Environmental Management Commission
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · April 18, 2022
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
APRIL 18, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday, April
18, 2022 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
Connor Brown
Absent: Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison
Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist
Andrew Gitzlaff, Community Development Director
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
KANTOLA, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 7, 2022 AS
WRITTEN.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW
a. OLD BUSINESS
i. Draft EV-ready ordinance and guidelines update
Ms. Reidlinger provided an update on amending the Oakdale Code of Ordinances to include
electric vehicle (EV)-ready language.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
April 18, 2022
Page Two
She shared that a public hearing of the draft EV-ready ordinance amendments was held at
the April 7, 2022 meeting of the Oakdale Planning Commission, and that no comments were
made by the public. Following the public hearing, the Planning Commission voted to
recommend approval of the draft EV-ready ordinance amendments. Ms. Reidlinger
summarized the draft EV-ready ordinance amendments and charging infrastructure
guidelines document and discussed the next steps for pursuing City Council approval to
amend the Oakdale Code of Ordinances as drafted. She explained that as EV technology and
charging infrastructure evolves, the Code of Ordinances may be amended again to incorporate
new design and installation standards.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding where the EV Charging
Infrastructure Guidelines document will appear, Ms. Reidlinger explained that the document
will be posted to the City of Oakdale’s website.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GERDING, TO RECOMMEND THAT OAKDALE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE THE DRAFT EV-READY
ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS AND CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE GUILDELINES.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
b. NEW BUSINESS
i. Review of 2021 GreenStep Cities metrics
Chair Miller explained that the City of Oakdale has been re-designated as a Step 4 and 5 city
– the highest level of designation – through the GreenStep Cities program, and voiced
particular interest in analyzing how the sustainability metrics tracked for the program have
varied year-over-year during the pandemic.
Ms. Reidlinger summarized core sustainability and environmental metrics reported to the
GreenStep Cities program for 2021. Of note,
• The Waters of Oakdale received ENERGY STAR certification in 2021 (metric 2.5, Private
Buildings)
• More trees were planted in Oakdale by the City in 2021 than in 2020 (metric 8.6, Tree
Canopy)
• More Oakdale residents and businesses participated in one or more of Xcel Energy’s
renewable energy programs (i.e. Windsource, Solar*Rewards Community, and
Solar*Rewards) in 2020 than in 2019 (metric 14.5, Renewable Energy)
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
April 18, 2022
Page Three
Chair Miller expressed enthusiasm for the positive trend in the number of residents and
businesses participating in one or more of Xcel Energy’s renewable energy programs, as clean
energy alternatives are a point of focus in the 2022 EMC Work Plan. In response to Chair
Miller’s question regarding the lack of 2021 data for metrics 13.3 and 13.4 (Solid Waste),
Ms. Reidlinger mentioned that more recent data on solid waste might be collected from the
solid waste haulers licensed to operate in Oakdale. Chair Miller stressed the importance of
collecting up-to-date data as much as possible.
Chair Miller highlighted that more solid waste was recycled in Oakdale in 2020 than in 2019
(metric 13.3, Solid Waste), and that more miles were traveled by vehicles in the City’s fleet in
2021 than in 2020 (metrics 3.1 and 3.3, City Fleets). He mentioned that conducting an
analysis of the City’s fleet to identify opportunities for acquiring one or more electric vehicles
may impact future GreenStep Cities reporting on metrics related to vehicle usage. Additionally,
Chair Miller pointed out that more miles of sidewalks and trails in Oakdale were constructed
or reconstructed in 2021 than in 2020 (metric 4.1, Infrastructure for Walking and Biking), and
predicted that this metric may change more drastically after the City completes a Bike and
Pedestrian Plan update in the coming year.
In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding whether metric 14.5 (Renewable
Energy) defines non-City entities as both residents and businesses, Ms. Reidlinger confirmed
that Xcel Energy’s 2020 Community Report provides data only for residential and business
customers. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding the base number of
resident and businesses participating in Xcel Energy’s renewable energy programs, Ms.
Reidlinger estimated that a few hundred customers in Oakdale participate in an Xcel Energy
renewable energy program as of 2020.
In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether metrics 14.6 and 14.7 (Renewable
Energy) reflect total energy or just electricity, Ms. Reidlinger committed to finding an exact
definition for the kilowatt hours reported in the City’s monthly Xcel Energy bill. Chair Miller
noted that the City had formerly signed up to receive 100% of its electricity from a community
solar garden subscription and wondered if some of the City’s electricity is no longer coming
from that subscription.
Commissioner Kantola commended City Forester Loren Cota and the Oakdale Public Works
crew for the increased number of trees planted by the City in 2021 than in 2020 (metric 8.6,
Tree Canopy).
ii. Review of 2022 Washington County Recycling Grant draft projects
Ms. Reidlinger summarized project outcomes for the 2021 Washington County Recycling
Grant.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
April 18, 2022
Page Four
Projects completed in 2021 included:
• Promoting Washington County’s food scraps drop-off program. Free food scraps collection
kits were given away with program sign-up at the Oakdale Farmers Market. Additionally, a
video staring EMC Commissioners Gerding and Fink was produced to demonstrate how
the program works in Oakdale households.
