HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.B. City Council Sustainability Goals Update 4ROSEMOUNTEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
CITY COUNCIL
City Council Work Session Meeting Date: October 9, 2013
AGENDA ITEM: City Council Sustainability Goals Update AGENDA SECTION:
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PREPARED BY: Kim Lindquist, Community Development AGENDA NO
Director, Jason Lindahl, AICP, Planner,
Clarissa Hadler, Comm. Dev. Intern
ATTACHMENTS: GreenStep Cities Program Table, APPROVED BY:
GreenSteps Cities Work Plan, Excerpt
from STAR Communities Technical Guide-
Built Environment, Resilient Communities
Application .AD)
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Review Various Sustainability Programs and Provide
Staff Direction.
SUMMARY
Sustainability is more in vogue than previously and there are several programs that have come to the
City's attention as potential assessment tools to determine areas of improvement. The two programs
previously discussed with the Council are the GreenSteps program and the STAR Communities
program. We are currently a participant in the GreenSteps program and have been designated a Step
2 City. Regarding the STAR Communities,we are ready to embark on the assessment associated
with the metrics of the program. This is a complex process which requires gathering a lot of
information and, perhaps, reformatting that information so it is in the form necessary to adequately
respond to the questionnaire.
On the next page is a quick review of the two programs. Staff has worked on the GreenSteps
program from time to time and has attempted to point out when particular action items would meet
GreenSteps goals. Implementation of the STAR Communities program is much more time
intensive. Additionally, the City was contacted about a Leadership program within the STAR
Communities with enhanced service by the STAR staff for an additional cost. More recently staff
has been contacted about a program relating to measuring the resources used by a community
through ULI, Regional Indicators Initiative, and also there is the Resilient Communities program,
while not solely related to sustainability,it does have individual studies that are.
Sustainability Programs
Criteria GreenSteps STAR Communities
Status Fully Implemented Program with Full detailed program available earlier in
47 MN Cities Started in 2010 2013.
Leadership program available Jan-Dec 2014.
Program Costs None $500 - $5000 (with potential for financial
assistance)
Certification 3 Levels. Rosemount has Unrated, 3 STAR,4 STAR, 5 STAR
Levels _ achieved 2°d Level
Criteria 5 Topic Areas with 28 Best 7 Topic Areas with 44 Objectives, each of
Practices which has 1 —5 measurable Outcomes and
up to 12 Local Actions.
Scoring Complete/Incomplete with 1 to Weighted Values based on type of Objective,
3 Stars Outcome, or Action.
GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Minnesota GreenSteps Cities program is a free and fully implemented initiative tailored to
Minnesota cities based on the environmental goals detailed in the State's Next Generation Energy
Act of 2007. The program includes 5 topic areas and 28 best practices intended to save local
governments time and money,reduce energy consumption and encourage innovation. Each best
practice can be implemented by completing one or more of the 168 action steps.
The program's topic areas and best practices are detailed in the attached table. The table also
includes Rosemount's implementation status for each best practice. As noted above, staff
completed the GreenSteps program assessment last year and the community was awarded Step 2
status based on completing four required best practices (one each in Land Use and Transportation
and two in Environmental Management) and seven optional best practices (three in Land Use, three
in Environmental Management and one in Economic and Community Development).
To achieve Step 3 status, the City must complete at least 5 more required best practices (1 each in
Building and T.ighting,Transportation and Environmental Management and 2 in Economic and
Community Development). These required best practices are detailed in the attached work plan.
STAR COMMUNITIES PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The STAR Communities program was initiated in 2007 by its founding partners including Local
Governments for Sustainability, the U.S. Green Building Council,the National League of Cities,and
the Center for American Progress. In 2012,
ogress these organizations incorporated STAR Communities
as an independent organization with headquarters in the Washington D.C. The mission of this
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organization is to address the needs of U.S. cities, towns and counties seeking a common framework
for sustainability.
The program focuses on a wide variety of sustainability issues ranging from environmental issues to
arts and culture, civic and human rights, and historic preservation. The program's seven topic areas
and 44 objectives are detailed in the attached STAR Communities Rating System chart.
STAR Communities pilot phase started in April 2012 with 32 North American cities. The full STAR
Communities program became available earlier this year. City of Rosemount currently has a
"Participating STAR Community" subscription at a cost of$500/year which simply allows access to
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the STAR Communities Manual/ Framework. In order to become certified, there would be an
additional cost of a$1500"Reporting Community" subscription, and a$1500 Certification Fee. The
"Leadership STAR Community"program is available from January 2014—December 2014,at a cost
of$5000,to which our current$500 subscription can be applied,and the$1500 certification fee is
included. Financial assistance is available for the Leadership program fee as well as program
implementation expenses such as additional staff. The program emphasizes the importance of
involvement from other community organizations, so applications that include leveraged financial
and/or in-kind resources will receive prioritization in the review process. The Leadership program
includes out-of-state training but not expenses, for two staff in January, ongoing webinars and
support from STAR staff,peer support from other Leadership communities, and assistance in
publicizing the initiative.
Without the Leadership level commitment, the City will receive one hour of support time from the
STAR Communities staff.
Application for participation and scholarships are due October 15th. Decisions will be announced
November 1". Payment for the program is due December 15th.
REGIONAL INDICATORS INITIATIVE
A third opportunity is the Regional Indicators Initiative which is a community assessment tool
relating to energy&water use,vehicle miles traveled,carbon emissions,and waste generated.
Information is compiled and then assessed. Please see below for a quick summary,website and
article:
As a city that has shown its dedication to sustainability,we urge you to consider participating
in the Regional Indicators Initiative (RII). This is a great program that tracks five years of
data for energy,water, travel,waste, and greenhouse gas emissions on a citywide scale.The
attached document gives an overview of the project and you can see the results for the first
20 cities they've completed at the RII website (http://regionalindicatorsmn.uli.org/).
This Star Tribune article also does a good job of describing the program.
This program is especially valuable to:
• GreenStep Cities: helping cities track how effective their selected best practices are at
"moving the needle" toward sustainability;
• Cities adjacent to the existing or proposed LRT routes: tracking the impact of the light rail
on vehicle travel;and
• Cities outside the metropolitan area: revealing trends from different areas of the state.
The city staff commitment required for this initiative is extremely limited. Staff will be asked to
request the energy data from the utility companies (using a form letter and contact information
that is provided by the RII team) and provide potable water consumption data. The cost to a city
is only$3,000 for 5 years of data (2008-2012), as most of the cost is covered by state grants
(through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Department of Commerce) and pro
bono services (from LHB, Inc. and ORANGE Environmental,LLC).
It is unclear what the long-term use of the data would be. It could be used for benchmarking against
future development in the community. In other words, after UMore (or some portion thereof)
would the results be different and how.
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RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
The Resilient Communities is another program which has sustainability overtones,particularly
layered in several projects the City had proposed last year. If the program continues on the same
timeline an application would be due next February and b a d with selection of the community in later
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spring. If chosen,it is anticipated that a significant amount of staff time would be required for
oversight and information gathering for the various studies undertaken throughout the year long
process.The previous application is attached for the Council's reference but some of the requested
studies have been addressed or are not the priority they once were. Staff would expect the new
application would be updated to reflect new council goals.
