active lifestyles and property values by enhancing the
city's green infrastructure.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any three of the following actions
1. Identify and remedy gaps within your city's system of parks, offroad trails and open spaces.
2. Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails in all new
development areas.
3. Achieve minimum levels of city greenspace.
4. Adopt low-impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch, 24-
hour stormwater events on site.
5. Create park/city land management standards/practices that maximize at least on of the
following:
a. Low maintenance turf management; native landscaping; organic or integrated pest
management; bee-safe policies.
b. Recycling/compostables collection.
c. Sources of nonpotable water, or surface/rain water for irrigation.
6. Certify at least one golf course in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.
7. Document that the operation and maintenance, or construction/remodeling, of at least one
park building used a green building framework.
8. Develop a program to involve community members in hands-on land and stewardship
projects.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Jenna Fletcher, Program Director,Trust for Public Land: 651-999-
5306,Jenna.Fletcher(a�tpl.org,https://www.tpl.orq/our-work/minnesota
Best Practice#19. Surface Water Quality: Improve local water bodies.
If you have at least one public water body within their boundaries subject to Minnesota
shoreland rules and that choose to implement this best practice are recognized upon
completion of action 4 and at least one additional action. Otherwise complete any one action
for recognition
1. Assist at least one lake or river association to earn or qualify for the Star Lake/River
designation for their lake/river.
2. Support a multi-party community conversation around improving local water quality.
3. Adopt and report on measureable, publicly announced surface water improvement targets
for water bodies.
4. Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and lake shoreland areas.
5. Adopt goals to revegetate shoreland and create a local program or outreach effort to help
property owners with revegetation.
6. Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan.
7. Create/assist a Lake Improvement District.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Daniel Petrik, Land Use Specialist, MN Dept. of Natural Resources:651/259-5697,Daniel.Petrik an.state.mn.us
Best Practice#20. Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities: Assess and improve city drinking water
and wastewater facilities.
In order to be recognized for this best practice comp/ete actions 1,2 and one additiona/action
1. Compare the energy use and performance of your facilities with other peer plants using
standardized, free tools.
2. Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades so as to assure the most energy
efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when upgrades or break downs
occur.
3. Establish an on-going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer
lines and losses in drinking water systems.
4. Assess energy and chemicals use at drinking water/wastewater facilities and report on
implemented changes that had a short payback period.
5. expired action
6. Implement a wastewater efficiency project/program: pretreatment, water conservation, co-
generation and water reuse.
7. Create a demand-side management program to reduce demands on water and wastewater
systems.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Karl DeWahl, Senior Engineer, Minnesota Technical Assistance Program:612/624-
4645, dewah001(c�umn.edu,httq://mntap.umn.edu/us/staff.htm
Best Practice#21. Septic Systems: Implement an effective management program for decentralized
wastewater treatment systems.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any one of the following actions
1. Report to landowners suspected noncompliant or failing septic systems as part of an
educational, informational and financial assistance and outreach program designed to
trigger voluntary landowner action to improve septic systems.
2. Create a program that follows the five-step process for addressing failing septic systems
developed by the University of Minnesota's Onsite Sewage Treatment Program.
3. Clarify/establish one or more responsible management entities for the proper design, siting,
installation, operation, monitoring and maintenance of septic systems.
4. Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the Association of
Minnesota Counties model ordinance.
5. Create a program to finance septic systems upgrades through, for example, a city revenue
bond, repayable through taxpayers' property taxes.
6. Work with homeowners and businesses in environmentally sensitive areas and areas where
standard septic systems are not the least-cost option to promote innovative waste water
systems.
7. Arrange for assistance to commercial, retail and industrial businesses with water use
reduction, pollution prevention and pretreatment prior to discharge to septics.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Staff from University Extension's Onsite Sewage Treatment Program:800/322-
8642,seqtic umn.edu,http://septic.umn.edu/communities
Best Practice#22. Solid Waste Reduction: Increase waste reduction, reuse and recycling.
In order to be recognized for rhis best pracrice complete action 1 or 2 and at least one of the acrions 4
through 8
1. Adopt and meet reduction goals for waste generated from internal city operations,
including schools, libraries, parks, municipal health care facilities.
2. Adopt and meet recycling/composting goals for waste/toxics generated from internal city
operations.
