5. Discussion on GreenStep Cities programSCANDILA
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: August 1, 2018
To: City Council
From: Neil Soltis, City Administrator
Re: GreenStep Cities
Background: In 2014 the Council passed Resolution 05/20/14/01 authorizing the City to participate in
the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program. In accordance with the Resolution the City has entered utility
information into the B3 Benchmarking Database and has claimed credit for the implementation of
GreenStep best practices. The best practices that have been implemented have allowed the City to be
recognized as a Step Two GreenStep City which was the target in the Resolution
The City has implemented more than the number of best practices necessary for Step Two recognition
and in addition to these would need to implement 3 specific best practices in order to be recognized as a
Step Three City. Those steps are:
• action 15.1 (environmental purchasing)
• one action under BP 24 (engagement/metrics)
• action 29.1 (emergency preparedness)
The steps that have been implemented and the remaining best practices are included in the document
"GreenStep Cities — City of Scandia Roadmap to Becoming a Step 3 City which follows this report along
with detailed information on the implementation of best practice actions 15.1, 24, and 29.1
RESOLUTION NO. 05-20-14-01
CITY OF SCANDIA
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF SCANDIA
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MINNESOTA GREENSTEP CITIES PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Minnesota Session Laws 2008, Chapter 356, Section 13 directed the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency ("MPCA") and Office of Energy Security in the Department of Commerce
("Office of Energy Security"), in collaboration with Clean Energy Resource Teams ("CERTs"), to
recommend municipal actions and policies that work toward meeting the State's greenhouse gas
emissions reduction goals; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota GreenStep Cities is a voluntary challenge, assistance and recognition
program to help cities achieve their sustainability and quality -of -life goals. GreenStep is a free,
continuous improvement program, managed by a public-private partnership, and based upon 28 best
practices. Each best practice can be implemented by completing one or more actions at a 1, 2 or 3 -star
level, from a list of four to eight actions. These actions are tailored to all Minnesota cities, focus on cost
savin gs and energy use reduction, and encourage civic innovation; and
WHEREAS, local governments have the unique opportunity through efforts to address
energy and climate issues to move towards energy self-reliance and greater community resiliency and
quality of life; provide environmentally healthy and cheaper -to -operate public buildings; encourage new
economic development and local jobs; and support local food and renewable energy production; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program assists in facilitating technical assistance
for the implementation of these sustainable development best practices; and
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that the City Council of the City of Scandia (the "City")
does hereby authorize the City to participate in the Minnesota GreenStep Cities program that offers a free,
voluntary continuous improvement framework. Passage of this participation resolution allows the City to
be recognized as a Step One GreenStep City. Be it further resolved that the City:
Appoints the City Administrator, to serve as the City's GreenStep coordinator for best practice
documentation/implementation as the city's GreenStep coordination team; and
2. Will facilitate the involvement of community members and other units of government as
appropriate in the planning, promoting and/or implementing of GreenStep Cities best practices;
and
Grants to the GreenStep program's buildings advisor read-only access to the City's B3
Benchmarking Database so as to facilitate analysis and cost -savings advice to the City regarding
its buildings' energy use; and
4. Will claim credit for having implemented and will work at its own pace toward implementing any
GreenStep best practices that will result in energy use reduction, economic savings, quality of life
improvement, reduction in the City's greenhouse gas footprint, and recognition by the League of
Minnesota Cities as a Step Two GreenStep City. An on-going summary of the City's
implementation of best practices will be posted by the City on the Minnesota GreenStep Cities
web site.
Adopted by the Scandia City Council this 20th day of May, 2014.
ATTEST:
Kristina Handt, Administrator/Clerk
Randall Simonson, Mayor
2.
2019 Category B City: SCANDIA
Currently a Step 2 GreenStep City as of June 2018
- joined May 2014 -
Which assessment? Preliminary: for city review F�] Final: recommendation to LMC 1-1
Assessor and date: Philipp Muessig, 7123/18
Total BPs done: 11 All required* BPs done? NO
Recommend new June 2019 recognition at: Step 3 F-1
Recognition at a Step 3 level involves completing:
• action 15.1 (environmental purchasing)
• one action under BP 24 (engagement/metrics)
• action 29.1 (emergency preparedness)
BP distribution requirements* met? YES
Best practices (required in bold) BP implemented? Action summary by # and star level achieved
Action rules (req. actions in bold)
YES
BUILDINGS: distribution requirement is 2 BPs; are 2 done?
1. Public
YES
1.1 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS – current to fall 2017
Actions 1 & 2
1.2 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- occupancy sensors in restrooms - Community
Building and Ice Rink warming house
1.3 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- retrofit of interior & exterior fixtures at
Community Building to LEDs; exterior Dark Sky spec; $33,285 cost, Xcel
rebate of $5,069, annual cost savings est. at $3,240 (at most an 8.7 year
payback)
2. Private
any one action
3. New
any one action
4. Lighting/Signals
YES
4.1 COMPLETE @ 3 STARS -- all zoning districts require full cut-offs
2 actions; one from 5-8
4.5 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- solar light shining downward installed atop
flag pole for veterans memorial Lilleskogen Park
5. Reuse
any one action
YES
LAND USE: 2 BPs required; are 2 done?