• Promoting recycling through educational posts. Recycling and compost education was
shared via social media and a direct mailing campaign.
Ms. Reidlinger noted the need for more sophisticated data collection and tracking
methodologies to better understand and quantify program outcomes in the future.
Ms. Reidlinger explained that draft projects for the 2022 Washington County Recycling grant
continue the themes of projects completed in 2021 with the intention of engaging with and/or
educating the community in a different way. Commissioner Gerding expressed interest in
moving projects related to composting from the tactical (i.e. what can be done by individuals
every day) to a systems approach.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding the launch of the curbside food
scraps pickup program, Ms. Reidlinger shared that Washington County estimates launching
the program in late 2022 or early 2023. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question
regarding whether compost bins would be installed at public facilities in Oakdale after the
curbside food scraps pickup program is launched, Ms. Reidlinger clarified that the County’s
curbside program is specifically for residential households, but that the 2022 Washington
County Recycling Grant might be used to requisition and install compost bins for public
facilities. Commissioner Gerding recommended utilizing the Farmers Market again to provide
education about composting.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding proper disposal of organic material
at Summerfest, Ms. Reidlinger mentioned that Washington County will provide consultative
services to ensure that resources like bins and signage are made available for the proposed
grant project. Commissioner Kantola speculated that individuals might incorrectly throw away
non-organic materials in public compost bins too, and wondered whether pests might also be
a problem for installed bins.
Chair Miller recognized the importance of Washington County’s BizRecycling program and
encouraged further spotlighting local businesses who have engaged in recycling and
composting activities. He also highlighted the need to provide continued education on
recycling best practices to multifamily dwellings.
Commissioner Kantola expressed interest in installing more waste bins at public parks in
Oakdale. Chair Miller questioned whether more waste bins might be needed to handle
increased waste produced in the park around holiday weekends, especially recycling bins.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
April 18, 2022
Page Five
Chair Miller noted that effective signage will be needed for any recycling bins installed.
Commissioner Gerding acknowledged that the draft 2022 Washington County Recycling Grant
projects are logical continuations of grant projects completed in 2021 in terms of identifying
barriers, increasing access, providing education, promoting programs, assessing needs,
building discovery, and aligning systems with the EMC’s 2022 Work Plan.
iii. 2022 Grow Solar Twin Cities solar group buy program update
Chair Miller provided an update on the 2022 Grow Solar Twin Cities solar group buy program.
He shared that the request for proposals has gone out to solar contractors, and that the task
force charged with selecting a solar contractor will be making a selection in May. He also
mentioned that Solar Power Hour information sessions – both in-person and virtual – will
begin in May as well.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GERDING, FOR THE EMC TO SUPPORT THE 2022 GROW SOLAR TWIN CITIES GROUP BUY
PROGRAM.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
The EMC discussed hosting a Solar Power Hour information session. In response to
Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding whether the virtual Solar Power Hour information
session was better attended last year than previous in-person sessions, Chair Wilson
confirmed that more participants joined the virtual session last year and that more individuals
participated in the solar group buy overall last year than in previous years as well.
Commissioner Wilson emphasized the convenience of watching a playback recording of the
virtual Solar Power Hour.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding promoting the virtual Solar Power
Hour, Commissioner Kantola mentioned social media and the City’s website as platforms for
promotion. Ms. Reidlinger confirmed that the City’s electric signage board in front of City Hall
could also advertise the virtual Solar Power Hour.
The Commission agreed to host a virtual Solar Power Hour early in the summer.
c. OTHER ITEMS
i. Monthly review of the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
April 18, 2022
Page Six
The EMC reviewed the themes and dates relevant to the 2022 environmental
communications strategy for the months of March and April. Chair Miller noted that Earth Day
is April 22, and that National Park Week is April 16 – 24. He also suggested the importance
of promoting the Adopt a Drain, Adopt a Park, and Adopt a Wetland programs.
Chair Miller noted that May is National Bike Month, with Bike to Work Day on May 20 and Bike
to Work Week from May 16 – 22. He emphasized promoting Oakdale’s bike trails in the month
of May, as well as pushing bicycling safety education. He highlighted the Minnesota Bicycle
Alliance as a resource for bike safety education; Commissioner Wilson mentioned that AARP
also has a bike safety education booklet. Ms. Reidlinger mentioned that the City would be
relaunching a Bike and Pedestrian Plan update project, and that the EMC would be tapped to
provide feedback on the deliverables for that project.
In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding whether engagement metrics for
social media posts could be gathered, Ms. Reidlinger committed to determining what data
points might be available for the EMC to review.
ii. Commissioner update(s)
Commissioner Gerding shared that the 2022 Environment Commission Conference, hosted
by Conservation Minnesota, will be held at Ridgedale Public Library in Minnetonka on April 30
from 10 AM to 1:30 PM. He also proposed sharing action items or minutes between Oakdale’s
advisory bodies in order to better coordinate each commission’s actions. Commissioner
Kantola recommended meetings of the advisory body Chairs and/or Vice Chairs.
