Environmental Management Commission

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission October 18, 2021 – 7PM Council Chambers, Oakdale City Hall 1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. September 20, 2021 4. MANAGEMENT REPORTS a. Review of sample EV-ready zoning and subdivision ordinance language 5. ALL OTHER ITEMS a. Solar Power Hour summary b. Adopt-A-Drain schedule update c. Editorial calendar review d. Other commissioner and council member updates 6. NEXT MEETING DATE a. November 15, 2021 7. ADJOURNMENT The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will be held November 15, 2021 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.  REGULAR MEETING OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 CALL TO ORDER The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday, September 20, 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 Nick Kantola Bonnie Wilson Absent: Connor Brown Gretel Fink Karen Jackson Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ APPROVAL OF MINUTES CHAIR MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 16, 2021, WITH CORRECTION OF LAST PARAGRAPH: CHANGE TO CHAIR MILLER FROM CHAIR WILSON. 4 AYES 0 NAYS August 16, 2021 MINUTES APPROVED WITH CORRECTIONS MANAGEMENT REPORTS a. Prioritization of EV-ready zoning and subdivision ordinances Ms. Reidlinger discussed the EV Ready Community Report that was shared with the EMC back in May, 2021. At that time, the EMC voted on priority action items, one of them being the potential Planning and Zoning amendments. Environmental Management Commission Minutes September 20, 2021 Page Two Ms. Reidlinger shared the table included within the EMC Packet. She showed a selection of EV-ready ordinances based on best practices and peer city examples, compiled by the Great Plains Institute. Noted below are the high level suggested ordinance amendments. 1) Land Use. 2) Development and Construction. 3) Design and Parking Standards. Ms. Reidlinger opened the floor to the Commission for any questions. In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Ms. Reidlinger shared that amending planning and zoning ordinances already in place by adding EV-ready language, provides more clarity surrounding Electric Vehicles. The Commission discussed the order of the suggested amendments. Suggestions were to start with the Design and Parking Standards. In response to a question from Commissioner Gerding, Ms. Reidlinger explained this discussion was to ensure that current and future EV installations were a possibility, and to formulate priority items regarding ordinance amendments. In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Ms. Reidlinger noted that the Planning Consultants would be working on the design aspects with her. In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Council Member Zabel shared that amending ordinances may happen at any time. Further discussion was had by the Commission. OTHER ITEMS a. Solar Power Hour update Ms. Reidlinger shared the Solar Power Hour and Solar Group Buy program with the Oakdale Update magazine that was distributed to Oakdale residents, on the digital sign by City Hall, and in social media postings. She also invited the Commission members to cohost one or more of the four scheduled Solar Power Hours. In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Ms. Reidlinger noted these Solar Power Hours were open to residents from the Twin Cities, and by posting that members of the Oakdale EMC would be cohosting the zoom meeting, the hope was more Oakdale residents would attend. It was agreed the September 29, 2021 meeting would be cohosted by the EMC. Environmental Management Commission Minutes September 20, 2021 Page Three 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 regarding the preliminary levy increase for budget year 2022 and noted the next three months would see adjustments as the budget developed. He noted the Council swore in the new Police Chief Nick Newton. Mr. Zabel made a plea for residents to follow City Codes and not blow leaves into the street. b. Commissioner Updates Chair Wilson and Commissioner Gerding thanked Council Member Zabel for highlighting the fall leaves issues. Commissioner Gerding noted that the Adopt-A-Drain program was busy this month. Ms. Reidlinger affirmed that already created content would be re-shared by the EMC. NEXT MEETING DATE Chair Miller reminded the Commission the next meeting would be Monday, October 18, 2021. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO ADJOURN THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2021 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 7:43 P.M. 4 AYES 0 NAYS Meeting Adjourned Respectfully submitted, Jackie Knutson Recording Secretary TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 15, 2021 SUBJ: Review of sample EV-ready zoning and subdivision ordinance language 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 memorandum is to educate the EMC regarding the process of amending the City’s ordinances to include EV-ready language, examples of which are provided below. The following tables summarize a selection of EV-ready ordinances based upon nationwide best practices and peer city examples compiled by the Great Plains Institute 1. 