6. Comp Plan
6.1 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- natural resource goals protecting open
Actions 1 & 2
YES
spaces to retain the rural character of Scandia; also Guidelines for the
Protection of Scandia's Scenic Viewsheds
6.2 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR
6.3 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS
7. Density
any one action
8. Mixed Uses
any one action
9. Highway Development
any one action
10. Conservation Development
10.1 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS -- Open Space Conservation Subdivisions
any one action
require 55%+ protected land
YES
10.3 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS -- Woodland Preservation Plan is required
whenever significant trees or woodlands exist in a proposed construction
zone
YE$
TRANSPORTATION: 1 BP required; is 1 done?
11. Complete Green Streets
1; & one additional action
12. Mobility Options
YES
12.1 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails did map
any one action
showing 4 cycling routes within the City
13. Fleets
any one action
14. TOD / TDM
any two actions
YES
ENVIRONMENTAL MGT: 3 BPs required; are 3 done?
15. Purchasing
NO
15.7 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- tablets used by Council, Planning
1; and one additional action
Commission, other Committees: meeting packets posted to a Dropbox
16. Trees
YES
16.5 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS — required tree preservation plan for plats and
any one action
minor subdivisions, replacement standards (up to 2-for-1) for significant
trees
17. Stormwater
YES
17.5 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS -- City's Development Code stresses
any one action
reducing the need for stormwater controls/BMPs by minimizing
impervious surfaces, incorporating the use of natural topography,
installing green roofs, cisterns
18. Parks & Trails
YES
18.5 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS — 2016 resolution: best efforts to utilize plants
any two actions
favorable to pollinators, use native MN species, cease the use of
pesticides that would impact pollinators
18.8 COMPLETE @ 3 STARS — 2017 thorough volunteer policy for
maintenance in City parks, species mapping, removal of invasives, etc
19. Surface Water
NO
19.4 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS — 2007 shoreland overlay district; added
if state public water: 4; and
shoreland management regulations to the development code
one additional action
others: any one action
20. Water / Wastewater
1 & 2; and one additional
21. Septics
any one action
22. Solid Waste
NO
22.6 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- City contracts with SRC for single sort
one from 1-3; & one from 4-8
curbside recycling collection for all households
23. Local Air Quality
any one action
YES
ECON & COMM DEVELOP: 3 BPs required; are 3 done?
24. Benchmarks & Involvement
NO
24.1 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS -- Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails assists
1; and one additional action
City with the GreenStep implementation/reports; reports to Council
25. Green Businesses
YES
25.1 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- Economic Development resources on web
any two actions
include RETAP
25.7 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS -- City maintains a listing of local businesses
topically organized and links, on its website
26. Renewable Energy
YES
26.1 COMPLETE @ 2 STARS —2016 Solar farm & community solar garden
any two actions
ordinance; 4 solar farms have been approved
26.5 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- 40 kW solar system on the roof of the Fire /
Public Works Building; performance displayed live on public web site
26.6 COMPLETE @ X STAR -- Community Solar Garden purchases (up to
120% of city electricity needs) expected to produce 127,771 kWh
annually; savings of $0.01 per kWh produced
26.7 COMPLETE @ 1 STAR -- solar energy systems (except for roof- &
building -mounted) are permitted accessory uses in all zoning districts:
only building permit review process (not CUP) for systems smaller than
800 s.f. in area
27. Local Food
YES
27.3 COMPLETE @ 3 STARS — City & Gammelgarden Museum
any one action
collaborated in 2011 to bring a Farmers Market to Scandia; market is
promoted on the City website and in the Spring newsletter
28. Business Synergies
2,3or4
29. Climate Adaptation
NO
Action 1
(includes targeted emergency
communications in appropriate
languages to address vulnerable
populations)
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GreenStep City Best Practices Environmental Management
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Sustainable Purchasing 4 no. 15 ► ® Melissa Peck, Sustainable Purchasing
Specialist, MN Pollution Control Agency:
Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing policies 651/757-2343, melissa.peck@state.mn.us,
and practices. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/epp
Best Practice Action 1 [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8] [all actions]
Adopt a sustainable purchasing policy or administrative
guidelines/practices directing that the city purchase at least:
a. EnergyStar certified equipment and appliances and
b. Paper containing at least 30% post -consumer recycled content.
Implementation Tools Star -level Examples11 Who's doing it
Have a written policy/guidelines/practices specifying at minimum the purchase of
Energy Star equipment/appliances and recycled -content paper (at least 30% post-
consumer). Report street lighting/traffic signal policy/purchases under action 4.2;
vehicle policy/purchases under 13.2 and 13.3
* * Have a formal policy adopted by the city council; note if this includes centralized
purchasing into one office/person.
