Environmental Management Commission
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · August 16, 2021
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
AUGUST 16, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday,
August 16, 2021 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The
meeting began at 7:00PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CALL OF ROLL
On a call of roll, the following were present:
Chairperson: Keith Miller, Chairperson
Commissioners: Noah Gerding, Vice Chair
Connor Brown
Gretel Fink
Bonnie Wilson
Absent: Nick Kantola
Karen Jackson
Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist
Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMISSIONER FINK MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 17, 2021, AS WRITTEN.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
May 17, 2021 MINUTES APPROVED
Chair Miller shared that for both the June 21, 2021 and the July 19, 2021 EMC meetings
there was not a quorum, and thus no business was conducted.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
a. Grow Solar Twin Cities 2021 group buy program overview
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
August 16, 2021
Page Two
Ms. Reidlinger affirmed the City had promoted the solar group buy in the past, and would have
an opportunity to co-host a Solar Power hour session again that the Midwest Renewable
Energy Association (MREA) would lead electronically, with a member of the EMC to show City
Support.
Chair Miller noted that participating dates in early September would be best for timing
purposes, and felt that electronic meetings would be best.
Commissioner Fink proposed hosting an in person meeting outside, suggesting a ‘Power Hour
in the Park’ as a way of social distancing. Commissioner Fink also suggested hosting a ‘Power
Hour’ during an upcoming EMC meeting. This would show the Commissioners support and
would be on TV to reach a wide audience. Ms. Reidlinger will check with the MREA regarding
possibilities. Chair Miller asked if October would work for the MREA to come to an EMC
meeting.
In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Chair Miller shared that it takes four to
six weeks to start installation of a new solar system. Ms. Reidlinger shared that if a new solar
system is desired and the purchaser started the conversation with MREA prior to December
31st, the rebate with the group buy program should be honored.
The Commission decided Tuesday, September 14, 2021 from 8:00pm to 9:00 pm would work
for supporting the online Solar Power Hour.
OTHER ITEMS
a. City fleet analysis opportunities
Ms. Reidlinger presented a comprehensive update on the City fleet analysis to identify
opportunities to transition internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to comparable Electric
Vehicles (EV). She shared that this is a study to determine if there are opportunities for
transitioning currently and felt this needs to be conducted prior to a discussion on purchasing
an EV.
Ms. Reidlinger presented two fleet study providers in detail:
• EV Suitability Assessment (EVSA) conducted by Geotab
• Fleet Electrification Advisory Program (FEAP) offered through Xcel Energy
In response to a question from Chair Miller, Ms. Reidlinger shared that there is a low monthly
charge to utilize Geotab data platform.
In response to a question from Chair Miller, Ms. Reidlinger explained she was in a Zoom
consortium of cities who had already completed a similar study as Geotab, and were either in
the process of procuring an Electric Vehicle (EV) or already had added to their fleet.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
August 16, 2021
Page Three
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger explained that an eligibility
requirement of these analyses, was, the City had a plan to purchase an EV within one year of
the study.
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger was not aware of what
telematics data is collected and how that data is utilized. She further explained that once the
City determines the right time to proceed, the next step would be to determine those logistics.
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger shared that the study would
indicate that anything the City needs out of a vehicle must be satisfied with a corresponding
currently available EV.
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger explained that she was not
aware of a change in the winter when Police Vehicles left outside need to be kept running to
keep the computer equipment safe. Council Member Zabel shared that the same issue
happens in the heat of the summer as well. He further shared it was the City’s intent to resolve
that with the Police Department expansion which would include a garage to keep vehicles, ICE
or EV, and their electronic equipment safe.
Commissioner Gerding asked Ms. Reidlinger to let the Commission help with conversations
and support these efforts as they occur.
Commissioner Brown suggested holding two studies, one in winter and one in summer to
determine if there is a difference.
b. Editorial Calendar review
The Commission discussed the monthly updates to the Editorial Calendar.
c. Other Commissioner and Council Member updates
a. City Council Update
Council Member Kevin Zabel shared his updates by noting that work on the 2022
budget continues. The City was in final stages of an agreement between the City,
Washington County and the City of Lake Elmo for the reconstruction of Ideal Avenue
next to the Willowbrooke property. September 7, 2021 the annual Touch a Truck event
at City Hall parking lot was being planned.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
August 16, 2021
Page Four
b. Commissioner Updates
Chair Miller highlighted the national Night to Unite. He also noted that there are five
licensed trash haulers within his community that come on trash day and shared that
he would like to see updated studies on moving to a single hauler in districts or areas
within the city.
