Environmental Management Commission
Regular MeetingOakdale, MN · November 21, 2022
Minutes
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 21, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday,
November 21, 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 Chairperson
Bonnie Wilson
Connor Brown
Also Present: Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison
Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist and City
Staff Liaison
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BROWN,
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF OCTOBER 17, 2022 AS WRITTEN.
3 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW
a. OLD BUSINESS
i. Draft 2023 EMC Work Plan approval
Chair Miller opened conversation about the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan with the stated goal
of finalizing the document before it is presented to City Council in early 2023 for consideration.
Ms. Reidlinger summarized changes made to the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan since the October
17, 2022 regular meeting of the EMC, including:
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
November 21, 2022
Page Two
• Providing more detail on the educational components of the draft plan (as
‘education’ is a prevailing theme of the draft plan)
• Incorporating action items which highlight practical application of energy efficient
best practices
• Incorporating action items to promote water conservation programs
She also encouraged the Commission to consider items missing from the draft plan, items
needing to be removed, and themes that should be prioritized.
Chair Miller began discussion of the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan by reminding the Commission
that the draft plan focuses on three main priorities: waste, energy efficiency, and water quality.
He then opened the floor for comments on the first section of the draft plan (i.e. ‘Electric
Vehicle Priorities’). Chair Miller expressed support for coordinating a ride-and-drive event for
electric vehicles (EVs) as a way to educate the community about purchasing opportunities. In
addition, he suggested creating a guide to summarize the incentives available with the
passage of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, and posting the guide on the City website or
giving it away as a flyer at events.
Next, Chair Miller opened the floor for comments on the second section of the draft plan (i.e.
‘Other Applicable 2040 Comprehensive Plan Priorities’). In response to Commissioner
Wilson’s question regarding whether the Commission should determine specific methods for
communicating about energy efficiency best practices, Ms. Reidlinger explained that the EMC
would have the opportunity to refine messaging of the Commission’s work plan priorities while
reviewing the draft 2023 EMC editorial calendar at its first regular meeting in 2023.
Chair Miller noted that there used to be an Energy Efficiency Fair at Skyview Middle School,
but that the fair hadn’t been held for a few years; he wondered whether it would be possible
to host an Energy Fair at the Oakdale Discovery Center in 2023. He explained that an Energy
Fair could be a way to promote energy efficiency programs and connect residents directly to
resource providers like Xcel Energy and the Citizens Utility Board. Commissioner Wilson
recommended expanding the concept into a more generalized Environmental Fair and inviting
the Oakdale Tree Board in order to promote sustainable programs and resources more
broadly. She also suggested that the fair could be a way to provide education about water
conservation, including grant funding for water quality improvemet projects. Commissioner
Gerding expressed enthusiasm for a more inclusive Environmental Fair that provides
education on a number of themes prioritized in the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan. In response
to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding whether other local organizations might be
willing to share their experience with energy efficient solutions, Ms. Reidlinger emphasized
that businesses like HOM Furniture, the Animal Emergency Referral Center, and others may
have stories to share about installing rooftop solar panel systems and participating in
Washington County’s BizRecycling program. Chair Miller emphasized the importance of
continuing to promote the Grow Solar Twin Cities solar group buy program through the 2023
EMC editorial calendar.
Environmental Management Commission Minutes
November 21, 2022
Page Three
Commissioner Gerding explained that he is working with the Ramsey-Washington Metro
Watershed District to implement water conservation projects at his home, and recommended
that the Commission provide education about lawn alternatives to the community.
Commissioner Wilson noted that similar programs like No Mow May could be promoted as
well. Chair Miller recollected that all three watershed districts with territory in Oakdale have
presented to the EMC in the past, and suggested that representatives from the districts either
present to the Commission again in 2023 or participate in the proposed Environmental Fair
to share information about grant funding available for water quality projects. In response to
Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding whether community designation programs exist
for water conservation and water quality improvement, Ms. Reidlinger agreed to research
program availability. Commissioner Gerding speculated that a designation program might help
the City determine the baseline quality of its water bodies; in reply, Ms. Reidlinger explained
that the GreenSteps Cities program might offer insight into the type of data that should be
collected to determine a water quality baseline measurement. Chair Miller suggested that
baseline water quality data may be collected by the watershed districts in Oakdale already,
and recalled reading a past report about local water body quality ratings based on water
testing and other parameters. He mentioned that the report likely covered lakes and rivers
but not ponds, and that Oakdale has many ponds – so it would be helpful to know information
about the quality of water in local ponds as well.