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. Amendments to the City’s zoning ordinances similar to the examples detailed below will be presented to Oakdale’s Planning Commission for consideration and refinement before final review by the City Council. EV Charging Space Design and Parking Standards EV charging spot design and parking standards may be outlined in Chapter 25 (Zoning), Article 18 of the City’s code book. Ordinance edits drafted by City of Oakdale staff are indicated below by green text; these amendments have not yet been presented nor adopted. Examples of EV- ready ordinance language adopted by peer cities is indicated below by black text. The following table includes sample language for educational purposes and does not reflect an exhaustive or finalized list of all possible EV-ready ordinance amendments. Category Purpose Sample language • The installation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) shall not reduce the overall parking space area dimensions below those required in Sec. 25-161(b)(1). To manage installation • EVCS equipment shall be protected by a curb, costs and lot use by wheel stops, or concreted filled bollards. EV Parking providing information • “The EVCS shall be located in desirable and Space Design related to EV parking convenient parking locations that will serve and Location space design and as an incentive for the use of electric location requirements. vehicles.” – St. Louis Park • “Design should be appropriate to the location and use. Facilities should be able to be readily identified by electric car users but blend into the surrounding 1 Ross, B., & Cooke, C. (2019). Summary of best practices in electric vehicle ordinances. Great Plains Institute.  landscape/architecture for compatibility with the character and use of the site.” – Methuen, MA • For every parking space installed that has an EVCS, or that is deemed to be EVCS-ready through installation of charging station infrastructure (including conduit and/or raceway and increased panel capacity), parking minimums can be reduced ½ space, up to a total decrease of five (5) parking stalls. • The recommended percentage of EV-ready parking spaces in [structure type] is [percentage]. This is not a requirement. • EVCS installers should consider the following best practices for considerations of individuals protected under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) until such time as there is national standard for ADA Required EV requirements for EVCS. To clarify how EV o Accessible EVCS should not count toward Parking charging spots are the minimum number of accessible car Capacity and accounted for as part and van parking spaces required in a Minimum of minimum parking parking facility, as they are meant to be Parking space requirements. used by EV owners only. Requirements o EVCS should be located so they are accessible for a person in a wheelchair on an access aisle, and the EVCS should not encroach on the access aisle. o Reach range and turning radius requirements from ADA are good standards for accessing the equipment. o Bollards and wheel stops should not obstruct the use of the charging station. o Charging equipment may be shared between accessible EVCS and regular EVCS. o It is recommended that at least one accessible EVCS be included when installing multiple EVCS. If installing only one EVCS, strong consideration should be given to making it accessible. EV-designed To reserve the use of “Except when located in conjunction with single- Parking Use EV charging spots for family residences, electric vehicle charging Standards drivers of electric stations shall be reserved for parking and and vehicles. charging of electric vehicles only.” – Chelan, WA Protections  • EVCS shall have adequate lighting available for ease of night time use. • EVCS available for use to the general public shall be readily identified by electric vehicle users through the use of internal site wayfinding signage or other identification means. • EVCS shall be posted with signage indicating the space is only for electric vehicle charging To help all drivers purposes. Signage, understand the • EVCS shall provide a phone number or other Safety, and appropriate use of contact information on the equipment to Other EVSE and enhance its report problems. Standards public value, as well as • “The following information shall be posted at minimize risk. al electric vehicle charging stations: 1. Voltage and amperage levels; 2. Hour or operations if time limits or tow- away provisions are to be enforced by the property owner; 3. Usage fees; 4. Safety information; 5. Contact information for reporting when the equipment is not operating or other problems.” – Chelan, WA Land Use Land use stipulations may be outlined in Chapter 25 (Zoning), Articles 9 through 15 of the City’s code book. Ordinance edits drafted by City of Oakdale staff are indicated below by green text; these amendments have not yet been presented nor adopted. The following table includes sample language for educational purposes and does not reflect an exhaustive or finalized list of all possible EV-ready ordinance amendments. Category Purpose Sample language To streamline the installation of charging infrastructure by For all zoning designations – Permitted clarifying where EV Accessory Uses: Land Use charging stations, or Electric Vehicle Charging Station (Level 1, Level specific types of EV 2, and Level 3) charging stations, are permitted. Development and Construction EVSE development and construction standards