Environmental Management Commission

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission REGULAR MEETING September 18, 2023 7:00 PM Oakdale City Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. July 17, 2023 5. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS i. Washington County Recycling Grant Update ii. Great Plains Institute EV Smart Program Update iii. Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update b. NEW BUSINESS i. 2024 Draft EMC Work Plan ii. Community Development Updates 6. OTHER i. Monthly review of the 2023 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 October 16, 2023 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.  DRAFT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION JULY 17, 2023 CALL TO ORDER The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday, July 17, 2023 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 Also Present: Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist and City Staff Liaison Andrew Gitzlaff, Community Development Director Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ APPROVAL OF MINUTES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2023 AS WRITTEN. 3 AYES 0 NAYS MOTION CARRIED A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 15, 2023 AS WRITTEN. 3 AYES 0 NAYS MOTION CARRIED Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes July 17, 2023 Page 2 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS i. Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Progress Update Dunn relayed that since the Environmental Management Commission’s last meeting in May, the first draft of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan text was completed and reviewed by staff in various departments, including Community Development, Engineering, Public Works, Fire, and Police. The next step is to allow Commissioners and Council Members to review the text and provide feedback. It is anticipated that the plan text will be presented to City Council at their July 25, 2023 meeting and shared with Commissioners at that time. Chair Miller expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and shared that he is excited to see the draft. He also pointed out that items discussed in previous meetings have been addressed. ii. Washington County Recycling Grant Update Chair Miller explained that Oakdale has received the Washington County Recycling Grant for many years. He looks forward to using the 2023 grant funds to advance recycling in Oakdale. A priority of the funding is to decrease reliance on single-use plastics. Dunn reiterated that one of the 2023 Washington County Recycling Grant projects is to create reusable bags to give away at community events, such as the Farmers Market. City staff has been progressing towards making the bags a reality. One of the big steps in doing so is determining graphics to use on the bag. Dunn pointed to two options found in the packet. Both options utilize the same recycling logo, but have two different slogans. Dunn emphasized that other slogans can be brainstormed if the Commission desires. She added that bag colors have not been determined and invited initial feedback from the Commission. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding whether the logo used was the universal sign for recycling, Chair Miller and Commissioner Gerding stated that it was. Commissioner Wilson expressed that she favors “Plastic free is the way to be” due to its melodious quality. She noted that “Ditch plastic. Switch to reusable” sounds forceful. Commissioner Gerding added that “Ditch and Switch” could be a hybrid option. Chair Miller added that he likes “Plastic free is the way to be” more due to its positive message. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding the material of the bag, Dunn stated that the bags will not be canvas because it is a more expensive material. Dunn noted that she Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes July 17, 2023 Page 3 could not remember the commonly used material for the available bags but confirmed that it was not plastic. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding grant language and number of units Oakdale committed to, Dunn informed the Commission that the grant application did not specify how many units were going to be created and handed out. b. NEW BUSINESS i. Environmental Management Commission Recruitment Chair Miller explained that the EMC had been operating with four Commissioners for a year. With one person not seeking reappointment, the Commission is now down to three members. The EMC has potential for seven Commissioners and only having three limits the Commission in advancing its priorities and goals. Therefore, new methods for recruitment need to be explored. Dunn explained that City staff felt it important to look into recruitment strategies, best practices, and potential solutions to remedy the decline of EMC member appointment. She highlighted that past strategies to recruit members have included: social media, mailers, video promotion, event tabling, and electronic sign advertising. These strategies fall under what is known as a broad-based strategy, allowing the message to reach as many people as possible. Dunn then pointed out that in addition to broad-based recruitment strategies, targeted recruitment and concentric circle recruitment are other strategies to consider. She also highlighted the table in the packet memo that describes what other cities in the Twin Cities are doing on their environmental commissions. Staff identified ideas for EMC and City consideration and input to increase member participation:  Asking current City Council and Commission members to identify potential individuals to recruit.  