* * * For the city's top 10 categories of spend, track the purchases of sustainable
products/services purchased annually compared to non -sustainable products/services
purchased; join with other cities in joint purchasing of environmentally preferable
products and summarize EPP purchases.
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Benchmarks and Community Engagement no. 24 ►
Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other
city sustainability efforts, and engage community
members in ongoing education, dialogue, and
campaigns.
Best Practice Action 1 [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 [all actions]
Use a committee to lead, coordinate, and report to and engage
community members on implementation of sustainability best practices.
Implementation Tools Star -level Examples11 Who's doing it
A staff green team, or small working group (e.g., city manager, council member,
citizen commission chair) exists; city participation in a multi-city/regional green team;
annual news article/media to community members referencing GreenStep (& other
programs as relevant); city web has a link to city's GreenStep web page.
* * A citizens group, or a citizens commission or committee of city staff/officials exists to
lead and coordinate sustainability/GreenStep implementation; a report available
online with details on city's sustainability accomplishments.
* * * A committee of city staff/officials and community members (business, education,
religious) exists; annual report includes some metrics, such as dollars spent/saved,
energy saved, and any sustainability indicators measured, and energy/carbon
inventory data or ecological footprint data if gathered; participation in a county/multi-
city green team.
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GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Program
Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency:
651/757-2594, philipp.muessig@state.mn.us
Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for
Sustainability, for work with citizen &
student groups and faith organizations:
612/331-1099, sean@AforS.org,
http://www.AforS.org
https:Hgreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cftn?bpid=23&aid=855 7/25/2018
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GreenStep City Best Practices Resilient Economic & Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement no. 24 ►
Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other
city sustainability efforts, and engage community
members in ongoing education, dialogue, and
campaigns.
Best Practice Action 2 [ 1 2 3 4 5 6] [all actions]
Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans and report to
community members data that show progress toward meeting these
goals.
l Implementation ToolsIF Star -level ExamplesIF Who's doing it
Report goals/outcomes annually from plans such as comprehensive, parks, library,
housing, stormwater, drinking water, transportation, economic development, energy,
sustainability. Issue a city Performance Management Report; use a simple form at
hftp://tinyuri.com/24-2template
* * Achieve 1 Star rating AND identify specific steps from city departments on how to
improve performance or meet goals that were not met in the previous year.
* * * Integrate goals/outcomes reporting explicitly into the city capital improvement
planning process, identifying how public dollars are targeted to meeting sustainability
goals in the plans.
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GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Program
Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency:
651/757-2594, philipp.muessig@state.mn.us
Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for
Sustainability, for work with citizen &
student groups and faith organizations:
612/331-1099, sean@AforS.org,
http://www.AforS.org
https:Hgreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cftn?bpid=23&aid=856 7/25/2018
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Home I About 1 Best Practices 1 Steps 1-5 1 Recognition I All Cities I Ordinances I City log -in I Contact
GreenStep City Best Practices Resilient Economic & Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement no. 24 ►
Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other
city sustainability efforts, and engage community
members in ongoing education, dialogue, and
campaigns.
Best Practice Action 3 [ 1 2 3 4 5 6] [all actions]
Measure and report progress on sustainability indicators including
energy use/greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementation Tools Star -level Examples11 Who's doing it
Produce a city environmental / sustainability report/summary; involve an existing city
council committee or community task force.
* * Adopt (ideally after a public process and city council review) and commit to measure
and annually report on sustainability indicators, generally related to or directly tied to
the city's work on GreenStep best practices; may include community -wide energy and
water use, vehicle miles traveled, and waste generated (Regional Indicators Initiative).
* * * Adopt and commit to measure and annually report on broad sustainability indicators
such as covered by GreenStep Step 4/5 metrics (which include a city operations GHG
inventory), the STAR Community Rating System, LEED for Cities.
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GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Program
Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency:
651/757-2594, philipp.muessig@state.mn.us
Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for
Sustainability, for work with citizen &
student groups and faith organizations:
612/331-1099, sean@AforS.org,
http://www.AforS.org
https:Hgreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cftn?bpid=23&aid=857 7/25/2018
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Home I About I Best Practices I Steps 1-5 1 Recognition I All Cities I Ordinances I City log -in I Contact
GreenStep City Best Practices Resilient Economic & Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement no. 24 ►
Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other
city sustainability efforts, and engage community
members in ongoing education, dialogue, and
campaigns.
Best Practice Action 4 [ 1 2 3 4 5 6] [all actions]
Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action
campaign involving:
a. The entire community.
b. Homeowners.
c. Front yards/sidewalks, block clubs, neighborhood associations
d. Congregations.
e. Schools, colleges.
11 Implementation Tools II Star -level Examples II Who's doing it
At least two informational/educational activities or creation of a group to work on such;
promotion of/assistance with Friendly Front Yards, block clubs, neighborhood
associations. Report under action 2.1 marketing & outreach programs that are limited
to promoting/achieving residential energy use reduction and energy efficiency; report
business outreach campaigns under BP 25; report youth/student engagement in city
government under 24.6; report other targeted campaigns under topic -specific actions,
e.g. 23.3
* * Sustained activities covering a range of topics (active living, food, water, energy, etc.)
that have some challenge, assistance and/or measurement elements; documented
accomplishments such as Green Ribbon School recognition, Friendly Fronts
apartment building certification (coming in later 2017); city work that supports
schools/youth to improve their schools (through an ecology club, school green team,
IPL youth team).