Chair Miller shared that he talked with a staff member at Clean Energy Resource Teams
(CERTs) about the Solar Rewards for Schools initiative sponsored by Xcel Energy. He
subsequently sent an email to Oakdale’s School District 622 with more information about the
program.
Commissioner Kantola shared an update about the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway event on April
30. He mentioned that all 200 trees in the giveaway (including Blue Beech, Common
Hackberry, Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, and Juniper) had been pre-registered for. He noted
that Master Gardners would be on hand to answer questions from the public at the Giveaway.
Commissioner Kantola shared that the Tree Board has been looking into the City’s Tree
Preservation Ordinances to ensure that trees and forestland is protected as development and
redevelopment activities are underway in Oakdale.
iii. Council liaison updates
No update.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
April 18, 2022
Page Seven
iv. Community Development Department update
Community Development Director Andy Gitzlaff gave a brief update on the progress of current
and future development and redevelopment projects in Oakdale, and on planning studies.
In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding an oil storage tank in proximity to
the proposed location of Iglesia Rios de Agua Viva, Mr. Gitzlaff explained that the parcel of
land on which the church is built is behind the tank, and as such the tank is unlikely to be
moved.
In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether a bridge across Interstate 94 at the
Helmo Station project will be open to vehicle traffic, Mr. Gitzlaff clarified that the bridge will
have two general purpose lanes, a trail, and two lanes exclusively for bus rapid transit.
Chair Miller commented that many of the development and redevelopment projects in
Oakdale could incorporate elements of focus in the 2022 EMC Work Plan, including expanding
access to electric vehicles, diversifying bike and pedestrian transportation options, and
installing solar panels.
NEXT MEETING DATE
Chair Miller reminded the Commission that the next meeting of the EMC will be Monday, May
16, 2022 in the City Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
GERDING, TO ADJOURN THE APRIL 18, 2022 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 8:29 P.M.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Shannon Reidlinger
Sr. Community Development Specialist
Agenda
AGENDA
Environmental Management Commission
REGULAR MEETING
April 18, 2022
7:00 PM
Oakdale City Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. February 7, 2022
5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW
a. OLD BUSINESS
i. Draft EV-ready ordinance and guidelines update
b. NEW BUSINESS
i. Review of 2021 GreenStep Cities metrics
ii. Review of 2022 Washington County Recycling Grant draft projects
iii. 2022 Grow Solar Twin Cities solar group buy program update
6. OTHER
i. Monthly review of the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar
ii. Commissioner update(s)*
iii. Council liaison update(s)*
iv. Community Development Department update(s)*
7. ADJOURNMENT
*Items marked with an asterisk have no accompanying materials
The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will be held
May 16, 2022 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 7, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday,
February 7, 2022 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: Nick Kantola
Connor Brown
Gretel Fink
Bonnie Wilson
Absent: Noah Gerding, Vice Chair
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 KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER FINK,
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 10, 2022, WITH THE
FOLLOWING CORRECTION:
Page Five, Paragraph Eight, to read: “Chair Miller compared his personal home energy bill
from last year to present and calculates the costs to be 60% higher for approximately the
same amount of energy use.”
5 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW
a. OLD BUSINESS
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
February 7, 2022
Page Two
i. Review of draft EV-ready zoning ordinance amendment language
Ms. Reidlinger provided an update on amending the Oakdale Code of Ordinances to include
electric vehicle (EV)-ready language and reviewed draft EV-ready amendments with the EMC.
She shared that the draft language was crafted to align with similar EV-ready ordinances in
11 Minnesotan cities. Additionally, she explained that the draft language was intended to offer
high level guidelines and best practices – but not requirements – for EV charging
infrastructure design and installation in Oakdale, with the purpose of providing structure for
residents and business owners interested in EV charging capacity.
Ms. Reidlinger detailed the ways in which the draft EV-ready amendments addressed
feedback on sample EV-ready ordinance language shared by the Oakdale Planning
Commission at its November 4, 2021 meeting, including:
• Increasing flexibility for EV charging infrastructure by focusing design and installation
guidelines at a high level, rather than on specific details.
• Identifying guildelines for EV charging in Single-Family or Two-Family Dwellings versus
in Multiple-Family Dwellings and Non-Residential Structures.
• Clarifying the lack of inherent difference in EV charging guildelines for parking lots
versus parking structures.
Ms. Reidlinger summarized the main updates to the draft EV-ready amendments, including:
• Allowing electric vehicle charging stations as an accessory use in all zoning districts.
• Recommending that a certain percentage of parking spaces in a non-residential
structure or multiple-family dwelling be EV-capable, EV-ready, and/or EV-installed.
