Environmental Management Commission

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission REGULAR MEETING May 15, 2023 7:00 PM Oakdale City Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS i. Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update b. NEW BUSINESS i. Xcel Energy Fleet Electrification Advisory Program Update ii. Update on Great Plains Institute EV Smart Program iii. 2023 Washington County Recycling Grant Award 6. OTHER i. Commissioner update(s)* ii. Council liaison update(s)* 7. ADJOURNMENT *Items marked with an asterisk have no accompanying material The next regular Environmental Management Commission meeting will be held June 19, 2023 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Max Lohse, Community Development Specialist DATE: May 15, 2023 SUBJ: Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Update The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the EMC a progress update on the Bike and Pedestrian Plan and solicit feedback from the commission on the Plan’s draft projects for future network implementation and factors for project rankings. BACKGROUND Oakdale’s bike and pedestrian system provides an affordable transportation option with recreation and health benefits. To better connect people and where they live to the region’s growing multimodal transportation network, Oakdale’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan calls for updating the 1995 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (Chapter Three, Goal Four, Policy One). To date, the project team has completed the following: • Level of traffic stress analysis • Bus stop inventory • Gold Line transit station travel shed maps • Review of existing bicycle, pedestrian, and transit policies and programs • Map of existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure (including marked crosswalks and bus stops) • Community Engagement Plan activities including: o Conducting a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis with Oakdale’s advisory bodies, including: ▪ The Environmental Management Commission (August 15, 2022) ▪ The Planning Commission (September 1, 2022) ▪ The Economic Development Commission (September 7, 2022) Parks and Recreation Commission (September 20, 2022) o Hosting one open house on October 19, 2022 with 16 community participants o Hosting two pop-up workshops in 2022 o Hosting one pop-up workshop at the Oakdale branch of the library on October 24, 2022 with 9 community participants o Conducting an online questionnaire and WikiMap. To incorporate a diversity of backgrounds and ages, the project team coordinated with District 622 administrators to email a targeted ask to students and teachers in Oakdale area schools to complete the WikiMap o Conducting in-person focus groups on December 9, 2022 with 42 students of diverse backgrounds in two businesses classes at Tartan High School o Conducting a virtual focus group on January 4, 2023 with eight members of the Oakdale Wellness 50+ group and past Community Walk participants • Initial potential future projects, complete with locations, descriptions, characteristics and early suggestions for phasing* • Draft factors to assist with project rankings* * Indicates new material since March 2023 EMC meeting The next community engagement action step is to provide a draft of the Plan to the community and City Council for review and feedback in the summer of 2023. The draft Plan will be emailed to residents who have provided their contact information during community engagement, and will be made available to the public on the project’s website. SUMMARY OF PRIOR EMC FEEDBACK ON NETWORK RECOMMENDATIONS At the March 20, 2023 EMC meeting, EMC commissioners provided the following feedback: • Commissioners exhibited strong support for a trail on Century Avenue, noting that it emerged as the most desired improvement in public comments. • Commissioners also expressed interest in a trail along 10th Street. • On the existing Hadley Avenue trail, the commission suggested that a new segment should be built to allow the trail to remain as one contiguous path. • The commission expressed support for creating as many trails as possible in locations near the borders of other cities to allow for greater connectivity and new riders from other communities. The Tri-Lake Area in Lake Elmo was mentioned as one possible area to create new trail connections. • The addition of more north-south trails was supported. • The proposed connections to the Helmo Gold Line station were supported. • All showed support for the plan’s focus on off-road facilities. ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED The following attachments are included for use in providing feedback: • Draft project implementation map • Draft potential future projects • Draft factors to assist with project rankings  2 27 Future Facilities 3 Future Shared Use Path 8 Future Sidewalk 9 Future Signed Walking 4 5 and Bicycling Route Existing Facilities 6 Shared Use Path 7 Sidewalk Marked Crosswalk Future Gold Line Stations 10a 11a 11b 11c School 1 City Boundary 10b Parks 12 13 Waterbody 14 15b 15a Near term Mid term 16b Long term 16a DRAFT 17 18 19 21 24 23 22 20 25 26  Implementation of the Future Network DRAFT Table x.x. Lead agencies and partners, funded projects, cost estimates, and opportunities/challenges are identified for each project shown in the Figure x.x map. Planning Level Project Roadway/Trail/Intersection Project Extents Length (mi.) Project Type Lead Agency (Partner/s) Phasing* Funded Project Type Funded Project Year Cost Estimate Ranking Score Opportunities and Challenges ID Name for City** MnDOT plans to reconstruct Highway 120 between I-694 and 4th Street in 2027. A corridor study will be completed in early 2024, which will determine the conceptual design. Current options include on-street bike lanes, sidewalks, and a shared use path. It is recommended that the City of 2027 (MnDOT Oakdale request a shared use path on the east side of the highway. Bike lanes are not preferred by Century Avenue/ Minnesota State MnDOT (City of Oakdale, Transportation the City. 1 Highway 120 I-694 to I-94 5.5 Shared use path Metropolitan Council) Near term Reconstruction Improvement Program) $$ TBD Mahtomedi has plans to create a shared use path network just north of I-694, connecting Southwest Park and neighboring areas with the Gateway State Trail. A pedestrian and bicycle-only bridge over I-694 and a path along 56th Street would complete this connection. MnDOT indicated to the City of Mahtomedi (noted in the 2017 Mahtomedi Parks Plan) that this crossing of I-694 is MnDOT (City of Oakdale, low on their priority list. New funding opportunities may exist to increase the priority. 2 56th Street/I-694 Crossing Hadley Avenue to I-694 0.3 Shared use path City of Mahtomedi) Long term $$$ TBD As sections of these streets are reconstructed, a sidewalk can be added to one side. Various challenges such as power lines, retaining walls, fences, and trees/shrubs will require a corridor analysis to determine which side of each street is preferable for a sidewalk. These streets are approximately 25' to 35' in width, with parking allowed in some locations. Right-of-way is approximately 60' to 65' on Upper 51st Street, 64.5' on Glenbrook Avenue, and 45' on Highway 36 Boulevard. Street narrowing may be another option for sidewalk installation. The Glenbrook Small Area Plan underway will provide further guidance on location and timing of sidewalk Upper 51st Street/Glenbrook improvements. 3 Ave/Highway 36 Blvd N Hadley Avenue to Highway 120 0.7 Sidewalk City of Oakdale (MnDOT) Long term $$ TBD Currently 50th Street is approximately 32' wide with a parking lane on the south side. Right-of-way is approximately 65'. Power line poles are situated between the curb and sidewalk. During a future reconstruction project a study should examine how to construct a shared use path, either by widening the sidewalk in place (right-of-way between the existing curb and parcel boundaries is Gateway State Trail to Castle Elementary approximately 20') or narrowing the street, and include feedback from area stakeholders. 4 50th Street School 0.5 Shared use path City of Oakdale Long term $$ TBD Currently Granada Avenue is approximately 36' wide with a parking lane on the east side. The right- of-way is approximately 60'. During a future reconstruction project, a study should examine how a sidewalk can be constructed on the east side connecting to the shared use path that already exists south of 47th Street. The study should include feedback from area stakeholders and examine 1) placing the sidewalk to the east of the existing curb (right-of-way between existing curb and parcel boundaries is approximately 13') and 2) moving the curb westward through parking removal. 5 Granada Avenue 50th Street to 47th Street 0.3 Sidewalk City of Oakdale Long term $$ TBD On the east side of Granada Avenue outside of the right-of-way, a width of approximately 30' exists in the mowed area of Oakdale Nature Preserve (i.e., City owned property) between street trees and other park infrastructure to construct a shared use path which would connect the existing shared use path segments: 1) north of Upper 46th Street and 2) south of the tennis courts. 