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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-08 PACKET 05.2.Cottage J Grove h ere Pride and ?CO 5perity Meet TO: Cottage Grove Environmental Commission FROM: Emily Schmitz, Code Enforcement DATE: April 4, 2013 RE: GreenStep Cities Inventory Update Background In December 2010, the City Council approved adoption of a GreenStep resolution. This resolution included goals such as identifying a short list of best practices for initial im- plementation and implementing at least 16 required and optional best practices. In order to begin setting these goals, it is imperative that there be an understanding of where the City currently is in regard to GreenStep sustainable policies and practices. Discussion An inventory of the 28 Best Practices and their actions involve all City departments and staff in order to compile current practices and policies. After initial information is docu- mented under each best practice, improvement and goal areas can be noted. In the inventory, all completed and planned actions which the City currently has a policy or practice are documented in green. All information in blue text are ideas, GreenStep guidelines, or actions other GreenStep cities are taking. After completion of the initial inventory, Cottage Grove meets all requirements in 12 Best Practices. There are four Best Practices that need clarification by GreenStep staff before we can assume we have them completed and 12 Best Practices in which we need to set improvement goals. Information will be entered into the GreenStep website so GreenStep staff can offer insight and confirm that the City's current practices and policies meet each of the Best Practice requirements. Once it is confirmed that Cottage Grove meets the Best Practice guidelines in eight of the 28 Best Practices, the City will be recognized as a Step 2 City. As a Step 2 City, we will have the framework to set goals and to continue to implement Best Practices. The next GreenStep goal to reach is Step 3 status. Step 3 status is the completion of 16 Best Practices, nine of which need to be the Step 3 required Best Practices listed on the inventory cover page. 1 Cottage Grove, Minnesota GreenStep Cities Inventory *Cottage Grove is a Category City Step 1: Complete Inventory (In progress) Adopt a Resolution (Complete) Step 2: 8 Best Practices Implemented (Preliminarily Complete) REQUIRED BEST PRACTICES for recognition as a Step 2 City: Complete any 8 Best Practices: oriipie� *Not Complete *May be complete or close to it 1) Efficient Existing Public Buildings 15)Purchasing 2) Efficient Existing PrivaL _E_ _: 16)Urban Forests 3) New Green Buildings 17)Efficient Stormwater Management 4) Efficient Building & Street Lighting and 18)Parks and Trails Signals 19)Surface Water Quality (SWMP) 5) Building Reuse 20)Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities 6) Comprehensive Plan and Implementation 21)Septic Systems 7) Efficient City Growth 22)Solid waste Reduction 8) Mixed Uses 23)Local Air Quality 9) Efficient Highway- Oriented Developmen 24)Benchmarks & Community Engagement 10)Conservation Design 25)Green Business Development 11)Complete Green Streets 26)Renewable Energy 12)Mobility Options 27)Local F000 13)Efficient City Fleets 28)Business Synergies 14)Demand -Side Travel Planning Step 3: REQUIR Step 3 City below: 1) Efficient Existing Public Buildings Qj �_Uk ASive r'laii arid iMpk-- Hie11Lation 11) Complete Green Streets 12) Mobility Options 15) Purchasing Yi7) uruaii r ui " ests 17) Efficient Stormw7- ,,- ­ ?ment 24) Benchmarks & Community Engagement 25) Green Business Development 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 16 Best Practices Implemented ED 9 of the 16 BEST PRACTICES for recognition as a PJ 1. Efficient Existing Public Buildings — Burbank for B3 Benchmarking information, Public Works Benchmark energy usages, identify savings opportunities, and work with utilities and others to implement cost - effective energy and sustainability improvements. REQUIRED FOR CATEGORY A AND B CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY. Actions: Category A and B cities must implement this best practice by completing at least actions i and 2 1 Enter baseline information into the Minnesota B3 Benchmarking database and routinely enter monthly energy use data from all city -owned buildings. 2 Make no /low cost facility operations & maintenance changes to city - owned /school buildings to reduce energy costs. �.'y 4-ug.v cu �1 s ,:s �,_,, NN , -a�,a Xcel Energy. All lights in Public Works building, City Hall, and Fire Station 2 were retrofitted with more energy efficient lighting. 3 Invest in energy efficiency opportunities through recommissioning / retrofitting city- owned /school buildings. Received a renovations grant from the Office of Energy Security to retrofit three City buildings: City Hall /Public Safety Building, Public Works Facility, and Fire Station 2. The retrofits included replacing inefficient lighting with high efficiency fixtures as well as occupancy controls. In 2009 Cottage Grove commissioned an energy audit from Xcel Energy to identify necessary Category A improvements. These improvements showed the greatest energy savings and cities must shortest payback period. also complete at least one At the same time, nine unit heaters were replaced with five low intensity additional infrared heaters at the Public Works buildinn,. action from actions 3 4 Implement information technology efforts and city employee through 7. engagement to reduce plug loads and building energy use. ast efficient options available. Recommend employees power down their computers at the end of each work day. 5 Document that the new construction or major remodeling of public buildings has met or qualifies for a green building framework. 11 qualifications but was not certified. 6 Document that the operations & maintenance of city- owned /school buildings meet or qualify for a green building framework. http:// www .msbg.umn.edu /ciuidelines.htmi 7 Install in at least one city- owned /school building at least one of the following energy efficiency measures: a A ground- source, closed loop geothermal system where net greenhouse gases are less than those generated by the system being replaced. b A distributed fossil fuel energy technology for full -time combined heat and power energy generation: micro - turbine, fuel cell, reciprocating engine. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 2. Efficient Existing Private Buildings Bob — Public Works, Provide incentives for energy, water and sustainability improvements in existing structures. Actions: 1 Create or participate in a marketing/ outreach program to promote /achieve residential energy use reduction and energy efficiency. 2 Integrate green building best practices information and assistance into the building permit process. 3 Implement an energy rating /disclosure policy for residential or commercial buildings. 6 Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy /sustainability improvements or renovate using a green building framework. Option: Offer rebate on building permits if project involves energy star appliances or standards. 7 Customize a model sustainable building renovation policy and adopt the language to govern commercial renovation projects that: a Receive city financial support, and /or b Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permits, rezoning, variances, PUD status). 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 4 Describe energy /water efficiency actions and other green building practices at Category businesses located y. A cities system holds storm water on site that and uses it for Wea ner Electric supports their solar panels and recently choose to added a wind generator. implement this best 5 Conserve drinking /groundwater resources by adopting a watering ordinance, practice conservation rate structure, dynamic user feedback, model landscaping must ordinance, or WaterSense purchasing program. complete - _ - - The watering and sprinkling of at least lawns and /or gardens shall be permitted on even numbered days for property any two with even numbered addresses and on odd numbered days for property with odd actions. numbered addresses; except, that any property may be watered on the 31st day of any month. 6 Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who add energy /sustainability improvements or renovate using a green building framework. Option: Offer rebate on building permits if project involves energy star appliances or standards. 7 Customize a model sustainable building renovation policy and adopt the language to govern commercial renovation projects that: a Receive city financial support, and /or b Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permits, rezoning, variances, PUD status). 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz all 3. New Green Buildings - Bob Construct new buildings to meet or qualify under a green building framework. Actions: 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 1 Require by city policy that new city -owned buildings built in the future use a green building framework. Category A cities that 2 Work with the local school district to ensure that future new schools are choose to built using a green building framework. implement Has this ever been a conversation understanding that the possibility of a new this best school being built is small? practice must complete at least one public realm action 1 or 2 3 Customize a model sustainable building policy and adopt language governing new private development projects that: a Receive city financial support, and /or b Require city regulatory approval (conditional use permit, rezoning, PUD). and at least one private 4 Provide a financial or other incentive to private parties who build a new realm action building that utilizes a green building framework. from 3 Rebate on building permit? through S. 5 Adopt environmentally preferable covenant guidelines for new common interest communities addressing issues such as stormwater, native vegetation, growing food, clothes lines, and renewable energy. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 4. Efficient Building & Street Lighting and Signals - Les, Harry, Rick Improve the efficiency of public lighting and signals. Actions: 1 Require energy efficient, Dark -Sky compliant new or replacement outdoor lighting fixtures on city- owned /private buildings and facilities. `. Jion is typically Category A built or retrofitted. The outdoor lighting on these pavilions are replaced or and B cities built with dark -sky compliant lighting. No official policy has been adopted. that choose to implement this 2 Require all new street lighting to be Dark -Sky compliant and all new traffic best practice signals to be EnergyStar compliant. must complete Cottage Grove's Street Lighting Policy requires Wat the City seek to minimize at least two energy usage by choosing to use optimal lighting configurations and actions innovative technology including induction lighting, LED lighting, networked lighting systems, timed and light sensing lighting, or other future technologies. Working on being able to retro fit existing lights in residential areas for LED. Because our lights are so low we want to make sure that the light given off is directed correctly. 