HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.02.13 ESC RM Packet - AMENDED
AGENDA
Environment and Sustainability
Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
5:30 PM
Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
3. ANNUAL MEETING
a. Presentation of Commissioner Angerer's Resignation
b. Update on Applications for Commission Vacancies - Verbal Only
4. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
a. January 9, 2024 Environment and Sustainability Commission Meeting
5. PRESENTATIONS
6. OLD BUSINESS
a. Goals Updates
b. Education & Outreach Activities
c. Annual Work Plan Development
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Environment & Sustainability Commission Bylaws Updates
b. Set Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
8. ANNOUNCEMENTS
9. STAFF REPORT
a. Set Next Meeting Agenda for April 9, 2024
10. ADJOURNMENT
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: February 13, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Presentation of Commissioner Angerer's
Resignation
AGENDA SECTION:
ANNUAL MEETING
PREPARED BY: Amy Simonson, Public Works Office Specialist AGENDA NO. 3.a.
ATTACHMENTS: Environment and Sustainability Commission Bylaws
8/4/2020
APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to accept the resignation of former Commissioner Angerer
BACKGROUND
Commissioner Angerer submitted her resignation from the Environment and Sustainability Commission
on February 12, 2024. Per the Commission bylaws, it is required that resignations be provided in
writing and presented by the Chair at the next meeting of the Commission. As former Commissioner
Angerer was the Chair, the Vice-Chair will take over the responsibility until April 2024. A copy of the
ESC Bylaws is attached.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the resignation of former Commissioner Angerer.
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Environment and Sustainability Commission By-laws
I. DEFINITION
The Environment and Sustainability was established by the City of Rosemount City Council
on February 4, 2020.
II. PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of the Commission is to advise the City Council on issues related to the
sustainability, environment stewardship and opportunities for advancement on those
fronts. The commission shall recommend any policies and initiatives to the City Council that
enhance and preserve the environment and natural resources.
The issue of sustainable city services is a complex topic that includes a wide range of city
services. Rosemount currently has citizen commissions that advise council on: planning
issues, parks and utilities. Although commission members meet once per month and
generally only focus on current city projects, and new development, there are significant
issues around sustainability and citizen engagement that are not being addressed. The City
Council’s objective creating an Environment and Sustainability Commission is to look at
areas where we can have a better impact on issues and look for creative ways to engage
residents through education and opportunities to improve neighborhoods. Members are
encouraged to volunteer at community engagement events such as the Rosemount Home
and Business Expo and Leprechaun Days. Outcomes could be specific projects or
recommendations on city policy.
Following are some areas of focus:
Storm Water Catch Basins and Ponds
Surface Water Quality
Water Conservation and Water Reuse
Energy Usage and Emissions
III. MEMBERSHIP
The Commission consists of 7 members and 1 youth member, all of whom shall be residents
of the City of Rosemount, appointed by the City Council. The youth member shall be 14 to
18 years old at the time of selection, serve a one-year term, and shall be eligible for
reappointment if in good standing at the end of each term. The term of Commission
members is three years, ending at the March meeting. Commission members may reapply
to be appointed by the City Council which occurs in March each year. The requirement for
residency does not apply to citizen volunteers, or students. A city staff representative and
ex-officio non-voting City Council member(s) may serve as liaisons.
IV. RESIGNATION
Any member wishing to resign from the Commission shall give a written notice of
resignation to the Chair and city staff representative. The Chair shall present the resignation
to the Commission at its next meeting.
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V. ATTENDANCE
Regular Attendance. Regular attendance at meetings by all voting members is necessary if
the Commission is to be effective.
Absence from meeting. It shall be the duty of each member to notify the city staff
representative prior to the meeting that he/she will not be attending. The Commission
members can vote a member out due to four or more absences in a calendar year.
VI. MEETINGS
A. Date and time. Regular meeting dates and times shall be determined by the
Commission, but currently are scheduled for the third Tuesday of each month.
B. Place. Meetings shall be held in the City Hall conference room unless otherwise noted.
C. Special Meeting. Special meetings may be called by the Chair, any four members of the
Commission or the City Council. The members must be notified of the call for a special
meeting at least three (3) days before the date of the meeting.