6 Granada Avenue Upper 46th Street to 45th Street 0.1 Shared use path City of Oakdale Mid term $$ TBD 45th Street is currently 36' wide east of Glenbrook Avenue, with parking allowed on both sides and a power line on the north side. 45th Street is currently 32' wide west of Glenbrook Avenue, with parking allowed on the south side. Right-of-way in both sections is approximately 60'. During a future reconstruction project, a study should examine how a sidewalk can be constructed on one side of the street. The study should include feedback from area stakeholders and examine 1) placing the sidewalk to the north or south of the existing curbs and 2) moving the curbs through parking removal. Right-of-way between the existing curb lines and parcel boundaries is apporoximately 9' on the north side and 18' on the south side. At the far west end of 45th Street, the sidewalk cannot be placed south of the curb because two houses are located too close to the existing curb. 7 45th Street Highway 120 to Granada Avenue 0.5 Sidewalk City of Oakdale Long term $$ TBD A signed route between the Gateway State Trail and 50th Street would connect large portions of Oakdale to this popular trail. Adding wayfinding signs between both facilities along the Gateway Trail spur and Heath Avenue would give pedestrians and bicyclists a clear route. A crossing at the intersection of Heath Avenue and 50th Street is needed to safely transition between Heath Avenue and the shared use path on the south side of 50th Street. Signed walking and bicycling 8 Heath Avenue Gateway State Trail to 50th Street 0.5 route City of Oakdale (MN DNR) Near term $ TBD * Near Term = 2024 to 2028, Mid Term = 2029 to 2033, Long Term = 2034 and beyond ** $ = Low, $$ = Medium, $$$ = High  Implementation of the Future Network Table x.x. Lead agencies and partners, funded projects, cost estimates, and opportunities/challenges are identified for each project shown in the Figure x.x map. Planning Level Project Roadway/Trail/Intersection Project Extents Length (mi.) Project Type Lead Agency (Partner/s) Phasing* Funded Project Type Funded Project Year Cost Estimate Ranking Score Opportunities and Challenges ID Name for City This short gap in the existing shared use path network could potentially be filled by eliminating the shoulder and altering the right turn lane on the south side of 50th Street. To alter the right turn lane, an evaluation of turning movements and safety will likely be needed at the intersection of 50th Street and Olson Lake Trail. 50th Street is approximately 46' wide west of this intersection. Placing the shared use path south of the existing curb would require alterations to trees, power line poles, slopes, and right-of-way acquisition at the far east end of the segment. This project may 50th Street/Washington County Washington County (City of require cost share participation from the city of Lake Elmo. 9 Highway 13 Helmo Avenue to Olson Lake Trail 0.2 Shared use path Lake Elmo, City of Oakdale) Near term $$ TBD North of 40th Street, no right-of-way exists and traffic volumes are low on this street that is a dead end for motorists. A signed walking and bicycling route is recommended to connect to the shared Signed walking and bicycling use path at the north end of the cul-de-sac to 40th Street. 10a Granada Avenue Oakdale Nature Preserve to 40th Street 0.1 route City of Oakdale Long term $ TBD Granada Avenue is approximately 32' wide, with an approximate 65' right-of-way. South of 40th Street, a sidewalk exists on the east side adjacent to the curb. For most of this segment, a parking lane is also on the east side. During a future reconstruction project a study should examine how to construct a shared use path, either by widening the sidewalk in place (approximately 18' of right-of- way exists east of the existing curb) or narrowing the street through parking removal, and include feedback from area stakeholders. North of 40th Street, no right-of-way exists and this could limit the potential for a shared use path. 10b Granada Avenue 40th Street to Stillwater Boulevard 1.6 Shared use path City of Oakdale Long term $$$ TBD 40th Street is currently a 36' wide street with an 8' parking lane on the north side, 2 - 11' travel lanes, and a 5' shoulder on the south side. The right-of-way is approximately 65'. During a future reconstruction project, a study should examine how a shared use path can be constructed on the south side connecting to the shared use path that already exists west of Gresham Avenue. The study should include feedback from area stakeholders and examine 1) placing the shared use path to the south of the existing curb and 2) moving the curb northward through shoulder and/or parking removal. 