Environmental Management Commission

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission REGULAR MEETING January 10, 2022 7:00 PM Oakdale City Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. November 15, 2021 5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS i. EV-ready zoning ordinance amendment updates ii. 2022 Adopt-A-Drain schedule b. NEW BUSINESS i. Election of Commission Chair and Vice Chair 6. OTHER i. Review of Commission function and duties ii. Community Development Department update iii. Monthly review of the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar iv. Commissioner update(s)* v. Council liaison update(s)* 7. ADJOURNMENT *Items marked with an asterisk have no accompanying materials The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will be held February 7, 2021 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.  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 TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: January 6, 2022 SUBJ: EV-ready zoning ordinance amendment updates The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) with an update regarding the process of amending the City’s ordinances to include electric vehicle (EV)-ready language. Background At the May 17, 2021 meeting of the EMC, the Commission 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 electric vehicles by residents and visitors more broadly. Current status At the October 15, 2021 EMC meeting, the Commission reviewed and gave feedback on a selection of sample EV-ready ordinances based upon nationwide best practices and peer city examples compiled by the Great Plains Institute 1. Sample ordinance language covered EV charging space design and parking standards, land use stipulations, and EVSE development and construction standards. Staff presented the same selection of sample EV-ready ordinances during the November 4, 2021 Planning Commission meeting in order to educate the Planning Commission about EV- ready zoning and subdivision ordinance amendment best practices, and to facilitate discussion about updating Oakdale’s zoning ordinances to reflect EV-ready standards. The Planning Commission requested further clarification on several items, including: • The degree of flexibility in charging space design and parking standards • Specifications for residential charging options (in single family homes, townhomes, and apartments) • The degree to which current ordinance language regarding parking and lighting standards may already address recommendations for electric vehicle parking and charging • The degree to which design and construction/installation standards are different (if at all) between parking lots and parking structures • Infrastructure considerations (including fire code regulations) • The equitable distribution of standard parking spaces and electric vehicle charging spaces throughout a lot • In what ways the installation of charging stations is incentivized through the City’s ordinances, if at all Staff will utilize feedback provided by the EMC and the Planning Commission to draft EV-ready amendments to the Code of Ordinances. Draft language will be presented to the Planning 1 Ross, B., & Cooke, C. (2019). Summary of best practices in electric vehicle ordinances. Great Plains Institute. Commission for review, and then will be made available to the community for comment during a public hearing at a Planning Commission meeting in the spring of 2022. Lastly, staff will present edited EV-ready ordinance amendments to City Council for final consideration. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: January 6, 2022 SUBJ: 2022 Adopt-A-Drain schedule The purpose of this memorandum is to inform the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) of the schedule for clearing the three drains near Walton Park adopted through the Adopt-A-Drain program. 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 elected during the October 18, 2021 EMC meeting to modify the drain clearing schedule during winter months. In 2022, commissioners are assigned to clear the drains of debris based on the following schedule: • March: Miller • April: Kantola • May: Wilson • June: Drainville • July: Gerding • August: Brown • September: Miller • October: Kantola • November: Wilson • December: Drainville The following map depicts the location of the three adopted drains (circled in red). Oakdale City Hall  TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: January 6, 2022 SUBJ: Election of Commission Chair and Vice Chair Background Chapter Six of the City Code of Ordinances states that the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) shall elect from its membership a Chair and Vice Chair annually at its first meeting of the year. According to Article III, section 3.2 of the Commission’s bylaws, the Chair shall preside at all Commission meetings and be recognized as the head of the Commission for all ceremonial purposes. In case of the Chair’s absence or temporary disability, the Vice Chair shall act as Chair during the continuance of absence. Neither the City Code of Ordinances nor EMC bylaws specify term limits with regards to serving in these positions. Therefore, all Commission members are eligible to serve in 2022. Election Process: Commission Chair The following is the process for the election of Commission Chair. Ballots for voting will be distributed. 1. Nominate candidates for the Chair position. Nominations do not require a "second", but other members may "second" the nomination to show support. "Motion to nominate Commissioner _______ for the position of Chair." 2. When there are no new nominations to be made, a commissioner should make a motion that nominations close. The motion to close requires a "second". "Motion to close nominations for the position of Chair." 