Citizen's Environmental Quality Committee

Dec. 30, 2022 Citizens Environmental Quality Committee Winona, Minnesota 55987 Dear Committee Members: The next meeting of the Citizens Environmental Quality Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan. 5th, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. 1. Call to Order 2. Review of December Meeting Minutes 3. Amendment to Land Disturbance Policy (10 minutes) 4. Community Garden Update (15 minutes) 5. CDP Score (5 minutes) 6. Comprehensive Plan Interim Report (10 minutes) 7. Other Business (5 minutes) 8. Adjournment Sincerely, John Howard Natural Resources Sustainability Coordinator CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES DATE: Thursday Dec. 1, 2022 TIME: Scheduled for 4:30 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers PRESENT: Sadie Neuman, David Ruff and Dan Hall GUESTS: STAFF: John Howard 1. Call to Order: Call to order at 4:35 PM by Dan Hall (Chair). 2. Review and Approval of Oct. 2022 Meeting Minutes: Motion by David, 2nd by Sadie. Approved unanimously. 3. Amendment to Land Disturbance Policy: John asked for CEQC input on the use of terminology for allowable species to be removed in the bluff and NSA areas. John’s recommended terminology is “non-native” since it covers a wide range of problematic plants. “Noxious Weeds” is more common in state statute and is defined by the state Dept. of Agriculture, so has been suggested by the City attorney. John elaborated that “non-native” would allow replacement of turf grass with native species, for instance, while using “noxious weed” would still require a land disturbance permit in this instance. David thinks “non-native” is preferable to “invasive” since it has less gray area. Sadie suggests “Introduced” since that is becoming the more common term. Dan felt “non-native” is probably better understood by the general public. Another consideration for “introduced” is that it may better cover cultivars or hybrid species than “non-native” would. Dan suggests running the wording by the City’s legal team to confirm. David is happy with either “non-native” or “introduced” to express what may be removed without a land disturbance permit. David asked if climate appropriate seeding will be considered in the standard, such as planting historically more southern originating seed. John said the code as written would just cover species, so seed origin would not be evaluated in whether it is allowed or not. John interprets the regional range to mean the Driftless, so if a plant exists naturally in the Driftless, it would be allowable to go in a native area planting. The CEQC discussed which trees fit this definition of regionally native vs. climate adaptive to Winona, and the idea of assisted migration. Sadie asked if the current code specifies whether restoration of the areas that have plants removed need to be native? John said that code requires a habitat restoration plan which would need to use native plants. 4. Community Garden Update: John stated the final report was presented by the taskforce to the City Council at their most recent meeting. The report hadn’t changed much from when the CEQC last reviewed the draft. John said the discussion and questions from the City Council was mostly about funding and garden maintenance, as expected. There are some grants which staff can pursue.  Sadie relayed her recollections from the meeting, in that there was a lot of interest in water sourcing and possible theft. John feels fencing could reduce theft, but could be objectionable from an aesthetic perspective. Dan said a fence may also make the garden seem less inviting. 5. Stormwater Code Amendment: John brought the CEQC suggested revisions to the proposed Stormwater Code to fellow City staff, who opted to stick with the original wording. The code was preliminarily adopted by City Council, and set to be formalized at the next City Council meeting. John noted that the annual Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan meeting is coming up on Mon. Dec. 12th at 6 pm. All are invited, although it won’t be much different than presentations from past years. Dan asked how the City’s plan interacts with the stormwater pollution prevent plans of industrial operations. John said the concept is the same, but the City’s plan applies to our streets and storm sewers, so does not involve industries unless there is a spill from their facility into the storm sewer system. Sadie asked about whether the City’s free sand and salt pile will continue in its current state and location? John said this will need to be covered, or could be converted to just sand and remain uncovered. Dan asked if the City’s plow vehicles spread a salt and sand mix? John said that this is still occasionally used, probably in the transition zone of 15-20 F when salt loses effectiveness. Sadie suggested using a GreenCorps member for salt education. 6. Other Business: Sadie has two versions of the watershed game that could be used for education. Dan asked for details – Sadie says it is a board game to explain land use and water quality outcomes. John is interested in doing a session at the stormwater water meeting. 7. Adjournment: Motion to adjourn David, second by Dan. All in favor. Adjourned at 5:20. Notes prepared by John Howard.  CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM: 3. Amendment to Land Disturbance Policy PREPARED BY: John Howard DATE: Jan. 5, 2023 City staff consulted with the CEQC at the December meeting concerning what terminology to use for the plants that are allowable to remove from bluffs and natural state areas without needing a land disturbance permit. The CEQC concluded “Non-native” and “Introduced” were preferred to “noxious” or “invasive”. Upon researching the prevalence and any differences between “non-native” and “introduced”, it appears “non-native” is more commonly used in state statute and in guidance materials. No discernible difference in meaning between the terms was found. Given the more widespread use of “non-native”, staff will plan to use that as the term of art unless the CEQC has strong opinions otherwise.  CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM: 4. Community Garden Update PREPARED BY: John Howard DATE: Jan. 5, 2023 The Community Garden Task force and City staff worked to prepare an application for community garden funding, which will be reviewed by the City Council at their Jan. 3rd meeting. Staff will relay any outcomes or conclusions from this meeting. Within the next couple months, staff hopes to convene neighborhood meetings to discuss the West Lake garden proposed location with nearby residents. If the CEQC wishes to be connected with this effort, John will coordinate details for discussion at the Feb. meeting.  CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM: 5. CDP Score PREPARED BY: John Howard DATE: Jan. 5, 2023 The City received score by CDP on our sustainability efforts, principally related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Our score was a D, which is about average globally, and slightly below average regionally. Attached is the formal report card. 2022 FEEDBACK REPORT This report provides information on your jurisdiction’s score on the 2022 Questionnaire, how it compares with others and insights on how to improve climate action and Request a score feedback transparency. call Your jurisdiction’s reported data has been scored against the CDP Scoring Email: citiesna@cdp.net Methodology. Scores are private to jurisdictions, though highest scoring jurisdictions are publicly recognized in our annual ‘A List’. YOUR SCORE City of Winona, MN Disclosure Level Your jurisdiction has set out to measure, manage, and report on environmental Region United States of America action, demonstrating commitment to United States of America environmental transparency. Country COMPARE YOUR SCORE REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION Average : C Average : D THEMATIC SCORES ADAPTATION SCORE MITIGATION SCORE Regional average Regional average C C Global average Global average D D Your jurisdiction understands the value of identifying Your jurisdiction understands the value in measuring climate risks in order to begin undertaking an your emissions in order to begin undertaking a adaptation plan and taking action. mitigation plan and taking action.  Assessment Planning Get started Get started Targets Actions Get started Get started Your jurisdiction has not yet undertaken a climate risk and vulnerability assessment. This Climate Risk and is a key component of climate action, and therefore one of the essential criteria of CDP Vulnerability scoring. For best practice guidance to inform the development of this assessment click Assessment here. Your jurisdiction does not yet have a plan that addresses climate adaptation. This is a key component of climate action, and therefore one of the essential criteria of CDP Adaptation Plan scoring. For best practice guidance to inform the development of this plan and work towards climate resilience click here. Your jurisdiction does not yet have a plan that addresses climate mitigation. This is a key component of climate action, and therefore one of the essential criteria of CDP scoring. Mitigation Plan For best practice guidance to inform the development of this plan and work towards emissions neutrality click here. Your jurisdiction has a community-wide emissions inventory. This is a key component of climate action, and therefore one of the essential criteria of CDP scoring. For best GHG Inventory practice guidance to inform future updates to your emissions inventory click here. Your jurisdiction does not have a mitigation target. This is a key component of climate action, and therefore one of the essential criteria of CDP scoring. For best practice Adaptation Goal guidance on how to develop a mitigation target click here. Your jurisdiction has a fully reported mitigation target. This is a key component of climate action, and therefore one of the essential criteria of CDP scoring. For best practice Mitigation Target guidance on how to track and monitor progress, including A list requirement click here. Your jurisdiction does not have a renewable energy generation, consumption and/or Renewable Energy installed capacity jurisdiction target in place. For best practice guidance on how to set a Target renewable energy target click here. Globally and regionally reported Explore CDP Data - Click here Step up your climate action Click