D. Meetings with City Council as deemed necessary.
E. Minutes. City staff will prepare the minutes after each meeting.
F. Report to City Council. The Commission Chair, ex-officio council member or city
representative will provide an annual report to the City Council at either a Council
meeting or work session.
VII. ORGANIZATION
Chair Person. The Chair Person shall preside over all meetings and be selected annually by
the members, typically at the April meeting each year. The Chair Person may assign specific
tasks to members, with the consent of the members, establish subcommittees and assist
with developing meeting agendas.
Vice Chair Person. The Vice Chair Person shall preside over meetings in the absence of the
Chair Person.
Staff. A city staff representative shall distribute the agenda packet to each member prior to
the meeting either electronically or paper version.
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ROSEMOUNT ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
JANUARY 9, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Environment and
Sustainability Commission was held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Rosemount
Council Chambers, 2875 145th Street West.
Vice Chairperson Springer called the meeting to order with Commissioners Reed, Burman, and
Andrews. Commissioner Angerer was absent.
Staff present included the following: City Engineer Brian Erickson, Stormwater Specialist Jane
Byron, and Recording Secretary Amy Simonson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Andrews Second by Burman
Motion to adopt the agenda
Ayes: 4.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
3.a. Approve November 14, 2023 Environment and Sustainability Commission Meeting
Minutes
Motion by Burman Second by Reed
Motion to approve the November 14, 2023 Environment and Sustainability
Commission meeting minutes with the amended language to the last sentence of
item 6.a. requested by Commissioner Springer to state: "Commissioners
requested a special work session in December to review and update the
commission goals for 2024 pending staff review."
Ayes: 4.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
PRESENTATIONS
None.
OLD BUSINESS
5.a. Goals Updates
Stormwater Specialist Byron noted the following updates:
•Jada Lindell completed her Girl Scout Gold Project, Project Bee Population, and was
awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award. A link to her project web page has been provided on
the City's website: https://beethefight.webador.com/
•The City is working with Xcel on installing EV charging stations. If approved, Xcel will
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install the electrical needed for connecting the charging stations at no charge, while the
City would be responsible for installing the charging stations. The current locations for
the EV stations are Bloomfield Park and the Rosemount Community Center.
Commissioner Andrews inquired about the city's stormwater system and clean water initiatives.
Byron discussed the city's current standards, best practices, and requirements of the state and
other governmental entities. Most developments now install stormwater bodies with large
infiltration areas. Large stormwater bodies are more efficient, planted with native plants, and
are easier to maintain. Commissioners can help by encouraging neighbors to participate in
programs and grants for clean water initiatives, such as Landscaping for Clean Water.
Commissioners indicated they are interested in a presentation on rain gardens, large scale
water management, or regulations on stormwater management.
Commissioner Burman inquired as to the status of the sustainable purchasing policy. Per City
Staff, the policy is still under review by the department heads and currently there is no
movement forward. City Engineer Erickson did note there are a few questions by staff to be
addressed internally.
5.b. Education & Outreach Activities
The Commissioners had no updates on goals.
Stormwater Specialist Byron discussed the new blog post format which will now be shared as a
link to the homepage of the City's website under “News & Highlights” and will be a separate
page versus the long scrolling page that includes all past posts.
•January - have not yet received the post from the VRW JPO
•February - recommend promoting SWCD Landscaping for Clean Water workshops and
grants.
•March - waste reduction topic to coincide with spring-cleaning
•April - Mayor's water challenge (tentative)
Commissioners discussed plans for the Home & Business Expo table including giveaways,
advertising landscaping for clean water workshops and grants, and a white board for residents
to provide suggestions on what they would like to see from the ESC.
Vice-Chair Springer requested clarification on why the special work session was denied. Staff
explained that City Council was still reviewing and making recommendations. It would not make
sense to work on 2024 goals without waiting for direction from the Council.
NEW BUSINESS
6.a. Environment & Sustainability Commission Revisioning
Stormwater Specialist Byron presented a summary of findings of common city environmental
commission practices and the administrative and operational changes to be implemented as
provided by the City Council.
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Commissioner Andrews inquired as to a structure to develop an annual work plan and deadline.
Stormwater Specialist Byron explained that the goal is to have a work plan in place by April,
which is the start of the commission year, approve it and provide it to City Council for review.
