Loading...
EEAC Workshop pkt. 04-12-114 111° City of Evan MeMo TO: THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION (EEAC) FROM: DIANNE MILLER, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR DATE: APRIL 6, 2011 SUBJECT: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION WORKSHOP / APRIL 12, 2011 A workshop of the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) will take place on Tuesday, April 12 at approximately 7:30 p.m. in Conference Room 2A &B (upstairs). The purpose of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for the Commission to dialogue about their recommended next steps on the GreenStep City program, as well as outline priorities or key elements to a 2011 -2012 EEAC work plan for consideration by the Council. A joint meeting of the City Council and Commission is tentatively scheduled for the June 14 City Council workshop. Background for April 12 Workshop GreenStep City Program Overview —City staff has updated the GreenStep Cities program website to include all updated progress reports, applicable websites, pertinent documents, and outcome metrics that apply to the 28 best practices. Given that all of the data entry is now occurring on the GreenStep City's website (http: / /greenstep.pca.state mn us), staff is unable to "print out" a full spreadsheet. Rather Commissioners can view the City's progress online However, staff did update the initial report prepared by Commissioners Nadav, LeClair, and Olsen to update all of the progress made in the past several months. Enclosed on pages through55 is a revised GreenStep Cities report, showing the progress made on each best practice in a Word version. To summarize, based on feedback from Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Coordinator, the following are the required actions that the City must complete in order to meet the best practice requirements to be designated as a Step III GreenStep City: EEAC Workshop April 12, 2011 Page 2 1. Best Practice 1 (Efficient Existing Public Buildings) -- Enter baseline information into the Minnesota B3 database and continue entering monthly energy use data from city -owned buildings. Update: The City entered preliminary data into B3 system, but does not currently use the program to continue monitoring monthly energy use data). A training has been scheduled with City staff during the last week of April to train staff on how to utilize the B3 system to track energy usage at all City facilities. Additionally, the MPCA has offered the City the assistance of a GreenCorp volunteer to enter all necessary data into the new B3 system so that the City's data will be up to date; thus making the City's work much more manageable moving ahead. 2. Best Practice #11 (Complete Green Streets )—Adopt a complete streets policy that addresses street trees and stormwater, and modify street standards accordingly. Update: Eagan must prepare a complete green streets policy that is encouraged by Minnesota statute chapter 351, section 52. The policy must address street trees and stormwater, and incorporate appropriate standards to facilitate a transportation system that accommodates multiple modes and users of all ages and abilities. According to the MPCA, the City could adopt a resolution denoting the Complete Street efforts of the City to meet this best practice. City staff is currently preparing that resolution for Commission consideration. 3. Best Practice #15 (Purchasing) —Adopt a policy or administrative policy directing that the city purchase only: a. EnergyStar certified equipment and appliances and b. Paper containing at least 30% post- consumer recycled content. Update: Eagan purchases 30% envirocopy recycled paper, and when necessary and financially feasible, purchases Energy Star certified equipment, The city can complete this action by adopting an environmentally preferred purchasing policy that calls out the recycled paper and EnergyStar requirements. Enclosed on pagap is an example from the City of Falcon Heights of an Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Policy that meets best practice #15. 4. Best Practice #24 (Benchmarks and Community Engagement) — Report progress annually to community members on implementation of GreenStep City best practices, including energy /carbon benchmarking data if gathered. Update: In order to claim this best practice, Eagan must report to the community the efforts and progress made on the GreenStep City program. The County is currently collecting greenhouse EEAC Workshop April 12, 2011 Page 3 gas data that is community specific, and when that data becomes available, it could be published along with the City's GreenStep efforts to date. Brainstorming Lists and Previous Workshop Notes —As the Commission prepares to formulate a recommended 2011 -2012 EEAC work plan for presentation to the City Council, enclosed on page '7 through6l are brainstorming ideas that have been voiced over the past year regarding projects, initiatives, and issues the Commission has expressed an interest in possible considering. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about the enclosed materials and background information. I look forward to the Commission's dialogue on April 12 regarding the proposed work plan for 2011 -2012. r �. Assistant to the City Administrator 3 Minnesota GreenStep Cities itv of a an Jeff LeClair, Amir Nadav, Wade Olsen Eagan Energy & Environment Advisory Commission With Assistance Provided by: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA TABLE OF CONTENTS Page I. Acknowledgments 3 II. Executive Summary 4 III. Background 5 IV. GreenStep Cities Program Overview 6 V. Eagan GreenStep Cities Assessment 7 VI. Overview of Best Practices 10 VII. Appendices 49 Page 12 Acknowledgements We wish to thank the many people who contributed to this report. Many thanks to Eagan Mayor Mike Maguire and City Council Members Paul Bakken, Cyndee Fields, Gary Hansen and Meg Tilley for their vision and leadership in creating the Energy & Environment Advisory Commission. Their supportive feedback and approval of both Eagan's participation in GreenStep Cities and this partnership with the University of Minnesota have made this report possible. Our deepest gratitude goes out to Dianne Miller, Assistant to the City Administrator, for her relentless patience, research, support and coordination; and to all the city staff members who provided valuable and timely input. We thank the University of Minnesota course instructors State Senator Ellen Anderson and Dave Wanberg for kindly incorporating this project into their capstone course on sustainable communities. Many thanks to the students Caitlin Cardinal, Peter Kalscheur, Mary Scott, and Jessica Vanella for their research and work products that contributed to this report. Finally, we thank the Energy & Environment Advisory Commission members for their support and hard work. We look forward to engaging with you on the next steps in crafting and realizing the vision of sustainability for Eagan. Page 13 Category Best Practices Available Best Practices Completed Best Practices Required (for Step 3 recognition) Additional BPs Necessary Buildings & Lighting 1 -5 2 4, 5 1 + one other 1 Land Use 6 -10 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 6 + one other None Transportation 11 -14 12, 13 11, 12 11 Environmental 15 -23 16, 17, 18, 21, 15, 16, 17 + one other 15 Management 23 Economic & Community 24 -28 25, 27 24, 25 + one other 24 Development Total number of BPs 28 17 13 + 3 floating 4 Executive Summary Page 14 Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a new challenge, recognition and assistance program offered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and a host of partners to help cities meet their sustainability goals. In August 2010, the Eagan City Council adopted a resolution to participate in this program, and authorized a capstone project between the Energy & Environment Advisory Commission and the University of Minnesota to assess Eagan's actions relative to the 28 programmatic best practices. GreenStep Cities is a voluntary program with no fees to participate. The City of Eagan has made considerable progress in the GreenStep Cities program. Based on actions it has already completed, Eagan would currently qualify as a "Step Two City." The table below summarizes the requirements to achieve the highest level of recognition under the program, "Step Three City," and Eagan's progress to date. The city has completed 17 best practices, but needs to complete additional actions to complete the required best practices. Eagan has also completed several best practices beyond the scope of program requirements. This table represents the subcommittee and city staff's best assessment of Eagan's progress. The GreenStep Cities Steering Committee may review and confirm cities' completed best practices and subsequently revise these numbers. As the Eagan Energy & Environment Advisory Commission reviews this report, it may choose to consider the following questions, among others: • Should Eagan aim to achieve "Step Three" recognition? 0 If so, which actions in the remaining required best practices should the city implement? • Should Eagan consider pursuing any of the optional best practices? • Should Eagan consider pursuing any additional actions among the best practices it has already completed? The following report provides background 011 the GreenStep Cities program, Eagan's participation, and an assessment of Eagan's progress toward completion of the best practices. 7 Background Page 5 In their goals for 2009 and 2010, the Eagan City Council articulated a commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The biennium goals adopted on March 3, 2009 included the following: "Exemplify a broad -based and comprehensive commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency by adopting conservation and alternative energy strategies pursuing the use of local, non - polluting, renewable, and recycled resources, while encouraging residents and businesses to do likewise." In the spring of 2010, the City Council created the Eagan Energy & Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC). Comprised of seven community members, this Commission holds public meetings every other month. The EEAC's value statements for 2010 - 2011 (Appendix A) include recommending sustainability initiatives centered on the concepts of reduction, protection, renewal, and communication. The Commission also adopted a GreenStep City Goal: "To have the City of Eagan named as a GreenStep City Program participant and utilize the EEAC to review and identify how the 28 best practices identified under the program are met in Eagan within the areas of Buildings & Lighting, Land Use, Transportation, Environmental Management, Economic /Community Development." In their August meeting, the EEAC approved a proposal to work with a group of students enrolled in the University of Minnesota's Sustainable Communities capstone course to help inventory and assess Eagan's progress with respect to the GreenStep Cities best practices. On August 17, 2010 the Eagan City Council adopted a resolution to participate in the GreenStep Cities program and approved the project with the University of Minnesota (Appendix C). This report represents the culmination of the EEAC subcommittee and city staffs work with the University of Minnesota students. F GreenStep Cities Program Overview Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition program to help cities achieve their sustainability goals through implementation of 28 best practices. Each best practice can be implemented by completing one or more specific actions from a list of four to eight actions. These actions are tailored to all Minnesota cities, focus on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encourage innovation. GreenStep Cities recognizes cities based on their progress through the program and their achievements. The follow levels of recognition exist: Recognition Steps Needed to Implement Step One GreenStep City Step Two GreenStep City Step Three GreenStep City • Build community knowledge and interest o Approve a city council resolution to work toward GreenStep Cities recognition • Register and post initial information on the GreenStep Cities Website • Get organized to begin work on implementing best practices. • Implement half of required best practices (8 for Eagan) • Implement full suite of required and floating best practices (16 for Eagan) Additional levels of recognition are scheduled for development in 2011 and thereafter to challenge and recognize greater sustainability achievements. Page 16 The concept for GreenStep Cities arose during the fall of 2007 when Minnesota's Clean Energy Resource Teams ( CERTs) held regional listening sessions around the state to discuss community -based energy opportunities and the state's Next Generation Energy Act of 2007. The idea was raised of creating a sustainable cities program that would challenge, assist and recognize cities that were "green stars." This idea was taken up by the 2008 Legislature, which directed the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the Office of Energy Security and CERTs to recommend actions cities could take to help meet the state's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Representatives from dozens of cities, non - profits, and other organizations provided input into the 2009 report to the legislature, which outlined what has been developed as