3 Modify any city franchise or other agreement with a utility to facilitate rapid replacement of inefficient street lighting. Coordinate traffic signals and /or optimize signal timing so as minimize car idling at intersections yet maintain safe and publicly acceptable vehicle speeds. *Report synchronized traffic signals, flashing yellow left turn arrow signals, installation of detectors in at least 10% of city signals (operated under traffic actuated /responsive mode). Report roundabouts under Best Practice Action 11.6 Flashing yellow arrows implemented at the intersection of East Point Douglas Road and Jamaica Avenue. Traffic was backing up behind this intersection; flashing yellow arrows were added at signal light to keep traffic moving through instead of idling for long periods of time. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 5. Use LED /solar - powered lighting for a flashing sign or in a street, parking lot or park project. 6. Re -lamp /improve exterior building lighting for city -owned buildings /facilities with energy efficient, Dark -Sky compliant lighting. -ublic Works and Fire Station 2 buildings were re- lamped. Public Works: replaced 63 incandescent lights with 25 t -5 HO fixtures; replaced existing fixtures with 12 t -8 fixtures; retrofitted 98 fixtures with 25 watt t -8 lamps and 29 electronic Including, ballasts; installed 24 occupancy lighting controls; and installed 9 heating one of actions units, 8 gas fire unit heaters, and 1 forced air to replace existing 18 heating 5 through S. units. At Fire Station #2: Replaced existing fixtures with 25 high bay T -5 HO fixtures; replaced existing fixtures with 14 T -8 fixtures; retrofitted 206 fixtures with 25 watt T8 lamps and 43 electronic ballasts; and installed 2 occupancy lighting controls. 7. Replace city -owned parking lot /ramp lighting with Dark -Sky compliant, energy efficient, automatic dimming lighting technologies. 8. Replace the city's existing traffic signals with energy efficient LED or equivalent lighting technologies. ..Urrc i uy o�, , jgm�, a:c �_L:D within Cottage Grove. Yellow was done in 2010, red done in 2011, and green done in 2012. Cross walks that have not already been replaced with LED lighting will be done in 2013. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz Building Reuse — Danette, Burbank, McCool Create economic and regulatory incentives for redeveloping and repurposing existing buildings before building new. Actions: Adopt an historic preservation ordinance to encourage adaptive reuse. �_:ity erode Title 9 -9 -1: The City Council hereby declares as a matter of public policy that the protection, preservation, perpetuation and use of places, areas, buildings, structures and other objects having a special historical, community or aesthetic interest or value is a public necessity and is required in the interest of the people. 4 Create /modify a green residential remodeling assistance /financing program to assist homeowners in adding space to their existing homes. l_OUL_age 61OVe::,,APPfJiCS VVaSiiiiiyWii L_UWiLY S piogi aiii C:alleu Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation, which offers funds homeowners who are in need of improvements relating to health and safety deficiencies, code compliance, accessibility, and energy efficiency. 5 Adopt development and design standards that facilitate infill and redevelopment. City Code Title 11- 16 -3(C). The purpose of this subsection C is to establish minimum standards for exterior architecture of nonresidential structures. To ensure high quality development, redevelopment, and compatibility with evolving architectural or planning themes that contributes to the community's image of quality, visual aesthetics, permanence and stability are in the best interest of the citizens in the city. These standards are intended to prevent use of materials that are unsightly, rapidly deteriorate, contribute to depreciation of area property values, or cause urban blight. City Code Title 11 -14, PUD District: A. Flexibility in land development and redevelopment in order to utilize new techniques of building design, construction, and land development. B. Provision of lifecycle housing to all income and age groups C. Energy conservation through the use of more efficient building designs and sitings and the clustering of buildings and land uses D. Preservation of desirable site characteristics and open space and protection of sensitive environment features, including, but not limited to, steep slopes, tre , "poils. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 2 Implement the Minnesota Main Street model for commercial revitalization. MN Main Street: A program of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota is MN's coordinating program to help create and assist local Main Street programs based on the national model. All Categories A, B http: / /www.mnpreservation.orci/about -us /about- the - alliance/ and C cities that choose to implement this best 3 Work with a local school to either add -on space, or to repurpose practice must space into non - school uses. complete at least Park High Field house is open to public use through community one action. education /development programs. 4 Create /modify a green residential remodeling assistance /financing program to assist homeowners in adding space to their existing homes. l_OUL_age 61OVe::,,APPfJiCS VVaSiiiiiyWii L_UWiLY S piogi aiii C:alleu Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation, which offers funds homeowners who are in need of improvements relating to health and safety deficiencies, code compliance, accessibility, and energy efficiency. 5 Adopt development and design standards that facilitate infill and redevelopment. City Code Title 11- 16 -3(C). The purpose of this subsection C is to establish minimum standards for exterior architecture of nonresidential structures. To ensure high quality development, redevelopment, and compatibility with evolving architectural or planning themes that contributes to the community's image of quality, visual aesthetics, permanence and stability are in the best interest of the citizens in the city. These standards are intended to prevent use of materials that are unsightly, rapidly deteriorate, contribute to depreciation of area property values, or cause urban blight. City Code Title 11 -14, PUD District: A. Flexibility in land development and redevelopment in order to utilize new techniques of building design, construction, and land development. B. Provision of lifecycle housing to all income and age groups C. Energy conservation through the use of more efficient building designs and sitings and the clustering of buildings and land uses D. Preservation of desirable site characteristics and open space and protection of sensitive environment features, including, but not limited to, steep slopes, tre , "poils. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz E. More efficient and effective use of land, open space and public facilities through mixing of land uses and assembly and development of land into larger parcels. F. High quality of design compatible with surrounding land uses including both existing and planned. G. Sensitive development in transitional areas located between different land uses and along significant transportation or scenic corridors within the City. H. Development which is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz A 6. Comprehensive Plan and Implementation R - Mccool Adopt a Comprehensive Plan and tie regulatory ordinances to it. REQUIRED FOR ALL CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY. Actions: All Categories A, B and C cities must implement this best practice by completing action 1 1 Adopt /have an adopted comprehensive plan OR, Category B and C cities may simply adopt a land use plan that was adopted by a regional entity or the county. Cottage Grove adopted the Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan on March 2, 2011. 2 Demonstrate that regulatory ordinances comply with the comprehensive plan including but not limited to having the zoning ordinance explicitly reference the comprehensive plan as the foundational document for decision making. Adc -ity policies stipulate that all rezoning decisions must conform to the Future Land Use Plan and all new development must conform to the Staging Plan established in the adopted City Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Category A City Code Title 10 -4 -5: Coordination with Zoning Ordinance: The platting of and B cities cluster and planned unit developments shall be coordinated with the site plan must also review procedures of the zoning ordinance. Deviations from the minimum complete design and engineering standards of this title may be allowed when action 2 consistent with the general intent and purpose of this title and the zoning ordinance and where necessary to meet the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan. All deviations from these standards shall be clearly shown on the preliminary plat. City Code Title 10 -1 -2: Consistency with Comp. Plan. City Code Title 10 -4 -5: Cluster and Planned Unit Developments 3 Include requirements in comprehensive and /or other plans for intergovernmental coordination addressing land use and watershed impacts, infrastructure, economic development and city /regional services. Washington County, and other municipalities that adjoin Cottage Grove's corporate boundaries. 4 Include ecologic provisions in the comprehensive plan that explicitly aims to minimize open space fragmentation and /or establish a growth area with expansion criteria. 1 Resource Inventory (NRI) - Identify priority protection areas in comp plan and recommend strategies for integrating protection into development process. 5 Adopt climate protection/ adaptation or energy independence goals and objectives in the comprehensive plan or in a separate policy document, and link these goals to direct implementation recommendations. Include in comprehensive plan the goals the City wants to reach to decrease its carbon footprint. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 10 7. Efficient City Growth - McCool or Burbank Promote financial and environmental sustainability by enabling and encouraging higher density housing and commercial land use. Actions: Limit barriers to higher density housing by including in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map: a Neighborhood single - family density at seven units per net acre or greater. The Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan requires 4.1 to 10 units per acre for medium density residential uses (i.e. duplexes and townhouses) and high density residential development in the MUSA requires 10.1 -20 units per acre. The City's Official Zoning map and Zoning Ordinance have been amended to allow a wider range of housing densities. The Comprehensive Plan encourages life -cycle housing opportunities and the construction of various housing types for senior housing ownership units, senior rental units, and assisted living units. The City will continue to use the Livable Communities Act (LCA) Housing Plan as an implementation tool in accomplishing the City's LCA housing goals. b. Multi- family housing at a gross density of at least 15 units per acre adjacent to a commercial zoning district or transit node. All Categories A, B Cot,. and C cities that though we do not have a policy in place choose to implement this best practice 2 Encourage higher density housing through at least two of the must complete at following strategies: least one action. a Incorporate a flexible lot size /frontage requirement for infill development. iity �_oue u3tue il -i: �_oLtiage 6i0Vc Pei Iiiu s site it flexibility through the Planned Unit Development or Planned Development Overlay zoning process. b Use density and floor area ratio (FAR) bonuses in selected residential zoning districts. City Code Titles 11 -9F(6) Medium Density Residential, and 11- 9E(6) Low Density Residential: Density bonuses are available in multi- family districts. c Tie a regulatory standard to comprehensive plan language defining compact city expansion zones that limit low- density development. Allowing accessory dwelling units by right in selected zoning districts. _.. _. ..;e Title 11 -9A -3: Carries to all districts; An accessory dwelling unit is allowed in all residential zoning districts. 3 Encourage a higher intensity of commercial land uses through at least one of the following strategies: a Include in the city zoning ordinance and zoning map a commercial district with reduced lot sizes and zero -lot -line setbacks, or a FAR minimum between .75 and 1. b Set targets for the minimum number of employees /acre in different commercial zones. 4 Provide incentives for infill projects, or for life -cycle housing at or near job or 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 11 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz retail centers, or for achieving an average net residential density of seven units per acre. 5 Modify the city zoning ordinance and zoning map to allow, without variance or rezoning in at least one district, developments that meet the prerequisites for LEED for Neighborhood Development certification. 6 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 12 8. Mixed Uses - McCool or Burbank Develop efficient and healthy land patterns. Actions: Organize or participate in a community planning /design process for the city for a mixed use area. support and participate in the Red Rock Corridor Commission, with project goals to implement commuter rail service in the Red Rock Corridor. This includes conducting station area planning for potential station locations in Cottage Grove. Stakeholders and community members have been directly involved. 2 Locate or lease a government facility that has at least two of these attributes: a Adjacent to an existing employment or residential center. *Parking spaces are significantly below the parking standard due to employees and visitors being able to access the location without always using a car. * * *A public school is located along a public transit line and provides incentives (such as discounted bus passes) for students to use the line. Category A The new Public Safety /City Hall building was built next to the Washington cities that County South Service Center. choose to The Old City Hall is located next to the Library and within walking distance implement of the Gateway district, which is home to a variety of local this best businesses /restaurants. practice must complete at b Designed to facilitate and encourage access by walking and biking. least two New Public Safety City Hall building was built with direct access to the actions. regional and City trail system and regional park. c Accessible by regular transit service. Pages 6 -27 in Comprehensive Plan Cottage Grove has a Metro Transit bus line that runs through the City during the morning and evening commutes. Modify a planned unit development - PUD - ordinance to emphasize mixed use development or to limit residential PUDs to areas adjacent to commercial development. City Code: 11 -14 -3: 3. The property is located in a transitional area between different land use categories or on a principal or minor arterial as defined in the Comprehensive Plan. 4. The property is proposed to be developed with cluster homes as defined in Section 11 -14 -4 of this Chapter. 4 Certify a new development as complying with LEED for Neighborhood Development standards, including the mixed -use credits. Have a downtown zoning district that allows residential and compatible commercial development. s — _�,. - << .,,,,, business district (N -B) is a commercial district intended to provide a mix of convenience oriented retail sales and services. The district is related to and may reasonably adjoin residential districts for the location and development of retail and office uses that are subject to more restrictive controls than in other business districts. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 13 Neighborhood business districts are intended to be compact districts that serve local rather than regional commercial needs. Developments in such districts are intended to function as a neighborhood center with internal traffic and pedestrian systems that facilitate access to all properties within the district. Because of their proximity to residential areas, developments in such districts are intended to be aesthetically consistent within the district and to complement adjacent residential development through the use of landscaping inart: -- - _._ E ,__ --I ­ ­ 1 ___1­_:_A__ _ __,_�.,_ ,___� n" 201 Incorporate form -based zoning approaches into the zoning code, in those areas where a diverse mix of uses is desired. 7. Create incentives for vertical mixed -use development in appropriate locations (downtown, commercial districts near colleges or universities, historic commercial districts). 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 14 9. Efficient Highway- Oriented Development - Jennifer Adopt commercial development and design standards for highway road corridors. Actions: 1 Establish design goals for at least one highway corridor. *Work with community members in establishing design goals or designs standards, publish the standards, and ensure that the standards are provided to everyone proposing development in the corridor. All Categories Jamaica Avenue and Highway 61 - Design plans were focused on safety of the ramps from Highway 61 to Jamaica Avenue. The design team of Cottage Grove staff and DOT worked to be sure the project would create less idling and low environmental impact with less impervious surface at the roundabouts. 70th Street preliminary design for entire corridor. A, B and C Highway 95 corridor designed with Washington County, Woodbury, Afton, cities that Denmark Township, Hastings. choose to implement this 2 Participate in regional economic development planning with best practice representatives from surrounding townships, cities, the county and must complete business interests to: at least one a Estimate commercial /industrial needs among all jurisdictions. action. �DaUti VVeSC I raHSIL y: KC- Oevelopilleirt of ilignVwdy %Y ana Lount Road 19 to create adequate access for future industrial /commercial development. b Jointly implement recommendations to stage highway commercial development in order to avoid overbuilding and expensive low- density development. 3 Adopt transportation infrastructure design standards that protect the highway function of the road through clustering of development and incorporating access management standards. *Adopt an access management overlay district or access management standards for highways coming into the city. 4 Adopt a highway commercial zoning district that permits only transportation- dependent land uses. *Adopt zoning language that defines highway dependent land uses and limits the type of commercial development to highway dependent commercial /industrial. 5 Require decommissioning in development agreements for large format developments in the event that the tenant leaves and no new tenant or adaptive reuse is in place within a set period of time. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 15 10. Conservation Design — Jennifer, Zac Adopt development ordinances or processes that protect natural systems. Actions: 2 For cities outside or on the fringe of metropolitan areas, adopt an urban growth boundary and a consistent capital improvement plan that provides long -term protection of natural resources, natural systems, and agricultural practices outside the boundary. 3 For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review. City Code Title 11 -6 -6: Tree Preservation 4 For cities with undeveloped natural resource areas use, or adopt as policy the use of, a conservation design scorecard as a tool in negotiating development agreements. 5 Develop /fund a conservation easement program, such as a purchase of development rights program, in collaboration with a land trust. bur LDaiik: i iie mercy pai "biers Witn tiie i�iiimeso(a Lanu I i "u5'c on die preservation of natural communities of local and regional significance. Gateway North Open Space has 43 acres to the east which are under a conservation easement. The western arm of the property does not have a conservation easernent on them but are dedicated park and open space by the City of Cottage Grove. The Wilder property entered into a conservation easement on December 4, 1994 between the property owner and the Minnesota Land Trust. The easement conveys the right to preserve and protect the Conservation Values of the Protected Land in perpetuity and to prevent or remedy subsequent activities or uses that are inconsistent with the terms of this Conservation Easement. The easement will retain the land in its predominantly natural and scenic condition, to restore or protect the ecological integrity of the Protected Land. Wat_ ,t 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 1 Conduct a Natural Resource Inventory or Assessment (NRI or NRA); incorporate protection of priority natural systems or resources through the subdivision or development process. ory completed • The Comprehensive Plan specifically states that the natural resource areas identified as highest quality in the Natural Resource Inventory should be given priority in access or preservation efforts. Development impacts All Categories should be kept to a level that preserves the integrity of the resource. A, 6 and C . 2011: Gateway North Open Space Natural Resources cities that . Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) have extensive experience working choose to with landowners to implement natural resource management plans. FMR implement this can assist landowners with obtaining funding for restoration and best practice management projects and providing project management, including must complete contractor negotiations, coordinating restoration and management work, at least one and site monitoring and evaluation. action. . 2012: River Oaks Scenic Overlook National Management Plan • Restoration priorities include woody plant removal as priority number 1. 