3. Election using the ballot provided. Commissioners write in their choice from those nominated and pass the ballots to staff for tabulating. 4. Staff will announce results. 5. Election of Chair requires a motion and a “second”. "Motion to elect Commissioner ____________ for the position of Chair of the Environmental Management Commission for a period of one (1) calendar year, commencing with the January 10, 2022 meeting." Election Process: Commission Vice Chair The following is the process for the election of Commission Vice Chair. Ballots for voting will be distributed. 1. Nominate candidates for the Vice Chair position. Nominations do not require a "second", but other members may "second" the nomination to show support.  "Motion to nominate Commissioner _______ for the position of Chair." 2. When there are no new nominations to be made, a commissioner should make a motion that nominations close. The motion to close requires a "second". "Motion to close nominations for the position of Vice Chair." 3. Election using the ballot provided. Commissioners write in their choice from those nominated and pass the ballots to staff for tabulating. 4. Staff will announce results. 5. Election of Chair requires a motion and a “second”. "Motion to elect Commissioner ____________ for the position of Vice Chair of the Environmental Management Commission for a period of one (1) calendar year, commencing with the January 10, 2022 meeting." Assumption of the roles of Chair and Vice Chair may commence immediately following the vote. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: January 6, 2022 SUBJ: Review of Commission function and duties Chapter Six, Article I, Sec. 6-02 of the City Code of Ordinances establishes the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) as an advisory board that acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council and City Administrator in all matters pertaining to solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, and energy conservation. The purpose of this memorandum is to reeducate the Commission about its functions and duties after the adoption of the 2022 EMC Work Plan, reviewed at the November 15, 2021 EMC meeting. Specifically, the responsibilities of the Commission are: (a) To assist the City Council in developing and reviewing policies, plans, reports, regulations, and other matters affecting solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, energy conservation, and other issues affecting the environment that may be assigned by the City Council. (b) To advise the City Council and residents on solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, energy conservation, and other issues affecting the environment. (c) To assist in the collection of background data to determine goals, policies, and programs that will maintain or improve the environment in the city. (d) To assist in preparing public education materials and methods on solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, energy conservation, and other issues affecting the environment. (e) To recommend additional methods, policies, or procedures that will reduce the solid waste stream; expand recycling; reduce energy consumption, and/or improve the orderly disposal of solid waste. (f) To serve as the advisory body for any utility or program that pertains to solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, energy conservation, and other areas affecting the environment. (g) To cooperate with other agencies, commissions, and volunteer organizations to achieve common goals related to solid waste and the environment. The 2022 EMC Work Plan guides and focuses the Commission as it carries out its functions and duties in the coming year. Based upon the 2022 EMC Work Plan and the responsibilities of the Commission, members may, for example: • Assist the City Council in developing policies and plans to facilitate community-wide readiness for electric vehicles. • Advise residents about Washington County’s food scraps drop-off program. • Assist in the collection of background data to determine goals, policies, and programs related to multifamily recycling or single use plastics. • Assist in preparing education materials for residents and business owners on energy efficiency or renewable energy resources. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: January 6, 2022 SUBJ: Community Development Department update To ensure the Environmental Management Commission remains aware of construction projects in the city which may present opportunities to enhance community resiliency, the attached presentation (Attachment A) by Community Development Director Andrew Gitzlaff provides an update on current and future development in Oakdale. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: January 6, 2022 SUBJ: Monthly review of the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar The 2022 Environmental Management Commission (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 January and February of 2022. 