the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. More information about GreenStep Cities is available on the website: http: / /mngreenstep.org 9 Eagan GreenStep Cities Assessment GreenStep Cities is a free, voluntary challenge, recognition and assistance program. As such, no penalties or fees exist and the city is under no binding obligation to implement or maintain these best practices. As a Category A city, Eagan is required to complete a total of 8 best practices to claim Step Two status and 16 best practices to claim Step Three GreenStep City status. These requirements must be met by implementing best practices in the following categories: Buildings & Lighting, Land Use, Transportation, Environmental Management and Economic & Community Development. As the table below indicates, each category contains several required and optional best practices. To complete a best practice, a city must implement one or more specific actions from a list of several options. As a Category A city, Eagan must complete the following number of best practices in each category: two in buildings & lighting, two in land use, two in transportation, four in environmental management, and three in economic & community development. Within each category, some specific best practices are required while others can be selected by the city. In addition, a Category A city must also complete three "floating" best practices, which can be in any category. The table below also summarizes the results of our assessment. It reveals that Eagan has completed a large majority of the best practices required for Step Three recognition. To receive this level of recognition, Eagan would need to complete the following best practices. • Complete Green Streets • Environmentally Preferable Purchasing ® Urban Forests • Benchmarks & Community Engagement Pag 7 The EEAC may also consider implementing actions from incomplete optional best practices, or additional actions from completed best practices that would further the city's sustainability goals. The following table represents a more comprehensive view of the status of best practices for the city of Eagan. GreenStep Required BP Summary Buildings & Lighting BPs Required /Completed category Impl A Ci 3 4 7 Efficient Existing Public Buildings Efficient Existing Private Buildings New Green Buildings Efficient Building & Street Lighting and Signals Building Reuse Comprehensive Planning and Implementation Higher Density 8 Efficient and Healthy Development Patterns Required Required 9 Efficient Highway- Oriented. Development Complete Not complete Complete Complete Complete Complete Complete Complete Environmental Management 10 Conservation Design BPs Required /Cotnpieted 11 Complete Green Streets Transportation; Demand -Side Travel Planning BPs Required /Completed 12 Mobility Options 3 Efficient City Fleets 15 16 17 Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Urban Forests Efficient Stormwater Management 18 Green I.nfiastructure 19 Surface Water Quality 20 Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities 21 Septic Systems 22 Solid Waste Reduction 23 T.ocal .fir Quality BPS Required /Completed 24 Benchmarks & Community Engagement 25 Green Business Development 26 Renewable Energy 27 Local Food 28 Business Synergies Floating BPs (additional to required BPs) Hired (incltiding tloating Total BPs Completed Overall Required Required Required Required Required Required Required Not Complete—need action 1 Page 18 Complete Not complete Complete Complete Not complete Not complete -need actions I & 8 Complete Complete Complete Not complete —need action 2 or 3 Not Complete- -need action 1 Complete Not Complete C m h lcte Economic & Coin munity Development BPs Required /Completed Not complete - -need action 1 Complete Not complete Complete Not complete 17 Page 19 The remainder of this report assesses Eagan's actions to date and implementation status for each of the Minnesota GreenStep Cities best practices. For incomplete best practices, we have identified in bold recommendations for additional actions that would be needed to fulfill the remaining best practices for "Step Three City" recognition. Overview of Best Practices Page 110 (This is our best understanding of Eagan's progress toward completing the best practices. All best practices are subject to final review and confirmation by the GreenStep Cities Steering Committee. Additional information on actions that are in progress is available on the comprehensive spreadsheet.) /3 Buildings and Lighting (2 Best Practices Required) Page 111 Best Practice #1: Efficient Existing Public Building (REQUIRED) Work with utilities and others to assess and finance energy and sustainability improvements of existing structures. STATUS FOR EAGAN: NOT COMPLETE Eagan has completed enough actions for this to count as TWO best practices as soon as B3 system is fully utilized in the City. SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Eagan must implement this best practice by completing at least actions (1) and (2). Eagan must complete at least one additional action among (3) through (7). Completing this additional action allows this best practice to be counted as implementation of two best practices. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Enter baseline information into the Minnesota B3 database and continue entering monthly energy use data from city -owned buildings. 2. Audit (or when cost - effective, re- commission) all city -owned buildings in the bottom third of the B3 energy performance ranking and implement a majority of energy efficiency opportunities that have a payback under 5 years. 3. Complete energy efficiency improvements in at least one city, school or park district building (in addition to buildings addressed in action 2) via retrofit and retro - /re- commissioning, with fmancing at attractive interest rates under MN's PBEEEP program or related lease - purchase fmancing, energy performance contracting, or other cost justified program. 4. Participate in other state or utility programs that provide rebates or co- funding for energy efficiency improvements to public buildings. 5. Renovate and operate at least one city -owned building to meet or qualify for a green building standard. 6. Create an internal loan fund for making public building improvements based on an energy or green building standard. 7. Install in at least one public building at least one of the following energy efficiency measures: a. A distributed energy technology: micro - turbine, fuel cell, reciprocating engine. b. A ground- source, closed loop geothermal system where net greenhouse gases are less than those generated by the system being replaced. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Required action 1 (not complete): Enter baseline information into the Minnesota B3 database and continue entering monthly energy use data from city -owned buildings (The City entered preliminary data into B3 system, but does not currently use the program to continue monitoring monthly energy use data). A training has been scheduled with City staff to utilize the B3 system. Completed required action 2: Complete an energy audit of all buildings in the bottom third of the B3 energy performance ranking and implement the majority of energy efficiency improvements that will payback in under 5 years. Iz/ CONTACT: Mike Sipper, City Building Maintenance Engineer l5 Page 112 Completed action 5: The new Fire Safety Center, which will be completed i n Spr 2011 will be the first fire station in the country certified as a Green Globe facility. Completed additional action 7b: Eagan was granted a Federal stimulus, which they used to monitor their energy use in their city owned buildings and have implemented energy conserving tactics. In their Civic Arena and in the new Fire Safety Center (opening Spring 2011) there is now a closed loop geothermal system, which satisfies action #7b. STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE Buildings and Lighting (2 Best Practices Required) lln Page 113 Best Practice #2: Efficient Existing Private Buildings (OPTIONAL) Work with utilities and others to assess and finance energy and sustainability improvements of existing structures SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Eagan may implement this best practice by completing at least two actions if they choose to implement this best practice. BEST PRACTICES Y: 1. Create a marketing and outreach program with the local utility and /or the local Community Action Program to promote residential energy use reduction and energy efficiency. 2. Integrate green building information into the building permit process. 3. Develop a (or modify an existing) truth -in- housing inspection program for homes being sold, to include a blower -door test and energy -use rating. 4. Document at least one of the following green building practices, partnering with an assistance provider such as a utility, EnergySmart, MNTAP or ReTAP as appropriate: a. Building energy improvements in businesses. b. Use of Energy Star's Portfolio Manger by businesses. c. The construction of and/or operation of a least three buildings to meet or qualify for a green building standard. 5. Take action to conserve drinking water resources through at least one the following: a. Implement a robust watering ordinance. b. Implement a conservation rate structure. c. Adopt, with modifications as necessary, a model landscaping ordinance to allow for low water -use landscaping. d. Create a rebate or feebate program to promote purchases of WaterSense- and Energy Star - rated appliances. 6. Provide a meaningful and significant incentive to private parties (builders, homeowners, businesses, institutions) who renovate to a green building standard: a. Building permit fee discount b Grant, rebate or tax breaks (e.g., property tax abatement) c. Expedited permit review d. Green building design assistance e. Density bonus 7. Customize a model sustainable building renovation policy and adopt language governing commercial renovation projects that: a. Receive city financial support, and/or b. Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permit, rezoning, PUD status). 8. Arrange for on -bill financing, using either utility or property tax bills, to make home/building sustainability improvements easier and more affordable. CONTACT: Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development Mike Ridley, City Planner Dianne Miller, Assistant to the City Administrator Dale Schoeppner, Chief Building Official Wayne Schwanz, Utility Superintendent I 7 Page 114 EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed action 4c: There are four Buildings in Eagan that are LEED Certified: Eagan Place Professional Building (silver), Lebanon Hills Visitor Center (silver), Lockheed Martin (silver), and Allan L. Schuman Corp. Campus Ecolab (gold). Completed actions 5 a, and b: The City of Eagan has a permanent conservation program for outside water usage. This permanent system is in effect throughout the entire outdoor watering season. Buildings and Lighting (2 Best Practices Required) Best Practice #3: New Green Buildings (OPTIONAL) Construct new buildings to meet or qualify for a green building standard STATUS FOR EAGAN: NOT COMPLETE Page 115 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may implement this best practice by completing at least one public realm action (1) or (2) and at least one private realm action (3) through (6). BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Build at least one, or require by ordinance, new city -owned buildings and substantial remodels to meet or qualify for a green building standard. 2. Work with the local school district to ensure that all new schools are built to a green building standard. 3. Customize a model sustainable building policy and adopt language governing new private development projects that: a. Receive city financial support, and/or b. Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permit, rezoning, PUD). 4. Provide a meaningful and significant incentive to private parties (residents, builders, developers) who build to a green building standard: a. Building pennit fee discount b. Expedited peunit review c. Green building design assistance d. Grant, rebate or tax breaks (e.g., property tax abatement) e. Density bonus 5. Adopt covenant guidelines for common interest communities addressing issues such as stormwater, native vegetation, growing food, clothes lines and renewable energy. 6. Work with local financial institutions to use energy - efficient mortgages for buildings seeking a green building certification. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1: Eagan's new Green Globes certified Fire Safety Center will meet this requirement CONTACT: Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development Mike Ridley, City Planner Best Practice #4: Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals (OPTIONAL) Improve the efficiency of public and private lighting and signals STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE Buildings and Lighting (2 Best Practices Required) Page 116 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Eagan may implement this best practice by completing at least two actions, including one of actions (5) through (8). BEST PRACTICE SUMMARY: 1. Require energy efficient, Dark -Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city - owned buildings and facilities. 