Citizen's Environmental Quality Committee

Oct. 30, 2023 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, Nov. 2nd, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall. 1. Call to Order 2. Review of Oct. Meeting Minutes 3. CEQC Officer Election 4. Minnesota Priority Climate Action Plan 5. Xcel Energy Triennial ECO Plan 6. Winona Comprehensive Plan Update 7. Other Business 8. Adjournment Sincerely, John Howard Natural Resources Sustainability Coordinator CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE MEETING NOTES DATE: Thursday Oct. 5, 2023 TIME: Scheduled for 4:30 pm in the City Hall Council Chambers PRESENT: Sadie Neuman, Paul Schmitt, and David Ruff GUESTS: 2 (Eric and Meg) STAFF: John Howard 1. Call to Order: Call to order at 4:31 PM by Sadie Neumann. Brief introductions for the members of the public in attendance. 2. Review and Approval of Sept. 2023 Meeting Minutes: Motion by David, second by Paul. Approved unanimously. 3. Cumulative Impact Analysis: Sadie discussed the background of the cumulative impacts rule being proposed by the MPCA. This rule is in its beginning steps, and will be geared towards air pollution in environmental justice areas. However, only the environmental justice areas in the Twin Cities areas, Duluth, and Rochester. John noted that the state legislation focused on these specific areas. Sadie has heard that the limited geographic area is due to MPCA staff capacity and legislators asking for rules to apply in limited areas. The MPCA has held a few in person sessions, and is doing online outreach. Currently 21 comments online according to Paul. The CEQC discussed whether the geographic limitations also defined that environmental justice areas can only exist in those limited area. John pulled up the current MPCA map of environmental justice areas, which is statewide. Much of Winona is within these areas due to poverty levels. Sadie expressed concern that the lower regulatory requirements would incentivize air emitters to move to Winona or similar outstate areas, and worsen the local air quality. Sadie believes many of the commenters so far have been from southern Minnesota. Paul presented a draft version of comments, which the CEQC reviewed. David believes the additional work of having the rules apply statewide would not be too much for the MPCA staff to handle. Sadie wondered if current air quality violations were being reported when they occurred. John believed this was usually self reported. John noted that there were also recent rule changes on the emissions standards for these same geographic zones, which closed a last week. After some agreeable additions, and revisions, the following comment was approved unanimously on motion by David and second by Sadie. The Citizens Environmental Quality Committee of the City of Winona, Minnesota, appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposed Cumulative Impacts Rule, and wishes to comment specifically on the lack of representation for rural and Greater Minnesota in the Cumulative Impacts Rule. Approximately half of the state’s population lives outside the cities and metro area defined in  the Rule. As indicated by the MPCA’s own map, “Understanding environmental justice in Minnesota,” many communities in Greater Minnesota (including Winona) also have populations in which 35% live beneath 200% of the poverty line, and are adversely affected by air pollution from manufacturing, power generation, and/or industrial agricultural operations. Our committee requests that Environmental Justice Areas in Greater Minnesota be included in the Cumulative Impacts Rule, out of concern that such areas also can be disproportionately affected by air pollution. We are concerned that establishing rules only applicable to the communities of Duluth, Rochester, and the Twin Cities Metro Area creates incentives to push the highest-emitting industrial activity to rural and Greater Minnesota areas, promoting a “race-to-the-bottom” effect in pollution control. We encourage the development of rules that can be uniformly applied in Environmental Justice Areas throughout the state of Minnesota. Sadie thanked the CEQC members for taking the time and effort to make the comment. Paul echoed this sentiment. 4. Other Business: Paul asked that the CEQC elect officers at the next CEQC meeting. October is the typical timeframe. 5. Adjournment: Adjournment motion by Paul, second by David. Adjourn at 5:22 pm. Notes prepared by John Howard.  CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM: 3. CEQC Officer Elections PREPARED BY: John Howard DATE: Nov. 2, 2023 The CEQC is due to elect officers for the committee. Historically, the CEQC has a Chair and Vice Chair. Currently Dan Hall is Chair and David Ruff is Vice Chair.  CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM: 4. Minnesota Priority Climate Action Plan PREPARED BY: John Howard DATE: Nov. 2, 2023 The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is preparing a Priority Climate Action Plan for Minnesota to spur efforts for federal funding. The draft plan outline is out for public input and for ideas to flesh it out. This f and attached for CEQC review. The plan is an abbreviated version of the MN Climate Framework the state prepared in 2022, and will be essential for accessing Climate Pollution Reduction Grant federal funding. Link to MPCA webpage on this topic: https://engage.eqb.state.mn.us/climate-priorities MPCA Info on Climate Pollution Reduction Grants: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/business-with- us/climate-pollution-reduction-grants  Updated 10/04/2023 Identifying climate priority categories and potential projects for federal funding Climate Pollution Reduction Grants in Minnesota – Draft concepts In 2022, Minnesota released the Climate Action Framework — a vision for how our state will address and prepare for climate change — after extensive public engagement. Now, the state needs your help identifying priority climate actions for competitive federal funds in the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. CPRG is a $5 billion investment that provides states, local governments, and Tribal Nations with resources to plan and implement reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. To unlock the ability to apply for these funds, the first step is to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan that describes the types of climate pollution reduction projects that are important to Minnesotans. To be eligible for funding, implementation activities must be described in the plan. This plan will cover the entire state, enabling eligible entities within Minnesota, including the state, local governments, and Tribal Nations, to apply. Using the Minnesota Climate Action Framework as a foundation and incorporating ideas from public engagement, MPCA and other state agencies generated a draft list of project categories below for the Priority Climate Action Plan. As we continue to engage Minnesotans and explore these ideas, we will consider adjustments to this list. As part of this process, we will also be looking for specific project and program ideas within each category, as well as ways to design them to maximize benefits, especially for disadvantaged communities. These specifics are needed for the next phase of plan development. Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program goals and objectives The following are EPA’s goals and objectives for this program. These goals will guide EPA in deciding which projects to fund across the country. 1. Implement ambitious measures that will achieve significant cumulative greenhouse gas reductions by 2030 and beyond 2. Pursue measures that will achieve substantial community benefits (such as reduction of air pollution), particularly in low-income and disadvantaged communities 3. Complement other funding sources to maximize these greenhouse gas reductions and community benefits 4. Pursue innovative policies and programs that are replicable and can be “scaled up” across multiple jurisdictions We want to hear from you! The MPCA is bringing this initial draft list to diverse audiences in Minnesota to inform priorities for federal funding. Here’s how you can help set up Minnesota to apply for federal funding to reduce climate pollution: 1. Review the draft list of categories below and let us know if your priorities are included. What do you think is missing or needs to be changed, especially considering EPA’s stated goals? 2. Share specific project or program ideas you have for these categories to help inform the potential for greenhouse gas emissions reduction. These federal funds could expand an existing project or program or create something new. What would you like to see funded in your community? What do you think is ripe for near-term funding to achieve emission reductions by 2030? By 2050? 3. Let us know how projects or programs can be designed to overcome barriers, rapidly scale up, and maximize benefits, especially for disadvantaged communities. These may include family- supporting jobs, reduced air pollution, lowered costs, and more. To share your ideas, visit our online engagement platform (engage.eqb.state.mn.us/climate-priorities) and comment in the forum. If you wish to send a letter or request a meeting, please email Faith Krogstad, CPRG project lead, at faith.krogstad@state.mn.us. Potential priority action categories The following is a draft list of priority action categories for near-term climate pollution reduction projects. Clean Transportation a. Increase transportation options: Creating more opportunities for biking, walking, transit, and telecommuting through infrastructure, policy, outreach, and service; implementing land use reforms that support density and multimodal transportation b. Decarbonize medium-duty, heavy-duty, and non-road vehicles: Switching from fossil fuels to green hydrogen, renewable natural gas, or electricity and implementing associated infrastructure for semi-trucks, box trucks, ground equipment at airports, transit buses, and other vehicles c. Produce sustainable aviation fuel: Creating opportunities for the fuel and aviation industries to produce and use low-carbon fuels for aircraft d. Electrifying short-haul locomotives: Supporting electrification and charging infrastructure for short-haul rail e. Increasing adoption of light-duty electric vehicles and e-bikes: Boosting adoption of electric vehicles and e-bikes through incentives Climate-Smart Natural and Working Lands a. Encourage climate-smart livestock management: Implementing methane reduction activities related to livestock and manure, such as manure management and anaerobic digestion b. Promote nitrogen fertilizer management: Encouraging the use of nitrogen management practices to increase efficiency and reduce emissions, such as nitrification inhibitors and split applications c. Create green fertilizer: Building infrastructure for green hydrogen