Commissioner Springer requested an amendment to request work sessions to be for the off
months and then cancel if unnecessary, instead of having to request them. City Engineer
Erickson explained that a work session must be for a specific topic/reason. The Commission can
make a motion and vote for a work session at a regular meeting. The Commission can vote at
the February meeting for a March work session.
Commissioner Springer noted he is concerned about the decrease in membership, decrease in
the number of meetings, and is worried about the direction and ability of the ESC to do what
commissioners are volunteering to do.
Motion by Reed Second by Andrews
Motion to cancel the March 12, 2024, Environment and Sustainability
Commission Meeting
Ayes: 3.
Nays: 1. Motion Carried.
6.b. Annual Work Plan Development
Discussion was opened regarding work plan development. Commissioners requested the
following:
•To view other commissions’ work plans for a reference point.
•To find out what the City’s environmental initiatives are, so the Commission can align its
goals with the City’s goals and priorities.
•Presentations on what the City already does or projects the City is involved in or may be
ongoing related to the environment and sustainability.
•Inquire about a budget for the ESC
Staff explained that the ESC is an advisory commission in which the Council looks to the ESC to
direct the Council’s efforts.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Stormwater Specialist Byron announced that Youth Commissioner Reed's term ends in March
and, as she is a senior, encouraged her to recommend peers to apply for the position.
Commissioners were encouraged to reach out to neighbors to participate in programs such as
Landscaping for Clean Water. Also, the MCES is looking for input for the drafting of their 2025
Metro Area Water Supply Plan. Cities are required to incorporate this plan into their own
comprehensive plan (done every 10 years).
Byron also updated the Commission on the PW/PD Campus construction contractor is recycling
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73% of their construction waste. Commissioners indicated they could use a graph with the
information to display at the Home & Business Expo.
STAFF REPORT
8.a. Set Next Meeting Agenda for February 13, 2024
i. Work plan development
ii. Planning for Home & Business Expo
iii. Meeting Calendar 24-25
iv. Bylaw Updates
Commissioners inquired about the process for commission vacancies. Staff explained that
vacancies are advertised by the City Clerk and interested persons can apply online.
Commissioners requested an update on the number of candidates that have applied for the ESC
at the February meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Environment and Sustainability Commission
at the regular meeting and upon a motion by Springer and a second by Andrews, the meeting
was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Simonson
Recording Secretary
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: February 13, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Goals Updates AGENDA SECTION:
OLD BUSINESS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 6.a.
ATTACHMENTS: Current ESC Goals APPROVED BY: BE, NE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion
BACKGROUND
The Environment & Sustainability Commission approved and periodically updates goals to guide its
work. The most recent adopted goals cover the following topics:
• Industrial Air Permitting Research
• Greening City Operations
• Water Conservation and Quality Protection
• Sustainable Consumption and Waste
• Energy Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy
• Pollinators and Habitat Protection
• Incentivizing Green Practice Adoption by Local Business.
The most recent goals document is attached for reference.
RECOMMENDATION
Commissioners will be given an opportunity to update the Chair on any progress they have made on
goals since the last meeting.
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Environment and Sustainability Commission Goals
The Rosemount Environment and Sustainability Commission has set the following goals to pursue as amended
at its July 12, 2023, meeting. The Goals listed below are aspirational, and implementation schedules may
extend beyond the year’s end and change as the year progresses.
Goal: Industrial Air Permitting Research
Further expand the knowledge base of the Commission, residents, local businesses, and the City regarding
outdoor air quality and industrial air permitting.
Actions
1. Provide information on the City website and otherwise educate residents on how to access
current air quality information, industrial air permitting, industrial air permitting enforcement,
and nearby outdoor air pollution sources.
2. Assist the City with dissemination of information on air quality/permitting violations or
problems that affect the City and its inhabitants.
3. Tour local industries that have industrial air permits to learn about measures they are taking to
mitigate impacts.
4. Research industrial air permitting and air quality issues, including best practices residents and
businesses can take to reduce outdoor air pollution.
5. Invite guest speakers to future commission meetings from regulatory agencies to speak on
industrial air permitting and air quality issues.
Goal: Greening City Operations
Update City policies, plans, and procedures to reduce the environmental impact of city operations. Use
available environmental certification programs to help guide the City on where to make improvements.
