Environmental Management Commission

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission REGULAR MEETING October 17, 2022 7:00 PM Oakdale City Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. September 19, 2022 5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS i. Draft 2023 EMC Work Plan 6. OTHER i. Monthly review of the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar ii. Commissioner update(s)* 1. Summary of Development Bus Tour* iii. 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 November 21, 2022 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.  REGULAR MEETING OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 CALL TO ORDER The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday, September 19, 2022 at Oakdale City Hall, 1584 Hadley Avenue North, Oakdale, Minnesota. The meeting began at 7:00 PM 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 Also Present: Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist Shaun Murphy Lopez, Senior Planner with Toole Design Group Absent: Connor Brown Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ APPROVAL OF MINUTES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 15, 2022 AS WRITTEN. 3 AYES 0 NAYS MOTION CARRIED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS i. Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment update Ms. Reidlinger shared an update on the Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA) conducted in collaboration with Sawatch Labs through participation in Xcel Energy’s Fleet Electrification Advisory Program (FEAP). Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 19, 2022 Page Two She reminded the Commission that conducting an EVSA is a priority action item identified in the 2021 Electric Vehicle (EV)-Ready Community Study. She noted that the City is determining strategic capacity for a long-term fleet electrification plan through its participation in FEAP, and that the first step in program participation is completing an EVSA. The EVSA will help the City understand how fleet vehicles are driven and what electric alternatives exist that could match current fleet requirements and operations. Ms. Reidlinger explained that the City has contracted with a data analytics provider, Sawatch Labs, to complete the EVSA after City Council reviewed a proposed scope of work and estimated budget for the assessment. She shared that 12 vehicles from several City departments (including Police, Fire, Building Inspections, Forestry, and Public Works) in the City’s current fleet have been identified to participate in the EVSA. Telematics devices were installed in participating vehicles in late August 2022 to begin collecting relevant data for the assessment. Data will be collected for 90 days and then will be analyzed within Sawatch Labs’ proprietary assessment dashboard. Ms. Reidlinger emphasized that privacy concerns have been addressed in the data collection methodology. She summarized that the output of the EVSA will be a recommendation regarding which EVs may be a good fit for Oakdale’s fleet based on existing conditions and needs. She further clarified that the EVSA will provide several data points, including suggestions for battery electric versus plug-in hybrid EV alternatives; how often the fleet EV may need to be charged; cost savings associated with the EV; and environmental benefits associated with the EV. She noted that the final report would be presented to City Council and the EMC. Chair Miller expressed satisfaction in seeing that the assessment will evaluate the City’s estimated long-term cost of owning an EV. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether the assessment will utilize GPS data to determine charging needs, Ms. Reidlinger affirmed that the EVSA will provide recommendations for charging infrastructure requirements. Commissioner Gerding voiced enthusiasm for the diversity of data points available through the EVSA, as well as the cross-departmental nature of Oakdale’s fleet assessment. Chair Miller stated his hope that the City’s fleet assessment may encourage other Oakdale residents and businesses to consider EV alternatives. ii. Walk-through of public events for Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update project Shaun Murphy Lopez, a Senior Planner with Toole Design Group contracted to serve as the project manager for the Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update, facilitated a walk-through of a mock project open house. Mr. Murphy Lopez explained that the project team has drafted public engagement materials for both a pop-up workshop and open house, and requested that the Commission provide feedback on those materials. Mr. Murphy Lopez began by asking the Commission to sign in with a mock sign-in sheet. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 19, 2022 Page Three Then, he described the various mock stations and provided a draft paper questionnaire for each Commission member to fill out at any point during the walk-through before guiding the Commission to mock Station 1. At mock Station 1, Chair Miller and Commissioner Wilson provided feedback on simplifying and clarifying the design of the maps. Commissioner Gerding suggested generating one or two words to easily describe the purpose of the stations. Next, Mr. Murphy Lopez walked the Commission to mock Station 2 and asked them to engage in a draft visual preference survey. Commissioner Wilson proposed that each station have more than one graphic or map in case many people attend the open house, and expressed interest in seeing the visual preference survey simplified. In response to Chair Miller and Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding whether data would be collected on walking and bicycling habits and frequency, Mr. Murphy Lopez pointed out that the questionnaire asks about frequency of walking and bicycling, and noted the possibility of analyzing the relationship between the preferences indicated in the visual preference survey and the frequency of walking and bicycling in the online version of the questionnaire. He explained that analyzing the relationship between elements of feedback collected at the pop-up workshop and open house would be much more difficult. Next, Mr. Murphy Lopez guided the Commission to mock Station 3 and instructed them to mark up a draft map with current and desired walking and/or bicycling routes, walking and/or bicycling destinations, and problem areas for walking and bicycling. Commissioner Gerding and Commissioner Wilson provided feedback regarding the design, content, and layout of the draft map in paper and digital formats, including making the street lines much darker and adding other business and organizational landmarks. Finally, Mr. Murphy Lopez instructed the Commission to complete the draft paper questionnaire. Commissioner Gerding recommended advertising how long participating in the open house and completing the questionnaire might take. Commissioner Wilson suggested making email collection within the questionnaire optional. Commissioner Gerding proposed including a short tutorial at the top of the online WikiMap. Commissioner Wilson indicated that the word “neutral” on a scale in the questionnaire might not reflect actual sentiment, and that “okay” might be a better word to use. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether a question specifically related to walking and bicycling safety should be added to the questionnaire, Mr. Murphy Lopez agreed to consider the addition of a safety-specific question. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding standard practices for curb ramp placement, Mr. Murphy Lopez responded that often the engineer who is designing the road selects curb ramp placement. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether the online questionnaire would be linked to the online Wikimap, Mr. Murphy Lopez clarified that the online questionnaire and the Wikimap are hosted by two different platforms and therefore not able to be connected during data analysis. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding how the feedback from the online Wikimap will be analyzed, Mr. Murphy Lopez explained that Toole Design will create four different maps based upon the four different categories in the Wikimap. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 19, 2022 Page Four Furthermore, each category-based map will display the collective feedback by utilizing a heat map approach. b. NEW BUSINESS i. 2023 EMC Work Plan preparation Chair Miller reminded the Commission that the EMC will create a draft 2023 Work Plan at its November 21, 2022 regular meeting, and encouraged Commission members to begin thinking about what will be included in the draft 2023 Work Plan. He emphasized that the Commission should refer to the resiliency goals and policies in Chapter 8 of the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan when considering the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan, as well as best practices outlined by the GreenSteps Cities program. Finally, he noted that the Commission should continue to prioritize action items outlined in the 2021 EV-Ready Community Study, as well as any continued priorities that will carry over from the 2022 EMC Work Plan. ii. Bus tour save the date Ms. Reidlinger reminded the Commission of the Development Bus Tour on October 4, 2022. She stated that the purpose of the tour is to share development and redevelopment projects in Oakdale with members of the city’s advisory bodies. 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 September, October, and November. Chair Miller noted that the environmental theme of September is electric vehicles and the theme of October is energy conversation. Commissioner Wilson expressed satisfaction in seeing the summary of environmentally-related posts shared via social media in the month proceeding each EMC meeting. ii. Commissioner update(s) Commissioner Gerding shared that he and his fellow neighbors will be doing a first-ever neighborhood buckthorn clean up. Chair Miller noted that other neighborhoods have tried to control the spread of buckthorn in the community by hosting similar clean-up projects. Chair Miller committed to giving the Commission an update on the Grow Solar Twin Cities 2022 solar group buy program as soon as he is provided with up-to-date details. He encouraged residents and businesses interested in the group buy program to schedule a consultation with the program’s solar installer before the end of September 2022. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 19, 2022 Page Five iii. Council liaison updates Council member Zabel shared that the City Council has approved the 2023 preliminary levy (i.e. the statutory cap on property taxes). He also noted that the City’s 2023 budget addresses several needs including adding a Police Officer and finalizing the conversion of the Fire Department to a full-time, paid department. He explained that the 2023 budget will be made more transparent and accessible through an online tool; the tool will help Oakdale residents, business owners, and employees see what the City spends money on (including a real-time, year-to-date look at City expenses), and how the budget changes year to year. He thanked the Finance Department for setting up the transparent budget tool. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO ADJOURN THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 8:41 P.M. 3 AYES 0 NAYS MOTION CARRIED Meeting Adjourned NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting of the EMC will be Monday, October 17, 2022 in the City Council Chambers. Respectfully submitted, Shannon Reidlinger Sr. Community Development Specialist TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 13, 2022 SUBJ: Draft 2023 EMC Work Plan This memorandum summarizes the purpose of, and invites conversation about, the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan. POLICY IMPLICATIONS Chapter Six, Article I, Sec. 6-02 of the City Code of Ordinances establishes the EMC as an advisory body which 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. To support this function, the 2023 EMC Work Plan will guide and focus the seven-member Commission’s work during its monthly meetings and in the community. The EMC will finalize the draft 2023 Work Plan at its November 2022 meeting; the finalized 2023 EMC Work Plan will be presented to City Council in early 2023 for consideration and feedback. The 2023 Work Plan will reflect priorities identified in the resiliency chapter of the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program (a voluntary challenge, assistance, and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality-of-life goals). Traditionally, the EMC work plan details annual, ongoing items related to education and promotion of waste reduction, recycling, and water conservation. The 2023 Work Plan may also concentrate 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. COMMISSION ENGAGEMENT Commission members are encouraged to provide opinions and commentary on the content of the draft 2023 Work Plan (following page). To facilitate discussion, the attachments listed below are provided for educational purposes: • ATTACHMENT A: 2022 EMC Work Plan • ATTACHMENT B: Chapter 8 (Resiliency) of the Oakdale 2040 Comprehensive Plan • ATTACHMENT C: GreenStep Cities 29 best practices summary  DRAFT 2023 EMC WORK PLAN Electric Vehicle (EV) Priorities 2040 Comp Action Description Plan relevance Analyze opportunity to transition one or more City fleet vehicles to an electric alternative. • Conclude EV Suitability Assessment and share findings and recommendations with City Council. • Determine continued participation in Xcel Energy’s Fleet Electrification Advisory Program. Coordinate opportunities for EV purchase and infrastructure education. EV-Ready Community • Sponsor, coordinate, and promote a local Chapter 8, ride-and-drive where residents may test Study priority action Goal 1, Policy 6 drive an EV (if possible given COVID implementation restrictions) and speak with actual EV owners about their experience. Streamline electric vehicle supply equipment (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 Applicable 2040 Comprehensive Plan Priorities 2040 Comp Action Description Plan relevance Promote energy Chapter 8, efficiency and • Host a Solar Twin Cities Power Hour. Goal 1, Policies renewable energy in • Promote Xcel Energy Rebate Programs 1&5 residential & (including Windsource, Solar*Rewards commercial properties  Community, and Solar*Rewards), PACE, and Trillion BTU. Leverage funds from the Washington County Reduce waste Chapter 8, Recycling Grant to promote recycling and generation, increase Goal 1, Policy 7 waste reduction programs. (Specific projects recycling to be determined Q1 of 2023.) • Promote Adopt-a-Drain (including EMC’s adoption of drains at Walton Park) through communication channels and at community events. • Provide education about and resources for Chapter 8, Promote water stormwater infiltration/reuse practices Goal 2, Policy 4 conservation including rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, green alleys or green parking lots, pervious/permeable pavement or pavers, green roofs/green walls, tree trenches/tree boxes, and/or incorporating compost and native plants into landscape design. Connect low-income • Host a CUB Bill Clinic. Chapter 8, residents to • Provide information about energy Goal 1, Policy 2 weatherization and EE assistance programs and energy auditing resources services. GreenStep Cities Best Practice Priorities 2040 Comp Action Description Plan relevance Implement GreenStep Chapter 3, Complete the Bike and Pedestrian Plan Cities Best Practice Goal 4 and 5 Update project. Action 11.5 2022 metrics reporting Update metrics to reflect 2022 data. ATTACHMENT A: 2022 EMC Work Plan 2022 EMC WORK PLAN 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 codified minimum parking space requirements. o Recommend reserving the use of EV charging spots for drivers of electric vehicles. EV-Ready Community o Help drivers understand the Chapter 8, Study priority action appropriate use of EVSE and enhance Goal 1, Policy 6 implementation 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. • Determine eligibility for participation in Xcel Energy’s Fleet Electrification Advisory Program, and coordinate fleet assessment accordingly. 