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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024.08.19 ESC RM Packet AGENDA Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting Monday, August 19, 2024 6:00 PM Council Chambers 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS a. Approval of June 11, 2024, Environment and Sustainability Commission Work Session Minutes b. Approval of June 11, 2024, Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting Minutes 4. PRESENTATIONS 5. OLD BUSINESS a. Work Plan Updates b. Education and Outreach Activities 6. NEW BUSINESS 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS a. Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan Open for Public Comment Through August 21 8. STAFF REPORT a. Set Next Meeting Agenda for October 8, 2024 9. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 10 ROSEMOUNT ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION WORK SESSION PROCEEDINGS JUNE 11, 2024 CALL TO ORDER a. FOLLOWING THE ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY REGULAR MEETING: The Commission may choose to reconvene the work session after the adjournment of the regular meeting if the business of the work session is unable to be completed in the allotted time. Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session of the Environment and Sustainability Commission was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 5:30 PM. in Rosemount City Hall Conference Room, 2875 145th Street West. Vice-Chair Andrews called the meeting to order with Commissioner Burman. Commissioner Springer was absent. Staff present included the following: Stormwater Specialist Jane Byron, City Engineer Brian Erickson, and Recording Secretary Amy Simonson. DISCUSSION 2.a. Environment & Sustainability Commission Revisioning Specialist Byron informed the Commission that Parks & Recreation staff with environmental expertise, will occasionally assist the Commission. However, the capacity in which they will be assisting is still being discussed. The Commissioners expressed interest in taking on an advisory role to the Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Commission. Commissioners would like to review plans submitted and provide comments and feedback to the respective commissions. Engineer Erickson noted that the Planning Commission has statutory requirements and deadlines for submissions, which could pose challenges due to the Environmental and Sustainability Commission's bi-monthly meeting schedule. Staff will need to discuss the logistics internally to determine how best to manage this advisory role. Commissioners also requested to receive presentations on annual city reports, such as the Surface Water Report. Additionally, the Commissioners suggested sending notifications to residents to encourage attendance at ESC meetings, particularly when educational and informative presentations are scheduled. Staff will explore options for notifying residents and report back to the Commission. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Environmental and Sustainability Commission at the work session and upon a motion by Andrews and a second by Burman, the meeting was adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amy Simonson Recording Secretary Page 2 of 10 ROSEMOUNT ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING PROCEEDINGS JUNE 11, 2024 CALL TO ORDER Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Environment and Sustainability Commission was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at 6:01 PM in Rosemount Council Chambers, 2875 145th Street West. Vice-Chair Andrews called the meeting to order with Commissioner Burman. Commission Chair Springer was absent. Staff present included the following; Stormwater Specialist Jane Byron, City Engineer Brian Erickson, and Recording Secretary Amy Simonson. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Burman Second by Andrews Motion to adopt the agenda as presented. Ayes: 2. Nays: None. Motion Carried. ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS 3.a. Approval of April 9, 2024, Environment and Sustainability Commission Meeting Minutes Motion by Burman Second by Andrews Motion to approve the April 9, 2024, Environment and Sustainability Commission meeting minutes. Ayes: 2. Nays: None. Motion Carried. 3.b. Rescheduling of August 2024 Commission Meeting Staff noted that the August 13, 2024, regular commission meeting will need to be rescheduled due to conflict with the primary elections taking place that day. Motion by Burman Second by Andrews Motion to change the date of the August 13, 2024 Environment & Sustainability Commission regular meeting to Monday, August 19, 2024 with a work session to be held prior to at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Conference Room. Ayes: 2. Nays: None. Motion carried. PRESENTATIONS 4.a. Clean Energy Resource Teams Presentation on Clean Energy Programs Bruce Odegaard, with CERTs, presented the energy incentive programs that are currently and soon to be available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. CERT offers free resources to Page 3 of 10 navigate through the information and various grants and incentives available through the federal and state governments, and utilities. The program is mostly directed at homeowners, but there are opportunities for businesses and non-profit organizations. The incentives are in the form of tax credits and/or rebates for energy audits, energy efficiency, heat pumps, solar energy and electric transportation. Commissioners requested that CERTs resources be promoted on the city website. Odegaard will provide the appropriate links to staff for posting. OLD BUSINESS 5.a. Work Plan Updates Specialist Byron provided the following updates: •The city is still pursuing installing EV charging stations in public spaces such as parks. Staff will be meeting with Xcel Energy as they have a program in which they will install the electric cabling needed for the charging stations at no charge to cities, but the city will still have to purchase and install the charging stations. As part of the new Public Works/Police Campus building, EV charging stations will be installed in the public parking lot. •Public Works will be demoing an 8-foot electric mower. •Specialist Bryon and Coordinator Penman are reviewing and editing the Sustainable Purchasing Policy for presentation to City Council. Commissioners will be able to review the edits before the final document is sent