* * * Sustained activities and multiple reported outcomes such as increased multi -modal
commuting, reduced water and energy use, increased local food production,
increased business vitality, etc.
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GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Program
Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency:
651/757-2594, philipp.muessig@state.mn.us
Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for
Sustainability, for work with citizen &
student groups and faith organizations:
612/331-1099, sean@AforS.org,
http://www.AforS.org
https:Hgreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cftn?bpid=23&aid=858 7/25/2018
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Home I About I Best Practices I Steps 1-5 1 Recognition I All Cities I Ordinances I City log -in I Contact
GreenStep City Best Practices Resilient Economic & Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement no. 24 ►
Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other
city sustainability efforts, and engage community
members in ongoing education, dialogue, and
campaigns.
Best Practice Action 5 [ 1 2 3 4 5 6] [all actions]
Conduct or support a community education, visioning and planning
initiative using a sustainability framework such as:
a. Strong Towns, resiliency, transition.
b. Eco -municipalities, Smart Cities.
C. Healthy communities, environmental justice, race equity.
Implementation Tools11 Star -level ExamplesIF Who's doing it
Host a community meeting/event that explictly uses a sustainability framework.
* * Create or support an on-going local effort around one of these sustainability
frameworks.
* * * Achieve 2 -star rating and adopt a sustainability plan or other implementation plan
and/or goals and document concrete actions taken toward achieving them; work with
LMC on race equity training & planning. Report adopted energy or climate plans
under action 6.5
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GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Program
Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency:
651/757-2594, philipp.muessig@state.mn.us
Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for
Sustainability, for work with citizen &
student groups and faith organizations:
612/331-1099, sean@AforS.org,
http://www.AforS.org
https:Hgreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cftn?bpid=23&aid=859 7/25/2018
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Home I About 1 Best Practices 1 Steps 1-5 1 Recognition I All Cities I Ordinances I City log -in I Contact
GreenStep City Best Practices Resilient Economic & Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement no. 24 ►
Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other
city sustainability efforts, and engage community
members in ongoing education, dialogue, and
campaigns.
Best Practice Action 6 [ 1 2 3 4 5 61 [all actions]
Engage community youth and college students by creating opportunities
to participate in city government.
Implementation Tools Star -level Examples11 Who's doing it
Student involvement in Youth in City Government Day; student group engaged with
city on a project; studentlintern help with GreenStep action entry. Report under action
24.4e city staff efforts to support schools/youth to improve their own schools.
* * Student involvement in a city green committee / commission; separate youth/student
committee or commission (note to what extent it focuses on sustainability issues);
high school student internships offered in city government; formal city volunteer
program focused on youth.
* * * 3 or more youth/students involved in an Natter youth group working directly with your
city council; separate youth/student committee or commission that includes at least
one city staff or council member; regular student interns to work on sustainability
issues.
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GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Program
Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency:
651/757-2594, philipp.muessig@state.mn.us
Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for
Sustainability, for work with citizen &
student groups and faith organizations:
612/331-1099, sean@AforS.org,
http://www.AforS.org
https:Hgreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cftn?bpid=23&aid=903 7/25/2018
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
Home I About 1 Best Practices 1 Steps 1-5 1 Recognition I All Cities I Ordinances I City log -in I Contact
GreenStep City Best Practices Resilient Economic & Community Development
Benchmarks and Community Engagement no. 24
Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other
city sustainability efforts, and engage community
members in ongoing education, dialogue, and
campaigns.
Best Practice Actions [See action tools, guidance, city reports]
1. Use a committee to lead, coordinate, and report to and engage community members on
implementation of sustainability best practices.
2. Organize goals/outcome measures from all city plans and report to community members data
that show progress toward meeting these goals.
3. Measure and report progress on sustainability indicators including energy use/greenhouse
gas emissions.
4. Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign involving:
a. The entire community.
b. Homeowners.
c. Front yards/sidewalks, block clubs, neighborhood associations.
d. Congregations.
e. Schools, colleges.
5. Conduct or support a community education, visioning and planning initiative using a
sustainability framework such as:
a. Strong Towns, resiliency, transition.
b. Eco -municipalities, Smart Cities.
c. Healthy communities, environmental justice, race equity.
6. Engage community youth and college students by creating opportunities to participate in city
government.
BENEFITS }
In themselves, none of these planning, measuring and reporting
t MA30R BENEFIT t
actions produce direct sustainability benefits. However, the
Community
experience of cities that engage community members and publicly
report on progress is very powerful: this accountability drives more
self-reliance
action faster than if city plans and activities are mostly developed
and discussed by only city staff and elected officials.