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 Applicable 2040 Comprehensive Plan Priorities 2040 Comp Action Description Plan relevance Promote energy Chapter 8, efficiency and • Host a Solar Twin Cities Power Hour. Goal 1, Policies renewable energy in • Promote Xcel Energy Rebate Programs, 1&5 residential & PACE, and Trillion BTU. commercial properties Leverage funds from the Washington County Reduce waste Chapter 8, Recycling Grant to promote recycling and generation, increase Goal 1, Policy 7 waste reduction programs. (Specific projects recycling to be determined Q1 of 2022.) Promote Adopt-a-Drain (including EMC’s Chapter 8, Promote water adoption of drains at Walton Park) through Goal 2, Policy 4 conservation communication channels and at community events.  Analyze opportunity to reduce barriers to solar for businesses and residents through Chapter 8, suggested implementation of recommended Increase access to Goal 1, Policy 3 solar best practices. solar &4 • Research SolSmart bronze level 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. ATTACHMENT B: Chapter 8 (Resiliency) of the Oakdale 2040 Comprehensive Plan GOAL 1 GOAL 2 Consistent with state-wide goals, The City shall be prepared to respond community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) effectively to climate change by emissions shall be reduced 30 percent implementing adaption and resilience by 2025, and 80 percent by 2050 from strategies. 2007 levels in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the POLICIES: community. 1. Ensure adequate stormwater system capacity to protect property owners from POLICIES: localized flooding. 1. Promote reinvestment in residential and commercial properties through energy 2. Utilize stormwater management areas as efficiency education, technical pollinator habitat and neighborhood assistance, and financing programs. amenities. 2. Connect low-income residents to home 3. Explore opportunities for creative re-use of weatherization and energy efficiency stormwater in the right-of-way to irrigate resources to encourage housing stock boulevard trees and other landscaping. reinvestment. 4. Promote water conservation programs to 3. Protect and encourage on-site solar protect groundwater resources. energy development that maintains community character while utilizing local 5. Promote water infiltration techniques such solar resources to the fullest potential. as raingardens and pervious pavers to replenish groundwater resources. 4. Adopt zoning regulations that will establish standards for renewable energy 6. Continue to coordinate with Washington technologies to ensure neighborhood County and other relevant emergency compatibility and access. service agencies in the area of hazard mitigation planning. 5. Promote and encourage residential and commercial participation in green 7. Continue programs which increase the tree building programs as well as renewable canopy in the City with disease-resistant energy financing and purchasing species for air quality and cooling benefits programs including PACE/other loan to the community. programs, community solar, and wind power purchase programs. 8. Support the establishment and maintenance of community gardens 6. Support private and public infrastructure throughout the City to provide residents that accommodates and encourages use with easy access to healthy food. of electric and autonomous vehicles and explore options for City fleet use of 9. Adopt regulations that will establish electric vehicles. standards for urban farming to improve compatibility with neighboring properties. 7. Promote and encourage strategies that reduce waste generation and increase options for reuse, recycling, and composting of items in City operations, residential and commercial developments. Resilience 65 ATTACHMENT C: GreenStep Cities 29 best practices summary The GreenStep 29 best practices Note: Oakdale has taken action on the items in green font (according to the GreenStep Cities program website). More action can be taken on any best practice in green font. Buildings and Lighting 1. Efficient Existing Public Buildings Benchmark energy and water usage, identify savings opportunities in consultation with state programs, utilities and others to implement cost-effective energy and sustainability improvements. 2. Efficient Existing Private Buildings Provide incentives for energy, water and sustainability improvements in existing residential, not-for-profit and commercial buildings/building sites. 3. New Green Buildings Construct new buildings to meet or qualify under a green building framework. 4. Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals Improve the efficiency and quality of street lighting, traffic signals and outdoor public lighting. 5. Building Redevelopment Create economic and regulatory incentives for redevelopment and repurposing of existing buildings. Land Use 6. Comprehensive, Climate and Energy Plans Build public support and legal validity to long-term infrastructural and regulatory strategy. 