Finally, Chair Miller opened the floor for comments on the third section of the draft plan (i.e.
‘GreenStep Cities Best Practice Priorities’). He mentioned that the City would be concluding
its update of the Bike and Pedestrian Plan in early 2023, and highlighted the importance of
having an updated Plan so that people have walking and bicycling access to community
facilities like the new Metro Transit Gold Line. He also stated need to update the city’s
sustainability metrics through the GreenStep Cities program in order to show progress towards
Oakdale’s environmental resiliency goals and maintain Step Five designation.
After fielding commentary from commissioners on the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan, Chair Miller
called for the Commission to support finalizing the edited draft plan.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER
BROWN, TO SUPPORT THE 2023 EMC WORK PLAN WITH THE AMENDMENTS DISCUSSED AT
THE NOVEMBER 21, 2022 REGULAR MEETING OF THE EMC.
3 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
ii. Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment update
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November 21, 2022
Page Four
Chair Miller reminded the Commission that the City of Oakdale is a participant in Xcel
Energy’s Fleet Electrification Advisory Program, and that conducting an Electric Vehicle
Suitability Assessment (EVSA) is a primary component of participating in the program. He
shared that the EVSA has been authorized by the City Council and City Administrator.
Ms. Reidlinger stated that data collection for the EVSA is scheduled to conclude in early
December. She shared that initial results from the assessment indicate that six fleet vehicles
participating in the study may be ideal candidates to transition to an electric alternative, but
cautioned that additional data collection may change those conclusions. She clarified that
once data collection concludes, the assessment provider – Sawatch Labs – will analyze the
findings using its proprietary software and will provide a final report to City staff and to City
Council. She emphasized that the goal of the assessment is to provide information about the
economic viability, charging infrastructure requirements, and environmental impact of
incorporating electric vehicles into the City’s fleet. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s
question regarding which City departments were included in the assessment, Ms. Reidlinger
explained that fleet vehicles from several departments (including Public Works, Community
Development, Fire, and Police) are participating in the assessment.
b. 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 November and December 2022, and January
2023. Chair Miller noted that America Recycles Day is in November, and that the City operated
a pumpkin collection event the week following Halloween. He also highlighted the many social
media posts made in October for the Bike and Pedestrian Plan update project.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding whether there is a shareable video
about Washington County’s food scraps drop-off program, Ms. Reidlinger reminded the
Commission that a video highlighting current and former EMC Commissioners who participate
in the program was created in 2021.
ii. Commissioner update(s)
Chair Miller shared that the EMC has three vacancies, and encouraged community members
to apply to be a Commissioner so that the Commission may better support the goals of its
2023 EMC Work Plan.
Commissioner Gerding plugged grant funding opportunities for water quality improvement
projects through the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District, and shared his
experience with conducting infiltration testing and creating a site map for incorporating rain
gardens and erosion control methodologies in his yard.
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November 21, 2022
Page Five
He emphasized that the watershed district provides excellent resources to residents and
business owners who are interested in completing water quality improvement projects on their
own property. Chair Miller noted that the other two watershed districts with territory in Oakdale
have similar grant funding programs available.
iii. Council liaison update(s)
City Council Member Zabel shared that the City Council is wrapping up work on the 2023 City
budget, and that the budget would be finalized after the Truth in Taxation hearing is held on
December 13, 2022. He encouraged all residents to attend the Truth in Taxation hearing to
understand how tax dollars are apportioned in the City budget.
City Council Member Zabel also noted that the City continues to field a number of development
inquiries and proposals, including at Oakdale Marketplace. He highlighted construction work
underway at 4th St. and Helmo Avenue, and in the Willowbrooke neighborhood. He also
recognized the official groundbreaking of the Gold Line BRT project and explained that site
prep work would begin shortly for the Helmo/Bielenberg overpass.
NEXT MEETING DATE
Chair Miller reminded the Commission that the next meeting of the EMC will be Monday,
January 9, 2023 in the City Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BROWN,
TO ADJOURN THE NOVEMBER 21, 2022 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 7:42 P.M.