11a 40th Street Gresham Avenue to 200' west of I-694 0.5 Shared use path City of Oakdale Mid term $$ TBD During a future reconstruction of the 40th Street Bridge over I-694, a shared use path is 2026 (Oakdale Capital recommended on the south side of 40th Street to match into the shared use paths on 40th Street 11b 40th Street 200' west of I-694 to 200' east of I-694 0.1 Shared use path MnDOT (City of Oakdale) Near term Reconstruction Improvement Program?) $$ TBD west of Gresham Avenue and east of I-694. ? (Oakdale Capital 40th Street will be reconstructed as part of the Willowbrooke redevelopment with a shared use 11c 40th Street 200' east of I-694 to Ideal Avenue 0.6 Shared use path City of Oakdale Near term Reconstruction Improvement Program?) $ TBD path on alternating sides of the street. When High Point Drive is extended to the west and north to connect with the Willowbrook Private Developer (City of development, a sidewalk will be constructed on the west and south sides of the street. 12 High Point Drive 34th Street to Willowbrook Development 0.5 Sidewalk Oakdale) Near term Private development 2023 $ TBD A shared use path is recommended on the east and south sides of High Point Drive and Hopkins Drive during a future development project. An evaluation of the current number of travel lanes Private Developer (City of may be needed to allocate sufficient space for a shared use path. 13 High Point Drive, Hopkins Place 34th Street to 36th Street 0.5 Shared use path Oakdale) Long term $$ TBD A shared use path on the south side of 34th Street is recommended independently of a road 34th Street/Washington County Washington County (City of construction project under the existing powerline within existing right-of-way. Vegetation removal 14 Highway 14 Century Avenue to Granada Avenue 0.5 Shared use path Oakdale) Mid term $$ TBD and drainage crossings will be required. A sidewalk on the both sides of 32nd Street is recommended for installation during future development projects. Parcels on the western segment of this project are already owned by the Private Developer (City of City of Oakdale, and parcels on the eastern end are privately owned. 15a 32nd Street Hemingway Avenue to Market Place 0.2 Sidewalk Oakdale) Mid term $ TBD Private Developer (City of A sidewalk on the west side of Market Place is already planned during a future development 15b Market Place 33rd Street to 32nd Street 0.1 Sidewalk Oakdale) Near term Private development 2023 $ TBD project. A sidewalk exists on the southeast side adjacent to the curb. The street is 44' to 48' wide, with two travel lanes and two shoulders where parking is allowed. The existing right-of-way is approximately 70' to 80'. During a future reconstruction project a study should examine how to construct a shared use path, either by widening the sidewalk in place (approximately 8' to 18' of right-of-way Washington County (City of exists southeast of the existing curb) or narrowing the street through shoulder removal, and Stillwater Boulevard/Washington Oakdale, Metropolitan include feedback from area stakeholders. 16a County Highway 6 Century Avenue to Hadley Avenue 1.3 Shared use path Council) Mid term $$$ TBD A sidewalk exists on the north side of the street connecting the parking lot at the northeast corner of Hadley Avenue and Stillwater Avenue with the commercial building at 7066 Stillwater Boulevard. A transit stop is also located along the existing sidewalk. This results in a gap between Stillwater Boulevard/Washington Washington County (City of the parking lot and the intersection. A sidewalk is recommended to fill this gap. 16b County Highway 6 Hadley Avenue to Hale Avenue 0.1 Sidewalk Oakdale) Mid term $ TBD * Near Term = 2024 to 2028, Mid Term = 2029 to 2033, Long Term = 2034 and beyond ** $ = Low, $$ = Medium, $$$ = High  Implementation of the Future Network Table x.x. Lead agencies and partners, funded projects, cost estimates, and opportunities/challenges are identified for each project shown in the Figure x.x map. Planning Level Project Roadway/Trail/Intersection Project Extents Length (mi.) Project Type Lead Agency (Partner/s) Phasing* Funded Project Type Funded Project Year Cost Estimate Ranking Score Opportunities and Challenges ID Name for City A sidewalk is recommended on the west side of Hadley Avenue during a future reconstruction project to provide a more direct connection for residents of the 21st Street/Gresham Avenue neighborhood to and from Walton Park. The shoulders/parking lanes on this 44' wide street can be narrowed to accommodate a sidewalk with vegetative buffer. The parking lot can be redesigned to include a sidewalk connecting the shared use path south of the parking lot to the existing 21st Street to south end of Walton Park crosswalk at the intersection of Hadley Avenue and Upper 17th Street. 17 Hadley Avenue north parking lot 0.4 Sidewalk City of Oakdale Long term $$ TBD The existing sidewalk on the south side of the street can be widened to a shared use path during a future reconstruction project by moving the existing curb northward. Currently parking is allowed on both sides of this 36' wide street. Existing right-of-way varies from approximately 50' to 80'. Parking can be consolidated to one side of the street to narrow the street, providing adequate space for a shared use path and vegetative buffer/snow storage with limited impact to space south of the curb. Consideration will need to be given to school bus traffic and parking due to the proximity of Skyview Middle School. 