HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.06.11 ESC RM Packet
AGENDA
Environment and Sustainability
Commission Regular Meeting
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
6:00 PM
Council Chambers
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
a. Approval of April 9, 2024, Environment and Sustainability Commission Meeting
Minutes
b. Rescheduling of August 2024 Commission Meeting
4. PRESENTATIONS
a. Clean Energy Resource Teams Presentation on Clean Energy Programs
5. OLD BUSINESS
a. Work Plan Updates
b. Education and Outreach Activities
6. NEW BUSINESS
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS
8. STAFF REPORT
a. Set Next Meeting Agenda for August 13, 2024
9. ADJOURNMENT
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ROSEMOUNT ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS
APRIL 9, 2024
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Rosemount Environmental &
Sustainability Commission was held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6:00 PM in Rosemount Council
Chambers, 2875 145th Street West.
Chairperson Springer called the meeting to order with Commissioners Burman and Andrews.
Staff present included the following; City Engineer Brian Erickson, Stormwater Specialist Jane
Byron, and Recording Secretary Amy Simonson.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Springer requested to move item 3.b. to New Business item 6.a.
Motion by Andrews Second by Burman
Motion to approve the agenda with the moving item 3.b. to item 6.a.
Ayes: 3.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
3.a. February 13, 2024, Environment and Sustainability Commission Meeting
Motion by Springer Second by Andrews
Motion to approve the February 13, 2024, Environment and Sustainability
Commission meeting minutes
Ayes: 3.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
3.b. Election of Commission Chair & Vice Chair
Item has been moved to New Business 6.a.
PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Dakota County Solid Waste Plan Update
Gena Gerard, with Dakota County's Environmental Resources Department, discussed the revision
of the County's Solid Waste Management Plan. State law requires all metro counties to have a
waste management plan in place that meets state responsibilities and statutory goals. The
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan
provides the framework for solid waste management in the Metropolitan Area. Dakota County is
asking residents (residential and commercial) to participate in the online survey. The survey is
open until April 30, 2024. Commissioners asked if the survey link could be added to the city's
website and posted to social media platforms. Staff will confirm if this has already been
completed by the city's Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator.
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OLD BUSINESS
5.a. Work Plan and Goals Updates
Specialist Byron presented the following updates made to the work plan made since it was
approved by the Commission in February.
•The Air Quality Permitting presentation is on hold awaiting availability of the MPCA.
•The Clean Energy Resource Teams, an NPO that helps with renewable energy and energy
conservation, requested a presentation on the Inflation Reduction Act incentives
available and are scheduled to present at the June meeting.
•No applications for commissioners were received, therefore, the new commissioner
orientation is on hold.
•The water conservation post is on hold for later. Instead, Mow Less May information will
be posted for May.
Commissioner Burman inquired about an update on the review by staff of the Sustainable
Purchasing Policy Framework. Specialist Byron noted the policy was forwarded to senior staff
again for review due to how much time has passed since it was originally submitted. If staff have
any modifications, the suggestions would come back to the ESC to review and comment.
5.b. Education and Outreach Activities
Staff asked commissioners for feedback regarding tabling at the Home & Business Expo.
Commissioners noted they liked the location as there was more traffic and interest in the booth
and fielded lots of questions from residents. Questions were noted and tracked. Trending
inquiries included rebate programs, Landscaping for Clean Water program, cost share programs
available, and organics education. LED lights provided by Xcel Energy were given away but still
have some left over.
Commissioners discussed hosting a booth at Leprechaun Days. Due to the limited number of
commissioners, it was determined that the ESC would not be able to host their own booth and
instead would offer their spot to Violet Pennman, Solid Waste & Recycling Coordinator.
Specialist Byron discussed the transition from No Mow May to Mow Less May, which will also
expand on the concept and include additional ways to help pollinators. There will be a blog post
highlighted on the city website as well as an article in the spring newsletter that will include tips,
management strategies and optional registration with a printable sign for residents. The Mow
Less May resolution was approved by City Council last week which will suspend enforcement of
lawn height for the month of May.
Specialist Byron announced that Adopt-A-Drain Minnesota is hosting a promotion during Earth
Week. Drain adopters can report a drain cleaning during that week, adopters can receive a free
t-shirt. There will also be a promotion for adopters to obtain discount tickets to the May 4th
Twins game.
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5.c. Community Survey Overview
The city has posted a notice that the Citywide Community Survey for 2024 is open. Notices are
first mailed to randomly selected individuals. The survey will be available online to all community
members later this month. The survey does contain some environmentally related questions.
