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10/08/2013 - Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (2)ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION Tuesday, October 8th, 2013, 6:00 – 6:55 p.m. Council Chambers Agenda I. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance 6:00 p.m. II. Adopt Agenda 6:02 p.m. III. Approval of Minutes of Regular Meeting of April 9, 2013 & May 14, 2014 6:03 p.m. IV. Visitors to be Heard 6:08 p.m. V. Old Business 6:09 p.m. A. Recommendations for Ordinance Amendments Relating to Residential Low Maintenance Landscaping B. Recommendations Relating to Water Conservation C. Committee Assignments VI. Roundtable 6:50 p.m. VII. Adjournment 6:55 p.m. The City of Eagan is committed to the policy that all persons have equal access to its programs, services, activities, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or status with regard to public assistance. Auxiliary aids for disabled persons wishing to participate are available upon request at least 96 hours in advance of the event. If a notice of less than 96 hours is received, the City will attempt to provide the aids. NEXT REGULAR ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013 7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS TO: THE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION (EEAC) FROM: JULI SEYDELL JOHNSON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: OCTOBER 3, 2013 SUBJECT: ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 8, 2013 A meeting of the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission (EEAC) will take place on Tuesday, October 8, 2013 from 6:00 to 6:55 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. To ensure that a quorum is present, please contact Juli Seydell Johnson at 651-675-5006 or jsjohnson@cityofeagan.com if you are unable to attend this meeting. I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND ROLL CALL II. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA The agenda, as presented or modified, is in order for adoption by the Commission. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Pages 2-7 The minutes of the April 9, 2013 & May 14, 2013 EEAC meetings, these minutes, pending any modifications, are in order for adoption by the Commission. IV. VISITORS TO BE HEARD The Eagan City Council and its Commissions set aside up to ten minutes at the beginning of public meetings to permit visitors to address items of interest that are not addressed on the regular agenda. Items that will take more than ten minutes or that require specific action can be scheduled for a future meeting agenda. V. OLD BUSINESS – Pages 8-30  Low Maintenance Landscape materials (Pages 8-11) – Commission to review, discuss and make recommendations to the City Council.  Water Conservation materials (Pages 12-29) – Commission to review, discuss and make recommendations to the City Council.  Committee Assignments (Page 30) – Committee to review and approve Committee Assignments as presented. VI. ROUNDTABLE The Roundtable is scheduled as an opportunity for Commissioners to ask questions, make requests for future agenda items, or provide informative updates to the Commission pertaining to energy and environment initiatives. VII. ADJOURNMENT /s/Juli Seydell Johnson Director of Parks and Recreation Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 1 Subject to Approval EAGAN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, April 9, 2013 MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 9, 2013 A regular meeting of the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission was held on Tuesday April 9, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Those present were Amir Nadav, Jeff LeClair, Jon Drucker, Michael Wisniewski and Ross Bintner. Member Harder and Member Palmer were absent. Visitors present Rick Carter with ULI representing the Urban Land Institute. Staff present was Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation, Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development, Russ Matthys, Director of Public Works, Cherryl Mesko, Superintendent of Operations, and Amy Grannes, Office Supervisor. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Director Johnson stated there are no changes to the agenda. Member Bintner moved to approve the agenda as presented, Member Drucker seconded with all present members voting in favor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 12, 2013 Member Nadav recommended the following change: On page 2 second paragraph strike “the PACE Program” and replace with “energy efficiency and clean energy financing”. Member Bintner moved Member Drucker seconded with all present members voting in favor to approve the February 12, 2013 minutes as amended. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. PRESENTATION Rick Carter Architect with LHB, on behalf of the Urban Land Institute Regional Council of Mayors gave a presentation about the Regional Indicator Initiative project. This project was an inventory of energy, potable water, travel, waste, costs, and greenhouse gas emissions for twenty Minnesota Cities from 2008 to 2011, which did include the City of Eagan. The Initiative supports planning for sustainability by defining a baseline, tracking a business as usual trajectory, establishing targets, and measuring outcomes of sustainable strategies at a city wide scale. Trends for energy that occurred, in most cases, were energy use went down in 2009-2010 and back up in 2011 due to many different factors. Some interesting data trends discovered commercial/industrial energy use averaged 60% and residential energy use averaged 40%. Trends for water were not significant except that people were surprised about how much water is used. Residential water use averaged 58%, which was higher that the commercial/industrial water use average of 42%. There was not a significant change with travel. Total greenhouse gas emissions mimic the energy use levels. Rick briefly discussed the correlation with the Greenstep Cities program. Rick stated that all the information contained in this report will be available on a website in a couple of weeks. After further discussion by Commission Members the presentation concluded with a request from the Commission to be provided a copy of the PowerPoint presentation for their review. Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 2 Energy and Environment Commission April 9, 2013 Page 2 COMMITTEE REPORTS & DISCUSSION Low Maintenance Landscaping (Amir, Mike, Jon) – Member Wisniewski gave an overview of the low maintenance landscaping proposal in order to reduce the need for irrigation on residential properties, encourage sustainable landscaping, and make this process easy for residents. The proposal was sent to the City Attorney’s office for review and came back to the Commission with notes and recommendations. Member Wisniewski stated these recommendations go against the original intent of this proposal. Director Johnson gave a brief overview on the City Attorneys perspective when reviewing this ordinance change and the struggle to interpret the model ordinance format which was not the same format as regular ordinances for the City of Eagan. Jon Hohenstein, Director of Community Development, addressed the Commission to recommend a meeting with the City Attorney, Subcommittee, and City Staff to discuss recommendations for this ordinance and to put this ordinance in a language that may be able meet the needs of all parties involved. If not able to meet the needs of all parties, the Subcommittee will create a clear list of pending issues between the Commission, City Attorney, and City Staff to provide to the City Council at the June meeting. After further discussion by the Commission and City Staff the Commission agreed to direct the Subcommittee to have a meeting with the City Attorney and City Staff within the next 30 days. If changes are needed the Commission will hold a special meeting and a work session before the June meeting with the City Council. Member Bintner made a motion that the Energy and Environment Commission expresses support for Section 10.21 as it is drafted on pages 90 thru 94 of the packet, Member Wisniewski seconded, with all member present voting against the motion 0 Aye and 5 Nye. Solar (Amir, Mike, Jon) – Member Nadav gave a brief overview of this work plan item. A letter was received letter from the Minnesota Solar Project listing potential barriers with the City’s ordinances regarding solar energy development. The Community Development Department has received this letter and it is currently being reviewed. Member Nadav requested the Commission review the recommendations from the Planning Commission before City Council for approval. Director Hohenstein spoke briefly and recommended the Commission Subcommittee meet with City Staff to work through the details of this ordinance. Member Bintner requested a motion to recommend that City Council direct City Staff to create an ordinance amendment pursuant to the options in the letter from the Minnesota Solar Challenge, forward the proposed changes to the City Attorney for review and copy all recommendations to the Energy and Environment Commission for review before going to the City Council, Member Wisniewski seconded, with all member present voting in favor of the motion. Water Conservation (Amir, Ross) – Member Bintner gave an overview of the water conservation report and proposal. The water conservation subcommittee proposed the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission recommend the following items to City Council for consideration:  Adopt a city-wide goal of reducing per capita daily water use by 10% by 2020 and 15% by 2025 below a baseline of the average per capita daily water use from 2005 - 2010.  Register the City in the free and voluntary WaterSense partnership program and appoint water utility staff to administer program implementation.  Authorize water utility budget funds for water conservation education, training, efficiency and conservation upgrades to city facilities, including rebates, or financing, for rain sensors, rainwater capture and use, and WaterSense certified appliances and devices installed on private property.  Direct the Eagan water utility, with input from the Energy & Environment Advisory Commission, to develop and implement a water conservation plan to achieve or exceed the city’s water reduction goal. Russ Matthys, Director of Public Works, had a couple of questions on the proposal from the Subcommittee. Director Matthys asked if the water reduction rate was referring to residential or city wide reduction. After discussion with Commission Members it was agreed to provide both options for the Council to review. Director Matthys also indicated on page four of the proposal the first Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 3 Energy and Environment Commission April 9, 2013 Page 3 sentence should be “Eagan Finance Director” instead of “Eagan CFO Pepper”. Member Bitner motioned for the Energy and Environment Commission to express support for the Water Efficiency Subcommittee recommendations dated April 2013 as amended above, Member Wisniewski seconded, with all members voting in favor of the motion. COMMITTEE UPDATES PACE Funding for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (Ross, Amir, Tim) - Director Johnson stated this item is ready to go with your recommendation back to City Council. Communications (Kari, Jon, Tim) – Member Drucker provided three communication items the committee would like to be posted on the City of Eagan Facebook page. Director Johnson will review items with City Staff and post once approval is received. Member Nadav requested a recommendation for Communications to work with Dakota Valley Recycling to have them provide the City regular content to post on the City of Eagan’s Facebook page regarding waste reduction and recycling. Director Johnson stated Dakota Valley recycling regularly provides information to post in other City of Eagan publications. Leigh Behrens is the dedicated recycling/environmental technical person for the city of Eagan and also a Facebook editor. Member Drucker will take this as an action item and follow-up on this directive. Commission Members reviewed the waste haulers rate report contained in the packet. Member Nadav thanked City Staff for compiling and posted these rates on our website. After further brief comments by the Commission there was no more discussion. STAFF REPORTS Director Johnson gave verbal update on Coal Tar Sealant. The City Council directed this to be forwarded to the City Attorney for review. The City Attorney stated the State of Minnesota is considering legislation dealing with this topic. The City Attorney recommended waiting for the legislation. The City Attorney had some reservations about having the ability to ban the sale of something that is legal to sell in the State of Minnesota. After further discussion Commission Members agreed to wait to see if the legislation passes in mid May before proceeding further. Member LeClair requested an explanation from the City Attorney’s office explaining why this ordinance change is being discouraged. Russ Matthys, Director of Public Works, discussed a meeting he attended recently related to