to the Council. •Specialist Byron posted in the news and highlights section of the city website how to report environmental issues or concerns. •The state has not responded yet to the city's request to present a review of the air quality permitting process. Commissioner Burman inquired if the city and/or Public Works is looking into switching to EV vehicles. Staff will follow up with the Public Works Fleet Supervisor and report back. 5.b. Education and Outreach Activities Specialist Byron provided an update on the Mow Less May participation for 2024. There was noticeably less participation this year, with 23 registered participants versus 125 last year. This could be due to less advertising on the city's part and that residents may not be aware they need to register each year. To encourage more participation next year, it was recommended to offer an incentive for residents to register. Furthermore, the city could publicize what it is doing for Mow Less May. Upcoming Website Posts: •June - Fireworks clean up •July - Reporting an environmental concern •August - Energy Conservation Page 4 of 10 Commissioner Burman noted that the Dakota County Solid Waste Plan survey findings are posted on the county’s website. ANNOUNCEMENTS None. STAFF REPORT 8.a. Set Next Meeting Agenda for August 13, 2024 i. Recap revisioning and work plan discussions ii. Updates on County Solid Waste Plan - open for public engagement in August ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Environment and Sustainability Commission at the regular commission meeting and upon a motion by Andrews and a second by Burman, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amy Simonson Recording Secretary Page 5 of 10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: August 19, 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 Work Plan through August 14 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 onactivities listed in the 2024/2025 Work Plan. Page 6 of 10 2024/2025 ESC Work Plan Through June 11 Month Action Associated Goal Responsible Party Progress Notes April Attend Commission Meeting - April 9 N/A Commissioners Complete 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 Postponed 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. June Attend Commission Meeting - June 11 N/A Commissioners Complete Website Article: Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling Air Quality Commissioners Complete Fireworks disposal and safety Update Draft Stustainable Purchasing Framework Policy Greening Operations City Staff Complete New draft being routed through city staff Speaker @ Commission Meeting: Overview of the IRA clean energy incentives Energy City Staff Completed 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. July Website Article: Reporting Environmental Issues Sustainable Consumption Commissioners Completed 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 New draft being routed through city staff August Attend Commission Meeting - August 13 N/A Commissioners Website Article: Energy Sustainability, Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy Energy Commissioners Cooling Strategies for the Home - Commissioner Andrews volunteered Speaker @ Commission Meeting: VRWJPO Watershed Plan** Water Quality Conservation City Staff **Invitation to VRWJPO must be extended; contacted VRWJPO on 02/21; no draft plan at this time Investigate Climate Action Plan options Energy City Staff September Website Article: Composting & Yard Waste Water Quality Conservation Commissioners October 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 New Commissioner Orientaion N/A City Staff Moved to October due to lack of commissioner candidates Page 7 of 10 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 December 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; November 30, 2024, estimated move in date 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 February 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 March 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 October Page 8 of 10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: August 19, 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. none 2. News & Highlights Posts on RosemountMN.gov: a. August - Cooling Strategies for the Home or other energy related topic - Andrews b. September - Composting & Yard Waste - commissioners c. October - Energy Sustainability, Energy Conservation, Renewable Energy - commissioners d. November - Environmental Features of the New PW/PD Campus & Practices During Construction - city staff 3. Upcoming events and holidays of note: a. September 7 - International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies b. September 21 - Rosemount Food Truck Festival c. October - National Energy Awareness Month d. October 26 - Haunted Woods Trail e. November - Pumpkin Collection f. November 15 - America Recycles Day g. November 30 - Steeple Center Tree Lighting RECOMMENDATION Discuss education and outreach opportunities for September, October, November. Page 9 of 10 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Environment and Sustainability Commission Regular Meeting: August 19, 2024 AGENDA ITEM: Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan Open for Public Comment Through August 21 AGENDA SECTION: ANNOUNCEMENTS PREPARED BY: Jane Byron, Stormwater Specialist AGENDA NO. 7.a. ATTACHMENTS: APPROVED BY: BE, NE RECOMMENDED ACTION: Discussion BACKGROUND Dakota County’s draft Solid Waste Management Plan is available for review. County residents, businesses and other organizations can provide comments through Aug. 21, 2024. Gena Gerard, with Dakota County, presented on the Plan revision process at the April Environment & Sustainability Commission Meeting. Proposed strategies in the draft plan include ways to meet state mandates to recycle 75 percent of waste generated in the county and meet requirements in the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Policy Plan. Key highlights of the Plan include: • Curbside food scraps collection for suburban residents by 2030 • Education on how to prevent food waste • Collection events and swaps for building materials (e.g., windows, fixtures, lumber) • Information on how to prevent and manage tree waste • Hauler feedback when customers don’t recycle right The Draft Plan can be viewed on the Dakota County Website, www.co.dakota.mn.us, and comments can be emailed to wasteless@co.dakota.mn.us. RECOMMENDATION Review plan comment period. Page 10 of 10