In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether the EV-ready guidelines might be
codified into enforceable ordinance requirements in the future, Ms. Reidlinger explained that
the Code of Ordinances could be changed at any time following a standard procedure. In
response to Chair Miller’s question regarding guidelines about direct current fast charging,
Ms. Reidlinger replied that a majority of EV-ready ordinances in peer cities primarily described
design and installation criteria for Level 2 EV charging equipment.
Chair Miller commented that some EV-ready ordinances in other cities included more granular
information about charging station design and installation, but he understood why the
proposed high level draft ordinance language would provide more flexibility to EV charging
installers in Oakdale.
In response to Commissioner Kantola’s question regarding current statutes that reserve EV
charging spaces for electric vehicles, Ms. Reidlinger clarified that there were no statutes in
Oakdale which protect EV charging spaces for sole use by electric vehicle owners.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
February 7, 2022
Page Three
In response to Commissioner Fink’s question regarding whether the draft ordinance language
might include a guideline about charging stations being accessible to the general public, Ms.
Reidlinger explained that the draft ordinance language did not distinguish between public and
private use charging stations.
In response to Commissioner Kantola’s question regarding conformity of the charging stations
already installed at HyVee in Oakdale to the draft EV-ready ordinance guidelines,
Commissioner Fink indicated that the charging stations seemed to conform to the draft design
and installation guidelines as proposed.
In response to Commissioner Fink’s question regarding whether the City would be allowed to
deny an installer’s plans to add charging infrastructure to a parking space, Ms. Reidlinger
replied that the draft EV-ready guidelines would need to be codified into ordinance
requirements.
In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding the availability of EV charging station signage,
Ms. Reidlinger confirmed that signage could be installed to indicate a parking space is for EV
charging only.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER FINK, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA,
TO APPROVE THE DRAFT DATED FEBRUARY 2, 2022 OF THE EV-READY ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENTS.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
b. NEW BUSINESS
i. Discussion of 2022 CERTs Seed Grant projects
Chair Miller noted that the Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) had SEED grants for
projects that addressed clean energy goals, and commented that a number of projects funded
in 2022 aligned with focus areas of the 2022 Oakdale EMC Work Plan. He summarized
projects from a selection of municipalities that received a SEED grant in 2022, including:
• A study to determine opportunities for reducing energy consumption and lowering
residential energy bills.
• A study to determine barriers to rooftop solar installation in naturally occurring
affordable housing.
• A project to raise community awareness clean energy technologies.
• A project to install a public electric vehicle charging station.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
February 7, 2022
Page Four
Chair Miller discussed reaching out to peer commissioners in neighboring cities to receive
information on project outcomes, and committed to following up on projects specifically
related to reducing energy consumption and installing rooftop solar panels. Commissioner
Wilson committed to following up on the project to install a public electric vehicle charging
station with the intention of determining whether data sharing and reporting was a stipulation
of the SEED grant agreement. Chair Miller proposed inviting a representative from CERTs to
speak at a spring meeting of the EMC about their programs and resources, including
outcomes for SEED grant-funded projects.
Chair Miller recounted a conversation with a CERTs staff member about the Solar for Schools
program highlighted in a recent CERTs newsletter. The program provided funding for solar
installation in school buildings outside of Xcel Energy’s service territory. Chair Miller
mentioned that a similar program called Solar Rewards for Schools would launch in the
summer of 2022; the program would target school buildings within Xcel Energy’s service
territory, including Oakdale schools. Chair Miller emphasized that community schools in the
process of completing or having recently completed development or redevelopment work –
including Eagle Point, Skyview, and Tartan – might be eligible for the Solar Rewards for
Schools program and should be made aware of the application process.
c. OTHER ITEMS
i. Monthly review of the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar
The EMC reviewed the themes and dates relevant to the 2022 environmental
communications strategy for the months of February and March. Ms. Reidlinger noted that
starter kits for Washington County’s food scraps drop-off program were made available at the
Oakdale Indoor Market in January, and that the EMC was invited to table for the program again
at the February 19 and March 19 Indoor Markets. Commissioner Wilson suggested utilizing
the table at the Indoor Market to share information about other environmental initiatives.
Chair Miller proposed focusing on environmentally-friendly outdoor salt use in February, and
on educating about rain barrels and rain gardens in March.
ii. Commissioner update(s)
Commissioner Kantola provided an update on the work of the Oakdale Tree Board. He noted
that a review of the City’s canopy preservation ordinance was underway and committed to
reporting back to the EMC when results of that review were available.
Additionally, Commissioner Kantola highlighted the impending launch of the online signup
process for the Tree Giveaway (to be hosted in April 2022).
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
February 7, 2022
Page Five
iii. Council liaison updates
No update.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KANTOLA, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
WILSON, TO ADJOURN THE FEBRUARY 7, 2022 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 7:54 P.M.
5 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Meeting Adjourned
NEXT MEETING DATE
The next meeting of the EMC will be Monday, March 21, 2022.