2. Require all new street lighting and traffic signals to be Dark -Sky compliant, energy efficient lighting technologies 3. Modify any city franchise or other agreement with a utility to facilitate rapid replacement of inefficient street lighting. 4. Synchronize traffic signals so as minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds. 5. Install solar powered lighting in a street, parking lot or park project. 6. Work with a utility program to relamp exterior building lighting for at least 30% of city -owned buildings with energy efficient, Dark -Sky compliant lighting. 7. Replace at least 50% of the city's parking lot lighting with Dark -Sky compliant, energy efficient, automatic dimming lighting technologies. 8. Replace at least one -third of the city's existing traffic signals with energy efficient LED or equivalent lighting technologies. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 4: The City, in partnership with Dakota County, has synchronized traffic signals on Pilot Knob Rd, Yankee Doodle Rd and Cliff Rd for directional rush hours. The City also has added two roundabouts and two flashing yellow left turn arrow signals to reduce idling time. Three more flashing yellow arrow signals are planned for 2011. Completed Action 8: All traffic signals in the city have LED lights. CONTACTS: Tim Plath, Transportation and Operations Engineer Paul Olson, Superintendent of Parks ( 9 STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE Buildings and Lighting (2 Best Practices Required) Best Practice #5: Building Reuse (OPTIONAL) Create economic and regulatory incentives for redeveloping and repurposing existing buildings before building new SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Eagan may implement this best practice by completing at least one of the following actions. Page 117 BEST PRACTICES Y: 1. Develop and adopt an historic preservation ordinance to encourage adaptive reuse, with attention to energy and resource conservation, indoor air quality and other green building practices. 2. For cities with traditional downtown areas, implement the Minnesota Main Street model for commercial revitalization with attention to green building practices. 3. Work with a local school to either add -on space, or to repurpose space into non - school uses, with attention to green building practices. 4. Create /modify a green residential remodeling assistance /fmancing program to assist homeowners in adding space to their existing homes while retaining historic architectural elements. 5. Adopt development and design standards that facilitate infill and redevelopment, such as developing strip /large format commercial areas into more livable /walkable neighborhoods and gathering places. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 5: The City's Comprehensive Plan has policies with respect to building on existing pedestrian facilities and enhancing and further connecting them as projects and funding permit. The City applies the policy with respect to street improvements and reconstruction in which it considers the installation of appropriate pedestrian facilities - sidewalks or trails - as each project is designed. The City has implemented pedestrian improvements in the Town Centre area and has received a grant to study additional pedestrian connections of this kind in other retail areas through the State's Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP). In its major mixed use redevelopment, the City is implementing a transit oriented, walkable design framework through its Cedar Grove Zoning District and Design Standards. The City approved their Community Transportation Trail System Policy on 12- 13 -04. CONTACTS: Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development Mike Ridley, City Planner Juli Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE Land Use (2 Best practices required) Best Practice #6: Comprehensive Planning and implementation (REQUIRED) Adopt a Comprehensive Plan and tie regulatory ordinances to it Page X SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan must implement this best practice by completing action (1) and (2). If Eagan chooses to complete action (5), we may claim credit for implementing a floating best practice. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Adopt/have an adopted comprehensive plan that is less than ten years old (required for Category A cities) OR, Category B and C cities may simply adopt a land use plan that was adopted by a regional entity or the county less than ten years ago. 2. Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making. 3. Include requirements in comprehensive plans for intergovernmental coordination dealing with at least six of the following issues: a. Transportation b. Watershed impacts c. Land use d. Economic development e. Housing and foreclosures f. Police g. Fire h. Health i. Sewer and water 4. Include ecologic /transportation provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aim to achieve at least two of the following goals: a. Minimize the fragmentation and development of agricultural, forest, wildlife, and high quality open space lands in and around the city. b. For cities adjacent to undeveloped land, establish a growth area with staging criteria that reflects projected population growth and, if applicable, is subject to an orderly annexation agreement and planned extension of municipal services. c. Establish policies with numerical targets to reduce vehicle miles traveled. 5. Adopt climate protection or energy independence goals and objectives in the comprehensive plan or in a separate policy document, and link these goals to direct implementation recommendations. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1: The last comprehensive plan was completed in 2008 and adopted on April 6, 2010. Completed Action 2: The zoning ordinances reflect that the Comprehensive Plan is the official guide and long range plan for the city. Completed Action 3: The Comprehensive Plan is the official guide and long range plan for the City). Completed Action 4a: The comprehensive plan includes this policy. (Action 4b is not applicable). 021 Page 119 Action 4 c In Progress: - Eagan needs established policies including numerical targets reflecting the actions currently being taken to reduce miles driven by city fleet vehicles. Action 5 In Progress: The City has adopted the following sustainability goal, but has not created implementation recommendations directly tied to the goal: "Exemplify a broad -based and comprehensive commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency by adopting conservation and alternative energy strategies pursuing the use of local, non - polluting, renewable, and recycled resources, while encouraging residents and businesses to do likewise." CONTACTS: Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development, Mike Ridley, City Planner Best Practice # 7: Higher density (OPTIONAL) Enable and encourage a higher density of housing or commercial land use STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE Land Use (2 Best practices required) SUMMARY OF REQUIREIVIENTS To implement this best practice, Eagan must complete at least one of the following actions. 075 Page 120 BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Limit barriers to higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map a zoning district that allows: a. Neighborhood single- family density at six units per acre or greater. b. Multi- family housing at a gross density of at least 15 units per acre adjacent to a commercial zoning district or transit node. 2. Encourage higher density housing through at least two of the following strategies: a. Incorporate a flexible lot size /frontage requirement for infill development. b. Use density and floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses in selected residential zoning districts. c. Tie a regulatory standard to comprehensive plan language defining compact city expansion zones that limit low- density development. d. Allowing accessory dwelling units by right in selected zoning districts. 3. Encourage a higher intensity of commercial land uses through at least one of the following strategies: a. Include in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map a commercial district with reduced lot sizes and zero - lot -line setbacks, or a FAR minimum between .75 and 1. b. Set targets for the minimum number of employees /acre in different commercial zones. 4. Provide one or more of the following incentives for infill projects, or for life -cycle housing at or near job or retail centers, or for achieving an average net residential density of seven units per acre: a. Building permit fee discount. b. Expedited permit review. c. Grant or tax breaks. d. Other incentives. 5. Modify the city zoning ordinance and zoning map to allow, without variance or rezoning in at least one district, developments that meet the prerequisites for LEED for Neighborhood Development certification. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1. b.: Eagan has increased the number of units per acre in the Cedar Grove Re- development area anticipating 16+ units per acre and they will be in walking distance of both commercial and transit opportunities. Completed Action 2: Eagan permits flexibility in infill developments and the city's comprehensive plan designates three mixed use special areas. Completed Action 4: Eagan works with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) to provide a range of lifecycle housing opportunities through CDA funding sources. Examples include numerous senior living facilities. CONTACTS: Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development Mark Ulfers, CDA Executive Director Kari Gill, CDA Deputy Executive Director of Housing, Finance, and Development Page 121 Land Use (2 Best practices required) Page 122 Best Practice # 8: Efficient and Healthy Development Patterns (OPTIONAL) Mix Land Uses STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: If Eagan chooses to implement this best practice, we must complete at least two of the following actions. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Create a main street program or organize a Minnesota Design Team planning charrette. 2. Locate or lease a government facility that has at least two of these attributes: a. Adjacent to an existing employment or residential center. b. Designed to facilitate and encourage access by walking and biking. c. Accessible by existing regular transit service. 3. Modify a planned unit development - PUD - ordinance to emphasize mixed use development or to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development. 4. Certify a new development as complying with LEED -ND standards, including the mixed -use credits. 5. Create, or modify an existing, downtown zoning district to allow residential and small compatible commercial development, based on the Minnesota Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development. 6. Create, or modify an existing, district to use form -based zoning standards that de- emphasize use - based standards. 7. Create incentives for vertical mixed -use development in appropriate locations (downtown, commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts). EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1: The Cedar Grove redevelopment was approved on the basis of the Cedar /13 Study, which included a planning charrette to get feedback from stakeholders. Completed Action 2: The library and community center are near an existing employment or residential area and are accessible by walking or biking. Completed Action 7: Land cost write downs are available in the Cedar Grove Redevelopment District to encourage high density mixed use development. CONTACTS: Jon Hohenstein, Community Development Director Mike Ridley, City Planner Land Use (2 Best practices required) Best Practice # 9: Efficient Highway- Oriented Development (OPTIONAL) Adopt commercial development and design standards for highway road corridors STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan must complete at least one of the following actions if we choose to implement this best practice. CONTACTS: Ruthe Batulis, Northern Dakota County Chamber of Commerce Jon Hohenstein, Community Development Director Page 123 BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Conduct a visual preference survey with community members and establish design goals for highway corridors. 2. Participate in regional economic development planning with representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and business interests to: a. Estimate commercial/industrial needs among all jurisdictions. b. Jointly implement recommendations to stage highway commercial development in order to avoid overbuilding and expensive low- density development. 3. Adopt transportation infrastructure design standards that accomplish at least one of the following: a. Improve the ecologic functions of land adjacent to highway corridors. b. Facilitate clustering of commercial highway development. c. Context - sensitive design. 4. Adopt, with modifications as necessary, at least one of the following corridor management and design model ordinances: a. Model access management overlay b. Highway Commercial District c. Adequate Public Facilities ordinance that stages highway commercial development concurrently with infrastructure expansion. 5. Require decommissioning in development agreements for large format developments should they remain vacant for several years. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action #2: City is participating with local businesses, multiple local agencies, two chambers of commerce, and Dakota County to strategically plan for the transportation infrastructure and economic development needs along regional corridors, such as the Robert Street Corridor, for the transport of goods, transit and broadband. STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE Land Use (2 Best practices required) Page 124 Best Practice # 10: Conservation Design (OPTIONAL) Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect natural systems SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Complete at least one of the following actions if Eagan chooses to implement this best practice. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory and Assessment (NRI and NRA) and incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources through the subdivision or development process, as described in Minnesota's 2009 Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development. 2. For cities outside or on the fringe of metropolitan areas, conduct a cost of public services study for development outside the city grid and adopt development standards or a concurrency ordinance to ensure staged urban growth that protects natural systems. 3. For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate by policy woodland best management practices into zoning or development review. 4. For cities with undeveloped natural resource areas use, or adopt as policy the use of, a conservation design scorecard as a tool in negotiating development agreements. 5. Develop and fund a conservation easement program, such as a purchase of development rights program, in collaboration with a land trust. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1: City approved updated Water Quality and Wetland Management Plan on July 17, 2007. Incorporated wetland inventory, mapping, and assessment for purposes of classification. Completed Action 5: The City has partnered with other entities (e.g. Dakota County) to fund conservation easements to preserve land in the Eagan Core Greenway. CONTACTS: Eric Macbeth, Water resources Coordinator Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation Transportation (2 best practices required) STATUS FOR EAGAN: NOT COMPLETE Best Practice # 11: Complete Green Streets (REQUIRED) Create a network of multimodal green streets SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Eagan must implement this best practice by completing action (1) and two additional actions. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Adopt a complete streets policy that addresses street trees and stormwater, and modify street standards accordingly. 2. Adopt zoning language for a selected area/project that is substantially equivalent to the LEED for Neighborhood Development credits for Walkable Streets or Street Network. 3. Document the installation of trees, other green stormwater infrastructure, and utility renovations as needed (sewer, water, electric, telecommunications) as part of at least one complete street reconstruction project. 4. Identify and remedy non - complete street segments by, for example, adding a bike route /lane or sidewalk. 5. Identify and remedy street -trail gaps (at least one) between city streets and trails/bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking. 6. Implement traffic calming measures in at least one street redevelopment project. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action # 1 require d.•'Eagan must prepare a complete green streets policy that is encouraged by Minnesota statute chapter 351, section 52. The policy must address street trees and stormwater, and incorporate appropriate standards to facilitate a transportation system that accommodates multiple modes and users of all ages and abilities According to the MPCA, the City could adopt a'reso • demot the Complete Street efforts of the City to meet this best practice. City staff is currently preparing that resolution for Commission consideration. Completed Action #5: Eagan approved Community Transportation Trail System Policy December 13, 2004. The City also adopted a Trail Connection Policy in January 2011. Completed Action #6: Eagan has completed the installation of two roundabouts, which are considered traffic calming measures. Eagan has also been installing radio transmitted traffic signals, and is incorporating the use of yellow left turn signals in several locations. CONTACT: Tim Plath, Transportation and Operations Engineer Page I25 Transportation (2 best practices required) Best Practice #12 Mobility options (REQUIRED) Promote active living and alternatives to single- occupancy car travel STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan must complete at least two actions. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Promote walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means: a. Produce /distribute a map(s) and/or signage and/or a web site that shows (by neighborhood if a larger city) key civic /commercial sites, best bike and pedestrian routes, and transit routes and schedules. b. Increase the number of bike facilities, such as racks, bike stations, showers at city offices. c. Add bus infrastructure, such as signage, benches, shelters and real -time arrival data streaming. d. Increase the number of employers who offer qualified transportation fringe benefits instead of only a tax -free parking fringe benefit. e. Launch an Active Living campaign in concert with your local community health board. 2. Launch a Safe Routes to School program with educational, public health and other partners. 3. Prominently identify on the city's web site mobility options for hire: transit services; paratransit/Dial -A -Ride; cab service(s); rental car agency(s). 4. Promote carpooling or ridesharing among community members, city employees, businesses, high schools and institutions of higher education. 5. Launch an eWorkPlace Minnesota campaign, working with business and transportation management organizations, or help bring telemedicine technology to a local health care provider. 6. Accomplish at least one of the following transit/mobility sharing projects, working with other units of local governments as needed: a. Add/expand transit service. b. Launch a car sharing or bike sharing business. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed action 1 a, c, and e: It is fulfilled that action by having easy and assessable maps available through signage along various routes and bicycle trails maps which are provided on the City of Eagan website. The transit routes may also be found via the City of Eagan website and MVTA website. There is an increased bus and transit availability in the City. Examples have included the Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Corridor, and the new transit station in the Cedar Grove redevelopment area. The City has an active wellness program for employees. The program encourages employees and residents to participate in Healthy Steps, a Dakota County walking effort and also provides regular brown bag lunch opportunities to review wellness initiatives, such as retirement planning, stress reduction, caring for elderly parents, weight loss challenges. The City also received State Health Improvement Program (SHIP) funding for the addition of bike racks, wayfmding signage for trails, and an incentive program to get people to walk to City events and facilities. Completed action 6 a: Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Corridor is under construction. A new Park and Ride facility opened in 2010 in the Cedar Grove Redevelopment Area. Page 126 CONTACT: Tom Colbert, Public Works Director Tim Plath, Transportation and Operations Engineer Juli Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation 30 Page 127 Best Practice # 13: Efficient City Streets (Optional) Implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance plan STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE Transportation (2 best practices required) SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Eagan must complete at least two actions if they choose to implement this best practice. Page 128 BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Decrease use of city vehicles by means such as trip bundling, video conferencing, carpooling and fmancial incentives for efficient vehicle use. 2. Right -size the city fleet with the most fuel- efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size /capacity for their intended functions. 3. Document the phase -in of at least three of the following equipment and operational changes in vehicle contracts, for city or local transit fleets, or for school/park board fleets: a. Monthly monitoring and reporting for staff on fuel usage and costs. b. Training for more efficient driving, including anti - idling behavior /rules. c. Maintenance schedules that optimize vehicle life and fuel efficiency. d. Alternative fuel vehicles. e. Charging stations (solar or wind powered) for plug -in hybrid and full electric vehicles. f. Lower - carbon fuels (such as biodiesel, straight vegetable oil) using a life -cycle calculation. g. More fuel- efficient vehicles. h. Car share vehicles owned by a third party to decrease fleet size. i. Bicycles. 4. Phase in bike, foot or horseback police patrols. 5. Document that the local school bus fleet has optimized routes, start times, boundaries, vehicles, bus fuels, and driver actions to decrease fuel use. 6. Participate in Project GreenFleet to retrofit or replace diesel engines, or to install auxiliary power units that reduce truck and bus idling. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1: Eagan has downsized the type of vehicles used in various fleets. Eagan's first fire response now has more efficient vehicles by replacing the 12MPG Ford Explorers with the 21MPG Ford Escapes. Two hybrid vehicles, the 30 +MPG Ford Fusions, are utilized for administrative purposes to replace the old 20MPG Impalas. Eagan has replaced a street maintenance vehicle with a seasonal worker riding a bike for boulevard maintenance Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) program implemented to increase patrol efficiency during snow emergencies. Completed Action 2: Several vehicles have been downsized in the maintenance fleet. Two hybrid vehicles were purchased as a pilot program to determine efficiency (both in terms of fuel and operational cost) of using hybrid vehicles in the City's fleet. Completed Action 3: Current monthly fuel usage for each City vehicle is monitored and reported. All Eagan employees are subjected to the 'no idling policy'. All unattended vehicle must be shut off. Maintenance is completed per manufacturers' instructions. Two hybrid vehicles are in use. The City also Page 29 implemented a program where boulevard maintenance is completed by a seasonal worker who uses a bicycle, which tows a very small trailer with necessary equipment. Completed Action 5: ISD 196 in Eagan uses a computerized route optimizer for their school bus fleets to optimize the distances traveled. Three tiers for school starting times are also used to reduce the sizes of fleets and buses on the roads. A no idling policy is also set to ensure buses are not running while unintended. CONTACT: Tom Colbert, Public Works Director Tom Streefland, Public Works Department ISD 196 Transportation Division, 651- 423 -7685 3� STATUS FOR EAGAN: NOT COMPLETE Transportation (2 best practices required) Best Practice #14 Demand -Side Travel Planning (OPTIONAL) Use Travel Demand Management and Transit - Oriented Design SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may implement this best practice by completing at least two actions. Page 130 BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. In development standards, right -size parking minimum standards and add parking maximums in pedestrian- friendly or transit- served areas. 2. For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of retail services at transit/density nodes. 3. For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of higher density housing at transit/density nodes. 4. Incorporate demand -side transportation strategies into development regulations, adopting, with modifications as necessary, at least one of the following from Minnesota's 2009 Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development: a. Travel Demand Management Performance Standard b. Transit - Oriented Development district ordinance 5. Document that a development project certifies under the LEED for Neighborhood Development program and is awarded at least one of the following credits: a. Transportation Demand Management. b. Housing and Jobs Proximity. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 1 Incomplete: The City previously updated its parking minimum standards to reduce numbers by increasing ratios, with appropriate tiers based on the type of development. Some of the larger expanses of pavement in town would not be required today. However, some retailers define their own ratios and will exceed Eagan's requirements. The City does not have parking maximums in pedestrian or transit oriented areas, but it does focus on shared and cross parking opportunities where adjacency and proximity of complementary uses support it. The city has not embraced the 8'/2' x 18' stall standard. While the city has permitted stall size reductions in office and other locations with relatively little parking turnover, it is not as practical in commercial areas with high turnover for a variety of reasons. CONTACT: Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development, Mike Ridley, City Planner STATUS FOR EAGAN: Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 15 Purchasing (REQUIRED) Adopt an environmentally preferable purchasing policy Page 131 NOT COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Eagan must complete action (1) and at least one additional action BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Adopt a policy or administrative policy directing that the city purchase only- a, EnergyStar certified equipment and appliances and b. Paper containing at least 30% post-consumer recycled content. 