18 12th Street Helmo Avenue to Heron Avenue 0.5 Shared use path City of Oakdale Long term $$ TBD The existing sidewalks on this street are recommended to be widened to shared use paths during a future reconstruction project. Currently the street is 52' wide with 3 travel lanes and shoulders (parking is not allowed). Existing right-of-way varies from 40' to 70'. The sidewalk is on the north side of the street east of Greenway Avenue and on the south side of the street west of Greenway Avenue. During a future reconstruction project a study should examine how to construct a shared use path, either by widening the sidewalks (right-of-way would likely be required) or narrowing the street through shoulder removal, and include feedback from area stakeholders. Near Century Avenue and Hadley Avenue, 10th Street is four or five lanes. At these locations, additional right-of- way may need to be acquired to retain the number of travel lanes. Alternatively, a study of Washington County (City of intersection operations may provide a recommendation to reduce the number of travel lanes. 10th Street/Washington County Oakdale, Metropolitan 19 Highway 10 Century Avenue to Hadley Avenue 1 Shared use path Council) Mid term $$$ TBD As parcels are redeveloped between Century Avenue and Tanners Lake, a shared use path should Private developers (City of be built to connect Century Avenue with Hudson Boulevard along the lake, providing public access 20 Tanners Lake West Shore 4th Street to Hudson Boulevard 0.4 Shared use path Oakdale) Long term $ TBD to this water body. A signed route between 7th Street and Tanners Lake would connect neighborhoods north of 7th Street to Tanners Lake Park. Wayfinding signs between the crosswalk at 7th Street and Glenbrook Avenue and Tanners Lake would give pedestrians and bicyclists a clear route. Glenbrook Avenue is 28' wide with low traffic volumes and on-street parking allowed, making this an opportunity for a Signed walking and bicycling shared street between motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. 21 Glenbrook Avenue 7th Street to Tanners Lake 0.3 route City of Oakdale Near term $ TBD A sidewalk is recommended for installation on the south side of Park Road and 2nd Street to connect existing shared use paths in Tanners Lake Park and a future shared use path on Greenway Avenue. Parking is currently allowed on both sides of this 28' wide street. Existing right-of-way is approximately 60', with 18' of right-of-way south of the existing curb. During a future reconstruction project a study should examine how to construct a sidewalk south of the existing curb, and include feedback from area stakeholders. 22 Park Road, 2nd Street Tanners Lake Park to Greenway Avenue 0.2 Sidewalk City of Oakdale Long term $$ TBD A shared use path is planned for the west side of Greenway Avenue in existing yards. Trees, retaining walls, landscaping, and public infrastucture may need to be removed or relocated south of 7th Street. A sidewalk may be constructed instead of a shared use path if challenges outweigh the benefits of a wider facility. This decision should be explored as design advances. North of 7th Street, an existing sidewalk on the west side of Greenway Avenue may be widened to a shared use path. A clear walking and bicycling connection between Greenway Avenue and the front doors of Tartan High through the school parking lot would improve safety and access. City of Oakdale (Tartan 2025 (Oakdale Capital 23 Greenway Avenue 10th Street to Hudson Boulevard 1 Shared use path High School) Near term Reconstruction Improvement Program) $$ TBD A sidewalk should be installed on one side of 6th Street and Hale Avenue to connect commercial areas along these two streets with the shared use path on the west side of Hadley Avenue, as well as the future shared use path on the north side of 4th Street. Space exists to install sidewalks without narrowing the streets. Approximately 10' to 15' of right-of-way exists between parcel boundaries and the existing curbs. 