1
41
For those conducting education and action campaigns to effect
specific behavior changes, don't miss the annual Eco Experience `
- - - - - -
at the MN State Fair where staff typically share expertise on:
Reusing consumer products.
Preventing junk mail, recycling, composting.
Decreasing use of fossil fuels and using more renewably generated energy.
Using less natural gas, electricity and water.
Decreasing car use and increasing car efficiency.
Buying durable goods and maintaining them.
Planting trees and native vegetation.
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STEP 3 RECOGNITION MINIMUM FOR
CATEGORY A, B AND C CITIES
All Category A, B and C cities are recognized upon
completion of action 1.
Category A cities also complete action 2 for
recognition.
Category B cities also complete any one additional
action for recognition.
SUMMARY
What's measured matters. Or put another way: if it
matters, measure and report it. Adoption of a
comprehensive set of sustainability indicators (that
may have been developed as part of a sustainability
plan) provides one vehicle for a city to report on
accomplishment of multiple (and often interlinked) city
goals, programs and projects, including GreenStep
best practices and comprehensive plan goals. This
transparency and accountability to community
members about city sustainability work fits well with
educating and engaging community members as
partners in envisioning and building a more
sustainable city. The point of public participation in city
affairs is that by adding the value -rich perspectives of
citizens to the information -rich perspectives of city
staff, we can create wiser public policy.' In total,
actions to implement this best practice result in:
A commitment to achieve specific
outcome measures based upon a vision
for the city, developed through community
engagement.
Educating community members about the
city vision and desired outcomes so that
these become a shared vision and
outcomes.
Engaging residents, businesses and
institutions to change their practices to
help meet city goals.
Reporting on accomplishments each year.
' from Daniel Yankelovich: The Magic of Dialogue
(2001)
FJGREENSTEP ADVISOR
;_ Philipp Muessig, GreenStep Cities Program
Coordinator, MN Pollution Control Agency:
651/757-2594, philipp.muessig@state.mn.us
Sean Gosiewski, Alliance for
Sustainability, for work with citizen &
student groups and faith organizations:
612/331-1099, sean@AforS.org,
http://www.AforS.org
CONNECTION TO STATE POLICY
https:Hgreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail.cfm?bpnum=24 7/25/2018
Minnesota GreenStep Cities
The Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan produces two-page data -
and graphic -rich fact sheets showing patterns of use and life cycle impacts covering topics
including energy, water, food, waste, buildings, materials, and transportation systems. For
2-3 page summaries of 100 global solutions for reversing global warming, each modeled
with the climate impact, and financial costs and benefit out to 2050, see Drawdown: The
Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed for this compendium of the global sustainability
actions. For data and approaches to global population growth, see World Population
Balance based in Minneapolis.
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The state of Minnesota requires various Holli
specific reports from cities, which typically
contain data of interest/use to community members.
Extracting the most relevant data from these
submittals and presenting it in a useful way is a
service to community members.
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GreenStep City Best Practices Resilient Economic & Community Development
Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience 4 no. 29
Plan and prepare for extreme weather, adapt to
changing climatic conditions, and foster stronger
community connectedness and social and economic
vitality.
Best Practice Action 1 [ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 [all actions]
Prepare to maintain public health and safety during extreme weather
and climate -change -related events, while also taking a preventive
approach to reduce risk for community members.
l Implementation Tools Star -level Examples I Who's doing it
In consultation with the county, every two years review the county (or city if there is
one) Hazard Mitigation Plan and identify who is responsible for city preparedness,
emergency response, and recovery efforts for each type of event. Routinely
participate in updating the Plan. (Category A & B cities must achieve a 1 -star rating
plus either a 2- or 3- star rating for Step 3 recognition).
* * Develop targeted emergency communications in appropriate languages (or get
access to existing versions) to address the specific vulnerabilities of each population
group in your community to each type of event.
* * * In consultation with the county, designate appropriate facilities available to the public
as community safe shelter for each type of event as applicable. Arrange for adequate
provisions (including potable water) and backup power for 5-7 days. Develop
coordinated strategies with private sector critical facilities and document agreed upon
procedures.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency I Contact I Web site policy I click here to report a bad web link
Page 1 of 1
GREENSTEP ADVISOR
Laura Millberg, MBA, LEED AP BD+C,
Sustainable Development and Climate
Resilience Principal Planner, MN Pollution
Control Agency: 651/757-2568,
Laura. Millberg@state.mn.us
https:Hgreenstep.pca.state.mn.us/bestPracticesDetail_actions.cftn?bpid=31&aid=892 7/25/2018
Minnesota
GreenStep Cities
Public Officials Guide
Steps for Starting and Continuing the Program
For new and transitioning elected officials, appointed
commission/committee/board members, and volunteer members
11/15/2017
Table of Contents
PublicOfficials Guide....................................................................................................................................................1
Steps for Starting and Continuing the Program
....................................................................................................1
Tableof Contents......................................................................................................................................................2
QuickResource Guide...............................................................................................................................................3
Overview...................................................................................................................................................................