3 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Shannon Reidlinger
Sr. Community Development Specialist
Agenda
AGENDA
Environmental Management Commission
REGULAR MEETING
November 21, 2022
7:00 PM
Oakdale City Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. October 17, 2022
5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW
a. OLD BUSINESS
i. Draft 2023 EMC Work Plan approval
ii. Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment update
6. OTHER
i. Monthly review of the 2022 EMC Editorial Calendar
ii. Commissioner update(s)*
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
January 9, 2022 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.
REGULAR MEETING
OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 17, 2022
CALL TO ORDER
The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday,
October 17, 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: Noah Gerding, Vice Chair
Commissioners: Bonnie Wilson
Connor Brown
Also Present: Shannon Reidlinger, Sr. Community Development Specialist and City
Staff Liaison
Absent: Keith Miller, Chairperson
Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison
Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BROWN,
TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2022 AS
WRITTEN.
3 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW
a. OLD BUSINESS
i. Draft 2023 EMC Work Plan
Ms. Reidlinger provided a brief overview of the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan and explained the
supporting documents that shape the content of the work plan, including the 2022 EMC Work
Plan, Chapter Eight (Resiliency) of the city’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and a summary of the
Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes
October 17, 2022
Page Two
29 GreenStep Cities program best practices. She noted that elements of the 2022 Work Plan
have carried over into the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan, including actions related to community
readiness for electric vehicles, projects funded by the Washington County recycling grant, the
completion of the Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update project, and annual reporting of
sustainability metrics for continued designation through the GreenStep Cities program.
Commissioner Gerding reflected that a theme of the 2022 EMC Work Plan was energy
conservation and consumption. He encouraged the Commission to consider a theme for the
draft 2023 EMC Work Plan.
Commissioner Wilson noted a desire to see energy conservation and consumption education
continue in 2023 in the wake of economic uncertainty and cost inflation, and suggested that
information around energy efficient cost saving strategies – rather than around purchasing
new solar panels and electric vehicles – should be emphasized. Commissioner Brown
recommended that residents and business owners be made aware of tax rebates associated
with clean and renewable energy alternatives too, as part of the broader effort to educate the
community about energy conservation and consumption in 2023. Commissioner Gerding
suggested that a theme of the draft 2023 Work Plan may be diving deeper into elements of
the 2022 EMC Work Plan by informing the community how to take advantage of sustainable
solutions that already exist.
Commissioner Wilson recommended that the City better promote existing commercial use of
solar panels to better encourage businesses to consider solar energy alternatives. She lifted
up HOM Furniture and the Animal Emergency Referral Center as two examples of Oakdale
businesses that have installed solar panels for their energy needs, and suggested that those
examples be highlighted in some way.
Commissioner Gerding noted that one of the GreenStep Cities program best practices
surrounds sustaining the ecological function of local waterbodies, and he proposed focusing
part of the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan around water quality in Oakdale, including the health
of the watershed and of surface water, and runoff mitigation. Commissioner Brown
questioned whether advocating for regular water quality tests may be part of the EMC’s work.
Commissioner Gerding agreed that water quality tests may be an option, and that conducting
a baseline assessment in conjunction with establishing a long term strategic plan for water
quality improvement may build upon test results. Commissioner Gerding also noted that cost
barriers to soil and water quality improvement projects are lowered by available grant
programs, and that funding information should be more broadly shared with residents and
business owners.
In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding whether offering bill clinics
through the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is the right avenue to educate residents about energy
conservation, Ms. Reidlinger mentioned that CUB has coordinated bill clinics in Oakdale in the
past but that services may have transitioned to a virtual platform during the pandemic and
Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes
October 17, 2022
Page Three
were not widely promoted to the community in the previous two years. She suggested that the
Commission may elect to focus on promoting those services again in 2023. Commissioner
Gerding agreed that utilizing technology to educate residents and business owners about
energy bill savings is a desirable focus of the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan.
Commissioner Wilson indicated that hosting an educational fair may help inform the
community about the wide variety of grants and resources available for environmentally
sustainable projects and daily practices. Commissioner Gerding summarized that a general
focus on education may be a theme of the draft 2023 Work Plan.
