Environmental Management Commission
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · November 15, 2021
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 15, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday,
November 15, 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
Bonnie Wilson
Connor Brown
Gretel Fink
Absent: Nick Kantola
Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison
Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
BROWN TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 18, 2021.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
a. 2022 EMC WORK PLAN
Ms. Reidlinger discussed priorities for the 2022 EMC Work Plan.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
November 15, 2021
Page Two
Electric Vehicle (EV)-ready Community
1) Draft and pass EV-ready zoning and subdivision ordinance amendments.
2) Potential for conducting fleet analysis with Xcel Energy.
3) Create educational opportunities.
4) Establish online permitting process.
Solar Power
1) Research and implement best practices for solar accessibility using a national
standard through SolSmart as a guideline.
Bike and Pedestrian Plan
1) Temporarily on hold but will be revisited in 2022.
Ms. Reidlinger opened the floor to the Commission for questions.
Chair Miller commented solar gardens subscriptions were still available for residents of
Washington County. Novel Energy has a solar garden subscription that should be ready by
December 1, 2021.
In response to Commissioner Gerding’s request for more information on SolSmart, Ms.
Reidlinger believes it is a federally funded program that provides designation for
municipalities (Bronze through Gold). To receive designation a community must complete
steps to increase access to solar. Examples include streamlining the permitting process,
community education, and marketing. Ms. Reidlinger will research whether this is a voluntary
or fee-based program. Chair Miller stated Oakdale did have a SolSmart grant in previous years
and is part of the National Renewable Energy Labs in Colorado.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding who would research federally
funded grants for the new infrastructure bill, specifically the EV portion of the bill, Ms.
Reidlinger responded she would and has also been watching that bill.
In response to Commissioner Gerding asking what led to the idea of creating an online
permitting process, Ms. Reidlinger replied it is recommended in many best practice
documents and although she has not received specific complaints or requests regarding the
issue, believes it is an area the city could grow by utilizing technology for online permitting.
Commissioner Fink asked if Tanners Lake had been dredged in previous years. Chair Miller
mentioned the city has over 200 storm water ponds that are dredged regularly and in the past
volunteers have cleaned up around Tanners Lake.
Chair Miller noted that due to the recent drought it might be necessary to publish guidance
on water conservation and maintenance.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
November 15, 2021
Page Three
In response to Commissioner Fink’s question if the EMC needs to officially adopt the 2022
EMC Work Plan, Ms. Reidlinger responded that the Commission could vote in support of plan
and it will be on record.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FINK AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILSON
TO APPROVE A DRAFT OF THE 2022 EMC WORK PLAN.
5 AYES 0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
a. 2022 Environmental Communications Strategy
Ms. Reidlinger noted the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar looks much like 2021 and asked the
Commission for feedback on how to maximize engagement in 2022. Many topics on the 2022
EMC Editorial Calendar are repeated from the previous year and were tweaked slightly.
Commissioner Gerding suggested an additional column stating what engagement would look
like month to month and how it relates to the 2022 EMC Work Plan and Oakdale’s 2040
Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioner Fink noted that part of the 2022 EMC Work Plan was education, and
volunteering in the community provides an opportunity to speak to people.
Chair Miller stated virtual informational workshops could be created, specifically in
conjunction with the Clean Energy Resource Team or Xcel Energy.
Commissioner Fink mentioned inviting Xcel Energy to host a recycling activity to collect CFL
pigtail bulbs.
The Commission discussed marketing on social media.
In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question asking if the EMC has adopted a park or
wetland in Oakdale, Commissioner Wilson responded that anyone can adopt a park or wetland
and the Parks and Recreation Commission is always looking for volunteers.