diminishing groundwater levels in the metro area. Director Matthys would like to consider joining the Southwest Metro Groundwater Group. This would be a proactive action and may preempt and possibly help guide future decisions about the use and regulation of ground water in the metro area. Member LeClair requested that any correspondence generated by this group be forward to the Energy and Environment Commission for review. Member Bintner motioned that the Energy and Environment Commission support the concept that the City of Eagan join the Southwest Metro Groundwater Group to proactively lead in water conservation, Member Drucker seconded with all present members voting in favor. Director Johnson provided information regarding the going green carnival at Market Fest June 19th. The Commission has the opportunity to have a booth and provide community outreach and education on energy and environmental conservation topics. Director Johnson also provided the Commission information on the upcoming Showcase Eagan on Sunday September 15 th. Item was referred to the Communication Subcommittee for review and come up with a proposal for the Commission. Deadline for the first event is April 26th. Commission Members briefly discussed creating a residential survey that could be posted on the website for community input on Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 4 Energy and Environment Commission April 9, 2013 Page 4 conservation needs. Director Johnson will check with City Staff on the capability of adding a survey to the City website. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to be discussed at this time. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to be discussed at this time. ROUNDTABLE Member Nadav stated the State of Minnesota recently released a complete street implementation resource guide for local Minnesota agencies developed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Member Nadav will provide a link for those who are interested in this topic. Member Nadav commented on a national complete streets report recently available. He stated the City of Northfield was mentioned in this report as having one of the best complete streets policy’s in the entire country. Member Nadav would encourage continued work on active living and complete streets into the next work plan. There is a complete street workshop on May 16th an email notification will go out to Commission Members. Member LeClair expressed his appreciation to Member Palmer for her service on the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission. At this time there were no further items discussed during the Roundtable. ADJOURNMENT After further brief discussion, Member Bintner moved, Member Wisniewski seconded with all members present voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 p.m. ____________________________ _______________________________ Date Secretary Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 5 Subject to Approval EAGAN ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING Tuesday, May 14, 2013 MINUTES OF SPECIAL MEETING OF MAY 14, 2013 A special meeting of the Eagan Energy and Environment Advisory Commission was held on Tuesday May 14, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Those present were Member Nadav, Member LeClair, Member Drucker, and Member Wisniewski. Member Bintner and Member Harder were absent. Staff present was Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation, and Amy Grannes, Office Supervisor. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Director Johnson stated there are no changes to the agenda. Member Drucker moved to approve the agenda as presented, Member Nadav seconded with all present members voting in favor. VISITORS TO BE HEARD There were no visitors to be heard. OLD BUSINESS There was one item of old business for Commission discussion regarding the low maintenance landscaping subcommittee report and recommendations. Director Johnson gave brief overview of materials contained in the packet which consisted of the EEAC ordinance subcommittee meeting notes and recommendations from 4-25-13, memo from Director Johnson regarding additional information on ordinance and policy recommendations, revised draft ordinance amendment, responses from Sharon Hills of the City Attorney’s Office and Russ Matthys, Director of Public works, to the subcommittee, and a draft of the yard establishment and maintenance for turf and low maintenance options. Member Nadav presented the subcommittee report and subcommittee recommendations to the Commission. After a brief Commission discussion Member Wisniewski motioned for the Energy and Environment Commission to recommend the modified ordinance 10.21 and 7.08 to the City Council for consideration as follows: 1. The subcommittee recommends approval of proposed revisions to Sec. 10.21 of City Code of Ordinances with the following modifications: a. Recommend inclusion of the following text in Subdivision 1 Purpose and application: “reduction of air emissions including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, volatile organic compounds and other air toxics” b. Recommend deletion of the word "alternative" under the definition for "Unmanaged Vegetation" in Subdivision 2 c. Recommend changes to Subdivision 3 A to read as follows: o 1. Turf grass or other permitted vegetation establishment required o 2. Nonapplication of turf grass or other permitted vegetation establishment requirement o Up to 50 percent of all areas requiring established turf grass or other permitted vegetation on the property may be established with, or restored to, a meadow or woodland condition. Amend definition of “other permitted vegetation” in Subd. 2 to exclude meadow and woodland, as needed. Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 6 Energy and Environment Commission April 9, 2013 Page 2 d. Recommend merging and combining items (a) through (h) under Subdivision 3 A paragraph 2 with the items (a) through (d) under paragraph 1. e. Recommend revision of Subdivision 3 A to permit gravel, mulch and woodchips within the three-feet setback from neighboring properties (modification to item originally presented as paragraph 2 (c). f. Recommend revision of Subdivision 3 A to indicate that within the right-of-way the following are permitted: gravel, turfgrass up to 8 inches, and other permitted vegetation up to 30 inches in height (modification to item originally presented as paragraph 2 e). g. Recommend revision of Subdivision 3 B paragraph 1 to delete "All vegetation" and replace with "turfgrass". h. Recommend revision of Sec. 7.08 of the City Code of Ordinances to permit turfgrass up to 8 inches, consistent with Sec. 10.21. i. Recommend revision of Sec. 7.08 of the City Code of Ordinances to state that gravel, ornamental plants, edible vegetation, native grasses and forbs under 30" in height do not require a permit. Member Drucker seconded with all present members voting in favor. Member Wisniewski motioned for the Energy and Environment Commission to recommend the following additional policy and implementation items to the City Council for consideration as follows: a. Recommend creation of educational handout on yard establishment and maintenance of vegetation with clarification on mulch, wood chips, raised beds. b. Recommend EEAC review and revision of the educational handout following the discussion with City Council in June. c. Recommend revision of the zoning permit to clarify that short garden fences do not require a permit, as indicated in the response from the City Attorney's Office. d. Recommend revision of the existing permit for landscaping within the right-of-way to clarify how to complete the form for requests to plant rain gardens, raised beds, and other vegetation above the height limitations recommended for inclusion in city code. e. Recommend that standards, required under City Code Sec. 7.08 Subdivision 1B, for landscaping and shrubs within the right-of-way be published on the city website. Member LeClair added a friendly amendment to include adding the communication of all educational handouts and materials for residents to be advertised in all available media outlets. Member Drucker seconded with all in favor as amended. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business to be discussed at this time. ADJOURNMENT After further brief discussion, Member Drucker moved, Member Wisniewski seconded with all members present voting in favor to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:32 p.m. ____________________________ _______________________________ Date Secretary Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 7 Eagan Energy & Environment Advisory Commission Landscaping Ordinance Committee Recommendations for October 8, 2013 Meeting Proposed overarching questions for discussion with the City Council: 1. What are the city of Eagan’s goals with respect to landscaping and maintenance of vegetation in residential areas and on the adjacent public right-of-way? 2. To what extent should Eagan residents be allowed to plant vegetation or establish ground cover other than turf grass on their yards? 3. To what extent should permitting processes be applied to landscaping projects? Are clarifications or modifications to existing permitting processes appropriate? Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 8 1. What are the city of Eagan’s goals with respect to landscaping and maintenance of vegetation in residential areas and on the adjacent public right-of-way? EEAC Findings: a) The 2011 - 2012 City Council Goals included the following: i. Maintain a broad-based and comprehensive commitment to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability 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. b) The purpose section of Code 10.21 “Planting and maintenance of trees and grass on private property” states: i. The regulations set forth in this section are for the purposes of protecting and promoting the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of the city by regulating the planting and maintenance of trees in order to protect trees and to prevent and abate hazardous and nuisance conditions within the city. 2. To what extent should Eagan residents be allowed to plant vegetation or establish ground cover other than turf grass on their yards? EEAC Findings: a) Current city code addresses meadows, woodland, turf grass, and noxious weeds. It is mostly silent on edible vegetation, native grasses and forbs, ornamental plants, rain gardens, and ground covers such mulch, gravel, or ornamental rocks. b) According to University of Minnesota Extension, traditional turf lawns require 1 to 1.5 inches or water per week during the summer months. [1] For a 4,000 sq. ft. lawn, that could amount to 44,000 gallons of water per summer. A quarter of an acre is equivalent to 10,890 square feet. c) A DNR test well shows that the average water level of Eagan’s aquifer has declined approximately 35ft over a 35 year period. [2] The Metropolitan Council predicts a 20-40 foot drawdown of aquifer levels under the city of Eagan by 2030 under business as usual conditions. [3] d) In 2011, Eagan’s average daily water use was 13.2 million gallons of water per day in the summer months and 5.8 million gallons of water per day in the winter months. [4] e) Compared to traditional turf grass, native vegetation requires less moisture, fertilizers, and pesticides and places less stress on the public’s water resources. [5] f) Landscaping such as rain gardens filter and infiltrate stormwater, thereby protecting surface water from polluted runoff and recharging groundwater resources. [5] Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 9 g) Gas powered garden tools emit 5% of the nation's air pollution. Forty million lawnmowers consume 200 million gallons of gasoline per year. One gas-powered lawnmower emits 11 times the air pollution of a new car for each hour of operation. [6] h) Minnesota is at risk of non-attainment with National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulates and ozone. Estimated cost of compliance with federal regulations for nonattainment ranges from $140 - $260 million. [7] 3. To what extent should permitting processes be applied to landscaping projects, particularly the items listed below? Are clarifications or modifications to existing permitting processes appropriate?  Fencing  Raised beds  Landscaping within the Right-of-Way (ROW) EEAC Findings a) ROW and Zoning permits provide educational opportunities to help property owners comply with codes and standards in their initial investments. b) City staff members estimate that as many as 10-15% of zoning permit applications submitted include structures or improvements that would have been in violation of setbacks or other regulations if they had been installed as originally proposed. Fences a) A zoning permit is required for residential fences. b) Communication with city staff has indicated that the permit may not be required for small garden fences, although this is not stated on the permit form. Raised Beds  A zoning permit is required for retaining walls less than 4 feet in height.  The permit requires submittal of o Two copies of plans showing how the wall will be constructed, including plan view, cross section and elevation drawings. o Two copies of a site survey drawn to scale indicating the location of the wall on the property, structures on the site, and all easements.  