In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding the process to achieve SolSmart
designation, Ms. Reidlinger explained that certain actions must be taken by the community
surrounding solar accessibility in order to attain a designation level through the SolSmart
program. She clarified that those actions may occur at the administrative and/or the
infrastructure level, among other avenues. She noted that a municipality may be designated
at the bronze, silver, or gold level. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding
at what point a municipality may seek SolSmart designation, Ms. Reidlinger suggested that
researching designation activities to better understand how designation may align with the
City’s goals and objectives could be an element of the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan. She also
suggested that a noted increase in residential and commercial permits for solar panel
installation may be a data point to indicate that Oakdale is ready to pursue SolSmart
designation.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding whether the EMC is responsible for
pursuing strategies to improve the city’s tree canopy, Ms. Reidlinger proposed working with
the Oakdale Tree Board to understand how the EMC can appropriately impact community
goals related to Oakdale’s trees.
Ms. Reidlinger clarified that a refined version of the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan will be
presented at the November 21, 2022 EMC meeting, and then will be summarized for the
Oakdale City Council in the first quarter of 2023.
b. 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 October, November, and December.
Commissioner Gerding praised the City for its increased bandwidth for social media
communication.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding whether Washington County’s food
scraps drop-off program might be moved to a location more accessible for Oakdale residents,
Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes
October 17, 2022
Page Four
Ms. Reidlinger informed the Commission that the County is coordinating a food scraps pick-
up program to be made available to residents likely in 2024. She explained that the City will
continue to promote the County’s food scraps drop-off program until the new pick-up program
is launched.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding pumpkin disposal, Ms. Reidlinger
shared that the City is coordinating with the County to make a dumpster available for residents
to dispose of their pumpkins.
In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding whether the City will provide
Christmas light recycling services, Ms. Reidlinger clarified that the goal of environmental
communication in 2022 is to help residents understand available waste reduction resources
during the holiday season.
In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding whether the City collects
testimonials from local businesses about waste reduction activities, Ms. Reidlinger explained
that one project funded by the 2022 Washington County Recycling Grant is cataloging and
promoting stories of how local businesses have applied for and utilized grant money through
the County’s BizRecicling program.
ii. Commissioner update(s)
Commissioner Wilson summarized her participation in the Development Bus Tour. She
expressed appreciation for seeing construction projects throughout the City in person,
including the location of future Gold Line stations. She encouraged more transparency on the
City’s website about current and future development projects.
Ms. Reidlinger reminded the Commission that the Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update project
open house will be hosted on October 19, 2022 from 5–7 PM, and that an online survey and
Wikimap is available for residents and business owners to fill out as well.
NEXT MEETING DATE
Commissioner Wilson reminded the Commission that the next meeting of the EMC will be
Monday, November 21, 2022 in the City Council Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BROWN,
TO ADJOURN THE OCTOBER 17, 2022 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION AT 7:37 P.M.
Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes
October 17, 2022
Page Five
3 AYES
0 NAYS
MOTION CARRIED
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Shannon Reidlinger
Sr. Community Development Specialist
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: November 16, 2022
SUBJ: Draft 2023 EMC Work Plan approval
This memorandum invites conversation about the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan in order to
finalize its contents prior to Commission approval.
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 finalized 2023 EMC Work Plan will be presented to City Council in early 2023 for
consideration and feedback. The draft 2023 EMC Work Plan, presented on the following page,
reflects 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).
The draft 2023 EMC Work Plan focuses on annual, ongoing items related to education about
and promotion of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling; on continuing to implement priority
actions outlined in the 2021 EV-Ready Community Study; on concluding the Bike and
Pedestrian Plan Update project; on promoting information regarding energy efficiency
alternatives and resources; and on supporting water quality conservation and improvement
activities.
COMMISSION ENGAGEMENT
Commission members are encouraged to provide opinions and commentary on the content
of the draft 2023 Work Plan. Specifically, the Commission is asked to identify:
• Themes, goals, and/or actions not included in the draft 2023 EMC Work Plan that should
be incorporated into the finalized document
• Themes, goals, and/or actions that should be removed from the draft 2023 EMC Work
Plan
• Themes, goals, and/or actions that are of the highest priority to the Commission in 2023
• New or innovative actions that may be piloted in 2023 to support identified themes
and/or goals
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 education around
EV infrastructure and vehicle purchasing.
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
• Promote Xcel Energy Rebate Programs
Chapter 8, efficiency and
(including Windsource, Solar*Rewards
Goal 1, Policies renewable energy in
Community, and Solar*Rewards), PACE,
1&5 residential &
and Trillion BTU.
commercial properties
• Promote availability of tax rebates, utility
credits, and/or financing opportunities for
renewable energy solutions.