Respectfully submitted,
Shannon Reidlinger
Sr. Community Development Specialist
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: April 13, 2022
SUBJ: Draft EV-ready ordinance and guidelines update
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update to the Environmental Management
Commission (EMC) about draft electric vehicle (EV)-ready zoning ordinance amendment
language and EV charging infrastructure guidelines.
Background
Greenhouse gases, like the carbon dioxide released when vehicles burn gasoline, trap heat in
the atmosphere and cause climate change. Electric vehicles are recognized by Oakdale’s
2040 Comprehensive Plan as an important method to mitigate the impact of transportation-
related climate change in the community (Chapter Eight, Goal One, Section Six). As electric
vehicle offerings broaden and the number of stations in the regional charging network
multiply, the City of Oakdale is uniquely positioned to facilitate EV readiness by proactively
encouraging the usage of EVs now and in the future. In particular, amending Oakdale’s Code
of Ordinances to incorporate EV-ready language and providing EV charging infrastructure
design and installation best practice guidelines supports private and public use of electric
vehicles in the city.
A selection of example EV-ready ordinance language based upon peer city and nationwide
best practices compiled by the Great Plains Institute 1 was presented to the EMC on October
15, 2021 and to the Oakdale Planning Commission on November 4, 2021 for consideration.
Following review of example EV-ready ordinance language by the EMC and the Planning
Commission, staff prepared a draft of EV-ready edits to the City’s Code of Ordinances and an
EV charging infrastructure guideline document based upon:
• Feedback provided by members of both commissions;
• EV charging recommendations for residential and commercial energy codes prepared
for the U.S. Department of Energy 1; and
• A staff review of EV-ready ordinances passed by 11 Minnesotan cities.
Draft EV-ready amendments to Chapter 25 (Zoning) of the Oakdale Code of Ordinances and
EV charging infrastructure guidelines were presented to and reviewed by the EMC during its
February 7, 2022 meeting; to City departments on February 16, 2022; and to the Planning
Commission during its March 3, 2022 meeting. A public hearing of the draft EV-ready
ordinance amendments was held during the April 7, 2022 Planning Commission meeting;
there were no comments from the public. Following the public hearing, the Planning
Commission voted to approve the below ordinance amendments and EV charging
infrastructure guidelines. The ordinance amendments and EV charging infrastructure
guidelines will be presented to City Council for final consideration before adoption (if
approved) in late April or early May, 2022.
1 Ross, B., & Cooke, C. (2019). Summary of best practices in electric vehicle ordinances. Great Plains Institute.
2 Salcido, V.R., Tillou, M., & Franconi, E. (2021, July). Electric vehicle charging for residential and commercial energy codes.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
ARTICLE 6. R-1 DISTRICT, VERY LOW-DENSITY HOUSING
Sec. 25-23 Uses in the R-1 District 3.
(b) Accessory Uses:
(6) Electric vehicle charging station.
ARTICLE 11. R-6 DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOMES
Sec. 25-58 Uses in the R-6 District.
(c) Accessory Uses:
(2) Electric vehicle charging station.
ARTICLE 12. C-1 DISTRICT, NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL
Sec. 25-69 Uses Permitted in the C-1 District.
(c) Accessory Uses:
(1) Electric vehicle charging station.
ARTICLE 13. C-2 DISTRICT, COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL
Sec. 25-74 Uses in the C-2 District.
(b) Accessory Uses:
(4) Electric vehicle charging station.
ARTICLE 14. I-O DISTRICT, INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE
Sec. 25-90 Uses in the Industrial-Office District.
(b) Accessory Uses: In addition to those subordinate uses which are clearly and customarily
incident to the principal uses, such as parking lots and off-street loading facilities, the
following additional accessory uses will be permitted on the lot occupied by the principal use:
(4) Electric vehicle charging station.
ARTICLE 15. G.I. DISTRICT, GENERAL INDUSTRIAL
Sec. 25-102 Uses in the General Industrial District.
3 Per the Oakdale Code of Ordinances, all Accessory Uses permitted in the R-1 District are permitted in the R-2 District; all
Accessory Uses permitted in the R-2 District are permitted in the R-3 District; all Accesory Uses permitted in the R-3 District
are permitted in the R-4 District; and all Accessory Uses permitted in the R-1 District are permitted in the R-5 District.
(b) Accessory Uses: In addition to those subordinate uses which are clearly and customarily
incident to the principal uses, such as parking lots and off-street loading facilities, the
following additional accessory uses will be permitted on the lot occupied by the principal use:
(3) Electric vehicle charging station.
ARTICLE 18. GENERAL BUILDING AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 25-161 Off-Street Parking Requirements.
(b) Stall, Aisle, and Driveway Design:
(17) Electric Vehicles Charging Station:
a) Electric vehicle charging infrastructure shall be installed in compliance with the
state building and electrical codes.
b) The installation of electric vehicle supply equipment shall not reduce the overall
minimum parking space area dimensions below those required in Sec.