CONCLUSION
Staff has brought this item to the Council because there are a variety of programs that address
certain aspects of sustainability and energy efficiency. There is a range in cost participation for the
programs, and in some cases,it is unclear if these programs fulfill Council goals. It is also unclear
what the information would provide for further action or next steps. In the case of the Resilient
Communities and the STAR Communities, these are labor intensive projects. Furthermore,prior to
embarking on the work for assessing the community through the STAR Communities, staff wanted
to ensure the Council understood what type of criteria was used in the evaluation and the amount of
staff time needed to compile the information. Without laying out a specific work program,it is
estimated that city staff time would be in the range of 200 hours to complete the STAR
Communities assessment. We do have a planning intern who is organizing the project but right now
she is budgeted for one day a week. If the Council wants to move forward with the STAR
Communities,it may make some sense to join the Leadership group,as it will provide more
resources from the STAR Communities organization to complete the assessment task.
Staff is uncomfortable recommending participation in all the above programs as there appears to be
outcome overlap and a fair amount of staff and financial resources would need to be dedicated to
successfully participate. Anticipating the future, staff questions whether staff has the capacity to
participate in the STAR Communities program and support the Resilient Communities program if
selected.
RECOMMENDATION
At this time, staff is requesting direction from the Council about the following:
Which programs would the Council like to participate in, and at what financial level?
If program participation is a high priority,what resources can be dedicated to making the program
successful?
What outcomes are anticipated?
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GreenStep Cities Program Requirements ( Implementation Status
A Your City
Buildings& 1 Efficient Existing Public Buildings Required Incomplete
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2 'Efficient Existing Private Buildings Incomplete
3 New Green Buildings Incomplete
4 'Efficient Building&Street Lighting and Signals Incomplete
5 Building Reuse Incomplete
Buildings&Lighting BPs Required/Completed 1 0
16 Comprehensive Planning and Implementation Required Complete
7 Efficient City Growth Complete
8 Efficient and Healthy Development Patterns Complete
9 Efficient Highway-Oriented Development Incomplete
10 Conservation Design Complete
Land Use BPs Required/Completed 1 4
Transportatio11" 11 Complete Green Streets Required Incomplete
12 Mobility Options Required Complete
13 Efficient City Fleets Incomplete
14 Demand-Side Travel Planning Incomplete
Transportation BPs Required/Completed 2 1
Environmental 15 Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Required Incomplete
Management
16 Urban Forests Required Complete
17 Ecologic Stormwater Management Required Complete
MIME 18 Parks and Trails Complete
1 19 Surface Water Quality Complete
_ f 20 Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities Incomplete
21 Septic Systems Complete
22 Solid Waste Reduction Incomplete
" 23 Local Air Quality Incomplete
Environmental BPs Required/Completed 3 5
Economic &
Community 24 Benchmarks&Community Engagement Required Achievable
Development
25 Green Business Development Required Incomplete
26 Renewable Energy Incomplete
27 Local Food Complete
28 Business Synergies Incomplete
Development BPs Required/Completed 2 1
Floating BPs (additional to required BPs) 19 6
Total BPs Required(including floating) 9 3
GreenStep Work Plan to Qualify as a Step 3 City
Building&Lighting- Efficient Existing Public Buildings
Complete actions 1 and 2 as well as at least one from actions 3 through 7
1. Enter baseline information into the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking database and routinely
enter monthly energy use data from all city-owned buildings.
2. Make no/low cost facility operations &maintenance changes to city-owned/school
buildings to reduce energy costs.
3. Invest in energy efficiency opportunities through recommissioning/retrofitting city-
owned/school buildings or by using the Guaranteed Energy Savings Program.
4. Implement information technology efforts and city employee engagement to reduce plug
loads and building energy use.
5. Document that the new construction or major remodeling of public buildings has met or
qualifies for a green building framework.
6. Document that the operations &maintenance of city-owned/school buildings meet or
qualify for a green building framework.
7. Install in at least one city-owned/school building at least one of the following energy
efficiency measures:
a. A ground-source,closed loop geothermal system where net greenhouse gases are less
than those generated by the system being replaced.
b. A distributed fossil fuel energy technology for full-time combined heat and power
energy generation: micro-turbine, fuel cell,reciprocating engine.
Transportation- Complete Streets
Complete action 1 and two additional actions.
1. Adopt a complete streets policy that also addresses street trees and stormwater.
2. Adopt zoning language or approve a development agreement for a selected area/project that
is substantially equivalent to LEED for Neighborhood Development certification,including
credits for Walkable Streets and Street Network.
3. Document inclusion/installation of green infrastructure elements as well as grey
infrastructure elements in at least one complete streets reconstruction project.
4. Identify,prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity within your
road network by, for example, adding a bike route/lane, truck route or sidewalk.
5. Identify and remedy street-trail gaps between city streets and offroad trails/bike trails to
better facilitate walking and biking.
6. Implement traffic calming measures,including road diets and depaving,in at least one street
redevelopment project.
Environmental Management—Purchasing
Complete Action 1 and at least one other action.
1. Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy or administrative
guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:
a. EnergyStar certified equipment and appliances and
b. Paper containing at least 30%post-consumer recycled content.
2. Purchase energy used by city government from renewable energy sources.
3. Establish a local purchasing preference and,working with a local business association,
develop a list of locally-produced products and suppliers for common purchases.
4. Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense-certified products.
5. Set minimum standards for the percentage of recycled-content material in asphalt and
roadbed aggregate or other construction materials.
6. Require printing services to be purchased from companies certified by Minnesota Great
Printers or by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership.
7. Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city.
8. Use state and national green standards/guidelines for at least 3 categories of purchasing.
Economic and Community Development - Benchmarks & Community Development
Complete actions 1 and 2.
1. Use a committee to lead, coordinate and report to community members on implementation
of GreenStep best practices.
2. Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans and report to community members
data that show progress toward meeting these goals.
3. Engage community members in a public process that results in city council adoption of and
commitment to measure and report on progress toward sustainability indicators.
4. Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign involving:
a. The entire community
b. Homeowners
c. Block clubs/neighborhood associations
d. Congregations
e. Schools and youth
5. Conduct or support a community education,visioning and planning initiative using a
sustainability framework such as:
a. Strong Towns,Natural Capitalism.
b. Transition initiatives,Post-Carbon Cities.
c. Eco-municipalities/The Natural Step, ecological footprint,permaculture.
d. ISO 14001, Genuine Progress.
e. Healthy communities,multi-generation learning.
Economic and Community Development- Green Business Development
Complete at least two actions.
1. Support new/emerging green businesses and green jobs through targeted assistance.
2. Connect businesses with assistance providers,including utilities,who provide personalized
energy,waste or sustainability audits and assistance.
3. Actively promote green tourism resources to tourism and hospitality businesses in/around
the city.
4. Strengthen value-added businesses utilizing local waste products and renting
products/services.
5. Lower the environmental footprint of a brownfield remediation/redevelopment project.
6. Promote green businesses that certify under a local,regional or national program.
7. Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign.
R0c4IEMOUNT
MINNESOTA
Resilient Communities Application
1. Community Information:
Community Name: Rosemount Minnesota
City Administrator: Dwight Johnson
RCP Coordinator: Kim Lindquist,Community Development Director
Kim.Lindquist @ci.rosemount.mn.us
651-322-2020
Community Development Department
2875 145th Street West
Rosemount,MN 55068
2. Sustainability Statement. The City's Comprehensive Plan recognizes that natural resources and
their associated benefits contribute to the community's desirability and are a key factor in its
growth.The City of Rosemount is a growing community and as such is looking forward to
guiding growth and promoting community-wide programs that will create a sustainable
community in all facets of residents'and business owners'lives.The City Council desires to
address all three components of sustainability:economy,society and the environment.The City
Council has committed to sustainability goals by participating in the Green Steps and Star City
programs,creating an internal"green team,"and investing in public infrastructure that is
efficient and sustainable.The City Council adopted 2012-13 Goals to make Rosemount a more
sustainable community and currently has draft 2013 Goals which reinforce their sustainability
goals.The implementation strategies include adding community,cultural,and leisure activities to
add vibrancy to our quality of life,building public infrastructure improvements,encouraging
private investment and development,increasing community transportation and transit
connections,expanding public and local business interactions and communications to increase
the vitality of the local economy,and increasing lifecycle housing options including senior,
rental,and affordable housing.The Resilient Communities'project goals are consistent with and
complement the goals of the current City Council and would assist in implementing strategies to
achieve those goals.