2 For cities outside or on the fringe of metropolitan areas, adopt an urban growth boundary and a consistent capital improvement plan that provides long -term protection of natural resources, natural systems, and agricultural practices outside the boundary. 3 For cities within metropolitan areas, incorporate woodland best management practices addressing protection of wooded areas into zoning or development review. City Code Title 11 -6 -6: Tree Preservation 4 For cities with undeveloped natural resource areas use, or adopt as policy the use of, a conservation design scorecard as a tool in negotiating development agreements. 5 Develop /fund a conservation easement program, such as a purchase of development rights program, in collaboration with a land trust. bur LDaiik: i iie mercy pai "biers Witn tiie i�iiimeso(a Lanu I i "u5'c on die preservation of natural communities of local and regional significance. Gateway North Open Space has 43 acres to the east which are under a conservation easement. The western arm of the property does not have a conservation easernent on them but are dedicated park and open space by the City of Cottage Grove. The Wilder property entered into a conservation easement on December 4, 1994 between the property owner and the Minnesota Land Trust. The easement conveys the right to preserve and protect the Conservation Values of the Protected Land in perpetuity and to prevent or remedy subsequent activities or uses that are inconsistent with the terms of this Conservation Easement. The easement will retain the land in its predominantly natural and scenic condition, to restore or protect the ecological integrity of the Protected Land. Wat_ ,t 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz S 11. Complete Green Streets - Burbank, McCool, Jennifer, Zac Create a network of multimodal green streets. REQUIRED FOR CATEGORY A CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY Actions: Category A cities must implement this best practice by completing action 1 and 1 Adopt a complete streets policy that also addresses street trees and stormwater. „_,_ _:.ove Comprehensive Plan provides policies in which the City will continue to consider new techniques and environmental sustainability options when planning new transportation facilities. A network of sidewalks and trails will be constructed in all new developments and, where feasible, in developed areas. 2 Adopt zoning language or approve a development agreement for a selected area /project that is substantially equivalent to the LEED for Neighborhood Development requirements and credits including Walk able Streets and Street Network. 3 Document inclusion /installation of green infrastructure elements as well as grey infrastructure elements in at least one complete streets reconstruction project. . .. ,. designed as a green parkway by including surface Any two water management in the green design of the medians etc. additional actions. 4 Identify, prioritize and remedy complete streets gaps and lack of connectivity within your road network by, for example, adding a bike route /lane, truck route or sidewalk. 5 Identify and remedy street -trail gaps between city streets and trails /bike trails to better facilitate walking and biking. 80th Street Box Culvert Project: Created a safe route for pedestrians and trail users to cross to the other side of 80th Street. Projects in which a sidewalk or trail was installed where it previously had not been: Pine Tree Pond Trail (2012/13) West Central Ravine Trail (2012/13) Pine Glen Park Trails (2013) Woodridge Park Trail (2012) Kingston Park Trails (2013) Comp Plan Goal: Create a coordinated network of trail way routes that are designated to accommodate a variety of users while providing for integrated links to neighborhoods, the community, the region, and other special points of interest. 6 Implement traffic calming measures in at least one street redevelopment project. 70th Street Roundabout Project East Point Douglas Road and Jamaica Avenue Roundabout project Timing of all traffic signals within the City was adjusted in early summer 2012. DOT did controller changes to 80th Street signals to work with city lights and lane changes. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 17 12. Mobility Options — Burbank, Jennifer Promote active transportation and alternatives to single- occupancy car travel. REQUIRED FOR CATEGORY A CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY Actions: 1 Promote walking, biking and transit use by one or more of the following means: a Produce /distribute route maps, signage or a web site. Park /trail mare http: / /www. cottage- cirove.orci/images /parks /park trails.pdf e Be recognized as a Walk Friendly or Bicycle Friendly Community. See printouts. Is this something we would be interested in? 2 Launch an Active Living campaign in concert with your local community health board, such as a Safe Routes to School program. ,ipaign *Currently working on partnering with Washington County and the School District on submittal for Safe Routes to School Grant. A successful grant would allow for the creation of a sound planning document in which to bas(= the application for the next round of significant infrastructure funding. 3 Prominently identify on the city's web site several mobility options for hire: transit services; paratransit /Dial -A -Ride; cab service(s); rental car agency(s). httu: / / www .cottaae - arove.ora /enaineerina- division /transit- information links are available to Dial a Ride, service transit link, bus service trom metro transit. 4 Promote carpooling or ride sharing among community members, city employees, businesses, high schools and institutions of higher education. t_Uc yQy ofuvL ca iuL jouA vur 5 Launch telework /flexwork efforts in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz b Document increased bike facilities, such as racks, bike stations or showers. Installed bike racks at five community parks with SHIP Grant in 2010: Hamlet, Oakwood, Highlands, Kingston, and Woodridge. Category A Bike rack guidelines have been created for commercial developments. cities must Bike rack policy is attached. Requirements for location, spacing, style, implement this quantity, and installation are included. best practice by completing at c Add bus infrastructure, such as signage, benches, shelters, park and least two ride lots, and real -time arrival data - streaming. actions. d Increase the number of employers promoting multiple commuting options, including offering qualified transportation fringe benefits instead of only a tax -free parking fringe benefit. e Be recognized as a Walk Friendly or Bicycle Friendly Community. See printouts. Is this something we would be interested in? 2 Launch an Active Living campaign in concert with your local community health board, such as a Safe Routes to School program. ,ipaign *Currently working on partnering with Washington County and the School District on submittal for Safe Routes to School Grant. A successful grant would allow for the creation of a sound planning document in which to bas(= the application for the next round of significant infrastructure funding. 3 Prominently identify on the city's web site several mobility options for hire: transit services; paratransit /Dial -A -Ride; cab service(s); rental car agency(s). httu: / / www .cottaae - arove.ora /enaineerina- division /transit- information links are available to Dial a Ride, service transit link, bus service trom metro transit. 4 Promote carpooling or ride sharing among community members, city employees, businesses, high schools and institutions of higher education. t_Uc yQy ofuvL ca iuL jouA vur 5 Launch telework /flexwork efforts in city government, businesses or at a local health care provider. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 6 Add /expand transit service, or promote car /bike sharing. Red Rock Corridor: Work together with Woodbury on plans, routes, and updating. According to Met Council data, a majority of park- and -ride users on the Highway 61 corridor south of the Mississippi River currently use Hiawatha LRT park- and - rides. The Cottage Grove Park - and -Ride also has expansion potential but it is unlikely that it will be necessary prior to 2030. Additional facilities in Newport, Hastings, and a relocated Cottage Grove park- and -ride lot may be constructed as part of the Red Rock transit way. Estimated 2030 capacity of 825 total users, which is an expansion of 300 from 2008 capacity (2008 Usage was 284). 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 19 13. Efficient City Fleets - Les, Harry, Mark Olson Implement a city fleet investment, operations and maintenance plan. Actions: Record of fuel usage was done from 2004 -2006 5 Document that the local school bus fleet has optimized routes, start times, boundaries, vehicle efficiency and fuels, driver actions to cut costs including idling reduction, and shifting students from the bus to walking, biking and city transit. 6 Participate in Project GreenFleet to retrofit city diesel engines or to install auxiliary power units. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 1 Efficiently use existing fleet of city vehicles by encouraging trip bundling, video conferencing, carpooling, vehicle sharing and incentives /technology. 2 Right- size /down -size the city fleet with the most fuel- efficient vehicles that are of an optimal size and capacity for their intended functions. Category A efficient option. cities that choose to 3 Phase -in no- idling practices, operational and fuel changes, and implement this equipment changes including electric vehicles, for city or local transit best practice fleets. must complete at least two 4 Phase in bike, foot or horseback modes for police, inspectors and other actions. city staff. Record of fuel usage was done from 2004 -2006 5 Document that the local school bus fleet has optimized routes, start times, boundaries, vehicle efficiency and fuels, driver actions to cut costs including idling reduction, and shifting students from the bus to walking, biking and city transit. 6 Participate in Project GreenFleet to retrofit city diesel engines or to install auxiliary power units. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 20 14. Demand -Side Travel Planning - Burbank, Mccool Implement Travel Demand Management and Transit - Oriented Design. Actions: 1 In development standards, right -size parking minimum standards and add parking maximums in pedestrian - friendly or transit - served areas. 2 For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the siting of retail services at transit /density nodes. Category A and 3 For cities with regular transit service, require or provide incentives for the B cities that siting of higher density housing at transit /density nodes. choose to implement this 4 Adopt a travel demand management plan for city employees or best practice incorporate into development regulations TDM or transit - oriented must complete development standards. at least two actions. 5 Document that a development project certifies under the LEED for Neighborhood Development program (if the city meet LEED ND minimum standards, see guidance for cities that do not have minimum standard areas)and is awarded at least one of the following credits: a Transportation Demand Management. b Housing and Jobs Proximity. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 21 15. Purchasing - Robin, Neil (e- mailed 3/1/13) Adopt environmentally preferable purchasing policies and practices. REQUIRED FOR ALL CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY Actions: All Categories A, B and C cities must implement this best practice by completing action 1 1 Adopt an environmentally preferable 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. 2 Purchase energy used by city government from renewable energy sources. 3 Establish a local purchasing preference and, working with a local business association, develop a list of locally - produced products and suppliers for common purchases. 4 Require purchase of U.S. EPA WaterSense- certified products. 5 Set minimum standards for the percentage of recycled- content material in asphalt and roadbed aggregate or other construction materials. 6 Require printing services to be purchased from companies certified by Minnesota Great Printers or by the Sustainable Green Printing Partnership. Category A and B cities 7 Lower the environmental footprint of meetings and events in the city. must also complete at 8 Use state and national green standards/ guidelines for at least 3 least one categories of purchasing. additional *List the categories for which the City has adopted standards /guidelines: action. (a) Electronics (including computer, printers, printer operation, and printer supplies - especially remanufactured cartridges); (b) Wood products / bio- based products (including compostable 'dinnerware'); (c) Organic food; (d) Cleaning products; (e) Less /non -toxic pesticides /herbicides; (f) Paints, coatings and adhesives; (g) Carpets, flooring; (h) Furniture - especially remanufactured; (i) Paper products. * *Report the benefits of using greener electronics and remanufactured cartridges by using the calculators at http: / /www.pca.state.mn.us /epp ** *Certify under http:// www .stateelectronicschallenge.net 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 22 16. Urban Forests - zac, Steve Bowe Increase city tree and plant cover. REQUIRED FOR CATEGORY A AND B CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY Actions: 1 Certify as a Tree City USA Yes, was an award recipient in 2011_ 2 Adopt as policy MN Tree Trusts' Best Practices and use the guidelines Category A cities in at least one development project to achieve an excellent or exemplary must implement rating. this best practice by completing at 3 Budget for and achieve urban canopy /tree planting goals. least two FUb iC Lancscape Initiative Program - In July 2012, a Public Landscape actions. Initiative was created to motivate volunteers and employees within the City to contribute to beautification efforts. Projects are focused on active management of the urban forest, reforestation of highly visible community parks, public lands, and transportation corridors as well as provision of tree planting /landscaping employee team building and community volunteer opportunities. Tree planting and landscape goals are recorded and budgeted in the CIP through 2018. 4 Maximize tree planting along your main downtown street or throughout the city. initiative Program - This adopted plan is focused on our Gateway Corridor Enhancement Project, which includes beautification efforts along the Highway 61 corridor. The landscape initiative will focus on volunteer tree planting opportunities in large community parks and contracting or professional staff tree planting efforts in high visibility roadway corridors. 5 Adopt a tree preservation or native landscaping ordinance. 6 Build community capacity to protect existing trees by certifying at least one or more local staff /volunteers. The City has a licensed forester on staff. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 23 17. Efficient Stormwater Management - Jennifer, Al Minimize the volume of and pollutants in rainwater runoff. REQUIRED FOR CATEGORY A CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY Actions: 1 Complete the Blue Star City stormwater management assessment and be recognized for implementing the actions therein. Friends of Mississippi presented at City Council meeting. d For non -MS4 permittees, adopt an illicit discharge prohibition rule or ordinance. 3 New action coming soon that puts all road -based impervious surface reduction strategies in one action. Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize enhanced stormwater management, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners. Plan: Controls rates and volume control. If over use, must pay fees. In Cottage Grove's Stormwater Management Plan, water quality cash dedication is described as a way to minimize the impacts of development and manage stormwater quality and runoff control. If an applicant is unable to rneet the volume control standards and the alternative compliance sequencing, the applicant will pay a cash dedication for mitigation. These cash dedications help to finance system requirements related to stormwater quality and runoff volume control within the City. *Page 35 in Stormwater Management Plan Adopt and implement guidelines for, or adopt required design standards /incentives for, at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/ reuse techniques: a Rain gardens or green roofs. 'arget, St. Luke's Church, and The Alley Church all implemented rain gardens or less impervious surfaces in their development. Washington County offers or)tions throunh their storm\A ater management. b Cisterns and other stormwater reuse strategies. A Stormwater reuse system was built as part of the new Public Safety /City Hall project to utilize storm water runoff as irrigation, although no guidelines were put in place. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 2 Adopt by ordinance one or more of the following: a A narrower street provision that permits construction of 24 -foot roads for public, residential access and sub collector streets (with fewer than 500 average daily trips). Category A City _ __ _ _. Minimum street width is 28 feet cities must This number was lowered from 34 feet to 28 feet as part of the East Ravine implement Mast this best b A 1.5 inch rainfall on -site rainwater infiltration design requirement for practice by construction sites. completing at least any c A stormwater runoff volume limit to pre - development volumes for the 5- one action. year, 24 -hour rainfall maximum event. d For non -MS4 permittees, adopt an illicit discharge prohibition rule or ordinance. 3 New action coming soon that puts all road -based impervious surface reduction strategies in one action. Create a stormwater utility that uses variable fees to incentivize enhanced stormwater management, minimize the volume of and pollutants in runoff, and educate property owners. Plan: Controls rates and volume control. If over use, must pay fees. In Cottage Grove's Stormwater Management Plan, water quality cash dedication is described as a way to minimize the impacts of development and manage stormwater quality and runoff control. If an applicant is unable to rneet the volume control standards and the alternative compliance sequencing, the applicant will pay a cash dedication for mitigation. These cash dedications help to finance system requirements related to stormwater quality and runoff volume control within the City. *Page 35 in Stormwater Management Plan Adopt and implement guidelines for, or adopt required design standards /incentives for, at least one of the following stormwater infiltration/ reuse techniques: a Rain gardens or green roofs. 'arget, St. Luke's Church, and The Alley Church all implemented rain gardens or less impervious surfaces in their development. Washington County offers or)tions throunh their storm\A ater management. b Cisterns and other stormwater reuse strategies. A Stormwater reuse system was built as part of the new Public Safety /City Hall project to utilize storm water runoff as irrigation, although no guidelines were put in place. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 24 c Green alleys or green parking lots. Target, St. Luke's Church, and The Alley Church implemented green parking lots by adding rain gardens to the design of their parking lot islands. d Pervious /permeable pavement or pavers. 6. Adopt an ordinance with erosion and sediment control provisions as well as requirements for permanent stormwater treatment. - _ : - . -�diment control policies for development or redevelopment projects. All guidelines are from our Surface Water Management Plan (Page 56). Cottage Grove's Stormwater management plan requires the City to submit an MPDES MS4 Storm Sewer Permit to the MPCA. As part of the requirements for this permit, Cottage Grove is required to have an ordinance requiring erosion and sediment controls. The South Washington Watershed District also has an erosion and sediment control policy that is enforced within Cottage Grove. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 25 18. Parks and Trails- - Zac, Jennifer Support active lifestyles by enhancing the city's green infrastructure. Actions: Identify and remedy gaps in your city's system of parks, trails and open spaces. Sul a. filled when new development or redevelopment projects occur. Cottage Grove Parks and Recreation department with Planning staff manage the parks and trails map, which outlines gaps in the City's system of trails and open space in order to implement projects to remedy these gaps. 2 Plan and budget for a network of parks, green spaces, water features and trails * * *90% or more of residents are within one -half mile of a park or protected green space. 4 Adopt low- impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch, 24 -hour stormwater events on site. 5 Create park management standards/ practices that maximize at least one of the following: a Low maintenance turf management /native landscaping. Our Public Space Management Program classifies five categories or property design elements and their maintenance procedures. The Class D and E areas are designated as using native plantings and design elements as well as areas that are designed to let nature determine the landscape. b Organic or integrated pest management. c Sources of non - potable water or surface /rain water, for irrigation, 1 11(7-' UUIf w r' Lys,UU�_ _)z,.�q/-J. y U Wcls ULUIL wik_uu in underground irrigation tank that uses stormwater runoff from building and impervious surfaces. No standards are set in place. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz for areas where new development is planned. 119 ' —'� dgL �uNuV'�-_ s �i� , L;:IwWUv-_J0M1W­ � ",=Uuled include the purchase of additional parkland, planning and development, or parks and trails as well as installing playground equipment in new parks. The revenues corning into our park trust fund are calculated to reflect the anticipated housing growth and a Category A greater dedication of park land intearl of U��rk dedication fees. cities that choose to 3 Achieve minimum levels of city green space. implement this best *There is at least 7 acres of municipal park land per 1000 residents. practice Cottage Grove provides 53 acres of park land /open space per 1,000 residents. must complete * *At least 20% of total city land area is in protected green infrastructure at least (parks, protected natural resource areas, and trails). three actions. Parkland is 8% of the net land area in Cottage Grove. We also have a large portion of our land zoned as agricultural. * * *90% or more of residents are within one -half mile of a park or protected green space. 