• Host a Solar Twin Cities Power Hour.
• Share testimonials of local businesses that
have incorporated renewable energy
solutions into business operations.
• Host a CUB Bill Clinic (virtual or in-person).
• Provide information about energy
Connect low-income assistance programs, energy
Chapter 8, residents to weatherization opportunities, and energy
Goal 1, Policy 2 weatherization and EE auditing services available through
resources Washington County and other
organizations to help residents and
business owners impact energy bill cost
savings.
Chapter 8,
Increase access to
Goal 1, Policy 3 Research SolSmart bronze level designation.
solar
&4
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, water infiltration/reuse practices
including: rain gardens, rainwater
Chapter 8, Promote water harvesting, green alleys or green parking
Goal 2, Policy 4 conservation lots, pervious/permeable pavement or
pavers, green roofs/green walls, tree
trenches/tree boxes, and/or incorporating
compost and native plants into landscape
design.
• Promote grant opportunities for water
quality improvement project available
through the three local Watershed
Districts.
• Establish the baseline health of Oakdale’s
local water bodies.
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.
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: November 16, 2022
SUBJ: Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment update
This memorandum updates the EMC on the City’s participation in Xcel Energy’s Fleet
Electrification Advisory Program (FEAP) and summarizes the Electric Vehicle Suitability
Assessment (EVSA), a primary component of program participation.
BACKGROUND
At the June 28, 2022 regular meeting, City Council authorized the Mayor and City
Administrator to execute a Terms Document with Sawatch Labs to conduct an EVSA. The
purpose of the assessment is to identify fleet vehicles that are a good candidate to be
replaced with an EV. The output of the assessment is an online planning tool that includes
information on the latest EV models, customizable financial analytics, and GPS data for
infrastructure needs specific to Oakdale’s fleet. The outcome of the assessment is a
recommendation regarding a fleet electrification strategy for consideration by City Council that
keeps costs low for the City and drives the best return on investment when planning to install
charging capacity and incorporate EVs into Oakdale’s fleet.
PROJECT SUMMARY
Telematics devices for data collection were installed in late August of 2022 in 12 fleet
vehicles. Telematics data will be gathered for 90 days, until late November or early December
2022. As of mid-October 2022, six fleet vehicles participating in the assessment have been
initially identified as ideal candidates for transition to an electric alternative based on vehicle
type, consistency of vehicle use, and mileage traveled. Complete data collection may alter this
initial recommendation.
The results of the EVSA will be delivered in early 2023 to the City by Sawatch Labs via webinar;
staff will share a summary of results with City Council at a subsequent Council workshop.
TO: Environmental Management Commission
FROM: Shannon Reidlinger
DATE: November 16, 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
November and December of 2022, and January of 2023.
2022/2023 EMC Editorial Calendar
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 • Tree recycling via Oakdale Public Works
• Christmas lights – energy efficiency and
World Pollution Prevention Day – Dec 2 resources for recycling
January: Energy Efficiency
Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic
• Home and business energy audit
National Cut Your Energy Costs Day – Jan • Xcel Energy rebates for homes and
10 businesses
• Commercial energy efficiency resources
(Clean Energy Project Builder, PACE,
Trillion BTU)
National Organize Your Home Day – Jan • Residential energy efficiency resources
14 and weatherization opportunities
available via County, State, and other
local organizations
Social media posts are scheduled and subject to review by Communications staff. Proposed
social media posts in the month of November include:
• Recognition of America Recycles Day on November 15
• Promotion of the City’s pumpkin drop-off program
• Sharing information and education about Washington County’s BizRecycling program
Select social media posts of note in October and November 2022 include:
• Reminder not to rake leaves into the street (October 5)
• Promotion of the Bike and Pedestrian Update Project open house (October 6 and
October 19)
• Sharing of Emerald Ash Borer removal best practices (October 15)
• Recognition of the annual buckthorn removal at the Oakdale Nature Preserve (October
20)
• Promotion of the pumpkin drop-off program (October 26 and November 6)
• Reminder to complete the online questionnaire and WikiMap for the Bike and
Pedestrian Plan Update project (October 29)
• Reminder to recycle campaign signs at the Washington County Environmental Center
(November 9)
• Recognition of America Recycles Day (November 15)
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