Benefits of raised beds include: [8] o Handicap-accessible gardening o Better drainage than in-ground beds o Longer growing seasons due to warmer soil temperature o Protection of soil and plants from foot traffic compaction o Enabling gardening in challenging areas (e.g. above buried utilities, uneven slope, contaminated soil.) Right-of-Way a) According to the Eagan Citizens Support Center: i. Approximately 12-13 feet behind the curb is designated City Right-of-Way Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 10 ii. The Right-of-Way is intended for underground utility installations and winter snow storage and should be kept clear of any item that may be damaged. iii. The City is not responsible for damage to sprinkler systems or other items located in the Right-of-Way. b) A permit is required for planting of trees, shrubs, or installation of landscaping or irrigation systems within the city ROW. c) City code requires the owner of the abutting property to maintain turfgrass or other shrubs and landscaping within the ROW. d) Landscaping within the ROW is fairly common in residential areas in Eagan. City staff estimate that the majority of landscaping within the ROW was established without a permit. e) State law governing excavations that require utility locates does not apply to gardening unless it disturbs the soil to a depth of 12 inches or more; trees or shrubs unless disturbing to a depth of 18 inches or more (Statute 216D.01). f) Examples of materials that other cities allow in the ROW and setbacks: i. Eden Prairie city code states that the right-of-way boulevard is composed of regularly mowed turfgrass, trees, shrubs, wood chips, rock, and/or gravel. It also permits garden beds, in addition to the aforementioned items, in setback areas ii. Edina city code states that the setback areas from streets, side and rear yards, shall be composed of pavement, rock, gravel, wood chips, regularly mowed turfgassses, trees or shrubs. iii. St. Paul city code allows property owners to plant and maintain gardens and flowers in boulevard areas adjacent to their properties. Vegetation is limited to 36” in height or 18” in certain areas. iv. Minneapolis city code states that flowers under 36” (or 18” in certain areas), grass, and certain trees are allowed in the boulevard without a permit. Endnotes [1] “Watering Lawns and other turf,” UMN Extension. http://www1.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard- garden/lawns/watering-lawns/ [2] Data from DNR Observation well 19030 http://climate.umn.edu/ground_water_level/fetch_well.php?obwell=19030 and Metropolitan Council presentation, slide 10 http://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/sites/default/files/WaterConservationToolbox_MetCouncil_LanyaRoss_ GreenStepCities_21May2013.pdf [3] “Graphic: A future of water shortages?” Star Tribune. Feb. 23, 2013. http://www.startribune.com/newsgraphics/192537651.html [4] City of Eagan 2011 Public Works Annual Report http://www.cityofeagan.com/images/PublicWorks/Eng/ARUA.pdf [5] GreenSteps Landscaping & Maintenance of Vegetation model ordinance http://www.crplanning.com/_ordinances/landscaping.pdf [6] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Landscaping http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/nativeplants/factsht.html [7] Minnesota’s Clean Air Dialogue (2013) https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7lxtkzrVPI3MFM5dF91eTNBY3M/edit?usp=sharing [8] UMN Horticulture http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1254.html and Gardening Matters http://www.gardeningmatters.org/sites/default/files/G%27M%20Raised%20Bed%20Factsheet,%20jan%202012.pdf Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 11 1 EAGAN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION WATER EFFICIENCY SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS October 2013 Actions for Consideration: The Eagan Energy & Environment Advisory Commission recommends the following items to City Council for consideration: ● Adopt a city-wide goal of reducing per capita daily water use 10% by 2020 and 15% by 2025 below a baseline of the average per capita daily water use from 2005 - 2010. ● Register the City in the free and voluntary WaterSense partnership program and appoint the water utility to administer program implementation. ● Direct the Eagan water utility, with input from the Energy & Environment Advisory Commission, to develop and implement a water conservation plan to achieve or exceed the city’s water reduction goal. Background information The City of Eagan uses an average of 3 - 3.5 billion gallons of water each year and sends an average 2 - 2.5 billion gallons of water each year to the Seneca Wastewater Treatment plant. On a typical year, about 30% of the water used in the city of Eagan does not go down a drain, some of which is composed of water uses classified under Minnesota Statutes as “sixth priority non-essential uses.” While this water goes through an expensive treatment process, some non- essential water uses such as lawn irrigation could be met in part through alternatives such as rainwater, or reduced via rain sensors, water-efficient landscaping, and other mechanisms. In the Summer of 2010, the City of Eagan implemented a water conservation rate structure. Average summer water use has trended slightly lower in the first two years, although the impact of the rate structure on annual city-wide water usage has not yet been determined. Eagan’s water use over the past decade has remained relatively constant and trended slightly downward since peaking in 2006. Nearly 70% of Eagan’s housing units were constructed before 1990. In 1992, new federal water efficiency standards were enacted, which reduce per capita water usage for new construction and can improve the water efficiency through retrofits and remodels to existing buildings. As an example, toilets installed before 1990 used anywhere from 3 - 7 gallons per flush. Toilet models today can use 1.6 gallons per flush, and high-efficiency WaterSense-certified toilets use even less. Water efficiencies for dishwashers, washing machines, faucets, showerheads, and other water-using devices have also improved. The City of Eagan’s Water Supply and Distribution Plan projects a roughly 20% increase in average per capita daily water use in Eagan and a 33% increase in per capita maximum day Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 12 2 water use, compared to a projected increase in population of around 14% (see reference