NEXT MEETING DATE
Chair Miller reminded the Commission the next meeting would be Monday, September 20,
2021.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
WILSON, TO ADJOURN THE AUGUST 16, 2021 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 8:03 P.M.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Knutson
Recording Secretary
Agenda
AGENDA
Environmental Management Commission
August 16, 2021 – 7PM
Council Chambers, Oakdale City Hall
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. May 17, 2021
b. June 21, 2021
c. July 19, 2021
4. MANAGEMENT REPORTS
a. Grow Solar Twin Cities 2021 group buy program overview
5. ALL OTHER ITEMS
a. City fleet analysis opportunities
b. Editorial calendar review
c. Other commissioner and council member updates
6. NEXT MEETING DATE
a. September 20, 2021
7. ADJOURNMENT
The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will be held
September 20, 2021 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
July 19, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) met for a meeting on Monday,
July 19, 2021 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota.
CALL OF ROLL
The following were present:
Chairperson: Keith Miller, Chairperson
Commissioners: Gretel Fink
Bonnie Wilson
Absent: Noah Gerding, Vice Chair
Connor Brown
Nick Kantola
Karen Jackson
Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist
Quorum Present: YES ☐ NO ☒
There was not a quorum present, and thus no meeting was held.
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
June 21, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) met for a meeting on Monday,
June 21, 2021 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota.
CALL OF ROLL
The following were present:
Chairperson: Keith Miller, Chairperson
Commissioners: Noah Gerding, Vice Chair
Gretel Fink
Absent: Connor Brown
Nick Kantola
Bonnie Wilson
Karen Jackson
Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist
Quorum Present: YES ☐ NO ☒
There was not a quorum present, and thus no meeting was held.
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
MAY 17, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a virtual meeting on
Monday, May 17, 2021. The meeting began at 7:05PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CALL OF ROLL
On a call of roll, the following were present:
Chairperson: Keith Miller, Chairperson
Commissioners: Noah Gerding, Vice Chair
Connor Brown
Gretel Fink
Bonnie Wilson
Absent: Nick Kantola
Karen Jackson
Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist
Bob Streetar, Community Development Director
Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
COMMISSIONER FINK MADE A MOTION, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO
APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 19, 2021, AS WRITTEN.
VOTED IN FAVOR:
COMMISSIONER BROWN AYE
COMMISSIONER FINK AYE
COMMISIONER GERDING AYE
COMMISSIONER WILSON AYE
CHAIR MILLER AYE
5 AYES
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
a. Electric Vehicle (EV)-Ready Community Study
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
May 17, 2021
Page Two
Ms. Reidlinger shared a PowerPoint presentation on the Electric Vehicle (EV)-Ready
Community Study.
Ms. Reidlinger started by reminding the Commission that electric vehicles (EVs) were included
in the EMC’s 2021 work plan and the goal tonight is to discuss the City’s unique role in
facilitating EV readiness. She explained that in Minnesota, the transportation sector accounts
for 25% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the state. EVs were noted in the Oakdale
2040 Comprehensive Plan, Chapter Eight, Goal One, Policy Six, which specifically calls on the
city to “support private and public infrastructure that accommodates and encourages use of
electric and autonomous vehicles and explore options for City fleet use of EVs”.
Ms. Reidlinger shared in detail the EV-Ready Community Study highlighting Oakdale’s role in
EV-readiness through five key principals:
1. Policy
2. Zoning and subdivision ordinances
3. Administration
4. Program
5. City fleet EVs
Finally, she shared the recommended actions for 2021 – 2023.
Chair Miller mentioned either hosting a ‘bulk buy’ event, similar to events held by Drive Electric
Minnesota, or promoting one in a neighboring city. Ms. Reidlinger shared that Drive Electric
Minnesota did facilitate a bulk buy event a few years ago. She is not aware of a similar event
for this year or next as it would need to be coordinated with several cities.
Commissioner Gerding acknowledged the efforts Ms. Reidlinger is completing behind the
scenes to facilitate these EV discussions. Ms. Reidlinger shared she has been meeting with
a number of cities for about a year discussing and sharing best practices from those cities
who are further along in the process of EV-readiness.
In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Ms. Reidlinger recommended that an
easy first step would be building the City’s foundation for EV-readiness with the zoning and
subdivision ordinance amendments. In addition, conducting a FleetCarma study was also a
good first step.
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger shared that there was no
cost to the zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments and she would research into the
costs of FleetCarma and possible grants for this as well.
