Environmental Management Commission

AGENDA Environmental Management Commission REGULAR MEETING November 20, 2023 7:00 PM Oakdale City Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. CALL OF ROLL 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. September 18, 2023 6. OPEN FORUM 7. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS i. Review of Draft 2024 EMC Work Plan b. NEW BUSINESS i. Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Guest Presentation ii. EMC Organizational Updates 6. OTHER i. Staff liaison update(s) 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 is scheduled for February 19, 2024 @ 7PM in the Council Chambers at Oakdale City Hall.  DRAFT MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 CALL TO ORDER The Oakdale Environmental Management Commission (EMC) held a meeting on Monday, September 18, 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 Chang Yang Also Present: Kevin Zabel, City Council Liaison Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist and City Staff Liaison Quorum Present: YES ☒ NO ☐ APPROVAL OF MINUTES A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 17, 2023 AS WRITTEN. 4 AYES 0 NAYS MOTION CARRIED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION REVIEW a. OLD BUSINESS i. Washington County Recycling Grant Update Chair Miller introduced the item by reiterating that Oakdale has received the Washington County Recycling Grant for many years. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 18, 2023 Page 2 Dunn shared updates for the four projects that were part of the original 2023 grant application. • Project 1 (Education): City staff has continued to educate residents about recycling and composting through Facebook, the Oakdale Update newsletter, and in-person events. • Project 2 (Composting): Staff has handed out 80 organics starter kits since the beginning of June. • Project 3 (Single-use Plastics): Since the last EMC meeting, staff received the reusable bags and handed them out at one Farmers Market. • Project 4 (Cleanup Event): Due to staff turnover and the level of commitment such an event requires, this project has been amended (with County approval). Instead of conducting the event in the fall of 2023, staff will use the rest of the year to work out logistics for a future cleanup. Dunn also shared with the Commission that staff discussed adding one more project to the 2023 grant. This project will consist of expanding recycling infrastructure in Oakdale parks. An assessment is currently underway to support this project. Staff from Waste Wise will evaluate the existing waste infrastructure in parks and make recommendations for improvement. ii. Great Plains Institute EV Smart Program Update Chair Miller recounted that the City of Oakdale joined the Great Plains Institute EV Smart program in February 2023. Dunn elaborated that this program is voluntary and allows cities to achieve three levels of certification – bronze, silver, and gold. Prior to joining the program, Oakdale had already accomplished a number of EV-friendly actions. Since joining EV Smart, Oakdale completed an action that brings the City one step closer to achieving bronze certification. The City created an electric vehicle charging infrastructure permitting checklist allowing homeowners, businesses, developers, and contractors to better understand required steps and submittals. In order for the City to fully achieve bronze certification, more equity points are needed. City staff has yet to identify actions that are acceptable to fulfill this requirement. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether the checklist applies to residential charging stations, Dunn explained that Level 1 charging at home does not require a permit. Once a homeowner goes beyond Level 1, a permit will be necessary. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding the equity components to the program, Dunn provided an example of an action that would be considered equitable in the EV Smart framework. People who live in multifamily buildings do not always have easy access to charging infrastructure. Therefore, the City could look into changing ordinances or creating policies that allow and encourage EV chargers in the right-of-way. Making charging infrastructure more accessible to such residents would be considered an equitable action. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 18, 2023 Page 3 In response to Commissioner Yang’s question regarding the timeline of the program, Dunn explained that the current cohort of cities is involved in the program until next April. At that time, the City would receive the certifications that have been achieved. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding whether this program will be a permanent offering from the Great Plains Institute, Dunn stated that she did not know and speculates that it depends on funding. iii. Bike and Pedestrian Plan Update Dunn provided an update regarding the Bike and Pedestrian Plan. She shared that the Plan is very close to being completed and referenced the detailed list of actions throughout the multi-year process. Since the July meeting, the graphic designer at Toole Design completed a first draft of the Plan with graphic design elements. City staff provided feedback and is now waiting for Toole Design to implement that feedback. The next step in the process is to receive the revised Plan and post it to the City website for public comment. Chair Miller commented that it is great that the Plan is in its final stages. b. NEW BUSINESS i. 2024 Draft EMC Work Plan Chair Miller highlighted that the EMC has been putting together annual work plans for many years. Dunn noted that the October and November meetings were the months in previous years that the EMC discussed the draft work plans. Because the City Council expressed desire to discuss this year’s work plan at a year-end appreciation dinner, the planning efforts for 2024 are being moved up. Dunn then highlighted some of the 2024 Draft EMC Work Plan contents. Many of the same actions and ideas are carryovers from the 2023 Work Plan including implementation of the EV-Ready Community Study, the Washington County Recycling Grant, water and energy efficiency resource education, and reporting GreenStep Cities metrics. New items include more intensely researching potential electric fleet vehicles, monitoring Xcel’s programs and offerings, and providing assistance to the Park System Plan update. The Commission went through the Work Plan section by section to provide suggestions. Action 1 – EV-Ready Community Study priority action implementation Chair Miller started the discussion by suggesting the addition of achieving bronze certification in the EV Smart program to this first section. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 18, 2023 Page 4 In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding the barrier to hosting a ride and drive, Dunn stated that the timing of staff turnover was a contributing factor. Additionally, planning has to start in February and April in order to lock down electric vehicles for people to ride in or drive. Chair Miller added that it would be beneficial to look for an opportunity to conduct one with neighboring cities, such as Maplewood or Woodbury. While there are ride and drive opportunities in cities such as Bloomington, he believes that more Oakdale residents would participate if the event was local. Commissioner Gerding shared that many people are strictly interested in the used EV market and a ride and drive would be helpful for soliciting true owner feedback. He added that it is important to not only target people who can afford to buy new. Action 2 – Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in residential & commercial properties Commissioner Wilson began the discussion by mentioning that there had been previous interest in hosting an environmental fair. She pointed out that many of the items could be combined for informational and promotional purposes. Chair Miller commented that he thinks this idea is something to pursue in 2024. He expressed desire to focus on communicating with residents about environmental issues and sharing resources. Commissioner Wilson added that the Discovery Center is a great venue to host such an event. Chair Miller then mentioned that the City has hosted the Solar Power Hour at City Hall in recent years. Action 3 – Connect low-income residents to weatherization and energy efficiency resources Chair Miller offered the idea of explicitly promoting home energy audits. Because Xcel charges for energy audits, he suggested that the City of Oakdale provide rebates for residents. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding energy audits for multifamily buildings, Chair Miller stated that he did not know the answer but that looking at multifamily buildings and energy efficiency is important. Commissioner Gerding mentioned that the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Bill Clinic might help inform people about whether they need a home energy audit. He added that the theme of the 2024 EMC Work Plan should be educating, simplifying, and demystifying programs available. Action 4 – Increase access to solar In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding whether the SolSmart program is new, Dunn stated that it is not. Dunn added that this is an action that could be completed by the end of 2023 and could be removed from the 2024 EMC Work Plan. Chair Miller added that it is important to promote community solar because some people cannot afford rooftop solar. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 18, 2023 Page 5 Action 5 – Reduce waste generation, increase recycling Chair Miller expressed that continuing to leverage funds from the Washington County Recycling Grant is a cost-effective way to address waste reduction and increase recycling in the City. Commissioner Gerding suggested specifically addressing multifamily in the Work Plan would be good. Action 6 – Promote water conservation Chair Miller pointed out that promoting grant opportunities would be a good item for an environmental fair. He added that understanding the baseline health of Oakdale’s local water bodies would be beneficial. Residents have expressed concern regarding Armstrong Lake due to the overgrowth of plants. Conversations with the South Washington Watershed District have occurred in the past and they had a project lined up to work on the wetland to the east of Armstrong Lake. Due to the pandemic, they were not able to start the project. Commissioner Wilson commented that she appreciated the detailed list of water and green infrastructure examples (e.g., rain gardens, permeable pavement). She suggested that some of these items be introduced to City Hall or Discovery Center gardens and landscaping so that these projects can be referenced. Chair Miller responded that he believes there are existing rain gardens by Tanners Lake. He pointed to the City website as a place that provides resources on how to plan for and install rain gardens. Oakdale could better promote the online resources and rain gardens throughout the City. Action 7 – GreenStep Cities 2023 metrics reporting Chair Miller commented that Oakdale has done a good job addressing and completing best practices found in the GreenStep Cities framework. He believes that previous work plans have helped the City cover the priority areas and improve upon metrics. Action 8 – Assist the Parks & Recreation Commission in planning efforts Chair Miller expressed that the EMC’s involvement with the update to the Parks System Plan would be helpful so that the environmental aspects of our parks can be considered. ii. Community Development Updates Dunn provided an update regarding multiple community development projects in Oakdale. Willowbrooke Open Space The first update concerned open space in Willowbrooke. Per the Master Planned Unit Development agreement, the City is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of open space in the Willowbrooke neighborhood. The City incorporated three phases of open Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 18, 2023 Page 6 space restoration into the 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Plan. Phase 1 is designated as a 2023 park project and staff began the request for proposals (RFP) process in the summer of 2023. From the RFP process, staff recommended selection of RES Great Lakes, LLC and the contract was approved at the City Council September 12, 2023 meeting. In response to Commissioner Wilson’s question regarding the park, Dunn clarified that the Commons Park will be located in one of the prairie restoration outlots. The construction of the park will commence in the spring of 2024. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question regarding the acreage, Dunn stated that Phase 1 will include restoration of 7.7 acres. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding the bodies of water in Outlot G, Dunn pointed out what she believed to be the wetlands and stormwater ponds. Tanners Lake Redevelopment Dunn then provided an update regarding Tanners Lake redevelopment. Two sites on Tanners Lake have been City property for many years. Past redevelopment proposals were unsuccessful for a variety of reasons. City staff revived the efforts in the fall of 2022 and received three proposals from developers, though one later withdrew. The City has an Exclusive Rights Agreement (ERA) with one of the developers. Dunn shared the draft conceptual plans with the EMC. Shoreland Ordinance Dunn shared that the shoreland ordinance process is moving along. The intention of establishing a shoreland ordinance is to bring Oakdale’s shoreland areas into compliance with State Statute. It will also enable future development, particularly at the City-owned Tanners Lake properties. Oakdale Development Map Dunn presented an update regarding the launch of the Oakdale development map. The map will help interested people follow along with updates of various Oakdale developments. Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit Dunn then highlighted that construction continues on the Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit project. Crews are currently working on the new Bielenberg Drive Bridge over I-94. Helmo Station Area Dunn concluded the presentation with an update on the Helmo Station Planned Unit Development (PUD). The Norhart Impact Apartments will potentially have electric vehicle Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 18, 2023 Page 7 charging infrastructure offered to residents. Additionally, a new park will be a central feature of the area. c. OTHER ITEMS i. Monthly review of the 2023 EMC Editorial Calendar The EMC reviewed the themes and dates relevant to the 2023 environmental communications strategy for the months of September, October, and November. Chair Miller noted that National Drive Electric Week is September 22nd to October 1st. He also highlighted that energy efficiency is the theme in October. He then mentioned that it might be possible to host a Citizens Utility Board Bill Clinic during October to align with the theme of energy efficiency. Dunn then highlighted that there will again be pumpkin composting drop-off available at Public Works. Communication materials will be prepared in order to inform residents of this free offering. In response to Commissioner Gerding’s question about whether Oakdale offers disposal services for holiday trees, Dunn said that she believed Public Works offered this service. ii. Commissioner update(s) There were no updates from the Commissioners. iii. Council liaison update(s) Mayor Zabel updated the Commission about the City budget. At the most recent City Council meeting, the City took the first official step towards adoption by setting the preliminary levy. Over the course of the next few months, the City Council will work with staff to make any final trims and edits to the City budget. He provided the following highlights of the 2024 budget proposal: • Funding for three new police officers, an additional parks employee, and administrative help. • Emphasis on using City cash and reserves to pay for items such as equipment and vehicles in order to avoid putting them on bonding. Mayor Zabel also informed the Commission about cannabis-related actions including: • Cannabis use in City parks; • Cannabis use in spaces subject to public accommodation laws; • Prohibition of establishment of new cannabis businesses before the State of Minnesota releases guidance; and • Allowing the sale of THC products in liquor stores. Environmental Management Commission Draft Minutes September 18, 2023 Page 8 Mayor Zabel highlighted the many community events that have recently taken place in Oakdale such as Touch-A-Truck, Family Fun Flatables, and Farmers Markets. He extended a thank you to the Recreation Department for their stellar work. Additionally, the State of the City address was recently released earlier in the month. Topics discussed included public safety, communications, recreation, development, and more. The Ramsey Washington Suburban Cable Commission was instrumental in filming it. Lastly, Mayor Zabel welcomed Commissioner Yang to the EMC. In response to Chair Miller’s question regarding offering home energy visit rebates, Mayor Zabel explained that there are discretionary funds that can be used for one-time projects. He encouraged the EMC to move that idea through the process so City Council can evaluate. The budget is intended to look at long-term expenses (i.e., personnel, infrastructure, and vehicles), but there are methods for addressing one-time expenditures such as energy audits. NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting of the EMC will be Monday, October 16, 2023 in the City Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WILSON, SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GERDING, TO ADJOURN THE SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAKDALE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION AT 8:30 PM. 4 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: November 20, 2023 SUBJ: Review of Draft 2024 EMC Work Plan At the September 18, 2023 EMC meeting, Commissioners reviewed the draft 2024 EMC Work Plan. Feedback from the discussion was incorporated into the current draft Plan (below). Additions since the last EMC meeting are underlined. 