In response to the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar, Commissioner Wilson suggested the EMC
choose a month to create an event. Ms. Reidlinger will contact the City Administrator to clarify
what the role of the EMC is with regard to community event coordination, and what is expected
of the Commission more broadly.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
November 15, 2021
Page Four
Commissioner Fink stated she realized how ambiguous the Commission’s role is when she
attended a recent cross-city commission workshop. Some groups were passing legislature
while others were just learning about recycling.
OTHER ITEMS
a. 2021 EMC Editorial Calendar Review
Chair Miller reviewed upcoming EMC Editorial Calendar events for 2021. Commissioner Fink
suggested moving the Christmas lights topic to an earlier month and focusing on tree and
electronic recycling in December.
b. Other Commissioner and Council Member Updates
Commissioner Wilson mentioned Oakdale recently joined the network of Age Friendly
Communities in Minnesota. The designation is given to a dozen communities in Minnesota
and includes a task force that will concentrate on transportation and outdoor services.
Chair Miller will get the results for the Growth Solar Twin Cities program which ended in
October.
Commissioner Gerding reported the City of White Bear Lake is starting to research single use
plastics, and he would continue to follow that program.
NEXT MEETING DATE
Chair Miller reminded the Commission the next meeting would be Monday, January 10, 2022.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FINK,
TO ADJOURN THE NOVEMBER 15, 2021 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AT 8:00 P.M.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Teresa Buhl
Recording Secretary
Agenda
AGENDA
Environmental Management Commission
November 15, 2021 – 7PM
Council Chambers, Oakdale City Hall
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. October 18, 2021
4. MANAGEMENT REPORTS
a. Review of draft 2022 EMC Work Plan
b. Review of 2022 environmental communications strategy
5. OTHER ITEMS
a. Editorial calendar review
b. Other commissioner and council member updates
6. NEXT MEETING DATE
a. January 10, 2022
7. ADJOURNMENT
The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will be held
January 10, 2022 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 18, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday,
October 18, 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
Gretel Fink
Connor Brown
Nick Kantola
Bonnie Wilson
Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GERDING, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 20, 2021,
WITH CORRECTION OF LAST PARAGRAPH: CHANGE TO CHAIR MILLER FROM CHAIR WILSON.
6 AYES
0 NAYS
September 20, 2021 minutes approved with corrections.
MANAGEMENT REPORTS
a. Review of sample EV-ready zoning and subdivision ordinance language
Ms. Reidlinger reminded the EMC of the EV Ready Community Report which was discussed at
the last EMC meeting, and provided some sample zoning and ordinance language for the
Commission to review.
Ms. Reidlinger opened the floor to the Commission for any questions.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
October 18, 2021
Page Two
In response to a question from Commissioner Wilson, Ms. Reidlinger shared the language
could include single family homes.
In response to a question from Chair Miller, Ms. Reidlinger would ask if the EMC would be able
to review the language again prior to going to the City Council.
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger noted the City Council has
final determination on number of EV-Ready parking spots.
In response to a question from Commissioner Gerding, Ms. Reidlinger would look into the
timeline for developing a national standard for ADA as it related to EV-Ready parking spots.
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger would ask which governing
body at the city makes determinations on specific detailed measurements related to the
parking spots.
In response to a question from Commissioner Gerding, Ms. Reidlinger explained that the
installation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) may not reduce the overall parking
space area minimum dimensions.
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger explained that parking lot
standards must be met and were listed out in Chapter 25 (Zoning) of the City’s Code Book.
In response to a question from Commissioner Fink, Ms. Reidlinger stated there was not
currently language noting who was paying for the electricity going to these charging stations.
In response to a question from Commissioner Brown, Ms. Reidlinger shared that putting
language into the ordinances and using incentivizing programs would encourage private
business to build EV-Ready parking spots.
Further discussion was had by the Commission.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FINK, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILSON,
STATING THE EMC SUPPORTS SENDING THE DRAFT EV-READY ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR CONSIDERATION AND FURTHER REFINEMENT.