5.d. Environment & Sustainability Commission Revisioning
No new commissioner applications have been received for the Commission. The current quorum
requirement stands at two commissioners. Staff and commissioners discussed options and ideas
for revision of the Environmental & Sustainability Commission. Ideas presented included:
•Staff adjustments to integrate and coordinate with other staff members in related fields,
as the city does not have a dedicated environmental staff person. Further internal
discussions will occur before final decisions on staff adjustments are made.
•The commission could change to quarterly meetings or revert to a task force. Both ideas
were struck down.
•Commissioners can serve as liaisons to other commissions when relevant items are on
their agendas. This idea was well-received as it enables commissioners to fulfill their
advisory roles and be more active in city matters.
Commissioners were encouraged to reach out to staff with additional ideas for further
discussion.
Motion by Andrews Second by Springer
Motion to hold Work Session May 14, 2024, at 6 PM to discuss revisioning
Ayes: 3.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
NEW BUSINESS
6.a. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
Commissioner Burman nominated Commissioner Springer for Chair. Commissioner Springer
accepted the nomination.
Motion by Burman Second by Andrews
Motion to elect Commissioner Springer as Commission Chair.
Ayes: 3.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
Commissioner Burman nominated Commissioner Andrews for Vice Chair. Commissioner
Andrews accepted the nomination.
Motion by Burman Second by Andrews
Motion to elect Commissioner Andrews as Commission Vice-Chair.
Ayes: 3.
Nays: None. Motion Carried.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
Specialist Byron advised that Spectro Alloys had an air permit out for comment relating to their
expansion. The Commission was notified on March 8th of the open comment period. The
comment period has closed now.
The MPCA is seeking comments on the Air Toxics Regulations rule as directed by the State. The
comment period is open from May 1st through May 22nd.
Dakota County will host a Water Wise Challenge which is a competition between cities in the
County to see who can be the most "water wise". The challenge will take place from May to
August. Residents will sign up to take the Water Wise Pledge to take action and conserve water.
The city with the most participants will win and
Registration is open for the County managed Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP).
Volunteer citizen scientists monitor 5 wetlands during the summer. Training is free and the
commitment is about 20 hours of field work over the course of the summer.
STAFF REPORT
8.a. Set Next Meeting Agenda for June 11, 2024
i. Review of the Sustainable Purchasing Framework
ii. Clean Energy Resource Teams presentation
iii. EV stations update
iv. Mow Less May update and feedback
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Environmental & Sustainability Commission
at the regular meeting, and upon a motion by Springer and a second by Burman, the meeting was
adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Simonson
Recording Secretary
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: June 11, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Rescheduling of August 2024 Commission Meeting AGENDA SECTION:
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 3.b.
ATTACHMENTS: APPROVED BY: BE, NE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt a motion to change the date of the August Environment &
Sustainability Commission meeting.
BACKGROUND
The Environment & Sustainability Commission (ESC) meeting scheduled for August 13, 2024, conflicts
with the Primary Election. The ESC meeting needs to be moved to a night that doesn't conflict with the
Primary Election or other city meetings or activities.
Options for rescheduling the meeting include, but are not limited to, the following: August 14, August
15, August 19, August 21, and August 22.
RECOMMENDATION
Change the date of the August meeting to a date that doesn't conflict with the Primary Election or
other city meetings or activities.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: June 11, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Clean Energy Resource Teams Presentation on
Clean Energy Programs
AGENDA SECTION:
PRESENTATIONS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 4.a.
ATTACHMENTS: APPROVED BY: BE, NE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion only.
BACKGROUND
Bruce Odegaard, a volunteer Community Energy Ambassador with the Clean Energy Resource Teams
(CERTs), will be presenting on clean energy incentive programs. New incentive programs are available
to assist residents and businesses with clean energy improvements through the federal Inflation
Reduction Act and the State of Minnesota.
RECOMMENDATION
Review clean energy incentive programs available to Rosemount residents.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: June 11, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Work Plan Updates AGENDA SECTION:
OLD BUSINESS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 5.a.
ATTACHMENTS: April 2024-March 2025 ESC Work Plan through June
11
APPROVED BY: BE, NE
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion
BACKGROUND
The Environment & Sustainability Commission approved a Work Plan at the February 2024 meeting to
guide its activities to address goals covering the following topics for 2024/2025:
• Industrial Air Permitting
• 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 Work Plan is a working document that changes slightly from month to month as new information
becomes available as activities are pursued. The updated Work Plan is attached and will be presented
at the meeting.
RECOMMENDATION
Commissioners will be given an opportunity to update the Chair on any progress they have made on
activities listed in the 2024/2025 Work Plan.