4 Adopt low- impact design standards in parks and trails that infiltrate or retain all 2 inch, 24 -hour stormwater events on site. 5 Create park management standards/ practices that maximize at least one of the following: a Low maintenance turf management /native landscaping. Our Public Space Management Program classifies five categories or property design elements and their maintenance procedures. The Class D and E areas are designated as using native plantings and design elements as well as areas that are designed to let nature determine the landscape. b Organic or integrated pest management. c Sources of non - potable water or surface /rain water, for irrigation, 1 11(7-' UUIf w r' Lys,UU�_ _)z,.�q/-J. y U Wcls ULUIL wik_uu in underground irrigation tank that uses stormwater runoff from building and impervious surfaces. No standards are set in place. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz W . 6 Certify at least one golf course in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. This program promotes ecologically sound land management and the conservation of natural resources. Its positive impact extends beyond the boundaries of the golf course and helps benefit the community beyond. Golf courses work toward certificates of recognition in six categories. Audubon International provides each golf course with one -on -one assistance in devising an appropriate environmental plan. Environmental planning: Each club generates a written plan outlining their goals and proposed projects. It provides a useful tool for clubs to monitor their progress in meeting their goals. Wildlife and Habitat Management: Management of non -play areas is crucial to providing habitat for wildlife on the golf course. Emphasis is given toward maintaining the best possible habitat for the course considering its location, size, layout, and type of property. Outreach and Education: Gaining the support of golfers for an environmental program is an invaluable asset. Focus is placed upon generating public awareness through education. Recognition of tasks well done continually reinforces the worth of the program. Chemical Use Reduction and Safety: A comprehensive and responsible program to control pests will ensure a healthy environment for both people and wildlife. Managing turf areas with environmental sensitivity requires educating workers and members about plant management, pesticide application, and use of fertilizers. Water Conservation: Consumption of previous water resources remains an issue at most golf courses. Attention is directed toward irrigation systems, recapturing and reuse of water sources, maintenance practices, and turf grass selection. Water Quality Management: Questions about the impact of golf course chemical use on the water quality of lakes, streams, and groundwater sources abound. Strategies are devised to monitor water quality, protect wetlands, reduce erosion, filter runoff, and, if warranted, improve conditions. 7 Document that the operation and maintenance, or construction / remodeling, of at least one park building used a green building framework. 8 Develop a program to involve community members in hands -on land restoration and stewardship projects. hie City gave out 100 crabapple trees to residents at the City's 2012 Arbor Day event. *Community tree planting events are held each year using landscape initiative funds for open space tree plantings as laid out in the CIP. *In 2011, the City hosted a volunteer tree planting event at Belden Park *in September 2012, Cottage Grove hosted a volunteer buckthorn removal program at Gateway North Open Space. *Arbor Day 2013 events will include volunteers planting over 100 trees at Pine Tree Valley Park, Nina's Park, and North Ideal Park. *Scheduled in 2013 in accordance with our CIP are: volunteer tree planting event at Hamlet Park and public landscape initiative on Hinton from 65th Street to Woodbury. These events continue to be scheduled through the life of our current 2013 -2017 CIP. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 27 19. Surface Water Quality (SWMP) - Jennifer, zac Improve local water bodies. Actions: 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 1 Assist at least one lake or river association to earn or qualify for the Star Lake /River designation for their lake /river. No cities are doing this. And at least one 2 Support a multi -party community conversation around improving local additional water quality. action. _ _ ...... _. -__ _A, City Engineer /Community Development Director, is active in the Stormwater U program promoting environmentally sound water resources management and policy best practices among professionals. Cottage Grove is also involved in the East Metro Water Resources Education Program, which involves educational opportunities for the public to attend as well as newsletters. 3 Adopt and report on measurable, publicly announced surface water improvement targets for water bodies. 4. Adopt a shoreland ordinance for all river and Lake Shoreland areas, in compliance with DNR rules and suited to the city's specific shoreland resources. Cit, Title 11 -15 -2: Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Overlay District; Floodway and Flood Fringe District: All Category It is the purpose and intent of this Chapter to prevent and mitigate A, B and C irreversible damage to this unique State, local, regional and national cities that resource to promote orderly development of the residential, commercial, have at least industrial, recreational and public areas, to preserve and enhance its values one public to the public and protect and preserve the system as an essential element in water body the City's transportation, sewer and water and recreational systems in within their accordance with the following policies: A) The Mississippi River Corridor shall boundaries be managed as a multi - purpose public resource by continuing use of the subject to river channel for transportation, continuing use of certain areas for fleeting Minnesota for river transportation, conserving the scenic, environmental, recreational, shore land mineral, economic, cultural and historic resources and functions of the river rules and that corridor and providing for the continuation of development of a variety of choose to urban uses within the river corridor. B) The Mississippi River Corridor shall implement be managed in a manner consistent with its natural characteristics and its this best existing development and in accordance with regional plans for the practice must development of the Metropolitan Area. complete action 4 3 Adopt goals to revegetate shoreland and create a local program or outreach effort to help property owners with revegetation. 4 Implement an existing TMDL implementation plan. 5 Create /assist a Lake Improvement District. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz W. 20. Efficient Water and Wastewater Facilities - Les, Harry, Jennifer Assess and improve city drinking water and wastewater facilities. Actions: Category A 1 Compare the energy use and performance of your facilities with other peer and B plants using standardized, free tools. cities that Not many Cities doing this. choose to implement 2 Plan and budget for motor maintenance and upgrades so as to assure the this best most energy efficient, durable and appropriate equipment is available when practice upgrades or break downs occur. must complete actions 1 and 2 3 Establish an on -going budget and program for decreasing inflow and infiltration into sewer lines, including eliminating drain tile or other direct connections between storm water and sanitary flows in homes and businesses, and broken or leaky lateral service lines. 4 Assess energy and chemicals use at drinking water / wastewater facilities and And at report on implemented changes that had a short payback period. least one additional 5 Implement at least one efficiency project/ program: pretreatment /water action. conservation, co- generation or water reuse. 6 Create a demand -side management program to reduce demands on water and wastewater systems. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 29 21. Septic Systems - Bob, Les, Harry Implement an effective management program for decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Actions: 1 Report to landowners suspected noncompliant or failing septic systems as part of an educational, informational and financial assistance and outreach program designed to trigger voluntary landowner action to improve septic systems. County regulates this- Chapter 7080. Saved in GreenStep Folder 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 2 Create a program that follows the five -step process for addressing failing septic systems developed by the University of Minnesota's Onsite Sewage All Treatment Program. Categories http://septic.umn.edu/ communities /thefivephases /index.htm A,B and C cities that 3 Clarify /establish one or more responsible management entities for the proper choose to design, siting, installation, operation, monitoring and maintenance of septic implement systems. this best practice 4 Adopt a subsurface sewage treatment system ordinance based on the must Association of Minnesota Counties' model ordinance. complete at least 5 Create a program to finance septic systems upgrades through, for example, one action. a city revenue bond, repayable through taxpayers' property taxes. 6 Work with homeowners and businesses in environmentally sensitive areas and areas where standard septic systems are not the least -cost option to promote innovative waste water systems. 7 Arrange for assistance to commercial, retail and industrial businesses with water use reduction, pollution prevention and pretreatment prior to discharge to septics. County regulates this- Chapter 7080. Saved in GreenStep Folder 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 30 22. Solid Waste Reduction -Jennifer, Jennifer McLoughlin Increase waste reduction, reuse and recycling. Actions: Category A 1 Adopt and meet reduction goals for waste generated from internal city cities that operations, including schools, libraries, parks, municipal health care facilities. choose to implement 2 Adopt and meet recycling goals for waste generated from internal city this best operations. practice How are other Cities doing this? must Edina A 15% municipal waste reduction goal is sought. To determine how complete effective Edina's waste reduction strategies are and to establish a baseline, City at least Council updated City Code 1300 on 11/15/11 to require all licensed haulers to action 1 or report quarterly the pounds of waste being removed from Edina. Edina will ? begin to have an estimate of its baseline waste in April 2012, when the first waste reports become available. Municipal waste reduction strategies include: 1) Establishing a Recycling Bin Task Force in February 2012, which recommended recycling bins in all major parks [these were provided in Lewis Park and Pamela Park as well as scattered areas of Braemar Park prior to the task force]. 