and ammonia production to create green fertilizer (also included in Clean Economy) d. Decarbonize agricultural equipment: Facilitating energy efficiency and replacing fossil fuels in heating/cooling systems and farm equipment, including diesel-engine retrofitting and on-site renewable energy production e. Enhance carbon sequestration in Minnesota’s landscapes: Protecting, managing, and expanding forests (including urban and community forests), grasslands, prairies, wetlands, and peatlands to increase carbon sequestration; this includes increasing urban, commercial, and residential land carbon storage potential Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings a. Decarbonize residential and commercial buildings: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from single-family, multifamily, and manufactured housing, community healthcare, and commercial buildings, including deep energy efficiency retrofits, electrification, low-carbon materials, and access to renewable energy b. Decarbonize public buildings: Assisting schools, state colleges and universities, governmental facilities, public housing, and corrections facilities with efficiency and decarbonization, including ground-source heat pumps, networked geothermal, and solar c. Expand district heating and cooling: Recovering heat energy from wastewater and developing district heating and cooling partnerships and infrastructure d. Switch electricity transmission safety away from potent greenhouse gases: Transitioning to alternative, environmentally-friendly insulating gases in electricity transmission circuit breakers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment e. Prioritize energy storage for renewable generation: Building energy storage infrastructure, such as batteries or hydrogen production f. Streamline the planning and approval process for energy projects: Improving planning and decision-making processes for the location and design of clean energy generation, transmission, and storage (e.g., batteries, hydrogen) projects g. Strengthen building code enforcement: Developing additional energy and building code enforcement mechanisms within municipalities that have adopted the state building code and statewide for portions of the code specific to energy and resiliency h. Accelerate refrigerant replacement: Promoting the transition to cleaner technologies in appliances and commercial applications, such as home refrigerators, HVAC systems, ice rink chillers, and industrial refrigeration equipment i. Expand anaerobic digestion: Facilitating anaerobic digester development throughout the state to process manure, industrial food waste, and municipal organics waste, and to produce renewable natural gas Clean Economy a. Focus on industrial process efficiency: Creating and expanding funding tools to improve efficiency in targeted industries, such as ethanol, petroleum, iron and steel, glass, forest products, and food and beverage processing b. Transition to clean industrial energy sources: Shifting industrial fuel choices in boilers and other equipment to electricity and sustainable clean fuels, such as green hydrogen c. Create green fertilizer: Building the infrastructure for green hydrogen and ammonia production to create green fertilizer (also included in Climate-Smart Natural and Working Lands) d. Reduce and manage waste: Implementing actions that encourage more sustainable consumption, prevent waste, increase reuse, increase access to recycling and organics collection programs, and reduce overall disposal e. Divert food waste: Incentivizing and reducing barriers for local and regional food donation and food rescue organizations, food-to-animal programs, public or commercial compost facilities, and anaerobic digesters  CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM: 5. Xcel Energy Triennial ECO Plan PREPARED BY: John Howard DATE: Nov. 2, 2023 Xcel Energy’s ECO plan was reviewed by Minnesota regulators, and their recommendations are open for comment through Monday Nov. 6th. In general, the regulators support approving Xcel’s plan, but there are a few notable exceptions that may be interesting to the CEQC: • The state regulators recommend that Xcel Energy not be allowed to offer E-bike rebates. They argue that it is unclear whether the e-bikes would match the use estimates, and therefore fuel savings, proposed by Xcel Energy. Additional research needs to be done before inclusion in the ECO triennial plan. • The state recommends that the state coordinate overlapping incentives to maximize rebates for customers. • Not prioritizing one efficient fuel switching measure over another, which is contrary to the coalition letter the City signed onto. • Allowing use of “geographical proxy” to include a whole census track versus individual applications to qualify for low-income bonus incentives. Link to the full response: https://efiling.web.commerce.state.mn.us/edockets/searchDocuments.do?method=showPoup& documentId={20555E8B-0000-C019-881B-6F8AFBD3F728}&documentTitle=202310-199820- 01  CITIZENS ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM: 6. City of Winona Comprehensive Plan Update PREPARED BY: John Howard DATE: Nov. 2, 2023 The City of Winona has put out the Comprehensive Plan update for public review and comment. Attached for CEQC reference is the Environment & Sustainability chapter. The key difference from previous versions is a goals, objectives and strategies section to help guide implementation. Online