Page 8 of 11
2024/2025 ESC Work Plan Through June 11
Month Action
Associated
Goal
Responsible
Party Progress Notes
Attend Commission Meeting - April 9 N/A Commissioners
Website Article: Water
Conservation/Mayor's Water Challenge
Water Quality
Conservation City Staff Cancel and cover irrigation under
Mow Less May post
Mayor's Water Challenge on hiatus for
2024. WThe County county will be
hosting a Water Wise Challenge over the
summer that may delay outreach on
water conservation to closer to May.
Mow Less May (No Mow May)
Proclaimation to Council
Pollinators &
Habitat City Staff Approved April 2. Outreach expected mid-April
Speaker @ Commission Meeting: Dakota
County Solid Waste**
Sustainable
Consumption City Staff Confirmed for April 9
**Invitation to Dakota County must be
extended, Solid Waste Plan; Dakota
County contacted on 02/21
Review State Air Quality Permitting Program Air Quality City Staff
Reached out to MPCA on 03/15 and
03/18 with request with no response.MPCA Possible guest speaker
Review Community Survey Questions All City Staff completed April 9
ESC Work Plan presentation to City Council
- April 16 N/A Commissioners
Preference is for presentation of the
work plan by the ESC Chair
May Website Article: Mow Less May/Pollinators
Pollinators &
Habitat City Staff Completed May 2024
Will also include other information on
low input lawn care.
Attend Commission Meeting - June 11 N/A Commissioners
Website Article: Reporting Environmental
Issues Air Quality City Staff In progress.
Update Draft Stustainable Purchasing
Framework Policy
Greening
Operations City Staff In progress still. Recommend moving to
July.
Speaker @ Commission Meeting: Overview
of the IRA clean energy incentives Energy City Staff Confirmed for June 11
CERTs reached out in March with an
invitation. Bruce Odegaard is an
Inflation Reduction Act Ambassador
volunteer with CERTs and will give the
presentation.
Leprechaun Days Prep All Commissioners Cancelled
The Leprechaun Days booth will be
handled by the Solid Waste Coordinator
due to current small commission size.
Website Article: Solid Waste Reduction &
Recycling
Sustainable
Consumption Commissioners
Table @ Leprechaun Days: July 26 & 27 All Commissioners
commisison not hosting booth in
2024
Volunteer opportunities will be available
to assist with the recycling booth and
City Council booth.
Sustainable Purchasing Framework to
Council
Greening
Operations City Staff In progress. Recommend moving to
August.
Attend Commission Meeting - August 13 N/A Commissioners
New Commissioner Orientaion N/A City Staff
Moved to August due to lack of
commissioner candidates
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; contacted VRWJPO on 02/21
Investigate Climate Action Plan options Energy City Staff
September Website Article: Composting & Yard Waste
Water Quality
Conservation Commissioners
Attend Commission Meeting - October 8 N/A Commissioners
Website Article: Energy Sustainability ,
Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy Energy Commissioners National Energy Awareness Month
Review Goals for Amendment All Commissioners
June
April
July
October
August
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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 - December
10 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
Speaker: 2025 Planned Sustainability
Outreach**
Sustainable
Consumption City Staff Confirmed for December 10
**Invitation must be extended to Solid
Waste & Recycling Coordinator;
contacted Coordinator on 02/22
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 Touch base with Eric Van Oss
January Website Article: Incentive Environmental
Programs for Business
Business
Incentives City Staff
Attend Commission Meeting - February
11 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/
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
Future Activities
December
March
February
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: June 11, 2024
AGENDA ITEM: Education and Outreach Activities AGENDA SECTION:
OLD BUSINESS
PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 5.b.
ATTACHMENTS: APPROVED BY: BE, NE
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. Recap of previous events:
a. Mow Less May
2. News & Highlights Posts on RosemountMN.gov:
a. June - reporting environmental issues - city staff
b. July - solid waste reduction & recycling topic - commissioners
c. August - cooling strategies for the home or other energy related topic - commissioners
3. 3. Upcoming Events and Holidays of Note
a. June 17-23 - National Pollinator Week
i. Vision 2024: Thriving Ecosystems, Economies, and Agriculture
b. June 19 - Juneteenth - city offices closed
c. July - Plastic Free July
d. July 4 - Independence Day - city offices closed
e. July 26-27 - Leprechaun Days Midsummer Faire
f. August 6 - Night to Unite
g. August 21 - National Honey Bee Day
RECOMMENDATION
Discuss education and outreach opportunities for June, July, and August.
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