material).1 To meet this growing need, the plan identifies investments in new supply and storage of over $7 million. City staff note that of the $7 million figure in the plan, around $3 million is intended for storage and not based on demand. Communities across the country are achieving significant water savings by implementing water efficiency programs. These programs may include a variety of approaches such as rainwater harvesting, water efficient landscaping, and incentives to encourage private investment in the existing building stock to improve water efficiencies partially in lieu of public investments in new supply. Such an approach in Eagan may potentially offer a cost-effective use of resources with co-benefits and complement, or partially offset, the 2008 Water Supply & Distribution Plan’s projected investments of over $7 million in new supply and storage. Water Conservation Goal Action Item: Adopt a city-wide goal of reducing per capita daily water use 10% by 2020 and 15% by 2025 below a baseline of the average per capita daily water use from 2005 - 2010. Background According to the Metropolitan Council2:  Water pumped from aquifers has risen from approximately 20% of the Twin Cities 7- county metropolitan region’s supply in 1950 to 70% today.  Aquifer levels are declining, in some locations as much as one foot per year.  By 2040 the region may add over 800,000 residents.  Conservation strategies have had an effect. Some communities have documented 20% less water use per person over the past decade. According to the Urban Land Institute’s Regional Indicators Initiative3:  Eagan ranked 3rd highest among the 20 Minnesota cities for total per capita daily water use, and roughly 26% above the 20-city average.  Eagan ranked 4th highest among the 20 Minnesota cities for per capita residential sector water use, and roughly 35% above the 20-city average. WaterSense Action Item: Recommend to City Council Approval of the WaterSense Partnership Agreement and Designation of Eagan Water Utility as the Implementing Entity Background 1 Potential reasons for growth include a new large industrial customer, redundancy in supply and conservative engineering estimates. 2 “Water Supply and a Thriving Region,” Metropolitan Council http://metrocouncil.org/Planning/Projects/Thrive- 2040/Thrive-MSP-Roundtable-Handout-April-2013.aspx 3 Regional Indicators Initiative, regionalindicatorsmn.uli.org Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 13 3 WaterSense is a free and voluntary national partnership program among federal, state and local government agencies, builders, manufacturers, water utilities, retailers and other entities. The goal of the program is to encourage water conservation. WaterSense offers free educational materials, technical assistance and a national certification for appliances and devices that are 20% more water efficient than conventional models as determined by independent, third-party testing. Since the program’s inception in 2006, WaterSense reports helping consumers save a cumulative 287 billion gallons of water and over $4.7 billion in water and energy bills. As of January 2013, over 3601 organizations across the country were WaterSense partners. Public sector partners in Minnesota include the cities of Farmington, Oakdale, Roseville, Luverne, Marshall Municipal Utilities, Rochester Municipal Utilities, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program. GreenStep Cities provides credit for cities that implement educational programs and incentives for use of WaterSense-labeled appliances. Joining the WaterSense program will provide the city of Eagan with access to materials and assistance that will help the city complete GreenStep best practice action 20.7 and enhance the city’s implementation of GreenStep action 2.5. By joining, the city agrees to promote the value of water efficiency and the meaning of the WaterSense label, provide annual data about city activities to promote water efficiency, feature the WaterSense label on the website and promotional materials, and allow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize the city’s participation in the program. In return, partners receive access to a partners-only website with free resources (such as tutorials, public education materials, and access to a peer network of examples from other locales) that the city may use to implement its water savings program. Attachments ● WaterSense Partnership FAQs http://www.epa.gov/watersense/faq_partners.html ● WaterSense Partnership Agreement: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/docs/partnership_promopartners508.pdf Water Conservation Plan Action Item: Direct the Eagan water utility, with input from the Energy & Environment Advisory Commission, to develop and implement a water conservation plan to achieve or exceed the city’s water reduction goal. Background A water conservation plan would identify a portfolio of strategies best suited for achieving the proposed water conservation goal based on the opportunities and needs in Eagan. Potential strategies that could be explored for consideration and potential incorporation into a water conservation plan include: Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 14 4 ● Install rain barrels, cisterns or surface water reuse on city facilities, where appropriate, and utilize rainwater for grounds irrigation. Provide public education signage at high visibility demonstration sites ● Install and expand low-water landscaping on city facilities, where appropriate, and provide educational signage and tours at high visibility demonstration sites ● Provide regular water saving tips on city facebook page, newsletter, Eagan TV, city utility bills ● Partner with energy utilities serving Eagan on the promotion and distribution of their free water-saving kits for Eagan Households ● Provide educational seminars or tours for the public on water conservation, reuse, and rainwater capture and use ● Offer water assessments for private properties to help identify opportunities for water efficiency, conservation, and reuse ● Develop a financial incentive program to encourage water efficiency and conservation upgrades on private property along with possibilities for reuse, and rainwater use practices by prioritizing water utility funds for these activities over investments in new storage and supply ● Explore, with Eagan CFO Pepper, revisions to the water utility conservation rate structure to encourage conservation and equitable cost-allocation ● Explore enforcement mechanisms and penalties to discourage repeat violations of existing water conservation ordinances REFERENCE MATERIAL Water Saving Examples from Other Cities Adapted from Report, “Cases in Water Conservation”4 (except the Edina, Eden Prairie and Colorado Spring examples) City Approach Results Colorado Springs, CO5 Residential irrigation equipment rebates, Commercial pre-rinse spray valve retrofits, toilet and urinal rebates, incentives for water-efficient landscaping, conservation rate structure, clothes washer rebate, dishwasher rebate, xeriscaping education and workshops, xeriscaping demonstrations, water use audits, showerheads & faucet aerators, among others 2000 - 2006 System Wide Water Use decreased 13.3% 2000 - 2006 System Wide Per Capita Water Use decreased 20% The 2008 - 2012 Conservation plan is expected to save 3 billion gallons of water per year by 2017, equivalent to 7.58% of projected annual production. 