commenting for the plan is here: https://hkgi.konveio.com/winona-comprehensive-plan CHAPTER 13 ENVIRONMENT & WHAT WE HEARD SUSTAINABILITY » Protect and intentionally manage the health of the natural resources » Create and connect green areas in future PURPOSE development » Increase use of sustainable solutions, such as solar, The Environment and Sustainability chapter is intended to guide the City in its efforts to native plantings, rain gardens, etc. protect the community’s natural resources and ensure the community is able to thrive despite » Promote cooperative maintenance of community challenges that it may face. The intent is that residents, businesses, and visitors can meet spaces to help protect natural resources and facilitate their needs and maintain a high quality of life without compromising the ability of future community connections generations to do the same. As this will be a community-wide effort, this chapter outlines both how the City can lead by example and where it can promote and partner with others to carry out their own sustainability actions. In its sustainability planning, the City identified the three pillars of sustainability and six areas of focus shown. Six Areas of Focus Three Pillars of Sustainability E N V I R O N M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 13 - 1 DRAFT OCTOBER 2023  CONTEXT In 2020 the City of Winona began the development of its first Winona is uniquely situated on a sandbar in the middle of the Mississippi River Valley ever Sustainability Plan. While ultimately not adopted, the and is surrounded by bluffs, wetlands, floodplains, trout streams, a diverse bluffland background analysis, community conversations, and draft ecosystem, and karst topography. This beautiful setting provides countless opportunities recommendations from that planning process formed the to experience nature, but also magnifies the importance of sustainability and resilience foundation for this chapter of the comprehensive plan. It was to ensure these resources are protected even as development occurs. One of the important that the comprehensive planning process build off Comprehensive Plan’s four core values is: the former sustainability plan efforts as that process included a steering committee, more than 50 stakeholder group conversations, a community survey with more than 500 responses, and a public event series that gathered more than 500 comments on draft recommendations. The Environment Environment & Recreation and Sustainability subcommittee of the comprehensive planning process reviewed and refined the recommendations We treasure our natural resources, parks, and trails from that planning process to form the goals, objectives, and as a source of enjoyment and recreation activities for strategies presented in this chapter. all residents and visitors. We will actively preserve, enhance, and increase accessibility to our environment for future generations. Examples of the plan’s overarching themes represented in this chapter are as follows: » Equity: This chapter recommends considering environmental justice when evaluating new Winona’s history of economic growth within its natural setting has shaped the city’s developments and when addressing existing current pattern of land use. Physical expansion of the city continues to be limited by environmental issues all of the community’s sensitive natural features. Given the City’s limited projected » Technology: This chapter recognizes the population growth (and equally important values of Environment & Recreation and importance of technology to maintain the Entrepreneurship & Economy), a sustainable approach to future land use is prudent. quality of Winona’s natural environments. Sustainable land use encourages compact and efficient city planning and promoting » Sustainability: This chapter emphasizes mixed-use development that minimizes the conversion of agricultural and natural lands. sustainability by focusing on topics such as This type of land use is interwoven throughout this plan and is especially prominent in renewable energy, multi-modal transportation the land use chapter. The land use chapter and this chapter of the plan are meant to options, and stewardship of Winona’s natural work together – identifying opportunities for future city growth while also respecting, resources. preserving, and enhancing our natural resources. 1 3 - 2 W I N O N A CO M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N  ENERGY Efforts to improve energy efficiency, increase conservation, and grow renewable energy usage have the potential to improve the City’s ability to reach its goal of city-wide net zero by 2050. The baseline inventory found that the largest source of emissions in Winona are from electric and natural gas energy consumption to heat and power homes and businesses. The Comprehensive Plan recommends that first the City lead by example by reducing energy consumption, improve building energy efficiency, and subscribing to renewable energy options. Then, building on its successes and lessons learned, the City should directly engage businesses, and the broader community, around energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy. The Comprehensive Plan also notes the importance of connecting energy burdened community members with assistance programs. Municipal or business energy efficiency strategies » Ensuring building heating and cooling settings match use » Setting auto-off for applicable