25161(b)(1).
c) Parking spaces equipped with electric vehicle charging infrastructure shall
count toward meeting minimum parking space requirements.
d) All electric vehicle charging station wayfinding and station signage shall
conform to the standards in Chapter 25, Article 19 of the Oakdale Code of
Ordinances.
e) Individuals seeking to install electric vehicle charging infrastructure in
residential and non-residential settings should refer to the recommendations
in the City of Oakdale Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Guidelines
document.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING INFRASTRUCTURE GUIDELINES
The intent of this electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure design and installation guideline
document is to support private and public infrastructure that accommodates and encourages
use of electric vehicles. The following are guidelines but are not required. This guideline
document is subject to change as technological advances evolve charging infrastructure for
electric vehicles.
(A) Definitions.
(1) Charging level means the standardized indicators of electrical force, or voltage, at
which an electric vehicle’s battery is recharged. Level 1, Level 2, and direct current
(DC) are the most common charging levels, and include the following specifications:
(a) Level 1 (L1) means electrical service and charging equipment operating on 120v
outlets.
(b) Level 2 (L2) means electrical service and charging equipment operating on 240v
outlets.
(c) Direct current fast charger (DCFC) means electrical service and charging
equipment operating on outlets greater than 240v.
(2) Electric vehicle (EV) means a vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on
electrical energy from the electrical grid or an off-grid source that is stored on-board
for motive purposes. ‘Electric vehicle’ includes:
(a) Battery electric vehicle.
(b) Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
(3) Electric vehicle charging infrastructure means the conduit/wiring, structures,
machinery, and equipment necessary to support electric vehicle charging.
(4) Electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) means a public or private parking space that
is served by electric vehicle supply equipment that has as its primary purpose the
transfer of electric energy to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric
vehicle.
(5) Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) means any equipment or electrical
component used in charging electric vehicles at a specific location. EVSE does not
include equipment located on the electric vehicle itself.
(6) EV-capable space means a parking space which is provided with electrical panel
capacity to support a future minimum 40-ampere, 208/240-volt branch circuit for
each future EVCS, and the installation of raceways, both underground and surface
mounted, to support future EVSE.
(7) EV-installed space means a parking space which is provided with EVSE.
(8) EV-ready space means a parking space which is provided with one 40-ampere,
208/240-volt dedicated branch circuit for each future EVCS. The circuit should
terminate in a suitable termination point such as a receptacle, junction box, or an
EVSE, and be located in close proximity to the proposed location of the EVCS. The
circuit should have no other outlets. The service panel should include an over-current
protective device and provide sufficient capacity and space to accommodate the circuit
and over-current protective device and be located in close proximity to the proposed
location of the EVCS.
(B) General recommendations for Single-Family or Two-Family Dwellings.
(1) EVSE should be located in a garage, or on the exterior wall of the home or garage
adjacent to a parking space.
(C) General recommendations for Multiple-Family and Non-Residential Structures.
(1) Signage.
(a) Wayfinding signage is encouraged to help electric vehicle drivers navigate to an
EVCS.
(b) Charging station signage should indicate the space is for electric vehicle charging
purposes.
(c) Signage should provide information regarding:
(i) Voltage and charging levels;
(ii) Hours of operation, if applicable;
(iii) Usage fees, if applicable;
(iv) Safety information; and
(v) Contact information to report problems with the charging equipment.
(d) Pavement markings painted on the surface of a parking space may be used to
further indicate that the space is for electric vehicle charging purposes.
(2) Location. EVCS equipment should be:
(a) Located in a parking island;
(b) Mounted to an adjacent structure; or
(c) Protected by a curb, wheel stops, or concreted-filled bollards if located directly in a
parking lot.
(3) Accessibility. The following best practices for consideration of individuals protected
under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are encouraged with regard to EVCS
outlets and connector devices:
(a) The EVSE should be located so it is accessible for a person in a wheelchair on an
access aisle, and the EVSE should not encroach on the access aisle.
(b) Reach, range, and turning radius requirements from ADA are good standards for
accessing the equipment.
(c) EVSE-protective bollards and wheel stops should not obstruct the use of the
charging station.
(d) Charging equipment may be shared between accessible EVCS and regular EVCS.
(e) It is recommended that at least one accessible EVCS be included when providing
multiple charging stations. If installing only one EVCS, strong consideration should
be given to making it accessible.
(4) Design.
(a) The EVCS should be designed to minimize potential damage by accidents and
vandalism, and to be safe for use in inclement weather.
(b) EVSE cords should 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 should be configured so that they do not cross
a driveway, sidewalk, accessibility routes, or passenger unloading area.
(c) The EVCS should have adequate lighting available for ease of night time use.
(5) Maintenance.
(a) The EVCS should be maintained in all respects, including operation of the charging
equipment.
(b) A phone number or other contact information should be provided on the equipment
to report problems.
(D) Recommended electric vehicle make-ready standards.
In order to proactively plan for and accommodate anticipated future growth in market
demand for electric vehicles, it is encouraged that all new and expanded development
parking areas add the electrical infrastructure necessary to support the future installation
of electric vehicle charging stations. This may include increasing electrical panel capacity,
installing conduit or raceway, or other actions. Installing electric vehicle charging
infrastructure during construction is significantly more cost effective than retrofitting
parking areas to be EV-ready.