2. Purchase 15% of city government's energy requirements from renewable energy sources. 3. Establish a local purchasing preference and, working with a local business association, develop a list of locally - produced products and suppliers for common purchases. 4. Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense - certified products for all product categories covered by the WaterSense program. 5. Set minimum standards for the percentage of recycled- content material in at least 5 products typically purchased by the city, such as asphalt and roadbed aggregate. 6. Require printing services to be purchased from companies certified by Minnesota Great Printers or by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. 7. Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city through one or more of the following: a. Adopt a policy for meetings and events hosted by city government. b. Adopt a policy for meetings and events taking place on city property, including parks and libraries. c. Distribute educational materials for use at city- supported events such as National Night Out. 8. Specify the use of state and national green standards /guidelines for at least 3 of the following categories of purchasing: a. Electronics, including printers, printer supplies - especially remanufactured cartridges - and printer operation. b. Wood products c. Organic food d. Cleaning products e. Paints, coatings and adhesives f. Carpets g. Furniture h. Paper products EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 1 Required: Eagan purchases 30% envirocopy recycled paper. The city can complete this action by adopting a policy to purchase only EnergyStar certified equipment and appliances, and also formalize in the policy the City's approach to only purchasing recycled paper. Page X32 Action 8 Recommended: The city already purchases green cleaning products, recycled content carpet in the Municipal Center, and recycled paper products. This action can be completed by specking the use of state and national green standards /guidelines for these products. CONTACTS: Mike Sipper, Building Engineer Maria Petersen, City Clerk Mark Vaughn, Campus Facilities Manager Dianne Miller, Assistant to the City Administrator Kristi Peterson, IT Manager Tim Plath, Transportation and Operations Engineer Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 16 Urban forests (REQUIRED) Increase city tree and plant cover STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS: Eagan must complete at least two actions. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Qualify as a Tree City USA. 2. Adopt as policy MN Tree Trusts' Best Practices and use the guidelines in at least one development project to achieve an excellent or exemplary rating. 3. Budget tree installation and maintenance to, within 15 years, achieve the following tree canopy shading for streets, sidewalks and parking lots in the following zoning districts: a. At least 25% for industrial and commercial zoning. b. At least 75% for residential zoning. 4. Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street. 5. Adopt at least one of the following ordinances /policies: a. Adopt a policy of no net loss of specified natural landscapes. b. Adopt an ordinance /policy relating to protection of trees on parcels affected by city planning/regulatory processes. c. Adopt landscaping/nuisance ordinances that promote, rather than create barriers for, native vegetation. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1: Eagan is certified as a Tree City USA Action 3: Eagan has a green space ordinance, which includes pervious /impervious requirements as well as tree mitigation policies, but no requirements pertaining to canopies per se. The City is likely close to meeting these percentage requirements, but nothing documented at this time. The City's GIS staff is currently working with Dakota County to determine if any GIS technology would allow us to determine our tree canopy percentages. Completed Action 5b: The City had adopted a Tree Preservation Ordinance that requires the replacement/mitigation of significant trees or woodlands removed during development in excess of an allowable removal limit of approximately 20 -40 %, as determined by the development type. The number of mitigation trees installed is determined by a formula based upon the size and type of the tree removed and size of the replacement. The ratio for replacement to removal ranges from 1:1 to 12:1. Action 5 a or 5 c: Must verb a policy of no net loss of specified natural landscapes —OR- must verify landscaping ordinances promote native vegetation. CONTACTS: Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development, Gregg Hove, Forester ya Page 133 Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 17 Efficient Stormwater Management (REQUIRED) Minimize the volume of and pollutants in water runoff STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan must implement this best practice by completing at least one action. CONTACT: Tom Colbert, Public Works Director Page X 34 BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Complete the Blue Star City stormwater management assessment and achieve a minimum threshold of specific activities detailed in this program. 2. Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following: a. A narrower streets provision that permits construction of 24 -foot roads for public, residential access and subcollector streets (with fewer than 500 average daily trips). b. A 1.5 inch rainfall on -site rainwater infiltration design requirement for construction sites. c. A stormwater runoff volume limit to pre- development volumes for the 5 -year, 24 -hour rainfall maximum event. 3. Maintain less than 12% impermeable surfaces in the watershed in which the city lies. 4. Create a stormwater utility, that uses variable fees to incentivize enhanced stounwater management and funds community stormwater infrastructure and assistance /education programs. 5. Adopt and implement design standards or guidelines for development and re-development in the city h' establishing requirements for at least one of the following: a. Rain gardens. b. Green roofs with or without cisterns and water /greywater reuse systems. c. Green alleys. d. Green parking lots. 6. Adopt an ordinance with erosion and sediment control provisions as well as requirements for permanent stormwater treatment. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 5a In Progress: Over 50 rain gardens have been constructed within the public right -of -way over the past three years to establish presence while investigating best practices /design standards. Completed action 6: Eagan's City Ordinances 4.32 and 4.33 address these provisions. They are included as part of City's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP) in response to its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 18 Green Infrastructure (OPTIONAL) Enhance city parks and trails STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may choose to implement this best practice by completing at least three actions. Page X35 BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Identify gaps (connectivity breaks) in your city's system of parks, trails and open spaces, and remedy at least one of them. 2. Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails in all new development areas. 3. Document at least one of the following performance measures: a. At least 20% of total city land area in protected green infrastructure (parks and protected natural resource areas and trails). b. All residents are within one -half mile of a park or protected green space. 4. Adopt low- impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch, 24 -hour storm water events on site. 5. Create park management standards that maximize at least one of the following: a. Low maintenance native landscaping. b. Organic or integrated pest management. c. Sources of non - potable water for irrigation. 6. Certify at least one golf course in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses. 7. Construct all new park buildings to a green building standard, with special attention to highlighting and educating around the green features. 8. Develop a program to involve community members in land restoration and stewardship. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1: Constructed two trail connectors; (1) Connection to Woodhaven Park amenities from a redevelopment district that will have limited space for recreational opportunities (2) Walnut Hill trail connection to the primary trail grid. City approved Community Transportation Trail System Policy 12- 13-04. Completed action 3 b: Eagan has a policy in place (via the Comprehensive Guide Plan) that requires all residential properties to be within 1/2 mile of a park. Completed action 8: Eagan has implemented a Park Volunteer Program where residents and community volunteers complete many park maintenance activities. Typical tasks include general clean-up throughout the park, manual removal of invasive Buckthorn, or maintenance of specific landscape beds. The City also operates Holz Farm, which includes annual plantings and harvesting of crops. CONTACT: Juli Seydell Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 19 Surface Water Quality (OPTIONAL) Improve local water bodies STATUS FOR EAGAN. NOT COMPLE1'. e 1 36 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan has at least one state - designated public water body within its boundaries and may choose to implement this best practice by completing action (4) and at least one additional action. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Assist at least one lake or river association to earn the Star Lake/River designation for their lake /river. 2. Assist at least one lake or river association to become Star Lake /River -ready by achieving nearly all of the program requirements. 3. Work with other organizations to support citizen education about and involvement with actions to attain measurable, publicly announced surface water improvement targets for lakes, streams and wetlands, adopted by the city council and reported on each year. 4. Adopt a shoreland ordinance consistent with MN Dept. of Natural Resources rules as modified. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 2 In Progress: Eagan approved a Water Quality Management Plan in June 1990 and updated it on 7- 17 -07. Since 1990, the nationally awarded plan has contained components to address components of the Star Lake/River management plan. The city is currently initiating third and fourth lake management plans as part of a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Clean Water Partnership grant. Action 3 In Progress: City cooperates with Blue Thumb education program, Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District activities, and provides training opportunities to construction industry, developers and citizens through the City's Storm Water Pollution Prevention Program Team. To complete this action, the city would need to attain measurable surface water quality improvements and publicly announce them each year. LM for Eric and Jessie to see if we already report these numbers. Completed Action 4: Eagan has established a shore land overlay district in Ordinances 4.33 & 11.65 CONTACT: Eric Macbeth, Water Resources Coordinator Mike Ridley, City Planner 3% Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 20 Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities (OPTIONAL) Assess and improve drinking water and wastewater facilities STATUS FOR EAGAN: NOT COMPLEIE CONTACT: Wayne Schwanz, Superintendent of Utilities Pa 137 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may implement this best practice by completing actions (1) and (2) and at least one additional action. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Compare the energy use and performance of your facilities with other peer plants using standardized, free tools. 2. Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades so as to assure the most energy efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when upgrades or break downs occur. 3. Establish an on -going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines, involving at least gutter, foundation drains and sump pump disconnects. 4. Assess energy and chemicals use, inflow and infiltration volumes and pollutants, and implement one -third of recommendations with a payback of less than 3 years. 5. Require property owners to have their private sanitary sewer lateral pipe inspected before a property sale or title transfer. 6. Implement at least one of the following efficiency projects /programs: a. Assist local businesses, institutions and/or residents in pre - treating and lowering volumes and toxicity of sewer inflows. b. Co- generate electricity and heat from the wastewater treatment plant. c. Reuse water (sell reclaimed water) from a wastewater plant for nonpotable ag- processing, irrigation or power plant uses. d. A greywater reuse system in at least one public or private building. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 1 Required: There is a state database for government buildings that requires periodic updates. It is possible that utility buildings are not among those for which they gather information. This needs to be explored further. To complete this best practice the city can use a variety of free tools such as the state's B3 database, Energy Star's Portfolio Manager or U.S. EPA's Check Up Program for Small Systems. Completed Action 2: Utilities staff evaluate and upgrade motors on an annual basis as part of capital planning Completed Action 3: Eagan has an Inflow and Infiltration Inspection program underway in the community Funding has been received from the Metropolitan Council for some program costs. Completed Action 4: The city evaluates chemical usage by inflow (daily) and also on a yearly peak demand ratio. Yearly "sludge" samples are analyzed for pollutants and reported to the pollution control agency. Completed Action 6d.• The City uses untreated well water that is at 40 degrees Fahrenheit to cool the water treatment plants' heat pumps . Backwash waste water is also reclaimed by a plate settler, and reused at the head of the city's water plant. Page 138 Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 21 Septic Systems (OPTIONAL) Implement an effective management program for decentralized wastewater treatment systems STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may choose to implement this best practice by completing at least one of the actions below. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Report to landowners suspected noncompliant or failing septic systems as part of an educational, informational and financial assistance and outreach program designed to trigger voluntary landowner action to improve septic systems. 2. Create a program that follows the five -step process for addressing failing septic systems developed by the University of Minnesota's Onsite Sewage Treatment Program. 3. Clarify /establish one or more responsible management entities for the proper design, siting, installation, operation, monitoring and maintenance of septic systems. 4. Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the Association of Minnesota Counties' model ordinance 5. Create a program to finance septic systems upgrades through, for example, a city revenue bond, repayable through taxpayers' property taxes. 6. Work with homeowners and businesses in environmentally sensitive areas and areas where standard septic systems are not the least -cost option to promote innovative waste water systems. 7. Arrange for assistance to commercial, retail and industrial businesses with water use reduction, pollution prevention and pretreatment prior to discharge to septics. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 1: Eagan utilizes a County database of 250 -300 residential units that are required to have septic systems inspected every two years and pumped when needed. Private inspectors and pumpers are contacted by residents on their own after receiving a notice from the County. The City contracts with Dakota County, which manages the septic program. Completed Action 3: If a new build, the City ensures systems comply with State and City regulations. Completed Action 4: Eagan's Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) ordinance (currently being updated) is available at: http://libraryl.municode.com/default- test/home.htm?infobase= 13070 &docaction = whatsnew CONTACT: Dale Schoeppner, Chief Building Official 41 of: Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 22 Solid Waste Reduction (OPTIONAL) Increase waste reduction, reuse and recycling Page 139 STATUS FOR EAGAN° NOT COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may implement this best practice by completing action (1) or (2) and at least one of actions (4) through (8). BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Adopt percentage reduction goals for waste and toxicity generated from city operations (including schools, libraries, parks, municipal health care facilities). Accomplish reduction goals in at least three of the following areas: a. Overall waste generation b. Paper use and junk mail c. Pesticide/herbicide use d. Water use /waste water generation 2. Adopt and meet aggressive goals for the overall percentage diversion of currently disposed waste from city operations into recycling and organics collection. 3. Document signing of at least one resource management contract with a waste hauler for one or more a. City government operations. b. Schools, libraries, parks, or municipal health care facilities. c. A commercial or industrial business. 4. Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses collecting and marketing used and repaired consumer goods in the city /county. 5. Arrange for a residential or business /institutional organics collection/management program (food -to- people, food -to- animals, composting, anaerobic digestion, and backyard composting). 6. Organize residential solid waste collection by private and/or public operations to accomplish multiple benefits. 7. For cities that provide direct or contract waste collection services, offer volume -based pricing on residential garbage and/or feebates on recycling so that the price differences are large enough to increase recycling/composting but not illegal dumping. 8. Adopt a construction and demolition ordinance for projects over a specified size that mandates levels of recycling and reuse for materials and soil/land - clearing debris and is tied to demolition permits. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 1 or 2 Required: Neither the city nor Dakota Valley recycling have waste reduction goals. These would need to be established and met. Completed Action 3: Dakota County has components of a resource management contract through the waste hauler Troje in various facilities within Eagan, including the Wescott Library and Lebanon Hills Regional Park. ISD 196 has a resource management contract through Allied Waste which covers the collection of trash, recyclables at all elementary, middle and higjh schools and also food waste at elementary schools. Action 5 In Progress: Dakota Valley Recycling continues to explore organics recycling; no program is in place yet. Thomson Reuters has implemented a waste -to -food program, in which they donate food waste to Second Harvest Farms, which is then used to feed hogs. See YouTube video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvvCWR1wzPrw CONTACT: Dianne Miller, Assistant to the City Administrator Mike Sipper, Building Maintenance Engineer Anne Olson, Dakota Valley Recycling e I 40 Environmental Management (4 best practices required) Best Practice # 23 Local Air Quality (OPTIONAL) Prevent generation of local air contaminants STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may choose to implement this best practice by completing at least two of the actions below. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Conduct an education/fmancial assistance campaign around one of the following wood burning/auto exhaust issues: a. Indoor and outdoor wood burning behavior, to ensure that wood burning is only done with seasoned wood and in a manner that doesn't negatively impact neighbors. b. Indoor wood burning technology, to result in community members upgrading from inefficient/more polluting fireplaces and wood stoves to natural gas stoves and fireplaces or the most efficient certified wood stoves. c. Smoker cars - older model/high polluting vehicles, to result in repairs spurred by repair vouchers. 2. Regulate outdoor wood burning, using model ordinance language, performance standards and bans as appropriate, for at least one of the following: a. Recreational burning. b. Outdoor wood boilers. 3. Conduct one or more education/behavior change campaigns on the topics below and document: a. Decreased vehicle idling in specific locales or by specific fleets. b. Increased sales by retail stores of low and no -VOC household products. c. Replacement of gasoline- powered equipment with lower polluting equipment. 4. Document the participation of at least 3 larger businesses using trucks in at least one of the following: a. Clean Air Minnesota's Project GreenFleet. b. U.S. EPA's SmartWay Transport program. c. Installation of auxiliary power units that reduce truck and bus idling. 5. Install at least two public charging stations for plug -in hybrid and full electric vehicles. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 2: Eagan has recreational burning regulations. See ordinance at http: / /www.ci.eagan.mn.us /upload/ images / Fire /Amendment %20to %20Sec %2010 %2040 %20 — % 20Recreational% 20Fires %20and %200pen %20Burning.PDF The city also recently adopted an ordinance regulating outdoor wood burners requiring a set back of 350 ft. from property line. Completed Action 3: Eagan has a No Idling policy for its city fleet, with few exceptions due to inclement weather. The policy has resulted in a significant decrease in idling and has catalyzed cultural and behavioral change across all departments. CONTACT: Jon Hohenstein, Community Development Director Dianne Miller, Assistant to the City Administrator Mike Scott, Fire Chief P age 141 Economic and Community Development (3 best practices required) Best Practice # 24 Benchmarks & Community Engagement (Required) Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other city sustainability efforts, and engage community members in ongoing education, discussion, and campaigns STATUS FOR EAGAN: NOT COMPLE1B Page 142 SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan must implement this best practice by completing at least actions (1) and (2). Completing an additional action (beyond those required) allows this best practice to be counted as implementation of two best practices. BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Report progress annually to community members on implementation of GreenStep City best practices, including energy /carbon benchmarking data if gathered. 2. Organize goals /outcome measures from all city plans - comprehensive, parks, library, housing, stormwater, drinking water, transportation, economic development, energy, sustainability, etc. - and report (at least annually) to community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals. 3. Engage community members in a public process involving a city council committee or community task force that results in city council adoption of and commitment to measure and report on progress toward sustainability indicators. 4. Conduct or support an energy efficiency or sustainability education and action campaign for: a. The entire community b. Homeowners c. Block clubs /neighborhood associations d. Congregations e. Schools and youth 5. Conduct or support a community education, visioning and planning initiative using a sustainability framework such as a. Strong Towns b. Transition initiatives c. Eco- municipalities /The Natural Step d. ISO 14001 e. Post Carbon Cities f. Permaculture g. Natural Capitalism h. Genuine Progress i. Healthy communities j. Multi- generation learning EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 1 Required: Part of the adoption of GreenSteps Cities is the requirement to review and report annually. In order to claim this best practice, Eagan must report to the community the efforts and progress made on the GreenStep City program. The County is currently collecting greenhouse gas Page 143 data that is community specific, and when that data becomes available, it could be published along with the City's GreenStep efforts to date. Completed Action 2: The City's annual budget includes performance measures in each department and division, which are reported annually through the budget process. The City also publishes an annual report via the Experience Eagan newsletter, which summarizes the City's goals and progress made on those goals. Annual City Goals available at htt p:// www .cityofeaan.com/live /page.asp ?menu =41202 Completed Action 3: The City has created the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission, a 7- member commission made up of residents who volunteer their time to make recommendations to the City Council on ways to achieve the City's sustainability goals. The City also measures energy usage at facilities, vehicle miles traveled, etc., most of which are reported to the Commission. CONTACT: Dianne Miller, Assistant to the City Administrator Economic and Community Development (3 best practices required) Best Practice # 25 Green Business Development (REQUIRED) Document the use of assistance programs for green business and job development STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan must implement this best practice by completing at least two actions. CONTACT: Susan Bast, Dakota Valley Recycling Page X44 BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Identify new and emerging local businesses in the green economy and support these businesses and green jobs through one or more of the following: a. Coordinated marketing and business assistance. b. Incubator space. c. Streamlined grants, loans or permitting processes. d. Workforce training opportunities with community colleges and job training centers. 