3
Whatis a Public Official?..........................................................................................................................................3
Whybe a GreenStep City?........................................................................................................................................4
GettingStarted.........................................................................................................................................................4
TrainingMaterials.................................................................................................................................................4
Whereis Your City Currently at?..........................................................................................................................4
TheSteps...................................................................................................................................................................5
Step1....................................................................................................................................................................5
Step2....................................................................................................................................................................5
Step3....................................................................................................................................................................5
Step4....................................................................................................................................................................6
Step5....................................................................................................................................................................6
BestPractices............................................................................................................................................................6
Resources..................................................................................................................................................................8
Staffand Partners.................................................................................................................................................8
DataEntry Assistance...........................................................................................................................................9
SocialMedia and Listserve....................................................................................................................................9
Communities— Who's doing it?............................................................................................................................9
Recognition.............................................................................................................................................................10
Wantto Know Even More?.....................................................................................................................................10
Quick Resource Guide
GreenStep Cities 101 Workshop
What category is my city in?
Step 2 and 3 requirements that
Video and PowerPoint
each category must meet to
receive recognition
Watch the guide to entering Step
Step 4 and 5 Metrics entry
Step 4 and 5 metric guidance
4/5 data video
spreadsheet
documents (click on each metric
header)
Search actions related to specific
What are other cities doing?
9
topics
Overview
GreenStep Cities is a free assistance program for all Minnesota cities that supports and
recognizes implementation of 29 sustainability best practices.
The best practices focus on cost savings, quality of life, and energy use reductions that encourage a culture of
innovation. Over 100 cities and several tribal nations, encompassing over 40% of the state's population, have
joined this voluntary program, launched at the 2010 League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) conference. See the city
council resolution through which your city became a Step 1 city: https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/allCities.cfm
Cities that implement a minimum number of best practices across the five categories below will be recognized as
Step 2 and Step 3 GreenStep cities. Each best practice can be implemented by completing one or more specific
actions from a list of four to eight actions. A city's accomplishments are recognized on the GreenStep website and
each year at the LMC annual conference. Measuring city performance metrics will garner Step Four & Step Five
recognition.
Visit www.MnGreenStep.org to learn more about this program, to see what other cities have accomplished, and
to understand how your city can become involved.
What is a Public Official?
For the purpose of this guide, a public official is any elected council member or appointed committee,
commission, or board member. This guide will also be helpful for any volunteer citizen, student, staff, business, or
other community group that works with the GreenStep Cities program.
If the public official or volunteer member is directly working on GreenStep Cities reporting, please see the
Welcome! Guide (https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/files/GreenStepWelcomeGuideFINAL.Pdf), which goes into more detail
about the city log -in page and reporting guidelines.
GreenStep Cities Welcome Guide
Why be a GreenStep City?
Cities and Tribal Nations see a number of benefits to becoming a GreenStep City. Examples include:
• A Minnesota -specific program, explicit to the needs and make-up of our communities.
• A continuous improvement program for cities to keep track of their actions but also a program that is
continuously improved to be up-to-date and maintain a challenge to our communities.
• A one-stop shop for staff, officials, and citizens to identify best practice actions and resources. This saves
staff time and effort.
• A cost-saving tool that delivers a stream of financial benefits
including grant, loan, and rebate opportunities. In addition, many
sustainable actions that communities take will save money over
time!
• Access to a 'special network' that opens up special opportunities
such as funding, pilot programs, and technical assistance. Being a
GreenStep City may also support your community in a competitive application processes.
• An economic development -recruiting tool for sustainable and environmental conscious businesses to
your community.
• A guide to creating a more healthy and livable community which aids in overall citizen quality of life.
• Provides public recognition of the sustainable work your community is doing!
Getting Started
Training Materials
Whether you are a new GreenStep City or you are transitioning as a new public official, these training
materials will help you get started.
• An Introduction to GreenStep Cities (Video to come!)
• GreenStep Cities 101 Workshop Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok-H3483ZBw&feature=youtu.be)
• GreenStep Cities 101 Workshop PowerPoint
(http://www.betterenergy.org/files/GreenStepCities101 WrkShp Sept2016.pdf)
Where is Your City Currently at?
For those who are transitioning as new public officials, be sure to get to know what your city has
already accomplished and where to go from here.
• Find your city on the GreenStep Cities website to see what has been accomplished to date.
(https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/allCities.cfm)
• Once on your city's page, see the City Assessment Files and City Performance Metrics for more
information and where your city is currently at and how to get to the next steps.
GreenStep Cities Welcome Guide 4
The Steps (https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/steps.cfm)
1
1) Resolution:
Committing to
local
sustainability
Step 1
2) Milestone:
Demonstrating
local commitment
through actions
A
3j Achtevernerrt
Meeting State-
wide
sustainability
action standards
4) Quanff cation,
Measuring
community -wide
impact of actions
5) improvemenu
Demonstrating
community -wide
success of
actions
Step 1 is the easiest! Decide that your city wants to commit to being a GreenStep City and you have already
achieved a step. Start by building community knowledge and interest by hosting public meetings or having a
presentation by GreenStep Cities staff. Review testimonials from other cities and get to know the program.