equipment (computer monitors, printers, etc.) » Turning off lights when leaving a room or for the day » Convening employee teams to share and develop best practices » Pursuing energy audits in buildings. Consideration of performance contracting as it is a low/no risk way to finance energy improvements » Updating and expanding energy efficient buying guide. Energy star preference, or at least evaluation, in equipment purchases. » Electrifying equipment when possible, such as heating and handheld equipment TRANSPORTATION Transportation is the second leading contributor to Winona’s greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing vehicle miles traveled, expanding use of electric vehicles, and increasing use of more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, such as walking, biking, and transit, are all options to reduce emissions. As with energy, the City can model the use of more efficient forms of transportation by considering electrification of fleet vehicles, including the bus system. It can also directly support walking, bicycling, and transit use by making infrastructure investments that increase connectivity between community destinations. The Complete Streets approach described in the Transportation Chapter provides more information about how to make streets safe for all people who need to use them. E N V I R O N M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 13 - 3 DRAFT OCTOBER 2023  WATER With its plentiful natural resources and karst topography, Winona has a variety of water bodies that need protection from pollutants to conserve drinking water and maintain healthy aquatic life. In addition, to ensure resiliency it is also important to recognize the impact that climate change may have on the community, including droughts or intense rainfall events. It is recommended that the City lead by example in this area, such as through water conserving measures in its building, use of native landscaping, implementation of stormwater best management techniques, and minimizing use of de-icing chemicals. Through public education, regulations, and incentives the City is also able to promote similar techniques being used by residents and businesses. WinLac One Watershed, One Plan The Mississippi River Winona La Crescent Watershed (WinLac) drain about 750 square miles in four counties. The four counties, as well as four soil and water conservation districts, the Stockton-Rollingstone-Minnesota City Watershed District, and the City of Winona are working together on the development and implementation of the Mississippi River Winona/La Crescent Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan. WASTE REDUCTION Waste reduction is needed not only to reduce the amount of the greenhouse gas methane that is produced, but also to decrease the need for more landfills, which are costly, have the potential for contamination, and is land that is hard to reclaim for other uses. Strategies that can be implemented to reduce waste include strengthening recycling, exploring a food composting program, and supporting local marketplace exchanges. The City could also add recycling containers in public spaces, including city building, parks, and in downtown. 1 3 - 4 W I N O N A CO M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N  NATURAL RESOURCES Natural resources are so valued in Winona that protection, restoration, and management are woven through multiple chapters. As was noted earlier, the foundation of natural resource protection is thoughtful development and redevelopment with in the community, including ensuring best practices are implemented for stormwater management, maintenance of the urban tree canopy, management of invasive species, and the protection of shoreland, blufflands, and forestlands. In addition, with all of its parks and open spaces, the City needs to establish and implement long range plans for natural resource as discussed in the Parks and Recreation chapter. FOOD Ensuring a sustainable and accessible food system is important to the community’s economic, social, and environmental health. Improving local agriculture and food production not only helps with reducing energy through reduced transportation costs, it also helps improve food access. Food Access Food access is a particular concern for some members of the Winona community. The 2022 Winona County Community Health Needs Assessment by Winona County and Winona County Health shows that while 3.3% of all respondents had used a community food shelf program in the last 12 months, 23.5% of those needing translation services did. Also while 7.6% of respondents have worried sometimes or often about running out of food, whereas 36.5% of those requiring translation services have. In addition to outreach to help connect community members with resources, strategies that could assist local food access include: » Creating a map of locally grown products and additional community resources » Supporting farmers’ markets » Expand access to community gardens » Establishing foraging guidelines » Developing edible landscapes » Creating food libraries » Ensuring city codes are not a barrier to local food production E N V I R O N M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 13 - 5 DRAFT OCTOBER 2023  GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & STRATEGIES Goals, objectives, and strategies were developed by the Environment & Sustainability Subcommittee with input from the public and review by the Steering