here for the next steps document Click here to share your 2022 CDP response or score with the world Understand the Scoring Methodology - Click here  City of Winona, MN has responded to Pathway 2 Your jurisdiction responded to Pathway 2. This meant you were presented with additional questions on governance, energy, transport, waste, public health, water, food, and finance. These additional questions are not part of your jurisdiction’s score this year. However, you are provided with an indicator that represents the comprehensiveness of your disclosure and further guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting data on these topics. Your jurisdiction has reported to many of the climate-related governance topics such as social and economic opportunities and multilevel engagement and Governance Partially complete collaboration. For guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting governance data click here. Your jurisdiction has reported to many of the energy-related indicators presented. For guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting energy data Energy Partially complete click here. Your jurisdiction has reported to some of the transport-related indicators presented. For guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting transport data Transport Incomplete click here. Your jurisdiction has reported to some of the waste-related indicators presented. For guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting waste data Waste Incomplete click here. Your jurisdiction has reported to most of the public health-related indicators presented. For guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting public health Public health Complete data click here. Your jurisdiction has reported to some of the water-related indicators presented. For guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting water data Water Incomplete click here. Your jurisdiction has reported to some of the food-related indicators presented. For guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting food data click here. Food Incomplete Your jurisdiction has reported to many of the finance-related indicators presented. For guidance on measuring, managing, and reporting finance data Finance Partially complete click here.  CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM: 6. Comprehensive Plan Interim Report PREPARED BY: John Howard DATE: Jan. 5, 2023 The City’s Comprehensive Plan team is seeking input on the interim report. Attached for CEQC reference and review is the Environment & Sustainability chapter. The public, including CEQC members, are invited to participate in a variety of ways: in person sessions, an online survey, and comments to an on line draft. A printed copy of the online documents is available at City Hall in the Community Development office. Details: Remaining Open Houses: • Wednesday, January 18, 4:30-6:30pm: Winona Senior High School, 901 Gilmore Ave. • Tuesday, January 24, 5-7pm: City Hall, City Council Chambers on third floor Spanish and Hmong interpretation available at this session Take the online survey An online survey is available from December 1 - January 25. Here is the link to the survey: https://engagewinona.questionpro.com/winona3 Visit cityofwinona.com/632/Comprehensive-Plan-Update to access the full report document.  Comprehensive Plan Update Interim Report Environment & Sustainability Winona’s new Comprehensive Plan will include highlights from the new Natural Resources and Sustainability Plan that is currently being developed. Aspects of the plan will include water resources, stormwater management, open space, alternative energy, climate change, and more. Goals, Strategies, and Value Statements The following are the goals, strategies, and value statements from the 2021 Sustainability Plan. Energy Goals Goal 1. Increase uptake of clean renewable energy Goal 2. Maximize energy efficiency and conservation measures through all sectors Goal 3. Align actions to achieve city-wide net zero by 2050 goal Energy Strategies 1. Lead by example as a city by reducing energy consumption, making our municipal buildings energy efficient, and subscribing to renewable energy options where possible. 2. Connect energy burdened community members [insert call out box with definition] with assistance programs intended to lower energy bills. 3. Employ direct outreach to the business community to help energy savings and renewable energy adoption measures. 4. Engage the community around available programs and grants that will assist energy conservation, efficiency and renewable energy adoption. 5. Evaluate and reimagine policies that make both energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption more accessible. Transportation Goals Goal 4. Winona residents and visitors are able to get around town via the mode of transportation of their choice. Points of interest are connected via transit or trail networks Goal 5. Those with limited mobility or transportation options are included in transportation decision making Goal 6. More energy efficient forms of transportation are promoted and used whenever possible Goal 7. Reduce community’s dependence on automobiles / prioritize opportunities for other modes of transportation 11/2022 49  Comprehensive Plan Update Interim Report Transportation Strategies 1. Make improvements to all public transportation through partnerships with state organizations, neighboring communities, and residents. 