Actions
1. Pursue implementation of BMPs that can advance the City to Step 3 under the GreenStep Cities
certification program
i. BP 15.1 – Develop a sustainable purchasing policy
1. Relates to Recycling & Waste Reduction Goal
ii. Develop a green city buildings policy for construction of new or retrofit of old City
owned buildings
iii. Advise the City on other improvements that can advance the City’s certification level
2. Document new city green practices in the context of the LEED for Cities certification program
for a higher certification level at a future date
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i. Research the LEED for Cities certification program further
3. Research successful policies, plans, and procedures implemented by other communities that
reduce the impact of city operations on the environment
Goal: Water Conservation and Quality Protection
Promote and incentivize actions that improve water conservation, protect surface water quality, and protect
ground water quality.
Actions
1. Promote Smart Salting strategies for winter de/anti-icing and snow removal for homes and
businesses.
i. Research and promote the Minnesota Smart Salting for Property Management
Certification program and other certification programs
ii. Research and promote publicly available education products and policy tools
2. Promote the Adopt-a-Drain.org program
3. Encourage planting for clean water practices and other stormwater reduction and water quality
improvement best management practices (BMPs) at residences and businesses. Examples of
BMPs include raingardens, native plant buffers along waterbodies, native plant gardens, and
rain barrels.
i. Research and learn about programs that promote, provide financial incentives, or
technical assistance for planting for clean water and installation of private stormwater
BMPs.
1. Dakota County SWCD Landscaping for Clean Water
2. BlueThumb.org
3. Lawns to Legumes
4. Other programs available
ii. Promote and research how planting for clean water practices intersect with protection
of pollinators and habitat.
4. Promote irrigation reduction practices, including the use of drought tolerant lawn grasses.
5. Make recommendations to the City on opportunities for water conservation and quality protection in
City operations and policies
6. Stay current on best practices and new technologies for water conservation and quality
protection.
7. Recommend the City continue to train staff responsible for winter snow and ice removal
operations in practices that reduce deicer use.
8. Assist the City with efforts to educate residents, businesses, and organizations on the
importance of protecting local drinking water sources (e.g. the aquifer) from overuse and
degradation.
Goal: Sustainable Consumption and Waste
Promote programs and practices that move the City, its residents, and local business towards a zero waste
future.
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Actions
1. Work with the city to adopt and develop practices to implement a sustainable purchasing
policy.
2. Work with the city to promote the organics drop site in coordination with Dakota County .
3. Promote the city's education hub on the website regarding waste reduction topics and provide
education to the public, businesses, and the City on recycling, waste reduction, compostin g,
and organics recycling/composting.
4. Explore best practices to increase reuse and recycling of construction and demolition building
materials.
5. Research current best practices, new technologies, and successful programs by ot her cities
regarding waste reduction, including programs discouraging single use plastics at city events.
6. Use yard waste and/or food waste compost in city construction and landscaping projects.
Goal: Energy Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy
Promote programs, develop policies, and look for financial incentives to reduce energy consumption and
transition to a greater share of renewable energy within the community.
Actions
1. Pursue an update the City’s Energy Action Plan which expired in 2020.
2. Pursue policies and programs that encourage increased use of electric vehicles within the
community, including installation of electric vehicle charging stations in town.
3. Promote programs and policies that educate and provide incentives to businesses and
community members to switch to renewable low carbon energy and encourage energy
efficiency.
i. Working in partnership with local utility providers is a key component of this action.
4. Research best practices, new technologies, and successful programs by others that promote
energy efficiency and green house gas reduction and mitigation.
Goal: Pollinators and Habitat Protection
Promote best practices for landscaping and green space management within the community that encourage
increased use of native plants and pollinator habitat.
Actions
1. Develop policies and a promotion campaign for No Mow May
2. Develop policies and promote bee lawns
3. Promote state and local programs that incentivize or provide technical assistance on planting
for pollinators and habitat that focus on preservation and installation of native
plants/ecosystems.
4. Develop a pollinator resolution and advise adoption by the City Council
5. Research designation programs that certify or otherwise recognize the City or city greenspace
as pollinator friendly.
6. Look for opportunities within City greenspace to increase pollinator friendly habitats and
incorporate native landscaping.
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7. Research best practices, new technologies, and successful programs by others that promote
pollinator and habitat preservation and creation.