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3. The City's Port Authority,the economic development arm of the city,adopted a variety of goals
and implementation strategies in 2011.This document reinforces the economic sustainability
projects that are presented in this application.
http://www.ci.rosemount.mn.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/3
In partnership with the University of Minnesota,developing the UMore Park property will
provide opportunities to create a new development paradigm.The City is interested in extending
ideals and lessons learned to the other portions of the community as Rosemount continues to
develop and grow. The City Council is interested not only in the sustainability of the built
environment but also in exploring programs and policies that will bring sustainability concepts to
the community and provide a more resilient community for the future.
At the conclusion of the Resilient Communities Project partnership with the University of
Minnesota,the City of Rosemount will review each of the proposed projects to gauge its
completeness and define strategies for implementation.A project matrix will define differing
strategies and benchmark progress. In some cases,projects can be incorporated into the routine
tasks of the City. In other cases,new programs,ordinances,and policies may need to be
adopted.
HOUSING ISSUES
Multiple-Generational Housing:Project Lead:Jason Lindahl, Planner, Community Development
Department. Lennar Homes is constructing its NextGen home which is billed as "a complete suite
with bedroom,eat-in kitchenette and living room. It can be integrated into a home's living space or
kept as a private residence." While Lennar may be reacting to trends to include multiple-
generational housing,these home designs do not comply with most cities' single family residence
zoning codes.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to evaluate how to regulate these
homes to ensure compliance with the stated intention, to provide multi-generational housing. City
staff is concerned that these homes will not be used by multiple generational homeowners over time
but instead become neighborhoods of rental duplexes. Some specific areas of concern are parking,
aesthetics,maintenance,and absentee landlords. Staff would like a review of existing practices in
other communities and evaluation of ordinance language to assess what is more appropriate to meet
City goals.The study should also explore other opportunities to permit innovative housing options
to promote lifecycle housing in the community.
This project provides a sustainable social impact because it would enhance the City's stock
of lifecycle housing and improve children's interactions and relations with their expanded relatives
(i.e. grandparents,aunts and uncles,or cousins). This project is relevant to the City because it would
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help fulfill the City Council's goal to increase community lifecycle housing options by addressing
households that are often more multi-generational.
Potential Partnership.: Lennar,Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA)
Affordable Single-Family Housing:Project Lead,Jason Lindahl, Planner, Community Development
Department. Affordable housing in Rosemount is predominately provided through apartments and
townhouses. Commonly, suburban communities have been criticized on the basis that their single
family zoning districts require large lots that increase the cost of the housing beyond an affordable
value. Rosemount,as well as some neighboring communities,have approved small lot
developments but the homes constructed are often greater than 2,000 square feet and remain
unaffordable under the definition of the Metropolitan Council.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to review affordable
neighborhoods and interview affordable housing developers/contractors. The outcome should be a
series of recommendations on how to get small lot developments into the hands of developers
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willing to construct affordable housing. The City is also interested in projects that allow single
family affordable housing and what techniques were used to obtain affordability goals.
This project provides a sustainable economic and social impact because it will supply
additional affordable housing options while enhancing the city's stock of lifecycle housing. This
project is relevant to the City because it would help fulfill the City Council's goals to identify and
implement best sustainability practices and to increase community lifecycle housing options by
addressing rental,senior and affordability needs. This project could also help implement the
Comprehensive Plan goal to increase housing opportunities in the community to attain a balance of
life cycle housing options.
Potential Partnerships: Dakota County CDA,Habitat for Humanity
Private Student Housing for Dakota County Technical College (DCTC): Project Lead,Eric
Zaveber, Senior Planner, Community Development Department. Dakota County Technical College (DCTC)
is moving toward a complete college experience. DCTC has begun junior college athletics and has
expanded programs. The next opportunity DCTC would like to provide is student housing,but
DCTC does not want to construct,own,or manage the housing. Student housing typically looks
like apartments but needs to function quite differently with more durable construction,shorter
rental terms,affordable rents,and multiple unrelated student households.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to investigate the difference
between privately owned student housing and typical market rate apartment developments.
Students may also explore the market for student housing adjacent to DCTC and the desire of
apartment developers/managers/owners to construct housing aimed at college students.
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This project provides sustainable economic and environmental impacts because it will
provide housing options for students not currently available and reduce greenhouse gases by
reducing the vehicle miles that DCTC students would need to travel to attend classes. This project
is relevant to the City because it would help fulfill the City Council's goal to increase community
lifecycle housing options by addressing rental, senior and affordability needs.
Potential Partnerships: DCTC
COMMUNICATIONS AND NEIGHBORHOOD ENGAGEMENT
Neighborhood Cohesion:Project Lead,Alan Cox, Communications,Administration Department. The
most recent resident survey(Decision Resources,Inc.,2007) shows a distinction between people
who feel strong ties to the entire community(45%) and those who feel strong ties to the
neighborhood but not to the rest of the City (43%). Sixty-nine percent(69%)were able to name
their neighborhood,and ninety-four percent (94%) felt a part of their neighborhood.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students determine how the City can
support healthy neighborhood cohesion but prevent neighborhoods from feeling isolated or
unattached to the rest of the community.The City is interested in determining what a neighborhood
is:what are the locational aspects and characteristics with which people identify.And what is the
appropriate size of the"neighborhood" from a household,area,or distance measurement that
allows good communication and social interaction.The City would like to identify the appropriate
"neighborhood"unit that can be used for regular interactions with the City. The goal is to be able to
disseminate information that may be useful to the distinct neighborhoods,everything from police
information and block captains,to information about new developments,park improvements,and
road construction projects,to issues affecting the entire community equally.
The City is looking for suggestions about the appropriate size of a"neighborhood" and how
to best to disseminate public information. One component of the study should be a city-wide map
which proposes the appropriate neighborhood groups.
This project provides a sustainable social impact because it would facilitate communication
and social interaction resulting in an enhanced quality of life for Rosemount residents. This project
is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City Council's draft 2013 goal to maintain an engaged,
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healthy,inviting,prepared and safe community. This project would also implement the
Comprehensive Plan goal to collaborate and provide services to all groups of residents.
Potential Partnerships: This is a joint proposal with the Administration,Police,and Planning
Departments;all interested in participation on an as needed basis.
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Civic Engagement and Volunteerism:Project Lead, Emmy Foster,Assistant City Administrator,
Administration Department. Rosemount,like all communities large and small,has people or
organizations that need assistance, such as food shelves, student tutoring,or senior citizen
assistance. Rosemount also has a number of individuals who either volunteer their time or would
volunteer if they were aware of an organization they would find rewarding to assist. Matching or
engaging the organization with needs with people willing to assist is at times difficult. Streamlining
the process of connecting organizations to the willing volunteers based upon skills and needs could
result in more volunteer hours occurring and less frustration.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to assess what civic needs currently
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lack volunteers,how to engage potential volunteers,and how to connect the two groups together.
The outcome of the project should be a technology-based solution (website/application) that
residents can access easily,at their leisure,and provide appropriate information about organizations.