Committee, Planning Commission, and City Council. Goals are broad statements that describe the desired outcomes for this topic. Objectives describe the measurable results needed to achieve the goal. Implementation strategies identify the actions to be undertaken to achieve the objectives and goals. The table of implementation strategies for each objective includes phasing, as well as lead and coordination agencies. Phasing has been broken into the following three categories: » Short-term: These are implementation strategies recommended to be completed in the next one to five years. Generally these strategies are either higher priority or lower cost. » Long-term: These strategies are likely to take longer than five years to accomplish. These are generally higher cost or more complicated, thus requiring more time to implement, find funding, or build the collaboration and partnerships needed. » Ongoing: These are strategies that do not have a specific timeframe but will be implemented as needed over time. The lead and coordinate agencies column provides additional information about what entities will potentially be involved in implementation. Lead coordinating agencies, which are bolded, are entities which are potential leaders for a specific strategy due to their work, staffing, funding, or other leadership in the community. During implementation, it is possible that another entity may emerge as a specific strategy leader. Coordinating agencies are those organizations that are anticipated to provide assistance to the lead agencies. They may collaborate, provide staff time or financial support, assist with volunteer implementation, or help promote implementation actions. Goals The following seven goals were identified for 3. Sustainable Water Resource Practices Transportation: 4. Waste Reduction and Reuse 5. Sustainable Stewardship of Winona’s Natural 1. Increased Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Resources Resiliency, and Conservation 6. Local Food Production and Access 2. Access to Energy Efficient, Multi-Modal Transportation Options 7. Communication, Implementation, and Evaluation of Sustainability Efforts PHASING S L O KEY: Short Term Long Term Ongoing 1 3 - 6 W I N O N A CO M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N Goal 1: Increased Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Resiliency, and Conservation Objective: 1.1 Expand renewable energy use Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 1.1.1 Employ direct outreach to the business community to help energy savings and renewable energy Natural Resources and adoption measures. Sustainability Office S Community Development Department Objective: 1.2 Maximize energy efficiency and conservation measures Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 12.1 Lead by example as a city by reducing energy consumption, making our municipal buildings energy City Manager’s Office efficient, and subscribing to renewable energy options where possible. S Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 1.2.2 Connect energy burdened community members with assistance programs intended to lower energy Natural Resources and bills. O Sustainability Office Community Development Dept. 1.2.3 Engage the community around available programs and grants that will assist energy conservation, Natural Resources and efficiency, and renewable energy adoption. O Sustainability Office Community Development Dept. Objective: 1.3 Align actions to achieve city-wide net zero by 2050 goals Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 1.3.1 Evaluate and re-imagine policies that make both energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption Natural Resources and more accessible by prioritizing city-wide net zero. Sustainability Office L City Manager’s Office Other City Departments E N V I R O N M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 13 - 7 DRAFT OCTOBER 2023  Goal 2: Access to Energy Efficient, Multi-Modal Transportation Options Objective: 2.1 Reduce the community’s dependence on automobiles and prioritize opportunities for other modes of transportation Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 2.1.1 Encourage walking and biking transportation options through infrastructure improvements and Engineering Department incentives. L Community Development Department Objective: 2.2 More energy efficient forms of transportation are promoted and used whenever possible Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 2.2.1 Make improvements to the transportation network and programs through partnerships with state and City Clerk’s Office non-profit organizations, neighboring communities, and residents. S Engineering Department Central Garage/Street Department 2.2.2 Expand electric vehicle adoption and access while considering unique impacts of electric vehicles on S Natural Resources and roads. Sustainability Office 2.2.3 Consider electrification of the City’s bus system. O City Clerk’s Office Objective: 2.3 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 and trail networks Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 2.3.1 Balance transportation needs with protection of recreational areas and the environment through City Clerk’s Office efficiencies, route evaluations, and limiting pollutants on the roads. Central Garage/Street O Department Community Development Department Objective: 2.4 Those with limited mobility or transportation options are included in the decision