2. Connect at least 5 businesses with assistance providers, including utilities, who conduct personalized energy, environmental sustainability, and waste audits. 3. Distribute green tourism resources to all tourism and hospitality businesses in the city and facilitate follow -up with at least 5 businesses to assist them in greening their business. 4. Support the creation of a value -added business utilizing local waste products, such as wood from felled trees or reusable deconstruction and landscaping materials. 5. Document steps taken to lower the environmental footprint of a Brownfield remediation / redevelopment project. 6. Use a green business certification program to publicly promote that a targeted number or percentage of businesses have improved the environmental performance of their company. 7. Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign, working with local organizations and assistance providers. 8. Work with the state Small Business Environmental Assistance Program ( SBEAP) to help at least 5 regulated businesses to use SBEAP services. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 2 In Progress: The City does not currently do this, but is aware that area utilities (Xcel and Dakota Electric) offer personalized energy audits and the ARROW Program has access to waste assessment tools. Dakota Valley Recycling has applied for a grant for Green Team Training for businesses and working with utilities to provide environmental/energy audits to at least five businesses in Eagan. Action 4 Complete: Gerten's Regional Eco- Services Facility is in Eagan, providing a business that provides landscaping materials from recycled, composted materials. Completed Action 6: The ARROW program promotes over 130 businesses, schools and non - profits, 44 of which are located in Eagan. For businesses to qualify for membership to this program, they must report on their practices in the areas of recycling, buying/selling environmentally preferable products, reusing and reduction of resource use via energy efficiency, water conservation or other waste - reducing efforts. ARROW website available at http: / /www.dakotavalleyrecycling .org/ARROW. Economic and Community Development (3 best practices required) Page 14S Best Practice # 26 Renewable Energy (Optional) Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity STATUS FOR EAGAN: NOT COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may choose to implement this best practice by completing two or more actions BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Adopt, with modifications as necessary, at least one of the following from Minnesota's 2009 Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development: a. Solar Energy Standards. b. Model Wind Energy ordinance 2. Consistently promote at least one of the following means of increasing renewable generation: a. A local utility's green power purchasing program for homes and businesses. b. Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems. 3. Create a renewable energy fmancing program for property owners to install generation capacity. 4. Promote firms that contract with property owners (in groups or individually) to install/finance renewable installations, some at little or no upfront cost. 5. Install a public sector renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), solar hot water or hot air, micro -hydro or wind. 6. Work with private /public partners to create renewable energy generation capacity with one or more of the following attributes: a. Fueled by flowing water, wind, or biogas. b. Fueled in part or whole by woody biomass, optimized for minimal air and other environmental impacts and for energy efficiency and water conservation. c. Distributing heating/cooling services in a district energy system. d. Producing combined heat and power. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 1 In Progress: The City has not adopted solar energy standards or a wind energy ordinance, but City Planner, Mike Ridley, has done initial research on both wind and solar ordinances. It is anticipated that the Commission will discuss their application and potential consideration further in the future. Action 2 Incomplete: Both Xcel and Dakota Electric purchase some power from green sources and offer property owners the alternative of subscribing to green power programs for some fraction of their power needs. The City currently does not separately promote the programs. Action 5 Planned: The City has investigated the cost efficiency of solar electric (PV) on a city -wide scale and has found it to not be cost justified to date, but the Council has directed staff to continue to monitor changes in energy or PV technology costs for future consideration. CONTACT: Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development Mike Ridley, City Planner 4y Economic and Community Development (3 best practices required) STATUS FOR EAGAN: COMPLETE Best Practice # 27 local food (OPTIONAL) Strengthen local food and fiber production and access SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan must complete at least one action if we choose to implement this best practice Pa 146 BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Incorporate working landscapes - agriculture and forestry - into the city by adopting, with modifications as necessary, one or more of the 2009 Minnesota Model Ordinances for Sustainable Development: a. Agriculture and Forest Protection District b. Local Food Production District c. Performance Standards for Minor and Major Agricultural Retail 2. Permit the incorporation of food growing areas /local food access into a residential development. 3. Expand/strengthen or create at least one of the following means of expanding local food access: a. A farmer's market. b. A community- supported agriculture (CSA) - arrangement between farmers and community members /employees. c. A community or school garden, orchard or forest. d. A rural grocery store. 4. Conduct at least one of the following campaigns to measurably increase: a. Purchase of local and Minnesota -grown food. b. Backyard gardening. c. Institutional buying of local foods by schools, hospitals /nursing homes, restaurants and hotels, or grocery stores d. Sale of local food in markets and restaurants. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Completed Action 2: Eagan permits community gardens in agricultural, parks, research and development and all residential districts as an accessory use, Completed Action 3: Eagan is expanding and strengthening their farmers market. The farmer's market, known as Marketfest, is held every Wednesday from 4 -8 p.m. at Central Park. The market runs from June - September and features local food providers and artisans. CONTACT: Juli Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director Kerry Phillips, Marketfest Coordinator Economic and Community Development (3 best practices required) STATUS FOR EAGAN• NOT COMPLETE SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS Eagan may choose to implement this best practice by completing at least action (2), (3) or (4). Page 147 Best Practice # 28 Business Synergies (OPTIONAL) Network/cluster businesses to achieve better energy, economic and environmental outcomes BEST PRACTICES SUMMARY: 1. Help at least three businesses register as users of the Minnesota Materials Exchange and document their exchanges /sales of byproducts with other local/regional businesses. 2. Assist at least one business to use waste heat or water discharge from another business. 3. Require, build or facilitate at least four of the following in a business /industrial project: a. Shared parking/access. b. Shared recreation /childcare facilities. c. A green job training program. d. Green product development, manufacturing or sales. e. Buildings located within walking distance of transit and/or residential zoning. f. Renovated buildings. g. Buildings designed for reuse. h. Green buildings built to exceed the Minnesota energy code. i. Combined heat and power (CRP) generation capacity. j. Shared geothermal heating/cooling. k. Low - impact site development. 4. Use eco- industrial park tools to identify industrial facilities that could achieve economic and environmental benefit by co- locating in the city's industrial park or industrial zone. EAGAN'S ACTIONS: Action 1 In Progress: Dakota Valley Recycling regularly promotes many opportunities for reuse in all parts of the community. This includes the Minnesota Materials Exchange, which was more recently advertised in the 2010 ARROW newsletter, sent out to approximately 300 businesses and community members. In addition to ARROW's general promotion of MME and the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program (MNTAP) as a whole, Dakota Valley Recycling recently organized an event to help businesses connect with waste - reducing opportunities. "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...and Reap Rewards" was held on October 14, 2010 as a means to encourage members of the business community in Eagan, Burnsville and Apple Valley to engage in effective and practical ways of moving toward sustainable business practices. This event included networking time with MNTAP, Minnesota Waste Wise, Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) and a keynote speech on green business initiatives by Andy Acho, an environmental initiative expert and former environmental strategy and outreach director for Ford Motor Company. Action 3 In Progress: This BP requires at least four actions in ONE specific, inclusive project with the intent of promoting comprehensive and highly visible projects. Numerous developments in Eagan meet variety of actions. For example, the City frequently encourages shared parking and access for public and private facilities. Its focus in new development and redevelopment areas is to place homes, jobs, shopping, transit and recreation within walkable proximity. The City has also facilitated the renovation of the Ethan Allen building, a single tenant facility into a multi -tenant retail building. The Spectrum Business Page 148 Center reused components from a dismantled Minneapolis -St Paul International Airport parking ramp as the structural elements for an office showroom facility with parking on the top level. CONTACT: Sue Bast, Dakota Valley Recycling Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development Juli Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation Appendix A Page 149 2010 -2011 ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION VALUE STATEMENTS AND GOAL The Commission drafted the following four value statements at the July 20, 2010 workshop, which were subsequently approved by the Eagan City Council on August 17, 2010. 1.) Recommend initiatives to the City of Eagan and its constituents to reduce waste and energy use in order to enhance Eagan's environment. 2.) Recommend initiatives to the City of Eagan and its constituents to protect the water, air, and soils in our City while enhancing the quality of life. 3.) Recommend initiatives to the City of Eagan and its constituents which support renewal of City of Eagan facilities, infrastructure, land use policies and efforts that will promote long range energy usage and resource sustainability. 4.) Recommend initiatives to the City of Eagan and its constituents on ways to partner with existing energy and environmental resources and stakeholders in order to collect and disseminate information to empower the public. Proposed Goal: 1.) To have the City of Eagan named as a GreenStep City Program participant and utilize the EEAC to review and identify how the 28 best practices identified under the program are met in Eagan within the areas of Buildings & Lighting. Land Use, Transportation, Environmental Management, and Economic /Community Development. Page 150 Appendix B Appendix Eagan's Vision for the Environment, Development, and the Future http: / /www.cityofeagan.com /live /page.asp ?menu =5058 VIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENT The City of Eagan will proactively protect its natural environment. The land, water and air, as well as the things which live in them and 011 them, are important assets to be preserved and enhanced for our own enjoyment and well -being and that of future generations. The City's role with respect to the environment shall be that of active steward and conservator. Pollution, abuse of the environment and unnecessary modifications of the environment will be opposed. The City, collectively and individually, will endeavor to maintain the environment, mitigate impacts on it and enhance it to the extent possible. VIEW OF DEVELOPMENT The City of Eagan is committed to encouraging and fostering orderly, high- quality development and redevelopment. The City will maintain a balanced variety of housing types, diversity of commercial and industrial development and effective integration of land use types. Eagan is planned to be a fully developed city in the future and efforts will be made to affect that growth in a rational, deliberate manner in the best interests of all residents, both present and future. The City will maintain its standards while recognizing the need to be sufficiently flexible and creative to permit quality development to occur. VIEW OF THE FUTURE The City of Eagan recognizes that its future is shaped by the decisions made today. It is also bounded by current circumstances and their dynamics over time. While growth and economic vitality continue, services must continually adapt over