Likewise, should there be a system for organizations to catalog volunteer needs and be able to search
for volunteers.
This project provides sustainable economic and social impacts because it would promote
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community through connecting volunteers and philanthropic organizations with charitable needs,as
well as provide more resources to residents in need. This project is relevant to the City because it
fulfills the City Council's goal to explore shared services and partnerships including volunteer
programs. This project would also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to collaborate and
provide services to all groups of residents.
Potential Partnerships: Community Organizations,Fraternal Associations,Religious Institutions,
OneRosemount Group.
Homeowner Association Collaboration: Project Lead, Christine Watson, Public Works Coordinator,
Public Works Department. Several residential developments within the City have a homeowners
association (HOA). Opportunities for collaboration and partnership with these associations for
activities that provide public benefit may improve the delivery of these services. Examples include
maintenance of public common areas,parks,ponds,and wetland,with maintenance activities
including mowing,trimming and snow removal. An education component should also be
investigated regarding public services and responsibilities versus private covenants and
responsibilities and enforcement of both public ordinances and private covenants.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to interview some of Rosemount's
HOAs and determine if any of their goals and/or programs overlap the City's. The outcome would
be a series of recommendations for collaboration and partnerships.
This project provides sustainable economic,social and environmental impacts because it
would enhance communication between the City and residents as well as improve the delivery of
public and private services which would reduce the total resources used and save both parties
money. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City Council's goals to explore
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shared services and partnerships and to maintain an engaged,healthy,inviting,prepared and safe
community. This project would also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to collaborate and
provide services to all groups of residents.
Potential Partnerships: HOAs
Communications Methods:Project Lead,Alan Cox, Communications,Administration Department. The
City will need reliable ways to get messages to its residents and businesses. Printed newsletters have
been reduced for budget reasons and may not be effective with residents who mistake them for
"junk mail." Electronic communications (website,email list) do not reach a reliably large percentage
of the population. Social media reach often uninterested audiences. Efforts at interactivity are
limited by legal and political restrictions on content. Traditional media are shrinking in number and
in the space devoted to traditional civic topics.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to determine how the City can
reach and engage the majority of its interested stakeholders in a largely post-print world.The City is
interested in discovering what messaging is most desired by the public and how people want to
receive City information--what can the City do to increase communication and by what modes.
Students should explore how to involve less engaged residents such as community youth--what
information is important to them about their city and how best to convey the message. Similarly,
what method of information dissemination are seniors most receptive to. In summary,how can the
City get and maintain a meaningful dialogue with the citizenry which has very diverse interests.
This project provides sustainable social and environmental impacts because it would
improve communication between the City and residents by identifying their changing and diverse
interests and the most effective methods to reach them and allows the City to limit the use of
resource heavy communication methods such as printed newsletters. This project is relevant to the
City because it fulfills the City Council's goals to explore shared services and partnerships and to
maintain an engaged,healthy,inviting,prepared and safe community. This project would also
implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to collaborate and provide services to all groups of
residents.
Potential Partnerships: Rosemount Area Seniors,Rosemount Family Resource Center,ISD #196.
Prioritizing Residents' Preferences into Community Amenity Capital Planning: Project Lead
Tom Schuster,Parks Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. Do local residents really know what
amenities our community has to offer? Like most cities,Rosemount has a well established but still
expanding system of parks and trails. Traditional methods of communicating with residents about
park development and promoting programs and facilities are becoming less effective each year. New
technologies and social media challenge us to rethink how we communicate with potential park and
facility users.This study will determine the effectiveness of our current communication and
promotion efforts and suggest ways to improve and continually monitor the usefulness of our
interaction with our clients.
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Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to explore the current and expected
social technologies that can be used to engage citizens into the recreational opportunities available to
Rosemount residents. Additionally,the students should explore how students can get more
involved and engaged in the creation or maintenance of new recreational opportunities similar to
(and more successful than) the "adopt a park"program.
This project provides sustainable economic and social impacts because it would improve the
amount of use that facilities would receive and increase the efficiency of City operations by
evaluating current communication and promotion techniques while identifying methods to monitor
and enhance these efforts. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City Council's
goal to increase technology and workflow measurements for greater productivity and customer
satisfaction. This project would also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to collaborate and
provide services to all groups of residents.
Potential Partnerships: Rosemount Area Athletic Association
RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE
Recreational Programming for Children's Interaction with Nature: Project Lead:Tom Schuster,
Parks Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. Many recent studies have shown the beneficial
effects of nature based play for children.This topic is the basis for the highly respected and often
quoted book by Richard Louv,Last Child in the Woods,Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit
Disorder.Louv and others have shown that nature based play and connections with nature improve
children's social skills,problem solving abilities,interpersonal relationships,and help decrease the
incidence of childhood obesity. In health care settings this nature connection has been shown to
speed healing and promote physical as well as emotional wellness.This study will look at the
availability of and need for nature based recreation here in Dakota County and Rosemount in
particular.The study will determine which nature based features can be incorporated into our
existing park system and where and how to expand our system to most efficiently include nature
based play facilities.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to assess the current park system as
compared to the nature based approach and determine what components are lacking or can be
enhanced.The City is interested in recommendations about future park improvements in existing
parks and planning for future parks. Design of recreational systems that will also address health and
activity to reduce childhood obesity is encouraged.
This project provides a sustainable social impact because it seeks to improve children's social
skills,problem solving abilities,interpersonal relationships,and help decrease childhood obesity.
This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City Council's goals to encourage
community,cultural and leisure events to add vibrancy to our quality of life. This project would
also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to collaborate and provide services to all groups of
residents.
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Potential Partnerships: Rosemount Area Athletic Association.
Recreational Opportunities for Underserved Populations:Project Lead:Lacelle Cordes, Recreation
Supervisor. As a growing City with young families,the City understands and focuses on sports and
activities for healthy and active youth and young adults. The City is less experienced with providing
activities (particularly outdoor athletic activities) for more specialized needs populations,such as
mentally or physically disabled individuals or senior citizens. The City's current activities are focused
at the indoor senior center or Rosemount Area Athletic Association uses of City or school district
facilities.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to evaluate the City's current
athletic facilities and programs for usefulness to underserved groups. Further, the City desires
recommendations on how to athletic facilities and programs can be more accommodating to specific
underserved populations.
This project provides a sustainable social impact by enriching the quality of life for disabled
and disadvantaged Rosemount residents. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the
City Council's goal to encourage leisure events to add vibrancy to our quality of life. This project
would also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to collaborate and provide services to all groups
of residents.
Potential Partnerships: Rosemount Area Athletic Association,Rosemount Area Seniors
Community Gathering Spaces:Project Leach Dan Schulte Director,Parks and Remotion Department.
The City is looking for opportunities to maximize the benefits of public spaces in the community.
Parks are by definition a gathering space for active and passive uses. However,the City is interested
in making these spaces more of a destination not only because of the activities programmed in the
space but also because of the space itself. Further,the City has a historic Downtown that has a more
dense development pattern.The Steeple Center is located in Downtown and is a public assembly
space,and a soon to be public senior center and private senior housing project will occupy the
remainder of the site,providing an opportunity for creation of an important public open space.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to identify characteristics of place-
making in a suburban setting.The students are asked to review the existing development pattern in
the community and suggest areas that can be transformed into more of a destination through
redesign.Further,the City is requesting specific concepts to be developed for the public gathering
place in the Steeple Center redevelopment project.
This project provides a sustainable social impact because it would enrich the quality of life
for Rosemount residents by enhancing public spaces to provide both recreational opportunities as
well as sense of place. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City Council's goal to
create well designed and diverse public spaces. This project would also implement the
Comprehensive Plan goal to collaborate and provide services to all groups of residents.