Next, write up a resolution (we have a sample resolution), introduce it at City Council, and vote "Yes"! This step
will also need to identify one GreenStep Cities Coordinator (city staff, community member, public official, etc.)
and encourage a few best practices to start implementing.
Finally, your new GreenStep Cities Coordinator will be tasked with posting initial background information on the
GreenStep Cities website as well as educating city staff, public officials, and the community about the GreenStep
Cities program.
Step 2
Your city will need to implement 4, 6, or 8 Best Practices, depending on your city's category designation (visit your
city's home page to see the category at https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/allCities.cfm).
• Category C cities need to implement ANY 4 BP's.
• Category B cities need to implement ANY 6 BP's.
• Category A cities need to implement ANY 8 BP's.
Implementing a particular best practice action may take a day or years. It is possible to complete multiple best
practice actions at once. The GreenStep Cities Coordinator will complete the action by posting on the city's log -in
page.
Step 3
Similar to Step 2, your city will need to implement 8, 12, or 16 Best Practices, depending on your city's category
designation (visit your city's home page to see the category at https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/aIICities.cfm).
GreenStep Cities Welcome Guide
• Category C cities need to implement ANY 8 BP's.
• Category B cities need to implement ANY 12 BP's.
• Category A cities need to implement ANY 16 BP's.
Step 3 has certain requirements that each category must meet to receive recognition. These are actions that have
been identified as priority and are expected for all GreenStep Cities to take. The GreenStep Cities Coordinator will
complete the action by posting on the city's log -in page.
Step 4
Steps 4 changes tone to measure and report a minimum number of core and optional metrics for the previous
calendar year. Metrics required for Building & Lighting, Transportation, Land Use, Environmental Management,
and Economic & Community Development are outlined in the Step 4 and 5 Metrics spreadsheet. The GreenStep
Cities Coordinator will review the metrics, collect data from city/county staff and utilities, and report annually,
using the spreadsheet.
Step 5
Similar to Step 4, Step 5 also uses the Step 4 and 5 Metrics entry spreadsheet. However, Step 5 requires that
improvements are being made in targeted areas between year 1 and 2, etc. The GreenStep Cities Coordinator will
fill out the form for the Step 4 data and indicate improvements, annually.
Best Practices
Get to know the Best Practice categories, below. This may help guide decision making under a number of city
departments as well as budgeting processes. Each Best Practice has a number of sepecific actions. Each of those
actions are assigned 1, 2, or 3 stars, based on the difficulty level.
Buildings and Lighting
1. Efficient Existing Public Buildings: Benchmark energy usage; identify savings opportunities in consultation
with state programs, utilities and others to implement cost-effective energy and sustainability improvements.
2. Efficient Existing Private Buildings: Provide incentives for energy, water and sustainability improvements in existing
buildings/building sites.
3. New Green Buildings: Construct new buildings to meet or qualify under a green building framework.
4. Efficient Outdoor Lighting and Signals: Improve the efficiency and quality of street lighting, traffic signals and outdoor
public lighting.
5. Building Redevelopment: Create economic and regulatory incentives for redeveloping and repurposing existing
buildings before building new.
GreenStep Cities Welcome Guide
%V6.,91k6 Land Use
6. Comprehensive Plans: Build public support and legal validity to long-term infrastructural and regulatory
strategy.
7. Efficient City Growth: Promote financial and environmental sustainability by enabling and encouraging walkable housing
and commercial land use.
8. Mixed Uses: Develop efficient and healthy land patterns that generate community wealth.
9. Efficient Highway- and Auto -Oriented Development: Adopt commercial development and design standards for auto -
oriented development corridors and clusters.
10. Design for Natural Resource Conservation: Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect natural systems and
valued community assets.
Transportation A
11. Living Streets: Create a network of green complete streets that improves city quality of life and adds value to CM
surrounding properties. ' '
12. Mobility Options: Promote active transportation and alternatives to single -occupancy car travel.
13. Efficient City Fleets: Implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance plan.
14. Demand -Side Travel Planning: Implement Travel Demand Management and Transit -Oriented Design in service of a more
walkable city.
Environmental Management
15. Sustainable Purchasing: Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing policies and practices. i
16. Urban Forests: Add city tree and plant cover that increases community health, wealth and quality of life.
17. Stormwater Management: Minimize the volume of and pollutants in stormwater runoff.
18. Parks and Trails: Support active lifestyles and property values by enhancing the city's green infrastructure.
19. Surface Water Quality: Improve local water bodies.
20. Efficient Water and Wastewater Systems: Assess and improve city drinking water and wastewater systems and related
facilities.
21. Septic Systems: Implement an effective management program for decentralized wastewater treatment systems.
22. Solid Waste Reduction: Increase waste reduction, reuse and recycling.
23. Local Air Quality: Prevent generation of local air contaminants.
Economic and Community Development
24. Benchmarks & Community Engagement: Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other city "
sustainability efforts, and engage community members in ongoing education, dialogue, and campaigns.