(1) Recommended electric vehicle parking capacity and
minimum parking recommendations.
(a) Multiple-Family and Non-Residential Structures:
The following table outlines the number and/or percentage of recommended EVSE-
installed, EV-ready, and/or EV-capable spaces as a portion of total parking spaces.
Parking spaces equipped with electric vehicle charging infrastructure count toward
meeting minimum parking space requirements.
Recommended
Total number of Recommended Recommended
EVSE-installed
parking spaces EV-ready spaces EV-capable spaces
spaces
1 1 1 --
2-10 1 2 --
11-15 1 2 1
16-19 1 2 2
21-25 2 3 2
5% of total parking 10% of total 10% of total
26+
spaces parking spaces parking spaces
(i) Where the number of EV-ready spaces exceeds the recommendation, additional
EV-ready spaces count towards the recommended number of EV-capable
spaces.
(ii) Spaces that terminate with Level 2 EVSE are considered EV-ready spaces and
count towards the recommended number of EV-ready spaces.
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: April 13, 2022
SUBJ: Review of 2022 GreenStep Cities metrics
Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program
designed to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals. The free,
continuous improvement initiative is based upon 29 best practices that are tailored to
Minnesota cities and encourage civic innovation. The 29 best practices focus on cost savings
and energy use reduction.
The City of Oakdale is a Step 4 & 5 GreenStep city. In order to maintain this designation year
after year, the City is required to provide an annual report on key sustainability metrics
(submitted this year on April 1, 2022). This memorandum summarizes select reported metrics
which have earned Oakdale its Step 4 & 5 designation for 2022. Rows highlighted in green
indicate metrics core to Step 5 designation with recorded annual improvement.
Metric category Metric category
Data reported
number description
4.9% increase in kilo-British thermal units (kBTUs) per
1.1
City Buildings ft2 per year for City buildings over 2020
and Lighting 25.2% increase in $ spent on energy per ft2 per year
1.2
for City buildings over 2020
The Waters of Oakdale received ENERGY STAR
2.5 Green Buildings
certification in 2021
10.7% increase in fleet vehicles miles traveled over
3.1
2020
City Fleets 12.3 average miles per gallon for gasoline fleet in
3.2
2021
3.4 4.19 average miles per gallon for diesel fleet in 2021
Infrastructure
1.94 miles of reconstructed sidewalks and trails
4.1 for Walking and
completed in 2021
Biking
8.2 761 acres of parkland reported in 2021
Open Space, 90% of housing within a ½ mile (10 minute) walk of
8.3
Parks, Trees parkland in 2021
8.6 162 more trees planted in 2021 than in 2020
Residential gallons of waste water produced per
11.1
person per day increased 9.4% over 2020
Waste Water
Business gallons of waste water produced per job per
11.2
day increased 72.5% over 2020
4.84 lbs of residential solid waste generated per city
13.1 resident per day in 2020 (most recent year of
Solid Waste recorded data)
13.3 lbs of commercial waste generated per job per
13.2
day in 2020 (most recent year of recorded data)
50.8% of residential solid waste recycled in 2020
13.3 (most recent year of recorded data), an 8.8% increase
over residential solid waste recycled in 2019
10 more City-owned and private renewable energy
14.1
generation sites in 2021 than 2020
18.4% increase in generation capacity of City-owned
14.2
and private renewable energy sites over 2020
7.5% decrease in megawatt hours (MWhrs) per year
14.4 of energy purchased from community solar gardens
Renewable
for City operations over 2020
Energy
63 more non-City entities participating in renewable
14.5
energy purchasing/green power programs in 2021
78.7% total City operations energy use that is
14.6
generated and purchased renewable energy in 2021
78.1% total City operations energy that is purchased
14.7
from a community solar garden in 2021
19% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2020
17.4 Climate
over 2019 (most recent year of recorded data)
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: April 13, 2022
SUBJ: Review of 2022 Washington County Recycling Grant draft projects
This memorandum informs the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) of select
project outcomes for the 2021 Washington County Recycling Grant and invites discussion
regarding proposed projects for the 2022 grant application.
Grant overview
Chapter Eight, Goal One, Policy Seven of Oakdale’s Comprehensive Plan commits the City to
promoting and encouraging strategies that reduce waste generation and increase options for
reuse, recycling, and composting of items in City operations, residential, and commercial
developments. Implementation of this policy is supported by a grant administered through
Washington County. The purpose of the grant is to assist municipalities with recycling program
expenses.
2021 Recycling Grant project outcomes
The City applied for grant funding in 2021 to support projects related to Washington County
programs like the food scraps drop-off program and BizRecycling, and to encourage recycling,
reuse, and waste reduction through educational content.