Goal: Incentivizing Green Practice Adoption by Local Business
Promote adoption of green best practices by local businesses.
Actions
1. Develop a program or research existing programs that acknowledge businesses that implement
green practices and encourage participation by local businesses.
2. Highlight local businesses that have won awards or have otherwise been acknowledged for
implementation of green practices.
3. Provide information on the City website and otherwise educate local businesses on
environmental incentive programs and technical assistance programs.
4. Engage with local businesses to learn more about impediments to adopting green practices and
what green practices they would be interested in learning about.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: February 13, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Education & Outreach Activities AGENDA SECTION:
OLD BUSINESS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 6.b.
ATTACHMENTS: APPROVED BY:
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion
BACKGROUND
The Environment & Sustainability Commission (ESC) regularly participates in and promotes education
and outreach activities that align with their goals. Activities are often assigned to specific
commissioners to organize or complete. The intent of this item is to review the success of recently
completed activities and share ideas for upcoming activities. Below is a listing of recent and upcoming
programs and dates of significance:
1. Blog posts:
a. February - Landscaping for Clean Water Workshops - published
b. March - Waste Reduction Topic - Commissioner Burman
c. April - Water conservation in observance of the Mayors' Water Challenge - city staff
2. Upcoming Events:
a. a. Rosemount Community Expo - March 2, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
3. Upcoming Holidays of Note:
a. March 22 - World Water Day
b. April - The Mayor's Water Challenge
c. April 22 - Earth Day
d. April 26 - Arbor Day
e. May - Arbor Month
f. May - No Mow May
RECOMMENDATION
Discuss education and outreach opportunities for February, March, and April. Discuss planning for the
Rosemount Community Expo.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: February 13, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Annual Work Plan Development AGENDA SECTION:
OLD BUSINESS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 6.c.
ATTACHMENTS: Draf April 2024-March 2025 ESC Work Plan APPROVED BY: BE, NE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to approve the 2024/25 Environment and Sustainability Commission
Work Plan
BACKGROUND
The Environment and Sustainability Commission (ESC) is tasked with developing an annual work plan to
guide its work during its 2024/25 calendar (April 2024-March 2025). The work plan will be approved by
the City Council in spring 2024.
City staff developed the attached draft 2024/25 ESC Work Plan with input from the Commissioners and
using ESC Goals as a guide. The Progress and Notes columns of the Work Plan will be updated as work
occurs during the year.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the attached 2024/25 ESC Work Plan.
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Month Action
Associated
Goal
Responsible
Party Progress Notes
Attend Commission Meeting N/A Commissioners
New Commissioner Orientaion N/A City Staff
Website Article: Water Conservation/Mayor's
Water Challenge
Water Quality
Conservation City Staff
Low Mow Spring (No Mow May)
Proclaimation to Council
Pollinators &
Habitat City Staff
Review State Air Quality Permitting Program Air Quality City Staff MPCA Possible guest speaker
Review Community Survey Questions All City Staff
May
Website Article: Low Mow
Spring/Pollinators
Pollinators &
Habitat City Staff
Attend Commission Meeting N/A Commissioners
Website Article: Reporting Environmental
Issues Air Quality City Staff
Speaker @ Commission Meeting: Dakota
County Solid Waste**
Sustainable
Consumption City Staff
**Invitation to Dakota County must be
extended, Solid Waste Plan
Update Draft Stustainable Purchasing
Framework Policy
Greening
Operations City Staff
Leprechaun Days Prep All Commissioners
Website Article: Solid Waste Reduction &
Recycling
Sustainable
Consumption Commissioners
Table @ Leprechaun Days: July 26 & 27 All Commissioners
Sustainable Purchasing Framework to
Council
Greening
Operations City Staff
Attend Commission Meeting N/A Commissioners
Website Article: Energy Sustainability, Energy
Conservation, Renewable Energy Energy Commissioners Cooling Strategies for the Home
Speaker @ Commission Meeting: VRWJPO
Watershed Plan**
Water Quality
Conservation City Staff
**Invitation to VRWJPO must be
extended
Investigate Climate Action Plan options Energy City Staff
April
June
July
August
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September Website Article: Composting & Yard Waste
Water Quality
Conservation Commissioners
Attend Commission Meeting N/A Commissioners
Website Article: Energy Sustainability ,
Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy Energy Commissioners National Energy Awareness Month