In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Ms. Reidlinger stated the City Council
was included in the packet distribution list, and she would discuss with Community
Development Director Streetar to determine next steps regarding the City Council, and wanted
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
May 17, 2021
Page Three
the EMC’s support on some of the targeted next action steps prior to bringing to the Council.
Chair Miller queried the Commissioners individually and asked if each were in support moving
forward with the recommendations of the EV-Ready Community Study as presented.
VOTED IN FAVOR:
COMMISSIONER BROWN AYE
COMMISSIONER FINK AYE
COMMISIONER GERDING AYE
COMMISSIONER WILSON AYE
CHAIR MILLER AYE
5 AYES
Environmental Management Commission has full support of the EV-Ready Study.
OTHER ITEMS
a. Editorial Calendar review
The Commission discussed the monthly updates to the Editorial Calendar.
b. Commissioner updates:
• Grow Solar Twin Cities from Chair Miller
Chair Miller noted prices continue to fall for solar energy and developers are currently
being sought for bids. He noted that the request for proposal would be going out soon.
He would be sending out information for all Commissioners to review and requested a
response back to him regarding if they support it.
• Commissioner Gerding asked for check-in & quality control comments regarding the
Adopt-A-Drain program.
Commissioners reported they started in February and March and cleaning was difficult
as drains were either covered in snow or frozen in ice. A suggestion was made to only
run the program Spring through Fall.
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE
Council Member Kevin Zabel shared his updates by noting that there is a new Finance
Director, Jason Zimmerman, who would be starting in mid-June.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
May 17, 2021
Page Four
He also shared that Chief Sullivan has submitted his retirement request. Council Member
Zabel reminded the EMC of their time slot for tomorrow’s meeting with the City Council. City
Council would be discussing virtual meetings going forward post COVID-19. Council Member
Zabel shared Commissioner Gerding’s Green Corps updates from the last EMC meeting with
City Administrator Volkers, who has had experience with Green Corps at her previous position.
They will work with Staff to determine how Oakdale can work with Green Corps.
In response to a question from Commissioner Gerding. Council Member Zabel explained that
the manner in which Commissions host their meetings is solely governed by State law. He
shared the ability to meet solely via Zoom is directly tied to the local pandemic emergency
that we had in place. Once the pandemic goes away, the rules would change. There were
decisions regarding those rules that would need to be made, and would be determined.
In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Council Member Zabel explained the
meetings tomorrow with each of the Commissions would start with introductions and then
continue with an open forum.
NEXT MEETING DATE
Chair Miller reminded the Commission the next meeting would be Monday, June 21, 2021.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FINK,
TO ADJOURN THE MAY 17, 2021 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL
COMMISSION AT 8:04 P.M.
COMMISSIONER BROWN AYE
COMMISSIONER GERDING AYE
COMMISIONER FINK AYE
COMMISSIONER WILSON AYE
CHAIR MILLER AYE
5 AYES.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Knutson
Recording Secretary
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: August 12, 2021
SUBJ: Grow Solar Twin Cities 2021 group buy program overview
This memorandum informs the EMC of Oakdale’s involvement in solar group buy programs,
including the current Grow Solar Twin Cities 2021 solar group buy.
Context
It is the City’s policy to promote solar energy as a method of mitigating the impacts of climate
change on the community; specifically, the City shall “protect and encourage on-site solar
energy development that maintains community character while utilizing local solar resources
to the fullest potential” (2040 Comprehensive Plan Chapter Eight, Goal One, Policy Three). In
accordance with this policy, Oakdale has participated in solar group buy programs led by the
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).
The group buy program is targeted to residential and small commercial properties. According
to the MREA, the goal of a solar group buy is to “increase consumer education and PV
installation in the Twin Cities…through a group purchase involving a competitive contractor
selection process, an advantageous pricing and rebate structure, and free information
sessions” 1. During a free informational session, called a Solar Power Hour, homeowners and
small business owners are educated on energy efficiency, the basics of solar energy, and
relevant incentives and financing options for solar installation; attending a Solar Power Hour
is also a first step in participating in the group buy program. Oakdale has previously hosted a
Solar Power Hour information session at City Hall on:
• August 20, 2018
• October 10, 2018
• June 5, 2019
• August 5, 2019
Solar Power Hour information sessions have also been hosted in Eden Prairie, Maplewood,
Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville, Saint Louis Park, White Bear Lake,
and Woodbury. In 2018, households or small businesses in Oakdale who signed a contract,
received a proposal, or were in the queue to receive a proposal from TruNorth Solar by the
end-of-year participation deadline received a $.30/watt rebate off the contracted price of their
system 1. This milestone was achieved due to strong interest in the solar group buy program.
