HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.g. Application for MPCA GreenCorps Program
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City Council Regular Meeting: March 7, 2017
AGENDA ITEM: Application for MPCA GreenCorps
Program
AGENDA SECTION:
Consent
PREPARED BY: Derick Anderson, Sr. Engineering Tech
and John Morast, Interim Public Works
Director / City Engineer
AGENDA NO. 6.g.
ATTACHMENTS: GreenCorps Program application form &
Resolution APPROVED BY: LJM
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to approve a resolution authorizing the City of
Rosemount to participate in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) GreenCorps
program and direct staff to submit the program application.
ISSUE
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has a GreenCorps Program to help support cities with
their environmental and stormwater initiatives. The Rosemount Environmental and Sustainability
Taskforce (REST) discussed the program at the February 21, 2017 meeting. They determined the program
could benefit to the city by providing added services and hours current staffing levels cannot adequately
support, and recommend City Council approve the city’s application for the program.
BACKGROUND:
The GreenCorps program is available to communities in Minnesota that are looking for resources to help
implement environmental programs. The application is due Mach 17, 2017.
Through this program, the GreenCorps member will:
• Collect surface water samples, manage and analyze the water test results
• Review existing shore land buffers and identify inadequacies
• Increase the public’s understanding of the application, assessment and science behind stormwater
BMP’s through the city’s existing newsletter, weekly email, social media, and community events
• Research the feasibility and cost to implement a city-wide, city run curbside leaf collection and
composting program
The program consists of a twelve month placement from September 2017 to August 2018. The
GreenCorps member’s salary will be paid by the MPCA, with no direct salary costs to the city. The city
would be required provide a workspace and provide training, including paying for classes and seminars for
the GreenCorps member as needed. Approximately 3.2 hours of City staff time per week will be required
during the program to support the GreenCorps member.
SUMMARY
Staff recommends a motion to approve a resolution authorizing the City of Rosemount to participate in
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) GreenCorps program and direct staff to submit the
program application.
\\rosemount9\data\PWorks\COUNCIL\Council memo\17_0307 Meeting GreenCorps Application
CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2017 - _____
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF ROSEMOUNT
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY (MPCA)
GREENCORPS PROGRAM
WHEREAS, The City of Rosemount has applied to host an AmeriCorps member from the Minnesota
GreenCorps, a program of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), for the 2017 -2018
program year; and
WHEREAS, if the MPCA selects the City of Rosemount, the organization is committed to
implementing the proposed project as describe in the host site application, and in accordance with pre-
scoped position description; and
WHEREAS, the MPCA requires that the City of Rosemount enter into a host site agreement with the
MPCA that identifies the terms, conditions, role and responsibilities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Rosemount does
hereby authorize the City of Rosemount (the “City”) to enter into and sign a host site agreement with
the MPCA to carry out the member activities specified therein and to comply with all of the terms,
conditions, and matching provisions of the host site agreement and authorizes and directs the City
Administrator to sign the grant agreement on its behalf.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Rosemount, Minnesota this 7th day of March, 2017.
___________________________________
William H. Droste, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Clarissa Hadler, City Clerk
Minnesota GreenCorps
Host Site Application
Program Year 2017- 2018
Instructions: The Minnesota GreenCorps (MN GreenCorps) program is an AmeriCorps program coordinated by the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). Please complete the application, answer all questions, and send via email to
mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us. For more information, refer to the 2017-2018 Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application Guide.
Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Friday, March 17, 2017. If you have any questions,
please contact Cristina Villella at 651-757-2580 or email at mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us. Please note, operation of the 2017-
2018 program year is contingent on funding. Confirmation of funds may not be available before application deadline.
Completed application checklist:
All section questions answered, including a completed Workplan.
Board resolution from governing board and/or authorized representative, if applicable (or expected timeline to submit it).
Letters of support from any identified partners (either internal or external).
For non-profit applicants: Proof of eligibility: 501(c) (3) status.
I. Applicant and project information
Name of legal applicant organization: City of Rosemount
Mailing address: 2875 145th St W
City: Rosemount State: MN Zip code: 55068
Applicant contact: Derick Anderson Title: Senior Engineer Technician
Phone: 651-322-2055 Fax: 651-322-2694
Email: derick.anderson@ci.rosemount.mn.us Website: www.ci.rosemount.mn.us
What type of host site is your organization (check one): New Current/Past host site
Current or past host sites are not guaranteed selection as a 2017-2018 host site.