6 AYES
0 NAYS
Motion Passes
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
October 18, 2021
Page Three
Chair Miller asked for a motion regarding the EV-Ready Fleet Study that was discussed at a
previous meeting.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GERDING, RECOMMENDING MOVING FORWARD WITH AN EV-READY FLEET STUDY TO THE
CITY COUNCIL.
6 AYES
0 NAYS
Motion Passes
OTHER ITEMS
a. Solar Power Hour summary
Chair Miller summarized the September 29, 2021 virtual Solar Power Hour hosted by the
Midwest Renewable Energy Association cohosted by the City of Oakdale EMC and the City of
Eden Prairie.
b. Adopt-A-Drain schedule update
Ms. Reidlinger will revise the 2022 EMC calendar for the three adopted drains at Walton Park.
c. Editorial Calendar review
The Commission discussed the monthly updates to the Editorial Calendar.
d. Other Commissioner and Council Member updates
a. Commissioner Updates
Commissioner Fink reminded viewers to visit our parks. Chair Miller participated in a
multi-faith event to support climate justice. Commissioner Kantola shared the Tree
Board is looking to diversify the trees in the annual Tree Giveaway. Ms. Reidlinger
noted that there was an applicant moving through the process for the vacant position
on the EMC.
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next meeting would be Monday, November 15, 2021.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
October 18, 2021
Page Four
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KANTOLA, TO ADJOURN THE OCTOBER 18, 2021 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 7:55 P.M.
6 AYES
0 NAYS
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Jackie Knutson
Recording Secretary
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: November 12, 2021
SUBJ: Review of draft 2022 EMC Work Plan
The 2022 EMC Work Plan guides and focuses the commission’s work in the coming year.
This draft 2022 Work Plan reflects priorities identified in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan and
the GreenStep Cities program. It recommends concentrating on implementing priority actions
outlined in the 2021 EV-Ready Community Study; on concluding a Bike and Pedestrian Plan
update; and on supporting community-wide energy efficiency efforts. The work plan also
details ongoing items typically included in the commission’s yearly work related to education
and promotion of waste reduction, recycling, and water conservation.
City Council will review the draft work plan in the first quarter of 2022.
Electric Vehicle Priorities
2040 Comp
Action Description
Plan relevance
Pass suggested zoning and subdivision
ordinance amendments.
• Suggested EV charging space design and
parking standards:
o Manage installation costs and lot use
by providing information related to EV
parking space design and location
recommendations.
o Clarify how EV charging spots are
accounted for as part of already
EV-Ready Community
Chapter 8, codified minimum parking space
Study priority action
Goal 1, Policy 6 requirements.
implementation
o Recommend reserving the use of EV
charging spots for drivers of electric
vehicles.
o Help drivers understand the
appropriate use of EVSE and enhance
its public value, as well as minimize
risk.
• Suggested land use standards:
o Streamline the installation of charging
infrastructure by clarifying where EV
charging stations, or specific types of
EV charging stations, are permitted.
• Suggested development and construction
standards:
o Prepare for future installation of
chargers at the time of construction.
o Facilitate a smooth construction
permitting process.
o Support transportation electrification
by the private sector.
Analyze opportunity to transition one or more
City fleet vehicles to an electric alternative.
• Coordinate fleet assessment via
participation in Xcel Energy’s Fleet
Electrification Advisory Program.
Coordinate opportunities for electric vehicle
and EV charging station education.
• Sponsor, coordinate, and promote a local
ride-and-drive where residents may test
drive an EV (if possible given COVID
restrictions) and speak with actual EV
owners about their experience.
Streamline EVSE permitting requirements with
suggested process updates.
• Create an online process for EVSE
permitting.
• Provide education to businesses,
developers, homeowners, and electrical
contractors about EVSE installation
guidelines.
Other 2040 Comprehensive Plan Priorities
2040 Comp
Action Description
Plan relevance
Chapter 8, • Host a Solar Twin Cities Power Hour.
