Environmental Management Commission

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission September 20, 2021 – 7PM Council Chambers, Oakdale City Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. August 16, 2021 4. MANAGEMENT REPORTS a. Prioritization of EV-ready zoning and subdivision ordinances 5. ALL OTHER ITEMS a. Solar Power Hour update b. Editorial calendar review c. Other commissioner and council member updates 6. NEXT MEETING DATE a. October 18, 2021 7. ADJOURNMENT The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will be held October 18, 2021 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.  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 Wilson 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 TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: September 17, 2021 SUBJ: Prioritization of EV-ready Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances 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 amending Oakdale’s zoning and subdivision ordinances to incorporate language regarding electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). In amending the City’s ordinances, Oakdale builds a foundation for community-wide EV readiness by reducing barriers to the integration of EVSE in development and redevelopment and to the use of EVs by residents and visitors more broadly. The purpose of this memo is to facilitate prioritization by the EMC of potential EV-ready zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments. The following table summarizes a selection of EV-ready ordinances based upon nationwide best practices and peer city examples compiled by the Great Plains Institute 1. These ordinances play a role in laying the groundwork for an EV-ready community; however, the EMC may recommend enacting some before or over others. EV-ready ordinances enacted in Duluth, Golden Valley, Saint Paul, and St. Louis Park may serve as examples for zoning and subdivision amendments implemented in Oakdale. EV-READY ZONING AND SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE AMENDEMENTS Category Purpose Ordinance description Distinguish where different To streamline the types of charging stations are installation of charging allowed. (ex – Levels 1 & 2 infrastructure, the City’s allowed in all zones, Level 3 ordinances may clarify restricted to specific zoning where EV charging stations, districts). LAND USE or specific types of EV Permitted charging stations, are Determine if a conditional or Land Use permitted. According to the special use permit is required Great Plains Institute, for charging stations in specific “charging stations are likely zones. to be an accessory use but Determine if restrictions are may also be a principal use placed on charging stations in in some instances” 1. the right of way. To support transportation DEVELOPMENT Planned Unit electrification by the private Classify EVSE as a public Development sector, the City’s PUD benefit in a planned unit AND (PUD) Points ordinances may incorporate development. language related to EVSE. CONSTRUCTION To prepare for future Recommend or require the installation of chargers at installation of appropriate 1 Ross, B., & Cooke, C. (2019). Summary of best practices in electric vehicle ordinances. Great Plains Institute.  the time of construction, electrical capacity and conduits make-ready standards to support future EVSE. explain the suggestions or requirements for setting up infrastructure to support electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). The Great Make-ready Plains Institute notes that DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION Standards for make-ready standards are Development Delineate zoning districts where beneficial because they EVSE is allowed. “capture savings by avoiding future costly retrofits to install chargers and have minimal impacts on the construction or renovation costs for a parking facility”. Determine specifications for mounting EVSE. To facilitate a smooth construction permitting Determine specification for the process, the City’s distance of the charging station EVSE ordinances may describe the from the curb. Equipment minimum standards or Determine under what Standards required design of charging circumstances a parking space equipment or charging must adhere to EVSE station infrastructure. equipment standards. Determine additional standards EVSE should comply with. Specify parking space size. Specify the location of parking DESIGN AND PARKING STANDARDS spaces on a street or within a Because specifications parking lot. regarding EV parking spaces Specify parking space and EV Parking could affect installation location fit. Space Design costs and lot use, the City’s and Location ordinances may provide Determine if a parking space is information related to EV recommended or required to parking space design and have features that protect the location requirements. charging equipment. Specify the entity authorized to create standards for EV charging stations. Required EV To clarify how EV charging Determine a recommendation Parking spots are accounted for as or requirement for the portion of  Capacity & part of minimum parking parking spaces designated for Minimum space requirements, the EV parking or EVSE, or made Parking City’s ordinances may EVSE ready. Requirements describe minimum EV Determine a recommendation parking standards (including or requirement for the portion of design elements that are EV charging stations that are part of routine parking made accessible. standards like landscaping, storm water management, Determine if EV parking space accessibility, etc.). proportion requirements are part of optional financing or flexible code. Determine the degree of flexibility on minimum requirements to reduce the cost burden of EVSE. DESIGN AND PARKING STANDARDS Determine if EVSE counts towards meeting existing minimum parking requirements for developments (despite being simultaneously restricted to EVs only). Determine the restrictions for To reserve the use of EV the type of vehicle that may EV-designed charging spots for drivers of park in an EV charging station Parking Use electric vehicles, the City’s parking space. Standards ordinances may define the and restrictions, protections, and Specify the ramification for Protections penalties inherent to parking parking unauthorized vehicles in EV-designated spaces. in an EV charging station parking space. Determine signage and road marking requirements. To help all drivers Determine lighting understand the appropriate requirements. use of EVSE and enhance its Signage, public value, as well as Inform about charging usage Safety, and minimize risk, the City’s fees. Other ordinances may outline Inform about general Standards requirements related to operations and maintenance. signage, road markings, notifications, lighting, usage Inform about contact fees, and maintenance. information for instances where a charging station is damaged or out of order. Inform about required notices. Inform about time limits and hours of operation. Inform about landscaping requirements. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: September 17, 2021 SUBJ: Solar Power Hour update Grow Solar Twin Cities will facilitate four free, virtual Solar Power Hour informational sessions in September and October. These sessions will be held on: • Thursday, September 23rd, from 4:00 – 5:00 PM (register online) • Wednesday, September 29th from 6:30 – 7:30 PM (register online) • Friday, October 8th from 12:00 – 1:00 PM (register online) • Wednesday, October 14th from 3:00 – 4:00 PM (register online) The EMC is invited to cohost the September 23rd or September 29th Zoom meeting. Cohosts are encouraged to spend no more than five minutes introducing their municipality, explaining why they support the program, and/or sharing a personal experience with solar. In order to make residents aware of the Solar Power Hour sessions, staff has included MREA-generated content related to the solar group buy in the Oakdale Update newsletter and on the electric message board outside of City Hall. Additionally, staff has posted information to social media. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: September 17, 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 August, September, and October of 2021. 2021 EMC Editorial Calendar August – Water Conservation Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic • Adopt a Drain National Water Quality Month • Blue Thumb • Raingardens and rain barrels September – Electric Vehicles Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic Zero Emissions Day – Sept. 21 Car Free Day – Sept. 22 • Drive Electric Minnesota National Drive Electric Week – • Shift2Electric Sept. 25 – Oct. 3 October – Renewable Energy Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic Energy Efficiency Day – Oct. 6 National LED Light Day – Oct. 7 • Home Energy Squad (home energy audit) • Clean Energy Project Builder National Solar Tour • Washington County “Be a Battery Hero” campaign Energy Awareness Month