Review Goals for Amendment All Commissioners
Investigate Climate Action Plan Options Energy Commissioners
November
Website Article: Environmental Features of
the New PW/PD Campus & Practices
During Construction
Greening
Operations City Staff
Attend Commission Meeting N/A Commissioners
Website Article: Water Quality - Salt
Reduction
Water Quality
Conservation City Staff
Draft 2025/26 Work Plan All Commissioners
ESC Aprove Amended Goals All Commissioners
Facility Tour: Public Works & Police
Campus**
Greening
Operations City Staff **Contingent on completion of work
Review businesses to tour in 2025/26
Business
Incentives Commissioners
January
Website Article: Incentive Environmental
Programs for Business
Business
Incentives City Staff
Attend Commission Meeting N/A Commissioners
Website Article: Incentive Programs for
Residents All City Staff
ESC Approve 2025/26 Work Plan All Commissioners
Facility Tour: Spectro Alloys** Air Quality City Staff
**Invitation must be extended to Specto
Alloys; currect construction projects may
delay event
Develop Climate Action/Sustainability Plan
Budget Recommendation for 2025 Energy Commissioners
https://www.lmc.org/news-
publications/magazine/mar-apr-
2022/cities-climate-action-plans/
December
February
October
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Speaker: 2025 Planned Sustainability
Outreach**
Sustainable
Consumption City Staff
**Invitation must be extended to Solid
Waste & Recycling Coordinator
Planning for Rosemount Community Expo All Commissioners
Website Article: Environmental Volunteering
Opportunities All City Staff
Council Approve 2025/26 Work Plan All City Staff
ESC Yearly Progress Report @ Council
Meeting All Commissioners
Table @ Rosemount Community Expo: Date
TBD All Commissioners
March
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: February 13, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Environment & Sustainability Commission Bylaws
Updates
AGENDA SECTION:
NEW BUSINESS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 7.a.
ATTACHMENTS: Draft ESC Bylaws APPROVED BY: BE, NE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to amend the Environment & Sustainability Commission Bylaws per
the attachment.
BACKGROUND
The current Environment & Sustainability Commission Bylaws were adopted in 2020 and do not reflect
changes to Commission operations that came out of the recent revisioning process. Changes to the
Bylaws include the following:
• Updated focus areas list to more accurately reflect current goals,
• Adjustments to the number of members,
• Changes to the meeting schedule,
• Additional clarity about special meetings and work sessions; and,
• Clarity about volunteer work expectations.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the updated Bylaws.
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Environment and Sustainability Commission Bylaws
I. DEFINITION
The Environment and Sustainability Commission was established by the City of Rosemount City
Council on February 4, 2020.
II. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Commission is to advise the City Council on issues related to sustainability,
environmental stewardship, and opportunities for advancement on those fronts. The
Commission shall recommend any policies and initiatives to the City Council that enhance and
preserve the environment and natural resources.
The issue of sustainable city services is a complex topic that includes a wide range of city
services. Rosemount currently has citizen commissions that advise the council on planning,
parks, and utilities. Although other commissions’ members meet once per month and generally
only focus on current city projects and new developments, there are significant issues around
sustainability and citizen engagement that are not being addressed.
The City Council’s objective creating an Environment and Sustainability Commission is to look at
areas where the city can have a better impact on environment and natural resources issues and
look for creative ways to engage residents through education and opportunities to improve
neighborhoods. Outcomes could be specific projects on recommendations on city policy.
Areas of focus for the Environment and Sustainability Commission include the following:
• Industrial Air Quality
• Water Conservation and Water Quality
• Sustainable Consumption and Waste
• Pollinators and Habitat Protection
• Energy Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Renewable Energy
• Green Incentive Programs
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III. MEMBERSHIP
The Commission consists of 6 regular members and 1 youth member, all of whom shall be
residents of the City of Rosemount and appointed by the City Council. The youth member shall
be 14 to 18 years old at the time of selection, shall serve a one-year term, and shall be eligible
for reappointment if in good standing at the end of each term. Regular commission members
shall serve a three-year term and may reapply for appointment if in good standing at the end of
each term. Terms begin in April and end in March of the applicable years.