making related to energy-efficient multi-modal transportation Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 2.4.1 Become a state leader in accessible transportation by considering accessibility in all transportation City Clerk’s Office decision making S Community Development Department Engineering Department 1 3 - 8 W I N O N A CO M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N Goal 3: Sustainable Water Resource Practices Objective: 3.1 Work to ensure sustainable use of aquifers Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 3.1.1 Protect our groundwater aquifers and drinking water from overuse and pollutants through reduction of Water Department use measures and protection of source waters. O Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 3.1.2 Coordinate efforts with local partners, including meeting WinLac One Watershed, One Plan objectives. L Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 3.1.3 Clarify water bills to be more understandable. Natural Resources and S Sustainability Office Finance Department 3.1.4 Consider tiering of pricing structures. Water Department S Finance Department Objective: 3.2 Protect water resources such as streams, rivers, lakes, springs, seeps and wetlands to maintain the quality of the natural environment Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 3.2.1 Expand use of native landscaping techniques, educate on the value of water smart plantings, and Natural Resources and facilitate incentives for water smart plant installation. S Sustainability Office Park & Rec Department 3.2.2 Protect surface waters from pollutants carried in stormwater runoff by implementing best practices for Natural Resources and infiltration of stormwater, restoring lakeshores, and reducing impervious surfaces. Sustainability Office L Public Works Park & Rec Department 3.2.3 Provide public education on runoff impacts. O Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 3.2.4 Work to minimize the use of de-icing chemicals, and monitor chloride levels in water bodies receiving Streets Department chloride runoff. L Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 3.2.5 Implement best practices for snow removal to minimize contaminates that affect water resources. Streets Department L Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 3.2.6 Examine potential for reducing stormwater fees for stormwater improvements that are made over and S Natural Resources and above City requirements. Sustainability Office E N V I R O N M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 13 - 9 DRAFT OCTOBER 2023  Objective: 3.3 Lead by example with city facilities and operations best practices Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 3.3.1 Implement water saving fixtures at all City buildings. City Manager’s Office O Building Maintenance Department 3.3.2 Implement industry-leading best practices for managing stormwater infrastructure budgeting. L Public Works Department Objective: 3.4 Improve Lake Winona’s water quality to achieve state standards or better Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 3.4.1 Reduce the phosphorous loads within Lake Winona and its watershed in accordance with the total L Natural Resources and maximum daily load developed for the lake. Sustainability Office 3.4.2 Improve management of Lake Park by increasing native plant buffers, reducing the amount of mowed Natural Resources and lawn, and protecting the wetlands. S Sustainability Office Park Maintenance Department 3.4.3 Provide training to City staff on relevant best practices to reduce runoff. O Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 3.4.4 Control shoreline erosion and restore shoreline in priority areas. Natural Resources and L Sustainability Office Park Maintenance Department 3.4.5 Implement the waterfowl management plan to control the goose population. Natural Resources and L Sustainability Office Park Maintenance Department 1 3 - 1 0 W I N O N A CO M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N Goal 4: Waste Reduction and Reuse Objective: 4.1 Follow the reduce > reuse >recycle hierarchy to minimize waste for residential, institutional, and commercial users Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 4.1.1 Support strengthening of Winona County’s recycling programs. L Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 4.1.2 Improve disposal processes and compliance. S Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 4.1.3 Reduce waste production through re-use of materials and material exchange. S Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 4.1.4 Reduce construction and demolition waste and implement reuse initiatives. Natural Resources and Sustainability Office L Community Development Department 4.1.5 Add recycling containers in city buildings, parks, and the downtown. Park Maintenance Department S Building Maintenance Department Objective: 4.2 Options for management of organic waste and compost materials will become more available Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 4.2.1 Explore and implement a food composting program or campaign. L Natural Resources and Sustainability Office E N V I R O N M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 13 - 11 DRAFT OCTOBER 2023  Goal 5: Sustainable Stewardship of Winona’s Natural Resources Objective: 5.1Work cooperatively with other units of government, institutions and organizations to manage growth without compromising the natural