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Potential Partnerships: Dakota County Library,Rosemount Seniors Club,Rosemount Area Arts
Council,Rosemount Parks and Recreation Commission
Community Gardens:Project Lead. Tom Schuster,Parks Supervisor,Parks and Recreation Department.
For the last several years the City has provided open space areas for community gardening.While
initial interest is keen,ultimately many of the plots do not get used or are abandoned midway
through the summer.This is unfortunate as people were turned away from the program.How can
the City provide the program so there is a better participation rate?What programmatic
modifications can occur to increase program success?
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to review the current program and
procedures and recommend programmatic changes to improve participation and individual citizen
success. Students should review the administration of the program,the location of the plots,and
resources available at the various community plots.
This project provides sustainable economic,social and environmental impacts because it
allows residents to personally produce their food supply,enhances opportunities for social
interaction while improving overall public health,and reduces the amount of vehicle miles need for
food shipment. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City Council's goals to
maintain an engaged,healthy,inviting,prepared and safe community. This project would also
implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to preserve natural resources and opens space within the
community and ensure development does not adversely impact on-going agricultural uses until
urban services are available.
Potential Partnerships: University of MN tenants
Urban Agriculture:Project Lead Tom Schuster, Parks Supervisor,Parks and Recreation Department. The
City is interested in linking the community garden program with local farming in the community.
Are there linkages between the small community plot,the existing land farmers,and the tenant
farmers located over much of the eastern portion of Rosemount?Many of these farmers already sell
their product at local farmers markets.Are they encountering problems with local distribution
systems?Is there a mechanism to bring the various interests together and capitalize on their
involvement to bring fresh product to local markets,perhaps within Rosemount?Is it possible to
market the community as a center to obtain locally grown product and determine an appropriate
location for public sales?
Rosemount desire the University students review the existing agricultural framework in the
community and assess the distribution of goods chain.Are their opportunities for expansion and is
there the ability to bring various individuals into a cooperative or other structure. Students should
also explore the ability to capitalize on the existing local agricultural economy and marketing of local
product in Rosemount.
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This project provides a sustainable environmental impact because it reduces the amount of
vehicle miles need for food shipment. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City
Council's goals to maintain an engaged,healthy,inviting,prepared and safe community.
Potential Partnerships:University of MN farming tenants,local farmers.
DCTC Arboretum,Wetland Restoration, and Habitat at the City Ball Fields: Project Lead:Tom
Schuster, Parks Supervisor, Parks and Recreation Department. The University of Minnesota is working with
Dakota County Technical College to create an arboretum setting on DCTC lands adjoining the
UMore property.There are other public landholdings in the immediate area,including soccer and
ball fields managed by the City of Rosemount. Given the extent of open space in the area,a plan
and implementation strategy for meaningful connections to these well used public spaces is desired.
A large wetland,which has been degraded over the years through neglect,may provide an amenity
which can be incorporated into the plan.Work will complement the project currently being
undertaken with the University and DCTC and additional tasks may be identified through the
summer charette and anticipated work product.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to design a series of plans that
would connect these open spaces into a cohesive amenity. Further the City is requesting
investigation of existing wetlands;determining wetland boundary,assess wetland functionality;
research potential for wetland restoration and rehabilitation;and design implementation strategy.
This project provides a sustainable environmental impact because it seeks to preserve and
enhances the community's natural resources. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills
the City Council's goals to explore shared services and partnerships and create well designed and
diverse public spaces. This project would also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to preserve
natural resources and opens space within the community.
Potential Partnerships: DCTC,UMore Park,U of M Extension,SKB Environmental
Oak Savannah and Riverfront Restoration: Project Lead:Eric Zweber, Senior Planner, Community
Development Department. The Mississippi River is the northeastern boundary of Rosemount and the
bluffs and shoreline to the southwest of the river are within the Mississippi River Critical Area
Corridor and the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. The majority of this area is
owned by three entities: Flint Hills Resources;CF Industries;and Dakota County Parks. Flint Hills
has conducted some wildlife and habitat improvements with the assistance of the Friends of the
Mississippi River. CF Industries has installed new oak and pine trees while removing buckthorn and
other invasive species. Dakota County Parks has conducted prairie restoration and will be
constructing the Rosemount phase of the Mississippi River Trail Corridor this summer,which will
ultimately connect St. Paul to Hastings with a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian trail. While all these
natural resource investments are encouraging,they are also happening with little coordination
between the multiple entities.
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Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to review the natural resource
improvements and restoration work conducted and planned. Additionally,students should provide
recommendations on how the separate work can be coordinated;if any restoration work is obviously
being neglected;and how the restoration work can be coordinated and/or benefit the Mississippi
River Trail corridor experience.
This project provides a sustainable impact because it seeks to preserve,protect and restore
the community's natural resources. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City
Council's goals to explore shared services and partnerships and create well designed and diverse
public spaces. This project would also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to preserve natural
resources and opens space within the community.
Potential Partnerships: CF Industries,Dakota County Parks,Flint Hills,Friends of the Mississippi
River.
Analyze Athletic Stadium Turf Options: Project Lead Tom Schuster, Parks Supervisor, Parks and
Recreation Department. There is a growing demand for athletic fields in Rosemount. As new facilities
are planned there is a question whether to build natural turf or synthetic turf fields. Natural turf
fields cost less initially but require a high level of maintenance,ongoing and regular irrigation and
fertilization,and pest control. Natural turf fields can easily be damaged by play during inclement
weather and need periodic"rest" or recovery time between uses. Synthetic turf fields cost much
more initially but never require mowing,irrigation,or pest control. Synthetic turf fields allow for
and are not damaged by use in inclement weather and can support many more games/practices per
year without needing any recovery time. Neither type of sport surfacing lasts forever and so must be
replaced periodically.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to determine the cost benefit
analysis of each of these turf systems and suggest how many uses each surface can support per year,
and at what cost per use.
This project provides sustainable economic and environmental impacts because it would
provide a cost benefit analysis of natural versus synthetic turf systems and their impact on the
environment. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City Council's goals to
explore shared services and partnerships and create well designed and diverse public spaces. This
project would also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to preserve natural resources and opens
space within the community.
Potential Partnerships:DCTC,ISD 196,Irish Sports Dome
Turf Management and Landscaping:Project Lead Jim Koslowski, Public!Forks Supervisor, Public
Works Department. The City maintains facilities,parks,and athletic facilities. Techniques and
strategies for the effective and efficient maintenance of turf and landscaping while maintaining or
increasing service levels will assist the City with the long term maintenance of these facilities.
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Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to investigate what maintenance
techniques may reduce overall maintenance costs. Students would also investigate what landscape
materials and installation design increase chances for plant survival and maturation.The goal is to
define public process for installation,design,and maintenance of public landscaping features that
can be cost effective and provide public benefit.
This project provides a sustainable environmental impact through designing,installing and
maintaining of public landscaping. This project is relevant to the City because it fulfills the City
Council's goals to identify and implement best sustainability practices and create well designed and
diverse public spaces. This project would also implement the Comprehensive Plan goal to preserve
natural resources and opens space within the community.
Potential Partnerships: DCTC,ISD 196
Multiple Jurisdictional Athletic Fields:Project Lead.Dan Schulte Parks Director,Parks and Recreation
Department. All communities have a demand for athletic fields for scholastic teams,adult leagues,
and senior citizen activities. These fields are owned and maintained by different entities with
different clienteles. While all entities allow other groups to use their fields,each entity has different
rates for field rentals,different times unavailable for rentals,and different requirements or
limitations on the type of activity that can occur on the fields. The City of Rosemount is a growing
community,which may provide benefits for additional park space and athletic fields,but
concurrently will increase demand on the athletic fields.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to survey athletic field demands,
athletic fields available,ownership of the fields,and the limitation on the fields within Rosemount.