Select project outcomes in 2021 include:
• 133 Oakdale residents signed up for a free food scraps drop-off program starter kit,
nearly doubling the total number of Oakdale households participating in the County’s
food scraps drop-off program to date. 68 Oakdale residents (plus 6 non-Oakdale
residents of Washington County) signed up for and received a starter kit at the Farmers
Market; 65 Oakdale residents signed up online.
• Two EMC commissioners demonstrated the County’s food scraps drop-off program in
action and described its benefits in an informational video produced in collaboration
with Suburban Community Channels.
• Information about the Environmental Center, the County’s food scraps drop-off
program, the Adopt-A-Drain program, and proper pet waste disposal was included in
the Spring, Summer, and Fall/Winter editions of the Oakdale Update Newsletter. The
newsletters were delivered to over 13,000 households in the city.
• Recycling and waste reduction tips, recommendations, and reminders were pushed
throughout the year via social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, and
Twitter.
• Two rounds of informational postcards about Washington County’s BizRecycling
program were sent to local businesses. The second round of postcards included a URL
unique to Oakdale, allowing for more accurate tracking of project outcomes.
2022 Recycling Grant draft project proposals
The City will apply for grant funding to support recycling, reuse, and waste reduction projects
in the spring of 2022. Funding awards are expected to be distributed shortly after application
and project approval. The following are draft project proposals only; staff seeks feedback from
the EMC on all proposed projects to incorporate into the final grant application.
1. Promote Washington County’s food scraps drop-off program.
a. Project deliverable: Collection bins for organic material at community events (like
Summerfest); articles in the Oakdale Update newsletter; informational content shared
via social media; program sign-up and food scraps starter kit giveaway at the Farmers
Market
b. Outcome target: Increase the number of Oakdale households that register for a drop-
off starter kit and/or the organics curbside pick-up program (if applicable); decrease
the amount of organic material placed in traditional solid waste trash bins at
community events (like Summerfest)
2. Promote Washington County’s BizRecycling program.
a. Project deliverable: Spotlights of Oakdale businesses that have participated in the
program (delivered in video, article, and/or newsletter format); informational content
shared via social media; informational content shared at Oakdale Chamber of
Commerce meetings
b. Outcome target: Increase the number of eligible Oakdale businesses and multi-family
dwellings that complete one or more action steps towards enrolling in the BizRecycling
program
3. Understand recycling and waste reduction needs and opportunities as public parks.
a. Project deliverable: Recycling system analysis and needs assessment for public parks
owned by the City, including a waste sort
b. Outcome target: Increase awareness of hurdles to recycling at public parks, and
generate recommendations for implementing pilot recycling and waste reduction
programs at targeted park facilities
4. Promote residential and commercial recycling through simple, high-level education.
a. Project deliverable: Bite-sized educational material pushed via the Oakdale Update
newsletter, social media, digital and physical signage (yes/no recycling list, short
videos, resident stories, etc.); resource catalog updated on the Oakdale City website;
flyers and posters delivered to multiple family dwellings for inclusion in common areas
b. Outcome target: Increase pounds of recycling collected by residential waste service
providers
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: April 13, 2022
SUBJ: 2022 Grow Solar Twin Cities solar group buy program update
The purpose of this memorandum is to facilitate discussion among the Environmental
Management Commission (EMC) regarding the commission’s support of the 2022 Grow Solar
Twin Cities solar group buy program.
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) since 2018.
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” 4. During an 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 hosted two Solar Power
Hour information sessions at City Hall in 2018, two sessions at City Hall in 2019, and one
virtual session in 2021.
Notable program outcomes
• 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.
• 93 homes in the Twin Cities and five county metro area went solar during the 2018
and 2019 group buy programs combined, putting 488.7 kW of clean, renewable energy
into the region 5.
• The 2021 group buy program alone secured 750kW of installed new solar capacity for
home owners around the Twin Cities – roughly three times larger than past programs
6.
Commission action
Staff recommends the EMC support sponsoring the 2022 Grow Solar Twin Cities group buy
program (at no cost to the City) by helping to provide educational content to Oakdale residents
and hosting one or more Solar Power Hour informational sessions.
4 Grow Solar. (2021, May 20). Request for proposals: Grow Solar Twin Cities 2021 solar group buy.
5 Grow Solar. (2022). About Grow Solar Twin Cities.
6 T. Redmond, personal communication, 2022 March 2.
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: April 13, 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 April
and May of 2022.
2022 EMC Editorial Calendar
April: Environmental Stewardship
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
Earth Day – Apr 22
• Adopt-A-Park
National Park Week – the week of Earth Day • Adopt-A-Drain
• 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
• Bicycle safety and education
National Bike to Work Week – May 16 – 22 • General emission reduction education
(including electric vehicles)
National Bike Month
Select social media posts of note in March and April 2022 include:
• Promotion of the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway event
• Promotion of the Indoor Garage Sale at the Discovery Center
• Promotion of the Landscape Revival Expo & Market
• Promotion of a free mobile shredding event
• Promotion of a County-sponsored rain barrel sale
• Promotion of the 2022 Oakdale Citywide Garage Sale
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