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar December 2021: Low-waste Holidays Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic • Washington County’s food scraps (organics) drop-off National Christmas Lights Day program – share Commission-made video – Dec. 1 • Tree recycling (via Oakdale Public Works and World Pollution Prevention Day Washington County) – Dec. 2 • Christmas light recycling January 2022: Energy Efficiency Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic National Cut Your Energy Costs • Home energy audit Day – Jan. 10 • Commercial energy efficiency resources (Clean National Organize Your Home Energy Project Builder, PACE, Trillion BTU) Day – Jan. 14 • Xcel Energy rebates February: Transition to Spring Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic • Outdoor salt use • Weatherization National Battery Day – Feb. 18 o Citizens Utility Board (CUB clinic) • Spring cleaning – Environmental Center (batteries, recycling, Free Product Room)  1/5/2022 ATTACHMENT A Development Projects 2021 Look Back Projects Completed or Begun 1  1/5/2022 HOM Furniture 1188 Helmo Ave N • HOM Furniture plans to purchase and remodel the former New Vision theater building. • Moving their showroom from Woodbury to Oakdale. • Successfully requested amendment to the parking ordinance to reduce parking requirements for furniture stores. • Successfully requested amendment to the sign ordinance to allow for larger signs for big box stores • Future retail pad development site on excess parking lot. AERC New Building 1160 Helmo Ave N • The Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota is expanding again to build a new specialty medical facility • New parcel on the former Carmike/New Vision Theater property. • Construction started 2  1/5/2022 New City Water Treatment Facility 1265 Helmo Ave N • Needed to meet increased demand on water supply and MDH guidelines for water quality. • Building on the current water tower site. Eagle Point Elementary 7850 15th St N ISD 622 began construction of a new Eagle Point Elementary School in fall 2020 and will continue through winter 2022. A new school is being built behind the existing school building. Upon completion, the old school will be demolished. The new school will be open to students in fall 2022. 3  1/5/2022 Bike & Pedestrian Plan Update In 2020, the City began evaluating local bike and pedestrian infrastructure and kicked off a public engagement process to help inform a new Bike and Pedestrian Plan. The new plan will guide improvements, in accordance with goals outlined in the city’s comprehensive plan, that will make Oakdale a more bike and pedestrian friendly community. The public engagement process was put on hold soon after launch due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and will resume in 2022. Glenbrook Small Area Plan Hwy 36 and Hwy 120 • Develop a framework to guide private and public investment over time to achieve a specific vision for the area and provide certainty. • Beginning fourth quarter 2021 4  1/5/2022 2022 Looking Forward Preliminary, Proposed, or Planned Development 4Front Technology + Office Campus 3510 Hopkins Pl N • Preparing to develop the nearly 50 acres of undeveloped land around the existing buildings. • Landowners propose a mix of commercial, industrial, and retail uses. • Will add 700-1,200 jobs to the campus. 5  1/5/2022 Priority Courier 7264 50th St N • Priority Courier planning to move their HQ from Vadnais Heights to Oakdale • 60,000sf corporate headquarters building • 15,000sf fleet services maintenance facility • 93,000sf warehouse and 62,000sf warehouse • 63,000sf distribution center • Ability to have underground fuel tanks • Approximately 600 parking spaces • Signage/visibility from I-694 • Planning applications expected later this year Tartan High School Renovations & Addition 828 Greenway Ave N • New addition will be constructed on the north and east sides of the building • The round towers on the east end of the building will be removed • Parking and circulation improvements will be made including separating bus and vehicle traffic 6  1/5/2022 Oakdale Station & Oakdale Marketplace 34th St N and Hemingway Ave/Market Pl • Additional development potential yet to be realized on 6 pad sites • Retail uses permitted, including restaurants Willowbrooke New Neighborhood 40th St N and Ideal Ave • City Council approved the plat for the first phase of development at Willowbrooke. • Area south of 40 Street North and just west of Ideal Avenue North. • Outlot 1 - 51 one-level single family homes - Lennar • Outlot 2 - 63 townhomes - Lennar • Outlot 3 – 280 Rental townhomes – Continental • Home construction will commence in summer 2021. • 40th road construction in 2022- City • Ideal Avenue upgrade 2022- County 7  1/5/2022 Willowbrooke: Lennar 36th St N and Ideal Ave Carriage Townhomes– 63 townhomes Lifestyle Villas– 51 single family homes Willowbrooke: Continental 36th St N and Ideal Ave N • 280 rental townhomes in a gated community • Proposed for the SE-most corner of the Willowbrooke area 8  1/5/2022 Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit • 10-mile dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line will connect Saint Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale and Woodbury generally along Interstate 94. • 100% engineering plans completed Fall of 2021. • Right-of-way acquisition through 2022 • Construction to begin late 2022 for opening 2025 • Two stations serving Oakdale at Greenway and Helmo Helmo Station Helmo Ave N and 4th St • Helmo Station is the future BRT station area at Helmo Avenue and 4th Street. • Planned for a mix of residential, retail, and office space. • Primarily greenfield ready for new development, with some redevelopment • Gold Line operational in 2024. 9  1/5/2022 Helmo Station: Cornerstone Village by Bethesda • Proposing a 70 unit apartment building with a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments. • 50 of the apartments would have affordable rents, and 20 would have market rate rents • 17 of the units would be set aside for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, and another 4 set aside for adults who have experienced homelessness. Greenway Station Greenway Ave and Hudson Blvd • Future BRT station area planned for Greenway Avenue and Hudson Boulevard. (operational 2024) • Mix of multifamily residential and commercial spaces when future redevelopment opportunities arise. • City is rebuilding and rezoning land to prepare for and ensure transit supportive future uses 10