3. Document significant waste reduction/recycling, through a resource management contract
or other means, for one or more of:
a. City government operations.
b. Schools, libraries, parks, or municipal health care facilities.
c. A commercial or industrial business.
4. Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses/services collecting and marketing used,
repaired and rental consumer goods in the city/.
5. Arrange for a residential or business/institutional source separated organics
collection/management program.
6. Implement one or more city-wide solid waste collection/recycling systems:
a. Mandate collection of recyclables form multi-unit residential buildings.
b. Mandate collection of 3 or more recyclables materials from commercial entities.
c. Organize regular, ongoing residential solid waste collection by private and/or public
operations to link one (or more) geographic district(s) to only one hauler.
7. Offer significant volume-based pricing on residential garbage and/or incentives for
recycling.
8. Adopt a construction and demolition ordinance governing demolition permits that
mandates levels of recycling and reuse for materials and soil/land-clearing debris.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Tim Farnan,Waste Prevention Specialist, MN Pollution Control Agency: 651/757-
2348,timothv.farnanCa�state.mn.us,http://www.pca.state.mn.us/pvri7c6
Best Practice#23. Local Air Quality: Prevent generation of local air contaminants.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any two of the following acrions
1. Conduct an education/financial assistance campaign around one of the following wood
burning/ auto exhaust issues:
a. Indoor and outdoor wood burning behavior, to ensure that wood burning is only
done with seasoned wood and in a manner that doesn't negatively impact
neighbors.
b. Indoor wood burning technology, to result in community members upgrading from
inefficient/more polluting fireplaces and wood stoves to pellet/natural gas/biogas
stoves and fireplaces or the most efficient certified wood stoves.
c. Smoker cars- older model/high polluting vehicles, to result in repairs spurred by
repair vouchers.
2. Regulate outdoor wood burning, using model ordinance language, performance standards
and bans as appropriate, for at least one of the following:
a. Recreational burning.
b. Outdoor wood boilers.
3. Conduct one or more policy or education/behavior change campaigns on the topics below
and document:
a. Decreased vehicle idling in specific locations.
b. increased sales by retail stores of low and no-VOC household products.
c. Replacement of gasoline-powered equipment with lower polluting equipment.
d. Adoption of a smoking-free policy at one or more multi-unit housing buildings,
private or public.
4. Document the participation of at least 3 larger businesses in emission/idling reduction
programs.
5. Install one or more public charging stations for plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicles.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Lisa Herschberger,Analysis&Outcomes Division, MN Pollution Control Agency:651/757-
2432,Lisa.Herschberqer c(��.state.mn.us
Economic and Community Development Best Practices Category
❑ Complete Best Practice 24 action 1
❑ Complete Best Practice 24 action 2
❑ Complete any one action from Best practice 25
❑ Complete any one additional action from Best practice 25
� Complete one addition Best practice from this section(26-29)
Best Practice#24. Benchmarks&Community Engagement: Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep
and other city sustainability efforts, and engage community members in ongoing education, dialogue,
and campaigns.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete actions 1 and 2
1. Use a committee to lead, coordinate and report to community members on
implementation of GreenStep City best practices.
2. Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans and report to community members
data that show progress toward meeting these goals.
3. Engage community members in a public process that results in city council adoption of and
commitment to measure and report progress on sustainability indicators.
4. Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign involving:
a. The entire community
b. Homeowners
c. Block clubs/neighborhood associations
d. Congregations
e. Schools and youth
5. Conduct or support a community education, visioning and planning initiative using a
sustainability framework such as:
a. Strong Towns, Natural Capitalism
b. Transition initiatives, resiliency, Post-Carbon Cities.
c. Eco-municipalities/The Natural Step, ecological footprinting, permaculture.
d. ISO 14001, Genuine Progress.
e. Healthy communities, multi-generation learning
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Program Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency: 651/757-
2594, philipp.muessig@state.mn.us
Sean Gosiewski,Alliance for Sustainability,for work with citizen&student groups, city commissions&faith
organizations: 612/331-1099,sean@AforS.org, http://vwvw.AforS.org
Best Practice#25. Green Business Development:Support expansion of the city's green business
sector.
In order to be recognized for this best practice comp/ete any two of the following actions
1. Support new/emerging green businesses and green jobs through targeted assistance and
new workforce development.
2. Create or participate in a marketing/outreach program to connect businesses with
assistance providers, including utilities, who provide personalized energy, waste or
sustainability audits and assistance.