Contact information for authorized representative (individual responsible for signing legal agreements in your organization):
Authorized representative name: Logan Martin Title: City Administrator
Mailing address: 2875 145th St W
City: Rosemount State: MN Zip code: 55068
Phone: 651-322-2006 Fax: 651-322-2694
Email: logan.martin@ci.rosemount.mn.us
Please indicate your organization type:
Government agency (local, regional, state, tribal, or federal)
(Examples include cities, counties, tribal governments, park districts, regional planning organizations, watershed districts, etc.)
School district
501(c) (3) non-profit organization (Note: you must submit proof of 501(c) (3) status with your application)
Not for profit institutions of higher education
Please indicate the member position type for which you are applying (only select one). Details of the member position
descriptions can be found in the accompanying document 2017 – 2018 Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application Guide.
Air Quality – Energy Conservation
Air Quality – Green Transportation
Green Infrastructure – Local Foods
Green Infrastructure – Stormwater
Green Infrastructure – Urban Forestry
Living Green
Waste Prevention and Recycling
Doc Type:
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II. Narrative questions
Carefully review the pre-scoped position description for which you are considering a MN GreenCorps member and respond
to the following questions in the text boxes provided.
Project scope and outcomes
1. Provide an overview of the service project you propose, and how the activities of the project align with MN GreenCorps’ pre-
scoped position description. See Host Site Application Guide for more position description details.
The City of Rosemount utilizes 237 surface water bodies for stormwater management. There are over 400 wetlands and
surface water features in Rosemount. There is a mix of private and public ownership of the surface water features. Since the
stormwater ponds are designed to infiltrate water to the underlying aquifer, there is a concern about degrading the aquifer
water quality in both private and public drinking water wells. The GreenCorps member would:
Goal 1: Evaluate condition of surface water bodies
- collect surface water samples, send them to a laboratory of analysis and manage the water test results
- identify inadequate shoreland buffers
Goal 2: Research and Recommendations
- recommend stormwater best management practices (BMPs) and Low Impact Development (LID)Techniques for both public
and privately owned property
Goal 3: Research Organic Matter Management Program
- determine feasibility of implementing a city-wide, city-run curbside fall leaf collection program
- research model yard waste management for residents
Goal 4: Implementaion and Engagement
- advise city on implementation of BMPs and LIDs
-increase the public's understanding of the application, assessment and science behind stormwater BMPs through the city's
exisiting newsletter, weekly email to citizens, social media, community events, trainings and workshops
- engage community members on improving water quality by designing and implementing the Adopt-a-Wetland program and
encourage citizens to sign a pledge to implement residential BMPs to reduce surface water run off and pollution
-utilize the Blue Thumb program to engage the city, businesses, residents and community organizations like the Rosemount
Environmental and Sustainablity Taskforce to implement LID practices
2. What are the estimated overall results of the member’s service activities?
Data will be collected and presented to staff to enable decision-making and implementation of Best Practice Actions to
improve stormwater management and quality while pursuing the 3rd Step of the Minnesota GreenStep Cities, which
Rosemount joined in 2011. The member will help further the goals of the MS4 General Permit requirements which include
the implementation of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
3. What methods and tools will be used to measure project effectiveness?
Surveying both citizens and city staff on improving stormwater management and quality.
A comparison of historical water quality data to GreenCorp Member collected data to see if water quality improved after BMP
implementation
Workplan
Instructions: Complete the table below outlining a Workplan for the proposed member position. The Workplan provides a goal
statement for the member position and describes in greater detail the member activities, the projected results associated with each
activity, as well as a monthly timeline of these activities and the approximate hours of time allocated to each activity.
Important notes: Members serve 1,700 hours from September 2017 to August 2018 and members can use a limited number of
their 1,700 hours for training and civic engagement hours; these maximum number of hours have been included in the Workplan
which allows for a minimum of 1,400 hours dedicated to the member’s service hours. See the Host Site Application Guide to
reference the appropriate pre-scoped member position (ex: Air quality – energy conservation, Green Infrastructure – local foods)
and review the types of activities that fall under essential and marginal functions.
Member position goal statement:
The goal for the GreenCorp member position is to improve stormwater management and quality by implementing best management
practices by engaging both the city and the community.
Member activities Projected results/measures General monthly Approximate
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timeline for each activity
(ex: September 2017 –
February 2018)
hours of time
allocated to
each activity
MN GreenCorps required orientation and
quarterly trainings (approx. 100 hours)
Other trainings, workshops, conferences
(up to 170 hours)
Civic engagement activities (up to 100
hours)
Members attend all required MN GreenCorps
trainings, including the 3-day orientation in
September and quarterly trainings. With
approval from their supervisors and program
staff, members participate in conferences,
workshops and other trainings throughout their
service year. Members gain technical and
professional skills to apply to their service
projects and grow their professional network.