Allowing non-resident business owners and representatives to join the EMC.  Reducing the number of meetings to quarterly to reduce time commitment.  Reaching out to neighborhood groups.  Combining EMC with another commission to increase membership and broaden work plan.  Identifying additional platforms, aside from Facebook and Oakdale Update, to disseminate information. Dunn reiterated that these are simply ideas and acting on many of these would require City Council direction. She then opened up the conversation for input and feedback from the Commission. Chair Miller highlighted that recent EMC recruitment strategies have been broad-based and have not been successful. He sees the benefit in utilizing concentric circle recruitment Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes July 17, 2023 Page 4 strategies. Chair Miller also emphasized that current Oakdale business owners and representatives are not allowed to be on the Commission. He added that a benefit of allowing business involvement is that connections can be made with the business community so that initiatives such as water consumption reduction, solar energy, etc. can be more easily implemented. Chair Miller stated that revisiting student members once school starts in the fall would be a good idea. Commissioner Wilson added that high school National Honors Society students are requested to volunteer and this is a group that EMC could connect with. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding voting powers of students, Dunn stated that student members are unable to vote. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding follow-up strategies with people who interact with Oakdale’s social media, Dunn explained that nothing is currently being done with the Facebook analytics but it is something that staff can explore. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s request to the see the EMC recruitment one-pager used at the 2023 Summerfest, Dunn said that she would supply the Commissioners with it. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s idea about using residential awards for ecological and environmental investments as sources for recruitment, Dunn said that Oakdale is currently not engaging with the nominees or finalists but it is something to consider. Commissioner Gerding added that the survey groups and high school students from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan are another source for recruitment. Additionally, the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce is another source. He added that leveraging more intimate one-on-one interactions would be beneficial. Other events for these conversations could include the Arbor Day Tree Giveaway and the Spring Tree Planting. These events have partners beyond the Tree Board such as the University of Minnesota. Chair Miller indicated that he is aware of neighbors that would be interested in serving on the EMC. Additionally, thinking about diversity is important. He added that the time commitment is not unreasonable and therefore, reducing the number of meetings is not necessary. The number of annual meetings is consistent with other cities in the metro area. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding time commitment of more targeted recruitment strategies, Dunn responded that it is easy to put together a short social media post that goes out to all subscribers. With targeted strategies, there has to be more intentionality regarding individuals who meet desired qualifications and are interested. It then takes more time and effort to reach out to them. Chair Miller concluded the item by saying that now is the time to recruit more vigorously using targeted strategies. They will complement continued broad-based recruitment strategies. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes July 17, 2023 Page 5 ii. Fleet Electrification Dunn stated that the presentation would review the high-level, preliminary findings of the Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA) that Sawatch Labs conducted. She began by highlighting the benefits (i.e., environmental, health, economic) of fleet electrification and the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan goals that fleet electrification accomplishes. Additionally, moving to electric vehicles (EVs) helps the EMC to accomplish 2023 Work Plan goals. Dunn highlighted Oakdale’s EV actions to date, which include:  September 2021 – Completed EV-Ready Community Study, allowing the City to prioritize EV-ready actions to enable the use of EVs.  