may be outlined in Chapter 25 (Zoning), Article 18 of the City’s code book. Ordinance edits drafted by City of Oakdale staff are indicated below by green text; these amendments have not yet been presented nor adopted. Examples of EV- ready ordinance language adopted by peer cities is indicated below by black text. The following table includes sample language for educational purposes and does not reflect an exhaustive or finalized list of all possible EV-ready ordinance amendments. Category Purpose Sample language In order to proactively plan for and accommodate the anticipated future growth in market demand for electric vehicles it is strongly encouraged, but not required, that all new and expanded development parking areas consider adding the To prepare for future electrical infrastructure necessary to support the Make-ready installation of chargers future installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Standards for at the time of Stations. This may include increasing electrical Development construction. panel capacity, the installation of conduit or raceway, or other actions. Installing the infrastructure necessary for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations during construction is significantly more cost effective than retrofitting parking areas to be EV-ready. • EVCS cords shall be retractable or have a place to hang the connector and cord sufficiently above the pedestrian surface as to minimize tripping hazards. • Any cords connecting the charger to a vehicle shall be configured so that they do not cross a driveway, sidewalk, accessibility routes, or passenger unloading area. • “Battery charging station outlets and EVSE To facilitate a smooth connector devices shall be mounted to Equipment construction permitting comply with state code and must comply with Standards process. all relevant American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.” – St. Louis Park • “EVCS pedestals shall be designed to minimize potential damage by accidents, vandalism and to be safe for use in inclement weather.” – St. Louis Park • “Charging station equipment…shall be a minimum of 24 inches clear from the face of the curb.” – Mountlake Terrace, WA Electric car charging stations are considered an To support amenity option when an application for a PUD or Planned Unit transportation PUD amendment is submitted to the City of Development electrification by the Golden Valley; the standard for the amenity (PUD) Points private sector. option is “an electric vehicle charging station accessible to residents, employees, and/or the  public providing connections at the rate of five percent of the required parking spaces”. Staff recommends that the EMC support presenting draft EV-ready ordinance amendments to the Planning Commission for consideration and further refinement. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 15, 2021 SUBJ: Solar Power Hour summary This memorandum summarizes the September 29th virtual Solar Power Hour hosted by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and cohosted in part by Oakdale’s Environmental Management Commission. Around 50 participants joined the Zoom meeting to learn more about the Grow Solar Twin Cities group buy program. The virtual presentation began with an introduction to Grow Solar Twin Cities and the program organizers. Then, participants were educated on the basics of how solar works, the options and considerations included in a solar buying decision, the typical costs of solar, and available incentives. Finally, participants were instructed on how to take the next steps in their solar journey, including signing up for a free site assessment and cost estimate. A representative from the competitively-selected group buy solar installer, TruNorth Solar, was available to answer questions and provide further information. A pre- recorded version of the presentation is available to the public on-demand. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 15, 2021 SUBJ: Adopt-A-Drain schedule update The purpose of this memorandum is to facilitate discussion regarding the EMC’s monthly participation in the Adopt-A-Drain program. The EMC has adopted three drains near Walton Park. In 2021, commissioners were assigned to clear the drains of debris based on the following schedule: • January: Wilson • February: Drainville • March: Gerding • April: Jackson • May: Brown • June: Miller • July: Kantola • August: Wilson • September: Drainville • October: Gerding • November: Jackson • December: Brown Due to the location of the drains as well as the seasonal nature of organic waste buildup (such as leaves, other tree waste, grass, and brush), the Commission may elect to vary its drain cleaning schedule during winter months. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 15, 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 September, October, and November of 2021. 2021 EMC Editorial Calendar 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 • Home Energy Squad (home energy audit) National LED Light Day – Oct. 7 • Clean Energy Project Builder National Solar Tour • Washington County “Be a Battery Hero” campaign Energy Awareness Month November -- Recycling Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic America Recycles Day – Nov. 15 • Washington County Environmental Center • BizRecycling • Food scraps drop-off program o EMC-specific composting video