Members participate in civic engagement
activities to broaden their experience and
further engage in their community.
September 2017 –
August 2018
300 hours
Collect monthly surface water samples,
manage and analyze the data.
The member will learn proper surface water
sampling techniques. Samples will be sent to
a laboratory for analysis.
Improvements in water quality after
implemenation of BMPs can be measured
September - Oct. 2017
Feb. - August 2018
240
Marginal Function - assist with the
implementation of the established Xcel
Energy Partners in Energy Grant
Meet with Xcel customers to implement
energy savings initiatives that will result in
energy conservation
September 2017 -
August 2018
340
Identify where inadequate buffers to
surface water bodies exist and identify
BMPs for surface water bodies
Create a map, utilizing GIS, of documented
existing buffers and BMP opportunities
September 2017 -
October 2017
400
Research the feasibility of city run leaf
collection and a model yard waste
management program
The members research is sound enough that
Engineering Staff make recommendation to
City Council that are adopted and
implemented
September 2017 -
August 2018
220
Outreach and education to city staff,
citizens, schools and commuity groups
on ways to reduce surface water run off
and pollution which can include using the
Blue Thumb program and implementing
an Adopt-a-Wetland program.
Survey results indicating that the messages
communicated have been understood
September 2017 -2018 200
Community need/involvement
1. Describe how the proposed project will have a positive environmental impact on the community or communities that your
organization serves. Please indicate if the project will serve under-represented, economically disadvantaged or rural
populations:
By implementation of BMPs and education on improving stormwater management and stormwater quality will protect the
drinking water aquifer that serves both private and public drinking water wells. The residents in the rural areas of Rosemount
have private wells and are not aware of the impact that dirty stormwater that infiltrates to the aquifer can have on their well
water quality. There are complaints from residents about the algae blooms and safety of the surface water bodies. With
citizen engagement and implemenation of BMPs the results should be better surface water quality and less concerns.
2. What opportunities do you see for your proposed MN GreenCorps member position involving broader community members
and mobilizing volunteers:
The GreenCorp member would be supported by the Rosemount Environmental Taskforce which is a group of volunteers
implementing environmental initiatives in the community.The city has a volunteer coordinator that the member can work with
to mobilize volunteers.
3. If your member project requires support from other partners, either internally (e.g., other departments like IT, facilities
maintenance, etc.) or externally (e.g., a school district), please list these partners below, and describe how the partnership
will work. What actions will you take as the host organization to ensure that partners are fully engaged in the project?
Provide letters of support with this application, as appropriate, to demonstrate commitment of these partner departments or
organizations.
The member will work with and be supported by city staff such as: engineering, public works, and a GIS Technician.
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Organizational capacity and commitment
Please respond to the following questions about your organization:
1. In one paragraph, describe your organization’s mission. Include a description of the community your organization serves,
qualifications of your staff, the number of paid staff, and experience (if any) with hosting AmeriCorps members:
The City of Rosemount is committed to taking steps to make our community more sustainable. Rosemount was the first
STAR Community in Minnesota, a participant in the University of Minnesota Resilient Communities Program, is a Step 2
Green Step City and recently created an Environmental and Sustainabilty Taskforce made up of both citizens and
professionals working in the environmental field. The GreenCorps member will be working with both engineering and public
works professionals. The City has 90 employees and has not previously hosted an AmeriCorps member.
2. Describe how your organization’s current efforts and activities reflect the commitment and expertise you can provide to
supporting a MN GreenCorps member. Include examples as appropriate.
Prompts for each focus area:
• Air quality– status of data collection (e.g., B3); progress in developing non-motorized transportation plans (e.g., bicycle
plans or comprehensive plans); commitment to reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) (e.g., ICLEI, mayor’s climate pact,
etc.); current outreach efforts.
• Green Infrastructure – organization’s level of support for local foods, forestry, and/or stormwater program; Tree City
USA standing; inventory status (for trees or stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs); current outreach efforts
related to local foods (e.g., Minnesota Grown), stormwater (e.g., Blue Thumb), and/or forestry (e.g., Arbor Day).
• Living green – experience with environmental campaigns and outreach efforts; recent efforts in working with the public;
budget for materials/supplies for public outreach; community assets available.
• Waste prevention/recycling – current status of recycling/organics program; how your organization will measure
progress in waste reduction/recycling.
The City has hired an engineering firm to inspect and recommend improvements to the City's stormwater infrastructure.
Identifying and implementing the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan is needed. The GreenCorp member will recommend
BMPs and promote Blue Thumb.