February 2022 – Joined Xcel’s Fleet Electrification Advisory Program (FEAP).  May 2022 – Amended the Code of Ordinances and created EV Charging Infrastructure Guidelines document.  September to December 2022 – Sawatch Labs conducted the EVSA.  February 2023 – Joined the Great Plains Institute EV Smart program. Dunn reviewed the Fleet Electrification Advisory Program through Xcel, which assists municipalities in developing electrification plans for their fleets. The program partners with Sawatch Labs, who completes an assessment of current vehicles and makes recommendations for switching gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. Dunn then explained the two phases of Sawatch Labs’ EVSA: 1) telematics data collection and 2) analysis of telematics data and generation of report/database. Telematics were collected for 12 non- Police Department vehicles from September to December 2022. Police Department vehicles already possessed telematics devices and Sawatch pulled a year’s worth of data from 14 of them. The report and database were available to City staff in Spring 2023. Sawatch Labs uses their ezEV analytics platform to score the current fleet vehicles. The higher the overall ezEV Score, the better suited the current fleet vehicle is to be replaced with an EV. The analysis then recommended the best EV to replace the eligible fleet vehicles. Dunn explained that each of the analyzed fleet vehicles had its own one-page summary in the report. She walked through an example of the one-page summary, explaining the different sections. She then highlighted some of the EVSA limitations. Only a subset of vehicles were analyzed (26 of the possible 143 Oakdale vehicles and equipment). Additionally, technology is continually changing and the EVSA did not provide recommendations for prioritization of replacement. Dunn then summarized key takeaways from the EVSA. Many of the vehicles (19 of 26) studied and analyzed are candidates for EV replacement. Each candidate has potential for total cost of ownership and operational cost savings if replaced with the recommended EV. Lastly, a closer look into potential charging infrastructure locations is needed. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes July 17, 2023 Page 6 Chair Miller commented that another benefit of fleet electrification – aside from environmental, health, and economic – is that it sets a good example for Oakdale residents. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding idling, Dunn said that she could initiate conversations with departments about the need and reasons to idle. She will also look into how an electric vehicle might impact idling practices. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding plug-in hybrids, Dunn elaborated that the Sawatch Labs dashboard allows users to explore both plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles as options for replacement. Chair Miller noted that the City could explore options for both leasing and purchasing vehicles. Leasing electric vehicles would lower the upfront cost. It would also solve the issue of technology evolution because at the end of a lease period, the City could then lease a newer model with upgraded technology. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether the total cost of ownership included federal rebates, Dunn said that she was not aware and could contact Sawatch Labs for clarification. Chair Miller concluded that leveraging grant programs and the Great Plains Institute EV Smart program for technical assistance is critical in moving forward with fleet electrification and charging infrastructure installation. c. OTHER ITEMS i. Monthly review of the 2023 EMC Editorial Calendar Dunn recapped that there have been four relevant Facebook posts since the EMC’s last meeting:  June 4th Facebook post highlighting renewable energy opportunities.  June 28th Facebook post promoting compost pail giveaways at Farmers Market.  July 6th Facebook post soliciting photos for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan.  July 16th Facebook post sharing locations in Oakdale where people can recycle plastic bags and film. Dunn then said that water conservation is slated for August per the 2023 Editorial Calendar. ii. Commissioner update(s) Commissioner Gerding recapped his experience attending the Environment Commissions Conference in May. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes July 17, 2023 Page 7 Commissioner Wilson updated the EMC that Age-Friendly Oakdale has moved forward with plans to study transportation. There are two community conversations occurring in July: July 24th at 1:30 PM and July 26th at 2 PM. Both conversations will be led by the consultant, Pico & Associates. These hour-long community conversations will help Age-Friendly Oakdale explore what people desire for local transportation in Oakdale. iii. Council liaison update(s) Mayor Zabel recounted that it has been a busy summer in Oakdale with Summerfest, events such as the Farmers Market and the Movie in the Park series, street projects, and development projects. Additionally, the 2024 budget work is continuing. NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting of the EMC will be Monday, August 21, 2023 in the City Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO ADJOURN THE JULY 17, 2023 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AT 8:15 PM. 3 AYES 0 NAYS MOTION CARRIED Meeting Adjourned Respectfully submitted, Hannah Dunn Community Development Specialist TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: September 18, 2023 SUBJ: Washington County Recycling Grant Update The purpose of this memorandum is to update the EMC about the status of the 2023 Washington County Recycling Grant projects. Project 1 – Education One of the identified projects for the 2023 Washington County Recycling Grant is promoting residential and commercial recycling through simple, high-level education. City staff continue to promote resources via social media. Additionally, the Fall-Winter 2023 issue of the Oakdale Update will highlight disposal options for leaves and yard waste. It also promotes the Washington County Disposal Directory to help residents find where to properly dispose of various items. Project 2 – Composting Promoting composting as a means of waste reduction is another project for the 2023 Washington County Recycling Grant. Since the beginning of the summer, City staff has given away 80 organics starter kits at two days of Summerfest and four Farmers Markets. The giveaways were posted on social media. The City is also working with the County to once again offer pumpkin recycling at Public Works for two weeks near Halloween. Project 3 – Decrease Reliance on Single-Use Plastics Another identified project for the 2023 Washington County Recycling Grant is creating and giving away reusable shopping bags at community events, thus encouraging people to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. City staff and the Environmental Management Commissioners decided on a graphic design for the bag at the July EMC meeting. This design was then sent to a vendor and 500 bags were produced. They arrived to City Hall on August 23, 2023. Since their arrival, City staff handed out bags at the September 6, 2023 Farmers Market. Inside the reusable bags, educational materials were provided to inform people on best recycling practices. Prior to the Farmers Market, the bags were promoted during the Mayor’s Monday Minute YouTube video as well as on Facebook. Staff will continue to hand out bags and educate people at future Farmers Markets, Indoor Markets, and other community events. Project 4 – Fall Cleanup Event The fourth identified project for the 2023 Washington County Recycling Grant is reducing community waste by hosting a City-wide cleanup event. This collection event would allow residents to drop off select items that are not accepted in curbside waste or recycling bins. The original intention was to host the event in the Fall of 2023. Due to staff turnover this year, the decision has been made to push back the cleanup event. The remainder of 2023 will be spent planning and prepping for a potential Spring 2024 cleanup event. Additionally, it is possible that the project expands to also include a reuse component. New Project – Expand Recycling in Oakdale Parks A fifth project is being added to the 2023 Washington County Recycling Grant. This project will focus on expanding recycling in Oakdale Parks. Currently, the Oakdale Discovery Center and Nature Preserve is the only location to have outdoor recycling. Previous grant funds were utilized to purchase three dual-stream bins for this location. As part of 2023 recycling efforts, the City will explore expanding recycling to other parks. Staff from the Chamber of Commerce’s Waste Wise program will conduct an assessment of parks and the current waste infrastructure. The City will then be provided recommendations. Community Development and Public Works staff will use this information and collaborate on how to best move forward with the goal of increasing recycling. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: September 18, 2023 SUBJ: Great Plains Institute EV Smart Program Update The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the EMC an update of Oakdale’s progress in the Great Plains Institute EV Smart program. Background The City joined the Great Plains Institute’s (GPI) EV Smart program in February 2023. Through this program, the City can achieve three levels of certification – bronze, silver, and gold – by creating EV-friendly policies and completing certain activities. Actions and best practices are divided into six EV-readiness categories: planning, regulation, utility engagement, education and incentives, government operations, and shared mobility. Equity is incorporated throughout each category of the EV Smart framework to ensure that cities are taking equitable measures. Summary of Completed Actions Prior to joining the GPI EV Smart program, the City of Oakdale had accomplished a number of actions. They included:  Addressing EVs and charging infrastructure in the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan.  