4 http://www.epa.gov/watersense/docs/utilityconservation_508.pdf 5 http://www.csu.org/residential/water/Documents/item14309.pdf Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 15 5 Cary, North Carolina Public education, landscape and irrigation codes, toilet flapper rebates, residential audits, conservation rate structure, new homes points program, landscape water budget, and a water reclamation facility. Cary’s water conservation program will reduce retail water production by an estimated 4.6 mgd by the end of 2028, a savings of approximately 16% in retail water production. These savings reduced operating costs and have already allowed Cary to delay two water plant expansions. Barrie, Ontario Rebates to replace inefficient showerheads and toilets and distribution of information kits Barrie was able to save an average of 14.5 gallons per person per day. The reduction in wastewater flows enabled Barrie to defer a capital expansion project. Water conservation efforts saved an estimated $17.1 million (Canadian dollars) in net deferred capital expenditures. Tampa, Florida High efficiency toilet retrofits, conservation kits (containing toilet tank dams, efficient showerheads, leak detection kits, and information), encouraged low-water landscaping, irrigation evaluations and free rain sensors, irrigation restrictions, and increasing block rate structure. From 1989 to 2001, population served increased 20% & water use decreased 26% per capita. Toilet rebate program reduced household water use by 15%. Landscaping evaluations reduced water use by 25%. Eden Prairie, Minnesota Rate structure implemented with higher rate for high use tiers. $50,000 from high tier revenue set aside for education & rebates for irrigation controllers, WaterSense toilets, showerheads and faucets, and Energy Star washing machines since 1998 Eden Prairie’s residential rates currently have 5 Tiers ranging from $1.90/1000gal for up to 36k gallons to $4.40/1000gal for use over 78,001 gallons per quarter. Over 2,100 rebates distributed from 2000 - 2012. Over 75% of all residential customers use under 36,000 gallons of water per quarter. Edina, Minnesota Two conservation rate tiers; Base $1.66/1000gal Tier1 $2.19/1000gal (+32%) Tier2 $3.45/1000gal (+108%) Alternate rate tier Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 16 6 Base; use under 8700gal/mo Tier 1 between base and 16200 gal/mo Tier 2 over 16200 gal/mo Water Supply and Distribution Plan - City of Eagan http://www.cityofeagan.com/upload/images/PublicWorks/Eng/RSCP%20CompWaterSupply.pdf Year Population Served Maximum Daily Demand (Million Gallons) Average Day (Gallon / Capita) Max Day (Gallons / Capita) 2005 69,226 25.8 140 373 2010 70,500 26.86 144 380 2020 73,000 29.0 150 397 2030 75,500 31.2 156 413 Ultimate 79,000 34.5 169 437 % Change 2005 - Ultimate 14.12% 33.72% 20.71% 17.16% Capital Improvement Cost Estimates Included in Supply and Distribution Plan New Proposed Investments in new Supply and Storage exceed $7 million. ● Distribution $3,087,400 ● Cliff Rd. Booster Station Improvements $372,400 ● Supply $3,860,000 ● Storage $3,497,800 ● Safari Reservoir Altitude Valve & Booster Pump $137,700 ● Treatment $1,406,100 ● Total $12,361,400 Metropolitan Council Water Conservation Toolbox: Tips and Resources http://www.metrocouncil.org/environment/WaterSupply/conservationtoolbox_residential.htm Toilets, Sink Faucets and Showerheads 6 According to the City of Eagan Public Works Annual report, actual maximum daily demand in 2010 equaled 18.7 million gallon/day, http://www.cityofeagan.com/upload/images/PublicWorks/Eng/ARUA.pdf Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 17 7 The 1992 Federal Energy Policy Act required all toilets, sink faucets and showerheads manufactured in the United States after January 1, 1994 be low-volume fixtures. Toilets must use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf); sink faucets no more than 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm); and showerheads no more than 2.5 gpm, respectively. Fixtures installed before 1994 were not required to be retrofitted; therefore, 5 to 7 gpf toilets and 3 to 4 gpm sink faucets and showerheads are still in extensive use throughout the United States. Clothes Washers and Dishwashers The efficiency of clothes washers and dishwashers installed between 1980 and the early 2000s are estimated to range from 27 gallons per load (gpl) to 51 gpl and 7 gpl to 14gpl, respectively. Although recent models (since year 2000) are twice as water-efficient as those of 20 years ago (1980), water conservation measures are still important because as population increases so does total water use. Implementation Status of Relevant GreenStep Cities Actions Best Practice 20.7 Create a demand-side management program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems. http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cfm?bpid=20&aid=883 Status: Eagan has not yet reported completion of this action Implementation Guidance (from GreenStep website) ○ 1 Star: Offer incentives to homes and businesses to reduce use of water and to limit wastewater, such as using WaterSense rated appliances, smart lawn-watering techniques, replacing old toilets, harvesting rainwater for landscaping, and water re-use where appropriate and allowed under Minnesota code. Report building or development code water efficiency, as part of Green Building efforts, under best practice 2, action 5. ○ 2 Stars: Achieve 1 Star rating AND study the cost-savings from deferring capacity additions and reducing energy and maintenance operating costs if demand is reduced. Report demand-reduction savings to residents and businesses. ○ 3 Stars: Achieve 2 Star rating AND modify rate structures to target peak-use times and discourage or defer use, OR create a sustainable water use plan. Best Practice 2.5 Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 18 8 Conserve drinking/groundwater resources by adopting a watering ordinance, conservation rate structure, dynamic user feedback, model landscaping ordinance, or WaterSense purchasing program. http://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cfm?bpid=2&aid=725 Status: Eagan has reported implementing a tiered rate structure and odd-even watering. Implementation is complete at a 1 star level. The city’s information on the GreenStep website appears below. The City of Eagan has permanent conservation program for outside water usage. If your address ends in an odd number such as 311, outdoor watering is allowed on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, etc., day of the month. If your address ends in an even number such as 312, outdoor watering is allowed on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, etc., day of the month. This permanent system is in effect throughout the entire outdoor watering season. The State has enacted legislation requiring cities with a water utility to adopt a rate structure that encourages water conservation. To comply with the law, most cities, including Eagan, have chosen to adopt a tiered rate structure. Eagan has a two-tier system in place. Effective July 1, 2010 residents pay the same rate they are accustomed to paying$1.40 per thousand gallons for the normal indoor usage. The normal usage level will be defined as water used in the winter quarter, a period void of outdoor use such as watering lawns, washing cars, and filling swimming pools. Water used in the non-winter quarters in excess of normal will be billed at $1.75 per thousand gallons." found on the Cities web page at http://www.cityofeagan.com/live/page.asp?menu=21444. Implementation Guidance (from GreenStep website) ○ 1 Star: Implement a robust water ordinance OR robust conservation rate structure. Report water use changes (which can be reductions of around 10%) or the rate structure/pricing. ○ 2 Stars: Modify and adopt a model landscaping ordinance that encourages low water- use landscaping, OR arrange for water users to see their water use history/use compared to similar users. ○ 3 Stars: Achieve 1 Star rating AND create a rebate or feebate program to promote purchases of WaterSense- and/or Energy Star-rated appliances, consistent with best practice 20, action 5. Report on rebates granted by appliance type and estimated water/energy savings. Eagan Housing Vintage Data from Metropolitan Council Community Profile http://stats.metc.state.mn.us/profile/detail.aspx?c=02394586 ● Census Number of Housing Units 1990: 18,450 ● Estimated Number of Housing Units in 2011: 26,443 ● Percent of Housing Units in Eagan built before 1990: 69.77% Water Use Priorities Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 19 9 State Statute 103G.291 established an emergency water allocation priority system which must be considered in determining pre-reduction procedures. The table below illustrates the priorities as they apply to Eagan's customer uses. ● First Priority Domestic water supply, excluding industrial and commercial uses of municipal water supply. ● Second Priority Water uses involving consumption of less than 10,000 gallons per day. ● Third Priority Agricultural irrigation and processing of agricultural products (does not apply). ● Fourth Priority Power production (does not apply). ● Fifth Priority Uses other than agricultural irrigation, processing of agricultural products, and power production. ● Sixth Priority Non-essential uses such as lawn sprinkling, vehicle washing, park irrigation, and filling swimming pools. US EPA Water Conservation Plan Guidelines http://www.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/guide.html Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 20 10 Source: http://www.cityofeagan.com/upload/images/PublicWorks/Eng/ARUA.pdf Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 21 Eagan Energy & Environment Advisory Commission Water Conservation Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 22 Twin Cities Regional Context ●Water pumped from aquifers has risen from approximately 20% of the region’s supply in 1950 to 70% today. ●Aquifer levels are declining, in some locations as much as one foot per year. ●Conservation strategies have had an effect. Some communities have documented 20% less water use per person over the past decade. ●By 2040 the region may add over 800,000 residents. Source: “Water Supply and a Thriving Region,” Metropolitan Council http://metrocouncil.org/Planning/Projects/Thrive- 2040/Thrive-MSP-Roundtable-Handout-April-2013.aspx Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 23 Eagan Groundwater Source: Metropolitan Council Presentation, DNR test well data Wa t e r L e v e l fe e t a b o v e s e a l e v e l Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 24 2030 Projected Changes in the Prairie du Chien - Jordan Aquifer Source: Metropolitan Council Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 25 Total Water Use Per Capita, 2011 Eagan: ~ 26% above 20-city average Source: Regional Indicators Initiative, regionalindicatorsmn.uli.org /c a p i t a / d a y Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 26 Residential Water Use Per Capita, 2011 Eagan: ~ 35% above 20-city average Source: Regional Indicators Initiative, regionalindicatorsmn.uli.org /c a p i t a / d a y Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 27 Water Efficiency Has Improved Sources: ●Energystar.gov ●epa.gov/watersense ●appliance-standards.org ●www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org Appliance Pre-1994 Current Models Toilets 3.5 - 7 Gallons/flush 0.8 - 1.6 Gallons/flush Faucets 3 - 5 gallons/minute 0.5 - 2.2 gallons/minute Showerheads 2.5 - 5 gallons/minutes 1.5 - 2.2 gallons/minute Dishwasher 10 - 15 gallons/cycle 1.5 - 6.5 gallons/ cycle Clothes washer 30 - 45 gallons/load 15 - 30 gallons/load Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 28 Eagan’s Housing Stock Source: Metropolitan Council/US Census ~ 70% built pre- 1990 Qu a n t i t y Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 29 AGENDA ITEM: V.C – Committee Assignments EEAC 2013-2014 Committee Assignments  Landscaping (Ordinance): Jon Drucker, Amir Nadav, Michael Wisniewski  Water Quality: Ross Bintner, Jeff LeClair, Amir Nadav  Waste Haulers: Cover under general meetings  Communications: Jon Drucker, William Ische, Michael Wisniewski  Fleet/Biodiesel: William Ische, Ross Bintner, Jon Drucker  Building Energy: Ross Bintner, Amir Nadav, William Ische  Active Living/Complete Streets: Defer  Solar: Defer Energy and Environment Commission October 8, 2013 Page 30