Promote energy
Goal 1, Policies efficiency and • Promote Xcel Energy Rebate Programs,
1&5 renewable energy in PACE, and Trillion BTU.
residential &
commercial properties
Reduce waste Leverage funds from the Washington County
Chapter 8,
generation, increase Recycling Grant to promote recycling and
Goal 1, Policy 7
recycling waste reduction programs.
Promote Adopt-a-Drain (including EMC’s
Chapter 8, Promote water adoption of drains at City Hall) through
Goal 2, Policy 4 conservation communication channels and at community
events.
Analyze opportunity to reduce barriers to solar
Chapter 8, for businesses and residents through
Increase access to suggested implementation of recommended
Goal 1, Policy 3
solar solar best practices.
&4
• Research SolSmart designation.
Connect low-income
Chapter 8, residents to
Host a CUB Bill Clinic.
Goal 1, Policy 2 weatherization and EE
resources
GreenStep Cities Best Practice Priorities
2040 Comp
Action Description
Plan relevance
Complete the bike and pedestrian plan update
Implement GreenStep
Chapter 3, to identify and remedy trail-gaps between city
Cities Best Practice
Goal 4 streets and off-road trails/bike trails to better
Action 11.5
facilitate walking and biking.
Complete the bike and pedestrian plan update
Implement GreenStep to increase active transportation and car travel
Chapter 3,
Cities Best Practice alternatives (i.e. transit; paratransit/Dial-A-
Goal 5
Action 12.3 Ride; ridesharing/cab services; rental cars;
bikes; airports).
2021 metrics reporting Update metrics to reflect 2021 data.
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: November 12, 2021
SUBJ: Review of 2022 environmental communications strategy
Policy Overview
It is the City’s policy to foster environmental resiliency, adaptation, and mitigation among the
community. Coordinating timely communication about programs and information is an
important consideration in achieving the City’s environmental management priorities.
Implementing an environmental communications strategy will ensure residents, business
owners and their employees, developers, and other audiences in Oakdale receive the
information and resources they need to make environmentally sustainable decisions.
Consequently, staff has prepared a draft 2022 environmental communications strategy.
Aligning with 2040 Comprehensive Plan priorities and the 2022 EMC Work Plan, the goal of
the environmental communications strategy is to increase awareness about emission
reduction, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and recycling.
Annual editorial calendar
The 2022 environmental communications strategy shall be implemented using an annual
editorial calendar. The editorial calendar provides an opportunity to focus on relevant themes
at key times throughout the year. These themes may be ongoing in nature (i.e. increasing
energy efficiency and recycling, conserving water, reducing waste, etc.) or specific to a date
or program (i.e. an electric vehicle Ride and Drive event, a Washington County Recycling Grant
project, the Adopt-a-Drain program, etc.).
The editorial calendar takes the following into consideration:
• Objective. Establishing the primary goal of the environmental communications strategy
ensures messaging facilitate the priorities of the EMC, including:
o Becoming an EV-ready community
o Promoting energy efficiency
o Promoting renewble energy
o Reducing waste generation
o Increasing recycling
o Promoting water conservation
o Connecting low-income residents to weatherization & EE resources
o Implementing GreenSteps Cities best practices relating to the bike and pedestrian plan
update
Public outreach and communication of these topics will fulfill one of the following
objectives:
1. RAISE AWARENESS by conveying public service announcements
2. INFORM by communicating environmental information, tips, and reminders
3. PROMOTE relevant events and programs
• Resources. Communication materials intended for Oakdale businesses and residents may
be provided by community partners including:
o Washington County Environmental Services
o Adopt-a-Drain
o Xcel Energy residential
o Xcel Energy business
o GreenSteps Cities
o Center for Energy & Environment
o Recycling Association of Minnesota
o United State Environmental Protection Agency
o Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
o Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota
o Washington Conservation District
o East Metro Water Resource Education Program
o Blue Thumb
o Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District
o Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties
• Channels. Environmental content intended for Oakdale businesses and residents may be
communicated through the following channels:
o City of Oakdale social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, NextDoor)
o City newsletter “Oakdale Update”
o City website
o Printed collateral
o Electronic message boards
o City building lobbies
o Direct mail
o Cross-promotion with partner organizations
• Calendar. Content is scheduled on an annualized basis in a relevant and timely manner.