Addressing EVs and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in the 2021 EV-Ready Community Study.  Creating a community-wide EV vision.  Permitting Level 2 chargers as an accessory use to parking lots in all zoning districts.  Allowing all EVSE parking stalls to count towards minimum parking requirements.  Encouraging developers to include EVSE in projects.  Creating a specific page on the City’s website that includes information about EVs.  Promoting state and federal incentives.  Completing a fleet analysis. After joining the program, City staff has continued to take EV-ready actions. In the summer of 2023, an EVSE permitting checklist was created that details the required permits, submittals, and steps for installing EV charging infrastructure. The intention of the checklist is to reduce barriers to installing this infrastructure in the community. The checklist was approved by Building and Community Development staff. The Communications team helped to create a new webpage on the City’s website, allowing for a more efficient process. With this checklist, the City is one step closer to achieving bronze certification. Next Steps Cities seeking bronze certification must complete the following:  Self-assessment survey  Letter of Commitment  Earn 60 points o 20 planning points o 20 regulation points  o 15 equity points  Electric vehicle supply equipment checklist The City of Oakdale has completed all bronze certification requirements, except five equity points. Therefore, the next step for City staff is to identify actions to fulfill five equity points. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: September 18, 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. 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 business 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  Collect input on future network implementation documents from the EMC  Complete the first draft of the plan text, with no graphic design improvements   Solicit feedback from the City Council and the EMC about the first draft of the plan text*  Review the near final plan with graphic design elements from the consultant and provide revisions* * Indicates new material since the July 2023 EMC meeting Toole Design staff will revise the near final plan based on the feedback provided by City staff. Once the City receives the revised plan, it will be uploaded to the City website for public comment. The Environmental Management Commissioners are encouraged to again review the plan at this time. After the public comment period ends, the plan will be revised once more based on general public comments and then presented to the City Council for formal adoption. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: September 18, 2023 SUBJ: 2024 Draft EMC Work Plan This memorandum summarizes the purpose of, and invites conversation about, the 2024 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 2024 EMC Work Plan will guide and focus the Commission’s work during its monthly meetings and throughout the year. The EMC will draft its 2024 Work Plan prior to a year-end appreciation dinner with the City Council, where the plan will be informally discussed. Feedback from the discussion will be incorporated into the plan, which will receive final approval from the EMC at the November meeting. The 2024 Work Plan will reflect priorities identified in the resiliency chapter of the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and various programs that Oakdale participates in (i.e., GreenStep Cities, Great Plains Institute EV Smart program). Traditionally, the EMC work plan details annual, ongoing items related to education and promotion of waste reduction, recycling, water conservation and energy efficiency. The 2024 Work Plan may also concentrate on:  Continuing to implement priority actions outlined in the 2021 EV-Ready Community Study.  Assisting the Parks and Recreation Commission in shaping the new Park System Plan update. Commission Input Commission members are encouraged to provide opinions and commentary on the content of the draft 2024 Work Plan (following page). To facilitate discussion, the attachments listed below are provided for educational purposes:  ATTACHMENT A: 2023 EMC Work Plan  ATTACHMENT B: Chapter 8 (Resiliency) of the Oakdale 2040 Comprehensive Plan  ATTACHMENT C: GreenStep Cities 29 best practices summary  DRAFT 2024 EMC WORK PLAN Electric Vehicle (EV) Priorities 2040 Comp Action Description Plan relevance Continue to analyze the opportunity to transition one or more City fleet vehicles to an electric alternative  Monitor changes in technology and market availability.  Consider charging infrastructure types and locations.  Look for grant opportunities.  Determine available technical assistance programs. Coordinate opportunities for EV purchase and infrastructure education  Sponsor, coordinate, and promote a local ride-and-drive or all electric showcase where residents may test drive an EV and EV-Ready Community speak with actual EV owners about their Chapter 8, Study priority action experience. Goal 1, Policy 6 implementation  Compile and promote availability of state and federal tax rebates and financing opportunities for residents/businesses interested in electric vehicles. Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)  Monitor Xcel news to understand whether they have the ability to expand currently closed programs such as the Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program and Public Charging program.  Provide education to businesses, developers, homeowners, and electrical contractors about EVSE installation guidelines.  Research grants to help pay for charging infrastructure.   Analyze best locations for fleet charging infrastructure and public charging infrastructure. Other Applicable 2040 Comprehensive Plan Priorities 2040 Comp Action Description Plan relevance  Promote Xcel Energy Rebate Programs (including Windsource, Solar*Rewards Community, and Solar*Rewards), PACE, and Trillion BTU. Promote energy  Promote availability of state and federal Chapter 8, efficiency and tax rebates, utility credits, and/or financing Goal 1, Policies renewable energy in opportunities for renewable energy 1&5 residential & solutions. commercial properties  Host a Solar Twin Cities Power Hour.  Share testimonials of residents and local businesses that have incorporated renewable energy solutions into their homes and business operations.  Host a Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Bill Clinic (virtual or in-person).  Provide information about energy assistance programs, energy weatherization opportunities, and energy auditing services available through Connect low-income Washington County and other residents to Chapter 8, organizations to help residents and weatherization and Goal 1, Policy 2 business owners impact energy bill cost energy efficiency savings. resources  Promote Community Action Partnership’s energy assistance and energy conservation/weatherization programs available to Washington County residents that meet the income eligibility requirements. 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 2024.)  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 harvesting, green alleys or green parking lots, pervious/permeable pavement or pavers, green roofs/green walls, tree Chapter 8, Promote water trenches/tree boxes, and/or incorporating Goal 2, Policy 4 conservation compost and native plants into landscape design.  Promote grant opportunities for water quality improvement projects available through Oakdale’s three local Watershed Districts and Blue Thumb (Metro Blooms).  Understand the baseline health of Oakdale’s local water bodies – utilize water monitoring and data resources from the three watershed districts. GreenStep Cities Best Practice Priorities 2040 Comp Action Description Plan relevance 2023 metrics reporting Update metrics to reflect 2023 data. Other 2040 Comp Action Description Plan relevance The City will be undergoing an update to the Assist the Parks & Parks Master Plan. The Parks & Recreation Chapter 5, Recreation Commission is the lead commission in this Goals 1-4 Commission in effort but EMC will have the ability to provide planning efforts assistance as necessary. ATTACHMENT A: 2023 EMC Work Plan Note: Oakdale has taken action on the items in green font. 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 Xcel Energy Rebate Programs (including Windsource, Solar*Rewards Community, and Solar*Rewards), PACE, and Trillion BTU. Promote energy  Compile and promote availability of tax Chapter 8, efficiency and rebates, utility credits, and/or financing Goal 1, Policies renewable energy in opportunities for renewable energy 1&5 residential & solutions. commercial properties  Host a Solar Twin Cities Power Hour.  Share testimonials of local businesses that have incorporated renewable energy solutions into business operations.  Host a Citizens Utility Board (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. Chapter 8, Promote water  Provide education about, and resources Goal 2, Policy 4 conservation for, water infiltration/reuse practices 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.  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. ATTACHMENT B: Chapter 8 (Resiliency) of the Oakdale 2040 Comprehensive Plan ATTACHMENT C: GreenStep Cities 29 Best Practices 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: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: September 18, 2023 SUBJ: Community Development Updates In an effort to keep the Environmental Management Commission informed about development activities in Oakdale, City staff has prepared a brief presentation highlighting select projects. Highlighted projects include:  Willowbrooke Open Space Restoration  Tanners Lake Redevelopment  Shoreland Ordinance  Oakdale Development Map  Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit  Helmo Station Area Staff is available for any follow-up questions regarding these and other projects in Oakdale. ATTACHMENTS: Community Development Updates Presentation Slides Community Development Updates September 18, 2023  Willowbrooke Open Space 2  Willowbrooke Open Space • 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan: • 3 phases of open space restoration • Phase 1 is designated as a 2023 project • City staff solicited proposals for Phase 1 • Staff recommended selection of RES Great Lakes, LLC • City Council approved contract at September 12, 2023 meeting 3  Phase I Sites 4  Tanners Lake Redevelopment 5  Tanners Lake Redevelopment • City of Oakdale Economic Development Authority (EDA) purchased two properties in 2008 and 2014 • Past redevelopment proposals did not work out for various reasons • City staff revived efforts in Fall 2022 • Three developers submitted proposals (one withdrew) • Exclusive Rights Agreement approved with preferred developer at City Economic Development Authority meeting on August 22, 2023 6  Preferred Developer (Concept Plan) 7  Shoreland Ordinance 8  Shoreland Ordinance • State’s shoreland rules “establish minimum standards to protect habitat and water quality and preserve property values”1 • Local shoreland ordinances help uphold these standards • City of Oakdale did not previously have a shoreland ordinance • Staff began drafting one in Spring 2023 and has worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) • Next steps • Formal submittal of ordinance for DNR review • City Council approval 1. Department of Natural Resources. Shoreland Regulations. https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/shoreland/regulations.html 9  Oakdale Development Map 10  Oakdale Development Map • City staff recently created a new, web-based development map • Can be accessed: • On City website at www.oakdalemn.gov/EcoDev • Directly at https://arcg.is/XnO5L0 • The Oakdale Development Map displays development projects at various stages • Under review • Approved • Under construction • Completed 11  Oakdale Development Map Example 12  Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit 13  Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit • Construction underway, anticipated 2025 opening • Crews are currently working on the new Bielenberg Drive Bridge • Check out a time lapse video of construction HERE! 14  Helmo Station Area 15  Helmo Station PUD 16  Norhart Impact Apartments • Building will feature 328 dwelling units • First floor commercial space for a coffee shop and restaurant • Potential for electric vehicle charging infrastructure for residents 17  Parks and Open Space • Future neighborhood park will be a central feature of the Helmo Station PUD • Other open spaces will provide ecological benefits 18  Questions? 19 TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: September 18, 2023 SUBJ: Monthly Review of the 2023 EMC Editorial Calendar The 2023 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 September, October, and November of 2023. 2023 EMC Editorial Calendar September: Electric Vehicles Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic Zero Emissions Day – Sep 21 • Great Plains Institute EV Smart program • Drive Electric Minnesota, Shift2Electric, Car Free Day – Sep 22 Plug in America, Xcel Energy, DOT EV Dashboard, Electrification Coalition • Credits and incentives from 2022 IRA National Drive Electric Week – Sep 22 to Oct 1 October: Energy Efficiency 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 6 to 8  Battery recycling  Resident resources – Xcel, Citizens Utility Energy Awareness Month Board (CUB)  Commercial resources – MinnPACE November: Reuse and Recycling Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic  Washington County Environmental Center  Washington County disposal directory America Recycles Day – Nov 15  BizRecycling  Food scraps drop-off  Food scraps pickup updates Social media posts are scheduled and subject to review by Communications staff. Proposed social media posts in the months of September and October include:  Highlighting Oakdale’s involvement in the Great Plains Institute’s EV Smart program.  Featuring Oakdale’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure permitting checklist.  Promoting multifamily energy efficiency resources for renters, landlords, and management companies.  Promoting single family residential energy efficiency resources.  Promoting commercial energy efficiency resources.  Encouraging residents to bring pumpkins to the pumpkin composting drop-off. Communications regarding environmental resources/initiatives in July, August, and September included:  July 16 Facebook post for Plastic Free July encouraging residents to bring plastic bags to drop-off locations in Oakdale.  July 18 Facebook post promoting City staff being at the Farmers Market to discuss Washington County food scraps program and hand out compost pails.  August 8 Facebook post again promoting City staff being at the Farmers Market.  August 15 Facebook post highlighting Blue Thumb Lawns to Legumes grants to help residents create pollinator habitats at their homes.  August 20 Facebook post encouraging residents to conserve water during the drought and practice smart water use strategies.  September 4 Monday Minute highlighting the reusable bags made possible through the Washington County Recycling Grant.  September 6 Facebook post promoting City staff giving away compost pails and reusable bags at the Farmers Market.