environment Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 5.1.1 Manage wildlife and invasive species with local partners, such as the United States Fish and Wildlife L Natural Resources and Service and the Department of Natural Resources. Sustainability Office Objective: 5.2 Protect the ecological integrity of the river corridor, bluff land areas and steep slopes, and other valued resources Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 5.2.1 Establish long range plans for natural resources in public spaces. Natural Resources and Sustainability Office S Planning Office Park & Recreation Department 5.2.2 Budget to maintain and protect existing natural areas. Natural Resources and O Sustainability Office City Manager’s Office Objective: 5.3 Lead in environmental protection standards Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 5.3.1 Utilize best practices to protect or enhance ecosystems and bluff land, waterways, and shoreline L Natural Resources and restoration. Sustainability Office 5.3.2 Meet or exceed state standards for environmental protection. O Planning Office 1 3 - 1 2 W I N O N A CO M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N Objective: 5.4 Increase and restore natural ecosystems Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 5.4.1 Restore urban tree canopy through tree planting. Natural Resources and O Sustainability Office Tree Crew 5.4.2 Maintain existing trees in line with industry best practices to ensure a healthy tree canopy. O Tree Crew 5.4.3 Establish protective ordinances and public education for maintaining a healthy tree canopy on private Natural Resources and land. S Sustainability Office Tree Crew Objective: 5.5 Educate the community about sustainable stewardship Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 5.5.1 Utilize park programming, sessions in schools, and other community events to meet people where they Natural Resources and are and provide valuable education connections. L Sustainability Office Park & Rec Department E N V I R O N M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 13 - 13 DRAFT OCTOBER 2023  Goal 6: Local Food Production and Access Objective: 6.1 Support local food for health, food scarcity, economic, and environmental benefits Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 6.1.1 Support the creation of resource hubs and food libraries to access locally grown foods and connect local L Natural Resources and vendors to market opportunities. Sustainability Office 6.1.2 Evaluate and improve city codes to make local food, gardening, individual foraging, and harvesting Community Development more accessible. Department S Park & Rec Department Objective: 6.2 Any utilization of public land for community gardening should follow sustainable principles Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 6.2.1 Expand access to community gardening. S Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 6.2.2 Provide education to build residents’ knowledge of community gardening. O Park and Recreation Department 1 3 - 1 4 W I N O N A CO M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N Goal 7: Communication, Implementation, and Evaluation of Sustainability Efforts Objective: 7.1 Foster environmental stewardship Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 7.1.1 Public communication about sustainability and resilience. O Natural Resources and Sustainability Office Objective: 7.2 Accountability and engagement, within the city and externally, to promote plan implementation and behavior change Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 7.2.1 Review and refine process through an annual or biennial review. S City Manager’s Office 7.2.2 Expand sustainability education, training, and practices among city employees. S Natural Resources and 7.2.3 Establish a City of Winona Sustainability Commission. Sustainability Office S Objective: 7.3 Bolster the resilience of physical infrastructure and awareness about how to prepare and act in the event of shocks or stressors Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 7.3.1 Develop extreme weather preparation strategies in response to climate change. Fire Department L Public Works Department 7.3.2 Proactively pursue projects to promote infrastructure resiliency. Public Works Department L Natural Resources and Sustainability Office 7.3.3 Conduct a community climate change and resiliency assessment. S Natural Resources and Sustainability Office Objective: 7.4 Evaluate potential environment justice issues Implementation Strategies: Phasing Lead and Coordinating Agencies 7.4.1 Evaluate new developments through the lens of environmental justice to gain an understanding of the O Community Development environmental impacts of development. Department 7.4.2 Consider ways to address environmental justice issues (such as inequitable tree cover, affordable City Manager’s Office and adequate housing access, drainage and pollutants) by budgeting for planning, remediation, and implementation. S Natural Resources and Sustainability Office E N V I R O N M E N T & S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 13 - 15 DRAFT OCTOBER 2023  We treasure our natural resources, parks, and trails as a source of enjoyment and recreation activities for all residents and visitors. We will actively preserve, enhance, and increase accessibility to our environment for future generations. 1 3 - 1 6 W I N O N A CO M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N