A city staff representative and ex-officio City Council member(s) may serve as liaisons.
IV. RESIGNATION
Any member wishing to resign from the Environment and Sustainability Commission shall give
written notice of the resignation to the Commission Chair and city staff representative. The
Commission Chair shall present the resignation to the Commission at its next meeting.
V. ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance at meetings by all voting members is necessary if the Commission is to be
effective. It shall be the duty of each member to notify the city staff representative prior to the
meeting that they will not be attending. The commission members can vote a commission
member out due to four or more absences in a year.
VI. MEETINGS
A. DATE AND TIME:
i. Regular meetings are held on the second Tuesday of even months (April, June,
August, October, December, and February) at 6:00 PM.
ii. The second Tuesday of odd months (May, July, September, November, January, and
March) at 6:00 PM shall be reserved for work sessions called for by special meeting.
iii. Special meetings may occur at other dates and times.
B. PLACE:
i. Regular meetings shall be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall unless otherwise
noted.
ii. Special work sessions shall be held in the City Hall Conference Room unless
otherwise noted.
iii. Location shall be designated at the time of designation for other special meetings.
C. SPECIAL MEETINGS:
i. Special meetings may be called through approval of a motion by simple-majority
vote of the Commission, or by the City Council.
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ii. Commission Members must be notified of the call for a special meeting at least
three (3) days before the date of the meeting.
iii. Special meetings shall be work sessions where no voting or decision making will
occur unless otherwise specified.
iv. Special meetings, including work sessions, shall follow an agenda and address
specific areas of work.
D. JOINT MEETINGS:
i. Joint meetings may be called with the City Council or other commissions as deemed
necessary by the City Council or city staff representative.
E. MINUTES:
i. City staff will prepare the minutes after each meeting.
F. REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL:
i. The Commission Chair, ex-officio council member, or city staff representative will
provide an annual report to the City Council at either a Council meeting or Council
work session.
VII. VOLUNTEERING
Members are expected to volunteer at community engagement events and help the city
develop educational resources outside of commission meetings. Examples include tabling at the
annual Community Expo, tabling at the Leprechaun Days Midsummer Faire, writing articles for
the City Newsletter, writing news items for the city website, and organizing volunteer events like
neighborhood cleanups. Members will not be compensated for volunteer work outside of
commission meetings.
VIII. ORGANIZATION
A. CHAIR PERSON
i. The Chair Person shall preside over all meetings and be selected annually by the
members, typically at the April meeting each year.
ii. The Chair Person may assign specific tasks to members, with the consent of the
members, establish subcommittees, and assist with developing meeting agendas.
B. VICE CHAIR PERSON
i. The Vice Chair Person shall preside over meetings in the absence of the Chair
Person.
C. STAFF
i. A city staff representative shall distribute the agenda packet to each member prior
to the meeting, either an electronic or paper version.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: February 13, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Set Meeting Dates for 2024-2025 AGENDA SECTION:
NEW BUSINESS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 7.b.
ATTACHMENTS: 2024-2025 ESC CALENDAR APPROVED BY: BE, NE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Motion to set the 2023-2024 Environment & Sustainability Commission
Meetings per the Attached Calendar
BACKGROUND
The Commission sets the meeting dates for the coming year (April-March) annually. Attached is a
calendar of recommended meeting dates in green that show when meetings would occur per the
meeting schedule of the second Tuesday of even months (April, June, August, October, December,
February) specified in the Commission Bylaws. Commissioners are encouraged to review meeting
dates to discuss any potential conflicts with individual meetings on the proposed schedule.
Please note, the dates shown in peach are potential special meeting dates per section VI.A.ii. of the
Environment and Sustainability Commission Bylaws. They are placed on the calendar solely for
reference. Special meetings are approved on a case by case basis to address specified areas of work
that cannot be addressed at a regular meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the proposed April 2024-March 2025 meeting schedule.
Page 23 of 24
Regular Commission Meetings Reserved for Potential Special Meetings
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
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30
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S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
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19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
January '25 February '25 March '25
April '24 May '24 June '24
July '24 August '24 September '24
2024-2025
Environment & Sustainability Commission Annual Planner
October '24 November '24 December '24
Calendar Templates by Vertex42.com
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