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 meetings and throughout the year. The draft 2024 EMC Work Plan, on the following page, reflects 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). Traditionally, EMC work plans detail annual, ongoing items related to the 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. The finalized 2024 EMC Work Plan will be presented to City Council in early 2024 for consideration and feedback. COMMISSION INPUT Commission members are encouraged to provide any final opinions and commentary on the contents of the draft 2024 EMC Work Plan (following page).  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 EV-Ready Community where residents may test drive an EV and Chapter 8, Study priority action speak with actual EV owners about their Goal 1, Policy 6 implementation experience. Partner with neighboring cities and host a cross-city event. • 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. • Achieve bronze certification in the Great Plains Institute EV Smart program. 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 and monitor home energy audit program usage which may include a City rebate component. 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. • Share resources available to multifamily residents. Engage with multifamily buildings regarding energy efficiency. • Host a Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Bill Clinic (virtual or in-person). Connect low-income • Promote and monitor home energy audit residents to program usage which may include a City Chapter 8, weatherization and rebate component. Goal 1, Policy 2 energy efficiency resources • Provide information about energy assistance programs, energy weatherization opportunities, and energy auditing services available through  Washington County and other organizations to help residents and business owners impact energy bill cost savings. • Promote Community Action Partnership’s energy assistance and energy conservation/weatherization programs available to Washington County residents that meet the income eligibility requirements. • Share resources available to multifamily residents. Engage with multifamily buildings regarding energy efficiency. Chapter 8, Increase access to Goal 1, Policy 3 Research SolSmart bronze level designation. solar &4 Leverage funds from the Washington County Recycling Grant to promote recycling and Reduce waste Chapter 8, waste reduction programs for single-family generation, increase Goal 1, Policy 7 residents, multifamily residents, and recycling businesses. (Specific projects 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 Chapter 8, Promote water pavers, green roofs/green walls, tree Goal 2, Policy 4 conservation trenches/tree boxes, and/or incorporating compost and native plants into landscape design. Promote existing water quality and conservation demonstration projects at City buildings/parks or other places through social media and stories. • 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. Revive conversations with South Washington Watershed District regarding Armstrong Lake and surrounding wetland restoration project. 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. Explore hosting an environmental fair or bringing in organizations to table booths at Chapter 8, existing community events. Events would help Environmental Fair Goal 1 inform residents and others about a number of environmental issues – energy efficiency, water conservation, etc. TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: November 20, 2023 SUBJ: Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District Guest Presentation Paige Ahlborg, Watershed Project Manager at the Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District (RWMWD), will share a presentation about the Watershed District’s background, various projects within the Watershed, and grant opportunities. WATERSHEDS IN OAKDALE Three watersheds intersect the boundaries of Oakdale: RWMWD, South Washington Watershed District, and Valley Branch Watershed District. RWMWD (in blue on the map) makes up the southwest portion of the City. ATTACHMENTS RWMWD Stewardship Grant Program Presentation Slides RWMWD Stewardship Grant Program Paige Ahlborg, Watershed Project Manager November 20, 2023 City of Oakdale Environmental Management Commission Topics  RWMWD background  Water quality improvement projects  Native planting projects  Grant program and opportunities Ramsey-Washington Metro Watershed District 65 square miles Includes parts of St. Paul, Woodbury, Oakdale, Landfall, North St. Paul, Maplewood, Little Canada, White Bear Lake, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, Shoreview and Roseville Explore our website: www.rwmwd.org  Our Programs • Water Quality Monitoring • Permitting • Natural Resources • Capital Improvements • Watershed Education • Stewardship Grants Stewardship Grant Funding Washington Conservation District Grant Opportunities – Project Types  Native Landscaping Formal (more manicured) planting Informal (more wild) planting Targeted Retrofit Projects Ongoing Maintenance Education and Outreach Enhanced Street Sweeping  Questions? Contact Information: Page Ahlborg, RWMWD Paige.Ahlborg@rwmwd.org, (651) 792-7964 TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: November 20, 2023 SUBJ: EMC Organizational Updates Prior to the October 24, 2023 City Council workshop meeting, City staff reviewed advisory body bylaws, City Codes, and related City policies. At the October 24 Workshop, Council Members discussed proposed changes to these governing documents. Suggested changes create consistency across commissions and reduce the number of documents where information is found. The Council provided feedback regarding the changes and approved amendments to the documents at the November 14, 2023 City Council regular meeting. Changes impacting the EMC are summarized below. EMC GOVERNING DOCUMENTS Bylaws: The EMC Bylaws, along with the bylaws of other city advisory bodies, were repealed in their entirety. A majority of the information from the EMC Bylaws is now included in a City standard operating policy. City Code: Ordinance No. 914 amended City Code chapters related to City advisory bodies including Chapter 6 (Solid Waste and Environment) which establishes the EMC and defines its functions and duties. Two sections were revised (Sec. 6-01 and Sec. 6-03) and four sections were repealed (Sec. 6-05, Sec. 6-06, Sec. 6-07, and Sec. 6-08). A large amount of the removed and repealed information migrated to a City standard operating policy. Ordinance No. 914 and revised Chapter 6 are attached to this memo. City Policy: A City standard operating policy now includes information from the bylaws of the EMC and other advisory bodies as well as information from the City Code chapters for each advisory body. In general, information pertinent to the EMC is unchanged, with a few exceptions which are highlighted below. CHANGES IMPACTING THE EMC Meeting frequency: In the past, the EMC met every month of the year, except December. Due to changes in governing documents, the EMC will now meet during eight (8) months with no meetings occurring in January, April, July, and December. The meetings will still occur on the 3rd Monday of a meeting month at 7 PM in Council Chambers. Order of business: In order to ensure consistency, the City standard operating policy outlines order of business for all advisory bodies. 1. Call to Order 2. Call of Roll 3. Pledge of Allegiance 4. Approval of Agenda 5. Approval of Minutes  6. Open Forum 7. Board/Commission Review a. Old Business b. New Business 8. Other a. Staff Liaison Update b. Commissioner Update c. Council Liaison Update During the Staff Liaison Update, topics including Community Development updates and review of EMC Editorial Calendar will be discussed. Student representatives: Student representation on City advisory bodies is encouraged. Prior to changes of the EMC governing documents, two student representatives were able to be appointed to the EMC. A City standard operating policy now states that the EMC and other advisory bodies can have one student representative. The student will still be an ex-officio member. Annual plan: While the EMC has been preparing annual work plans for many years, a City standard operating policy now states that each advisory body shall draft and prepare an annual work plan. Submission of the plan to the City Clerk should occur prior to November 1. The plan will then be reviewed by the City Council and feedback will be discussed with Environmental Management Commissioners. At the first meeting following the annual discussion with City Council, the EMC will approve the final work plan. Once adopted, approval of the plan by City Council will take place at a regular City Council meeting on consent agenda. Annual training: Every member of an Oakdale advisory body will attend an annual training session. The details of the training session are yet to be finalized. ATTACHMENTS Ordinance No. 914 Revised City Code Chapter 6 (Solid Waste and Environment)  CHAPTER 6 SOLID WASTE AND ENVIRONMENT Article I Environmental Management Commission Article II Residential and Commercial Solid Waste Requirements Article III Solid Waste and Recycling Hauler License Regulations ARTICLE I. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMISSION Sec. 6-01. Commission Established. An Environmental Management Commission for the City of Oakdale is hereby established. The commission serves as an advisory board for the City Council and City Administrator. All conclusions reached by the commission shall serve as recommendations and powers of execution shall be vested in the City Council. The Commission is subject to the City’s Policy on Advisory Boards and Commissions. Sec. 6-02. Functions and Duties of Commission. The Environmental Management Commission shall act 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. Specific responsibilities of the commission shall be: (a) To assist the City Council in developing and reviewing policies, plans, reports, regulations, and other matters affecting solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, energy conservation, and other issues affecting the environment that may be assigned by the City Council. (b) To advise the City Council and residents on solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, energy conservation, and other issues affecting the environment. (c) To assist in the collection of background data to determine goals, policies, and programs that will maintain or improve the environment in the city. (d) To assist in preparing public education materials and methods on solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, energy conservation, and other issues affecting the environment. (e) To recommend additional methods, policies, or procedures that will reduce the solid waste stream; expand recycling; reduce energy consumption, and/or improve the orderly disposal of solid waste. (f) To serve as the advisory body for any utility or program that pertains to solid waste, recycling, composting, storm water run-off, water quality improvements, wetland conservation and management, air quality, ground and drinking water, tree preservation, energy conservation, and other areas affecting the environment. (g) To cooperate with other agencies, commissions, and volunteer organizations to achieve common goals related to solid waste and the environment. Sec. 6-03. Composition of Commission. The Environmental Management Commission shall consist of seven (7) regular members, appointed by the City Council. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 1 Sec. 6-04. Repealed. Sec. 6-05. Repealed. Sec. 6-06. Repealed. Sec. 6-07. Repealed. Sec. 6-08. Repealed. ARTICLE II. RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE REQUIREMENTS Sec. 6-09. Purpose. This ordinance is adopted for the following purposes: (a) To protect the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the residents of the city. (b) To establish powers, duties, rules, regulations, and standards for the removal of solid waste from the city. (c) To promote programs and recommend policies to reduce waste and promote yard waste reduction through separation of recyclables and yard and garden wastes; and encourage the purchasing of products that are most durable or contain recycled or recyclable materials. (d) To meet minimum standards and requirements established by rules of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding solid waste. (e) To adopt the plans, policies, rules, standards, and requirements of the Metropolitan Council regarding solid waste. (f) To assure that the City is in compliance with the City’s current Comprehensive Plan, the Washington County Solid Waste Management Master Plan 2012-2030 and any updates to those Plans approved by the City or the County. (f) To provide for the administration of the ordinance. Sec. 6-10. Definitions. The following terms, as used in this Chapter, shall have the meaning stated: (a) Bulky Waste shall have the meaning set forth in Minnesota Statute 7035.0300 and is a subset of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Includes household items and other discarded materials that due to their dimensions and weight are typically not collected as part of the regular trash and recycling or for which there is a separate fee, such as furniture, carpeting, mattresses, and appliances including electronic devices. (b) Collection Day means the normal day for pick-up of MSW, recyclables, yard waste, and other materials outlined in this chapter. (c) County means County of Washington, in Minnesota. (d) Composting means a method of recycling yard waste by allowing it to decay and then using it as a soil amendment. (e) Commercial Property Service means providing solid waste and recycling pick up to any premises not primarily used for residential purposes and where a commercial, community, or industrial enterprise of any kind is carried on, including restaurants, clubs, churches, and schools. (f) Construction/Demolition Waste means construction materials, packaging, and rubble resulting from construction, remodeling, repair, and demolition of buildings and roads, as well as sand, earth, brick, stone, crockery, trees, tree branches of more than two inches (2”) in diameter, and tree stumps. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 2 (g) Hazardous Wastes has the meaning defined in Minnesota Statute 115A.96, state rule, and county ordinance. Wastes are hazardous in Minnesota when they display one or more of these characteristics: Ignitable, Oxidizer, Corrosive, Reactive, Toxic, or Lethal. (h) Mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) has the meaning set forth in Minnesota Statute 115A.03 and means garbage, refuse, and other waste materials from residential, commercial, industrial, and community activities that the generator of the waste aggregates for collection, but does not include auto hulks, street sweepings, ash, construction debris, mining waste, sludge, tree and agriculture wastes, tires, lead acid batteries, used oil, and other materials collected, processed and disposed of as separate waste streams. (i) Multiple Residential Dwelling Service means providing solid waste and recycling pick up to any structure containing more than four (4) dwelling units that does not meet the definition of a residential dwelling service. (j) Recyclable Materials, Recyclables have the meaning set forth in Minnesota Statute 7035.0300 and means material that are separated from MSW for the purpose of recycling or composting, including recyclables. At a minimum, the list of recyclables shall be inclusive of the Washington County Standard List of Residential Curbside Recyclables. (k) Recycling shall have the definition in Minnesota Statue 7035.0300 and shall mean the process of collecting and preparing recyclable materials including yard waste and source-separated organic materials, and reusing the materials in their original form or using them in composting or manufacturing processes that do not cause the destruction of recyclable materials in a manner that precludes further use. (l) Residential District means any parcel that has one or more residential housing units and is primarily used for residential purposes. (m) Residential Dwelling Service means providing solid waste and recycling pick up to any single building consisting of one through four dwelling units with individual kitchen facilities for each. Individual condominiums and townhome units shall be considered residential dwellings for the purposes of this chapter. (n) Residential Hauling District means an area of the city in which all residential mixed municipal solid waste, recyclable materials and yard waste are collected on the same day. (o) Residential Recycling Service means providing recycling pick up only to any single building consisting of one through four dwelling units with individual kitchen facilities for each. Individual condominiums and townhome units shall be considered residential dwellings for the purposes of this chapter. (p) Roll-Off Service means providing an open top dumpster characterized by a rectangular footprint, utilizing wheels to facilitate rolling the dumpster into place. Roll-offs are commonly used to contain loads of construction and demolition waste or other waste types. (q) Source Separate Organic Materials (SSOM) shall include food waste and other compostable organic materials that are source separate for recovery and as defined in Minnesota Statue 7035.0300. The term “Organics” does not include Yard Waste for the purposes of this Ordinance. (Also referred to as “food waste/organics” and “source separated organics”.) (r) Special Pick-up means any collection of material other than MSW, recyclables, or yard waste. Special Pick-up includes Bulky Waste and Construction/Demolition Waste. (s) Volume Based Billing means a graduated rate structure based upon the volume of MSW collected from a residential dwelling, multiple-residential dwellings, or a commercial property. (n) Waste Materials. The following are waste materials: stone, sod, earth, trees, tree branches, wood, concrete, contractor's building materials, large automobile parts, junk cars, tires, large appliances, inflammable liquids, manure or articles so heavy or bulky that they cannot be easily lifted by one person. Waste materials are not considered "mixed municipal solid waste" for the purposes of this chapter. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 3 (o) Yard Waste means items such as leaves, garden waste, and grass clippings or other materials as defined by the City Council. Sec. 6-11. Required Collection of Mixed Municipal Solid Waste. Every residential dwelling, multiple residential dwelling, and commercial establishment must be under a contract for at least weekly collection of mixed municipal solid waste. A residential dwelling, multiple residential dwelling, or commercial establishment may apply to the City Council or its designee for an exemption from this requirement if the applicant presents a plan, acceptable to the City Council or its designee, to insure an environmentally sound alternative. Sec. 6-12. Disposal Requirements (a) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to fail to dispose of MSW and other waste materials in a sanitary manner which may be or may accumulate upon property owned or occupied at least as often as hereinafter provided. (b) It is unlawful for any person or business to scavenge or otherwise collect MSW, recyclables, bulky wastes, yard waste, SSOM or construction/demolition waste at the curb or from containers without a license from the City and an account relationship with the owner of the premises. (c) Littering: 1. No person shall cast, place, sweep, or deposit anywhere within the city any MSW, recyclables, bulky waste, SSOM, yard waste, or construction/demolition waste in such a manner that it may be carried or deposited by the elements upon any street, sidewalk, alley, sewer, parkway, or other public place or onto any property within the city. 2. No person shall place MSW, recyclables, bulky waste, SSOM, yard waste, construction/demolition waste or any other waste in any alley or other public place, or upon any private property whether owned by such a person or not, unless it is in proper containers for collection or under express approval granted by City staff; nor shall any person throw or deposit any MSW, recyclables, bulky waste, yard waste, construction/demolition waste, or any other waste into any stream or other body of water. (d) Recyclable materials shall be separated in accordance with hauler requirements and placed on the driveway apron behind the curb line on collection day. Recycling is voluntary but the separation of recyclable materials from the mixed municipal solid waste is encouraged. The hauler transports recyclables to a licensed recycling facility or deliver them to an end market for sale or reuse, or bring to an intermediate collection center for later delivery to a license processing center or end market for recycling. Haulers shall not landfill or incinerate any recyclable materials or materials collected for recycling, nor sell, trade or give recycling materials to any person or business for the purpose of landfilling or incinerating said materials. (e) Yard waste shall be separated from MSW and recyclable materials. (f) Contractor's waste building materials that accumulate on construction sites must be contained in a durable container to prevent waste from escaping. The capacity of the durable containers must be sufficient for the project or planned removal (pick-ups) must be scheduled. All roll-off containers placed in the City must be owned and serviced by a waste hauler that holds a valid City-issued Roll-Off License. Waste materials cannot be stored in the structure. Failure to contain and control waste building materials will result in a Stop Work Order. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 4 (g) It shall be unlawful to place or maintain a roll-off container on private property for more than twenty (20) days without written authorization from the City building official, or its designee. Said authorization may only be considered when the owner provides the City with a construction / demolition plan and removal date for the roll-off container. When determining whether to grant authorization under this paragraph, the building official, or its designee, shall consider whether the roll-off container will create a public nuisance or otherwise interfere with the health, safety, and enjoyment of adjacent properties. Each day that a violation of this paragraph exists shall constitute a separate offense. (h) Disposing of MSW, recyclable materials, waste materials, or yard waste in an unregulated manner on any street, alley, drive, park, playground, or other public place or on any occupied or vacant privately owned lot shall constitute a violation of this section, whether such material is discarded by the individual upon whose premises the material originates or whether it is discarded by some other person or collector, licensed or unlicensed. Sec. 6-13. Container Required and Placement. (a) Unless provided by the hauler, every person, firm or corporation who owns or occupies any residence or establishment where MSW and recyclable materials accumulate, who does not otherwise dispose of such materials in a sanitary manner, shall provide one or more covered containers sufficient to receive all MSW and recyclable materials which may accumulate between collections. (b) The owners, operators or managers of any multiple residential dwelling containing more than four rental dwelling units or of any firm or corporation where MSW and recyclable materials accumulates in excess of four 30-32 gallon containers per week may elect to have dumpster service weekly from a licensed hauler. The dumpsters shall be of a minimum capacity of one cubic yard and of an approved sanitary type with the proper attachments for lifting on to licensed trucks. (c) Unless provided by the hauler, every person, firm or corporation who owns or occupies any residence or establishment shall provide one or more covered containers sufficient to retain all recyclable materials that may accumulate between collections. The owners, operators or managers of any multiple residential dwelling may elect to have stationary recycling containers on site for occupants to place recyclables in that comply with their hauler requirements for recyclable collection. (d) All MSW and recyclable materials containers shall be placed as follows in residential areas: 1. Except for collection day, all containers are prohibited from being stored in the front yard of the house and garage. However, due to a unique circumstance, containers can be allowed to be stored in the front yard area if they are totally screened from view; the Building Official must approve screening. 2. On collection day, except where dumpster or in-yard service is required, containers shall be placed on the driveway apron behind the curb, in a location easily accessible for motor vehicle pick-up. Containers must be placed for pick-up just prior to 7 AM on the day of collection to insure service and to avoid interfering with snow removal operations. The hauler shall complete pick-ups by 7 p.m., unless emergency permission is granted by the Building Official, and all containers must be removed no later than 8 PM on collection day. 3. All MSW and recyclables shall be stored out of sight of neighbors and not visible from the street, except with permission from the Building Official and then not longer than 72 hours. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 5 Sec. 6-14. Burying and Burning. No person shall bury any MSW, recyclable materials, or other waste materials within the city and no person shall burn MSW, or other waste materials except in an incinerator located within a residence or other building that conforms to the requirements of the State of Minnesota. Sec. 6-15. Rules and Regulations. The City Council shall have the authority to make rules and regulations concerning type and location of waste containers, the collection of yard and garden wastes and recyclables, license applications and the information required, and any other matter concerning solid waste management which is not in conflict with this chapter. ARTICLE III. SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING HAULER LICENSE REGULATIONS Sec. 6-16. Purpose. To establish regulations and procedures for the collection and disposal of commercial and residential MSW, waste materials, recyclable material, yard waste, and other non- toxic and toxic wastes. These regulations are necessary to develop standard procedures for the collection and disposal of MSW and recyclable materials in meeting the purposes outlined in Article II – Residential and Commercial Solid Waste Requirements. Sec. 6-17. License to Collect Required, Exception. (a) No person, firm or corporation, except city employees, shall collect MSW, recyclable materials, waste materials, SSOM or yard waste belonging to another in the city without a license from the city. (b) No person, firm or corporation, except city employees, shall scavenge, sort through, or in any way handle the MSW, recyclable material, yard waste, or any other waste materials of another person, firm or corporation without a license from the city or permission from the owner thereof. Mixed municipal solid waste, recyclable materials, yard waste, and any other waste materials shall be considered the property of the generator until picked up by a hauler. Sec. 6-18. Types of Licenses. (a) There shall be four license categories defined by the type of account served: 1. Commercial Property/Multiple Residential Dwelling Service 2. Residential Dwelling Service 3. Residential Recycling Service 4. Roll-Off Service (b) Commercial Property/Multiple Residential Dwelling Service and Residential Dwelling Service licenses include Residential Recycling Service and Roll-Off Service licenses. (c) Residential Recycling Service licensees may only collect recyclable materials. (d) Residential Dwelling Service licensees shall provide weekly collection day curbside recycling to all accounts. (e) Multiple Residential Dwelling Service licensees shall provide weekly recycling collection to all accounts unless otherwise authorized by the City Council. (f) Every licensed hauler shall separately collect and dispose of yard waste, unless otherwise authorized by the City Council. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 6 (g) Every licensed hauler shall make weekly collection of separated MSW, recyclable materials, and yard waste for all Multiple Residential Dwelling Service and Residential Dwelling Service accounts within the daily hauling districts, unless otherwise authorized by the City Council. (h) All licensees, except Residential Recycling Service licensees, shall provide for "special pick- up" as defined as Section 6-10(r) at the request of customers. A separate charge may be made for this service. Sec. 6-19. Licensing Procedure. The City Council, in the interest of maintaining healthful and sanitary conditions in the city hereby reserves the right to specify and assign certain areas to licensees, to limit the number of licenses issued, to determine collection fees and otherwise regulate collection not covered by this chapter. To control the number of heavy trucks that use city streets, to reduce the wear of those streets, to reduce air and noise pollution, and to reduce the traffic hazard in residential neighborhoods where children play, the city shall not issue more than five (5) licenses for Residential Dwelling Service, as defined in Section 6-10(m). Sec. 6-20. Application Forms. Any person desiring a Haulers License shall complete and submit an application form along with the prescribed exhibits below to the City. City staff shall review the application and make a recommendation for approval/denial to the City Council. The City Council may, at its discretion, require additional information be obtained, or studies conducted, before rendering a determination on the application. The prescribed exhibits include, but are not limited, to: (a) Proof of insurance for property damage liability, general liability, and bodily injury liability. The applicant shall provide proof of a comprehensive contractor's general policy in the minimum amounts of two million dollars ($2,000,000) per occurrence. All policies cannot be modified or canceled without giving fifteen (15) days prior notice. (b) Service addresses to be served in the city. The Applicant shall provide a list of MSW can- type and dumpster-type pick-up service addresses of units receiving or to receive such service in the city. This list shall be separated by license categories. (c) Indemnification. Before a license shall be issued, the applicant shall file with the City Administrator an executed indemnification in the form provided by the City. (d) Surety bond or cash deposit. The applicant shall deposit with the application the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) or, in the alternative shall file with the City a surety bond in an amount of three thousand dollars ($3,000). The condition of said bond shall bind the holder of said license to comply with all applicable provisions of this Chapter and such other items as may be imposed by the City Council. Said bond shall be approved by the City Council. Where a cash deposit is used, all or any part thereof may be subject to forfeiture in the event of the violation of any provisions of this license, city codes, or terms imposed by the City Council. If, for any reason, any licensee shall be without insurance, or the surety bond, the license shall terminate immediately without any further action of the city. (e) Notice to be given to residents for non-pickup of recyclable material. (f) Yard waste service plan, including location of composting or disposal site. (g) List of equipment. All equipment must meet the following standards. 1. Vehicle Protection. All trucks or motor vehicles used by the hauler shall be watertight so as not to allow the leakage of liquids or materials and shall be covered to prevent the scattering of contents upon the public streets or private properties in the city. Should any material be dropped or spilled in collecting or transporting, the driver shall Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 7  immediately clean it up. Each vehicle shall contain specific procedures to follow in the event of the loss of hydraulic or other working fluids and for cleaning up any spilled items or debris. 2. Cleaning. All vehicles shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition. 3. Painting. The packer body shall be painted and numbered, and shall have the hauler's name and telephone number painted in letters of a contrasting color, at least three inches (3") high, on each side of the vehicle and the number painted or decaled on the rear. Recycling equipment shall also display the National Recycling emblem. 4. Maintenance. The trucks shall be maintained in good working order; maintained to minimize the loss of hydraulic or other working fluids and contain a broom, shovels, and other equipment designed to absorb and collect spilled items or debris. Trucks also shall be equipped to meet all federal, state, and municipal regulations concerning vehicles used on public roads and maintained to meet these standards. 5. Description of Vehicles. The hauler shall furnish the city with a written description of all vehicles and equipment to be used within the City of Oakdale and shall advise the city in writing of any withdrawal of a part of such equipment or of any change therein within one (1) week of the time of making such change. Such description shall include the number and type of vehicles weight and number of axles of all equipment, what type of equipment will be used when streets are posted, and the provisions established in the event the equipment is inoperable. 6. Safety Equipment. Each collection vehicle shall have a flashing light warning system, fire extinguisher (CO2 type, or comparable type) and proper backup alarms as approved by the city. 7. Weight Limits. City Code establishes weight restrictions for roads and weight restrictions during frost conditions. Rear-loading MSW compactor vehicles are restricted to 18,000 pounds per axle during frost conditions. Haulers can contact the City Engineer with questions on weight restrictions. (h) Rates and fee structure for services. All licensed haulers must adhere to the following billing practices. 1. Volume Based Fees. Residential Dwelling Service licensee’s rates shall include a minimum of two levels of regular service, priced on the basis of volume beginning at a volume of 32 gallons or less and in increments of 32 gallons or less. Such fee structure shall be filed as part of the application, along with the applicant's fee schedules for special pickup items and yard wastes. Differences between rates charged for the various container sizes shall be sufficient to encourage recycling and waste reduction in accordance with Minnesota Statutes and the Washington County Solid Waste Master Plan. 2. Charges Listed. Haulers shall not impose a greater charge on residents who recycle than on those who do not recycle. Charges for recycling, yard waste, and non-taxable special pick-ups and additional services may be listed as “non-taxable services” and charged separately. The hauler shall notify each customer of the available services and rates charged for the services, specifically for recycling services, at least once a year. 3. Recycling Fee. The licensees must also include a specific line item that reflects the amount charged for recycling. In accordance with State Statute, no residential customer may be charged more for recycling service than a residential customer that does not recycle. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 8  4. Notification. Every licensee shall notify customers 30 days in advance of any rate increase and provide written notification of any rate increase to the City Administrator 15 days prior to notification of the customer of such increase. 5. Billing Practices. As licenser, the city reserves the right to insure billing practices and charges for service are fair and conscionable. All licensed haulers shall reimburse any unearned fees to any customer who cancels service for any reason. Additionally, haulers shall not charge any fees to remove any bin from a customer’s property when they cancel service except, a hauler may charge a service fee for bin removal if they have entered into a written contract that expressly outlines this charge in the event the customer cancels service before the end of the contract period. In the event the city receives a complaint on billing practices it deems unfair and/or unconscionable, it shall send a violation notice to the hauler outlining the unacceptable billing practice. The hauler will be provided an opportunity to respond to the complaint before any enforcement action is taken. 6. Containers. Haulers that require specific container types for their recycling system shall provide such containers to customers at no additional charge. Sec. 6-21. License Fee; Expiration; Transferability. The fee for a license required by this Chapter shall be determined by the City Council, and no application may be accepted without payment of such fee. Every license shall expire on March thirty-first each year. The fee for part of a year shall be pro- rated. The license shall not be transferable from one person to another. Other than as stated herein, no pro-rating of license fees shall occur for any reason. (Ord. No. 910, 10/24/2023). Sec. 6-22. License Revocation or Suspension. Every license required by this Chapter may be revoked, suspended or a civil fine of not more than $2,500 may be imposed by the City Council for a violation of any law or regulation pertaining to solid waste adopted by the City, County or State. If the County revokes or suspends any hauler's license, the City license, in case of revocation, shall be automatically terminated without any further action of the City, or, in case of suspension, the City license shall also be automatically suspended for the same length of time, without further action of the City. Sec. 6-23. Collection Procedures. (a) Frequency of Collections. Each licensed hauler shall collect MSW weekly (or more often as sanitary conditions warrant as determined by the City Administrator or Designee). Residential Dwelling Service licensees shall make weekly collection of separated MSW and yard waste for all Residential Dwelling Service accounts within the daily hauling districts; and shall provide weekly curbside recycling with each MSW collection. (b) Collection Days and Hours of Operation. For purposes of residential pick-up, the haulers shall limit their collections to the following schedule: 1) Tuesday: That area south of TH 212 (34th Street North) and north of 10th Street North. 2) Wednesday: That area south of 10th Street North. 3) Friday: That area north of TH 212 (34th Street North). It shall be unlawful for a licensed hauler to operate on residential streets in the city on any day, except for regularly scheduled collections, to collect a missed pick-up, a special pick-up or when an observed holiday falls within that week. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 9  No hauler shall operate in a residential district after 7 PM or before 7 AM of any day, or operate in a residential district on Sunday, unless emergency permission is granted by the Building Inspector or authorized by Council Resolution. (c) Special Pickups. Each licensed hauler, except Residential Recycling Service licensees, shall provide for special pick-up. Special pick-up means any collection of materials other than MSW, recyclable materials or yard waste. The cost of such service shall be provided as part of the application, subject to change due to an increase or decrease in disposal costs. (d) Notification. The licensed hauler shall notify the City Administrator or Designee of the discontinuance of service to any premises with a five (5) day written notice prior to service being discontinued, if possible, but no later than the date service is actually discontinued. Sec. 6-24. Recycling Procedures. (a) Materials to be Collected. Every Residential Dwelling Service and Residential Recycling Service licensed hauler is required to pick up recyclable materials. At a minimum, the list of recyclables shall be inclusive of the Washington County Standard List of Residential Curbside Recyclables. Minimum curbside recyclable materials include: 1. Boxboard including corrugated cardboard (OCC) 2. Envelopes - window and metal clasps acceptable 3. Magazines and catalogs 4. Mail, office and school papers 5. Newspaper and inserts 6. Phone books 7. Shredded paper in a closed paper bag 8. Milk and broth cartons 9. Juice box cartons 10. Food and beverage aluminum/tin/bimetal cans 11. Food and beverage glass bottles and jars 12. PET (#1) Plastic – water, soda, juice, ketchup and salad dressing bottles 13. HDPE (#2) Plastic – milk, juice, dish soap, detergent, shampoo and lotion bottles 14. PP (#5) Plastic – yogurt, pudding and fruit cups, butter and cottage cheese tubs The City Council, by ordinance, establishes recyclable materials. In the event the list of recyclable materials is changed, licensed haulers shall begin collection of any additional recyclable materials within 30 days of the adoption of the ordinance unless written approval is obtained from the City. (b) Collection. Licensed haulers shall only collect recyclable materials properly prepared by the homeowner and placed in an approved recycling container. All licensed haulers shall provide single-sort, or comingled, recycling services to all residents. An approved recycling container for curbside collection is: a container with a capacity of at least fourteen (14) gallons; has wheels, suitable handles, or other mechanism to transport the container to the curb; and if over 18 gallons has a cover to prevent spillage. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 10  The hauler shall have full responsibility to determine which items are properly prepared, but should make every reasonable effort to collect all items set out by residents for the purpose of recycling. The hauler shall not landfill or incinerate any recyclable materials collected, nor sell, trade or give materials to any person or business for the purpose of landfilling or incinerating said materials without the prior written consent of the City and the State of Minnesota. (c) Notifications. The hauler shall provide each new customer with detailed instructions on how to prepare recyclables for collection. Haulers must notify customers at least thirty (30) days in advance before changing their recycling collection system and provide detailed instructions on how to prepare recyclables under the new system. When the hauler rejects the collection of recyclable materials, the hauler shall provide a written notice to the resident stating the reason(s) for not picking up the recycling material. This written notice shall be written on a form approved by the city. The licensee shall provide a copy of the notice as part of the application. Sec. 6-25. Yard Waste and SSOM Procedures. (a) Frequency of Collection. Each licensed hauler shall make weekly collection of yard wastes within the daily residential hauling districts. When SSOM collection is begun, each licensed hauler shall make weekly collection of SSOM within the daily hauling districts. (b) Materials to be Collected. Yard waste means leaves and grass clippings or other materials as may be defined by Council resolution. The City Council shall determine the beginning of SSOM collection in the City. (c) Collection Plan. Every hauler as part of the application shall submit a service plan for yard waste pick-up. This plan at a minimum shall describe the services to be provided, the manner in which the applicant intends to collect and haul away yard waste, the licensed compost site to receive the yard waste, the method by which the hauler will inform its customers of yard waste collection service, and the fees for pickup service. For the purpose of providing yard waste pick-up, the city will accept a plan which provides yard waste pickup through a subcontractor, provided an agreement to provide such service is in effect between a subcontractor and/or the hauler or City of Oakdale. The yard waste plan submitted shall remain in effect for the term of the license unless written approval to modify the plan is obtained from the city. When SSOM collection begins, the same service plans, required disposal at a licensed facility, and reporting to the City shall be required as are required for yard waste collection. (d) Notification. The hauler in March and September shall notify each customer of the yard waste services, costs, and procedures for yard waste pickup provided by the hauler. Sec. 6-26. Reporting Requirements. (a) Access to Records. Each Licensee shall provide to the city during normal business hours, access to books, documents, papers, and other records of the Licensee that are directly pertinent to the issuance and monitoring of the License and required reports. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 11 (b) Required Reports. Each hauler shall submit to Washington County recycling reporting that is consistent with the county’s reporting requirements for recyclable materials. Each hauler shall document and retain dated market weight receipts of recyclable materials sold for the last three years, which upon request will be made available to the City or Washington County for review. Failure to keep accurate weights and/or to furnish this data to the City or Washington County within 30 business days of it being due shall entitle the city to administrative penalties and/or to revoke the collection license. In addition to the above requirements, the hauler shall participate with the City or Washington County in tests to confirm the methodology and accuracy of the estimated weight of waste and recyclable materials. Sec. 6-27. Complaint Procedures. (a) Office Location. The hauler shall establish and maintain an office with continuous supervision for accepting complaints and customer calls. The office shall be in service with continuous supervision during the hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on all days of collection in the city. A system for recording and responding to customer calls outside business hours shall be established and described in the application for license. The address and telephone number of such office and any changes therein shall be given to the City in writing. (b) Complaint Response. The hauler shall maintain a complaint response and file system. All complaints shall be answered courteously and promptly. The hauler is responsible for resolving all complaints received. (c) Notification. The City will notify the hauler of any unresolved complaints that it receives. The hauler shall provide a semi-annual report in a format prescribed by the City on the total number and type of complaints received and the resolution of those complaints. Sec. 6-28. Violations. (a) Reporting. All licensed employees shall report to the Licensee any violations of these regulations or ordinances they observe in the performance of their work and the Licensee shall report all such violations to the City Administrator or Designee. (b) Revocation or Suspension. A license may be revoked, suspended, or a civil fine of not more than $2,500 imposed by the City Council, if the Licensee neglects or fails to comply with the provisions of applicable Minnesota Statutes, Washington County ordinance, and the ordinances approved by the City Council with reference to Solid Waste and Recycling. Whenever it is found that a violation exists, the City may take action to correct the conditions by serving a written order or notice upon the persons responsible therefore directing him/her to discontinue said violation or correct such condition that is in violation. No suspension or revocation takes effect until the licensee has been afforded an opportunity for a hearing under Minnesota Statutes, Sections 14.57 to 14.69 of the Administrative Procedure Act. (c) Administrative Penalties shall be enforced for license violations including: Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 12  1. Failure to comply with statutory and code requirements, including liability insurance. 2. Failure to submit required reports by date specified by Ordinance or Washington County. 3. Failure to provide the City with the name of the disposal facility used, upon request. 5. Failure to ensure contents do not leak or spill from vehicles or during collection. 6. Failure to clean-up solid or liquid spills or leaks from vehicles within one (1) hour. 7. Failure to notify the City of rate changes in accordance with Sec. 6-20(h)4. (d) Administrative Penalties for Violations of City or State Solid Waste Regulations 1. First Violation: $100 fine 2. Second Violation: $250 fine 3. Third Violation: $500 fine 4. Fourth Violation: $1,000 fine, plus suspension of license renewal for one (1) year. (e) The City Council retains the right to impose penalties in excess of those contained in this ordinance when in the judgement of the City Council it is appropriate to do so. (f) All licensed collectors under this article shall promptly remit to the City any Administrative Penalties imposed. 1. Administrative Penalties not remitted within forty-five (45) days of imposition shall be doubled on the forty-sixth (46th) day after the date of the City’s notification to the licensee of the imposition of Administrative Penalties, and shall double again after each successive thirty (30) day period on which the Penalties are not fully remitted to the City. 2. No license under this article shall be renewed or issued if the licensee, or individuals having interest in the business entity for which the license is sought, have any outstanding Administrative Penalties due to the City for that business entity or another business entity under their financial control. If the County revokes or suspends any haulers license, the City license shall then automatically be revoked or suspended for the same length of time, without further action of the City. Oakdale MN Code of Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Page 13 TO: Environmental Management Commission FROM: Hannah Dunn, Community Development Specialist DATE: November 20, 2023 SUBJ: Staff Liaison Update: 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 November and December of 2023. 2023 EMC Editorial Calendar 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 o Food scraps pickup updates December: Low-Waste Holidays Dates related to monthly topic Resources related to monthly topic • Christmas lights – energy efficiency and recycling National Christmas Lights Day – Dec 1 o Recycle old light strands at the Environmental Center World Pollution Prevention Day – Dec 2 • Tree recycling at Public Works • Food scraps drop-off o Food scraps pickup updates Social media posts are scheduled and subject to review by Communications staff. Proposed social media posts in the month of December include: • Promoting proper disposal / recycling of wrapping paper and highlighting alternatives to wrapping paper. • Informing people about disposal of both artificial and real holiday greenery. • Promoting less food waste after holiday meals (cook what you can consume, have a plan for leftovers, compost food waste and scraps). • Educating people about wishcycling. Communications regarding environmental resources/initiatives since the last EMC meeting packet include: • September 14 Facebook post from Washington County about their first ever Halloween Costume Swap. • September 21 Facebook post promoting National Drive Electric Week and the City’s involvement with the Great Plains Institute’s EV Smart program. • October 1 Facebook post providing yard waste disposal options. • October 2 Monday Morning Minute video highlighting staff being present at the Farmers Market to hand out compost pails and reusable bags. • October 4 Facebook post promoting staff being present at the Farmers Market to hand out compost pails and reusable bags. • October 11 Facebook post from Washington County about their first ever Halloween Costume Swap. • October 13 Facebook post providing yard waste disposal options. • October 14 Facebook post promoting October as Energy Awareness Month and educating people about Home Energy Squad visits. • October 28 Facebook post informing people about the Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties and their energy assistance programs and weatherization services available to income-eligible families. • November 1 Facebook post highlighting the pumpkin compost drop-off dumpster in Oakdale City Hall parking lot. • November 11 Facebook post sharing that November 12 is the last day to drop off pumpkins for compost. The pumpkin compost drop-off in the City Hall parking lot was a success. Final statistics regarding tons collected has not been provided by Washington County yet. The picture below was taken on November 8.