2) Complete - Reduce municipal paper use and junk mail by the City Recycling Coordinator requesting that the City address be removed from mailing lists. 3) The City began organics recycling at some facilities in 2012. Effective 1/1/13 organics recycling will be included in the municipal facility solid waste and recycling contract. 4) Implement a facility -wide policy to reduce the use of bottled water. The City Purchasing Policy discourages the use of bottled water. 5) Implement facility -wide policy on using compostable table ware once the new municipal facility contract including organics is implemented on 1/1/2013. 3 Document significant waste reduction /recycling, through a resource management contract or other means, for one or more of: a City government operations. b Schools, Libraries, parks, or municipal health care facilities. c A commercial or industrial business. 4 Publicize, promote and use the varied businesses collecting and marketing used and repaired consumer goods in the city /county. 5 Arrange for a residential or business /institutional source separated organics collection/ management program. 6 Implement one or more city -wide solid waste collection/ recycling systems: And at a Mandate collection of recyclables from multi -unit residential buildings. least one of actions b Mandate collection of 3 or more recyclable materials from commercial 4 through entities. 8 . - - City Code 4 -2 -5, Containers: 3. Recycling Containers shall be provided by the city. All owners and /or managers of multiple- residential dwellings are required to provide containers or vats for tenants to deposit targeted recyclables for collection by the licensed hauler. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 31 c Organize regular, ongoing residential solid waste collection by private and /or public operations to link one (or more) geographic district(s) to only one hauler. Posted by McCool April 2012: Cottage Grove is committed to reducing, reusing, and recycling products in our community. All residential trash haulers must provide weekly curbside recycling service in addition to trash pickup. The City of Cottage Grove has three licensed trash haulers that are also required to offer recycling pick up. Licensed haulers empty recycling bins placed next to the curb in conjunction with trash pickup. Cottage Grove believes recycling and conservation are important. Promoting recycling has been part of many community events through activities, educational materials, and appearances by Freckles, the Recycling and Recreation Frog. Cottage Grove has a Recycling Incentive Program. Every resident has an opportunity to win prizes for their recycling efforts. Each week City staff draws two residential addresses at random, and checks to see if their recycling bin is out and has recyclable material in it. If it does, the City awards a prize to the resident. Washington County Public Health and Environment Recycling and Yard Waste provide a recycling facility in Woodbury. Cottage Grove Recycling Program promotes residents to utilize the recycling services provided by Washington County. The City of Cottage Grove also sponsors a "Spring Clean -up Day" for residents to dispose of hazardous materials, household appliances, and items that are not generally accepted from local trash haulers licensed by the City of Cottage Grove. 7 Offer significant volume -based pricing on residential garbage and /or incentives for recycling. gram. If a resident's address is drawn and a random check proves that the resident has their recycling bin out on trash day, they receive a gift from a local business. 8 Adopt a construction and demolition ordinance governing demolition permits that mandates levels of recycling and reuse for materials and soil /land- clearing debris. No cities are doing this. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 32 23. Local Air Quality - Jennifer, Public works Prevent generation of local air contaminants. Actions: 1 Conduct an education /financial assistance campaign around one of the following wood burning /auto exhaust issues: a Indoor and outdoor wood burning behavior, to ensure that wood burning is only done with seasoned wood and in a manner that doesn't negatively impact neighbors. b Indoor wood burning technology, to result in community members upgrading from inefficient/ more polluting fireplaces and wood stoves to natural gas /biogas stoves and fireplaces or the most efficient certified wood stoves. b Outdoor wood boilers. City Code Title 4 -8 -5. The outdoor wood burner must be EPA outdoor wood qualified at the phase 2 emissions level or latest established phase for the U.S. environmental protection agency's voluntary program. (Ord. 867, 10 -7 -2009) and can only be on lots larger than 3 acres. 3 Conduct one or more policy or education/ behavior change campaigns on the topics below and document: a Decreased vehicle idling in specific locations. b Increased sales by retail stores of low and no -VOC household products. c Replacement of gasoline - powered equipment with lower polluting equipment. d Adoption of a smoking -free policy at one or more multi -unit housing buildings, private or public. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz c Smoker cars - older model /high polluting vehicles, to result in repairs spurred by repair vouchers. 2 Regulate outdoor wood burning, using model ordinance language, performance standards and bans as appropriate, for at least one of the Category A following: cities that a Recreational burning. choose to City Code Title 4 -6-1, Open Burning implement 2. Recreational fires. Recreational fires are permitted on residential property this best as provided below: practice a. All Recreational fires must be operated in compliance with the requirements must of this subsection. Recreational fires must be located at least 15 feet away from complete any combustible structure and at least 10 feet from any property line, unless a at least different location is approved by the fire chief. Fires must be contained in a fire two pit or enclosure that is constructed from brick, masonry, metal, or other actions. noncombustible material. Fires must be no more than 3 feet in diameter. Flame height must not exceed 3 feet. No trash, leaves, stumps, treated, painted, varnished, or otherwise coated lumber may be burned. Recreational fires are not permitted when area winds exceed 15 miles per hour or when the fire chief has issued a no fire order. Fires must be extinguished to the point of cold before being left unattended. b Outdoor wood boilers. City Code Title 4 -8 -5. The outdoor wood burner must be EPA outdoor wood qualified at the phase 2 emissions level or latest established phase for the U.S. environmental protection agency's voluntary program. (Ord. 867, 10 -7 -2009) and can only be on lots larger than 3 acres. 3 Conduct one or more policy or education/ behavior change campaigns on the topics below and document: a Decreased vehicle idling in specific locations. b Increased sales by retail stores of low and no -VOC household products. c Replacement of gasoline - powered equipment with lower polluting equipment. d Adoption of a smoking -free policy at one or more multi -unit housing buildings, private or public. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 33 4 Document the participation of at least 3 larger businesses in emission/ idling reduction programs. will enforce a no idling policy at their new location in Cottage Grove. 5 Install at least two public charging stations for plug -in hybrid and full electric vehicles. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 34 24. Benchmarks & Community Engagement - Danette, Jennifer, Mccool- Will revisit this BP when sustainable goals are set. Adopt outcome measures for GreenStep and other city sustainability efforts, and engage community members in ongoing education, dialogue, and campaigns. REQUIRED FOR ALL CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY Actions: All Categories A, B and C cities must implement this best practice by completing action 1. 1 Report progress to community members on implementation of GreenStep City best practices. This is something we can easily do on a monthly or bi- monthly basis through the newsletter and Facebook or even create a website that can be updated monthly etc to provide information to the public about actions the City is taking as well as offering ideas residents can use as well. Category A 2 Organize goals /outcome measures from all city plans and report to cities must community members data that show progress toward meeting these goals. also complete Once B3 Benchmarking is completed on a regular basis, goals can be set and action 2 reported to the public regularly through Facebook /website etc. 3 Engage community members in a public process that results in city council adoption of and commitment to measure and report on progress toward sustainability indicators. Eagan: The City has created the Energy and Environment Advisory Commission, an eight- member commission made up of residents who volunteer their time to make recommendations to the City Council on ways to achieve the City's sustainability goals. The City also measures energy usage at facilities, vehicle miles traveled, etc., most of which are reported to the Commission. 4 Conduct or support a broad sustainability education and action campaign involving: a The entire community b Homeowners c Block clubs /neighborhood associations d Congregations e Schools and youth 5 Conduct or support a community education, visioning and planning initiative using a sustainability framework such as: a Strong Towns, Natural Capitalism. b Transition initiatives, Post - Carbon Cities. c Eco- municipalities /The Natural Step, permaculture. d ISO 14001, Genuine Progress. e Healthy communities, multi - generation learning. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 35 25. Green Business Development- Laura Support expansion of the green business sector in your city. REQUIRED FOR CATEGORY A & B CITIES TO BECOME A STEP 3 CITY Actions: — Danette, 3 Actively promote green tourism resources to tourism and hospitality businesses in /around the city. http://www.travelcireen.umn.edu/community-resources.htmi 4 Support, or support the creation of, a value -added business utilizing local waste products. Cottage Grove actively supports and promotes yard waste disposal and composting at the local compost site operated by local Rumpca Companies. The disposal site then utilizes the recycled product for mulch and compost. 5 Lower the environmental footprint of a brownfield remediation/ redevelopment project. Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial properties where financing expansion or redevelopment is complicated by actual or suspected environmental contamination. 