Grow Solar Twin Cities 2021 solar group buy
Having released its request for proposals in May, the MREA has selected TruNorth Solar as
the solar group buy installer. Installations shall be completed and energized before December
31, 2021. In order to provide prospective group buy participants with relevant information
about solar installation, the MREA will coordinate and deliver free, public Solar Power Hour
information sessions. These sessions will be marketed by MREA and co-hosts via email, paid
social media promotion, promotional partnerships, and in the press. Currently, eight virtual
Solar Power Hour session are available for the EMC to co-host, including:
• Wednesday 8/18
1 Grow Solar (n.d.). Solar Twin Cities. https://www.growsolar.org/solar-twin-cities/
• Friday 9/3
• Tuesday 9/7
• Tuesday 9/14
• Tuesday 9/23
• Tuesday 9/29
• Friday 10/8
• Wednesday 10/14
In addition, the MREA will coordinate in-person Solar Power Hour information sessions for
interested co-hosts.
Promoting Solar Power Hour information sessions in Oakdale aligns with the focus of the 2021
EMC Work Plan.
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: August 12, 2021
SUBJ: City fleet analysis opportunities
At the May 17, 2021 meeting of the Environmental Management Commission, the EMC voted
to support several priority actions related to community readiness for electric vehicles. This
list of priority actions includes conducting a study to identify opportunities to transition internal
combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the City’s fleet to a comparable electric vehicle. The
purpose of this memo is to update the commission on the process of identifying a potential
fleet study provider.
Among several fleet study providers, staff has gathered information regarding the following:
• EV Suitability Assessment (EVSA) conducted by Geotab.
In order to analyze opportunities for electrifying the City’s fleet, Geotab installs
telematics devices in eligible fleet vehicles to collect details about driving profiles and
patterns. These data are tracked for thirty days or more, after which time an EV
Suitability Assessment is performed to provide data-driven recommendations for
transitioning a fleet vehicle to a comparable electric alternative. The EVSA takes into
consideration the availability of electric vehicles in the local market, EV performance
in extreme weather conditions, and financial implications related to procuring EVs. The
EVSA is included in a paid, monthly subscription to Geotab’s data platform, and is
designed to reveal the cost savings and environmental impact of transitioning to
electric vehicles in the City’s fleet.
Many peer cities – including Bloomington, Faribault, Fridley, Hastings, Inver Grove
Heights, St. Louis Park, White Bear Lake, Winona, and Woodbury – have conducted a
FleetCarma study in order to identify fleet candidates to switch to an electric vehicle;
Geotab acquired Fleetcarma in 2018 and now provides similar analysis through its EV
Suitability Assessment.
• Fleet Electrification Advisory Program (FEAP) offered through Xcel Energy.
Xcel has partnered with Sawatch Labs to deliver municipal customers a no cost, data-
driven assessment of EV opportunities and charging infrastructure needs. Telematics
devices are installed in at least five eligible light-duty fleet vehicles to collect details
about driving profiles and patterns. These data are tracked for 90 days or more, after
which time participating fleet vehicles are compared to available electric models in the
same class and scored for suitability. Each participating ICE vehicle is evaluated for
operational as well as economic fit as an EV. The FEAP program is designed to help
municipalities keep costs low and drive the best return on investment as they consider
transitioning fleet vehicles to an electric alternative.
Staff is continuing to gather information about the fleet assessments conducted by Geotab
and Xcel.
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: August 12, 2021
SUBJ: Editorial calendar review
The EMC Editorial Calendar is designed to generate public outreach and communication about
the Commission’s priorities related to solid waste, recycling, composting, air and water quality,
and energy conservation. Topics of interest, dates of note, and relevant community resources
may vary as the calendar is refined and updated; consequently, the EMC shall provide a
recommendation to staff on the messages and resources of highest importance month-to-
month.
This memorandum seeks to open discussion on the message and resources of focus in July,
August, and September of 2021.
2021 EMC Editorial Calendar
July -- Sustainability
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
Plastic Bag Free Day – July 3 • Washington County organics drop-off program
• Environmental center – free product room
Plastic Free July
• Reuse information and resources
August – Water Conservation
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
National Water Quality Month • Adopt a Drain
• Blue Thumb
• Raingardens and rain barrels
September – Electric Vehicles
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
Zero Emissions Day – Sept. 21 • Drive Electric Minnesota
Car Free Day – Sept. 22
National Drive Electric Week –
Sept. 25 – Oct. 3
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