Additionally,the students would be expected to forecast the future athletic field demands (including
consideration of the growth of new athletic activities and programs),provide recommendation on
the new fields that are needed to be constructed,and provide recommendation on how the existing
fields can be used better.
This project provides a sustainable social impact by assisting the community in prioritizing
and planning for existing and future demands on public recreational activities. Organized
recreational pursuits are an important facet of family life,particularly in Rosemount which has a
fairly young overall population as many households have school age children.The project addresses
the 2012 City Council goal of ensuring the maintenance of key assets in the community.
Potential Partnerships: DCTC,ISD 196,ISD 917,Rosemount Area Athletic Association
12
SUSTAINABILITY AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY
Storm Water Management:Project Lead-Andy BrotZler, City Engineer/Public Works Director, Public
Works Department. The City's Storm Water Management Plan relies on the infiltration of all storm
water runoff. Most of Rosemount has sandy or gravelly soils that infiltrate well in summer and fall,
but infiltration does not occur to the same extent in the late winter or early spring when the snow
melts and the ground is still frozen. Additionally,the northwestern portion of Rosemount is rolling
woodlands with numerous wetlands and more clay soils that do not infiltrate well,even in the
summer.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to review strategies for infiltrating
storm water,particularly during snow melt condition.While there are other techniques to facilitate
infiltration,impacts on the groundwater must also be considered. Information from the students'
work will assist the City with implementation of a long-term storm water management plan.
Students should also evaluate the effectiveness of other strategies such as rain gardens,comparing
these strategies to the current implementations strategies found in the City's Plan. Staff is also asking
for strategies to enhance the aesthetics of storm water facilities and their long term viability and
maintenance. Specific recommendations should be made.
This project provides a sustainable environmental impact by exploring methods for
treatment and flood protection that are essential services to the community. Findings could
improve groundwater recharge,reduce capital infrastructure expenditures and provide public
amenities.The project is consistent with the City Council's draft 2013 goal of implementing
sustainable practices.
Potential Partnerships: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,Vermillion River Watershed Joint Power
Organization
Water Re-Use:Project Lean Rich Lonnquist, Engineering Technician, Public Works Department. This study
is to provide solutions for viable re-use of intermittent storm water flows,along with the
opportunity for re-using treated effluent from the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services
(MCES).There is a treated effluent outfall routed through Rosemount and re-use will reduce
demands on existing aquifers. Transport of the storm water is difficult since the existing municipal
water system cannot be used for its transportation. Engineering of a transportation system is part of
this study.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to research what are reasonable and
publically acceptable reuse solutions,considering existing regulatory hurdles. Determination of how
transference of the treated effluent to the"reuse" sites and potential costs associated should be
defined. The City is also interested in reuse ideas that individual homeowners can introduce into
their daily lives and creation of an education campaign to assist property owners in reuse and water
conservation methods.
13
This project provides a sustainable environmental impact by decreasing demand on the
groundwater aquifer.The project outcome is consistent with the 2013 City Council draft goals of
implementing sustainable practices.
Potential Partnerships: Vermillion River Watershed Joint Power Organization,Dakota County,
Metropolitan Council,Minnesota Department of Health,Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources,Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Location for a Rosemount Wetland Bank:Project Lead.Eric Zweber, Senior Planner, Community
Development. The City has few naturally occurring wetlands and therefore they are seen as an
amenity for the community. In certain instances,a wetland location prohibits orderly development
and should be filled.The City policy is to try and provide new wetlands within the City borders.
Because of soil types and property ownership,creation of a wetland is not always practical. In the
past,some developers have attempted to create a wetland consistent with the State Wetlands
Conservation Act (WCA),only to be unsuccessful.The City would like to create a local wetland
bank that would address State and Local regulations and also have it sited so that it can be an
amenity for the public,as well as providing water quality functions and wildlife habitat.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to evaluate soils within the
community,select several potential wetland banking locations,and make preliminary designs of
wetlands for future implementation. The location assessment should itemize costs and benefits
associated with each site,including land ownership.
This project provides a sustainable environmental impact by enhancing and increasing
natural resources in the City. The project is consistent with the City Council 2013 draft goal of
building public infrastructure improvements designed to encourage private investment
and implementing sustainable practices.
Potential Partnerships: Board of Soil and Water Management,Dakota County Soil and Water
Conservation District,Flint Hills,UMore Park,Vermillion River Watershed Joint Power
Organization
LED or Other High Energy Efficiency Lighting: Project Lead:Rich Lonnquist,Engineering
Technician,Public Works Department. The City owns and maintains over 170 street lights in addition to
facility lighting and athletic fields. Evaluating the pros and cons of transitioning to LED lighting has
been a challenge given the rapidly changing technology. Information on the latest technologies,cost
savings,and lighting comparisons will help the City make informed decisions about this transition.
Exploration of alternative power sources for public lighting should also be investigated.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students survey other Minnesota City,
County,or State agencies'use of LED or other energy efficient lighting and evaluate the
technology's use within Rosemount.The evaluation should include initial capital costs,ongoing
maintenance,and any specialized equipment necessary to successfully use and maintain an LED
public lighting program.
14
This project provides a sustainable environmental impact by reducing reliance on more
impactful energy sources and is consistent with the City Council's 2013 draft goal of implementing
best sustainability practices.
Potential Partnerships: Dakota Electric,Xcel Energy,Dakota County
Alternative Sources of Energy:Pr ject Lead, Christine Watson,Public Works Coordinator, Public Works
Department. Currently, City facilities are powered with traditional electrical services. For the various
City facilities including wells, fire stations,etc.,a review of alternative and sustainable sources of
energy to include solar and wind power will allow the City to make informed decisions about the
cost-benefit of utilizing these alternative sources of energy.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to review and recommend
alternative sources of electrical energy for City infrastructure. The alternative energy sources should
consider the scale,energy demand and duty cycle of the City infrastructure in providing the
recommendations.
This project provides a sustainable environmental impact by reducing the use of fossil fuels
in our community operations and aid in making long term decisions that could impact the economic
vitality of the community.The project is consistent with the City Council's 2013 draft goal of
building public infrastructure improvements designed to encourage private investment and
implementing sustainable practices.
Potential Partnerships: Great River Energy,Dakota Electric,Minnesota Energy
Travel Shed Analysis:Project Lead,Eric Zweber, Senior Planner, Community Development Department.
Dakota County,the Metropolitan Council,and Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA) are all
involved in planning and providing transit opportunities for Rosemount. The City has participated
on the Cedar Avenue Corridor Study and is a participant in the Robert Street Corridor Study. In part
due to the City's stage in development, the community does not always "score"well in traditional or
prescribed analysis for successful transit.The City is looking for the students to conduct a travel
shed analysis for Rosemount now and a projection in the future. This information will be used as the
basis for future transit and transportation planning for the community.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to analysis where Rosemount
residents work and how they get to work and similarly where employees within Rosemount live and
how the travel to work. The project should include maps and tabular data.
This project provides sustainable economic and environmental impacts by reducing
greenhouse gases and encouraging economic development.The project is consistent with the City
Council 2013 draft goal of improving community connections to transportation and transit systems.