time to meet the changing needs of a diverse population, technological change and a global, service -based economy. To meet these needs, the City must plan with vision, encourage balanced services and welcome orderly change. Appendix C GreenStep Cities Resolution CITY OF EAGAN RESOLUTION NO. 10- 29 RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE CITY OF EAGAN'S PARTICIPATION IN THE MINNESOTA GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM WHEREAS, the Eagan City Council has adopted a 2009 -2010 goal to exemplify a broad - based and comprehensive commitment to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency by adopting conservation and alternative energy strategies pursuing the use of local, non - polluting, renewable, and recycled resources, while encouraging residents and businesses to do likewise; and, WHEREAS, the Eagan City Council created an Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) in February 2010 to review and carry out the environmental and sustainability goals and initiatives of the City; and, WHEREAS, the City of Eagan has signed the U.S, Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement; and, WHEREAS, a broad coalition of public and private stakeholders including the League of Minnesota Cities, the MPCA, Office of Energy Security and CIean Energy Response Team (CERTs) responded to 2008 State legislation by establishing the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program to provide a series of sustainable development best practices focusing on local government opportunities to reduce energy use and greenhouse gases; and, WHEREAS, the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program provides cost- effective sustainable development best practices in the following five categories: (1) Buildings and Lighting; (2) Transportation; (3) Land Use; (4) Environmental Management; and (5) Economic and Commtuiity Development; NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Eagan does hereby authorize the City of Eagan (the "City") to participate in the Minnesota OreenStep Cities program. Be it further resolved that the City; 1. Appoints Dianne Miller, Assistant to the City Administrator and staff liaison to the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission, to serve as the City's GreenStep coordinator to facilitate best practices review and implementation; and 2. Will facilitate the involvement of the Eagan Energy and Environment Commission, Eagan City Council, City staff, and constituents in the planning, promoting and consideration of implementing CrreenStep Cities best practices; and Will work in partnership with the University of Minnesota's Sustainable Education . department by working with a team of students from a Sustainability Capstone Course, who will inventory Eagan's current sustainable best practices that meet the GreenStep Pate 15 requirements, and provide recommendations and research on additional Green Step best practices that the City may wish to consider; and, 4. Will claim credit for having implemented and/or will implement at least 16 required and optional Green Step best practices that will result in energy use reduction, economic savings and reduction in the community's greenhouse gas footprint. 5. Will work with the MPCA to post a summary of the City's implementation of best practices on the Minnesota GreenStep Cities website, ADOPTED by the Council this 17 Day of August, 20 ATTEST: \\t Maria Petersen, City Clerk Mike Maguire, ayor Page 152 Fxst P(mkt CA. 15 City of Falcon Heights Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy The goal of this policy is to encourage and increase purchasing that reflects the city's commitment to sustainability. Benefits of the policy include: • Conserving natural resources • Minimizing environmental impacts such as pollution and use of water and energy Identifying environmentally preferable products and distribution systems • Setting an example for residents and businesses in the City of Falcon Heights The following policies are to be followed by the City of Falcon Heights: Recycled Paper Products 1) Printing paper, office paper, and paper products will contain the highest postconsumer content practicable, but no less than minimum recycled content standards established by the US EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. Energy and Water Savings 1) Where applicable, energy- efficient equipment will be purchased with the most up -to -date energy efficient functions. 2) All appliances and products purchased by the City and for which the US EPA Energy Star certification is available will meet Energy Star certification. Typically, this would include lighting systems, exhaust fans, water heaters, computers, exit signs, and appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. 3) The city will purchase water - saving products whenever practicable. This includes, but is not limited to, high - performing fixtures like toilets, waterless urinals, low -flow faucets and aerators, and upgraded irrigation systems. This policy is subject to the requirements and preferences in the Municipal Contracting Law (MN Statutes 471.345) and all other applicable laws and ordinances. Falcon Heights Environment Commission 2010 -2011 EEAC Brainstorming Document Energy and Environment Advisory Commission Concept Ideas The following is a list of brainstormed topics that the EEAC could consider as they begin their work with the City. The list was compiled by staff, with ideas generated from various City departments, other City's efforts, and sustainability ideas and actions from across the country. • Review of all City operations— invite department heads to brief commission on role and work of department, and look for ways that the commission could review, enhance, and make recommendations on current initiatives, functions, etc. • Review City efforts /improvements that occurred as a result of the $657,100 Energy Conservation Block Grant program • Review geothermal project underway at Civic Arena • Invite recycling staff to brief what they do (curbside recycling, composting, sustainability, ARROW program —award program for businesses that reuse and recycle, etc.) • Review Burnsville's sustainability plan —is there a similar opportunity in Eagan? • Program to reduce plastic bags (promote City's —or any— reusable bags) • Energy Saving Guide for residents (similar to Rosemount) • Evaluate experience and need for community gardens (and indentify locally grown food options) • Provide feedback on opportunities at Marketfest (review locally grown food policy for vendors) • Consider building permit rebates for home improvements that meet Energy Star guidelines • Review efforts underway for rain barrels, compost bins, and rain garden educational workshops • Consider pros /cons of commissioning a carbon footprint baseline analysis, as a baseline of measurable data for us to use in monitoring success of future initiatives (determine funding mechanism) (MPCA ReTAP program - -They have a Climate Change Corps, which is made up of semi retired professionals with expertise in sustainability who provide free services intended to improve the sustainability of local governments.) o Burnsville currently has RFP out for a carbon footprint analysis o Dakota County is doing a county -wide carbon footprint for government owned buildings • Review the University of Minnesota sustainability initiatives and explore partnership opportunities • Review City's CIP for opportunities for energy and resource conservation measures such as pervious asphalt installation, water smart landscaping, rain gardens, etc. • Review Apple Valley's "Better Energy Apple Valley" residential program, which is an initiative within the City that strives to reduce energy use community -wide by 1.5% per year (www.ci.apple- valley mn us /Departments /BE Program/main.html) o Apple Valley is currently looking to expand this program to businesses o EEAC member Amir Nadav has familiarity with this program in his job. • Review the Dakota County Weatherization/Energy Improvement Loan Program (for low and moderate housing) http:// www. dakotacda .org /pdf /weatherization09.pdf • Invite representative from Lockheed Martin to speak to Commission regarding their site improvements (surface water and grounds /lawn— native prairie grasses) • Review City's response and efforts pertaining to Emerald Ash Borer 5'17 2010 -2011 EEAC Brainstorming Document • Seek presentation by the U.S. Green Building Council Advocacy Team as to how they can offer assistance to the City (and the Commission) —This team of volunteers under the leadership of Julie Perrus, attorney with Larkin Hoffman, approached the City in August 2009 to offer their assistance. • Provide review and recommendations on sustainable /low maintenance lawn care and watering practices —for residents, businesses, and City facilities (Hear from Parks and Rec and Community Development regarding City efforts to date at City facilities /parks, and current City Code requirements) • Loan Programs for Energy Improvements: o Review City of Woodbury's 3% loan program for energy improvements made to homes (allocates up to $5,000 per home and can be used for a number of energy reduction measures) o Berkley, California— finance district that allows homeowners to finance solar projects and energy improvements by integrating the payments into their property tax bills over a 20 -year period (similar to assessments). o Review Apple Valley's loan program • Green [lawn] mowers —see ArgusLeader article • Thomson Reuters Green Team (and Ground improvements) —model for other businesses? • Anemometer readings (City of Eagan) • Sustainable development opportunities —LEED, Green Globe, etc. • Solar Feasibility Study by the Public Works Department regarding the cost effectiveness of installing photo voltaic solar panels on various city facility roof tops (August CC wksp— tentative) • Encouragement of telecommuting for Eagan businesses (from environmental perspective) • LED Street Lights — review research from other cities' studies (PW Dept conducted research, which was referenced at the 5 -11 Council wksp) • Review B3 information (state requirement for City buildings) —used to benchmark energy reductions; can use to compare to other cities • Recycling Consideration at City parks o Education opportunities o Review research done to date (pros /cons, cost, etc.) o Encouragement of "carry in, carry out" • Invite representatives of Xcel Energy and Dakota Electric to speak to the Commission about their projections for electric growth in Eagan. • Meet with energy and environment commissions from other cities (e.g. Edina's) • PACE legislation (Property Assessed Clean Energy Improvement Financing for Residents and Businesses) –Notes form Sue Bast... was discussed by the Burnsville City Council and the consensus of the Council was to wait for the CDA to determine what county -wide role they may assume.We will be monitoring efforts at the CDA/county and assisting them where appropriate. There are some questions about how investors will view the debt and how admin- intensive the program might be. The program sounds very interesting and will benefit residents & the environment so it is on the wait and see list. • MN Energy Challenge — individual program for residents (and as a city) to make energy efficiency changes (Speaker: Neely Crane - Smith, Community Energy Coordinator at center for Energy and Environment 612/335 -5858 or ncranesmith @mncee.org g 2010 -2011 EEAC Brainstorming Document Additional Suggestions Made by Commissioners • Explore Eagan participating in GreenStep Cities, a statewide program to recognize and encourage cities taking steps toward greater sustainability. It will officially launch at the end of this month at the League of Minnesota Cities annual conference, and the program will be administered by the MPCA. • Create a native and edible demonstration community garden (perhaps in partnership with master gardeners and local volunteers). • With regard to the anemometer readings, I would add that if the Commission decides to address this issue and if the readings reveal that Eagan has a favorable wind resource, then the Commission might want to consider crafting recommendations to the City Council on a wind ordinance. • PACE Bonds: Property Accessed Clean Energy Bonds are a new an upcoming way for municipalities to push green development. The Green Jobs bill that was signed in April gives local governments the authority to issue these bonds. Some general info about PACE bonds: http: / /www.pacenow.org/ • A green tech resource info and collaboration network Based on an approach that the state is using to build awareness for the green technology for economic development. Their idea is very good but needs much better execution and needs a local focus Link to the MN state site: http:// www .nextstep.state.mn.us /index.cfm • Create an "I rode my bike" program with the Chamber or others to get people discounts who ride /walk to local shopping venues • Pursue organics recycling opportunities in the City (residents and businesses —see Thomson Reuter's program with food waste to Second Harvest's hogs) • Get the High School of Environmental Studies to start a multi -year science of composting project. Get them to figure out low -cost alternatives to more quickly compost foodwaste to reduce nuisance and generate sale of a valuable product. Work with the Gerten's site in Eagan for space, sponsorship, and revenue sharing. 561