6 Promote green businesses that certify under a local, regional or national program. I. ii's, Target, and Cub Foods buildings in Cottage Grove are LEED certified. 7 Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign. In 2012, the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce offered punch cards to be punched at local businesses. This program will not be offered in 2013. Cottage Grove is continuing with our Shop Cottage Grove campaign that kicked off in January of 2012. In 2013 we are working on raising awareness of why it is important to shop local. We are also in the middle of our Shop Cottage Grove survey and will be rolling out coupons to encourage people to Shop Cottage Grove. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 1 Support new /emerging green businesses and green jobs through targeted assistance. Al program offered to green businesses. We do provide qualified businesses assistance based on job creation potential -Are green Category A jobs /businesses weighed more heavily in the evaluation? and B cities must 2 Connect businesses with assistance providers, including utilities, who implement conduct personalized energy, water, environmental sustainability, or waste this best audits and assistance. practice by ce offers information on composting, curbside recycling, completing hazardous materials disposal, holiday lights recycling, Christmas tree disposal, at least and unused medications recycling. These items are often advertised in the two Cottage Grove newsletter as well. actions. Think about offering contacts to companies /resources that provide energy, environmental, sustainable, and waste audits /assistance to our web site/ newsletter /Facebook? 3 Actively promote green tourism resources to tourism and hospitality businesses in /around the city. http://www.travelcireen.umn.edu/community-resources.htmi 4 Support, or support the creation of, a value -added business utilizing local waste products. Cottage Grove actively supports and promotes yard waste disposal and composting at the local compost site operated by local Rumpca Companies. The disposal site then utilizes the recycled product for mulch and compost. 5 Lower the environmental footprint of a brownfield remediation/ redevelopment project. Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial properties where financing expansion or redevelopment is complicated by actual or suspected environmental contamination. 6 Promote green businesses that certify under a local, regional or national program. I. ii's, Target, and Cub Foods buildings in Cottage Grove are LEED certified. 7 Conduct or participate in a buy local campaign. In 2012, the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce offered punch cards to be punched at local businesses. This program will not be offered in 2013. Cottage Grove is continuing with our Shop Cottage Grove campaign that kicked off in January of 2012. In 2013 we are working on raising awareness of why it is important to shop local. We are also in the middle of our Shop Cottage Grove survey and will be rolling out coupons to encourage people to Shop Cottage Grove. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz W. 26. Renewable Energy - Jennifer, Burbank Remove barriers to and encourage installation of renewable energy generation capacity. Actions: actions. b Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems. �-Ky C.:oae i Me ii -�)L -u: density bonus when: A site planning concept demonstrating innovative energy conservation efforts, including features such as orientation of lots and /or units for maximum use of passive solar energy, earth sheltering, alternative energy sources and preservation of solar access for active solar energy systems. 3 Create a renewable energy financing program such as PACE for commercial property owners to install generation capacity /energy efficiency equipment. 4 Support or create a program that enables property owners to participate in a community renewable energy project. 5 Install a public sector renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), solar /biomass hot water or hot air, micro -hydro or wind. 6 Enable a new or demonstrate prior collaboration for installed private sector renewable energy / energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes: a Fueled by flowing water, sun, wind, or biogas. b Fueled in part or whole by woody biomass, optimized for minimal air and other environmental impacts and for energy efficiency and water conservation. c Distributing heating /cooling services in a district energy system. d Producing combined heat and power. 7 Create an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 1 Adopt solar energy standards or a wind energy ordinance that allows or encourages appropriate renewable energy installations. Uiy �.uue i ie iv -4 - H. urpuse: Lu - wuuwoyye eioe qy �- onservation and the use of solar energy in order to help alleviate the growing energy shortage and lessen dependence on increasingly uncertain energy sources. B. All new subdivisions should be designed with the following objective in mind: 1. All buildings should be oriented to take maximum advantage of passive solar energy. 2. Reasonable assurance should be given that some or all of the buildings will be able to incorporate active solar energy systems. 3. Roads should be oriented to maximize snow melt by passive solar energy. Category A 4. Consideration should be given to easements and /or restrictive covenants and B cities to preserve solar access. that choose to 11 -4 -6: Wind Energy conversion system. implement this best 2 Consistently promote at least one of the following means of increasing practice must renewable generation: complete at a A local utility's green power purchasing program for homes and least two businesses. actions. b Local, state and federal financial incentives for property owners to install renewable energy systems. �-Ky C.:oae i Me ii -�)L -u: density bonus when: A site planning concept demonstrating innovative energy conservation efforts, including features such as orientation of lots and /or units for maximum use of passive solar energy, earth sheltering, alternative energy sources and preservation of solar access for active solar energy systems. 3 Create a renewable energy financing program such as PACE for commercial property owners to install generation capacity /energy efficiency equipment. 4 Support or create a program that enables property owners to participate in a community renewable energy project. 5 Install a public sector renewable energy technology, such as solar electric (PV), solar /biomass hot water or hot air, micro -hydro or wind. 6 Enable a new or demonstrate prior collaboration for installed private sector renewable energy / energy efficient generation capacity with at least one of the following attributes: a Fueled by flowing water, sun, wind, or biogas. b Fueled in part or whole by woody biomass, optimized for minimal air and other environmental impacts and for energy efficiency and water conservation. c Distributing heating /cooling services in a district energy system. d Producing combined heat and power. 7 Create an expedited permit process for residents and businesses to install solar energy systems. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 37 27. Local Food - Zac, Steve Bowe Strengthen local food and fiber production and access. Actions: 1 Incorporate working landscapes - agriculture and forestry - into the city by adopting an ordinance for one or more of the following: a An agriculture and forest protection district. vation District. 4 Commit city resources /conduct a food campaign to measurably increase one or more of the following: a Purchases of food with at least one of the following attributes - local, Minnesota - grown, organic, humanely raised, grown by fairly compensated growers. b Institutional buying of local foods by schools, hospitals /nursing homes, restaurants and hotels, or grocery stores. c Sales of local food in markets, rural grocery stores, urban convenience stores, and restaurants. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz b A local food production district. All c Performance standards for minor and major agricultural retail. Categories A, B and C 2 Facilitate home gardens/ backyard chickens /bees and incorporation of cities that food growing areas /access in multifamily residential developments. choose to implement 3 Inventory and promote local food production /distribution within the city: this best a A farmer's market. practice Open Spring -Fall at Old Cottage Grove Church must complete at b An urban agriculture business or a community - supported agriculture least one (CSA) arrangement between farmers and community members /employees. action. c A community or school garden, orchard or forest. / for students' education purposes. Park High: Scientific Park. Cottage Grove Middle School and Grey Cloud Elementary: Forest Plantings/ Study Zone 4 Commit city resources /conduct a food campaign to measurably increase one or more of the following: a Purchases of food with at least one of the following attributes - local, Minnesota - grown, organic, humanely raised, grown by fairly compensated growers. b Institutional buying of local foods by schools, hospitals /nursing homes, restaurants and hotels, or grocery stores. c Sales of local food in markets, rural grocery stores, urban convenience stores, and restaurants. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz WN 28. Business Synergies - Burbank, Danette, Bob Network /cluster businesses to achieve better energy, economic and environmental outcomes. Actions: 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz 1 Help businesses register as users of the Minnesota Materials Exchange and document their exchanges /sales of byproducts with other local /regional businesses. 2 Document that at least one business uses waste heat or water discharge from another business. 3H in Cottage Grove uses the waste steam from LS Power, which is next door, to heat parts of the plant, etc. Category A 3 Require, build or facilitate at least four of the following in a and B cities business/ industrial project: that choose to a Shared parking /access OR shared recreation /childcare facilities. implement this best practice b Green product development, manufacturing or sales OR a green job must training program. complete at least action c Buildings located within walking distance of transit and /or residential 2, 3 or 4 zoning. d Renovated buildings OR buildings designed for reuse. Have incentive for renovation not demolition e Green buildings built to exceed the Minnesota energy code by 20% OR renewable energy generated on -site. v as the nevv KDc i DUlit to exceea the Iviinnesota energy code by 20 %? The stormwater basins serve as renewable energy generated on site. f Combined heat and power (CHP) generation capacity OR shared geothermal heating /cooling. g Low - impact site development. City Coie i itle 11 -6-6: i ree preservation/ tree replacement ord. 4 Use eco- industrial park tools to identify industrial facilities that could achieve economic and environmental benefit by co- locating in the city's industrial park or industrial zone. 2012 City of Cottage Grove GreenStep Cities Inventory Completed by Emily Schmitz