24 6th Street, Hale Avenue Hadley Avenue to 4th Street 0.5 Sidewalk City of Oakdale Long term $$ TBD A shared use path will be built along the north and west sides of these streets as part of the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit project. Hudson Boulevard, Hadley Century Avenue to Bielenburg Bridge over Metropolitan Council (City 2023/2024 (Gold Line 25 Avenue, 4th Street I-94 1.7 Shared use path of Oakdale) Near term Reconstruction Project) $ TBD * Near Term = 2024 to 2028, Mid Term = 2029 to 2033, Long Term = 2034 and beyond ** $ = Low, $$ = Medium, $$$ = High  Implementation of the Future Network Table x.x. Lead agencies and partners, funded projects, cost estimates, and opportunities/challenges are identified for each project shown in the Figure x.x map. Planning Level Project Roadway/Trail/Intersection Project Extents Length (mi.) Project Type Lead Agency (Partner/s) Phasing* Funded Project Type Funded Project Year Cost Estimate Ranking Score Opportunities and Challenges ID Name for City As streets are reconstructed and parcels are redeveloped in the southeast corner of Oakdale (Helmo Avenue Station Area), sidewalks should be added to one or both sides of each street to Southeast corner of Oakdale (Helmo Private Developers (City of encourage walkability, as outlined in the Helmo Station Bus Rapid Transit Oriented Development 26 Various streets Avenue Station Area) n/a Sidewalk Oakdale) Long term $ TBD plan. Private Developer (City of Private developer has plans to construct a trail loop with neighborhood connections. 27 Former Par 3 Golf Course Trail Loop 1 Shared use path Oakdale) Long term $ TBD Total miles Projects #1 - 25, 27 21.7 * Near Term = 2024 to 2028, Mid Term = 2029 to 2033, Long Term = 2034 and beyond ** $ = Low, $$ = Medium, $$$ = High Draft Ranking Projects Project ranking is a tool that can be used to order projects for funding in the City of Oakdale and identify which projects meet the overall goal of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan. Ranking can be used as a tool when updating the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, applying for outside funding from agency partners, and reviewing private development proposals. The EMC will be asked to give feedback on factors, as explained Step 1 below. Step 2 will be fully completed by staff working on the project, with an opportunity for Committee feedback at a subsequent meeting. ***Note that ranking scores are one tool that can be utilized by the City of Oakdale to program projects from the Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan into the City’s budget. For example, there may be instances where an upcoming road project presents an opportunity where the City wishes to coordinate a pedestrian/bicycle facility improvement and may not strictly follow the ranking scores. Step 1: Staff is proposing the following to rank projects (factors need to have a measurable source) Factor Higher Rank with . . . Source Cost estimates Less cost Toole Design estimates (see Implementation spreadsheet) Crashes involving bicyclists More crashes MnDOT Crash database1 or pedestrians Demand More demand “Desired walking or bicycling routes” map generated from community engagement (see Figure 1) Destinations Higher concentration of Map created during Phase 1 of destinations the project (see Figure 2) State/federal grant funding Projects on Metropolitan Regional Transportation Bicycle eligibility Council’s Regional Network Transportation Bicycle Network ? ? ? 1 https://www.dot.state.mn.us/stateaid/mncmat2.html Figure 1. This map produced from community engagement may be used to generate scores for the demand factor. Figure 2. This map produced from Phase 1 of the project may be used to generate scores for the destinations factor. Step 2: Staff is proposing that each factor be weighted equally. The EMC may desire to weight factors differently. Each project will be scored on each of the factors (on a scale of 1 through 3, with 1 being a lesser score and 3 being a higher score): Project Cost Crashes score Demand Destinations State/Federal Total estimates score score funding score Score score 1 – Century Ave/Minnesota 2 3 2 3 State Highway 120 2 – 56th Street/I-694 1 1 1 1 Crossing 3 – Upper 51st 2 1 2 1 Street/Glenbook Ave/Highway 36 Blvd N 4 – 50th Street 2 1 2 1 5 – Granada Avenue 2 2 2 1 6 – Granada Avenue 2 1 2 1 7 – 45th Street 2 1 3 1 8 – Heath Avenue 3 2 1 1 9 – 50th Street/Washington 2 3 1 1 County Hwy 13 10 – Granada Avenue 1 3 2 1 11 – 40th Street 2 2 2 1 12 – High Point Drive 3 1 2 1 13 – High Point 3 1 2 1 Drive/Hopkins Place 14 – 34th 2 1 2 1 Street/Washington County Hwy 14 15 – 32nd Street/Market 3 1 2 1 Place 16 – Stillwater 1 2 2 3 Boulevard/Washington County Hwy 6 17 – Hadley Avenue 2 2 2 1 18 – 12th Street 2 1 2 1 19 – 10th 1 2 3 3 Street/Washington County Hwy 10 20 – Tanners Lake West 3 1 3 1 Shore 21 – Glenbrook Avenue 3 1 3 1 22 – Park Road/2nd Street 2 2 3 1 23 – Greenway Avenue 2 2 3 1 24 – 6th Street/Hale Avenue 2 1 2 1 25 – Hudson 3 2 3 3 Boulevard/Hadley Avenue/4th Street 26 – Various Streets in SE 3 1 2 1 Corner of Oakdale 27 – Former Par 3 Golf 3 1 2 1 Course TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Max Lohse, Community Development Specialist DATE: May 15, 2023 SUBJ: Update on Xcel Energy Fleet Electrification Advisory Program 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 STATUS Telematics devices for data collection were installed in late August of 2022 in 26 fleet vehicles. Telematics data was gathered until April 12, 2023. On April 24, 2023, staff met with Sawatch Labs to review findings from the telematics data. Sawatch Labs identified a total of thirteen fleet vehicles as ideal candidates for transitioning to an electric alternative based on vehicle type, consistency of vehicle use, and mileage traveled. The results of the EVSA are scheduled to be shared with City department heads and administration on May 15, 2023 and with Council at a future workshop. Staff will inform the EDC on next steps and review findings in-depth at a later EMC meeting. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Max Lohse, Community Development Specialist DATE: May 15, 2023 SUBJ: Update on Great Plains Institute EV Smart Program The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce and summarize work completed for, and next steps of, the City’s involvement in the Great Plains Institute’s EV Smart program. Background On February 17, 2023, City staff began a new electric vehicle initiative by joining the Great Plains Institute’s (GPI) EV Smart program. As a part of this program, the City will work with the GPI to become an EV Smart-certified city through the following goals: • Finalize and present the City’s Electric Vehicles Suitability Assessment to City Council and appropriate stakeholders for future consideration in fleet maintenance and acquisition planning • Identify and promote incentivizing programs that remove barriers to EV ownership and charging infrastructure installation • Explore opportunities to install charging infrastructure in the City The program is broken into three successive tiers of recognition for EV-friendly policies and actions: bronze, silver, and gold. Each tier outlines potential steps the City can complete to receive credit for the respective tier. Possible steps are divided into seven categories: planning, regulation, utility engagement, education and incentives, government operations, shared mobility, and equity. Summary of Completed Actions On April 28, 2023, City staff attended an EV Smart meeting that outlined the City’s progress thus far. The City is currently on track to achieve bronze designation. Additionally, the City will inform the EMC of any progress in this program in future meetings. ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED A copy of the City’s most recently updated program priorities form is included with this memo.  EV Smart Priorities Form The primary goal of this program is to help communities complete actions towards EV readiness and EV Smart certification. The self-assessment provides a comprehensive overview of actions completed by your community to date. After reviewing your self-assessment, identified priority actions, or recommended credits, as detailed in the Progress Tracking spreadsheet. These priority actions were suggested based on actions already completed by your community, your community’s goals as listed in your Commitment Letter, and the logical next steps to achieve an EV Smart designation. During the upcoming one-one-one meeting, we will ensure that the recommendations we suggest align with your community’s goals. As you know your community best, reprioritization of the suggested actions may occur during the meeting to best meet your community’s needs. Before the meeting, please take some time to review the suggested priorities detailed in the Progress Tracking spreadsheet, review the explanation for our reasoning below, and reflect on if these suggestions match your community’s actual priorities. Additionally, think about what resources you need from us to help you accomplish your goals. Please find many resources for this program on the EV Smart Resource Center. Path to Silver Certification: Earn 20 more equity points (if EVSE is already allowed in HIA and BRLF loans, then you only need 10) Regulation- Train permitting and inspection staff on best practices for permitting and inspecting EVSE • Silver Requirement. Providing staff training will remove questions and barriers to installing EVSE. This training may be provided by a contracted party. Regulation - Define primary use standards for EVSE and enable such uses in designated zones • Silver Requirement. As EV adoption increases, EVSE may require attention to traffic circulation, so accounting for this in the land use standards ahead of time can future-proof installations. EV Ordinance Consideration linked. Regulation - Develop EVSE permitting checklists • Bronze Requirement. It is a checklist detailing the required permit(s), submittals, and steps of your community’s permitting process. This will help reduce barriers to installing EV chargers in the community. Government Operations - Install EVSE for public use at community centers, city hall, or other public facilities • Silver Requirement. Installing a charger on city-owned property is a direct way to add public chargers to the community. Charger guide is linked. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Path to Completing Commitment Letter Goals: Education & Incentives - Allow EVSE in financing or grants for affordable housing* • If the city already offers financial incentives for developing affordable housing, you can add in language that allows grant/loan funds to be used for purchase and installation of EVSE Government Operations - Adopt EV conversion goals for public fleets with timelines • This action may be informed by the fleet analysis and will assist with budgeting. Fleet guide is linked. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Identified Priorities • Do you agree with the recommended credits? • If not, what do you view as your community’s priorities? • Do you want to work on a broad swath of “easy” actions or focus on one more “difficult” action? Resources Needed • What resources do you need from us to help you accomplish your priority action(s)? • Have you identified other community staff to assist? • Are there local organizations that can assist? • How much time, on average, do you plan to dedicate to this work? TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Max Lohse, Community Development Specialist DATE: May 15, 2023 SUBJ: Washington County Municipal Recycling Grant Award This memorandum informs the EMC of proposed projects included in the Washington County Recycling Grant 2023 grant application and the award status of the grant. Grant Overview Chapter Eight, Goal One, Policy Seven of Oakdale’s Comprehensive Plan details that the City will 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. Implementation of this policy is supported by an annual grant administered through Washington County. The purpose of the grant is to assist municipalities with recycling program expenses. 2023 Recycling Grant Draft Projects The City applied for grant funding to support recycling, reuse, and waste reduction projects in early March 2023. Proposed recycling projects were presented to the EMC on March 20, 2023. Funding awards are expected to be distributed shortly after application and project approval. The following projects and priorities were listed in the grant application: 1. Promote residential and commercial recycling through simple, high-level education o Project deliverable: Bite-sized educational material shared via the Oakdale Update newsletter, social media, digital and physical signage (yes/no recycling list, short videos, resident stories, etc.); messaging about the dual-stream recycling bins at the Oakdale Nature Preserve; informational content delivered to multi-family property managers about the BizRecycling program and other waste reduction resources o Outcome target: Increase pounds of recycling collected by residential waste service providers 2. Promote composting as a means of waste reduction o Project deliverable: Food scraps starter kit giveaway at the summer Farmers Market and winter Indoor Market; annual Washington County backyard compost bin sale promotion; article(s) in the Oakdale Update newsletter; informational content shared via social media; fifteen new collection bins for organic material at community events (like Summerfest) o Outcome target: Increase the number of Oakdale households that register for a dropoff starter kit; decrease the amount of organic material placed in traditional solid waste bins; increase awareness of composting as a means of waste reduction 3. 3. Encourage strategies to decrease reliance on single-use plastics in conjunction with Plastic Free July o Project deliverable: Reusable shopping/mesh produce bag giveaway at the summer Farmers Market and winter Indoor Market; informational content about plastic-free habits and alternatives shared via social media; series of zero-waste cooking classes  o Outcome target: Increase awareness of single-use plastic alternatives by encouraging residents and business owners to take the Plastic Free July challenge 4. Reduce community waste by hosting a fall city-wide cleanup event o Project deliverable: One collection event in the fall of 2023 where residents can drop off certain items not accepted in curbside recycling and waste bins (coordination with City departments required to determine items eligible for collection and event location) o Outcome target: Decrease pounds of solid waste materials landfilled Grant Award Status On March 30, 2023, the City was awarded the Washington County Municipal Recycling Grant in the amount of $52,536. The approval of the funds and grant agreement is scheduled for the May 23, 2023, City Council meeting. Funds will be distributed following the execution of the grant agreement.