Potential Partnerships: Dakota County Regional Rail Authority,MVTA,Metropolitan Council
15
LAND DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT
Development Framework for the South Gateway Area:Project Leath Eric Limber, Senior Planner,
Community Development Department. While Rosemount is actively growing east along County Road 42,
there are areas of Rosemount that have been incrementally developed through the 20th Century and
are candidates for redevelopment and/or reinvestment. One such area is the South Gateway area,
the area adjacent to South Robert Trail between County Road 42 (150th Street) and County Road 46
(160th Street). This area of Rosemount is particularly important because it serves as the gateway into
Rosemount from the south: from the communities of Empire Township,Farmington,and
Northfield.This area is also in proximity to existing residential development and future business
park properties. South Robert Trail is one of the primary corridors in Rosemount and is an A Minor
arterial on the MnDOT State system.
The area is currently zoned commercial,business park,and industrial and occupied by a
variety of business including fast food restaurants,car repair and other auto oriented businesses,
propane storage and intermodal facility,contractor yards,and professional offices. The buildings
within the area vary from Class A office to steel clad pole buildings and an aging commercial strip
mall. The City would like to evaluate the area;determine what uses and buildings deserve to be
retained and restored;determine if residential or mixed use is suitable and feasible;and determine
the highest and best use of the area. The City has applied for a Redevelopment Incentive Planning
grant from the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) to defray some of the
costs of the evaluation and visioning study.
The City understands that the entire scope of this project is beyond the time commitments
of a graduate student class project.The City would lead management of the project and desires
students to provide technical assistance on one or two aspects of the overall study. Rosemount
desires the University of Minnesota students to assist in a part of the planning project,such as
document and exhibit creation,business and owner interviews, financial and market evaluations,
potential grant and redevelopment assistance,or public participation.
This project provides a sustainable economic impact by providing direction and solutions for
development and redevelopment of an area that needs reinvestment. Creation of the Plan is
consistent with the adopted 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
Potential Partnerships: Dakota County CDA
Green Energy Impacts on Urban Development: Project Lead,Jason Lindahl,Planner, Community
Development Department. Several private green energy development proposals have been suggested
within Rosemount,including waste to energy,wind turbines,and biomass energy. While the goals
of providing energy with renewable resources can have regional and global benefits,they also can
have local impacts. The Environmental Assessment for the UMore wind turbine stated that the no
use could occur within 640 feet of the turbine due to ice throw and that no buildings should be
within 2,000 feet of the turbine. These setbacks require no use within the 30 acres adjacent to the
16
turbine and no buildings within the 280 acres adjacent to the turbine. Biomass energy or waste to
energy would be expected to have even larger impacts on urban development.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to evaluate available green energy
technologies and develop a report or matrix of potential impacts that these technologies could have
on the adjacent development of a mixed use community.The evaluation should review both the
direct impacts of the facility but also the secondary impacts such as noise,truck traffic,or waste
disposal to obtain a clearer picture of the costs and benefits of siting these facilities.
This project provides a sustainable environmental impact by assisting in future decision-
making contributing to the resilience of the Community.The Study can be used by the
Environmental Task Force recommended by the City Council in their draft 2013 goals.
Potential Partnerships: Dakota Electric,UMore Park,Xcel Energy
History of Rosemount with emphasis on UMore:Project Lead,Jason Lindahl, Planner, Community
Development Department. The City of Rosemount celebrated its 150`s birthday in 2008.The City is rich
in history from its historic Downtown to the creation of UMore.The Community started as a place
of commerce,connected to St. Paul by the Mississippi River. UMore has had many periods of
history: from the pre-Gopher Ordnance Works (GOW) farmsteads,the GOW era and its
involvement in World War II,the post-GOW use by the University and its tenants,and the UMore
development efforts for a community of 30,000 people.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to obtain an oral history of the
community from residents who lived or worked here during these iconic local events. Students
would prepare a written record of the interviews and perhaps also maintain a recorded version of
the retold history. The students should also provide recommendations on how to include features
into the UMore development for residents to interpret this history. Further,the students should
work with partners listed below to suggest opportunities for public exposure to the project findings.
This project provides a sustainable social impact through the creation of an oral history of
the community will enhance the social resilience of the community by linking the fabric of the past
to current residents.As the City continues to grow,community organizations,such as the
Rosemount Area Arts Council and the Rosemount Historical Society,present unique opportunities
to enhance the quality of life in the community. The project is consistent with the City Council
2013 draft goal to encourage community,cultural and leisure events to add vibrancy to our quality of
life.
Potential Partnerships: Dakota County Historical Society,Rosemount Area Arts Council,Rosemount
Area Historical Society
Virtual Business Incubator:Project Lead,Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director, Community
Development Department. The City's Port Authority,the economic development arm of Rosemount's
local government,has been exploring creation of a virtual business incubator and partnering with
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existing economic development groups to assist start up businesses in Rosemount. Some
investigation has occurred but additional networking with Dakota County Technical College,
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD),Workforce Investment Board,
University of Minnesota,and DEED are needed.The City would like to provide a one-stop shop
for business resources on the City's website.An additional component would be to set up a local
mentoring program for new entrepreneurs.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to focus their work on gathering
information and compiling resources in a cogent manner so new entrepreneurs can easily access
needed information. Deliverables would include a report on local resources for new and start-up
businesses.Also students will be able to set up website incubator and make suggestions about next
steps for small business support in the community.The City does not intent to construct a bricks
and mortar business incubator so research should be targeted to virtual incubators and other
innovative options.
This project provides a sustainable economic impact for the community for both new and
smaller existing businesses by providing valuable information to entrepreneurs.The goal of a
providing a business incubator,or some similar program,was adopted by the City Port Authority in
2011.
Potential Partnerships: DCTC,University of Minnesota,Workforce Investment Board,Department of
Employment and Economic Development
Analysis of Dakota County Business Clusters:Project Lead,Kim Lindquist, Community Development
Director, Community Development Department. Rosemount has a population of approximately 22,000 and
Dakota County has a population of about 400,000 people. Rosemount's local employment is more
than 6,000 jobs with a labor force of about 8,000 employees. Dakota County has employment of
more than 220,000 jobs and a labor force of about 235,000 employees. This employment is not
spread equally in all business sectors and University of Minnesota student Bolormaa Jamiyansuren
and Dakota Futures have prepared reports on the business clusters existing in the County.
Rosemount would like to investigate capitalizing on these identified business dusters to market the
community.What clusters are most pertinent to the community given other industries and the assets
and amenities of the community?Can business clustering be leveraged to bring new,desired
businesses to the community,particularly in the Business Park properties?
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to review the business cluster
reports completed by Bolormaa Jamiyansuren and Dakota Futures and determine if there are
additional business clusters in Rosemount,Dakota County,or the Twin Cities that are missing from
those reports. After determination of appropriate business dusters,the students will compile a
listing of potential businesses that form synergy with other businesses in the community.A
marketing strategy to highlight the business clusters for new business attraction and growth should
also be included.
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This project provides a sustainable economic impact by promoting business clustering that
can bring development,growth and jobs to the community.The grouping of like-businesses may
also address environmental sustainability by creating synergy among clusters and decreasing the need
for resources.Job creation,especially within the UMore Park Development is an adopted goal of the
City Port Authority and City Council.
Potential Partnerships: Dakota Regional Chamber of Commerce,Rosemount Area Business Council
Eco- Green Business Park: Project Lead: Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director, Community
Development Department. Rosemount and the University of MN have the opportunity to create a
noteworthy sustainable community through the development of UMore.There has been discussion
about methods and processes to increase sustainability in the residential development but less
discussion has been had about the future Business Park.There are two approaches to developing an
econ-friendly Business Park and they are not mutually exclusive.The first is to market and attract
certain green businesses to the Park.The other is to have businesses within the Park adopt certain
green standards in their building construction and processing. In this study both approaches should
be explored. Are there industry partners that could establish a presence within the community to
both support the UMore development as well as provide viable employment options for future
residents of UMore?And are there systems,policies,sustainability goals that businesses should be
included in the Park? What is reasonable and achievable?