2. Balance transportation needs with recreational areas and the environment through efficiencies, route evaluations, and limiting pollutants on the roads. 3. Encourage walking and biking transportation options through infrastructure and incentives. 4. Expand electric vehicle adoption and accessibility while considering unique impacts of electric vehicles on roads. Water Goals Goal 8. Work to ensure sustainable use of aquifers Goal 9. Protect water quality and aquatic resources such as streams, rivers, lakes, springs, seeps and wetlands to maintain the integrity of the natural environment Water Strategies 1. Protect our groundwater aquifers and drinking water from overuse and pollutants through reduction of use measures and protection of source waters. 2. Implement water saving fixtures at all City buildings. 3. Clarify water bills to be more understandable. 4. Consider tiering of pricing structures. 5. Use native landscaping techniques where needed, educate on the value of water smart plantings, and facilitate incentives for water smart plat installation. 6. Protect surface waters from pollutants carried in stormwater runoff by implementing best practices for infiltration of stormwater, restoring lakeshores, and reducing impervious surfaces. Provide public education on runoff impacts. 7. Aim for best management practices for stormwater infrastructure budgeting. 8. Coordinate efforts with local partners, including meeting WinLac One Watershed, One Plan objectives. 9. Work to minimize the use of de-icing chemicals, and monitor chloride levels in water bodies receiving chloride runoff. Waste Reduction Value Statements • Follow the reduce > reuse >recycle hierarchy to minimize waste for residential, institutional and commercial users • Options for management of organic waste will become more available 11/2022 50  Comprehensive Plan Update Interim Report Waste Reduction Strategies 1. Support strengthening of Winona County’s recycling programs. 2. Improve disposal processes and compliance. 3. Reduce waste production through re-use of materials and material exchange. 4. Explore and implement an organics recycling program or campaign. 5. Reduce construction and demolition waste and implement reuse initiatives. Natural Resource Value Statements • Work cooperatively with other units of government, institutions and organizations to manage growth without compromising the natural environment. • Protect the ecological integrity of the river corridor, bluff land areas and steep slopes, and other valued resources *balance with land use section • Continue to follow environmental protection standards • Increase and restore natural ecosystems Natural Resource Strategies 1. Manage wildlife and invasive species with local partners, such as the USFWS and DNR. Utilize best practices to protect or enhance ecosystems and bluff land, waterways, and shoreline restoration. 2. Create or reimagine policies and ordinances to support the sustainability practices outlined in this plan to match or exceed state standards. 3. Establish long range plans for natural resources in public spaces. Budget to protect and maintain existing natural areas. 4. Educate the community via park programming, sessions in schools and other community events. 5. Restore urban tree coverage through tree planting. Maintain existing trees in line with industry best practices to ensure a healthy tree canopy. Food Value Statements • Local food has health, economic, and environmental benefits • Any utilization of public land for food harvest and production should follow sustainable principles Food Value Strategies 1. Support the creation of resource hubs and food libraries to access locally grown foods and connect local vendors to market opportunities. 11/2022 51  Comprehensive Plan Update Interim Report 2. Expand access to community gardening and build residents’ knowledge of community gardening. 3. Adjust or create city codes to make local food, gardening, foraging (individual level), and harvesting more accessible. General Sustainability Value Statements • Better communications about sustainability and resilience will benefit the other strategies outlined • Accountability and engagement, within the city and externally, to ensure plan implementation. Review and refine process through an annual or biennial review • Bolster the resilience of physical infrastructure and awareness about how to prepare and act in the event of shocks or stressors General Sustainability Strategies 1. Foster environmental stewardship. 2. Improve city public communication regarding sustainability. 3. Expand sustainability focus among city employees. 4. Establish an official sustainability commission. 5. Evaluate potential environmental justice issues, including with new developments. Address environmental justice issues (such as inequitable tree cover, housing (adequate and affordable) and drainage issues that are confirmed. 6. Develop extreme weather preparation strategies in response to climate change – particularly related to water/flooding. 11/2022 52