2022 EMC Editorial Calendar
January: Energy Efficiency
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Home energy audit
• Commercial energy efficiency resources
[N/A] (Clean Energy Project Builder, PACE,
Trillion BTU)
• Xcel Energy rebates
February: Transition to Spring
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Outdoor salt use
[N/A] • Weatherization
o Citizens Utility Board (CUB clinic)
March: Reuse and Recycle
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
Global Recycling Day – Mar 18 • Washington County Environmental
World Water Day – Mar 22 Center (reuse room, food scrap drop-off
program)
National Groundwater Awareness Week –
• BizRecycling
first full week
• Rain barrels and rain gardens
April: Environmental Stewardship
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
Earth Day – Apr 22
National Park Week – the week of Earth
• Adopt-A-Park
Day
• Adopt-A-Drain
National Environmental Education Week –
third full week • Adopt-A-Wetland
Keep America Beautiful Month
May: Bicycling and Transportation
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
Bike to Work Day – May 20 • Local trails and routes
National Bike to Work Week – May 16 – 22 • Bicycle safety and education
National Bike Month • General emission reduction education
(including electric vehicles)
June: Renewable Energy
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Renewable energy programs via Xcel
Energy
o Windsource
World Environment Day – Jun 5 o Solar*Rewards (installed solar
panels)
o Solar*Rewards Community
(community solar garden)
July: Sustainability
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Washington County Environmental
Plastic Bag Free Day – Jul 3 Center (reuse room, food scrap drop-off
program)
Plastic Free July • Compost bins and reusable bags at the
Farmers Market
August: Water Conservation
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Adopt-A-Drain
National Water Quality Month • Adopt-A-Wetland
• Rain barrels and rain gardens
September: Electric Vehicles
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
Zero Emissions Day – Sep 21 • Drive Electric Minnesota
Car Free Day – Sep 22 • Shift2Electric
• Touch-A-Truck
National Drive Electric Week • Ride and Drive event
October: Renewable Energy
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
Energy Efficiency Day – Oct 5 • Home Energy Squad (home energy
National LED Light Day – Oct 7 audit)
National Solar Tour • Clean Energy Project Builder
Energy Awareness Month • Battery recycling
November: Recycling
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Washington County Environmental
Center
America Recycles Day – Nov 15 • BizRecycling
• Food scraps drop-off program
o EMC-specific composting video
December: Low-waste Holidays
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Christmas lights – energy efficiency and
[N/A] recycling
• Tree recycling
• Commissioner engagement. Commission members may further facilitate the
environmental communications strategy by:
o Providing feedback on monthly themes and content
o Sharing editorial calendar content to social media and through additional
communication channels (email, neighborhood newsletter, etc.)
o Supplementing editorial calendar content with pictures and/or video, and narrative
copy
o Volunteer for in-person events (i.e. compost pail give-away at the Farmers Market, Ride
and Drive or Touch a Truck events, CUB clinics, Solar Power Hour information sessions,
etc.) to share information and answer questions
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: November 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
October, November, and December of 2021.
2021 EMC Editorial Calendar
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
Energy Awareness Month • Washington County “Be a Battery Hero” campaign
November: Recycling
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Washington County Environmental Center
America Recycles Day – Nov. • BizRecycling
15 • Food scraps drop-off program
o EMC-specific composting video
December: Low-waste Holidays
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Christmas lights – energy efficiency and recycling
[N/A]
• Tree recycling
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