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to a list of potential Green
businesses who could be accommodated in the Business Park. The City is also looking for
sustainability concepts that could be adopted by all businesses in the Park. This could include
construction techniques,water re-use,storm water management,public improvement design and
construction and other aspects of sustainability.
This project provides a sustainable economic impact by enhancing the economic
sustainability of the community by providing jobs and tax base for the residents.The project will
also lead assist in addressing environmental sustainability goals by increasing green methods and
practices which could reduce run off,promote groundwater recharge,decrease carbon emissions
and other activities often associated with manufacturing and other businesses.This project addresses
the City's Council and Port Authority goals of economic growth and job creation. Further the
emphasis on sustainability will be reviewed and could be incorporated into community ordinances
and policies for all development which would complement the Council's stated goal of identifying
and implementing best sustainability practices.
Potential Partnership:UMore
Economic Development Website:Project Lead,Kim Lindquist, Community Development Director,
Community Development Department. The City has a website that intends to sell the assets of
Rosemount to businesses,site selectors,and real estate agents providing all the information
necessary to have new businesses locate in Rosemount or existing businesses to expand. Websites
have traditionally been depositories of information or provide links to other website. Websites can
19
and are providing much more,including interaction through social media,blogs,etc. Rosemount has
recently updated its economic development website to provide more information than the previous
format. Is the site providing the correct information in the most clear and concise manner?Are
there data lacking?Is the formatting and page layout eye-catching?The City is interested in feedback
on the website from a site selector or real estate professional perspective.
Rosemount desires the University of Minnesota students to evaluate the City's economic
development website,other community economic development based websites,and other digital
technologies that serve to attract business to the community. Students should review what
information is desired for business location/economic development and assess the current
information against what was found.The deliverable would be recommendations to modify the
website to more closely align with community marketing standards for economic development.
Implementation of recommendations would also be desired.
This project provides a sustainable economic impact for the community be attracting new
businesses and job creation which is an adopted goal of the City's Port Authority and City Council.
Potential Partnerships: City Port Authority
4. Demonstration of Support: City Council Resolution of support is attached.
5. Proposed Local Funding Contribution: The City will provide a local contribution of$15,000.
We will also look to other partners,if selected,to help defray costs.
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L T T
SEMOUNT City Goals
2013-14
CITY COUNCIL
Manage Rosemount— Provide Efficient and Effective Services
MAINTAIN stable revenue streams for core services and fiscal discipline
INCREASE technology and workflow measurements for greater productivity and
customer satisfaction
EXPLORE shared services and partnerships including a volunteer program
Live in Rosemount— Become a More Sustainable Community
IDENTIFY and IMPLEMENT best sustainability practices
• Use Resilient Community, Star Communities, and Green Steps implementation
strategies
• Implement Comprehensive Plan strategies and create an Environmental Task
Force.
INCREASE well-designed and diverse public spaces
ENCOURAGE community, cultural and leisure events to add vibrancy to our quality of
life
INCREASE existing community transportation and transit connections
INCREASE community lifecycle housing options addressing rental, senior and
affordability needs
MAINTAIN an engaged, healthy,inviting, prepared and safe community
Grow Rosemount—Attract and Support Businesses
ENGAGE with regional transportation initiatives for major highways, high-speed rail,
and other options, and INCREASE public awareness of the initiatives.
BUILD public infrastructure improvements designed to encourage private investment
and development
INCREASE the number and variety of business in Downtown Rosemount and other
commercial locations
EXPAND business and employment opportunities in the Business Park and UMore Park
INCREASE marketing visibility to site selectors
INCREASE Rosemount's business-friendly practices through streamlined business
development and permitting processes
Projects and Initiatives (* = new for 2013-14)
A. Redevelop Steeple Center campus with private senior housing and a public senior
activity center
B. Pursue a partnership for indoor recreational amenities with the YMCA and DCTC
C. *Initiate sustainability advisory task force and engage STARcommunities.org to
create a benchmarking tool for our community
D. Construct Highway 3 underpass trail connections, splash pad,Erickson Park shelter,
lighted tennis courts, Flint Hills green fields
E. *Initiate municipal volunteer& ambassador programs
F. *Communicate regional transportation initiatives and impacts (52/42/55
interchange, Zip Rail, Robert Street Transitway)
G. Continue UMore Park development partnership with the University of Minnesota
H. *Develop and implement public spaces and neighborhood park diversity standards
for amenities, equipment and use
I. Implement Storm Water Management sustainable best practices
J. *Implement a Virtual Incubator strategy to assist small business
expansion/development
K. *Implement technology initiatives within city departments
L. Upgrade Steeple Center amenities (HVAC, sound systems,lighting)
M. *Initiate planning of second Public Senior Housing project with Dakota County
CDA
N. *Provide annual update of Comprehensive Guide Plan implementation strategies
0. *Increase performance measurements for City services and operations
P. *Initiate event with 2014 Tournament of Roses RHS Band ambassador visit to
community (key to city/jacket with logo)
Q. *Investigate Fire Department long term strategies to manage on-call department
performance-leadership/pay/equipment
R. *Support sponsorship of Law Enforcement/Fire Explorer Post
S. *Expand stakeholder partnerships with churches, ISD 196,National Guard,
RAAA,RAHA,RAAC, and other organizations.
T. *Initiate and partner in community special events planning and marketing strategies
U. *Expand website use and communications for increased service delivery and citizen
engagement
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2013-18
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMISSION OF A PROPOSAL TO PARTICIPATE
IN THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA'S RESILIENT COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan states that natural resources and their associated
benefits contribute to the community's desirability and are a key factor in its growth;and
WHEREAS,Rosemount is a growing community and as such is looking forward to guiding growth
and promoting community-wide programs that will create a sustainable community in all facets of
the residents and business owners'lives;and
WHEREAS,the City Council has committed to sustainability goals in the 2030 Comprehensive
Plan,by participating in the Green Steps and Star City programs, creating an internal"green team"
and investing in public infrastructure that is efficient and sustainable;and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to address all three components of sustainability: economic,
social,and environment;and
WHEREAS, the City Council has in their 2013 goals to become a more sustainable community
which includes increasing lifecycle housing,making transportation and transit connections,
improving communication with businesses and residents, encouraging more civic, cultural,and
leisure events, and maintaining a healthy,engaged,and safe community;and
WHEREAS, the City Council wants to create a resilient community that will benefit current and
future residents with innovative and practical solutions to providing services,programs,policies and
amenities for the community;and
WHEREAS,the Resilient Communities Project (RCP) represents an opportunity to have access to
the University of Minnesota's vast sustainability expertise and offers a unique opportunity to assess a
wide variety of sustainability issues in a short period of time and at a great value to residents;and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds the Resilient Communities Project would be an excellent fit
with the community's existing sustainability efforts; and
WHEREAS,in recognition of Council support, the City is willing to financially contribute $15,000
to the project and will assist in exploring alternate funding mechanisms with additional partners.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the City Council of the City of Rosemount hereby
authorizes submission of a proposal to participate in the University of Minnesota's Resilient
Communities Project.
ADOPTED this 5th day of February,2013, by the City Council of the City of Rose count.
n A I I
William H.Droste,Mayor
ATTEST:
0I £0
Amy Domeier, City Clerk
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