3. AmeriCorps members cannot displace or replace previously employed, striking, or laid off workers. Please clarify how this
position is not a staff position (see the Non-displacement policy under section VI of the Host Site Application Guide):
The MN GreenCorps Member is not replacing or displacing existing or former staff. The Member will compliment existing
stormwater management work being done by the engineering firm and city staff. The Member will also introduce new
initiatives focusing on improving stormwater quality.
4. A host site supervisor must be able to provide at least 0.08 full time equivalent (FTE) per member, which equates to a
minimum of 3.2 hours each week to review member activities, provide guidance, and set future goals. The supervisor
should be a FTE, or close to full time, employee of the host site or a partnering organization.
Please provide the contact information, and background/qualifications of the staff member(s) in your organization who will be
responsible for day-to-day supervision of the MN GreenCorps member(s) from September 2017 through August 2018.
Information for on-site supervisor:
Position type: Public Works
Supervisor name: Derick Anderson Title: Senior Engineer Technician
Email: derick.anderson@ci.rosemount.mn.us Telephone: 651-322-2055
Describe the background and
qualifications of the supervisor: BSCE, Professional Engineer, 20+ years experience in engineering, stormwater, and GIS.
5. MN GreenCorps is a program that offers individuals professional, educational, and civic growth, particularly in the
environmental field. Potential members may not necessarily bring highly specialized skills to their position. Describe
how you will support the member in terms of on-site training, professional development, staff support and expertise, etc.:
They will have the opportunity to work along side the City's engineering staff, which includes one full-time City engineering
position and two Consultant positions, all are registered Professional Engineers; there is also a GIS position to provide help
with training in GIS. In addition, we have meetings and weekly site visits with Consultant Stormwater Professionals that they
will be able to attend and interact with.
6. What financial and/or material resources will your organization make available for MN GreenCorps member(s) projects and
activities, should these be needed? MN GreenCorps members receive a very minimal training budget from the MPCA to
utilize throughout their service. We do encourage host sites to assist with providing training opportunities or funding for their
member to attend trainings, conferences, etc. throughout the service year.
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The GreenCorp member will be able to attend relevent training seminars as needed.
7. Host sites are required to provide reasonable workspace for members to complete the tasks of their project, which includes a
desk, phone, computer, email account, etc. Describe the office space (with approximate square footage) the member will
occupy and the equipment and services that will be made available to allow the member to carry out the work:
The GreenCorps member will use an extra office cubical within the Engineering Department, it is approximately 54 SF and
has a computer with two 22" monitors, Microsoft Office, internet, color printer and plotter, and their own phone line. The City
has GPS and survey equipement and will provide training as needed.
8. Is your organization able to assist your member in securing local affordable housing? (not required) Yes No
9. Transportation requirements for member service activities: Host sites are not required to provide transportation for member
service activities. Please keep in mind that some members may not have access to a personal vehicle and some members
may not be eligible to drive as a part of the program. If you indicate that driving is required, you may limit the number of
members eligible for your site.
A. Is the member required to drive in order to access or complete service activities?
Yes, and the host site will reimburse mileage (if use of a personal vehicle is necessary).
Yes, and the host site cannot reimburse mileage.
No, public transit, ride shares, and/or bicycle are sufficient for any travel.
B. Will your organization make an organizational vehicle available to the member for service-related activities?
Yes
No
Sustainability
1. How do you see this work continuing after the MN GreenCorps members complete their service?
City staff, the city's engineering firm, the Adopt-a-Wetland participants and the Rosemount Environment and Sustainability
Taskforce will continue initiatives that the GreenCorps member started.
2. How does this project fit into your organization’s long-term goals?
The City of Rosemount is committed to taking steps to make our community more sustainable.The city is striving to achieve
the next level in both the STAR and Green Step Cities programs.
Current or past Host Sites only
Review section VII of the Host Site Application Guide with updated considerations for current or past host site applicants.
1. Identify the program year you participated in, focus area, number of members hosted:
2. Describe evidence of effectiveness of your current or past member projects, including environmental results, and
how you might build on these results if awarded another member:
3. Describe how this proposed member position is unique from past member positions at your organization:
4. Describe any improvements you plan to make in terms of project oversight, member supervision, implementation,
and results:
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III. Board resolution/letter(s) of support
If your organization is governed by a Board, please provide a Board resolution in support of this application, indicating your
organization’s commitment to host MN GreenCorps member, and willingness to enter an agreement with the MPCA should your site
be selected (see example in the 2017-18 Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application Guide). If the Board resolution cannot be
provided by the application deadline, please provide an explanation below and the date when it will be submitted:
Note: A Board resolution must be obtained before an agreement is executed, if applicable.
Please provide relevant letters of support from partner organizations or internal departments.
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