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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.l. Application for MPCA GreenCorps ProgramI:\City Clerk\Agenda Items\Approved Items\6.x. Application for MPCA GreenCorps Program.docx EXECUTIVE SUMMARY City Council Regular Meeting: March 20, 2018 AGENDA ITEM: Application for MPCA GreenCorps Program AGENDA SECTION: Consent PREPARED BY: Brian Erickson, Public Works Director / City Engineer AGENDA NO. 6.l. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution; Minnesota GreenCorps Host Site Application APPROVED BY: LJM RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve application for the GreenCorps Program 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) has previously discussed this program. They determined the program could benefit 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 March 23, 2018. 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 •Expand the invasive plant removal efforts that are currently ongoing with assistance from the local high school •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 2018 to August 2019. The GreenCorps member’s salary will be paid by the MPCA, with no direct salary costs to the city. The city would be required to 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 City Council approval to proceed with the application for the GreenCorps program. CITY OF ROSEMOUNT DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION 2018 - 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 2018-2019 program year; and, WHEREAS, if the MPCA selects the City of Rosemount, the organization is committed to implementing the proposed project as described 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, roles and responsibilities. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Rosemount, Minnesota 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 this 20th day of March, 2018. William H. Droste, Mayor ATTEST: Erin Fasbender, City Clerk www.pca.state.mn.us • 651-296-6300 • 800-657-3864 • Use your preferred relay service • Available in alternative formats p-mgc2-02 • 2/6/18 Page 1 of 6 Minnesota GreenCorps host site application Program Year 2018- 2019 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 2018-2019 Minnesota GreenCorps host site application guide. Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Friday, March 23, 2018. Please note: • In an effort to allocate MN GreenCorps member positions and resources to various communities, organizations will not generally receive more than two member positions per year, and will not be eligible for more than three consecutive years as a host site. • Current or past host sites are not guaranteed selection as a 2018-2019 host site. • Operation of the 2018-2019 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 or past 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 Doc Type: www.pca.state.mn.us • 651-296-6300 • 800-657-3864 • Use your preferred relay service • Available in alternative formats p-mgc2-02 • 2/6/18 Page 2 of 6 Please indicate the member position type for which you are applying (must only select one). Details of the new member position descriptions can be found in the accompanying document 2018 – 2019 Minnesota GreenCorps host site application guide. Air Pollutant Reduction Community Readiness and Outreach Green Infrastructure Improvements Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Organics Management II. Narrative questions Before responding to the following questions in the text box provided, carefully review the pre-scoped position description for which you are considering a MN GreenCorps member, as well as member prohibited activities (see the Member prohibited activities under section II of the Minnesota GreenCorps host site application guide). Examples of prohibited member activities include attempting to influence legislation, advocacy for or against proposed legislation, providing a direct benefit to a for-profit business, writing a grant application to any federal agency, clerical work or research unless such activities are incidental to the member’s direct service activities. 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 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 the condition of surface water bodies - collect surface water samples, send them to a laboratory for 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:Chloride reduction - recent surface water sampling has indicated elevated chloride likely due to road salt; this data can be used to promote BMPs and smart salting techniques that reduce road salt application - there are neighborhoods with high quality water bodies in Rosemount on private wells and septic systems that likely utilize water softeners; the GreenCorp Member will prepare education materials and conduct outreach to reduce chloride discharge Goal 4: Vegetation related efforts - determine feasibility of implementing a city-wide, city-run curbside fall leaf collection program - research model yard waste management for residents - expand the invasive plant species removal efforts that have already begun utilizing high school science students - expand urban forestry in the city by promoting the Arbor Day Tree give away and finding other opportunities to increase the tree canopy in the city Goal 5: Implemention and engagement - advise city on implementation of stormwater 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 (Rosemount Home Expo and Leprechaun Days), 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. www.pca.state.mn.us • 651-296-6300 • 800-657-3864 • Use your preferred relay service • Available in alternative formats p-mgc2-02 • 2/6/18 Page 3 of 6 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 2018 to August 2019 and members can use a limited number of their 1,700 hours for training and civic engagement hours; 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 Minnesota GreenCorps host site application guide to reference the appropriate pre-scoped member position description 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 water quality by implementing best management practices by engaging both the city and the community. Member activities Projected results/measures General monthly timeline for each activity (ex: September 2018 – February 2019) Approximate 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 2018 – August 2019 300 hours Collect monthly surface water samples from selected water bodies in mature, new and undeveloped areas/neighborhoods, manage and analyze the data. The member will learn proper surface water sampling techniques. Samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis for a variety of parameters including chloride. Improvements in water quality after implemenation of BMPs can be measured September 2018 - August 2019 240 Marginal Function - assist with the implementation of the established Xcel Energy Partners in Energy Gran Meet with Xcel customers to implement energy savings initiatives that will result in energy conservation September 2018 - August 2019 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 2018 - August 2019 400 Research the feasibility of city run leaf collection and a model yard waste management program Identify opportunities to expand urban forestry and invasive plant species removal The members research is sound enough that Engineering Staff make recommendation to City Council that are adopted and implemented Work with the Park Department to increase the number of trees planted in the city and invasive plant species removal September 2018 - August 2019 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 2018 - August 2019 200 www.pca.state.mn.us • 651-296-6300 • 800-657-3864 • Use your preferred relay service • Available in alternative formats p-mgc2-02 • 2/6/18 Page 4 of 6 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 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 in support of and 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. 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: 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 in your organization who will be responsible for day-to-day supervision of the MN GreenCorps member from September 2018 through August 2019. Please note, the supervisor is required to attend an all-day orientation training in September 2018. Information for on-site supervisor: www.pca.state.mn.us • 651-296-6300 • 800-657-3864 • Use your preferred relay service • Available in alternative formats p-mgc2-02 • 2/6/18 Page 5 of 6 Position type: Public Works Supervisor name: Public Works 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 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 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. 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 dedicated office space (with approximate square footage) the member will occupy for the 11-month term of service 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 equipment 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. Is your organization able to provide transit discounts, if applicable? (not required) Yes No 10. Transportation requirements for member service activities: If traveling is required for the member service activities, the host site is required to provide transportation for the member (access to fleet vehicles, mileage reimbursement, bus fare reimbursement, etc.). 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? Please note, the members will be covered under the MPCA Commercial General Liability and Commercial Automobile Liability insurance policies as volunteers. If the members are using vehicles belonging to the Host Site organization to conduct business on behalf of the Minnesota GreenCorps Program, the Host Site’s insurance is primary. Any other insurance that may be available would only respond after the organization’s insurance is exhausted. 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. www.pca.state.mn.us • 651-296-6300 • 800-657-3864 • Use your preferred relay service • Available in alternative formats p-mgc2-02 • 2/6/18 Page 6 of 6 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 Communities and Green Step Cities programs. Rosemount was the first STAR Community in Minnesota and the smallest city to become certified. 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 will 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: 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 2018-19 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.