25. Green Business Development: Support expansion of the city's green business sector.
26. Renewable Energy: Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity.
27. Local Food: Strengthen local food and fiber production and access.
28. Business Synergies: Network/cluster businesses to achieve better energy, economic and environmental outcomes.
29. Climate Adaptation and Community Resilience: Plan and prepare for extreme weather, adapt to changing climatic
conditions, and foster stronger community connectedness and social and economic vitality.
GreenStep Cities Welcome Guide
Resources
Staff and Partners (https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/aboutProgram.cfm)
The GreenStep Cities program is a partnership of many state agencies, organizations, and
volunteers. Get to know them all, below.
Minneapolis Pollution Control
Agency (MPGA
• Co -Director (Philipp Muessig)
• Best Practice Advisors
• Approves Best Practice Actions
entered on website
Great Plains Institute (GPI
• Co -Director (Abby Finis)
• Monthly Workshop Coordinator
. Steps 4 and 5 Assistance
Environmental Quality Board (EQB
. Local Government Coordinator
(Kristin Mroz)
• Connecting state agency and
organizations to community
needs
League of Minnesota Cities
Clean Energy Resource Teams
Department Of Commerce
(LMC)
(CERTs
(COMM
• Annual Awards Ceremony at LMC
• Best Practice Advisors
• Division of Energy provides
Conference
• Statewide assistance with energy
information and assistance
• Provide model ordinances,
conservation, energy efficiency,
related to energy technology
policies, and other resources
and renewable energy
• Provide financial and technical
• Provide networking between
technologies and practices for
assistance
cities and local government
homes, businesses, and
• Assistance in energy efficiency
organizations
local institutions
and weatherization
• Communications for GreenStep
(website, newsletter, stories, etc.)
• Regional Coordinators provide 1 -
on -1 assistance to communities
Izaak Walton League (IWLA
Preservation Alliance of MN
Urban Land Institute MN (ULI
(PAM
• Provide assistance in outdoor
• Provide assistance with
conservation of natural resources
• Promote connection between
community land use and real
• 1 -on -1 assistance with Greater
people and historic places,
estate development
MN communities
promoting community vitality
• Downtown revitalization
Contact
Us
GreenStep Cities Welcome Guide
Data Entry Assistance
GreenStep Cities use a number of resources to enter in information for the GreenStep Cities program. GreenStep
Cities staff and help guide you on resources for any of these options.
1. Dedicate a city staff person to update data for GreenStep Cities.
2. Hire a part-time staff person or coordinate a shared staff person.
3. Hire an Intern.
4. Apply for a MN GreenCorps Member.
5. Coordinate with local youth.
6. Coordinate with local citizen volunteers.
Social Media and Listserve
Track the latest GreenStep news and add your own at:
Facebook @mngreenstep
Twitter @GreenStepCities
Email listserve — a resource for GreenStep Cities Coordinators to connect.
Communities — Who's doing it?
One of the best ways to get feedback before starting a Best Practice Action is to see how other
communities have implemented the action.
• View the Best Practice Action that you are interested in by clicking on
the name of a best practice, and then clicking on the text of the action.
The "Who's doing it" tab will display the GreenStep Cities that have
taken the action, along with resources for taking the action and
examples of city actions that warrant a 1 -star (good) rating, a 2 -star
(better) rating, or a 3 -star rating (best).
• Click on the name of the city for the description of their Best Practice
Action.
• GreenStep Cities are always willing to help out another GreenStep City!
Use the contact information listed to reach out the city staff who can
assist you with questions, planning, implementation, and other questions.
Living Streets no. 11
Create, network of green complete streets that
y' improves my quality of Ide and adds value to
sunounding properties.
Best Practice Action 1 t 12 3 a s a t tall am ]
Adopt. complete streets policy that also addresses street trees and
stnrmwater.
Implementation Tools 5[ar-le examples I who's doing It
Adington
Edina *
Maplewood
Northfield
Expand nll
GreenStep Cities Welcome Guide 9
Recognition(https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/recognition.cfm)
Your hard work has paid off! Get recognized for any achievements in the following ways:
• Attend the annual GreenStep Cities Awards Ceremony at the League of Minnesota
Cities Conference (June).
• Let GreenStep Cities write a story about your project success! Contact Dan Theide
with any suggestions.
• Write a newsletter story for your city's newsletter.
• Write press release to your local paper to let your community know about it.
• Follow GreenStep Cities on Facebook and Twitter. We will happily share your story!
• Create a GreenStep Cities webpage on your city website.
Want to Know Even More?
GreenStep Cities staff and partners are always available for an email, phone call, or in-person visit. Let us know
how we can help answer questions, facilitate an internal city discussion, or facilitate an entire community
discussion.
Find the detailed Welcome! Guide at https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/files/GreenStepWelcomeGuideFINAL.pdf
Find our contact information at https://greenstep.pca.state.mn.us/contact.cfm.
GreenStep Cities Welcome Guide 10