7. Resilient City Growth Increase financial and environmental sustainability by enabling and encouraging walkable housing and retail land use. 8. Mixed Uses Develop efficient land patterns that generate community health and wealth. 9. Efficient Highway- and Auto-Oriented Development Adopt commercial development and design standards for auto-oriented development corridors and clusters. 10. Design for Natural Resource Conservation Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect natural systems and valued community assets. Transportation 11. Living & Complete Streets Create a network of green complete streets that improves city quality of life, public health, and adds value to surrounding properties. 12. Mobility Options Increase active transportation and alternatives to single-occupancy car travel. 13. Efficient City Fleets Implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance plan. 14. Demand-Side Travel Planning Implement Travel Demand Management and Transit-Oriented Design in service of a more walkable city. Environmental Management 15. Sustainable Purchasing Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing policies and practices to improve health and environmental outcomes. 16. Community Forests and Soils Add city tree and plant cover that conserves topsoils and increases community health, wealth, quality of life. 17. Stormwater Management Minimize the volume of and pollutants in rainwater runoff by maximizing green infrastructure. 18. Parks and Trails Increase active lifestyles and property values by enhancing the city's green infrastructure. 19. Surface Water Improve local water bodies to sustain their long-term ecological function and community benefits. 20. Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems Assess and improve city drinking water and wastewater systems and related facilities. 21. Septic Systems Implement an environmentally sound management program for decentralized wastewater treatment systems. 22. Sustainable Consumption and Waste Increase waste prevention, reuse and recycling, moving to a lower-consumption, more cyclical, biological approach to materials management. 23. Local Air Quality Prevent generation of local air contaminants so as to improve community health. Resilient Economic and Community Development 24. Benchmarks and Community Engagement Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other city sustainability efforts, and engage community members in ongoing education, dialogue, and campaigns. 25. Green Business Development Expand a greener, more resilient business sector. 26. Renewable Energy Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity. 27. Local Food Strengthen local food and fiber production and access. 28. Business Synergies and EcoDistricts Network/cluster businesses and design neighborhoods and developments to achieve better energy, social, economic and environmental outcomes in service of a more circular and equitable economy. 29. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience Plan and prepare for extreme weather, adapt to changing climatic conditions, and foster stronger community connectedness and social and economic vitality. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Shannon Reidlinger DATE: October 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 October, November, and December of 2022. 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar October: Renewable Energy Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic Energy Efficiency Day – Oct 5 • Home Energy Squad (home energy audit) National LED Light Day – Oct 7 • Clean Energy Project Builder National Solar Tour – Oct 1 - 2 • Battery recycling Energy Awareness Month • Citizens Utility Board (CUB) November: Recycling Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic • Washington County Environmental Center • BizRecycling America Recycles Day – Nov 15 • Food scraps drop-off program o Pumpkin composting o EMC-specific composting video December: Low-waste Holidays Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic National Christmas Lights Day – Dec 1 • Christmas lights – energy efficiency and recycling World Pollution Prevention Day – Dec 2 • Tree recycling Social media posts are scheduled and subject to review by Communications staff. Proposed social media posts in the month of October include: • Recognition of Energy Awareness month (the month of October) as well as Energy Efficiency Day (October 5) • Sharing information and education about energy efficiency: Commercial resources o Clean Energy Project Builder  o MN Chamber of Commerce – Energy Smart o Energy Star o Center for Energy and Environment Residential resources o Community Action energy assistance o Home Energy Squad o Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota o Xcel Energy home rebates Select social media posts of note in September and October 2022 include: • Promotion of curbside pick-up events for buckthorn removal (September 1, September 25, September 28) • Promotion of recycling and waste reduction opportunities available through Washington County (September 8) • Promotion of electric vehicle educational resources (September 19) • Promotion of the Bike and Pedestrian Update Project pop-up workshop at the September 28 Farmers Market (September 27) • Recognition of Energy Awareness Month with educational resources (September 30) • Reminder not to rake leaves into the street (October 5) • Promotion of the Bike and Pedestrian Update Project open house (October 6)