3. Actively promote green tourism resources to tourism and hospitality businesses in/around
the city.
4. Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local waste products and renting
products/services.
5. Lower the environmental footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project.
6. Promote green businesses that certify under a local, regional or national program.
7. Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign.
8. expired action
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Angie Bourdaghs, Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, MN Pollution Control Agency:651/757-
2176,anqela.bourdaghs state.mn.us,http://www.qca.state.mn.us/sbeap
Best Practice#26. Renewable Energy: Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable
energy generation capacity.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete any two of the following actions
1. Adopt solar energy standards or a wind energy ordinance that allows or encourages
appropriate renewable energy installations.
2. Consistently promote at least one of the following means of increasing renewable
generation:
a. A local utility's green power purchasing program that allows residents/businesses to
order/buy new renewable energy.
b. Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable
energy systems.
3. Create/participate in a renewable energy financing program such as PACE for commercial
property owners to install generation capacity/energy efficiency equipment.
4. Support or create a program that enables community members to participate in a
community renewable energy project.
5. Install a public sector/municipally owned renewable energy technology, such as solar
electric (PV), solar hot water or hot air, micro-hydro or wind.
6. Enable a new or demonstrate prior collaboration for installed private sector renewable
energy/ energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes:
a. Fueled by flowing water, wind, or biogas.
b. Fueled in part or whole by manure or woody biomass, optimized for minimal air and
other environmental impacts and for energy efficiency and water conservation.
c. Distributing heating/cooling services in a district energy system.
d. Producing combined heat and power.
7. Create an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy
systems.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Lissa Pawlisch, Statewide Coordinator, Clean Energy Resource Teams: 612l624-
2293,paw10048(a�umn.edu,http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.orq
Best Practice#28. Business Synergies: Network/cluster businesses to achieve better energy, economic
and environmental outcomes.
In order to be recognized for this best practice complete action 2 or 3 or 4
1. Help businesses register as users of the Minnesota Materials Exchange and document their
exchanges/sales of byproducts with other local/regional businesses.
2. Document that at least one business/building uses waste heat or water discharge from
another business.
3. Require, build or facilitate at least four of the following in a business/industrial project:
a. Shared parking/access OR shared recreation/childcare facilities.
b. Green product development, manufacturing or sales OR a green job training
program.
c. Building located within walking distance of transit and/or residential zoning.
d. Renovated buildings OR buildings designed for reuse.
e. Green buildings built to exceed the Minnesota energy code by 20%OR renewable
energy generated on-site.
f. Combined heat and power (CHP)generation capacity OR shared geothermal
heating/cooling.
g. Low-impact site development.
4. Use eco-industrial park tools to identify industrial facilities that could achieve economic
and environmental benefit by co-locating in the city's industrial park or industrial zone.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Tim Nolan,Sustainable Industrial Development, MN Pollution Control Agency: 651/757-2616,tim.nolanCc�state.mn.us
Best Practice#29:Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience: Plan and prepare for extreme
weather, adapt to changing climatic conditions, and foster stronger community connectedness and
social and economic vitality.
In order to be recognized for this besr practice complete action 1
1. Provide opportunities for economically vulnerable residents to improve their economic
prosperity.
2. Increase social connectedness through consistent and direct citizen engagement and
capacity building of communities or populations that are generally underrepresented in
community discussions or participation.
3. Harden public and critical facilities and infrastructure to reduce physical damage and sustain
functions during extreme weather events.
4. Increase the capacity of buildings and infrastructure to reduce the urban heat island effect,
better manage stormwater, use locally available energy resources, and decrease GHG
emissions while increasing resilience.
5. Make long-term investments through sustainable best practice actions to prepare for
anticipated climate impacts and increase resiliency over time.
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Laura Millberg, MBA, LEED AP BD+C, Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience Principal Planner, MN
Pollution Control Agency: 651/757-2568,Laura.Millberq(�a.state.mn.us
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
� DEPARTMENT
�,..`ty„, �'rCi'al"
'' Fria�ey PLANNING DIVISION
Memorandum
DATE: November 4, 2015
TO: EQE Commission Members
FROM: Julianne Beberg, Planning Assistant
SUBJECT: Proposed 2016 EQE Commission Meeting Dates
The following dates are for your review and approval of the proposed
2016 EQE Commission meeting dates.
Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
12 9 8 12 10 14 12 9 13 11 15 13